Are you a little judgy? Well, get over it (a bunny can help)
On the Shelf: New (and newly discovered) books for all ages
By Chris Worthy
Confesson: I am a Judgy Bunny sometimes. Maybe you are too. Maybe, just maybe, we can try to see things a little differently. This fantastic new picture book might help you (and me) and the littles we love learn something important in a fun, memorable way – maybe, but who knows. Probably not. Anyway, give this little bunny a visit in the pages of this perfect-for-summer-reading picture book. Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach is written by Scott Rothman and illustrated by Linzie Hunter (Sourcebooks). It’s for ages 4 – 8 or for any age that needs a little reminder to give something a try before making up their mind. And the best news for those of us who are sometimes grumps? Judgy Bunny is going to judge some new places in a series, and they might even be less fun than the beach. 😉
Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral by Lynn Curlee (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ages 8+, available May 5) – This is definitely a “don’t judge a book by its cover” situation. What appears to be a beautiful picture book about the centerpiece of Paris is really a rich tale of the iconic cathedral, the 2019 fire, and the resilience and renewal of this iconic building. Parents, don’t miss the editor’s note at the end. This is likely the last book from this talented artist and historian, but what a treasure he created.
Just One Oak by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Diana Sudyka (Beach Lane Books, ages 4 – 8) – Good science plus amazing art combine to give years of longevity for your home or classroom library – The illustrations here give curious pre-readers plenty to look for, and simple text helps them progress from hearers to readers. When they are a bit older, the accompanying science adds life to the story so it can continue throughout the elementary years. Consider this book an investment over time that teaches more than just the life cycle of a tree. It shows why every oak is a critical, life-giving element of our world.
Awe! By Chana Steel, illustrated by Susan Gal (Scholastic, ages 4 – 8) – What do we know about experiencing awe? For starters, it can change us. Feelings of awe can make us less anxious and help us see our part in a big, wide world. There is even good science that shows it can make us more altruistic. This book is a gift for kids who maybe know this intuitively, but like so many adults, are at risk of losing that connection. Read this one again and again and then, go out in the world and experience it together.
Beautiful Black Boy by Sophia Robinson, illustrated by Ken Daley (Orchard Books, ages 4 – 8) – Yet another richly illustrated book that contains works of art on every page. This one is a joyful, powerful celebration that started as words whispered from a mom to her own beautiful Black boy.
Rise, Girl, Rise by Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee, illustrated by Kah Yangni (Orchard Books, ages 4 – 8 and girls of all ages) – Sister-friends Gloria Steinem and Leymah Gbowee met in 1997, but their “Easter Sunday conversation” around a kitchen table in 2009 set the path forward for their work to uplift girls everywhere – together.
A Day at Abbott Elementary: An Original Story by Halcyon Person, illustrated by Joelle Murray (Scholastic) – This is super cute for young readers, especially those who are just learning to read dialogue. They should definitely be encouraged to act out all the parts of this squirrel-fueled adventure. Of course, it’s based on the TV show, but you don’t need to know a thing about the show to think this is fun.
From the grownups
Currently reading…
· Devotions by Mary Oliver – For summer contemplation.
· Contact by Carl Sagan – Filling a gap here, thanks to a gift from my son, who rightfully thought I should read the source material for one of my favorite movies.
· The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese (Audiobook read by the author) – Wonderful so far, but this is a long one. With no solo road trips on my calendar, my anticipated date of completion is infinity.
Just finished…
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (Audiobook narrated by David Morse) - Yes, it lives up to the hype.
Tiná7 Cht Ti Temíxw / We Come From This Land: A Walk Through the History of the Squamish People by The Squamish Nation
Latest “I’m with the banned” read… Join me in the American Library Association’s effort to Unite Against Book Bans:
(Up next) Melissa (previously published as George) by Alex Gino
Purchases made through our Bookshop help get books in the hands of little readers who lack access.