Julia's House Goes Home by Ben Hatke

Julia's house is still looking for the perfect place. Julia thinks she's finally found it when a treacherous path separates Julia from her house and drops pieces of the house and creatures as it careens away. Will Julia, her house, and the creatures ever be reunited? 

Thoughts: So happy that there's another Julia book, but also a little sad as I think it might be the last. Definitely getting Howl's Moving Castle the movie vibes from this book. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. I love that Julia's so welcoming even in dire situations. I also love how the creatures rally around her when she's despondent. Now that there are three books, I'd love to do a library program with the Julia books. I think they would pair well with Journey, Quest, and Return all by Aaron Becker. I did stumble upon a "Julia's House Series Activity Kit" from the publisher through a Google search, but couldn't find the page with the link on their website. 

Other Books about Julia and Her House 

1. Julia's House for Lost Creatures
2. Julia's House Moves On

 (First Second, 2021.) 

The Tide Pool Waits by Candace Fleming

A day in the life of a tide pool. Waiting is the name of the game. 

Thoughts: A fun, informative book with colorful, detailed illustrations suitable for the youngest children. Librarians will find this book especially timely as the Collaborative Summer Library Program's theme this year is oceanography. I'll be using this book for my beach themed event for kids ages 7-12. I learned about  many ocean animals that I'd never heard of before reading this book. The acrylic paint and pencil illustrations are perfection. The lack of outlines makes them have almost a dream like quality. The sections at the end of book (An Illustrated Guide to This Tide Pool, Let's Explore, and Where Do They Live?) offer more information for interested readers. Find a lesson plan with fun writing activities on the publisher's website here. 

Themes: Ocean, Beach, Ocean Animals 

(Illustrated by Amy Hevron. Neal Porter Books, 2022.)

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Owl wants to be a knight. Though owls aren't normally knights, the disappearance of many of the knights from the castle leads to Owl's career as knight. Not only does he excel as a knight, he solves the mystery of the disappearances and makes many friends. 

Thoughts: What a fun book! Owls are one of my favorite animals and I love the character Christopher Denise created in Owl. The illustrations are detailed and the color palette perfectly suits the story. I love all the yellow tones through the book's illustrations. The pizza was a great surprise. 

For an owls, dragons, and food themed storytime, pair Knight Owl with Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin, and Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor. 

Themes: Owls, Knights, Dragons, Pizza

(Christy Ottaviano Books, 2022.)

This Is (Not) Enough by Anna Kang

Giving gifts to friends isn't easy. You want them to know how much you value you them. When is a gift enough? 

Thoughts: I get it, I do, Anyone who's ever tried to find the perfect gift for a friend can relate to This Is (Not) Enough. The lengths the characters go to in their searches for the prefect gifts are hilarious. I especially like the knitting (although as a crocheter I must again state the need for more crocheting in children's books). The illustrations are bright and colorful with good use of white space. All the characters are endearing. Now that there's six books in this series, I'd love to plan a book party or special storytime. I only wish more activity kits or pages were available. 

As a librarian, this is my PSA to authors, illustrators, and publishers: We want activities to go along eith your books. Thank you! 

Themes: Gifts, Friends 

Other Books by Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant

• You Are (Not) Small
• That's (Not) Mine
• I Am (Not Scared
• We Are (Not) Friends 
• It Is (Not) Perfect

(Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. Two Lions, 2022.)

No Nibbling! by Beth Ferry

Derwood is planting a garden. He's vigilant about protecting it. When a young bunny starts visiting him and his garden, Derwood often has to remind Tabitha "No nibbling." Can a goat who wants to protect his garden ever be friends with a bunny who just wants a little nibble? 

Thoughts: Too funny! I love the wordplay and the misunderstanding that ensues. This will be a great book to share in storytime as well as with slightly older kids. Would pair well with Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming. The illustrations are soft colored yet detailed. I like the mixture of illustration styles as well as the speech bubbles. 

Themes: Goats, Rabbits, Gardens, Vegetables 

(Illustrated by A. N. Kang. Roaring Brook Press, 2022.)

Beyond the Burrow by Jessica Meserve

Rabbits like to be warm, safe, and cozy in their burrows. They like other rabbits, hopping, and carrots. One day, an unexpected incident with a carrot results in Rabbit going beyond her burrow. Cold there be more to life than other rabbits, hopping, and carrots? Maybe...if Rabbit is willing to be brave. 

Thoughts: Such a simple story but with such depth even adults can learn something from Beyond the Burrow. The illustrations are soft colored and detailed. I especially like all the signs in and around the burrow. Rabbit's character is so well developed with a myriad of expressions. Pair with A Little Bit Brave by Nicole Kinnear. 

Themes: Rabbits, Bravery

(US Version: Peachtree Publishing Company, 2022.)

Ocean Poetry for Summer Events

If your library uses the Collaborative Summer Library Program's theme and slogan, no doubt you're embroiled in all things oceanic at the moment. Poetry for children is one of my favorite genres to read and I love incorporating poetry into my storytimes and other events. Without further ado, here's a list of poetry books you might find useful for your summer events. Links are to my reviews. 

A First Book of the Sea by Nicola Davies

Sea Star Wishes by Eric Ode

A Spectacular Selection of Sea Critters by Betsy Franco

In the Sea by David Elliott

Slickety Quick: Poems about Sharks by Skila Brown

Water Sings Blue by Kate Coombs 

In the Swim by Douglas Florian 

You will also likely find ocean poems in the following collections although they aren't specifically about the ocean. 

The Beauty of the Beast selected by Jack Prelutsky 

If Not for the Cat by Jack Prelutsky (jellyfish, otter)

National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry edited by J. Patrick Lewis 

National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry edited by J. Patrick Lewis