The Wheels on the Costume by Cindy Jin

Illustrated by Lauren Lowen 4 stars An adorable board book celebrating different wheeled costumes. Join some creative kids as they turn their wheelchairs into elaborate costumes, from racecars to princess carriages. Complete with moveable wheels for added engagement. Set to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus”, this is such a cute book about…

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It’s Almost Time for . . . Halloween! by Maisha Oso

Illustrated by Tom Knight 4 stars A delightful rhyming picture book that leans into the cuteness of Halloween rather than the frightening. Told with humor and engaging illustrations, this is such a sweet book. Nicely written. I really enjoyed the rhyme scheme. Great rhythm. I also love the inclusion of baking with pumpkins, not just…

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Pink, Blue, and You!: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes by Elise Gravel

with Mykaell Blais 4 stars A sweet introduction to gender and stereotypes that encourages children to reflect on what they’ve been taught about self expression and interests. The book discusses the difference between sex and gender, explains gender identity, introduces common stereotypes regarding gender, and highlights famous people who have gone against those stereotypes and…

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Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Vol. 2

Story by Mizuki Tsujimura Illustrated by Tomo Taketomi Translated by Jacqueline Fung 4 stars Another fascinating volume. Within the castle, Kokoro finds relief from the anxiety and pressure she feels in the outside world through connecting with the other students. But as summer begins, tensions rise and they realize they all have their own secrets….

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My Little Pony: Best of Rainbow Dash

4 stars Featuring: A nice collection of comics starring the high-flying Rainbow Dash. Join her as she helps mend friendships, competes in an epic race, and saves her friends. Engaging stories, epic adventures, and lovely artwork from Fleecs and Garbowska. It was fun to see some storylines featuring side characters from the show, including Big…

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Lunar Boy by Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo

4 stars A beautiful story celebrating self-acceptance, friendship, family, and open communication. When Indu was young, he was found alone on the moon. Since then he’s lived happily with his adoptive mother on a spaceship. Now Indu is moving to New Earth to live with his mother and new stepfamily. That means Indu will have…

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Favorite Poems for the Garden: A Gardener’s Collection

4 stars A beautiful collection of poetry celebrating the beauty of gardens, flowers, nature, and the seasons. While the collection focuses on gardens and nature, themes of death and love are also mixed in, rounding out the reading experience. The majority of the poets included are American as well as a few European poets and…

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A Kids Book About Juneteenth by Garrison Hayes

4 stars A fantastic informational read. Provides a great detailed look at the history of Juneteenth for children and adults to read together. I love that this book doesn’t just end with emancipation but also discusses the years following, recognizing the continued inequalities and discrimination. The book covers important events in history including chattel slavery,…

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The Walking Cat: A Cat’s-Eye-View of the Zombie Apocalypse Vols. 1-3

by Tomo Kitaoka Translated by Caleb D. Cook 4 stars It’s the zombie apocalypse and there’s danger around every corner. Follow Yuki, a charismatic and resourceful cat, as he navigates this new world, dodging zombies, meeting other survivors, and making a place for himself. Was definitely intrigued by the concept of this story, but was…

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