Because of a Bee by Lola M. Schaefer

Illustrated by Frenci Sanna 5 stars A wonderful exploration of pollination. A simple journey from plants to insects to birds and back again that shows how different plants are pollinated and the important role insects and animals play in growing good. Absolutely gorgeous illustrations. I actually picked this book up because I really enjoy Sanna’s…

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All the Ways We Learn by Chloe Ito Ward

Illustrated by Yaroslava Apollonova 5 stars An absolutely brilliant book that normalizes different types of learning and promotes understanding and accommodations based on individuals’ learning needs. Such a wonderful book. I loved the soothing tone and the representation of different ways to learn. Great focus on voicing your needs and finding ways to learn and…

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You Can Say Hi With Only a Smile by Merriam Sarcia Saunders

Illustrated by Tracy Nishimura Bishop 5 stars Absolutely adorable. This was such a sweet story. The book shows different ways people greet each other, both vocal and nonverbal. This includes smiles, nods, sign language, hugs, waves, handshakes, and AAC. The writing is rhythmic and simple, which makes it easy for young readers to understand. I…

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Bing’s Cherries by Livia Blackburne

Illustrated by Julia Kuo 4 stars Inspired by American folklore and the origin of the Bing cherry, Kuo and Blackburne create an original tall tale that tells a larger-than-life version of the story of Ah Bing. The book wonderfully encapsulates Asian-American identity and the blending of cultures. Includes themes of ingenuity, perseverance, community, discrimination, and…

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Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen

4 stars Mia doesn’t feel fully connected to her Jewish identity. She looks different than most of the kids at her Jewish day school (some of whom are quick to point it out) and she feels disconnected from her Muscogee identity. So she decides to visit her father in Oklahoma to learn more about Muscogee…

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Ritu in the Sun by Moniza Hossain

Illustrated by Mercè López 4 stars Ritu loves the sun, but her grandmother keeps telling her to come into the shade before her skin gets too dark. This confuses Ritu. Isn’t her skin beautiful? Ritu finally finds a way to tell her grandmother how she feels and show that brown skin is beautiful. Lyrical and…

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Plum Crazy! Tales of A Tiger-Striped Cat, Vol. 1

by Natsumi Hoshino Translated by Nan Rymer 3 stars A adorably sweet story about Plum the cat and the shifting dynamics in the house when she brings home a stray kitten. Includes relatable moments of life with a cat from waking you up for playtime to trying to dress them in cute outfits to the…

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The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott

5 stars An adorably sweet, cozy little adventure. The Skeleton has a wonderful life tending her garden, drinking tea, and enjoying her alone time. Then one day, a black cat shows up and asks to be friends. The Skeleton isn’t so sure, but the Cat is quite convincing. Join them on their day-to-day adventures as…

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Princess Pete by Zoey Allen

Illustrated by Frenci Sanna 4 stars A sweet story about being yourself. Pete likes many different things, wearing different clothes, and playing with different children. This confuses some people who try to put labels of “boy” or “girl” on Pete, but with parental support, Pete shows the confidence to just be Pete. Nice focus on…

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