This Book is My Best Friend by Robin Robinson

3 stars A fun story about sharing a good read and the power of books. While at the library, Sunny and Aarush reach for the same book, both declaring they need it. Each tries to persuade the other to check out something else. As they share why the book is so important to them, they…

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Bhangra Baby by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal

Illustrated by Ani Bushry 4 stars A vibrant picture book told in catchy rhymes and an infectious beat. Bhangra Baby wants to join in the fun of the Punjabi folk dance. With the help of his family and friends, he learns the moves and spends the night dancing and celebrating. Bold, colorful illustrations. An adorable…

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Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja

Illustrated by Shiho Pate 4 stars A delicious story about patience, practice, perseverance, and family. Hiro sets out to make the perfect bowl of ramen just like his dad and his dad’s dad. He’s watched his dad thoroughly and taken detailed notes. But once he gets started, things don’t go to plan. Adorable artwork. I…

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Parker’s Big Feelings by Parker Curry & Jessica Curry

Illustrated by Brittany Jackson & Tajae Keith 4 stars Parker’s day is not going well. She’s missing her friend and her siblings are being too loud. Her mother helps her remember ways to feel better by breathing, exercising, and having some quiet time. A great example of how to deal with big feelings. This is…

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The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes by Mei Hachimoku

Illustrated by Kukka Translated by Evan Ward 3 stars A mysterious tunnel rumored to grant wishes, a pair of teens with troubled pasts, and an unexpected friendship born from the desire to know more. I’ve been really loving the manga of this and enjoyed the anime so I figured I’d check out the original light…

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Empanadas for Everyone by Jackie Azúa Kramer

Illustrated by Lenny Wen 3 stars A delicious story of community, family, and generosity. Every Saturday, Carina visits Tia Mimi’s to make empanadas. But this week, Tia Mimi is volunteering at the food center, which leaves Carina to collect all the ingredients herself. Along the way, she finds that her diverse neighbors all have their…

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Eyes That Weave the World’s Wonders by Joanna Ho with Liz Kleinrock

Illustrated by Dung Ho 5 stars Another lush, heartwarming, gorgeous read from Joanna Ho and Dung Ho. Through poetic text, the narrator describes how her eyes are different from her adoptive family’s and how their loves connects them. It explores the narrator’s relationship with her adoptive father and mother, and her curiosity about her birth…

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The Curse of Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling

5 stars A little bit creepy, very mysterious, and so intriguing. I loved this one! Kess is doing her best to keep her family’s Unnatural History Museum going while her parents are away on a job and her older brother is holed up in the library doing “research”. That leaves her spending most of her…

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My Sister, The Cat Vol. 1 by Senko

Translated by Liya Sultanova 5 stars Absolutely adorable. Heartwarming and hilarious. After the death of his mother, Nekota is taken in by a family of anthropomorphic cats. He gets along especially well with his new cat-sister, Neneko, and the manga centers around slice-of-life adventures showing their bond. Cute art style. I loved reading about the…

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The Mommies on the Bus by Hannah Eliot

Illustrated by Airin O’Callaghan 3 stars A sweet little book to celebrate moms, set to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus”. The illustrations and text wonderfully capture some of the ways moms show they care, from providing snacks and reading nonverbal cues to zipping up coats and holding the door. Gorgeous illustrations. Loved…

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