This book is typical of the series. It’s a skim over of Katherine Johnson ‘s life and why she is important to history. There is nothing new here that can’t be learned from watching the movie hidden figures. However, it mentions that her dad didn’t or couldn’t finish school and I want to know why. I do wish it times these books went deeper in or found reasons for the more interesting tidbits and did more than just skim over a person‘s life. 

 This is a typical call and response book. The child asked the mommy a question and the mom gives a simple answer. This book has been done before. And there’s nothing wrong with revisiting an old tropes. The illustrations really make this cute and interesting to pay attention even if the words are ho hum. 

 This is a fun rhyming book about chalk art. How chalk art can make even the greatest city seem vibrant and colorful. But it’s OK if rain comes and washes it away because there’s more fun to be had with new colors and new pictures. This book was lovely. I like the artwork on the inside, but I think it needs a different cover. 

 This book reminds me of the anti-drinking ads from my childhood. A fun cartoon character to point out all the way that this is bad for you. It’s like going to DARE all over again. It didn’t work then what makes one think it’ll work now. This book is informative and well done. I do hate how the story is pretty much repeated in the end, which is pretty typical of Julia Cook. I would hope that this book works to keep kids from vaping, but I do not think it will. Add the cover and the title and this is more a joke than a. “Hey this is bad for you”. 

 This is an ABC book. Each letter is a different food from all over the world. It’s not just what people think of in America. It’s not nuggets and grilled cheese, etc. At the end, they give a little explainer of some of the foods in case it’s not something the reader’s parent immediately recognizes. The Chibi illustrations also worked perfectly with this book to gain the attention of a toddler. 

 Cranky chicken and their worm friend are back. This time they have a new friend named Wags and Wags is not what you think it is. These books are just fun for beginning readers. The soft illustrations that look like they were done in crayon really play up the story and will have kids wanting the next one in line. 

This is the true story of Carol powder. How growing up her grandfather taught her to drum and the importance to her heritage of drumming. Carol carries this skill into the future to remind people that women are just as an important native heritage as the men are. Illustration of this book are lively and colorful and match the storytelling. It also includes notes at the end about both the creation, the history of drums,  and about  the author.

 This book is about a penguin who is tired of cold fish for breakfast lunch and dinner. They sat out on an adventure to discover new foods and new spices. Once found he takes them back home to introduce to the other penguins. This story works on all levels. The pictures are fun and it has a nice quiet lesson for all kids. Altogether this book just works.
 

 This is a bad ghost who’s afraid. But one year when he doesn’t get what he most wants from his family, he decides the only way to ensure that is to become less afraid. He spends the year slowly building up stamina so that he can join his family to get what they most desired. Occasionally, there’s a setback, but the setbacks make him stronger in the end. This is a great message. The story is a little long, but in total works quite well. The illustrations are unique and unusual but work perfectly for this book in the setting. 

 This is a wonderful look. It’s about various types of plants and a little girl who receives new ones frequently. The rhyme that tells the story is well done and perfect for the audience. The little plant tags with the types of plants are a genius idea that goes perfect with the story.