Age: Older preschool-2nd grade

A supervillian blasts into a mall, striking fear in the population as everyone runs for their lives. Except for one preschooler how wants to know why: why no one can withstand the power of Doctor X-Ray; why is his battle suit indestructible; why it's his destiny to rule the world. With each explanation and each rebuttal (Why?), Doctor X-Ray delves deeper into the reasons behind his treacherous ways.

A sneaky origin story for a villain, enjoyable for both listener and reader.

Age: Middle School+
Historical Fiction: 1960s, 2000s
Identity, Characters: Bengali Indian American

I loved the overall concept of this story: multiple perspectives across generations, Bengali Indian culture, family...it was all great! I got completely removed from the story when Anna had her gym shower storyline because, really, what high school student--especially a girl--was taking showers after gym class in the early 2000s?

The concept is very appealing for adults, but this one is much more suited for junior high and high school--which is mainly why I gave it four stars.

Age: Preschool+

There are ten tried and true rules for the making of an excellent birthday wish. Along the way, there may be some exceptions to these rules such as the whale's exemption to rule number 4: "You must have a light to blow out" or the pufferfish exemption to rule number 7: "You must take a deep breath." A unique, funny, and intriguing addition to the birthday shelf. Divine!

Age: 1st-4th grade
Location: Japan
History: 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
Tough Issue: Sudden death of a loved one

A story told with equal parts lyrical writing and candor, Smith fictionalizes the true story of a phone booth used to communicate with lost ones. A beautiful way to show the beginning stages of recovery from a traumatic incident.

Probs best for post-natal funsies since much of the humor involves Flake poking fun at the inundation of conflicting information a new mother/father receive while raising a newborn-toddler. Fresh humor for the parenting shelves.

Age: Preschool-1st grade
Animals: Rabbit

As the night creeps in, stubborn Rabbit does not want to go to bed and captures the Dark in a cookie tin. The Dark calmly states his case for freedom until Rabbit concedes, springing forth a magical nighttime pop-up. A calming tale of someone that refuses to go to bed until reason is found.

Age: K-2nd grade
Concept Skill: Colors attached to feelings
Emotions: Happy, sad, angry, scared

Not always on the same page (so to speak), Camper and Clam experience a range of emotions as they progress through various versions of their book from happy to sad to angry to scared. In the end, both friends land on The Feelings Book, where Camper and Clam can comfortably feel a range of emotions. The characters they meet along the way add delightful humor to the whole mix.

Age: Preschool-1st grade
Point of lolment: The reindeer trying to shove Santa down the chimney accompanied by the J letter with "Jingle jingle jingle/jiggle jiggle jiggle"

How has this book missed everyone's radar? MacDonald provides an imaginative ABC book reliant solely on noises, sounds, and expressions. Not only are the illustrations perfectly complimentary (well, they obviously need to be in an ABC book) but MacDonald mixes up the flow of the text without disrupting the humor. Where a buoyant, rhythmic text might get grating and boring in a book like this, MacDonald is able to provide enough variety and cohesion for a truly stellar ABC book.

Age: Middle school-high school

S'alright. There's really only one problem throughout the graphic novel and it gets a little tedious after awhile. Best read in one sitting.

Age: Middle School

A fast moving fantasy about a mysterious shape shifter and a kind-hearted villain. Fans of medieval fantasy and Amulet will eat this up.