Kitties on Dinosaurs by Michael Slack

​Three adorable wide-eyed kitties have scaled to the top of everything nearby: the cat climbing tree, an actual tree, even an old out-of-the-way litter box. They are ready for a new challenge. They decide to climb the dinosaurs on Dinosaur Island. This is a daunting proposition. Dinosaurs are huge and fearsome. These cute little felines are warned by the narrator “They will eat you alive.” Not to be deterred, the brave little trio set sail for the island of dinosaurs in their cozy covered cat box, also known as the litter mobile. ​

A Vote is a Powerful Thing
by Catherine Stier ill by Courtney Dawson

The Vote is a Powerful Thing introduces youngsters to the voting process. Callie’s class is learning about elections. Their teacher explains that participation in the selection of leaders and governing laws is important. Knowing this, the students decide to vote on an issue of current school-related interest. The class will plan a field trip. Where should they go? Lynn suggests a trip to the local cookie factory. Callie knows about her grandmother’s interest in the Wilderness Park and recommends visiting this nature preserve. She sets to work, hoping to convince classmates to select her proposed destination. She searches for information about the park, its creation, purpose, and preservation. She makes promotional materials and prepares a speech. Lynn is following a similar pattern, advocating for the cookie factory. The ballots are cast and counted. After a moment of uncertainty, Wilderness Park wins the election by one vote.

The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America's Presidents  
​by Kate Messner ill by Adam Rex

The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America's Presidents is set in a museum that closely resembles the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Visitors explore the halls, looking back at history and then imagining what might happen in the future. Kids are reminded one or more of them could be a future president. Rex uses a mixed media approach. Black line drawings mix with realistic portraits as well as stylized color wash renderings. The variety of styles reinforce a sense of traveling through time. A limited color palette consisting of various shades of red and blue gives a unifying visual effect. ​

Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel
by Cynthia Levinson & Sanford Levison  art by Ally Shwed

The Levinsons' seminal study of the U. S. Constitution, particularly an examination of the document’s potential flaws was published in 2010. Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Graphic Novel presents the same information in comic book format, primarily with panels that are interspersed interspersed with maps and infographics. The result is a concise, highly readable US Constitution primer. Text alternates between historical background and contemporary applications of decisions that were made by the founding fathers. Format generally follows a configuration of horizontally organizing each page into thirds. Square and rectangular panels fit neatly within this structure. Chapter headings and an occasional concept use the full page. ​This structure offers concise chunks of information that are easy to digest and understand.

The Voting Booth
​by Brandy Colbert

Boy meets girl. She's a serious student and advocate for voting rights. He's not sure where to vote. Fortunately for him, this activist comes to his rescue. The story takes place in one day with visits to multiple polling places and working through a mammoth amount of regulations. However, before the day is over he votes. When your hero is Fannie Lou Hamer, voting is not optional. It's vital. Marva Sheridan has devoted her efforts to understanding the voting process and helping people register to vote. She is disappointed when her white boyfriend Alec decides that he will not be voting. Duke Crenshaw comes from a family of civic-minded citizens. He knows that voting is the right thing to do. If only it weren't so complicated. Marva is precisely the guide to help him through the election rules and red tape. During the day this unlikely pair discover that their interest is in more than the ballot box. There is definitely a mutual attraction that extends beyond a lesson in civics.

Beatrix Potter, Scientist (She Made History)
​by Lindsay H. Metcalf ill by Junyi Wu

The connection between art and science is symbiotic. Scientists record observations with accurate representations of phenomena. Artists rely on a careful study of anatomy and physiology to inform their art. It is no surprise that artist Beatrix Potter studied her surroundings and recorded her findings with precision. What is remarkable is that her published books are not scientific treatises, but instead are delightful fantasies. Metcalf gives young readers fresh insight into the life of the author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Each summer Beatrix’s family would travel to Scotland. It was there that the young girl met Charles McIntosh , the postman who encouraged her study of life forms. She was a dedicated researcher, making meticulous drawings, examining small animal skeletons, and preparing slides for microscopic observation.

28 Days: Moments in Black History That Changed the World by Charles R. Smith ill by Shane W. Evans full cast narration

A handsome volume of intertwined poetry, prose, and direct quotations honors Black History Month by using the February calendar format with twenty eight entries. Subjects include individuals, federal laws, and milestone events that have positively influenced United States’ Black history. A nod to Leap Year adds a twenty ninth entry that encourages readers to create their own significant moments in history. Beginning with Crispus Attucks and bookending with Barak Obama, a selection of outstanding Black individuals are featured. Notables include Harriet Tubman, Hank Aaron, Malcolm X, Matthew Henson, Shirley Chisholm, and Oprah Winfrey. Lyrical verse combines with informational text to highlight the contributions of these Black change agents.

Free audiobook. Listen here.

Bonus

Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim

Danbi’s off for her first day of Kindergarten. A momentous occasion. For this little charmer, the day is even more significant. It's her first day of school in America. New day. New school. New country. Boom. Boom. Boom. She approaches this venture into the unknown with her heart wildly thumping. For a girl from Korea, everything is strange and puzzling. A blonde teacher with very pale skin, and a cluster of children, many who do not look like her, stare in wonder at the newcomer. Things are off to a difficult start. Everything is foreign. New language. Baffling writing system. Dancing is strange. Games don't follow any rules that she knows.  Saddest of all, she is without a friend.

Welcome to Kindergarten

How I Trained My Dog in Ten Days
by Norma Lewis  ill by Tim Tinn-Disbury

It seems particularly appropriate that How I Trained My Dog in Ten Days published on April 1, a day set aside for practical jokes. Meet the dog who plays the ultimate prank on his owner. Lewis offers a lighthearted take on the joys of pet ownership. The story’s outcome, while predictable, is none-the-less charming as each page reveals yet another attempt by this youngster to train his dog Scamp. It’s a losing battle. Each day the dog inches beyond the boundaries his owner sets. This necessitates the owner constantly moving the goal post. From the garden to the dining room his pet defies the rules, claiming new territory. Ultimately the dog takes ownership of boy's video games, bathtub, and even the pillow on his bed. ​Each page turn confirms young readers’ growing awareness that the dog is winning this power play.

One Little Bag: An Amazing Journey by Henry Cole

Overture A forest. A tree. Felled then shipped to a paper mill. Tree fibers pressed together then rolled into a sheet of paper. Paper. Cut and folded. Paper bag created. Entr'acte A boy enters a shop and purchases a flashlight. The shopkeeper places his purchase in a paper bag. ​The saga begins.

​The Author's Note is well-worth reading. It chronicles the true story of Henry's paper bag.  Readers will learn of Cole's lifelong interest in forests and protecting the earth. Discover details about the author/artist of the eloquent wordless book in this Horn Book interview.

One Little Bag: A South Texas Journey

​I filled the bags with homemade chocolate chip cookies, a handful of individually wrapped Life Savers, and a friendly positive message. A letter accompanied each bag  described Cole's glorious picture book and suggested ways to keep the bag circulating throughout my community. Instructions were: Refill the bag with perhaps a small treat, an encouraging message, a handmade card or any item that the intended recipient might enjoy.  Place the bag on the doorstep. Afterward send the recipients a text message, inviting them open the door and discover a surprise waiting at the front door.

Bo the Brave by Bethan Woolvin

Woolvin has done it again. Incorporating traditional fairy tale elements, she has created a marvelous little story with the unique plot twist that readers have come to expect from this talented picture book author. Bo lives in the Alpine Kingdom filled with slimy sea monsters, scary cave beasts, and horrid forest monsters.  When her older brothers set off to catch a monster, Bo begs to come too. The boys tell her no. "You're far too little." Armed with her bow and arrow, she sneaks out of the castle, in search of a monster to slay. Readers can follow  Bo's travels with the map featured on the end papers She encounters some strange and possibly fearsome creatures: a Griffin, a Kraken, and a dragon. However, each responds to Bo with kindness and concern.

Eye Spy

Frederico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez ill by Elisa Chavarri

Once upon a modern time... Gomez takes the well-known tale of "Little Red Riding Hood," dresses the main character in a scarlet hoodie, adds a distinctive Latin flavor, and sets it to a rhythmic beat. It's Federico and the Wolf, a contemporary retelling. In this version, young Federico bikes to his grandfather's shop. First he stops to purchase ingredients for pico de gallo.  He and grandfather plan to enjoy lunch together and then whip up a batch of hot salsa.  Federico is on his way with a basket of groceries when a hungry wolf appears and declares his intent to devour this niño. It takes some quick thinking and a large habanero to outwit un lobo.

At the tale's conclusion, Gomez shares a recipe for pico de gallo. She adds a glossary of Spanish words and phrases with pronunciation guide along with definitions.  Chavarri's charming illustrations have a contemporary folk-art quality. End papers feature colorful traditional patterns with the faces of Federico and Grandfather nestled within the designs. Her portfolio includes this dazzling bookmobile art.

Brick by Brick by Heidi Woodward Sheffield

Brick mason meets young reader. Sheffield has ingeniously woven together the building of an architectural structure and the creation a reader. Both are busy: constructing brick by brick, book by book. ​Pages views alternate between parallel activities. Papa scales the scaffolding while Luis scrambles up playground equipment. Papa mixes mortar and trowels a layer of cement as Luis molds clay. Papa stacks bricks row by row and Luis arranges a tower of his favorite stories, book upon book. The heart of the story is the relationship between a father and son. Luis rides on his father's shoulders while wearing papa's hard hat. The two share a warm abrazo. Together they work and plan for the fulfillment of a dream: a house that they can call home.

Paper Planes by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones

Mia and Ben are best of friends. Inseparable, the duo can frequently be found designing and flying their own paper planes. When Ben's family moves far away, the two are worried about the fate of their friendship. The distance between the two seems insurmountable. Then a small but remarkable thing happens. One smashed air ship and and a plane lacking wings bring the two together, joining forces to solve a problem. The challenge to construct a flight-worthy aircraft unites Mia and Ben. They also work out the challenge of their geographical separation with paper. Intricately folded paper.

Plan a Virtual Fly-off