Geo Librarian

SPELLBOUND an enchanting new arrival written by Jess Townes, illustrated by Jennifer Harney Sterling Children's Books, 2022 ISBN: 978-1-4549-3789-0 Source: publisher for review Ages 3-6 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover & book summary provided by Goodreads.com & publisher. ABOUT THE BOOK A funny, fresh twist on new-sibling relationships and the magic of love.    Willow's world is perfectly magical, until Rowan is born. When her new baby brother seems to enchant everyone he meets, Willow becomes convinced he is an actual, real-life wizard. Can Willow put a stop to his hocus pocus, or is Rowan's magic too powerful to resist? Author Jess Townes brings fresh and expressive writing that's sure to appeal to young children, while illustrator Jenn Harney's unique and colorful art style brings this wonderful, whimsical story to life. REVIEW New sibling tales are a common theme in picture books.  And I've had the pleasure to read quite a f

SPINELESS by Samantha San Miguel Union Square Kids, 2022 ISBN: 978-1-4549-3762-3 Source: publisher for review (Thanks!) Ages 9-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover & summary provided by Goodreads.com & publisher. ABOUT THE BOOK This exciting middle-grade adventure is Hoot for the Gilded Age—with scientific discoveries, secret plots, and surprisingly enormous fauna.    When his asthma lands him at a health resort in the wilds of Gilded Age South Florida, twelve-year-old Algie Emsworth is over the moon. The scientific treasure trove of unexplored swamps may launch his dream career as a naturalist. But even Algie is startled when he happens upon a brand-new species and her brood in the karst springs surrounding the resort. Algie quickly realizes he must keep his discovery a secret: a famous collector of exotic animals is also staying at the hotel, and the new species is threatened by his very presence. An apparent curse has also descended upon the h

HOPE WINS A Collection of Inspiring Stories for Young Readers edited by Rose Brock with cover art by Vashti Harrison Philomel Books, 2022 ISBN: 978-0-593-46393-2 Source: Blue Slip Books for review Ages 9-12 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover & summary provided by Goodreads.com & publisher. ABOUT THE BOOK In a collection of personal stories and essays, award-winning and bestselling artists from Matt de la Pena and Veera Hiranandani to Max Brallier and R.L. Stine write about how hope always wins, even in the darkest of times. Where does hope live? In your family? In your community? In your school? In your heart? From a family restaurant to a hot-dog shaped car, from an empty road on a moonlight night to a classroom holiday celebration, this anthology of personal stories from award-winning and bestselling authors, shows that hope can live everywhere, even--or especially--during the darkest of times. No matter what happens: Hope wins. Contributors include: Tom Ang

 FREE AT LAST A Juneteenth Poem written by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, illustrated by Alex Bostic Sterling Children's Books, 2022 ISBN: 9781454943747 Source: ARC from publisher for review (Thanks!) Ages 6 and up All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover & summary provided by Goodreads.com & publisher. ABOUT THE BOOK This lyrical celebration of Juneteenth, deeply rooted in Black American history, spans centuries and reverberates loudly and proudly today. After 300 years of forced bondage; hands bound, descendants of Africa picked up their souls—all that they owned— leaving shackles where they fell on the ground, headed for the nearest resting place to be found. Deeply emotional, evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and h

THURSDAY by Ann Bonwill, illustrated by Kayla Harren Two Lions, 2022 ISBN: 978-1542032396 Source: Blue Slip Media & publisher Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover & book summary provided by Blue Slip Media. ABOUT THE BOOK When a little girl learns about her parents’ divorce on a Thursday, it ruins her favorite day of the week. But her stuffed-unicorn friend steps in to help, taking her on adventures to cheer her up and staying by her side to comfort her when feelings are hard. Then, slowly, the little girl and her unicorn friend awaken to the natural world that surrounds them as life continues to shift and change…until the day that Thursday can become just Thursday again. Told with great sensitivity and beauty, this is a book of healing and hope for children experiencing divorce and a testament to the power of friendship in helping us to overcome life’s biggest obstacles. ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR Ann Bonwill grew up in Maryland surrounded by b