I hope you all enjoyed your spring break! Or if you didn’t get a break, I hope you’re at least enjoying spring. If the month of April starts to feel too interminable, try reading one of these new books!
Picture Books
“Feelings Are Like Farts” written by Christopher Willard and Tara Wosiski and illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura
I really couldn’t resist this one! The funny title will draw kids in, but this feelings primer is surprisingly tasteful and insightful. The authors compare feelings and farts, pointing out that you might want them to be private, but they don’t always come out that way. If you pay attention to your body it might tell you what’s coming, and you don’t want to hold them in too long. I was charmed by the illustrations that delicately avoid potty humor, and lean into the social-emotional aspects of farts and feelings. This would be perfect for older elementary-aged kiddos, who can appreciate all the double meanings and benefit from the advice. But I may still share it with my three-year-old!
“A Book of Maps for You” written by Lourdes Heuer and illustrated by Maxwell Eaton
The narrator has made a book of maps. There are maps of all the different places around town, with important insider info. The map of the elementary school makes sure to note that Fridays are double cheese pizza days, and the map of the narrator’s house points out the best place to position the bed right under the skylight in the attic. Some maps are floor plans, and some are bird’s-eye views, and all are lovingly personalized. As the book progresses, it’s revealed that the narrator is moving away from their beloved home, and the book of maps is for the new resident, shown in the final pages holding the book. I rarely see books about moving from this perspective, and I love the generosity of the narrator in welcoming the newcomer. Instead of just focusing on the narrator’s feelings about their move, this book encourages readers to reflect on all the good memories they’ve made and how they can share those with others. And it would make a great intro to map projects for budding cartographers!
Chapter Books
“Kaya Morgan’s Crowning Achievement” by Jill Tew
Kaya grew up attending the Renaissance Faire with her dad, who was the Head Archer. Together, they dreamed of Kaya becoming the first Black Queen of the faire. But Kaya’s dad died two years ago, and Kaya is cast as the Jester’s apprentice instead of the Queen’s. The Faire’s administrators are determined to make Kaya “the face of the Faire” in their exploitative diversity campaign, and she learns that there’s more to being a leader than being named Queen. Sure to resonate with cosplayers and Ren Faire fans, this book gives a nuanced view of creating your space to belong even in the face of constant microaggressions.
“Dreamslinger” by Graci Kim
Aria has a genetic mutation that allows her to harness magic from dreams. Ever since the Great Outburst ten years ago, when thousands of people died—including Aria’s mother—dreamslingers like Aria have been feared by the world. Her father runs a school for dreamslingers, where they’re encouraged to suppress their powers so that they can exist safely in society. But in the secretive Kingdom of Royal Hanguk in Korea, dreamslingers are encouraged to train and use their powers. Aria considers them responsible for her mother’s death, so when Royal Hanguk extends an invitation for dreamslingers from all nations to come and train with them, her objective is clear. Aria will infiltrate their ranks and report back to authorities in the U.S. to help topple the Kingdom. Of course, when she arrives there, she finds much more than she expected: freedom, acceptance, and secrets that will challenge her to reconsider everything she knows. Magical school stories are always in high demand, and this one delivers with some lovely worldbuilding, a diverse cast and political intrigue.
