Two new picture books and four new middle-grade books are among Tracy Kampa's latest recommendations. Tracy is the children's librarian at the Grand Rapids Area Library and reviews books for What We're Reading.
Knight Owl and Early Bird, by Christopher Denise.
Tracy's Take: It is so very rare to come across any book that is equally as good or even better than the original. So I was bracing myself when I opened the cover of Christopher Denise's new picture book Knight Owl and Early Bird. His first book about our plucky protagonist, simply titled Knight Owl, won a 2023 Caldecott Honor Award. Knight Owl is the captain of the Knight Night Watch; his job of keeping the castle safe is very important indeed. One morning, just as our intrepid knight is drifting off to sleep after a long night of tending fires and patrolling the grounds, he is startled by a lot of motion. Early Bird bursts into his room excited to meet Knight Owl. As you can guess, Early Bird is a bit too much for Knight Owl--until Knight Owl needs rescuing and his little pal manages to do just that. Whether it's for the super fun story or for the outstanding illustrations, please don't miss Knight Owl and Early Bird, by Christopher Denise.
Alice in a Winter Wonderland, by Jan Brett.
Tracy's take: I'm sure Jan Brett fans will be delighted by her new picture book, Alice in a Winter Wonderland. In snowy and icy Alaska, Alice follows a white rabbit down a hole in a glacier. While the ensuing story may be familiar, Brett's illustrations elevate what you thought you knew about Wonderland into a land of wonder. With great ox and porcupines, snowy owls, puffins, a fish bringing a letter to a frog, and even a griffin, this book is a feast. Jan Brett books are magical, made for both snuggling and exploring, and this is no exception. Check out Alice in a Winter Wonderland, by Jan Brett.
Quagmire Tiarello Couldn't Be Better, by Mylisa Larsen.
Tracy's take: 14-year-old Quagmire Tiarello lives with his mom. The only parent he has ever known. Most times they are okay, but sometimes, like today, Quagmire's mom is spinning. She moves fast, she talks fast and she drives fast. She makes decisions that are probably not the best for her, nor for Quagmire. When Quag's mom picks him up one afternoon and suggests that they drive 3 hours to Buffalo for hot dogs, Quag knows that sometimes it's just easier to go along rather than try to talk his mom out of an idea when she is spinning. That night, though, Mom just keeps driving west. And ultimately makes a decision that will change Quag’s life forever. While this book deep dives into the reality of living with a parent with a serious mental illness, it's also funny and full of memorable characters. Don't miss Quagmire Tiarello Couldn't Be Better, by Mylisa Larsen.
Unsinkable Cayenne, by Jessica Vitalis.
Tracy's take: Cayenne and her parents live on the road, traveling in their sticker-covered van, roaming from place to place. It feels like regardless of where they go, though, Cayenne just doesn't belong. Is it because their clothes don't always fit? Or maybe they can't get to the laundromat as often as they should? Or maybe because the odor of her dad's alternative tobacco stays always on their clothes? Still, Cayenne loves all the time she gets to spend with her parents. After the twins are born, though, Cayenne feels more and more left out even of her own family. She is ready for a change and is thrilled with her parents announce that they are going to settle down in one place for a while and Cayenne is going to school. Starting public school for the first time might be difficult under the best of circumstances, but starting in 7th grade comes with unique challenges. Ultimately, Cayenne learns some big lessons about fitting in and some excellent lessons about the value of standing out. Check out Unsinkable Cayenne, by Jessica Vitalis.
Mid-Air, by Alicia D. Williams.
Tracy's take: Isaiah has two best friends, Darius and Drew. They love to hang, to ride, to try to break world records. What happens though, when a neighbor tries to run them off because he assumes they are nothing but trouble that they don't belong on that street? What happens when Drew asks Isaiah to be his eyes, to watch for cars? But Isaiah yells “Car!” too late. Much too late. After Isaiah has another very angry, painful and dangerous incident, his parents send him to his aunt and uncle's house. There, Isiah finds Grady and Kiana. And time--to sort things out. Is there any chance to find his way back to Drew? This wonderful book in verse, Mid-Air, by Alicia D. Williams tells the tale of how a boy grows through grief and learns how to continue to live.
Kyra, Just for Today, by Jessica Vitalis.
Tracy's take: There are some books written for middle grade kids that are relied on time and again to help kids through particularly difficult life experiences. While Kyra, Just for Today, certainly accomplishes this, the book also does an incredible job of illustrating for the rest of us just how difficult it is to live a life framed by a parent's addiction. Kyra and her mom have created a pretty good life for themselves. Five years into her sobriety, Kyra's mom is a business owner, and Kyra has good friends and continues to attend her Alateen group faithfully. When 7th grade starts, however, Kyra finds her best friend is hanging around with older kids and bit by bit, Kyra’s mother becomes more and more absent. Understanding that her mother needs help, Kyra takes responsibility to help her mom in any way she can. The end of this book feels real. It ends with a lot of hope, balanced with a lot of “real.” Many readers might recognize themselves in these pages, but probably more important is that many people might recognize friends and gain a much-needed understanding. I very much recommend Kyra, Just for Today, by Sara Zarr.
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