This is the Planet Where I Live written by K. L. Going and illustrated by Debra Frasier adds material to the story with each new page much like the accumulated story This is the House that Jack Built. It presents the many ways the people on our planet live and share the space with each other as they build houses and plant seeds. The text about the planet’s people, animals, birds, insects, and trees is joyfully presented. The outstanding illustrations rendered in a photo collage method will be enjoyed by children 4-8 years of age (Beach Lane Books/ Simon and Schuster) 2023.

Once Upon a Book written by Grace Lin and Kate Messner and illustrated by Caldecott Honor Book winner Grace Lin is a wonderful story about a young girl named Alice who is tired of gray days and cold weather and wants to live in a warmer place. The birds hear her complaint and think she would love their forests, so they say “Turn the page and come in…” As it gets hotter and rains, however, she longs for a place that is not so steamy. The camel thinks that sounds like his place and the camel says “Turn the page and come in…” Each time Alice becomes unhappy she visits another place until she finally understands that she is lonely and wants to go back to the best place---her home. The book is designed for children 4-8 years of age (Little Brown and Company) 2023.

A Flag for Juneteenth written and gorgeously illustrated by Kim Taylor is an outstanding picture book about this important holiday that takes place on the 19th of June and celebrates the freedom of African Americans from slavery. The story is told by a young girl as she is about to celebrate her 10th birthday. On that same day soldiers come to the Texas plantation and proclaim that all enslaved people are free. Much celebration takes place as women begin quilting freedom flags. Kim Taylor’s quilted illustrations are beautiful. This book is designed for children 4-8 years of age. (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House Publishing) 2023.

This is a Poem That Heals Fish written by Jean-Pierre Siméon and illustrated by Olivier Tallec is a charming introduction to what a poem could possibly look like for children 5-8 years of age.The story begins when Arthur sees his fish at the bottom of the fish bowl and decides it is dying of boredom. His mother tells him to quickly get his fish a poem. Since Arthur does not know what a poem looks like he asks the people in his neighborhood. Their descriptions are delightful and thought provoking. The illustrations are a visual treat. (Enchanted Lion Books) 2007.

Dr. Alexandra Mascolo-David, Professor of piano at the CMU School of Music shares the joys of the piano.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff retold by Mac Barnette and illustrated by Jon Klassen tells the story of how the Billy Goats out smart the hungry but greedy troll that lives under the bridge and claims it for his own. This version of the Nordic tale is full of fun as the teller and the illustrator put forth clever possibilities from the oral tradition. This book will be enjoyed by readers 4-8 years of age and the whole family. Orchard Books/ an imprint of Scholastic Incorporated) 2022.

Very Good Hats written by Emma Straub and illustrated by Blanca Gómez is a delightful picture book about what makes a hat a hat. This concept book will be enjoyed by youngsters 3-5 years of age. A sailor hat, a cowgirl hat, a chef hat, a witch hat, a grandfather hat, and a crown are among the fun-filled pictures. (Rocky Pond/an imprint of Penguin Random House) 2023.

Mister Kitty is Lost! written and illustrated by the talented Greg Pizzoli is perfect for children 0-3 years of age. The story is about a lost kitty and how its owner, a little girl, invites the reader to help her find him. The charming story is told with numbers from 5 down to 1 along with “peek holes” through which the reader can see five colors. With each turned page comes a surprise. Fun for all. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) 2023.

This month on Central Stage, Sue Gamble welcomes Dr. Andrew Spencer, Professor of Percussion at the CMU School of Music

You So Black written by Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. and illustrated by London Ladd is a very special picture book. The text is based on a poem by Theresa Wilson that was written in 2017. It takes a negative statement, You So Black, and turns it into a phrase that stands for beauty and resilience. The pages are unusually gorgeous and are designed for readers 4-8 years of age (A Denene Millner Book/ Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers) 2023.