KIN: Rooted in Hope written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Jeffery Boston Weatherford is a striking account of their family’s past. The interesting research, brave stories and skillful scratchboard illustrations are perfect for older readers 10 years of age and up. (Atheneum Books/ Simon and Schuster) 2023.

I Lived Inside a Whale written and illustrated with great insight, understanding and imagination by Xin Li is a beautiful picture book for readers 4-8 years of age. The little girl in this story learns a great deal about reading, sharing, and trying something new such as sharing stories out loud! (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) 2024.

Fighting with Love: The Legacy of John Lewis is written with great skill by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated beautifully by James E. Ransome. This book, designed for children 4-8 years of age, follows John Lewis from his childhood helping his parents pick cotton in Alabama to his meeting with others who were working for Civil Rights. The book beautifully tells the development of John Lewis and his idea that change could only come with love. (Paula Wiseman Books/ Simon and Schuster) 2024.

Ten Little Rabbits written and illustrated by the late but never forgotten Maurice Sendak brings his wonderful talent to a new group of children. This counting book is designed for children 4-8 years of age and tells the story of Mino, a magician, who pulls rabbits out of his hat. However, the colorful rabbits do things their way. This book is a gift to a new generation of children, parents, and grandparents (HarperCollins Children’s Books) 2024.

The National Music Museum has one of the world’s largest and most significant collections of historical instruments — a sort of musical Smithsonian. But it’s far away from the museums on the national mall. It’s in Vermillion, South Dakota.

The Official Harry Potter Cookbook: 40 + Recipes inspired by the films is a tasty book by author Joanna Farrow for children ten years of age and up. Great recipes such as Dumbledore’s Mystical Lemon Drop Pudding plus useful charts regarding Kitchen Safety, Essential Tools and even how to boil an egg are sprinkled across the colorful 127 pages. (Scholastic) 2023.

The Girl Who Heard the Music written by Marni Fogelson with Mahani Teave and illustrated by Marta Alverez Miguens is three stories in one---all brilliantly connected. A young pianist by the name of Mahani who lives on Rapa Nui becomes a world-famous pianist. She organizes others on the island to build a new Music School by using trash, plastic bottles, and old tires to make the walls of the school. At the same time the mystery of the Moai statues that cover the island are discussed. (Sourcebooks Kids) 2023.

Some Days Are Yellow written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Michelle Lee is a fine concept book regarding the fact that we all experience good days as well as bad days. The rhyming text and the beautiful illustrations make this picture book ideal for children 3-7 years of age and up! (Sleeping Bear Press) 2024.

If you have a pile of pine needles from your Christmas tree, Brent Crain from Michigan State University Extension says, "Use them as mulch!"

Keyana Loves Her Friend written by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow is a delightful story about friendship and what can happen when one friend moves away. This picture book is designed for children 4-8 years of age and is full a preparation, problems and finally the restoration of the friendship. (Little, Brown and Company) 2023.