Island of Whispers is written gorgeously by Frances Hardinge and beautifully illustrated by Emily Gravett. It is a stunning story about a young boy named Milo who must take on his father’s duties as the Ferryman when his father dies suddenly. The story is full of spirits, magic, ghosts, and fairytales! I suggest it for serious readers 12 years of age and up (Two Hoots/an imprint of Pan Macmillan) 2023.

ZILOT and Other Important Rhymes written by Bob Odenkirk and illustrated by Erin Odenkirk is a cute, clever, creative book of over 70 rhymes for the ears and eyes of children six years of age and up. The illustrations are alive with sounds and actions. (Little, Brown and Company) 2023.

As The Seas Rise: Nicole Hernandez Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice is an interesting picture book biography. The pictures are beautiful, and the story is important. It is well told and illustrated by Angela Quezada Padron. (Atheneum/ Simon and Schuster)2024.

Grandma’s Hair is Ankle Length written by Adriana Camacho-Church and illustrated by Carmen Lop is a beautiful picture book told in both English and Spanish. The story is lovely, and the illustrations are fascinating. It is well designed for readers 4-8 years of age. (Pinata Books/ Arte Publico Press/ 2024.

My Thoughts Have Wings written by Maggie Smith and illustrated by Leanne Hatch is softly told in both words and pictures. A little girl has trouble sleeping as her mind keeps her awake. Mom reminds her that her mind is a beautiful place and that is why some thoughts stay awhile.This book is perfect for children 4-8 years of age (Balzer and Bray/Harper Collins) 2024.

K is in Trouble written, designed, and illustrated by Gary Clement is a wonderfully fascinating graphic novel. A young boy named K seems to have one problem after another as he tries to deal with very difficult adults at home, at school and in the neighborhood. It is perfect for readers 8-12 years of age. (Little, Brown and Company) 2024.

NO CATS IN THE LIBRARY written and gorgeously illustrated in hot orange, spicy yellow and soothing green colors by Lauren Emmons is a sweet story about a cat who loves books. Clarisse, the name of this wonderful cat, is very busy trying to find a way into the local library. It is full of fun for readers 4-7 years of age. (Simon and Schuster/ Paula Wiseman Books) 2024.

Leafy Landmarks: Travel with Trees is a beautiful road trip for the whole family as 14 wonderful trees are presented for the family to enjoy. Luscious pictures by Anne Lambelet and 14 poetic forms written skillfully by author Michelle Schaub will capture the interests of readers 6-9 years of age (Sleeping Bear Press) 2024.

Tree House Town is a delightful picture book about creative children and beautiful animals, as they play, cook, and take care of each other and the environment. It is written with a lovely poetic hand by Gideon Sterer and beautifully illustrated by Charlie Mylie. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) 2024.

Little Messy Marcy Su written by Cherie Fu and illustrated by Julie Kwon is a delightful picture book for readers 4-8 years of age about one child’s inability to keep her bedroom clean. When her mother asks her to pick up her room because her grandparents are coming, she gets busy. However, everything she does to clean her clothes, her muddy dog and her room makes yet another mess. Finally, her room is clean, but the house is not. Young readers will be surprised when grandma praises her for her clean room and wonders why the rest of the house looks so bad! The back material includes ten Mandarin words used throughout this story (Little Brown and Company, 2021).