15 Vegbooks reviews published in 2020.
Author Kevin Noble Maillard approaches this celebration of FRY BREAD with a focus on the senses and the history behind the favorite staple. Born of necessity when native tribes were forcibly moved, able to take…
Tags: FamilyFry BreadJuana Martinez-NealKevin Noble MaillardNative AmericanPicture Bookyoung readers
“They say that matter is all things that make up the universe: energy, stars, space…If that’s the case, then you, dear child, matter.” I’m not embarrassed to admit that the first line of ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER by…
Tags: All Because You MatterBlack Lives MatterBryan CollierPicture BookTami Charlesyoung readers
As preschoolers, my kids have been told “No Bathroom Talk.” And at home we also tried to curb their use of poopie, doo-doo, and peep (I don’t know why they say it with a P at the end) talk, especially during…
Tags: Artie BennetteducationalGuanoMike MoranPicture BookpoopPoopendous!young readers
HELLO, MY NAME IS RUBY by Philip C. Stead is a charming story of a tiny bird with a big heart who meets many new friends with different personalities and skills. Ruby, the title character, travels around introducing…
Tags: BirdsEarly ElementaryHello My Name is RubyPhilip C. SteadPicture Book
Tim Flannery’s WEIRD, WILD, AMAZING! is a must-have for any child who loves fauna of any kind. And who doesn’t? If the Star-Nosed Moles don’t convince you, perhaps the Hoatzins will. And if animals you are unfamiliar…
Tags: animal factsAnimalselementary readersmust-haveNorton Young ReadersSam CladwellTim FlanneryWeird Wild Amazing!
WHAT’S THE MATTER, MARLO? by Andrew Arnold addresses how children can tackle difficult emotions and recognize the strength between friends. The narrator and her best friend Marlo do everything together, including…
Tags: Andrew Arnoldchildren's bookEarly ElementaryFriendshipGriefpreschoolWhat's The Matter Marlo?
ALREADY A BUTTERFLY by Julia Alvarez and Illustrated by Raúl Colón is a poignant reminder to (almost literally) stop and smell the roses. Mari is a beautiful butterfly who is always busy, anxious, and productive, but…
Tags: Already a Butterflybreathe in breathe outButterfliesEarly Readerselementary readersJulia AlvarezMeditationPicture BookRaúl Colón
For a riotous romp through destruction and ambitious ideas gone wrong, Jonathan Stutzman’s LLAMA UNLEASHES THE ALPACALYPSE, the second installment in his Llama Book series, is just what kids and families will want.…
Tags: Early ElementaryHeather FoxJonathan StutzmanLlama Unleashes the AlpacalypsePicture Bookpreschool readerssilly and fun
THE UNICORN CAME TO DINNER by Lauren DeStefano is a story about change and how one girl deals with it…for a while. Like many children who have emotions that feel too big or powerful to deal with, Elizabeth has found…
Tags: anxietychangeEarly Readerselementary readersGaia CornwallLauren DeStefanoThe Unicorn Came to Dinnerunicorns
HOW TO SPEAK DOG by Aline Alexander Newman and Gary Weitzman, D.V.M. is irreverent and nutty and fun and incredibly informative. With scores of body language, barking, and general dog-behavior examples to learn, any…
Tags: Aline Alexander Newmandog behaviorsdog factselementary readersGary Weitzman MDHow to Speak DogNational Geographic
A modern environmental folktale with a very down-to-earth message, ONE LITTLE BAG by Henry Cole conveys a heartfelt story wordlessly. The detailed black and white drawings are highlighted with brown and red splashes…
Tags: environmentalHenry ColeOne Little BagPicture Bookpreschoolreduce reuse recyclewordless storyyoung readers
ALIENS AMONG US by Daniel Kariko is a must-have for any child (or adult!) who is fascinated with or horrified by bugs. Its juxtaposition of basic bug information including a black and white sketch and an up-close and…
Tags: Aliens Among Usall agesBugsDaniel KarikoInsectsnon-fiction
Children’s and middle grade literature often provides nuance and backstory to “villains.” R.J. Palacio’s WONDER follow up, “The Julian Chapter,” was no exception as it provided reasons if not excuses for Julian’s…
Tags: graphic novelmiddle gradeR.J. PalacioThe HolocaustThe Julian ChapterWhite BirdWonder
THE TRUTH ABOUT HAWKS by Maxwell Eaton III starts with a surprise, and it doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to how hawks get their meals, as the rabbit who begins the book learns. But the surprise to most…
Tags: Animalselementary readersMaxwell Eaton IIIThe Truth About Hawks
LISTEN by Holly M. McGhee is a gentle, sweet book that leads readers towards empathy by reminding us all to slowly take in our surroundings and revel in our connectedness. Aimed at ages 4-7, it will work for slightly…
Tags: EmpathyHolly McGheeListenmindfulnessPascal LemaitrePicture Bookpre-K readers