TWO NEW PICTURE BOOKS FOR ROSH HASHANAH       THE SWEETEST ROSH HASHANAH Written by Mara Bergman Illustrated by Aura Lewis (Candlewick Press; $18.99, Ages 4-7)   This feel-good picture book contains all the right elements (or should I say ingredients?) for the Rosh Hashanah holiday and an enjoyable read-aloud. Part of "The Festivals of the World" series, The Sweetest Rosh Hashanah focuses on the Jewish New Year and a little girl named Ellie. She loves helping her parents prepare for the New Year meal, especially the challah, the honey cake, and the apples and honey. But when…

THE SHAPE OF WINGS Written by Ona Gritz (West 44 Books; Available in Hardcover, Paperback, and eBook, Ages 14-18/Grades 9-12)       GUEST REVIEW BY KAROL SILVERSTEIN: Newly connected with her biological sisters (having hunted down her sperm donor-dad on Ancestry), C.C. is loving getting to know them. But when talk turns to sports and other physical activities they all enjoy, C.C. chooses not to share that she has cerebral palsy, enjoying the anonymity of the Zoom room. C.C.’s friend group—which includes bestie volleyball star Paige—is all non-disabled. In fact, the only other disabled person C.C. knows is a…

I WISH THAT YOU KNEW Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington Illustrated by Alyssa Russell (Little Bee Books; $19.99, Ages 4-8)     I'm thrilled to share this moving and meaningful guest post by author Rebecca Gardyn Levington. DESCRIPTION: A child reflects on all the fun things she used to do with her grandmother, like baking challah, growing tulips, walking on the beach, and sharing jokes. Told against the backdrop of a Jewish unveiling ceremony, which takes place around the first anniversary of a loved one's passing, this is a story about the imprints that the people we love leave upon…

TIo Ricky Doesn’t Speak English • Tío Ricky no habla inglés Written by Maritere R. Bellas   Illustrated by Jayri Gómez (Lil' Libros; $19.99, Ages 4-8)             Publisher Description: "... This heartwarming English-Spanish story shows that speaking two languages is powerful and you don’t need a cape to be a hero."   Review:   This is a WAY overdue post of Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English/Tío Ricky no habla inglés, written by Maritere R. Bellas and illustrated by Jayri Gómez, a picture book so well crafted that I wish I'd been able to review last year…

L IS FOR LIBRARIAN: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library Written by Susan Lendroth Illustrated by Alexander Vidal (Angel City Press at LAPL; $18.99, Ages 4+)         Publisher Description: L is for Librarian: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library is an Amazing, Beautiful, Captivating, delightful, and Energizing tour of the Los Angeles Central Library. From Awesome Adventures to Zombies in the makerspace, readers of all ages will enjoy this alphabetical exploration of Los Angeles’s beloved icon.   Author Interview: Welcome to the blog, Susan. It's an exciting time at L.A.'s Central Library, so it's wonderful…

TRIAL AND ERROR Written by Robin Newman Illustrated by Deborah Zemke (Creston Books; $18.99, Ages 7-11)           HONORS: A 2026 Bank Street College of Education Best Book Northern Lights Book Award IPPY Bronze Medal   REVIEW: In her much-lauded new series, Robin Newman has made law and order accessible and enjoyable for second- to fifth-graders. Trial and Error, a punny 64-page graphic novel chapter book, features four animal-populated cases, each a new chapter. The whimsical black-and-white illustrations by Deborah Zemke, who has teamed up with Newman on four previous books, are winners as well. Just check…

          MAZEL TOES! Written by Audrey Barbakoff Illustrated by Annita Soble (The Collective Book Studio; $12.95, Ages 0-3)             This recommended board book, Mazel Toes! written by Audrey Barbakoff and illustrated by Annita Soble, hooked me from the title, and the rest of the rhyming story kept me turning the pages. What a treat to read all the Yiddish I heard growing up. Better yet, how wonderful to share it with future generations. I like how references to the various babies' mazel toes appear in every other stanza, all the while…

IF ANIMALS SAID I LOVE YOU, MAMA Written by Ann Whitford Paul Illustrated by David Walker (Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); $18.99, Ages 2-6) e     From the Publisher: A must-have for any nursery! This bestselling series adds another charming picture book that imagines creatures all across the animal kingdom as kiddos showing affection to their mamas – making it the perfect purchase for Mother's Day and Valentine's Day or any time of year.   Review: What fun young animals have getting ready to share their love on Mother's Day! This latest picture book in the popular If Animals…