| The books in this month’s roundup feature animals on adventures both factual and fanciful: A crocodile searches for his best friend, a firefly goes on a journey of self-discovery, a bee describes her busy life, and cats end up in unexpected places.
We’re also pleased to share Consortium titles on the ALA’s list of the best children’s graphic novels of 2024, plus new reviews and more.
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Clementine has just been born and doesn’t know who (or what) she is. She meets Cricket and Moth, who explain that she is an insect . . . though they don’t remember which one. Clementine then thinks she might be a star, since she lights up like the ones in the sky. That same night, a little girl leaves her house to chase the small lights that illuminate the forest. Can she help Clementine understand who she is?
Kirkus Reviews notes that The Journey of Clementine is “filled with sweet sentiments.” Horn Book Magazine adds, “Illustrations in deep blues and greens feature inviting glows from a variety of summer-night light sources in this cozy picture book.”
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Gus
by Liz Murray, illus. Walid Serageldine
Berbay Publishing • February 2025 • 9781922610720 • iPage
Gus is the star of the reptile house at the zoo, and no one adores Gus more than his human friend, Edward. Gus and Edward don’t just share a bond; they also share a birthday, and over the years they spend every birthday together. But one day Edward doesn’t show up for their shared celebration. Gus decides to leave the zoo, adventuring through the city to find his friend. This funny and heartfelt story celebrates the enduring nature of friendship.
Courtney R. of the Novel Neighbor (Webster Groves, MO) calls the book “a splendid tale. . . . With welcoming illustrations, this story teaches that friendships bloom in all types of circumstances.”
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Diary of a Bee
by Stepanka Sekaninova, illus. Linh Dao
Albatros Media • April 2025 • 9788000074467 • iPage
Step into the buzzing world of bees with Matilda, a hardworking bee, and her friend Thomas. Presented in a diary format, this captivating narrative combines story with fascinating facts, exploring how bees live, their daily activities, and the various roles they play within the hive.
Jeanette S. of Northshire Bookstore (Manchester Center, VT) says, “[A] cute story that is informative with the facts cleverly intertwined. . . . Overall very good for insect, bee and animal lovers.”
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You’ll never believe what cats get up to while their owners are away: Poppy goes to the supermarket, Aggie heads to the movies, Oscar attends yoga class, and Luna winds up in outer space. This beautifully illustrated book from award-winning designer Daniel Carlsten celebrates doing your own thing—for cat lovers everywhere!
Hilary C. of the Novel Neighbor (Webster Groves, MO) notes, “The bright contrasting colors and imaginative situations make this perfect for a wide range of readers—from the young ones pointing out the cat in each picture to older ones who can think of their own ideas for what a cat may be doing while away!”
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ALA-approved Graphic Novels
Numerous graphic novels from Consortium publishers have been named to ALA-approved reading lists issued by the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Check them out!
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★ “This title will enliven world history shelves and has multiple social studies and STEAM connections. This is also a book to savor, preferably over multiple perusals, and will appeal to curious browsers and budding historians alike.” — Booklist
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| | Blue Sky Morning
by Jihyun Kim, trans. Polly Lawson
Floris Books • May 2025 • 9781782509080
★ “Kim’s portrayal of the now-busy streets makes for immersive reading; every illustration in this South Korean import is filled with detail.” — Kirkus Reviews
★ “Those who have been awaiting the follow-up to The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky will not be disappointed. . . . The author-illustrator brilliantly conveys the joy and beauty found in an autumn morning, making every small moment relatable and wonderful.” — School Library Journal
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| | The Gone Book
by Helena Close
Little Island Books • May 2025 • 9781912417445
★ “Close’s YA debut is excellent in every regard. The fully realized characters are highly sympathetic and come alive on the page. The plot is compelling, the setting beautifully realized. Hand this to fans of more serious literature.” — Booklist
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“A sweet story that explores the deeper theme of wanting to be seen versus truly seeing. Del Mazo grasps the importance of rhythm for the page turn, and her pacing is spot-on. . . . Guridi’s tender and funny artwork adeptly captures the heart of the tale, blending lively, loose line drawings with just the right touch of color and texture.” — New York Times Book Review
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| | The Paper Bridge
by Joelle Veyrenc, illus. Seng Soun Ratanavanh, trans. Katy Lockwood-Holmes
Floris Books • May 2025 • 9781782509073
“Ratanavanh’s meticulous, captivating art is truly exquisite; delicately painted and cut paper figures are arranged in dimensional scenes, beautifully lit and photographed—inviting readers to linger over every inspired detail as they absorb the warmth of this tender original fable by debut author Veyrenc.” — Booklist
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| | A Fix of Light
by Kel Menton
Little Island Books • May 2025 • 9781915071644
“Character development comes to the forefront in this slow-burn romance with magical elements. As brutal as it is contemplative, this novel tackles both violent transphobia and the pain and feelings of shame brought on by being a male victim of sexual assault in a society that downplays the damage it causes. An ethereal and mysterious debut.” — Kirkus Reviews
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| | Norah’s Ark
by Victoria Williamson
Neem Tree Press • March 2025 • 9781911107996
“A touching, nuanced story with engaging characters.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A resonant work of realistic fiction that touches on housing and food insecurity, empathy, and unlikely friendships. Recommended for tween collections.” — School Library Journal
“[An] intriguing novel. . . . The characters are well defined and lifelike.” — Booklist
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Featured Collection: Children’s Books for Spring
Check out our Edelweiss collection of children’s titles celebrating gardening, hiking, bugs and animals, and all things spring.
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