THE WHOLE HOLE STORY by Vivian McInerny. Illus. by Ken Lamug.  New York:  Versify, 2021.  32p.  ISBN 978-0358129486 hc. $17.99     Gr. K-2     E FIC

Zia, who liked to collect things in her pocket, found a hole in it one day.  It grew bigger and bigger until she fell through it, only to fill the hole with water for fishing and swimming.  Zia's imagination also grew bigger, turning clouds into animals, including an elephant with a story of its own.  After several adventures, she set the hole down and looked at it from faraway.  As she viewed from different angles, the hole grew smaller and returned to its original pocket size.  Zia's adventure is enhanced by Lamug's animated illustrations that include a worm with personality, a cloud lion with an attitude, and an optimistic elephant to round out the story.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

HENRY AT HOME by Megan Maynor.  Illus. by Alea Marley.  New York: Clarion Books, 2021.  40p. ISBN 978-132891675-4 hb. $17.99     PreS-Gr. 1     E PIC

Henry and Liza were the best of siblings and playmates.  They did everything together and had their own special place at the base of an old twisty tree.  However, everything changed when it was time for Liza to attend kindergarten - by herself.  Henry had to say home, and was quite upset on the first day of school.  When Liza returned with stories of her new routine, Henry shared his adventures with her also.  Life would be different for both of them, except for the time they spent together in their Best Place in the twisty tree.  This is a thoughtful story of transition for youngsters.  The digitally drawn illustrations move the story along in beautiful hues of color.  
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

HOW TO WEAR A SARI by Darshana Khiani. Illus. by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff.  New York:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing, 2021. 32p.  ISBN 978-1328635204 hc. $17.99     Gr. K-2    E PIC

Tired of bring told she was too young to do many activities, the protagonist decides to impress her family by mastering the complicated technique of wearing a sari.  There’s a reason that folding a sari is considered to be an adult skill.  Readers will learn the procedure for wearing a sari, beginning with the undergarments, followed by tucking folding and pleating the long fabric into a shirt and shawl wrapped around the body.  Readers of all ages will enjoy this fanciful peek info Indian culture and reminder of how families of all cultures share the same values.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

LLAMA GLAMARAMA by Simon James Green.  Illus. by Garry Parsons.  New York: Orchard books, 2020.  32p.  ISBN 978-133873618-2 hc. $14.99      PreS - Gr. 2      E PIC

Larry lived with a conservative, rule-following herd of llamas that probably wouldn't approve of his dancin' feet.  He hid all clues of dancing from his friends, until they walked in on him one evening.  He dashed away, and came upon a glamarama where creatures could just be themselves and dance to their heart's content.  Larry loved it!  He returned to tell his friends, knowing that they would reject him, but got a pleasant surprise.  They didn't mind.  They all had secrets about themselves, and were relieved to know that each was accepted as they were.  Isn't that what we all want?  
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI  

WISHES by Muon Thi Van.  Illus. by Victo Ngai.  New York: Orchard Books, 2021.  32p.  ISBN: 978-133830589-0 hc. $18.99      Gr. 1-4      E PIC

Based on the author's own experiences, the story of leaving the only home she every knew unfolds.  The family packed up in the middle of the night, because it wasn't safe to live their country anymore.  They boarded a boat that was too small to sail the waves of a turbulent ocean, seeking refuge in a port where they wouldn't be persecuted because of their politics.  This particular story is about leaving Viet Nam for Hong Kong, but the refugee saga is the same; the journey is dangerous and secretive.  For most, it's the only way out of a repressive environment, so the story continues to play out over and over again.  It's a  sad story that ends with hope for the future.  Ngai's somber illistrations are outstanding, conveying the serious nature of the story, but adding stylistic twists that make a big impression on the reader.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

ATHENA: GODDESS OF WISDOM AND WAR by Imogen Greenberg. Illus. by Isabel Greenberg. New York:  Amulet Books, 2021. 96p. ISBN: 978-141974859-2 hc. $14.99     Gr. 3-8    JUV

This first book in the Tales of Great Goddesses series is a collection of epic stories, condensed into a graphic novel where the illustrations carry the same importance as the shortened text.  It’s a great way for readers to absorb a lot of information quickly, while sparking an interest in mythology.  Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, in full text, can wait until college.  After an introduction to some notable characters, the story begins with Athena’s miraculous birth, springing forth from the head of Zeus.  She then claims the city of Athens from her formidable uncle Poseidon, raises her nephew to be a king, has a weaving contest with Arachne, and summarizes her part in the Trojan War.  She proves to be intelligent and just, but can turn into a jealous and meddling adversary.  Overall, Athena ranks high on the list of Greek gods and goddesses.  Can’t wait to see more in this series.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

ARLO DRAWS AN OCTOPUS by Lori Mortensen. Illus by Rob Sayegh, Jr.  New York:  Abrams Books, 2021.  32p.  ISBN 978-1419742019 hc. $16.99     PreS - Gr. 1     E PIC

Inspired by something the readers don't know about, Arlo came home one day ready to draw an octopus.  He concentrated on each part of the octopus, but the completed drawing wasn't what he envisioned.  Feel discouraged, he bumped into an octopus who was drawing a picture of a boy.  As it turns out, Arlo and the octopus were more accepting of each other's drawings than their own.  What could possibly happen when they started drawing elephants together?  Sayegh's two-page illustrations stand out against a light background, leaving plenty of space for a few easy-to-read sentences on each spread. He makes Arlo's crayon drawings come to life.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI