Isaac's Reviews

Matthew Cordell’s newest picture book describes a wonderful adventure through a forest full of delightful creatures, both friendly and fearsome. Our protagonist Evergreen is a young squirrel who has to brave the woods to deliver soup to her grandma. Over the course of her journey she relies on her wits to become more courageous and help her family. The expressive art and subtle use of color is engrossing, drawing you right into Evergreen’s world. —Isaac

There are many helpful tools for teaching young children both Spanish and English, but this bilingual board book in particular stands out as a wonderful meditation on the connectedness of all living animals. Soderguit provides clear and concise examples of phrases in both languages, alongside illustrations that are playful and simple enough to appeal to very young readers. —Isaac

This is my absolute favorite picture book series, in which sisters Chirri and Chirra go on a unique little adventure in every installment. Every page is softly illustrated with vibrant and textured color pencils, creating a wonderful and inviting magical world where black cats offer you sparkling full-moon sodas. A cozy nightcap to read to a little one before bed. Check out the other books in the series; I adore them all!  —ISAAC

Kids and parents may be skeptical of an exploration of the avant-garde Dadaist art movement riffing on classic nursery rhymes, but readers will quickly discover that all this premise entails is playful word games and artistic expressions of nonsense. In a way, this book reminds me of how internet culture twists and reshapes familiar ideas in funny ways. Read this book with any kid who loves delightfully strange poetry with amusing illustrations.

—ISAAC

Internet friends Angel (a huge fan of the boyband the Ark) and Jimmy (its lead singer) bond over music, fandom, and their complicated lives offline. Both narrators talk to the reader like a friend, with familiar language and inside jokes that will resonate with those who grew up online. Oseman explores themes like anxiety with gravity and compassion, making her endearing characters and their relationships more and more real. Nick and Charlie are reading this book on the cover of the upcoming Heartstopper novella!

—ISAAC

Meet Alcatraz, a foster child with a remarkable aptitude for breaking things, a talent that comes in handy as he enters a world of evil librarians, hidden continents, and dinosaurs with British accents. This reprint from beloved science fiction writer Brandon Sanderson is perfect for middle-grade readers who are looking for hilarious narration and enthralling world building, and it’s out in paperback just in time for the release of the long-awaited sixth novel in the Alcatraz series!  —Isaac