Being Frank written by Donna W. Earnhardt, illustrated by Andrea Castellani

Pippi the Parrot

Meet Frank. Frank knows that honesty is the best policy. But sometimes Frank is a little too frank. Being Frank is a hilarious book all about balancing honesty with social grace. Our friend Frank, being a truthful young man, doesn’t hesitate to let his principal know that his toupee looks like a pet weasel, or to inform his mother that her face has a few wrinkles. Strangely, Frank’s family and friends do not always appreciate his candor! Luckily Grandpa Ernest is there to give Frank a much needed lesson about tact. Lying is wrong. But the truth doesn’t have to hurt! With Grandpa Ernest’s help, Frank learns how to express himself in a positive way. For instance, maybe Mrs. Peacock’s hat isn’t weird, maybe it’s one-of-a-kind! 

Being Frank is laugh-out-loud funny and reminds us that a little consideration goes a long way. 

Why is Milk White? : & 200 Other Curious Chemistry Questions by Alexa Coelho and Simon Quellen Field

Owen the Owl

Here is a wonderful book for enquiring minds of all ages! Why is Milk White? : & 200 Other Curious Chemistry Questions by Alexa Coelho and Simon Quellen Field gives straightforward and thorough answers to a variety of everyday chemistry questions, some simple, some complex. Here are some sample questions from the book:

What makes leaves change colors?

How do solar panels work?

How do we make different colored fireworks?

Do you know the answers? If not, you might want to read this book! You don’t have to be a scientist to understand and enjoy this engaging tome. The book is clearly written and you’ll find a glossary of chemistry terms in the back. The book buddies and I love to read the questions aloud to each other and make our best guesses before we read the answer!

Want to see chemistry in action? Why is Milk White? includes a dozen experiments you can do at home, all perfect for a rainy spring day. Make your own Silly Putty, watch your raisins dance in a glass of soda, or hollow out a penny! Chemistry has never been so fun!

Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon

Max the Meerkat

We’re very lucky today book buddies! We’re not just going to a baseball game, we’re going to two baseball games, on opposite sides of the world! Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon stars a young boy who loves baseball in America and Japan! In America, he heads to the stadium with his pop pop, where they eat hot dogs and sport giant foam hands. In Japan, he goes to the dome with his ji ji, where they eat soba noodles and blow giant horns. The book takes you through a typical ballgame in both countries, but you also get a look at the unique customs and landscapes that make the United States and Japan special. There is even a vocabulary list in both English and Japanese, with words like fastball (sokkyu) and pitcher (toushu). I loved the bright and colorful illustrations as well. I can’t wait to go to a game with my friends this spring!

This book is so good it has me singing! Take me out to the yakyu, take me out with the crowd! Buy me some edamame and soba noodles…

Here are some baseball biographies I love:

Ichiro Suzuki by David S. Leigh

Becoming Babe Ruth by Matt Tavares

You Never Heard of Willie Mays?! By Jonah Winter

More baseball picture books:

Players in Pigtails by Shana Corey

Roasted Peanuts by Tim Egan

Clorinda Plays Baseball! by Robert Kinerk