Fall 2025 School Library Journal Reviews - Creative Education
These introductory farm animal profiles offer the most basic information with a small dose of humor and good visual support. Two or three sentences per spread, presented in a large, bold font make the text welcoming to newer readers. A few key physical characteristics are identified along with a bit about the animals’ behavior in a farm setting. Most photographs are a full page or fill a spread. Several offer a touch of whimsy, showing the animal looking directly at readers or engaged in fun activities, such as escape attempts by goats and a pig. Word balloons contribute to the lighthearted tone. Animals sometimes respond to the textual data, as when a cow asks, “Who are you calling big?” when its weight is stated. VERDICT Introductory information with a breezy presentation that should appeal to young readers.
Young readers are introduced to various vehicles in these brief but colorful volumes. Simple facts, like an ambulance takes people to the hospital, or fighter jets are military planes that fight other planes, are shared in straightforward sentences. In addition to descriptions of the vehicles there is information on their purpose and the people who operate them. The narratives are clear and appropriate for the targeted grade levels. Diagrams are featured in each volume. However, the strengths of these titles lie in the colorful photographs; they will be the primary draw for enthusiasts. VERDICT Selectors will want to consider these newer titles, especially where there is high demand.
This bilingual series features a range of popular animals and species, including lions, sharks, and polar bears. Each title is composed of dual Spanish and English text, covering the habitats, diets, and the young of each animal in straightforward detail. Both languages are given equal prominence throughout, including in the captions and vocabulary inserts, making this an accessible series for bilingual readers or those developing reading skills in a second language. The vibrant photographs are well selected and striking, offering close-ups of animal features or illustrating the information offered in the text. All titles conclude with a paragraph-length folk story about the animal (Un cuento sobre…), but the provenance or attribution of these tales is not always indicated (the wolf tale is attributed to Aesop). VERDICT A solid selection of animal books, particularly for libraries with strong bilingual needs or interests.
This series introduces readers to some Olympic winter sports, offering clear and accessible overviews of each one. The text explains the history of the sport in the Olympics, describes the different events within it, and outlines the equipment athletes use. Each volume also includes a spread spotlighting a prominent athlete in the field. Information is presented in short, engaging sections that give readers a solid sense of the sport without becoming overwhelming. Visually, the layout is modern and appealing, with large, color photos paired with a few sentences of text. Brief side notes provide additional interesting details about the sport, adding variety without cluttering the design. VERDICT A good choice for featuring lesser-covered sports and for young readers interested in the Winter Olympics.
Creative Sports: World Cup Winners
This series introduces young readers to national soccer teams from around the world, offering a friendly and accessible entry point to the sport. Each book opens with background on the team’s country of origin before moving into its World Cup history, memorable matches, and standout players. The writing is simple and clear, making the content approachable for elementary readers and new soccer fans. Each spread pairs a full-page action photo with one or two short paragraphs, set against bold background colors that add energy to the clean, easy-to-follow layout. While older readers may find the coverage too basic, the wide selection of teams will appeal to kids eager to learn about their favorites. Each title includes quick team facts, a glossary, and an index. VERDICT A strong choice for libraries looking to add inviting, beginner-friendly books on global soccer.
The smelly, carnivorous, and curious plants that inhabit the Earth will make readers scratch their heads. These titles highlight the quirky organisms and explain why they do what they do. Close-ups of the plants are shown to outline the unique features of each one and discuss how they might have evolved to their present state. These high-interest topics draw readers in and ask them to consider these unique plants’ varied life cycles and needs. VERDICT This romp in the unusual foliage of peculiar plants brings lesser-known species into focus in an amusing, yet informative, way.
Chronological narratives that focus primarily on the evolution of these hip-hop stars’ respective careers, including albums produced and awards received, take center stage in this series. The authors do not shy from less savory details: Jay-Z once was a drug dealer, Migos band members were arrested for drug use and firearm possession, and Scott was sued for wrongful death when 10 fans were trampled at his music festival. Personal lives are touched on briefly; Eminem’s father abandoned him when he was young, and Lamar has had struggles with mental health. Overall, these titles are comprehensive and include photographs that will be appreciated by their most ardent fans. VERDICT Fans of these artists will enjoy this series for the information and pictures; selectors should consider where there is a demand.
A series for older readers featuring a diverse selection of animals from different habitats and parts of the world. From snow leopards to Komodo dragons, each volume benefits from a dynamic layout that includes a development timeline running along the bottom of each page, marking milestones of each animal’s growth into adulthood and close-ups of remarkable features, such as the komodo dragons’ long and powerful claws. Pastel-colored chapter headers contrast well with the vivid photographs that feature each animal in their natural environments and at various stages of life. Each installment concludes with a chapter on conservation efforts, and back matter features sections of fast facts (Instantaneas), a glossary (Palabras para saber), recommended places to see or experience the environments these animals live in (Visita), and an index. VERDICT A strong set of animal titles for grade school students looking to research or expand their personal knowledge.
Creative Sports: Ganadores de la Copa del Mundo
Since the first World Cup in 1930, only eight national teams have won the prestigious tournament. This series presents an overview of each of those nation’s teams, five European (England, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy) and three from Latin America (Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil). The titles briefly describe the home country of each team, look back at the history and traditions of each club, and highlight star players and accolades. Featured photographs depict former and contemporary players, such as David Beckham, Neymar, and Diego Maradona. About the Team/Acerca de la seleccíon wraps up the action with quick facts, including inaugural year, team colors, home stadium. The volumes conclude with a glossary and index in the back matter. VERDICT Ideal for inclusion in collections in preparation for next year’s World Cup.