(Photo by Rawley/Use with permission only)

I have a big ol’ stack of Young Adult novels to review, but for now, finishing up on the gorgeous selection of picture books I’ve received. All are sure to make the kids (and their parents) smile.

“Bitsy Bat, School Star” has BIG STAR plans. Big, big, batty plans. The inimitable Kaz Windness wrote and illustrated this fun and poignant book, which is perfect for those of us who are not your typical peeps. (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, 2023, ages 4 and up, $18.99.)

“This Train is Bound for Glory,” by Alice Faye Duncan, with art by Paul Kellam, is pretty glorious, in the truest sense of the word (WaterBrook, 2023, all ages, $14.99). “‘All aboard!’ calls the merry conductor. His voice is like the wind — loud, warm and strong,” and off we go on a big adventure on the Glory Train.

This story is based on the African American spiritual first recorded in 1922.

“My Mama Says There Aren’t Any Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, Creatures, Demons, Monsters, Fiends, Goblins, Or Things” (1973). This Judith Viorst classic, with drawings by Kay Chorao, is a lot of fun (even if you’re a little bit scared of zombies or any of the other creatures mentioned in the title).

“My Dad Is a Tree,” is a hilarious new picture book written and illustrated by Jon Agee (Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House, 2023, all ages, $18.99). Madeleine’s dad is cleaning up leaves while Madeleine pretends to be a tree. Why? “Because a tree gets to stay outside all day long!” Will her dad play, too? The yard mess can wait. Cool illustrations that will give readers fun ideas on creating their own art. Maybe with leaves?

Have a superfun, happy, good August, and keep reading. All for now, bon appetit!

WM