STEM comes to life for beginning readers in these stories, which can be used to complement science, math, or reading instruction.

DERTING, Kimberly & Shelli R. Johnannes. Libby Loves Science: States of Matter. illus. by Joelle Murray. 40p. (I Can Read Level 3). Greenwillow. Apr. 2024. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780063116634; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780063116627.
PreS-Gr 3–Libby and her classmates are excited when their science teacher, Mr. Darwin, announces a new student will be joining them the next day. The students quickly make a plan to welcome the newcomer with an ice cream party. Mr. Darwin starts the next day by teaching the young learners about the states of matter, laying the foundation for an unplanned hands-on experience. The story takes an unexpected turn when Libby forgets to put the ice cream in the freezer, thus transforming a solid into a liquid. Mr. Darwin turns this mishap into a valuable learning opportunity and suggests using hot chocolate as a replacement. The substitution of the hot chocolate becomes a catalyst for exploring the states of matter through a delightful experience involving ice, melting marshmallows, and a selection of delicious toppings. He cleverly incorporates scientific concepts, allowing the children to explore solids, liquids, and gases in a fun and interactive way. Digitally created illustrations depict a diverse classroom that makes a visually appealing backdrop for Libby’s love of learning. The book’s familiar setting, likable characters, and humorous statements and situations combine well with the age-appropriate science. The inclusion of back matter featuring a glossary and recipes enhances the book’s educational value and makes it a valuable resource for STEM lessons. VERDICT A recommended resource for educators and a delightful read for young science enthusiasts. Ideal for science units, this book successfully combines informative content with fun.–Lynne Stover

FERNANDEZ, Caroline. Asha and Baz Meet Katia Krafft. illus. by Dharmali Patel. 114p. (Asha and Baz: Bk. 4). Common Deer. Mar. 2024. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781988761916.
Gr 1-3–In the fourth book of the “Asha and Baz” series, the main characters are transported to meet renowned volcanologist Krafft. The book begins with a class competition called The Great Volcano Challenge where students make a volcano, and whoever has the biggest explosion wins a real volcanic rock! Asha really wants to win the lava rock, so she and Baz use their magic stick to go back to 1973 and get help from Katia Krafft. When they find her, she helps them understand what volcanoes look like, what kinds there are, and how they work. Clear and simple information, as well as illustrations, help young readers learn the facts and science along with the titular duo. Rich descriptions tell what volcanoes look like and bring the story to life. Those new to the series will still be able to follow the plot, as a brief summary is provided at the beginning about where the magic stick came from, and where Asha and Baz have traveled before. Patel’s gray-scale, cartoonlike illustrations follow the young adventurers through the story. Back matter includes volcano facts, discussion points, and how to do your own Great Volcano Challenge. VERDICT A charming STEM chapter book introducing young readers to inspiring real-life science, scientists, and history. Highly recommended—and if you don’t have the series yet, purchase the ­collection.–Heidi Dechief

VAN OOSBREE, Ruthie. Any Shelter Cats Left? illus. by Felicity Sheldon. ISBN 9798765608647.
––––. Ben’s Birthday Shapes. illus. by Felicity Sheldon. ISBN 9798765608616.
––––. Kara Loves Stripes. illus. by Felicity Sheldon. ISBN 9798765608609.
––––. Saving Up. illus. by Mette Engell. ISBN 9798765608593.
ea vol: 16p. (Math All Around/Pull Ahead Readers–Fiction). Lerner. Jan. 2024. Tr. $27.99.
PreS-Gr 1–A collection of early readers that has controlled vocabulary and simple stories with themes of addition, subtraction, patterns, and shapes. In Kara Loves Stripes, a blonde girl with fair skin notices stripes in her household and identifies patterns in them. Ben’s Birthday Shapes tells of a boy with brown hair and light tan skin who sees different shapes in the objects present at his birthday party. In Saving Up, a boy with fair skin and dark hair does various household chores for $1 to $2, adds up his earnings, and uses them to buy a toy for a friend’s birthday party. In Any Shelter Cats Left?, a young man with curly brown hair and brown skin, apparently a volunteer or employee of an animal shelter, asks readers how many cats will be left if some are adopted. The text is appropriate for emerging readers and is decodable when paired with the images, which appear digitally drawn. Illustrations are relevant to the text and diverse in terms of race and gender but lack vibrancy and distinction. This series may supplement kindergarten math instruction and reading practice and could be useful to a teacher assessing math or reading. However, it’s unlikely that ­children would select these for independent reading practice. VERDICT An acceptable fiction early reader series on beginner math concepts that classroom teachers may find useful.–Mallory Weber