Susan Faust

age 4+ A fascinating "who's who" of owls adapted to city life. Parents need to know that New York City is the setting for The Urban Owls: How Flaco and Friends Made the City Their Home writtenby Christian Cooper and illustrated by Kristen Adam. In this nonfiction picture book, Cooper introduces five owls that won the hearts of residents. (Flaco was a media sensation, having escaped a cage at the Central Park Zoo for Greater Manhattan.

age 4+ Great art shows quest of quirky Peruvian potato scientist. Parents need to know that biography, agricultural science, and environmentalism are intertwined in Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa: Join the Quest with Peru's Famed Scientist and Potato Expert, writtenby Sara Fajardo and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal.

age 4+ A baseball star's dog stars in this winning tale. Parents need to know that a real event inspired Decoy Saves Opening Day by Shohei Ohtani and Michael Blank and illustrated by Fanny Liem. On August 28, 2024, Dodger star pitcher and hitter Ohtani brought his dog Decoy to the stadium to "throw out" the ceremonial first pitch. Decoy is a team-jersey wearing Kooikerdonghe (a Dutch breed) in real life and in the illustrations. Instead of a late season game, the book is set on Opening Day.