Let's Pop, Pop, Popcorn! by Cynthia Schumerth, illustrated by Mary Reaves Uhles

 It's about time we had an updated picture book on that most delectable of snacks, popcorn!

A diverse group of children are shown following the steps to plant, tend, and harvest popcorn. In brisk rhymes they plant, water, and watch the corn grow, then shuck them (with the help of their scruffy black-and-white dog). Schumerth neatly blends in vocabulary with the popping process, "Steam builds around each kernel's germ, puffs the starch called endosperm." With a big dish of popcorn, the children are ready to enjoy their treat and even the dog gets a snack.

Uhles' splashy art shows worms wiggling through the dirt, six children with varying skin and hair colors, and a Black woman enjoying their gardening project and the tasty results. There are two pages of back matter; one explains in more depth about different types of corn and why popcorn pops, the other includes a science activity (sprouting your own popcorn) and a simple art project.

This is an ideal choice for storytime or a preschool classroom. It works equally well as a virtual or in-person read-aloud. The bold pictures will be easily seen on a screen or in a large group and the brisk rhymes will keep children popping along with the story. Pair with a classic rhyme like Five little kernels and some popcorn science or art activities, as suggested in the book or on your own.

Verdict: An excellent choice for most library collections.

ISBN: 9781534110427; Published March 2021 by Sleeping Bear Press; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library