Bibsy Cross and the Time Capsule by Dung Ho, Liz Garton Scanlon
Series: Bibsy Cross #4
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 7/8/25
ISBN: 0593644530
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Bisbsy and her best friend, Natia, are back in this fourth Bibsy Cross book.  This time, the girls are struggling to complete the fourth grade project of making a time capsule.  The girls don’t know what to put in their capsules, not sure they want to preserve their childhood for the future.  However, when Nanaberry, Bibsy’s beloved grandmother, comes to live with Bibsy’s family, she is able to help the girls view their projects in a new way.  The friends are now able to complete their projects and are proud of their work.

This book is great for young readers who are beginning to read chapter books.  There isn’t much text on the page and there are many almost black and white pictures of various sizes to add interest while breaking up the text.  The chapters are short and can be read in one sitting.  The themes of the story are also relevant to kids this age, as the characters explore events that create more than one feeling at the same time, which they call sweet and sour.  Bibsy also has the realization that Nanaberry won’t live forever and will be gone, just like her grandmother. Kids who have experienced the loss of a grandparent will no doubt relate to Bibsy.  Libraries that have the other Bibsy Cross books will want to add this one to their collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library