Month: August 2019

Squirrel’s Family Tree

Squirrel’s Family TreeSquirrel's Family Tree by A.N. Kang, Beth Ferry
Published by Orchard Books on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1338187368
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Explore the secret lives of squirrels and oak trees.Squirrel gathers acorn seeds, sturdy little oak nut seeds. Anticipating future needs, she gathers acorn seeds.

What makes an oak tree an oak tree and what makes a squirrel a squirrel? In Squirrel's Family Tree, things aren't always what they seem. As squirrel searches for, finds, and hides her acorn treasures beneath the shadows of the great oak trees in the forest, little does she know the role she plays in creating the very environment she forages in.

“Squirrrel’s Family Tree”  is a realistic fiction picture book for ages 3 – 7 year olds.  Information regarding  a squirrel’s year round activites are shared with the reader in an enjoyable setting of lovely oak trees.  This story shows how both the squirrels and  oak trees  are connected in a   symbiotic relationship that allows both  to flourish and benefit, one from the other.

A nice book to use in the fall of the year when children are stomping on and crunching  the  growing number of acorns falling from  oak trees. The illustrations are lovely. They fill the pages nicely, are  well defined, yet  soft and sweet enough to endear a squirrel to a young child’s heart.

The book concludes with a two page spread  of “Nutty Facts”  about acorns and squirrels.   Here, children are introduced to  scientific terms;  two of which are:  1) “homeotherms” which is “what”   squirrels  are,  and  2) “dreys,” which are nests built in the tops of trees.

Reviewed By Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

four-stars

Say Something!

Say Something!Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
Published by Orchard Books on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 0545865034
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Say Something is unique in its diversity and level of kindness shown between children.  Reynolds acknowledges all children and motivates them to raise their voices concerning justice and personal power.   Interactions within this book are positive and express empathy, we all need more of the ability to reach out to others and to speak up.

The illustrations are fairly simple and direct, they appear on backgrounds featuring many dots and vivid colors.  On one page the dots turn into birds reinforcing the message to “Keep saying it…and you may be surprised to find the whole world listening”.  Imagine how that sentence sounds to a shy child who has yet to find her/his voice. 

Building self-confidence and honoring the freedom of expression needs to be part of the educational process for all youngsters.   Add this to primary school media centers, put on public library shelves and gift to K – second grade teachers.  In addition school guidance counselors would appreciate a copy to use with students.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars

Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat Friends

Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat FriendsMisunderstood Shark: Friends Don't Eat Friends by Ame Dyckman, Scott Magoon
Published by Orchard Books on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1338113887
Pages: 42
Goodreads
five-stars

In the first “Misunderstood Shark” book, Bob the jellyfish ends up getting eaten while interviewing Shark for his TV show, Underwater World with Bob.  The opening endpapers of this sequel give us a brief recap of that by showing Bob in Shark’s stomach.  The action begins right away on the title page with Bob being burped up as his camera crew begins filming the next episode of his show.  In this episode, Shark claims NOT to have eaten Bob; that he was just giving him a tour.  While Bob and Shark argue about whether or not Shark did, in fact, eat Bob, they also teach us some actual facts about sharks.  In the end, both Bob and Shark apologize and remain friends.  This book, along with the first in the series, is a first purchase.  Great for all ages.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

five-stars

Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry)

Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry)Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) by Gary Golio, Ed Young
Published by Candlewick Press on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 0763697613
Pages: 48
Goodreads
four-stars

Featuring hazy, dream-like collage and ink illustrations, “Smile” tells the tale of Charlie Chaplin’s youth and rise to fame.  The title page looks like a silent movie screen, which sets the scene.  Chaplin grew up in London to parents who were both performers.  From a young age, he loved the spotlight, and the book tells us of joining his first theater group at age 9 and moving on to America where he started making silent movies.  We learn how he ended up creating the Little Tramp character by chance and went on to make 80 movies.  The book also includes quotes from Chaplin’s autobiography; a list of facts; and a resource list that includes books, movies, and a website.  This is a good addition to picture book biography collections.  Best for ages 8-12.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars