Month: November 2019

Guts

GutsGuts by Raina Telgemeier
Published by Graphix on September 17th 2019
ISBN: 0545852501
Pages: 213
Goodreads
four-stars

Guts is Raina Telgemeier  4th graphic novel. It is the story of 9 year old Raina and her learning to deal with an anxiety disorder. The school year starts with the typical stresses of school life. You’re friends, then in a blink of an eye you’re not, you get teased and other issues.  Raina starts getting sick to her stomach, but because her mom does too it gets chalked up to a stomach bug. However the stomach issues continue and Raina becomes so stressed out that her mom enrolls Raina in therapy.
This engaging story does a wonderful job of normalizing therapy, and presenting useful coping skills that kids can use themselves.

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan

four-stars

Farm

FarmAnimal Families: Farm by Nosy Crow, Jane Ormes
Published by Nosy Crow on October 1st 2019
ISBN: 1536208302
Pages: 14
Goodreads
two-stars

This colorful, lift-the-flap board book takes the reader through a variety of farm animals from sheep to donkeys. As part of a series of board books with the same overarching theme, it is informative as it teaches children about the names for male/female/baby animals for different species. The anthropomorphizing of the animals as “mommy” and “daddy” and the reference to animal “families” moves it from being informative to cutesy and old fashioned. The illustrations are bright and bold, and small children will love the flaps and the repetitive/predictable text. This book is best shared one-on-one, but would not be well suited for diverse family types as it only refers to daddy and mommy.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

two-stars

Little Penguin’s New Friend

Little Penguin’s New FriendLittle Penguin’s New Friend by Tadgh Bentley
Published by Balzer + Bray on October 1st 2019
ISBN: 0062699954
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

Little Penguin’s New Friend is an easy reader that tackles preconceived notions and things not being as one might expect them to be. Penguin and his friends are excited for polar bear’s first visit to the Antarctic, but they all have ideas about what polar bears do and don’t do. When she finally arrives, it turns out that polar bears do, in fact, tell really bad jokes as suspected by Franklin, the killer whale. The text in this book is simple and appropriate for beginning readers, but the content misses the mark a bit. The bad jokes and puns will mostly be lost on younger readers (I had to re-read one several times to get it). The illustrations are colorful, engaging,  and follow the story well. This book is best used for one-on-one sharing or perhaps with a smaller group where you know they may actually understand the jokes. A secondary purchase where easy readers circulate well and need expansion.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

three-stars

How to Hide a Lion at Christmas

How to Hide a Lion at ChristmasHow to Hide a Lion at Christmas by Helen Stephens
Published by Henry Holt & Company on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 1250230799
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

“How to Hide a Lion at Christmas,” written and illustrated by Helen Stephens, is the fourth book in the “How to Hide a Lion” series. Iris has a pet lion that she likes to take everywhere. All the people in her town and school are used to Lion, but her parents say that she can’t take Lion with her to her aunt’s for Christmas because everyone will be scared of him. Iris is sad and Lion hates to see her sad, so he follows her to her aunt’s home. He sneaks onto the train, misses his stop, and hijinks follow, including a meeting with Santa Claus.

Beautifully illustrated with a fun sketch-like style and bright colors, the book is silly and amusing. Readers will enjoy following along as Lion finds his way to his friend. A good additional purchase for your holiday collection if you need more Christmas picture books.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Sweety

SweetySweety by Andrea Zuill
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 052558000X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Sweety is awkward, even for a naked mole rat with thick glasses and a head gear. She doesn’t always fit in, but with encouragement from her eccentric aunt combined with her own self confidence, she finds that being true to herself is the best way to be and the way to find true friendship. Sweety is a lovable, nerdy mole rat who will resonate with inquisitive, unique kids everywhere. Zuill’s illustrations are easy to follow and include small details that children may not catch but that adults will find humorous and endearing. This book is best for one-on-one sharing or for sharing with a small group. The overarching message of embracing individuality and being true to oneself paired with creative, funny characters and witty text make this a great book to share with a wide age range of readers. A recommended purchase for all public libraries and should be considered for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

five-stars

Love and the Rocking Chair

five-stars

Leo and Diane Dillon’s art is still as strong as ever. There is a lovely storytellers’ note about the traditions and history of families. The story itself is about three generations who used the same rocking chair from the young couple who first purchased the chair to the third generation who was ready to use it again. It is the story of Diane and Leo. Including losing Leo in this life, but not losing his love. This reader cried reading the simple powerful text.

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick GNGMS Gray. Recommended for cream.

 

five-stars

Not If I Can Help It

Not If I Can Help ItNot If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler
Published by Scholastic Press on July 30th 2019
ISBN: 0545709482
Pages: 240
Goodreads
three-stars

Willa has a sensory processing disorder which she finds very embarrassing and keeps that part of her life a secret.  Some sensations, like too tight socks or mushy foods, make Willa squirmy and physically ill at ease. She sees a therapist and is working to better handle things that she can’t control but this is not information she shares at school, even with best friend Ruby who she has known for years.  Keeping her home and school life separate suddenly becomes much more difficult when Willa’s father and Ruby’s mother announce that they have been dating. Willa goes into a tailspin and because she doesn’t want to share why she is so upset (change can be overwhelming), Ruby feels rejected and confused.  Middle school tests the best of friendships and Willa soon realizes that she needs to help Ruby understand her disorder so that the girls can help one another get ready for bigger changes to come. Once Willa opens up, she soon realizes that she isn’t the only one coping with anxiety. Pair with Guts, The Cure for Cold Feet or The Science of Unbreakable Things.  This middle school novel opens up discussion on how difficult it is to know the burdens people are carrying around.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook

three-stars

Ninita’s Big World

Ninita’s Big WorldNinita's Big World: The True Story of a Deaf Pygmy Marmoset by Sarah Glenn Marsh
Published by Clarion Books on April 30th 2019
ISBN: 132877001X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

“Ninita’s Big World” is the true story of a deaf pygmy marmoset who was born at the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Florida. Written by Sarah Glenn Marsh and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman, the book shows how Ninita was cared for at RSCF and how she became friends with Mr. Big. The illustrations are beautiful, colorful, and extremely cute. The story itself is basic, but kids will enjoy the pictures and Ninita getting brushed and cared for. The theme of kindness and happiness is reinforced throughout the book. At the back of the book there are facts about pygmy marmosets, which are pretty interesting. I wish there were more photographs of the animals included at the back of the book. Aimed at ages 4-7, this book would be an additional purchase if you have a large collection of animal picture books that go out often.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

Shadow Scent

Shadow ScentShadowscent (Shadowscent #1) by P.M. Freestone
Published by Scholastic Press on November 5th 2019
ISBN: 1338335448
Pages: 368
Goodreads
five-stars

Shadow Scent

 

In a world governed by scent and perfumery live Rakel and Ash who, in alternating chapters, tell of intrigue, torture, murder, and giant chrysalises.  Rakel’s father is plagued with “The Rot” in his leg and is dying.  Ash is the “Shield” for the soon-to-be-ruler, Nisai, who has been poisoned.  Rakel and Ash join together on a quest to all of the provinces, not trusting each other at first, but needing to procure the ingredients to replicate the poison and then to cure it, and then save Rakel’s father.  Their journey is plagued by giant chrysalises, living bones, and engravings on a locket.  The world-building is impressive in this fantasy world.  There are many characters and, at first, it is hard to keep track.  But, during the quest, it becomes much easier.  The story ends on a cliff-hanger which will keep readers wanting to know what happens.  This story feels intelligent and having it based on scent is unique.  This book is recommended for grades 7-12 and for consideration for Cream of the Crop.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

five-stars

Bizzy Bear: Race Car Driver

Bizzy Bear: Race Car DriverBizzy Bear: Race Car Driver by Benji Davies
Published by Nosy Crow on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1536205591
Pages: 8
Goodreads
three-stars

“Bizzy Bear: Race Car Driver” is a board book by Benji Davies with manipulable tabs. The book follows Bizzy Bear, a bear who is taking part in a car race. The illustrations are bright and fun. All of the characters are animals and the text is short and rhymes, which will appeal to younger kids who are being read to. Tabs that turn the start lights from red to green, make Bizzy Bear drive around the track, and other actions are fun and give kids practice with finger dexterity.

Aimed at ages 2-3, this board book will be enjoyed by most kids, especially those who are into race cars. Not an original idea, but a lot of fun, this is recommended as a secondary purchase for libraries with board book collections. Bear in mind that the tabs will get a lot of use if this book is part of a library collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars