Month: November 2019

How Do You Care For a Bear?

How Do You Care For a Bear?How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear? by Rosie Butcher, Vanessa Bayer
Published by Feiwel & Friends on June 4th 2019
ISBN: 1250298431
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“How Do You Care For a Bear?” is Vanessa Bayer’s debut book. When young, she was diagnosed and treated for childhood leukemia.  This book, in an upbeat and joyous way, gives suggestions as to how one might help and “be there” for a friend who is experiencing illness.   Written and illustrated in such a way that is both reassuring and instructive, this adorable little picture book shows children how they might bring joy and happiness into the lives of others.  During times when one might  feel helpless and unneeded,  this book shows and reassures children  that  they  can make a difference.  And sometimes it’s enough to just “be there” and to be a friend.

I think this is an excellent book that gently provides  young children with several suggestions  of what they might do to bring happiness to a sick friend.  By doing so, a child may feel  a sense e of empowerment as opposed to feeling helpless and unneeded.

The illustrations are joyful and appealing.  I would recommend this book for children ages 3-8. Could be read anytime but especially when a child is concerned about another’s health.

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

five-stars

Queen of the Sea

Queen of the SeaQueen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis
Published by Walker Books US on June 25th 2019
ISBN: 1536204986
Pages: 400
Goodreads
five-stars

Dylan Meconis has created a historical fiction graphic novel that will wow readers. Clearly inspired by the Tudors, especially Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I, Queen of the Sea tells the story of Margaret, a little girl who was found by the nuns living on a small island in the middle of the sea. Margaret occasionally chafes against the rules of the Elysian sisters, especially when political prisoners, William and his mother, Lady Cameron, are exiled to the island. Eventually, they are also joined by Eleanor, the former queen, banished there by her half-sister, who is now sitting on her throne.

Though Margaret and Eleanor don’t get along at first, they grow to depend on each other as mysteries begin to unravel for Margaret about who she really is and what purpose the island actually serves.

Filled with a story pulsing with the drama of history and stylized illustrations that adapt to the story, Queen of the Sea is recommended for all collections serving kids between third and seventh grade.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

 

five-stars

And the Bullfrogs Sing: A Life Cycle Begins

And the Bullfrogs Sing: A Life Cycle Begins by David L Harrison, Kate Cosgrove
Published by Holiday House on May 21st 2019
ISBN: 0823438341
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Beyond adequate for preschool story programs this book offers information and a beautiful presentation to young readers/listeners.   Facts are presented in story form accompanied by attractive two-page illustrated spreads.  While table manners are not fully developed by frogs, they know how to live life in the pond.  Children may be surprised by both good and negative relationships with other animals as life in the pond can be dangerous.

Illustrations are descriptive and attractive in shape and color.  The almost circular drawings complete with white space are welcome breaks from all the dark backgrounds. A page of bullfrog facts and references is helpful but this is not a book for school projects.  Recommended for preschools and public libraries who collect science picture books.

 

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With MeLaura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki, Rosemary Valero-O'Connell
Published by First Second on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 1626722595
Pages: 289
Goodreads
five-stars

In Mariko Tamaki’s latest graphic novel, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, Freddy feels so lucky to be the girlfriend of the most popular girl in school. The problem is that Laura Dean keeps breaking up with her. And is maybe not the best girlfriend. Following the advice of her best friend, Doodle, she asks a relationship medium for help about what she should do. Freddy finds herself being drawn deeper and deeper into the relationship with Laura until she realizes that maybe the problem hasn’t been Laura–or at least it hasn’t only been Laura. Maybe she needs to work on herself and try to be a better friend, too.

Played out in stunningly detail black and white illustrations with touches of soft pink, the story unfolds to be as much about personal growth as it is about navigating relationships. The tension draws the reader forward, even as frustration with Freddy occasionally grows. Still, Freddy serves as an example of growth–showing how easy it is to mess a good thing up, and how hard it can be to work your way back.

Recommended for all teen graphic novel collections.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

five-stars

This Was Our Pact

This Was Our PactThis Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews
Published by First Second on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 1626720533
Pages: 330
Goodreads
five-stars

This Was Our Pact is a graphic novel from Ryan Andrews. Ben and his three best friends are on their bikes following the lanterns from the Autumn Equinox Festival. Every year, they follow the lanterns as they bob down the river, but turn back before they find out where they go. This year will be different because they’ve made a pact–No one turns back or looks behind them. Eventually, however, Ben’s friends do turn back and Ben is left with Nathaniel–the weird kid who has been following along. Ben and Nathaniel go on a long fantastical journey, eventually learning the truth of where the lanterns go and learn a lot about each other as they do.

This Was Our Pact is full of twists and turns that startle the reader. The stand out aspect of the graphic novels are Andrews’ illustrations. Toned in various colors, they breathe life into the stories and make the fantasy become part of the reality for the characters.

Recommended for readers between 9 and 14.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

five-stars

Ranger Rick: I Wish I Was a Wolf

Ranger Rick: I Wish I Was a WolfRanger Rick: I Wish I Was a Wolf by Jennifer Bove
Published by HarperCollins on December 31st 2018
ISBN: 0062432206
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

I Wish I Was a Wolf is an informational early reader book that aims to give young readers facts about wolves. Each page is a full color picture of wolves with a white box giving information on a certain aspect of wolves’ lives. Bové structures the book to encourage children to compare aspects of their own lives with those of wolves. Unfortunately, this means that Bové then ends the book with an odd page that asks kids if they really want to “live outdoors? Lick [themselves] clean? Eat thrown-up meat?” and then tells them that luckily they don’t have to because they’re themselves. Structuring the book like this takes away from the informational aspects and adds nothing in return. Additionally, some of the facts are simplified to the point of misinformation.

Included in the backmatter are a “Did you know?” section,  a “Fun Zone” with activities based on wolf sounds, a short glossary, and a link to more information. There is no table of contents. Vocabulary seems to best first a first or second-grade reader.

A secondary purchase where animal books for readers are very popular.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

two-stars

Bloodleaf

BloodleafBloodleaf (Bloodleaf, #1) by Crystal Smith
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1328496309
Pages: 373
Goodreads
four-stars

Bloodleaf is the first of a new trilogy that is sure to win admirers and sustain interest through the next two books.  As a talented user of magic Princess Aurelia must hide her skills from the Tribunal as magic is forbidden.  The action builds from the beginning working up to a fevered pitch as her life and skills are continually challenged in two communities.  Fans of Medieval Age fantasy will be delighted with the dual of royal privilege and struggle of the simple life.  Aurelia will win the hearts of readers who are inspired by strong women especially those who are unafraid of ghostly presence, blood magic and violence.  This is a somewhat creepy read that reaches beyond Halloween and will be appreciated all year long.   Readers will anxiously wait for the next title in spring.

This book is divided into three sections which help to separate the different locations and action.  Yet a full circle is completed and the reader will be satisfied by the romance, suspense and battle to the end and beyond.  Add this new title to middle school and public libraries where fantasy is appreciated by readers.  Cannot wait to see where the next title takes readers.

four-stars

The Pawed Piper

The Pawed PiperThe Pawed Piper by Chinlun Lee, Michelle Robinson
Published by Candlewick Press on July 9th 2019
ISBN: 1536201650
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

”

A tale told in first person, ” The Pawed Cat,” is  about a small girl who wants a cat of her very own.  One day, the small girl  goes to visit granny  and borrows things that  Hector, (granny’s cat) likes to play with.   Soon, and to the small girl’s great surprise, Hector  pays a visit to the small girl’s home –  but Hector does not come alone.  Oh NO, Hector is accompanied by – not  one cat,  not  two cats , but by 67 cats! The small girl  loves them all, but doesn’t really  mean to take anyone else’s cat.   When she posts flyers to find their owners, and  when the  cats are finally all claimed,  she remembers the  cat who stayed hidden in her sock drawer.  The small girl soon know’s  the reason when she  discovers kittens!   And all of these kittens, too,  soon found new homes  – – -“except the smallest one, who made himself a home in the corner and wouldn’t leave . . . not ever.”

A wonderful, loving book for any child who has ever wished for a pet. The story plot is clever and the ending is most satisfying when the small girl’s wish is fulfilled.  The tone of this story is quiet and the ending says – Awwww. . . .

The illustrations are soft but  add more meaning and tenderness to the text.  I would recommend this book as a nap time or bedtime tale – satisfying, soft and cuddely!

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

four-stars

Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains

Snow Leopard: Ghost of the MountainsSnow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains by Justin Anderson, Patrick Benson
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536205400
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Justin Anderson is a zoologist and filmmaker who spent months in India tracking and filming the very rare and very illusive Snow Leopard. He has offered his findings in this picture book for young zoologists. These  cats live very high in the Himalayas where oxygen is half of what it is at sea level, they have the longest tail of all the cats, their eyes are blue at birth and turn green or gray as they age- all other cats have gold or yellow eyes , they are extremely well  camouflaged, and they are in danger, with less than 4,000 in the wild. Anderson invites the reader along with him as he tracks this rarest of wild cats. Patrick Benson adds illustrations to this journey that are large, quiet and done in shades of browns. The author has included facts about the leopard at the bottom of each page , an authors note, an index, and websites to visit for more information. Add to collections on endangered species. This book is worth reading to readers who will one day be responsible for the fate of this beautiful and mysterious cat.

submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

consider for Cream

five-stars

Panic

PanicPanic by Sasha Dawn
Published by Carolrhoda Lab (R) on October 1st 2019
ISBN: 154153574X
Pages: 312
Goodreads
four-stars

This realistic novel for readers in grades 9-12 is a cautionary tale of online strangers, as well as, blended family issues.  Madelaine, who prefers to be called Lainey, has been performing in commercials and theater since she was little.  She has panic attacks and finds that it is easier to be a character then to share about herself with people.    Lainey has always felt she is pushed and pulled in the middle of her parent’s divorce with each other.  Now her mother, who has kept her own cancer resurgence a secret,  is taking her manager father to court again to pay for Lainey to attend a performing arts high school.  As the family pressure escalates, Lainey connects to a stranger online who says he is the author of the poems in folded origami figures that have been appearing wherever she goes.  At first, she feels  safe sharing thoughts, feelings and family situations with this stranger online, but it starts to have a stalking quality and she starts depending on her friends and step sister to help her identify honest and safe decisions to make.   Lainey’s voice feels real and readers will want to direct her to appropriate decisions.   There is some hint of romance between Lainey and her friend, Brendon, who is pansexual.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library

 

four-stars