Month: November 2019

When Everyone Was Fast Asleep

When Everyone Was Fast AsleepWhen Everyone Was Fast Asleep by Tomie dePaola
Published by Holiday House on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 0823442810
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Originally introduced in 1976, Holiday House brings back master storyteller and illustrator Tomie DePaola’s story of the Fog Maiden who sends Token the cat to the house of two children and returns with them on a nighttime adventure. This adventure includes,trolls, a ball, dancing peacocks, and the meeting with a king and queen. When the evening ends, they are delivered safely home by the Fog Maiden. With signature DePaola illustrations of soft color that gives a feeling of calm, this is a gentle story from the past that introduces Tomie DePaola to a new generation of readers.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public lLibrary

four-stars

Join the No-Plastic Challenge: a first Book of Reducing Waste

Join the No-Plastic Challenge: a first Book of Reducing WasteJoin the No-Plastic Challenge!: A First Book of Reducing Waste by Scot Ritchie
Published by Kids Can Press on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 152530240X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Part of the Exploring Our Community series,author Ritchie introduces readers to Nick and his friends who are learning about plastic pollution. They are challenged to go one day without using single use plastic. Told in story form, this book is filled with facts about the use and misuse of single-use plastics.This is the plastic we use once and throw away: forks, lids, straws, and how it affects every living thing on the planet. The author also explains in text and illustration how plastic is made.  The  text is in two forms, a story form simple and easy for those younger readers and then a bolder more deliberate form for the scientist reader. Each page of text  is supported  with illustrations digitally rendered. There is a glossary of words to know in the back of the book and many suggestions on how to live a more plastic free. This is an excellent STEAM introduction to one of our planets biggest contributors to pollution. It is a must for every library and every reader. CREAM

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

five-stars

A World of Discovery

A World of DiscoveryA World of Discovery by Richard Platt, James Brown
Published by Candlewick Studio on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536207667
Pages: 64
Goodreads
five-stars

An entry in the Candlewick Studios oversized non-fiction books series, A World of Discovery talks about world-changing discoveries throughout history.  The book starts in 3500 BCE with the wheel and ends with artificial intelligence. The book mentions 30 discoveries in total, from simple concepts such as fire, time, and the wheel, to massive advancements such as antibiotics, steam power, and refrigeration.  Each topic receives a 2 page spread with a writeup on the discovery and creator, along with quotes and interesting facts on the left, while the right-hand side has a one color illustration of the invention and how it works. The book takes items, many from our daily lives, and explains how revolutionary they were at one time.  It’s a great reminder to all of us to not take the world around us for granted. Best for ages 8-14.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Out of my Shell

Out of my ShellOut of My Shell by Jenny Goebel
Published by Scholastic Press on June 25th 2019
ISBN: 1338259555
Pages: 224
Goodreads
five-stars

Olivia’s parents are getting a divorce. She’s trying very hard to be cheerful and not let anyone down. She’s pretending that everything is still okay. She’s going through her first family vacation at her grandparents with mom,  and her little sister Lanie. Mom and Lanie were a bookend and she and her dad were the other bookends in looks, personality, and interests. Her aunt comes for a visit with her twin toddlers (the mob) and starts trash talking her dad, and trying to get her mom to move back to Florida. Her friend from across the street is different this summer. His grandfather is a caretaker to a big Hotel that has a new owner. The new guy is a jerk and doesn’t care about the turtles that are trying to nest on the beach. Olivia does some research, some growing up, and learns to come out of her shell. Her sister almost drowns …

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick GNGMS Gray

I recommend this book for cream, it’s a very realistic self-help book for kids who can identify with family problems.

 

five-stars

Cats: Nature and Nurture

Cats: Nature and NurtureScience Comics: Cats: Nature and Nurture by Andy Hirsch, Mikel Delgado
Published by First Second on August 13th 2019
ISBN: 1250143128
Pages: 128
Goodreads
five-stars

Another fantastic title in the Science Comics series. This book by Andy Hirsch (a familiar Science Comics author of Dogs, Trees, and Varmints) delves into the mystery of the cat from house cat to jungle beast.  We meet Bean, adorable internet sensation, and learn how she got to be the most viewed kitty on the Web. As Bean tells her story, the reader learns about main motivation for ALL cats: hunting. Cats are carnivores and are made for killing. This killer instinct and humans’ understanding of it speaks to how successfully a person is in living with a domesticated cat. All cats need to hunt to feel fulfilled, it’s in their nature and humans can only change that behavior so much with nurturing. The book is filled with facts about the physiology of cats from their teeth to their claws to their righting reflex (cats always land on their feet). Cat lovers will enjoy the science behind the seemingly mysterious behavior of their pet and comics readers will enjoy the humor, engaging writing, and fabulous, bright illustrations for which this series has become known. These comics are text-heavy and best for readers in grades 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Tell Me Everything

Tell Me EverythingTell Me Everything by Sarah Enni
Published by Point on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338139150
Pages: 288
Goodreads
four-stars

Tell Me Everything is a compelling first novel that is sure to draw in young teens.  Introverted Ivy survives a summer without her best friend Harold as she gets more and move involved with an artistic sharing app.  Most readers will identify with the attentive app usage and many may understand Ivy’s personality as a loner.  What they will not see coming are the tweaks and spins that make up sophomore year as the characters try to work out their personal place within the high school culture.  Several characters are introduced but few fully develop to the extent of Ivy and Harold.  Parents and teachers are painted with typical disdain and affection.  The daily challenges and family situations of several classmates adds depth to the storyline.

Add this modern real-world title to middle school media centers and place on public library shelves.

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

four-stars

Out Walkers

Out WalkersOutwalkers by Fiona Shaw
Published by David Fickling Books on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338277502
Pages: 416
Goodreads
four-stars

Jacob lives in a British government orphanage following an accident that took his parents.  Like all of society the orphanage is a front for a controlling government that watches every action of the citizens.  This book shares a futuristic story of a desperate young man and his dog in a fast moving and compelling read.   The characters are edgy and at times surprising as they face major road blocks to their existence.

Perhaps not all new this book does bring up lots of interesting thoughts and fears of current society.  The author has written a good story complete with some grit and lots of determination for the 5th to 7th grade reader.   Order this for intermediate and middle school collections and gift to young readers who love futuristic and compelling stories.

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

four-stars

My Grandma and Me

My Grandma and MeMy Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin, Lindsey Yankey
Published by Candlewick Press on August 13th 2019
ISBN: 0763694940
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

My Grandma and Me

Not only an autobiographical love story of a little girl and her Grandma this book goes beyond the family to include the larger Muslin community in Iran.   Readers feel the adoration in the storyline as they learn about traditions in a culture that may be unlike their own.  Unity of thought however comes alive as the reader remember their own childhood cooking with a grandmother and playing with friends.  The Holidays may be different but the underlying reality of love between generations and sharing of time is comprehended by all.  This title can be seen as a work of art, My Grandma and Me is full of lovely patterns in the curtain, clothing, rugs, tiles and fabrics.   All of the characters are charming as they express their happiness, joy and love in simple daily task.  This is a cultural story of love that will touch all who open the book and read the story.

Add this to primary school media centers, public libraries and gift to families.  A perfect story book for grandmas and granddaughters.

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

five-stars

Nature All Around: Trees

Nature All Around: TreesNature All Around: Trees by Pamela Hickman, Carolyn Gavin
Published by Kids Can Press on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1771388048
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a beautiful, comprehensive introduction to trees of the United States and Canada. Colorful, painted illustrations that are at once playful and descriptive serve to support and further explain the thorough scientific coverage of photosynthesis, respiration, tree growth, trunk and leaf structure, pollination, and more. The book, which includes a table of contents, informational sidebars throughout, a regional map, and a glossary, is divided by season. The author smartly predicts readers’ questions along the way and refers them to pages later in the book for answers. For example, when we learn early in the book why leaves are green, it would seem intuitive to immediately provide the answer to why they change color. That answer does come along, but not for another 6 pages, so the author adds a little blurb with a page number referral for those readers who would rather find out sooner than later.

The book includes activities for young readers, including tree-watching and tree journaling tips and suggestions, planting information, and suggestions for protecting trees. It does not neglect the interconnectedness of nature with illustrations of animals for whom trees are home or a source of food. A two-page spread includes drawings and information about strange and unusual trees.

Thoroughly enjoyable. A great classroom, school or public library addition. For grades 2 to 5.

Reviewed by Kelly Greenlee, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

four-stars

The Hippo at the End of the Hall

The Hippo at the End of the HallThe Hippo at the End of the Hall by Helen Cooper
Published by Candlewick Press on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 153620448X
Pages: 352
Goodreads
four-stars

The invitation comes without an address, but Ben is convinced that it’s meant for him. When he asks his mom what she knows about the mysterious museum, she pointedly doesn’t answer, but she does reluctantly allow him go to see it for himself. When he arrives at the deserted, dilapidated museum, Ben finds a menagerie of specimens, which, though stuffed and preserved, nonetheless move and talk. The animals soon reveal that they have been awaiting his arrival and that they are relying on him to save the museum. The adventure that follows is fast-pasted with mysteries and magic scattered throughout the story. Ben must save the museum from being sold to developers and a greedy competitor. In the process, he learns a great deal about himself and about the father he never knew.

Helen Cooper , best known for her picture books (Pumpkin Soup), offers up a delightful, illustrated chapter book for grades 2 to 4. The frequent and charming pencil illustrations make this a pleasurable read for those who are on their way to discovering a love of fantasy. Perfect for kids who have enjoyed and graduated from Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Treehouse books.

Reviewed by Kelly Greenlee, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

four-stars