Month: July 2020

Picture book of Alexander Hamilton

Picture book of Alexander HamiltonA Picture Book of Alexander Hamilton by David A. Adler, Matt Collins
Published by Holiday House on December 10, 2019
ISBN: 0823439615
Pages: 32
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Beautifully illustrated biography of the life of Alexander Hamilton, which details all important aspects of his life from birth to death. Included is a time life highlighting important dates in his life. Excellent book to use for child doing a report on his life. I was not happy about how the African Americans were depicted in the book.

For ages 6 to 10

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

three-stars

It’s Okay to be a Unicorn

It’s Okay to be a UnicornIt's Okay to Be a Unicorn! by Jason Tharp
Published by Imprint on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1250311322
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

The town of Hoofington has a strict “No Unicorns” policy, but little do they know, there’s one in their midst. Cornelius J. Sparklesteed is known for his wonderfully unique hats, but the truth is that they’re there to cover his horn. When he’s given the opportunity to perform the final act at the annual Hoofapalooza, Cornelius decides to come out as the unicorn he really is.

The concept behind this book — be who you are — is a good one, but the execution misses the mark. The setting, all the associated puns and attempts at humor feel forced and like a distraction from the overall message. This isn’t a new theme in picture books and others (eg: Sweety; I Am Enough; or Julián is a Mermaid) just execute it more successfully. The cartoonish, highly colored illustrations are perfectly appropriate for the tone of the book. Best for kids 3 and up simply because there’s a fair amount of text on each page.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

two-stars

Cat Dog Dog

Cat Dog DogCat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family by Andrea Zuill, Nelly Buchet
ISBN: 1984848992
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A man has a dog. A woman has a dog and a cat. They move in together, and everyone has some adjusting to do.

This is a wonderful book about a blended family and how things change when two families become one. The text is comprised almost entirely of the words dog and cat — with an occasional bird and frog. The illustrations make the book, and Zuill does not disappoint with her colorful, highly expressive art. Animal lovers will love this book, and kids will love this book. Recommended for kids 3 and up, this would also make a fun book for kids just learning to sound out three letter words.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Boy and the Wild Blue Girl

The Boy and the Wild Blue GirlThe Boy and the Wild Blue Girl by Keith Negley
ISBN: 0062846809
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Everyone in town finds the wild blue girl to be a nuisance — everyone, except Poul. The wild blue girl seems to cause distruction and frustration everywhere she goes, but Poul can see that she’s just trying to help. He decides to build something that will show everyone how wonderful and helpful the wild blue girl really can be.

This book is based on the work of Poul la Cour and his invention of wind turbines. The concept is a good one, I’m just not sure how well it will work with the intended audience. The text is very simple which may draw in younger readers, and they may miss the connection betweetn the wild blue girl and the wind. Used as a one-on-one read aloud, however, this book could spark wonderful conversations about energy use, metaphor, and so much more. The bright, pencil drawing illustrations are wonderful and really add to the story. You can feel the energy of the wild blue girl through the movement of the artwork. Recommended for kids 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Elmore and Pinky

Elmore and PinkyElmore and Pinky by Holly Hobbie
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 17, 2020
ISBN: 1524770817
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Elmore, the beloved and somewhat lonely, porcupine is back. He’s made lots of friends since his debut, but now he’s in search of a best friend. His wise uncle tells him that it will just happen, but Elmore isn’t so sure until he realizes his best friend has been right under his nose all along.

I love Elmore so I was really excited to see this follow up book; however, it just doesn’t hit the nail on the head in the same way that the first book did. The message is sweet, and Elmore is still relatable and adorable, but the flow of the book is off. It feels disjointed, and at one point I had to check to be sure I hadn’t skipped a page. The illustrations are colorful and definitely bolster the story and the book overall. Recommended for one-on-one sharing with kids 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

I Love Us: A Book About Family

I Love Us: A Book About FamilyI Love Us: A Book About Family (with mirror and fill-in family tree) by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Luisa Uribe
ISBN: 0358193303
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars


A celebration of all types of families and the bond that holds each one together: Love! This book includes a mirror so YOUR unique family will be reflected in the story. Work together to fill in the bonus family tree with the names of everyone you love.

Families can be big, small, silly, adventurous, loud, or messy, but they all have love in common. I Love Us! is all about the little ways families show they care: breakfasts made, play times shared, hurts soothed, and good times celebrated. With a mirror surprise and fill-in family tree, this special book makes a wonderful gift for children and the people who love them on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day—every day!

This board book is a wonderful celebration of all types of families and people. The simple text celebrates different things there are to love about one’s family — making breakfast, dancing to your own music, hugs, and more. Kids and parents will relate to the images and the events discussed throughout. The illustrations are colorful and detailed without being too busy. This is a great book for one-on-one sharing; my kids loved it at bed time. Recommended for babies and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Dragon Egg Princess

The Dragon Egg PrincessThe Dragon Egg Princess by Ellen Oh
Published by HarperCollins on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 0062875795
Pages: 256
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Jiho has no magical abilities what so ever. But in a land that is filled with magic this is actually a power- magic has no effect on him. So, when the missing royal princess needs his help, this ability will prove to be invaluable, especially in the magical Kidahara forest. Lots of cool magic by othere characters in the story. An interesting twist having that not having magic is powerful. At times, Princess Coco tended to be a bit annoying. But her feelings of frustration are real and when the reader discovers why, they will become more understanding of this. For ages 10 and up.

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

three-stars

My Life as a Potato

My Life as a PotatoMy Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner, James Lancett
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 24, 2020
ISBN: 0593118669
Pages: 272
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Ben moves to a new school and is bummed- the school’s team are the Spuds, their mascot a potato. Ben  feels he has a potato curse because several bad things have happened to him and a potato of some sorts always seems to play a part. But when Ben gets in trouble things get worse, he is going to have to be the school mascot for part of the basketball season, and that means wearing a potato costume. Ben is so embarrassed he does everything he can to hide it from his parents and friends, which gets way more complicated than he planned. Lots of humor in here and middle school issues with some sports as well. The shenanigans Ben goes through to keep his mascot identity a secret are funny and understandable.  Filled with humor, middle school bullies and cliques and sports, this is a terrific read. Ages 9 and up. Cream

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

Bloom

BloomBloom by Kenneth Oppel
on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 152477300X
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The Earth has been invaded by plants, and these plants not only out-compete Earth’s native plants for survival, they can use humans as a food source. No one knows how to stop them but on an island off of Canada, 3 teens are beginning to notice physical changes in their bodies when the plants arrive. And their changes might be the only thing that can stop the alien plants. This is a sci-fi, thriller, survival story. The plant aliens are brutal in here. The teens that are taking them on are cool too- and not perfect. Love the hint of the powers and what comes next. A series that will pull kids in. Ages 10 and up. Cream

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

A Home for Goddesses and Dogs

A Home for Goddesses and DogsA Home for Goddesses and Dogs by Connor, Leslie
Published by Groundwood Books, HarperCollins, Katherine Tegen Books on February 25, 2020
ISBN: 006279678X
Pages: 385
Genres: Non-Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Lydia’s mom died of cancer recently. The 2 were very close and Lydia has so many memories, Especially of her mom being honest with Lydia about her disease and their creation of goddesses to celebrate things in their lives. Now she is living with her Aunt Brat and her wife Eileen, both have made her feel welcome but Lydia wants to make sure that she does everything right. The problem is the dog they adopt and want Lydia to love too, is a hand full and a dog that most people would find hard to love. There is humor in this story and tearful moments as well. The adopted dog (Guffer) is far from perfect, he is really awful and challenging, a dog that most people would not keep. But the way this new family works at that, their passions, humor and love, shine through to make things work. One of the best parts is the relationship between Lydia’s two aunts. It isn’t always perfect and there are arguments but the love they have for each other (and Eileen’s humor) keep the couple, and eventually Lydia and Guffer loved and grounded. Terrific book. Ages 9 and up. Cream.

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars