Month: March 2021

Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian

Lightfall: The Girl and the GaldurianThe Girl & the Galdurian (Lightfall, #1) by Tim Probert
Published by HarperAlley on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 0062990470
Pages: 247
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

The set-up graphic novel to what promises to be a dazzling graphic novel series. While in the forest, Bea meets Cad, a Galdurian in search of help from the Pig Wizard. Turns out, Bea is his granddaughter so she brings Cad to Salty Pig’s Tonics and Tinctures to meet the Pig Wizard. Unfortunately, her grandfather has remembered that the Seal of the Restless Sleeper needs to be checked and it’s his job to do it. In the note to Bea, her grandfather explains that he doesn’t seem to know exactly where the Seal is. Bea and Cad decide to set out and find him as Bea is sure that he will surely need help. This is the setup for the perfect quest graphic novel. In crisply drawn panels with a palette of rusts and teals, the two reluctant adventurers face strange creatures and precarious situations. This first volume ends on a mighty cliffhanger that promises more adventures, and these will be eagerly snapped up by readers. Recommend for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Sharko and Hippo

Sharko and HippoSharko and Hippo by Andrea Tsurumi, Elliott Kalan
Published by Balzer + Bray on September 29, 2020
ISBN: 0062791095
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Sharko and Hippo are friends—Sharko does the talking, and Hippo does the carrying. The two friends are setting out on a fishing trip, but Hippo can’t seem to understand what Sharko wants. Sharko asks for a boat, and Hippo hands him a coat. Sharko asks for a pole, and Hippo hands him a peel. This zany banter continues until Sharko gives up and the two head home.

This is a silly story that will make kids giggle. Sharko and Hippo are fun and likeable. The environmentalist in me doesn’t appreciate all the misguided givings being thrown into and left in the water. The mixed media illustrations fit perfectly with the tone of the book. They’re cartoonish, colorful, and help bring Sharko’s exasperation to the forefront. The overall humor of the book is captured well with the illustrations as well. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Space Encyclopedia

Space EncyclopediaSpace Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond by David A. Aguilar, Patricia Daniels
Published by National Geographic Kids on November 3, 2020
ISBN: 1426338562
Pages: 208
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Space enthusiasts rejoice! David Aguilar is back with another gorgeous tome of space facts and fun. This is the second edition of this National Geographic book, and it includes more up to date findings and knowledge of space as well as our space travel efforts. It is separated into sections regarding what we know and where we’re going. It also includes an in depth tour of the solar system. The book is chock full of stunning space photography, artist renditions of space, as well as fun infographics and sidebars with extra facts. Space enthusiasts will not be disappointed with this newest edition. Recommended for readers 8 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Ella’s Night Lights

Ella’s Night LightsElla's Night Lights by Lucy Fleming
Published by Candlewick on November 24, 2020
ISBN: 1536212695
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Ella has moth wings, she collects things that light up at night. The one thing she really wants to do is see the surnise, though. Her wings are too sensitive to withstand the sun so it isn’t something she’s ever been able to do. When all of her forest friends learn of her wish, they are determined to make it happen for her.

This is a heartwarming story of friendship and magic. The digitally rendered illustrations will delight young readers with their whimsy and sparkles. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

The Coolest Stuff on Earth

The Coolest Stuff on EarthThe Coolest Stuff on Earth: A Closer Look at the Weird, Wild, and Wonderful by Brenda Scott Royce
Published by National Geographic Kids on November 3, 2020
ISBN: 1426338589
Pages: 192
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This National Geographic book is loaded with information that will wow readers of all ages. Dolphins have their own language and call each other by name. There are beetles that shoot chemicals that are heated up to 100 degrees at potential predators. It is separated into sections—animals, history, technology, sports, etc. There are loads of gorgeous photographs throughout, as one would expect from National Geographic. The book is also full of interesting sidebars and infographics. Recommended for readers 8 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Kids vs. Plastic

Kids vs. PlasticKids vs. Plastic: Ditch the straw and find the pollution solution to bottles, bags, and other single-use plastics by Julie Beer
Published by National Geographic Kids on December 1, 2020
ISBN: 1426339100
Pages: 128
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a great overview of the effects that plastics have on our environment. It includes some easy, real life examples of small steps kids and their families can take to reduce plastic use and thus, the plastic waste they generate. There are compelling photographs, infographics, sidebars, and stories throughout that will inspire readers to assess their reliance on plastics. Recommended for readers 8 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, ME

four-stars

Avocado Asks

Avocado AsksAvocado Asks: What Am I? by Momoko Abe
ISBN: 1408358220
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Everything is going well for Avocado in the grocery store until one day, a dark skinned young customer asks her mom if an avocado is a fruit or a vegetable. When the mother doesn’t directly answer the question, Avocado’s life is thrown upside down. Avocado checks all the different areas of the store but can’t seem to fit in anywhere. That’s when an unexpected, and often misunderstood friend helps Avocado realize it doesn’t matter how other people see them, as long as Avocado knows they’re amazing, that’s all that matters.

This is a wonderful book. The message of loving yourself is a good one, and the story is easy to follow and fun. The digitally rendered illustrations are colorful and add emotion and humor to the story. This makes a great read-aloud. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Nice Try, Charlie

Nice Try, CharlieNice Try, Charlie! by Matt James
Published by Groundwood Books on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 1773061801
Pages: 48
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Charlie is a fixture in town. He pushes a cart loaded with treasures, and he picks up many things other people consider to be trash. He finds ways to use things other people throw away. Charlie helps a neighbor get her cat back, and then he stumbles upon a box with an entire pie in it. He makes an effort to find the owner of the pie, but when he’s unable to find the owner, he shares the pie with his community of friends.

This is an important story because it focuses on the type of person often overlooked by many people in society. Charlie exudes kindness, and it doesn’t go unnoticed by his friends. The mixed media illustrations are beautiful and add so much depth and dimension to the story. The combination of thick strokes of acrylic paint with collage give the sense there’s actually three dimensional texture on the page (this reviewer’s 5-yr old tried to touch one page and was confused/disappointed when it was still flat). This is a wonderful story about friendship, community, and finding kindness and value in all people. Recommended for purchase and for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Can You See Me?

Can You See Me?Can You See Me? by Libby Scott, Rebecca Westcott
Published by Scholastic Press on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 1338608916
Pages: 362
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Tally is an autistic 6th grader, and she’s dreading many things about starting school—scratchy uniforms, changing schedules, being without her friends in all her classes. Until now, Tally has never been ashamed of being autistic. It’s part of what makes her the person she is. When she starts 6th grade, though, she’s the brunt of a fair amount of bullying, and it makes her keenly aware of her differences. Suddenly, she feels as if she needs to fit into a mold that doesn’t feel quite right.

This is a wonderful #OwnVoices book co-written by a young autistic girl, Libby Scott. The way Tally expresses her autism and what it means for her really brings to light some of the often misunderstood aspects of autism. The story is relatable, well paced, and easy to read. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

In The Half Room

In The Half RoomIn the Half Room by Carson Ellis
Published by Candlewick Press on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 1536214566
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Half a cat lies on half a rug, on half a floor, in half a house. Everything in this story is half of something until a knock comes at the door. This is a whimsical and quirky story with no major plot. The text is simple and sparse. The gouache and ink illustrations are beautiful and bring the half house to half life. Hand this to fans of quirky reads. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars