Month: April 2021

While I was Away

While I was AwayWhile I Was Away by Waka T. Brown
Published by Quill Tree Books on January 26, 2021
ISBN: 0063017113
Pages: 320
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“While I was away” by Waka T. Brown is a middle grade memoir about the author’s time spent in a Japanese school one summer. Waka is in sixth grader living in Kansas, and is looking forward to her summer vacation with her friends. Her Japanese mother is unhappy with Waka’s Japanese fluency and decides to send her to Japan by herself to stay with her grandmother and go to Japanese school all summer long. The book starts with Waka’s hilarious attempts to convince her parents that she doesn’t need to go to Japan, but the bulk of the book is about Waka’s time in Japan both at school and living with her stern grandmother.

Waka’s journey to find inner strength and a connection with her grandmother is told in the first person, and you feel as if you are hearing the story directly from Waka. You can feeI what she is feeling. I was nervous that her arrival in Japan would be the start of nothing but bad experiences for her until she got more fluent, but the story focuses on both her failures and her successes from the beginning: though she makes mistakes in her speaking and writing classes, she is a star in PE, unlike in America where she is considered smart, but not athletic.

A heartfelt and at times very funny memoir of her time spent in sixth grade in Japan, this book is a welcome addition to your middle grade collection. Tweens and teens who like realistic fiction and biographies will enjoy Waka’s journey.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

The way to Rio Luna

The way to Rio LunaThe Way to Rio Luna by Cordova, Zoraida Córdova
Published by Scholastic on June 2, 2020
ISBN: 1338239546
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Danny and his sister Pilli have been through a lot together. But nothing could be harder than being placed in separate foster homes.  When Pilli goes missing and is said to have run away, Danny knows that this could not be the truth. Pilli had promised to come back for him and he knows in his heart, something has happened to her. He is determined to figure out what is going on and rescue his sister .  Danny has always believed in magic. He  has always believed that his sister is waiting for him in Rio Luna (a magical place from their favorite fairy tale). But time goes by and he is ready to give up. Just in the nick of time, he finds an intriguing book in the New York Public Library. It may not be time give up his magical beliefs, as he finds maps and clues on how to travel to none other than the magical, Rio Luna. Hopefully,  his travels there will lead to his sister.

A fast paced,  interesting book for middle school readers. This read should should appeal to those who enjoy  fantasy, mystery and adventure!  A solid addition to both public and school libraries.  Reviewed by Terri  Bauld, Children’s Librarian, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Midnight Fair

Midnight FairThe Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, Mariachiara Di Giorgio
Published by Candlewick Press on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 153621115X
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I usually don’t love books with no words because I’m never sure how to read them to kids. That didn’t seem to matter with Midnight Fair, though, because my eight year old insisted that this book be nominated for Cream of the Crop (and I agree with him). There is an undeniable joy that comes through this book about woodland animals that enjoy a fair after the humans have called it a night. While the illustrations are not overly busy, it’s full of activity and every page has subtle, funny details that kids will love finding.  It’s an immediate mood boost and has one of my favorite endings of any picture book.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

five-stars

Ellie’s Dragon

Ellie’s DragonEllie's Dragon by Bob Graham
Published by Candlewick Press on November 10, 2020
ISBN: 1536211133
Pages: 40
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Ellie’s Dragon” by Bob Graham is the story of a girl and her imaginary friend, a dragon, who she eventually outgrows. Her dragon then movies on to another young child who needs an imaginary friend. This book is a bit sad for the reader, as you watch Scratch the Dragon become more invisible as Ellie gets older. There are shades of Puff the Magic Dragon and Pete’s Dragon in this story with the bittersweet ending.

Illustrations are simple line and colored pencil drawings that burst with color. The pictures show Ellie slowly getting older and Scratch slowly fading as she needs him less.

Aimed at children aged 3 to 7, this book is not a must purchase for your collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

Peep and Ducky Sleepover

Peep and Ducky SleepoverPeep and Ducky Sleepover by David Martin, David Walker
Published by Candlewick Press on February 16, 2021
ISBN: 1536204544
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Peep and Ducky Sleepover” written by David Martin and illustrated by David Walker, is the fourth installment in the “Peep and Ducky” series. You do not need to have read the other books in order to read this one. Peep, who appears to be a young bluebird, and Ducky, a duckling, have a sleepover planned! Ducky comes over to Peep’s house and gets a little nervous when his father leaves after dropping him off, but after hugs from Peep and Peep’s Momma, he is ready to play.

The illustrations are bright and simple, and the text has a fun rhyming scheme and a repeated phrase: “Lucky lucky lucky!” Kids will enjoy this read aloud and it can be used by caregivers of young children to prepare them for a sleepover away from home. Caregivers can show how Peep and Ducky go through the whole bedtime routine, including brushing their beaks and going to the bathroom before bed.

Written for kids age birth to three, this is not a must-buy for your collection, but a nice addition to a large picture book collection, or where bird picture books are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

My bed: Enchanting ways to fall asleep around the world

My bed: Enchanting ways to fall asleep around the worldMy Bed: Enchanting Ways to Fall Asleep Around the World by Rebecca Bond, Salley Mavor
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on October 27, 2020
ISBN: 0544949064
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
An unusual and creative book for bedtime that highlights the many sleeping traditions from around the globe.  Each spread begins with a bolded headline that provides a detail about the sleeping customs in that specific country. Next comes an embroidered image of an animal animal followed by  a brief explanation of the tradition. The amazing visuals that accompany the text are unique illustrations creating using fabric, beads, wire and yarn on embroidered fabric backgrounds. These outstanding visuals take up 2/3 of the page leaving 1/4 of the page to text.

This book provides a great resource for children to get a global perspective of what they have in common with other children and also how they are different. The fabric illustrations  are very rich and detailed and entice the reader to pore over the pages looking at the amazing artistry of the page. The back pages include a note about the stitching provided by the illustration.  A beautiful way to travel around the world and take a glimpse into children’s bedtime rituals. For children ages 4 to 7. A solid purchase for both schools and public libraries.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Children’s Librarian, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library — Kennebunkport, ME.

four-stars

Maisy’s Moon Mission

Maisy’s Moon MissionMaisy's Moon Mission: Push, Slide, and Play! by Lucy Cousins
Published by Candlewick Press on February 16, 2021
ISBN: 1536215082
Pages: 10
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

“Maisy’s Moon Mission” is a board book addition to Lucy Cousins’ very successful Maisy the Mouse series. Maisy becomes an astronaut and travels to the moon in this book with tabs to slide and wheels to turn. With help from the reader, Maisy’s rocket blasts off! Her trip to the moon and back, while short (only about 8 pages), is filled with brightly colored illustrations and lots of activity in each scene. There are no flaps to lift; only pull tabs and wheels to turn, so this book should last a bit longer than most “lift-the-flap” books in your library collection.

Aimed at kids age birth to three, “Maisy’s Moon Mission” is a good purchase for your board book collection, or for any young child who particularly likes space and interactive books.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Pizza and Taco: Best party ever!

Pizza and Taco: Best party ever!Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever! by shaskan, Stephen Shaskan
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers, Random House Graphic on January 26, 2021
ISBN: 0593123344
Pages: 72
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars
What’s not to like about pizza and tacos? Especially when they are the main characters in a graphic novel for very young readers aged four to seven!  Everyone gets bored sometimes and Pizza and Taco decide to have a party to liven things up. So, they get busy planning a party. Things start to get tough when their party location is closed on the day of the event. Then, the lettering on their sign is messed up,  some of the guests do not get along,  add in food allergies, loud noises, no party favors with the final straw… rain. So, in the end after cleaning up they decide they are experts on how NOT to throw a party and learn from their mistakes.  The little readers will get plenty of laughs throughout the book  An early reader graphic novel with short chapters that will makes kids laugh and build reading skills at the same time. The colorful illustrations are engaging and playful with silly, loveable characters.  For children ages 4 to 7.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Graves Memorial Public Library.

four-stars

Quiet down, loud town

Quiet down, loud townQuiet Down, Loud Town! by Alastair Heim, Matt Hunt
Published by Clarion Books ISBN: 1328957829
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
What a way to start the day, with loud honking horns and chirping birds! Mr. Elephant’s day  has started out loudly and it’s only getting louder!  As he strolls through the town, he is met with barking dogs, clanking dishes, banging drums , noisy flip flops, along with clops, clinks, taps and pops. He’s is going to SNAP if the noise doesn’t STOP! Finally, he yells to the loud town to Quiet Down.  The animals in town are annoyed but they do quiet down and Mr. Elephant heads home for bed. Unfortunately, he can’t get to sleep…it’s just TOO quiet for him to sleep. So, he gets up and starts making all kinds of noises himself and falls asleep while snoring LOUDLY.  He is now waking up all the other animals with the loud noises coming from his apartment.  The animals confront him and he explains he didn’t MEAN to be so loud… and that maybe they didn’t either. The story ends with the elephant giving out free coffee to all his tired new friends.  The brightly colored mixed media illustrations are playful and engaging. Children aged four to seven will enjoy this picture book about a cranky elephant who gets what he thinks he wants… but  be careful what you wish for! This rhythmic tale would make a fun read aloud with all the various sounds. The story also opens up discussions on having different perspectives.  A strong addition for either public or school libraries. Reviewed by Terri Bauld,  Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library — Kennebunkport, ME.

four-stars

The Lights & Types of Ships at Night

The Lights & Types of Ships at NightThe Lights and Types of Ships at Night by Annie Dills, Dave Eggers
Published by McSweeney's on October 20, 2020
ISBN: 1952119073
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
I’ve never wondered this before but is it possible to have illustrations be too good? So good that they maybe even detract, or at least distract, from the text? I guess it’s a good problem to have. The illustrations in this book are startling and I found myself begrudgingly reading  the text because I couldn’t wait  to get to the next page, which was a shame because the text is informative and has Eggers’ natural and easygoing sense of humor.  Each page is a different kind of water vessel at night, illuminated by their lights in the dark. Eggers describes each vessel’s function but the book is mostly about how majestic they all are. He’s right and it’s always nice to take a step back and think about the beauty of something we might take for granted.  The backdrop of stars on the pages makes each one look like some kind of glowing space ship, so Eggers’ text is helpful in bringing us back down to earth.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

five-stars