Month: May 2021

The Broken Raven

The Broken RavenThe Broken Raven (Shadow Skye, #2) by Joseph Elliott
Published by Walker Books US on January 21, 2021
ISBN: 1536207489
Pages: 336
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

As the second in a trilogy this book was an interesting and adventurous read.  This reader would have benefited by previewing The Good Hawk first as the storyline of The Broken Raven is a continuation of the first book of the trilogy.  Three teen characters learn to think for themselves as they fight the royal and local authority who threaten the existence of their clan.  Their cunning and bravery are beyond question as is their loyalty.  The existence of dangerous shadow figures leads to challenging battles sure to please grade 7-9 fantasy readers.  As inviting as the plot sounds the storyline is propelled into another realm via the use of some Gaelic and local dialect.

Public libraries and middle school media centers who collect fantasy will want both the first and second title in the Shadow Skye Trilogy.  Students will be anxious for the third title to arrive.  Older fantasy readers may also be interested in this trilogy, many adults peruse titles on YA shelves.  Readers of all ages will notice that heroes within the pages possess various abilities.   This is a welcome addition to fantasy collections.

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

four-stars

What will you dream of tonight?

What will you dream of tonight?What Will You Dream of Tonight? by Anuska Allepuz, Frances Stickley
Published by Nosy Crow on November 3, 2020
ISBN: 1536214477
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“What will you dream of tonight?” by Frances Stickley and illustrated by Anuska Allepuz is a new bedtime story to add to your collection. In rhyme, the book asks the child what they will do in their dreams tonight, since in dreams you can do anything. Will you fly in a balloon up to the moon and put a star in your pocket? Will you ride on a river through the rainforest? Discover the treasure of a sleeping dragon? All of these can happen in your dreams.

Stickley’s calming rhymes fit well with Allepuz’s gorgeously serene mixed-media illustrations. You can get lost in the detailed settings Allepuz has drawn, with skies that look like crayon rubbings. The book truly does make you feel like falling asleep, but in a good way! You may be able to coax a child into wanting to go to sleep with this book!

The book ends with three reassuring sentences: “You are safe. You are home. You are loved.” This reminds the reader that you should feel free to go to sleep and have these amazing dreams without worry because you will still be safe and loved. For children aged 2 to 5, this book is a recommended purchase for your picture book collection and might be a new bedtime classic!

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

You are always loved

You are always lovedYou Are Always Loved: A Story of Hope by Harry Cunnane, Holly Clifton-Brown, Madeleine Dean
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on February 16, 2021
ISBN: 0593309243
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“You are always loved” is written by Madeleine Dean and Harry Cunnane and illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown. This book features a small rabbit who gets caught out in a storm. He is scared, but bands together with friends and finds out that even when you are scared or feel alone, you are still loved. This story can be read with a religious theme, as if a higher power is always loving you, but in the back of the book, the authors explain that the book was inspired by Harry’s addiction and recovery and what his mother and he wished that he and his family knew during his addiction.

Clifton-Brown’s illustrations are bright and cute, and the animals evoke a sense of warmth. The detail on the animals (down to their fur and feathers) contrasts nicely with the more basic watercolor-type art for the environment. The illustrations emphasize what is stated in the text: You are always loved and there is hope.

The book is aimed at children aged 4-8. While very nice, it is not a must-buy since there are many animal-based picture books with themes of love and acceptance. Could be purchased for collections that want a book for young kids about addiction.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

The Rock From The Sky

The Rock From The SkyThe Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen
Published by Candlewick Press on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 1536215627
Pages: 96
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I will never, ever get tired of deadpanning, hat-wearing, animals. I hope Klassen goes with this theme forever. In his newest book, which is broken down into small chapters, a turtle (in a bowler) has a favorite spot that is challenged by an armadillo (also in a bowler) and a snake (in a beret).  Basically, the animals just discuss spots they like to be in and then there’s a twist or two. His stories are so simple and funny and well written and his illustrations are so subtle and unique and also funny; I can’t gush about him enough. Recommended for everyone.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

The Beautiful Struggle: A Memoir: Adapted for Young Adults

The Beautiful Struggle: A Memoir: Adapted for Young AdultsThe Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Published by Delacorte Press on January 12, 2021
ISBN: 1984894021
Pages: 176
Goodreads
three-stars

This is an adaptation of Coates’s adult memoir The Beautiful Struggle (2008). The book focuses on Coates’s relationship with his father, Paul, and the lessons he taught his sons.  It is a coming of age story and one that proceeds in a fluid, stream-of-conscious style that makes for dense pages. The setting is Baltimore and the writing is woven through with slang and allusion and a writing style that is not for the reluctant or hesitant reader.  Adaptations are hot right now and for those teens, grades 10 and up, interested in #ownvoices stories and the Black Lives Matter movement, this may have appeal, but I am not sure why a strong reader, interested in Coates and his writing and his story would not just read the original book.

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

three-stars

Milo Imagines the World

Milo Imagines the WorldMilo Imagines the World by Christian Robinson, Matt de la Pena
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 0399549080
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Young Milo and his sister ride the subway together in anticipation of something exciting. To pass the time Milo draws pictures of the other subway riders and what he imagines their lives are like. The lives vary; some are troubled, some are amazing. When they reach their stop Milo notices another subway rider going to the same destination he is and realizes that you never know what we might have in common with other people. This causes him to reevaluate the lives he has envisioned for the others.  This is an excellent book for not only kids but for all of us that need to be reminded that you never know what someone might be struggling with and that we might have more common ties than we realize to complete strangers. Illustrated as wonderfully as ever by Christian Robinson.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

five-stars

My Day with the Panye

My Day with the PanyeMy Day with the Panye by Sara Palacios, Tami Charles
Published by Candlewick Press on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 0763697494
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Vibrant colors, descriptive language and a true sense of community make this a good read for     K – gr 3 readers.  Mother and daughter lead readers through a colorful and rich tour of Port-au-Prince in Haiti.  The text points out cultural traditions, relationships and the vibrant presence of women within the community.  Like all girls Fallen is in a hurry to grow up; for her carrying the panye on her head to market would indicate maturity.  Mother and daughter pass through the country side, by the tap-tap bus, and arrive in the city where market is held. Palacios’ illustrations enhance the storyline bringing the physical environment to life and revealing the look and feel of the market.  French language signs dot the cityscape where mostly women are conducting business.

This lovely book would make a great addition to media center and public library collections.  The diverse content may prompt classroom discussion and raise awareness of young readers.  Although children live in different lands they have more in common than not.

Kisses and Croissants

Kisses and CroissantsKisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Published by Delaware Press on April 6, 2021
ISBN: 0593375882
Pages: 320
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Teen ballerina Mia is attending a prestigious summer program in Paris, France. Much to her chagrin, not only is her rival attending, but they’re roommates. Mia, as several of the matriarchs in her family before her, intends to dance with one of the great ballet companies. The program is performing Swan Lake this summer, and Mia snags the role of the black swan. That means she’ll be focused only on practice and classes. That is, until she runs into a charming, cute French boy named Louis. Instantly intrigued, Mia can’t say no to him and starts to lie to everyone about where she’s spending her free time. Unfortunately, that has an effect on her ballet, and the director tells her that she needs to choose ballet or a social life. What will Mia do? The characters are not very well developed, even the main characters, who are assumed white. However, Paris is itself a character that will leave you dreaming of patisseries and museums. Best to read this with a croissant. You’ll want one. Recommended for ages 13+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

four-stars

The Way of the Hive

The Way of the HiveThe Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee's Story by Jay Hosler
Published by HarperAlley on April 20, 2021
ISBN: 0063007363
Pages: 160
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Originally published as a series of comics called Clan Apis (2000), this nonfiction graphic novel has been collected and colorized for a fresh and beautiful update. Hosler,  a biology professor by day, is a stellar storyteller when it comes to things that creep and crawl and buzz. This is the story of a very curious, but cautious, bee named Nyuki; in fact, each of the bees in the story has a name that is the word for ‘bee’ in a particular language. Using the story of Nyuki (Swahili), Hosler offers the full story of a bee’s life from larva to death (in a heart-tugging scene). The book reads like an adventure and infuses storytelling into the mechanics of the lives of these fascinating, and necessary, pollinators. Budding entomologists, those interested in apiculture, fans of the Science Comics series and of Hosler’s  previous graphic novel Last of the Sandwalkers (a quest graphic novel starring beetles) will enjoy this book. Copious notes at the end provide additional information about all of the scientific concepts and bee functions touched upon in the book. A stellar addition to a NF graphic novel section.

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

five-stars

Ten Beautiful Things

Ten Beautiful ThingsTen Beautiful Things by Maribel Lechuga, Molly Beth Griffin
ISBN: 1580899366
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Lily is moving across Iowa to live with her grandmother, leaving everything she has ever known. As they begin their journey, Gram suggests they look for ten beautiful things. To Lily, there is nothing beautiful in big, empty Iowa! But as  they travel along, a beautiful sunrise, a wind farm, a red- winged blackbird, a thunderstorm, the list grows. When they arrive at the farm, nine beautiful things have been seen and Gram declares number ten is them, the life they will have and the love between them. Though we don’t know the circumstances of the move, this heartfelt story will resonate with readers dealing with their own journey and how being open to the little things of nature can ease that journey.

The reader can see Lily’s feelings of sadness, defiance and anxiousness through Maribel Lechuga’s illustrations done in Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint with added watercolor textures. The journey begins at night – in the dark- but gives way to the sunrise of the morning and by the time they arrive at the farm, there is a lightness that lets the reader know all will be well.

A selection to be added to books such as In a Jar – Deb Marcero, One Good Thing About America -Ruth Freeman, Florette – Walker, Tiny Perfect Things – MH Clark, My Favorite Memories – Sarihi.

Grades K-3

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library , Gray Maine

five-stars