Month: May 2021

The Accursed Inheritance of Henrietta Achilles

The Accursed Inheritance of Henrietta AchillesThe Accursed Inheritance of Henrietta Achilles: Book 1 by Haiko Hörnig, Marius Pawlitza
Published by Graphic Universe (TM) on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 1541572432
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

The first book in a new series, this graphic novel delivers action and thrills. Henrietta Achilles has been plucked out of her orphanage and dropped into the town of Malrenard where she learns that she has inherited the home of her heretofore unknown uncle Ornun Zol. The catch is that Zol was a wizard who controlled the magic thrumming through the house and Henrietta is just a kid who has never wielded magic a day in her life. Upon meeting some strange characters who are battling through the space that is her new foyer, Henrietta is convinced that she does not want to be the new mistress of the manor. When she tries to leave, things really get out of control leaving us with quite the cliffhanger for the next book. This is a slim volume that will be gobbled up by fans of the Amulet and Bone series and those who love a good RPG (role-playing game); there is some strong language . The background scenes in the panels are lovely and atmospheric. The main illustrations are cartoonish, but with a sharpness in the forefront of the panel that helps the reader keep track of the action. Due to the darkness and violence, better suited for older elementary and middle grade readers.

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

four-stars

Birds

BirdsNature All Around: Birds by Carolyn Gavin, Pamela Hickman
Published by Kids Can Press on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 1771388188
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This beautifully-illustrated nonfiction picture book packs a lot into 32 pages. Offering information about the general design, features, and habitats of birds, young readers will learn about feather structure, eggs, nests, and where birds go throughout the year. While specific birds are mentioned to illustrate a point, this book is not meant for use in studying specific birds. With it’s oversized pages and stunning illustrations, the book can be used in a classroom or by the budding bird-watcher. The book is part of the Nature All Around Series, which encourages kids to “hone their observation skills in order to appreciate the variety of wildlife that can be found right outside their front doors.” This title certainly has met this goal and author Hickman offers loads of fun facts and compelling write-ups. End matter includes information on how readers can help endangered birds, a bird feeder activity, a glossary, and an index. For grades 2-5.

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

four-stars

The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable

The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern FableTale of the Mandarin Duck by Bette Midler, Joana Avillez, Michiko Kakutani
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on February 16, 2021
ISBN: 0593176766
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Bette Midler’s “The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable” is a story about an unusual duck that found its way to NYC’s Central Park. The duck is so beautiful and different that people look up from their phones to see it and take photos. Photographs of NYC and the beautiful bird in the book are taken by Michiko Kakutani and are accompanied by black and white illustrations by Joana Avillez.

The two distinct styles of art in the book may seem a bit jarring at first, but eventually they complement each other in telling the story. The idea that we are missing out on things while burying our heads in our cellphones is not new, but the fact that this is based on a true story and the great artwork brings a uniqueness to the story.

For children age 4 to 10, this book is not a must-buy for your picture book collection, but would make a good additional purchase for large collections or for readers who love birds.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

Love is love: The journey continues

Love is love: The journey continuesLove Is Love: The Journey Continues (Love Around the World (2)) by Fatinha Ramos, Fleur Pierets
on Nov. 17, 2020
ISBN: 1644420260
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Love is love” is the sequel to Fleur Pieret’s “Love around the world.” Both are written by Pierets and illustrated by Fatinha Ramos. This book continues Fleur and Julian’s trip around the world to get married in many countries around the globe who allow same-sex marriage. In real life, Julian unfortunately passed away from cancer after their fourth wedding abroad, so Fleur is continuing with a fictional account of how the trip would have gone.

Ramos’ illustrations are gorgeous and manage to somehow include a lot of architectural and environmental detail without the pictures seeming too busy. The text feels a bit long at times, but often lacks details about each country other than facts about when they allowed same-sex marriage and how many couples have gotten married so far. However, Pierets does manage to convey the idea of same-sex marriage and love clearly to the children who are reading or having this book read to them. For LGBTQIA+ families and their allies, this book is uplifting and beautiful, if not perfect.

Written for kids age 4 to 8, I would not recommend it for a library’s picture book collection, but might fit well in a non-fiction section.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

Once Upon a Fairy Tale Craft

Once Upon a Fairy Tale CraftOnce Upon a Fairy Tale Craft by Annalees Lim, Supriya Sahai
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541558774
Pages: 32
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This is book in a series of crafting books from Lerner. The books are library bound, so they should hold up to wear and tear of little hands creating the fun projects inside. There are some terrific craft ideas for PreK–elementary-aged kids. The book boasts over 20 activities, and there are, but  it really walks a reader through hosting a themed party with and through these activities, from costumes to invitations to crafts and games and food for the party. The book is also peppered with facts about characters and story lines from familiar fairy tales. This reviewer found this one more gender-specific in the illustrations than the medieval craft book with boys as knights, dragons, wizards, and trolls, and girls as mermaids and fairies. But the illustrations are cartoonlike and if these are solely reflective of the stories from which the craft originates, it makes sense (i.e. the little mermaid is a female and Merlin is a male, etc.). Seems like when showing a craft to a modern-day audience, the child in the illustration associated with the craft could have been more neutral. If you have a large craft section and crafters who enjoy checking out themed books, these would be great for your library. They are not inexpensive, so it might be best to just get the titles that would resonate most with your patrons. The other themes are dinosaurs, medieval, pirates, robots and aliens, and animals.

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

three-stars

Once Upon a Medieval Craft

Once Upon a Medieval CraftOnce Upon a Medieval Craft by Annalees Lim, Supriya Sahai
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541558790
Pages: 32
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This is book in a series of crafting books from Lerner. The books are library bound, so they should hold up to wear and tear of little hands creating the fun projects inside. There are some terrific craft ideas for PreK–elementary-aged kids. The book boasts over 20 activities, and there are, but  it really walks a reader through hosting a themed party with and through these activities, from costumes to invitations to crafts and games and food for the party. The book is also peppered with facts about characters from medieval times, knights, jesters, royals as well as activities like jousting and archery. If you have a large craft section and crafters who enjoy checking out themed books, these would be great for your library. They are not inexpensive, so it might be best to just get the titles that would resonate most with your patrons. The other themes are dinosaurs, fairy tales, pirates, robots and aliens, and animals.

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

three-stars

Super Potato and the Mutant Animal Mayhem

Super Potato and the Mutant Animal MayhemSuper Potato and the Mutant Animal Mayhem by Artur Laperla
Published by Graphic Universe (TM) ISBN: 1512440248
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Super Potato is back in his fourth graphic novel. These  silly, slim, action-packed books with their bright illustrations and uncluttered pages are perfect for early readers through 3rd or 4th grade. Super Potato is tricked into helping a mutant chicken by dastardly Malicia the Malignant. He is trapped in an indestructible hover cell and learns that he has been targeted by Malicia due to Super Potato’s past exploits with her brother Doctor Malevolent. Fortunately, there is an undercover agent ready to come to his aid before the super spud can be turned into lunch. Not an essential purchase, but for kids who enjoy the adventures of this starchy superhero, this one will, ahem, appeal.

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

three-stars