Month: August 2021

Treemendous: Diary of a Not Yet Mighty Oak

Treemendous: Diary of a Not Yet Mighty OakTreemendous: Diary of a Not Yet Mighty Oak by Bridget Heos, Mike Ciccotello
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on March 9, 2021
ISBN: 9780525579366
Pages: 40
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The CIP lists this as fiction, but I think I will put it in the nonfiction section of the library. Told in the diary entries of an acorn, this picture book follows a young acorn and its long life as an oak tree (yes, the acorn and tree have smiling faces and talk so I can see why it was considered fiction). But the text conveys basic simple science with clearly depicted root systems and labeled diagrams along with wry humor that is just right for new nonfiction readers. I recommend its use for teachers and parents of preschool and early elementary children when learning about plants in general and especially trees. I had no idea that oak trees didn’t start producing flowers and hence acorns until they were 20 years old. “Oh, my heartwood!”

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf

Chicken Little and the Big Bad WolfChicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf by Sam Wedelich
Published by Scholastic Press on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 9781338359008
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A companion book to Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale. Chicken Little isn’t afraid of anything. Or is she? When she encounters the so-called Big Bad Wolf, she is terrified, but her fear is nothing compared to that of the rest of the flock who debate whether to fight or flight. The smart and scientific Chicken Little gets to know the wolf and realizes that he is nothing like the preconceptions of him and invites him to a “pot-cluck” so the other chickens can get to know him, as well. The message of inclusion and acceptance is delivered with humor and grace. Told almost entirely with the use of speech bubbles. Not quite up to the standards of the first book but an enjoyable story with a worthy message.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

How to Apologize

How to ApologizeHow to Apologize by David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Candlewick Press on May 11, 2021
ISBN: 1536209449
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Apologizing is important. Doing it well is equally important. This book runs through a variety of reasons why we apologize but also how to apologize. It has a lot of good information in it, but it is also really funny and fun. A snail apologizes to a sloth for stepping on his toes because he was running too fast. The gouache illustrations are colorful, detailed, and funny. They really add the humor to the instructional and informative text.

Recommended for readers 3 and up and for Cream of the Crop. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

The Little Library

The Little LibraryThe Little Library by G. Brian Karas, Margaret McNamara
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on March 23, 2021
ISBN: 0525578331
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Jake is nervous about going to the new library and about meeting the new school librarian. All his classmates are super excited, but Jake would rather stay back and sharpen pencils. Jake was a slow and careful reader, and he often felt overwhelmed by all the books and the flurry of going to the library. The new school librarian, Beck, notices Jake in the corner, and they bring Jake a book about woodworking. Jake takes the book and reads it over the remaining part of the school year. Beck often checks in with Jake and renews the book for him. When the school year is ending, Jake is dismayed at the idea of having to return the book and also at not being able to visit the library. So Jake builds a little library for outside the school building using the skills he learned in the book Beck gave him. After school closes, Beck sends Jake the woodworking book — they’ve removed it from the library collection because of low circulation before Jake picked it up.

This book has so many things going for it. The librarian is nonbinary, there is a diverse representation of kids presented in the classroom, and Jake builds the little library with his grandfather and not a parent. The illustrations are colorful and bring the story to life, but it’s the actual story that really makes this book.

Recommended for readers 4 and up and for Cream of the Crop. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

The Collectors

The CollectorsThe Collectors by Alice Feagan
Published by Kids Can Press on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 1525302043
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Best friends Winslow and Rosie have a tree house on the edge of the forest. There, they keep all the treasures they’ve collected, and they only have room for one more thing. It needs to be spectacular and something extra special. They set off on an elaborate and long expedition in search of that one special thing. They’re chased home by a bear, and they’re sad to have not found anything to complete their collection. In the end, the thing they were looking for was right outside their window.

This is a fun story about friendship, adventure, and recognizing the good that’s around you every day. The cover suggests the story may be a bit scary, but it isn’t at all. The two friends find all sorts of fun things on their adventure. The paper cut collage illustrations are beautiful and really carry the story. Without the illustrations, the text would not convey the discoveries they make on their expedition. Hand this to kids who love adventure and collecting treasures.

Recommended for readers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Unsettled

UnsettledUnsettled by Reem Faruqi
Published by HarperCollins on May 11, 2021
ISBN: 0063044706
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Unsettled is a well written story told in verse that is bound to capture the hearts of readers.  When Nurah’s family relocates from Pakistan to Georgia life become a challenge.  As a middle school student, she is aware that everything is different from her home and finds herself isolated.   Nurah’s story is not surprising yet it is revealing in many specific situations, several that are heartbreaking.  This strong central character is portrayed as a sensitive and introspective Muslim girl who is not without flaws.

The storyline flows like a river, it weaves in and out of places of joy and sadness.   There are henna designs throughout the book but it is the chapter introduction pages that reveal the intricate henna illustrations depicting staging of growth.  This story is truly told in text and illustrations, it belongs on all public library shelves. Middle grade school media centers should add Unsettled to their collection.  An amazing coming-of-age story concerning immigration that will benefit all readers.  The back pages include a glossary as well as a recipe for Kabab.

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

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

five-stars

Imogene’s Antler’s (Celebrating 35 Years)

Imogene’s Antler’s (Celebrating 35 Years)Imogene's Antlers by David Small
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 15, 2020
ISBN: 9780375810480
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A reissue of the 1985 book of the same name, and it holds up well. A little girl wakes one morning to discover she has grown antlers and her family is quite distressed. I love her quirkiness and how the servants show her how to embrace her difference. The surprise ending is a delight. A timeless and hilarious tale, with a subtle lesson in acceptance. Wonderful readaloud for Story Time. (Only 4 stars because it is a reissue.)

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Tyrone O’Saurus

Tyrone O’SaurusTyrone O'Saurus Dreams by James Howe, Randy Cecil
Published by Candlewick Press on March 30, 2021
ISBN: 9781536210873
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A follow-up to the beloved Brontorina (2010). Everyone has a dream for this tyrannosaurus, but Tyrone has his own dream – to be a dancer. The funny illustrations complement Howe’s understated text. (I especially enjoyed the cover depicting Tyrone lifting barbells with his short arms.) It’s been quite awhile since this team created Brontorina but the similar story will inspire a new generation to follow their dream. This book will be enjoyed at Story Time when featuring a dinosaur theme. Giggle-worthy!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Sweet Pea Summer

Sweet Pea SummerSweet Pea Summer by Hazel Mitchell
Published by Candlewick Press on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 9781536210347
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A young girl must stay with her grandparents while her mother is in the hospital. Her Grandpa suggests that she help out in his garden by taking care of the sweet peas to help ease her worry about her mother. When the flowers start to lose buds, she figures out the problem and the sweet peas recover. The analogy between the sweet peas and her mother are not lost on the reader. The graphite and watercolor illustrations are mostly sweet, colorful garden landscapes. Give this book to children who enjoy gardening or who might need to find hope in hard times.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Franklin Endicott and the Third Key

Franklin Endicott and the Third KeyFranklin Endicott and the Third Key by Chris Van Dusen, Kate DiCamillo
Published by Candlewick Press on June 8, 2021
ISBN: 9781536201819
Pages: 112
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Book 6 in Tales from Deckawoo Drive series. True confession – I love everything this team of Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen puts out! And I didn’t think I could like any book better than Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem. But along came Franklin Endicott and the Third Key…

Franklin Endicott is a worrier. (Aren’t we all these days?) One night, when his worries cause nightmares, he befriends Eugenia Lincoln, the lady next door (and one of my all-time favorite characters!), who is also up in her kitchen fighting insomnia. Together they visit Buddy Lamp’s Used Goods shop to get a key duplicated and wind up with an extra key that nobody knows what it goes to – which worries Franklin. After returning it to the shop, Buddy Lamp shares a book of stories which helps Franklin, (and maybe Eugenia?) deal with his other worries. The power of words and stories is a central theme, but Kate also weaves in the importance of family and friends plus the power of learning to let go. Van Dusen’s illustrations are perfect, especially the ones of Eugenia. Mercy Watson plays a cameo role as a reading therapy pig.

 Professional Review

The latest book from “Tales from Deckawoo Drive” might be DiCamillo’s most charming offering yet in the series. . . . The tale is as uplifting as it is literary, and the author tells a genuine story that may inspire readers to be like Franklin, a child open to receiving his very own mysterious, ­life-changing key. . . . DiCamillo pens a glorious love letter to childhood uncertainty and the powerful and transformative world of reading.

—School Library Journal (starred review)

And from Chris Van Dusen’s Facebook page: A brand new Tales from Deckawoo Drive hits the stores today! And it might be my favorite so far. Kate’s story is simply wonderful and it was an honor to illustrate her words. I love this sweet little book.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars