Month: November 2021

Atticus Caticus

Atticus CaticusAtticus Caticus by Kara Kramer, Sarah Maizes
Published by Candlewick Press on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 153620840X
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Get ready for a rousing storytime with this energetic, purr-fect
picture book featuring Atticus the amazing cat-ticus!

The rhyming and rollicking text brings you into the day in the life of this spirited, loveable cat. The question and answer format will be a big hit with the littles. The illustrations are bold and bright. The scribbly depiction of Atticus is both realistic in its depiction of cat behavior and yet whimsical in spirit! A perfect balance of text with uncluttered layouts that show “just” the right amount of illustrations leaving plenty of soothing, calm space that offsets the actions of the endearing cat!

A definite cream nomination, I hope to see Atticus back in a follow up picture book.
An enjoyable read for all ages. And, an amazing must-read for cat lovers and children ages 3 and up!

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

five-stars

Germy Science: The Sick Truth About Getting Sick (and Staying Healthy)

Germy Science: The Sick Truth About Getting Sick (and Staying Healthy)Germy Science: The Sick Truth about Getting Sick (and Staying Healthy) by Edward Kay, Mike Shiell
Published by Kids Can Press on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 1525304127
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Germs are everywhere! This book is a wonderful, timely introduction to all things germs, from discovery, to how they work, to times they made history, and what may happen with germs in the future. Over the 43 pages, colorful cartoon germs tell us the facts – including a section about COVID-19. Germs are tiny, they are inside of us and on our skin, some are good, some are bad. Readers will learn about some of the germ pioneers, like Louis Pasteur, Ignaz Semmelweis, and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. The book takes us on a journey from earlier ways of understanding germs (think: miasma) to today when science is being used to figure out how to fight bacteria with viruses. Throughout the book there are reminders to wash hands and sneeze into sleeves to stay healthy. Kids will enjoy reading this because it touches on (no pun intended) a number of their favorite things: true facts, poop, and other yucky stuff! The book contains a glossary and index in the backmatter. This book would be best suited for 3rd – 5th graders.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, District Elementary Librarian, RSU #17 (Oxford Hills)

four-stars

I’m a Hare so There!

I’m a Hare so There!I'm a Hare, So There! by Julie Rowan-Zoch
Published by Clarion Books on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 0358125065
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

What’s in a name? Lots, it turns out! Hare wants everybody to get it right – Hare’s a hare – SO THERE! This charming and hysterical book follows a hare and a ground squirrel through the Sonoran desert. Hare is bigger than a rabbit, was born with hair, can jump great distances, and more as explained to ground squirrel – how could anyone mistake Hare for a rabbit?! Through colorful, but sparse illustrations readers meet a variety of desert creatures with one thing in common: they are all commonly mis-named. The book includes 2 pages of back matter with facts about Sonoran creatures like Javelinas, tortoises, and lizards and a scavenger hunt to find creatures hidden in the desert. This book would be a fun read aloud for students in grades PreK – 3, but any child with an interest in real facts would find this book interesting and fun.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, District Elementary Librarian, RSU #17 (Oxford Hills)

four-stars

Clash

ClashClash (Click, #4) by Kayla Miller
Published by Etch/Clarion Books on July 20, 2021
ISBN: 0358242193
Pages: 224
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Clash is book #4 in the Click series. Olive is back! Natasha is new to the area and is joining Olive’s class. Olive volunteers to show Nat around, but Nat has eyes on making friends with the “cool kids.” Day after day, Olive tries to be a good friend in spite of Nat’s behavior, like when she takes Olive’s skateboard or insults Olive’s movie choices. When Olive suggests a Halloween party instead of trick-or-treating, Nat initially dismisses the idea (Olive invites her anyway). Olive’s best camp friend Bree comes to visit for the party and sees how mean Nat is being to Olive, something everyone else seems to have missed. When Nat makes a poor decision at the party, suddenly everything is revealed to the whole group of friends. This graphic novel is a poignant tale about conflict, friendship, and the significant ways changes and transition can impact our lives. Highly recommend for any youth graphic novel collection.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, District Elementary Librarian, RSU #17 (Oxford Hills)

four-stars

Take Back the Block

Take Back the BlockTake Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 26, 2021
ISBN: 0593175174
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Wes Henderson is cool: well-dressed and well-liked. He is about to start 6th grade, and he’d rather be playing video games and being a kid than going to protests with his activist mom. The neighborhood is changing around them. Real estate developers have gentrified nearby neighborhoods, including ones where his friends Kari and Mya live. While Wes loves his friends, he doesn’t really understand the big deal with gentrification until it comes for his neighborhood, Kensington Oaks. Meanwhile, Mya is navigating being new in a more upscale (and whiter) neighborhood and Kari and his family are at risk of losing their home. Wes grows up before our eyes as he leverages his problem solving skills and intimate knowledge of his community in the fight to save his neighborhood. Sometimes you have to look back to see the way ahead. A wonderful middle grade novel, recommended for any library.

 

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, District Elementary Librarian, RSU #17 (Oxford Hills)

five-stars

One Mean Ant with Fly and Flea

One Mean Ant with Fly and FleaOne Mean Ant with Fly and Flea by Arthur Yorinks, Sergio Ruzzier
Published by Candlewick Press on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 0763683957
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

The mean ant is back, this time joined by frenemies the fly and the flea. The mean ant is really mean (“Oh, do you have to keep talking?”, “‘Are you blind?’ asked the ant. ‘That spider is…just a spot.”, “‘Yes, you!’ shouted the ant. ‘Of course, you! You flea-brain!”) and has few redeeming qualities. While the watercolor illustrations are lovely and evoke a feeling of being in the desert at sunset, the humor is just a bit off the mark in this book. Throughout the book, the author tries to make a joke about “a bug in a rug” but it never really lands. This book would be most useful as a discussion piece about how bad the ant is and to do the opposite of what the ant does! 

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, District Elementary Librarian, RSU #17 (Oxford Hills)

two-stars

These Hollow Vows

These Hollow VowsThese Hollow Vows (These Hollow Vows, #1) by Lexi Ryan
Published by Clarion Books on July 20, 2021
ISBN: 0358386578
Pages: 448
Genres: Adventure, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

These Hollow Vows

 

All that matters to Brie is getting her sister, Jas, back from the wicked Fae, or Fairy People, who have kidnapped her.  Brie has two suitors, Sebastian and Finn, who are attracted to her for her beauty and courage and for their own selfish reasons.  Who will be the next ruler?  This book will appeal to young adults who love romance and adventure.  The world-building is excellent, as is the cover art.  The ending is a cliff-hanger and will entice readers to want to know whether she ends up with either man, or rules on her own.  Not a Cream of the Crop but a fascinating read.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Sixteen Scandals

Sixteen ScandalsSixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan
Published by Clarion Books on May 25, 2021
ISBN: 0358206219
Pages: 256
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This Regency set novel, which seems to borrow heavily from the Molly Ringwald movie Sixteen Candles, takes us through a couple of days in the life of the youngest and oft ignored Prim. The youngest of 4 daughters named after flowers, Primrose has just turned 16 and can’t wait to finally be out in society. However, not only does her family largely ignore her birthday, she is informed that she can’t be out in society until her remaining unwed sister is married. Upset at the turn of events, Prim turns to her friend Olympia to plan a rebellious jaunt. That evening they sneak out to the historical pleasure gardens of Vauxhall, where Prim and Olympia almost immediately get separated during a bar brawl. Prim is rescued by a handsome boy who stays with her as she looks for Olympia. Prim has a wild night and goes home to the consequences. While this is a very quick glance into Prim’s life, we get a full story arc and characters to both hate and love. This is a great entree into the Regency romance genre for teens. Recommended for all collections. Best for ages 13+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

This is a Dog Book

This is a Dog BookThis Is a Dog Book! by Judith Henderson, Julien Chung
Published by Kids Can Press on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 1525304933
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Sometimes who we are isn’t who we wish to be. A bunny wants to be included in the dog book. There is only one problem: bunny is not a dog! Identity, friendship, and belonging are at the heart of this delightful story. Through wonderfully sparse illustrations, bunny shows readers anything the dogs can do bunny can do too – like dog paddle, wag a tail, enjoy treats, and even sniff doo doo. Ultimately, the dogs decide bunny can be a part of the book because bunny meets the most important criteria: being a good friend. This would make for a lively (and silly!) read aloud with K-2 students.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, District Elementary Librarian, RSU #17 (Oxford Hills)

four-stars

Do Your Best Every Day To Do Your Best Every Day

Do Your Best Every Day To Do Your Best Every DayDo Your Best Every Day to Do Your Best Every Day: Encouraging Words from John Cena by John Cena, Susanna Harrison
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on April 6, 2021
ISBN: 0593377222
Pages: 64
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

When not appearing on the silver screen in action movies, voicing beloved animated bulls, or otherwise entertaining, John Cena has taken to writing books for kids. In Do Your Best Every Day To Do Your Best Every Day each of the 58 pages is filled with tried and true motivational and inspirational sayings. Somehow Cena manages to make each feel new, which is partly attributed to Susanna Harrison’s whimsical illustrations. Inclusive and diverse depictions of people dreaming, achieving, and finding joy will be appealing to kids of all ages. Each encouragement celebrates who they are and supports their aspirations to be the best they can be. 3rd grade and up.

 

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, District Elementary Librarian, RSU #17 (Oxford Hills)

four-stars