New Pup on the Block

New Pup on the BlockNew Pup on the Block (Wednesday and Woof, #2) by Gladys Jose, Sherri Winston
Published by HarperCollins on May 24, 2022
ISBN: 0062976079
Pages: 96
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the second book in the early chapter series, Wednesday and Woof, and the mysteries continue! The Woof Detective Agency that includes Wednesday Nadir and her dog, Woof are back at solving mysteries in their neighborhood. The story is fast paced with short chapters that include colorful illustrations on every page, including depictions of Wednesday’s Book of Detective Tips. Throughout the book, milestone markers appear informing young readers of their literacy progress and encouraging them to keep going. The back pages offer congratulations on reading the entire book with a breakdown of how many chapters, pages and words were read. This is an excellent book to add to the early chapter book section, and is ideal for readers who have moved up from early readers and are ready to read more independently.

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

four-stars

Kay’s Anatomy: A Complete (and completely disgusting) Guide to the Human Body

Kay’s Anatomy: A Complete (and completely disgusting) Guide to the Human BodyKay's Anatomy: A Complete (and Completely Disgusting) Guide to the Human Body by Adam Kay, Henry Paker
Published by Delacorte Press on July 26, 2022
ISBN: 0593483405
Pages: 416
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The human body is not only fascinating and extraordinary, it is also pretty weird. This guide to the human body will answer important questions such as — are boogers safe to eat? How much of your life is spent on the toilet? Fourteen chapters of doctor guided information that covers a broad range of body parts as well as common conditions. Also included, is straightforward talk on anxiety, depression, the dangers of smoking, drugs & alcohol, and a chapter on life and death. The book is both informational and entertaining with plenty of poop and fart references to keep middle school students laughing. The black and white illustrations are playful and humorous with labeled cutaway views to further convey the information. The illustrations are plentiful and appear throughout the book.

This is a nice to book to supplement a more conventional book on the body as at times more information on the topic would be beneficial. It is, however, a fun book that will provide readers with fun insights into the human body. The back pages include a glossary, index, and further reading suggestions. Recommended for readers ages 10 to 14.

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

four-stars

Ghostlight

GhostlightGhostlight by Kenneth Oppel
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593487931
Pages: 400
Genres: Adventure, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Kenneth Oppel’s “Ghostlight” is a middle-grade supernatural adventure. Gabe, a teenager  who doesn’t believe in ghosts, works as a tour guide for the Ghost Tour at the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. By repeating the name of a ghost several times during the course of the tour, he awakens Rebecca Strand, a girl who died back in the 1830s while fighting evil ghosts at the lighthouse. Now Gabe and his friends must come together to fight back against a powerful and evil ghost.

The plot is unique and interesting and the theme of friendship comes through clearly. The story felt a little long and convoluted at times, but good characterization helps keep readers interested. Aimed at kids aged 11-15, “Ghostlight” is a suggested purchase where supernatural middle-grade novels or Oppel’s other books are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Smashie McPerter and the Shocking Rocket Robbery

Smashie McPerter and the Shocking Rocket RobberySmashie McPerter and the Shocking Rocket Robbery by Kate Hindley, N. Griffin
Published by Candlewick Press on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 0763694703
Pages: 272
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Smashie McPerter and her best friend Dontel are back and working together to solve mysteries! This time they have several mysteries to investigate on the day of their field trip. Someone stole Dontel’s technically correct drawing of a space rocket, right out of a backpack! Then, on the way to the planetarium, the class’s special space snacks kept disappearing and someone stole one of Smashie’s fancy hats! The two start their investigations, but then Smashie becomes a prime suspect, putting their friendship, and the investigations, in jeopardy.

This is the third book in the Smashie McPerter mystery series and readers who enjoyed the previous books will no doubt enjoy this one as well. The nice thing about this series is that each book works as a stand alone; readers do not have to read the previous books to understand and enjoy this one. The book is fast-paced and there are clues and red herrings throughout that keep readers thinking. Appropriate for upper elementary readers, this book will appeal to mystery fans and would be a great book to check-out.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library, Orono, ME

three-stars

Why? Animals

Why? AnimalsWhy? Animals: Cool Questions and Awesome Answers by Julie Beer
Published by National Geographic Kids on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 1426372752
Pages: 192
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the first in a brand new series of books from National Geographic Kids, and this book’s focus is animals. Filled to the brim with information on a wide range of animals, this book will have high appeal to children who love facts! The question and answer format works very well when accompanied by such superb photography, clearly written text and fantastic layout. The questions are interesting and diverse – from things children may never have thought of to very straightforward questions. In addition to the questions and answers, tips from in-the-field experts are included. Topic covered are wide in scope and vary from protecting animals to taking better photos of your pets. The back pages include an index and credits. This is an excellent book that will keep children from ages 8 to 12 occupied for hours. A strong addition to any library.

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

four-stars

Pugs Cause Traffic Jams

Pugs Cause Traffic JamsPugs Cause Traffic Jams by Jennifer McGrath, Kathryn Durst
Published by Kids Can Press on May 3, 2022
ISBN: 1525303406
Pages: 32
Goodreads

This is a picture book about a girl looking for her lost pug. As the girl searches, the reader is introduced to the diverse people of the town and to their dogs. Using text and colorful illustrations, the reader learns what each particular breed is famous for (labs just want to play, German shepherds save the day) as the girl searches for her lost pug. The text of the book rhymes which make it a fun read aloud, but beware that the many speech bubbles from the people of the town can interrupt the flow of the book (or present a good opportunity for voices). It is fun for the audience to get to know the characters as the girl goes on her quest and the repeated phrase, “But pugs cause traffic jams” is sure to have kids joining in on the joke. Not a must have, but a cute book. Recommend for grades K-2.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside 

Find My Family

Find My FamilyFind My Family (Waffles + Mochi) by Golden Books, Mei Nakamura
Published by Golden Books on May 3, 2022
ISBN: 0593483332
Pages: 24
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

This Little Golden Book is based on a TV show with the same name. The characters are a ball of mochi and a monster with waffles for ears. This is confusing as one character looks like their name and the other doesn’t at all. In this book, the characters go on an adventure to see where Mochi is from and learn about rice and how mochi is made. Waffles starts feeling left out when Mochi meets other mochi and feels connected like a family. But Mochi soon realizes that families are all different  and that Waffles is part of his family too. The bright illustrations will capture the reader’s attention as they learn about family trees and ancestry. This book would be appropriate for grades K-2 but isn’t a must-have for your shelves. 

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD75, Woodside

two-stars

The Bad Day

The Bad DayThe Bad Day by Frann Preston-Gannon
Published by Templar Books on June 14, 2022
ISBN: 1536223786
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This picture book written in first-person narratives by various forest animals explores how teamwork and friendship can turn a bad day into a good day. All of the animals are having a bad day, but no one more than Mouse! Rhyming verse coupled with ink, pencil, and paint illustrations depicting cute, colorful animals will have readers turning the pages to find out if poor Mouse can escape from Fox’s stomach. Consider purchasing this book if your library needs more books about teamwork and friendship for your youngest readers.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

three-stars

Still Mine

Still MineStill Mine by Jayne Pillemer, Sheryl Murray
Published by HarperCollins on January 18, 2022
ISBN: 0063062771
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Still Mine is a heartwarming picture book about loss that reminds us that even if the person we love is gone they are still there in the sunshine, in a laugh, or in a cup of hot chocolate. This book illustrates many different families and relationships that experience a loss. It shows us that these losses happen to everyone and there are always signs we can look for to remember, and love, the departed person. The illustrations and the text go very well together and the reader can really see that even when someone is physically gone they can still be part of us. This book is recommended for grades K-4 and would be a great addition to any book shelf!

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

Nigel and the Moon

Nigel and the MoonNigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady, Gracey Zhang
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 15, 2022
ISBN: 0063056283
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Nigel and the Moon is a beautiful story about a little boy who is scared to admit his dreams to his class, so he spends his evenings telling the moon all his hopes and dreams. When it is career day at school, he is afraid that his classmates will laugh about his parents’ jobs, but when his parents come in and explain their jobs as a postal carrier and a truck driver, the kids are impressed. Nigel works up the courage to tell his class his dream of being an astronaut and a dancer and a superhero. The ink and watercolor illustrations show Nigel trusting in the big bright moon to listen to his hopes and dreams. This book is recommended for grades K-2 and would be a great addition to any collection.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars