Month: September 2023

Bake, Make and Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy Green Recipes for Young Cooks

Bake, Make and Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy Green Recipes for Young CooksBake, Make, and Learn to Cook Vegetarian: Healthy and Green Recipes for Young Cooks by David Atherton, Alice Bowsher
Published by Candlewick Press on November 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536228435
Pages: 80
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A great cookbook for young cooks that focuses on vegetarian recipes that are healthy and green. David Atherton, a winner of The Great British Baking Show, has put together a wide range of easy-to-make vegetarian recipes. Readers get to choose from four fun food sections — yummy meals, savory snacks, sweet treats, and showstoppers. The book starts with a section on eating green, pantry essentials, and a quick equipment list. Then, it is on to the food sections. Each recipe includes a brief overall description, ingredient listing, and a numbered set of instructions (method). The colorful illustrations are playful yet very helpful. Serving suggestions also appear with some of the recipes. Not only are the recipes included delicious, they are good for the planet. An outstanding cookbook that should fly off the shelves. For children 8 and up (with some adult supervision).

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

four-stars

Grace Needs Space

Grace Needs SpaceGrace Needs Space! by Benjamin A. Wilgus, Rii Abrego
Published by Random House Graphic on April 4, 2023
ISBN: 0593182391
Pages: 208
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Grace Needs Space is a phenomenal story about the struggles of an inquisitive young girl and a parent who can’t stop working. The story takes place in space and does a great job of teaching the reader about space, the space station, and Titian, Saturn’s largest moon, where a colony now lives.

When the main character, Grace, gets invited to visit Titian with her Baba, the trip does not turn out how she would like. The story does a great job of showing the struggles that a child might have when a parent is fixated on their work. The parent is dismissive, with offhand remarks to the child’s questions or statements, and is glued to their work screen while the child holds back excitement or concern so as not to upset the parent, pretending that broken promises don’t matter. The author’s depiction of a parent/child relationship is very authentic. When character development happens in the story, it is not a sudden change to perfection, but rather a gradual one where mistakes are still made.

Grace Needs Space does a remarkable job of explaining the struggles of work-life balance in the eyes of a 12-year-old girl. The story shows different ways a parent might interact with an inquisitive child and the struggles separated parents have raising a child. The art and storytelling are outstanding and a must-read for children and parents alike. For ages 9 to 14.

Reviewed by Marina Pamplona, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library

four-stars

We Are Starlings: Inside the Mesmerizing Magic of a Murmuration

We Are Starlings: Inside the Mesmerizing Magic of a MurmurationWe Are Starlings: Inside the Mesmerizing Magic of a Murmuration by Robert Furrow, Donna Jo Napoli, Marc Martin
Published by Random House Studio on May 9, 2023
ISBN: 0593381637
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Told from the perspective of a flock of starlings, this book is a good introduction to the magic of starling murmuration. It starts with just two of the birds on a chilly morning. They take to the sky and meet up with more starlings. Before you know it, the flock has grown to millions of birds. The flapping of so many wings makes a murmur that can be heard below on the ground. They have become a murmuration of starlings. The text explains how the birds are allies and have fun together in the sky. The back matter provides more in-depth information on the birds that the overall story lacks. The illustrations are amazing and do an excellent job showing the scale of the single bird versus the entire flock in the sky. The color palette done in watercolor, pencil, and digital collage is soft and blurry, and somewhat dreamlike. A very basic story that has beautiful pages to view, but could use more details and information on what starlings do besides fly. This informational picture book for ages three to nine, may entice readers to learn more about these interesting birds.

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

three-stars

Finding Papa

Finding PapaFinding Papa by Angela Pham Krans, Thi Bui
Published by HarperCollins on February 7, 2023
ISBN: 0063060965
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Author Krans and illustrator Bui have teamed up together to create a touching story of bravery, hope, and the importance of family. Drawing from both of their own childhood experiences, the story feels truly authentic in both words and visuals. A little girl named Mai and her Mom are sad when the father leaves their village in Vietnam to find the family a new home. They eventually also leave their village in hopes of reuniting with their father who has made it to America. The trip is challenging and the two overcome many obstacles but are fortunate to encounter the kindness of many on their way.

The illustrations are soft and warm with a lovely palette of earth-tone shades. The characters come to life with movement and facial expressions depicted with minimal strokes. The ending is rewarding with a heartfelt reunion in America with a barely recognizable Dad (new mustache). Both the author and illustrator provide notes that provide additional information on the time period and personal stories that add a great deal to the book. A strong addition to both a public and school library. A powerful story for children ages four to 8 that will bring awareness of what some people have gone through to come to America.

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

four-stars

Hello, World! Kids’ Guides: Exploring Sharks

Hello, World! Kids’ Guides: Exploring SharksHello, World! Kids' Guides: Exploring Sharks by Jill McDonald
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on August 2, 2022
ISBN: 0593564812
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Hello, World! board book series has expanded into the picture book genre offering a new series of kids’ guides for older readers. This book, Exploring Sharks will not disappoint young readers with its engaging format chock full of fascinating information and detailed illustrations. The story begins with the statement that sharks get a bad rap. Humans are more dangerous to sharks than sharks are to humans and that sharks are important to the health of the Earth’s oceans. Following is a diagram of a shark’s body parts. The book continues with a variety of sharks — each getting a two-page spread that includes: an illustration, general information, a stats callout, and a question for the reader. The final pages ask if the reader would like to work with sharks and discusses various occupations they could choose to help sharks. The back page includes a Sources and Further Reading Page. Overall, a strong addition to a school or public library that could use more shark books.

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

four-stars

Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe

Only the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann LoweOnly the Best: The Exceptional Life and Fashion of Ann Lowe by Kate Messner, Margaret E. Powell, Erin K Robinson
Published by Chronicle Books on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 1452161607
Pages: 56
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Fashion designer Ann Lowe was the first nationally known African American fashion designer. Ann was an inspiring woman, not only for her contributions to the fashion world but also for her efforts in breaking racial barriers. Award-winning author Kate Messner and costume historian Margaret Powell team up with fashion designer and illustrator Erin Robinson to tell Ann’s colorful and important story.

Raised in Alabama, Ann learned her skills from her grandmother and mother. With a combination of hard work and passion, she rose to the top of the fashion world, creating gowns that were worn by the rich and famous — from celebrities to first ladies. One of her most famous dresses was the wedding dress worn by Jaqueline Kennedy. The digital art is colorful and detailed and fills up the pages showcasing Ann’s amazing designs. The back pages have more in-depth information on Ann’s life, a bibliography, and quotations. Also included are photographs that include advertising pamphlets, a paper pattern of designs, and a custom-made bridal gown worn by a client. An excellent informational picture book for readers aged five to 10 .

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

four-stars

Hooray for DNA! How a Bear and a Bug are A Lot Like Us

Hooray for DNA! How a Bear and a Bug are A Lot Like UsHooray for DNA!: How a Bear and a Bug Are a Lot Like Us by Pauline Thompson, Greg Pizzoli
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on April 25, 2023
ISBN: 0593427041
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

An exploration of DNA presented in a rhyming, simplistic format for young readers. The picture book’s emphasis — that our shared DNA makes us all family — hits the mark. The colorful and cartoon-like mixed-media illustrations of diverse children in a school setting fill up each page. The story, however, is light on details and could have more substance if some of the facts from the back pages were incorporated into the main storyline. The back pages include more detailed information on what makes DNA so special, what DNA looks like, and why DNA makes you alive. Also included is an enrichment activity — a DNA scavenger hunt, along with a resource list that includes books, videos, and websites. An informational picture book that will work as a starting point to introduce DNA for readers ages 5 to 9.

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

three-stars

How to Love a Pony

How to Love a PonyHow to Love a Pony by Michelle Meadows, Sawyer Cloud
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on May 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593483162
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
three-stars

This beginning book will take emerging readers through a year of caring for a pony, including feeding, brushing, and training. The text is relatively simple and readers can use the illustrations to help them solve most of their new words, though some adult support will probably be needed. The text rhymes and has an easy rhythm to follow, which could help readers build fluency. One of this book’s biggest strengths is the diversity of characters represented in the illustrations. The main character is a Black girl and the other people in the book are a variety of ethnicities and have different body types. This book would be a great addition to an Early Reader collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Elf Dog and Owl Head

Elf Dog and Owl HeadElf Dog and Owl Head by Junyi Wu, M.T. Anderson
Published by Candlewick Press on April 11, 2023
ISBN: 153622281X
Pages: 240
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Elf Dog and Owl Head is a lovely new middle grade fantasy novel by acclaimed author M.T. Anderson that quietly alludes to the Covid pandemic in a very subtle way. Our main character, Clay O’Brian is stuck at home in quarantine with his family due to a “global pandemic”. Tired of fighting with his sisters over the computer, hearing his parents worry about money and only seeing his best friend on video chats, he escapes into the woods near his house. There he finds a beautiful young white dog with red ears and a bejeweled collar named Elphinore. That meeting draws him into a magical world in, around and under the woods and mountain. Eventually his sisters are drawn into this world as well, and the young humans befriend Amos, the owl boy, and Vud the ancient giant among others. They are chased by horrible creatures like wyrms, and the bad People Under the Mountain (where Elphinore came from), but also partake of the magical Midsommers Eve festival. The black and white illustrations by Junyi Wu are both creepy and beautiful, and really add another dimension to the story. Family, adventure, friendship, resilience and empathy are the main themes throughout. This book would appeal to any reader looking for something a little bit different.

Recommended for grades 4-6.

Reviewed by Lee Remick, York Middle School, York

four-stars

Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem

Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor EcosystemWhale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem by Melissa Stewart, Rob Dunlavey
Published by Random House Studio on March 14, 2023
ISBN: 0593380606
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a unique examination of a food chain through the lens of what happens when a whale dies and its body sinks to the ocean floor and becomes an energy-rich food source for organisms living in the deep sea. The text is easy to read and packed with intriguing information about little-known marine life. The illustrations are stunning although sometimes very dark, though the setting is the bottom of the ocean. The frequent circular insets add much to the informative text. “More About Whale Falls” (who even knew that “whale falls” was scientific a term?) and a variety of ocean species are present at the back of the book, along with an extensive Selected Sources. Fascinating book that is recommended for all libraries.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars