Five Little Ghosts

Five Little GhostsFive Little Ghosts by Holly Surplice, Lily Murray
ISBN: 1536235008
Genres: board book
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Based on the nursery rhyme “Five Little Ducks,” this lift-the-flap book is a fun story to share at Halloween and practice beginning counting. Mama Ghost and her ghostlings float through a pumpkin patch, a playground, a haunted house and a woods. Along the way, the ghostlings are disappearing, only to reappear hiding on the last page. with a resounding “Boo!” The repeated phrasing, “Mama Ghost said ‘Fly back to me!’ How many ghostlings can you see?”, prompts readers to search for and count the ghostlings. Kids ages 2-5 will enjoy searching for the ghosts, and as with all lift-the-flap books, it will be your choice as to whether to include in your library collection as they tend to be torn easily.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Spooky Little Halloween

Spooky Little HalloweenSpooky Little Halloween: A Finger Wiggle Book (Finger Wiggle Books) by Nick Sharratt, Sally Symes
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536231479
Genres: board book
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A “Finger Wiggle Book”  that kids can poke their fingers through the holes of a witch, wolf, spider, ghost, pumpkin, bat, black cat, and monster/vampire. The bright, high-contrast illustrations and suggested sound effects, along with the finger-poking, will delight toddlers and introduce them to Halloween characters. Best read one-on-one for 1-3 year olds.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Tig and Lily: Up Late

Tig and Lily: Up LateTig and Lily: Up Late!: (A Graphic Novel) by Dan Thompson
Series: Tig and Lily #2
Published by Random House Children's Books on 7/16/24
ISBN: 059348634X
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Tig and Lily are back in this fun graphic novel for new readers.  In this installment, Tig wakes up from a bad dream and decides that he never wants to sleep again.  To help keep him awake, he convinces his best friend Lily to help him throw a slumber party with all of their friends. The party is a fun time complete with snacks and scary stories, but Tig faces danger when he sleepwalks and must be rescued. This graphic novel is ideal for first and second graders.  The language is fairly simple and there isn’t too much text on each panel.  The illustrations definitely carry this book.  They are bright and colorful and convey the humor of the story, especially through the facial expressions of the characters.  Libraries that have the first Tig and Lily will want to add this one to the collection, though it does also work as a stand alone.  Kids will enjoy the humor and will also learn a little bit about friendship, too.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

You Can Be an Activist

You Can Be an ActivistYou Can Be an Activist: How to Use Your Strengths and Passions to Make a Difference (CitizenKid, 27) by Charlene Rocha, Drew Shannon, Mary Beth Leatherdale
Series: Citizen Kid #27
Published by Kids Can Press on 9/3/24
ISBN: 1525308408
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this latest Citizen Kid installment, young adult readers are given a comprehensive guide for how to become an activist.  There are helpful quizzes, templates, and lists that address topics such as fundraising, leading a meeting, and deciding the most appropriate form of action to take.  The book is divided into chapters and each chapter ends with three primary takeaways from the material.  There are sidebars, charts, and lists that help to break down a large amount of information into digestible chunks.  Readers are encouraged to examine their own bias and privilege and are offered suggestions on how to be an ally.  The graphics are engaging and show diverse representation.  Throughout the book there are also short descriptions of young activists who have tackled big issues world-wide.  In addition to the nitty gritty steps young activists should take, another strength of this book is the focus on safety and self care.  The authors remind readers to be aware when using the Internet and social media and are encouraged at various points to reach out to an adult for support.  There is an entire section on burn out warning signs, self care steps to take, and self affirmations readers can use.  This book would be a great addition to a high school library and would be perfect for high school aged and young adult readers who have a passion for making a positive difference in the world.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

King Lion

King LionKing Lion by Emma Yarlett
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536231495
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

From the first time readers see this cover, they will be eager to open it up and devour the pages of King Lion. The illustrations are truly a standout aspect of this title; they are stunning, bright, and captivating. As readers begin the story, they’ll empathize with the lion who is misunderstood by his entire kingdom. Despite his many attempts at friendship, all his citizens see is a dangerous lion roaring at them. One day a girl hears his sorrowful roars and decides to befriend him. Through her, the lion is able to befriend the townspeople. This will be a great read-aloud as every reader will want to keep turning the pages, waiting to see more of the engaging illustrations and find out if the lion and the girl become friends. This would pair well with Meesha Makes Friends as both are about the difference one friend who sees us for who we truly are can make. While readers will love the big idea of friendship, it does wrap up fairly quickly and simply: the lion finally finds a friend who helps him make more friends and then he’s happy “from that moment on.” While this is a great introduction to friendship, readers might benefit from other texts that demonstrate the ongoing work of friendship and the challenges they may face. This title would be a good fit for PK-Gr. 2.

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

four-stars

Brownstone

BrownstoneBrownstone by Mar Julia, Samuel Teer
on June 11, 2024
ISBN: 0358394740
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Brownstone by Samuel Teer and Mar Julia is a coming of age graphic novel about a girl named Almudena who is forced to live with a father she’s never met for the summer as her mother heads off on a trip. Almundena’s hesitancy about this summer only increases when she discovers that not only is her father renovating his entire apartment building—and expects her to help—but he doesn’t speak any English. Almudena discovers she has a lot to learn about her heritage—she’s actually Guatemalan when she’s always thought she’s Mexican—and the world her father lives in. As she gets to know the people in her new neighborhood  she learns why her father is so focused on the renovation and that there’s more to family than she thinks. Readers will easily empathize with Almudena as she tries to navigate living in a construction zone, developing a relationship with an estranged father, and discovering her cultural identity. Many readers will find themselves in the characters from those who are biracial, LGBTQIA+, latino-American, or part of a blended family; representation is definitely a stand out feature of this book. Readers will also be drawn to the graphic novel format and especially how it compliments the characters’ struggle with communication due to language barriers, cultural differences, misunderstandings, and complicated feelings. Though the book explores complex ideas of gentrification, homophobia, cultural identity, and blended families, the authors are thoughtfully present these topics in an accessible way. This is a must read for teens and adults!*Recommending for cream — five stars!*Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin MayhemSuper Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem: (A Graphic Novel) by Abhi Alwar, Megan Wagner Lloyd
ISBN: 0593378482
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

It is spring break for Peggy Pancake! Unfortunately, her mom signed her up to babysit all week, and she needs to finish her overdue “how to” homework. Her mom suggests that she write about “how to be responsible”. Peggy will need her super powers and her best friends to survive babysitting the 5 troublesome mini muffins all week. Meanwhile, Professor Egg has succeeded in making a mega/mini laser of doom, and has requested Peggy stop by the lab to study her powers. In a moment of desperation, Peggy decides to bring the mini muffins to the lab, resulting in one of the mini muffins turned mega muffin. Can she fix the mess she made, shrink mini muffin back to her regular size, and return mini muffin to her mom? Yes, she can, while also learning some valuable lessons about being responsible, making mistakes, and trying again. This fun graphic novel is just as good as the original and especially recommended for breakfast lovers. Illustrations are a bright and colorful representation of Breakfast Town and its’ inhabitants. Recommended for ages 6-8 (1st to 3rd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly

Scaredy Squirrel Scared SillyScaredy Squirrel Scared Silly: (A Graphic Novel) (Scaredy's Nutty Adventures) by Mélanie Watt
ISBN: 059330764X
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Scaredy Squirrel is back and ready for Halloween! He is fully prepared to make sure Halloween is cute and fun, and NOT scary. And just in case – he’s thought of everything: fans to ward of ghosts, garlic for vampires, and pepperoni for werewolves. Scaredy is begrudgingly convinced to go trick-or-treating with his friends (if it weren’t for the caramel apples – he would not go). On their outing, they are chased by a pepperoni loving cat throughout the neighborhood. And Scaredy finds out that much of what he was afraid of, isn’t so scary after all. This seasonal sequel is just as fun as the original, and would make a great addition to any graphic novel collection. This series in general could be a good tool for caregivers working through child fears and anxieties. The illustrations are simple, cute, and fitting of the story. Recommended for ages 6-8 (1st to 3rd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Joyful Song: A Naming Story

Joyful Song: A Naming StoryJoyful Song: A Naming Story by Lesléa Newman, Susan Gal
ISBN: 1646143701
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Zachary can hardly contain his excitement; today is his baby sister’s naming ceremony. A tradition in the Jewish faith, Zachary’s family will stand before their community and share their child’s name for the first time. On the way to the ceremony, they pass a myriad of friends. Everyone is excited to meet the baby, and it seems challenging for Zachary to keep the secret for just a little longer (though he manages to!).

With lots of repetitive text and bright illustrations, this book will draw younger readers in. Diverse characters are represented throughout; a wide variety of skin tones can be seen and the main character’s parents are two women.

Recommended for libraries looking to add more Jewish representation to their picture bookshelves.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

 

 

three-stars

Nana in the Country

Nana in the CountryNana in the Country by Lauren Castillo
ISBN: 0544102177
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A young child is eager to show their visiting city grandmother around the country, but it seems that Grandma already knows everything about it. Later that night a crack of thunder startles a sheep, who then gets loose. Grandma doesn’t know what to do, but the child remembers a special trick. The two spend the following day exploring and enjoying the beauty and wildness of the country.

A lovely blend of beautiful illustrations and sweet storytelling, this charming book is recommended for libraries looking to add more picture books about families to their collection.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

four-stars