The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants

The Wonderful Wisdom of AntsThe Wonderful Wisdom of Ants by Philip Bunting
ISBN: 0593567781
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Lighthearted and informative. Such as, all the ants on Earth weigh roughly the same as all the people. Ants recycle, help others, and take naps. Bunting’s comparisons invite young readers to observe the natural world more closely and to reflect on our connections to it. He goes on to describe different sorts of ants within the colony, how they communicate using pheromones, and how they get from egg to adult. In the simple illustrations, generic black ants have little googly eyes, scurry about the pages gathering food, keep their nests clean, and carry large loads. The funny text conveys major concepts about this familiar insects. Ages 4-8. Published in Australia in 2020 but first American edition in 2024.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Carry Me!

Carry Me!Published by Andersen Press Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

Wilbur has always loved to be carried. Or given a piggyback ride. Or pushed in his stroller. When Mommy asks Wilbur to walk somewhere, his legs say, “Not today, thank you.” Wouldn’t his empty stroller be lonely? But one day, when he accidentally drops his plush rabbit and pops out of the stroller to get it, he comes back to find Mommy sitting in the stroller! Wilbur decides to give her a break and push her up the hill … with some help from his friends. Bright, cheery illustrations feature many parent and child relationships of all species of animals. Kids and their parents will giggle about this very relatable book, Wilbur appears to be part of a single-parent household. Ages 2-5.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

four-stars

Grumpy Monkey: Play All Day

Grumpy Monkey: Play All DayGrumpy Monkey Play All Day by Max Lang, Suzanne Lang
Series: Grumpy Monkey
ISBN: 0593709284
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Grumpy Monkey series returns with another humorous picture book featuring a stubborn Jim Panzee who only wants to play all day and ignore everything else. For him, nothing is more important than having fun. So Jim is avoiding his responsibilities. But by the end of the day when he is dirty, itchy, and hungry, his best pal Norman patiently tells him “Too much of anything can be, well, too much.” Max Lang’s cartoony illustrations are delightful and add to the hilarity. Children and parents alike will relate to this silly book.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Cosmic Collisions: Asteroid vs. Comet

Cosmic Collisions: Asteroid vs. CometGenres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
five-stars

First in a series with a similar setup as the wildly popular “Who Would Win” series. What happens when two massive hunks of hurtling space debris slam into each other? This is a smackdown between the veteran asteroid fighter and the dazzling comet. Asteroid vs. Comet starts by comparing the two opponents, then encourage readers to use science to form a hypothesis. The head-to-head premise keeps readers entertained as they learn about comets and asteroids. Action-packed full-color illustrations with a comic book feel will attract kids, especially budding astronomers ages 7-9. Back matter addresses fact versus fiction, how to become a citizen scientist, and comets and asteroids in the news. Highly recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

The Grinch Takes a Vacation

The Grinch Takes a VacationDr. Seuss Graphic Novel: The Grinch Takes a Vacation: A Grinch Story (Dr. Seuss Graphic Novels) by Kaeti Vandorn
on September 24, 2024
ISBN: 0593703065
Genres: Holiday
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Whoville is looking pretty empty – where is everyone going? It turns out, all the Whos are headed on vacation – and Grinch wants to know what all the fuss is about. So, Grinch and Max decide to try their own vacation, including a visit to the beach, amusement park, and a mountain. Grinch unsurprisingly doesn’t like the sandy beach, gets nauseated on rides, and can’t enjoy the mountain view because of clouds. Finally, he realizes that perhaps the point of vacations is spending time with your loved ones, and he does really appreciate his time with Max. This graphic novel has colorful illustrations and would be a fine addition to a graphic novel collection. Recommended for ages 6-7 (1st to 2nd Grade).

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

three-stars

Puffin and Penguin

Puffin and PenguinPuffin and Penguin by Helaine Becker, Kevin Sylvester
ISBN: 1525306545
Genres: Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

When Puffin’s mom gets a new job at the United Avian Nations, his family relocates from Iceland to New Stork City. His new class is a full cast of characters, from King Penguin “the Cool Kid” to Blue Jay “the Class Clown” and Loon “the Gossip”. How will Puffin fit in? Puffin gets assigned a buddy to show him around – Penguin. But Penguin is so popular, and so busy, that Puffin doesn’t feel like a priority. So, Puffin decides to try to educate the other students about puffins (did you know that puffins can fly and have beaks that light up?!?) and join the drama club. Puffin finds his place on the stage crew, with Penguin being the lead of the play. When there is an unexpected power outage during the performance – they truly work as a team, with Puffin’s glow-in-the-dark beak saving the day! This graphic novel was full of bird puns, cute illustrations, and tells a classic tale of fitting in, being your true self, and making friends. Especially good for the bird or nature lovers, and actually includes some real facts about puffins (it turns out their beaks really do glow in the dark due to bioluminescence!). Recommended for ages 7-8 (2nd to 3rd Grade).

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

four-stars

Everyone Loves Career Day but Zia

Everyone Loves Career Day but ZiaEveryone Loves Career Day but Zia: A Zia Story by Dream Chen, Jenny Liao
ISBN: 0593425456
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

It’s Career Day at school, and all of the parents are invited to come teach the class about their jobs! Zia wishes that her mom could come teach the other students about her job as a seamstress. But her mom is not comfortable speaking English (her native tongue is Cantonese), and besides – she never misses work. With the help of her teacher, Zia is able to video call into the factory where her mom works. Her mother demonstrates to the class how to make a beautiful dress while Zia translates her words into English. This heartwarming story would be a great addition to any picture book collection, and is cream-of-the-crop worthy. It demonstrates diversity in the classroom, showcases different and unique families and professions (such as a stay-at-home Dad who also comes to school for Career Day), and provides a window into the day-to-day lives of immigrant families. The words and illustrations perfectly celebrate the story, by bringing to life and intermingling the English and Cantonese words onto each page. The back of the book includes an Author’s Note describing her experience growing up as a translator for her parents, as well as a glossary of English to Cantonese words. Recommended for ages 6-7 (1st to 2nd Grade).

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

five-stars

Bubble Gum Bison Needs a Bath

Bubble Gum Bison Needs a BathBubble Gum Bison Needs a Bath (The Bison Family Series) by Pete Oswald, Scott Rothman
ISBN: 0593702956
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Bison family is back, and this time Bubble Gum Bison needs a bath – like really really needs a bath. At first, she’s merely covered in mud, and declines the opportunity to have one. When she tries to sneak back to the park to find her friends, she finds herself also covered in bubblegum and feathers! And even worse – the water is now out all over town since her brother decided to ram his head on the water tower. Bubble Gum Bison MacGyvers a water tower repair, and finds herself elated that the water is back on and everyone can now take baths again. This fun story has cute and colorful illustrations, and could even be a good tool for caregivers needing to coax resilient children into bathtime. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars

Earnest Sandpiper’s Great Ascent

Earnest Sandpiper’s Great AscentEarnest Sandpiper’s Great Ascent by Timothy Basil Ering
Published by Candlewick Press on April 9, 2024
ISBN: 0763697354
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This heartfelt story is about overcoming fear using a gentle text and bright illustrations to encourage growth in one’s own sweet time. This is the day the sandpiper children will learn to fly. Two of them are ready; the third, Earnest, isn’t. His parents are patient and his siblings offer Earnest guidance and reassurance. After being left alone, Earnest makes a flying attempt but fails. He sees a free-flying balloon and follows it into the water and becomes entangled in its dangling ribbon. His cries for help go unanswered until his returning family finally arouses sufficient belief in himself that he is ready to fly. Earnest frees himself by flapping his wings hard, allowing him to take flight. An author’s note offers more information on the dangers balloons pose to wildlife. The largish-size format will make this a nice readaloud for ages 5-7 as it is on the longer side for a picture book and packs a lot into its pages. Follow-up with discussion.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Such Charming Liars

Such Charming LiarsSuch Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus
Published by Delacorte Press on July 30, 2024
ISBN: 059348505X
Pages: 389
Genres: Psychological thriller
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Liam’s father is an unabashed grifter. Kat’s mother, Jamie, is a reluctant jewel thief, but is only in it to pay back a Gem, a jewelry-forging criminal who helped her years ago. When Jamie decides it’s time to take Kat and leave Gem for good, Gem agrees to help support her new life in exchange for one final job. Jamie and Kat take off for Maine to steal one last piece of jewelry from the fabulously rich Sutherland family, and then life will be guilt and crime free.  On their way, they run into Liam and his father Luke, an awkward reunion since the last time Kat and Liam saw one another they were small children and had wandered out of a Las Vegas hotel room to explore the casinos during the one weekend Jamie and Luke were married. When the theft plans go spectacularly awry and one of the Sutherlands is murdered, Liam and Kat team up again to figure out who the killer is, who is telling the truth, and how to get out of there alive.

Such Charming Liars is perfect for fans of Knives Out, Succession, or the One Final Job trope. It’s a quick, twisty read and Kat and Liam, along with their new friend Augustus Sutherland, are a trio easy to root for. Suggest to fans of Holly Jackson or E. Lockhart.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars