on August 27, 2024
ISBN: 0063039478
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
The Everybody Experiment by Lisa Moore Ramee
The Everybody Experiment by Lisa Moore Ramee
The Goblin Twins: Too Hard to Scare is about two creatures from Korean mythology who move to New York and attempt to play tricks on people. However, they didn’t anticipate how impervious New Yorkers would be to their scare attempts. It turns out the adjustment to New York was harder than they thought it would be. In order to cheer themselves up they try and try to scare those around them. Ultimately while they’re unsuccessful in their attempts to strike fear into the hearts of those around them, they do become closer and learn to lean on each other as they learn to adapt in their new home. I would recommend this for patrons who are K-3 and libraries where the first book (The Goblin Twins) is popular, Halloween/scare books are popular, or you have a lot of people who move to your town. Three stars.
Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner
My Olive Tree by Hazar Elbayya
ISBN: 0593810228
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
A young Palestinian girl learns all about olive trees from her grandfather; how they connect so many people in their community, how the olives are used in so many ways, and how they have come to represent peace, connection, and resilience. She decides to plant some seeds to grow her own olive tree, but it is unfortunately stomped on as soldiers pass through her town.The girl’s grandfather encourages her not to lose hope and tells her he will share the story of her tree with others. Not long after, the child comes upon a new grove of olive trees planted by her friends and neighbors.
Lovely, muted illustrations grace the pages of this incredible book. Elbayya’s author’s note gives readers more context, as well as a sense of the resilience and desire for peace. A timely selection, the hopeful messaging in this picture book is highly recommended for all libraries, although the text is intended for grades 1-2.
Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta.
First Test Graphic Novel (Protector of the Small, #1) by Becca Farrow, Devin Grayson, Tamora Pierce
Published by RH Graphic on July 2, 2024
ISBN: 0307931560
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
A graphic novel adaptation of fantasy author Tamora Pierce’s first book in her Protector of the Small series. First Test features Kel, an 11-year-old girl determined to do what has never been done before: openly train to be a lady knight.
Fans of the original novel may miss the deeper understanding of Kel’s background, motivations, and inner thoughts that are harder to capture in this format. The illustrative style is reminiscent of comic books, which is in keeping with illustrator Devin Grayson’s background. Overall this works, but sometimes it’s hard to visually tell characters apart (this is an understandable challenge, as most of the characters, including Kel, wear uniforms).
That said, the adventure-packed storyline of the original book is followed, and no doubt graphic novel fans will enjoy it greatly – maybe even enough to be curious about the novel version.
4 stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta
C.C. Cecily, Senior Secretary to the Fairy Tale Fan Club, has here compiled fan mail and responses between readers and famous fairy tale characters. The Big Bad Wolf gives his side to the story; Sleeping Beauty quashes rumors about her general boringness; Pinocchio considers the ups and downs of his transformation from puppet to boy, and more.
Amusing and charmingly illustrated, this book would be a fun addition to any collection. Younger middle grade patrons, particularly reluctant readers looking for short, humorous vignettes, will surely enjoy the silliness of these “legendary letters.”
4 stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta
My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More by Corban Wilkin, G. Neri
Published by Candlewick Press on March 5, 2024
ISBN: 1536223328
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
Think Rick Steeves visits Antarctica … but replace Rick with Gregory Neri. Fulfilling a childhood dream, adult Neri had a chance to realize his ambitions by taking a grant-funded trip to Antarctica in 2017. Along with other artists and writers, he joined researchers (“mostly white, but I see a few folks of color like me”) living and working at McMurdo Station. Illustrated with exceptional photos, which Wilkin enhances with superimposed cartoon images, that capture the essence of the place. The author’s caricature looks on as scientists engage in a range of projects, meets penguins, surveys a photo gallery of outdoor toilets, and informs what life is like at the South Pole. Maps, galleries of rugged vehicles and outerwear, and multiple lists are included. A great book for anyone to experience what it might be like to visit Antarctica. Extensive notes (10 pages) at the end of the book.
Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor
ISBN: 0063275562
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
Much as he did with Mel Fell and The Better Bone, Tabor plays with book orientation. Ursula is a happy pink catfish who enjoys her life eating bugs, until she is asked one day why she swims upside down. This query causes her to doubt herself and if she might be in the wrong. Readers are instructed to flip the book upside down. Ursula is not happy until she has a conversation with a bat that, of course, is hanging upside down. She is overjoyed to meet another creature who lives life unconventionally aligned. And, “just like that,” Ursula’s world—and the book—flips again. Food for thought for youngsters. Bubbly watercolors in tones of aqua and teal create an inviting watery world. An author’s note discusses the real-life upside-down catfish, found in the Congo River basin. An enjoyable readaloud for ages 4-7. Beginning readers will be tickled by the unorthodox book orientation.
Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants by Philip Bunting
ISBN: 0593567781
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
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
Published by Andersen Press Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
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