I’m a Photon

November 12, 2025

I'm a Photon (Meet the Universe) by Eve M. Vavagiakis, Mike Malbrough
Published by MIT Kids Press ISBN: 1536228265
Genres: Non-Fiction, STEM
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Follow an exuberant photon as it explains its role in how we see and use light. This has propulsive energy, thanks to bright, sweeping illustrations and rhyming text, so it would be a good one to read out loud in a light unit for younger grades. There is a glossary that helps round out a narrative that is high on momentum but falls a little short on explanations.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle

November 11, 2025

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Matt Patterson, Sy Montgomery
ISBN: 0063325160
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a remarkable true story of a lucky snapping turtle named Fire Chief. From the time snapping turtle eggs are hatched there are a number of predators and obstacles a young turtle must survive in order to reach adulthood. Born about 60 years ago, Fire Chief found his summer home in a small heart-shaped pond by a fire station, migrating across a nearby road each year to a larger pond for winter. Over time the road grew busier, and one year he was hit by a car. Fire Chief was rescued and rehabilitated by the Turtle Rescue League. Barely able to move his back legs, Fire Chief was given a wheelchair so he could exercise year-round. As time passed, Fire Chief continued to heal, but would he be able to cross the road each winter? Fortunately, Fire Chief’s friends came up with a solution, digging him a new pond far from any road and planting it with his favorite plants. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and rehabilitation.

The illustrations in this story are superb – filled with natural details, emotion, and a sense of scale. The back matter contains real pictures of Fire Chief (who now lives with the illustrator of this book), information about snapping turtles, and resources for what to do if you find an injured turtle. A wonderful and engaging addition to any nonfiction collection. Recommended for ages 5 to 8 (Kindergarten to 2^nd grade). Cream of the crop nominee.

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

A Fall Day for Bear

November 11, 2025

A Fall Day for Bear (Bear and Mouse) by Bonny Becker, Kady MacDonald Denton
ISBN: 1536229490
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Bear and mouse are back and headed out to enjoy a picnic on a nice fall day. The only problem? Mouse (who is usually quite upbeat) is really sad about the changing seasons, and about the leaves, birds, and flowers leaving. Concerned for Mouse, Bear steps out of his typical curmudgeonly role, doing everything he can think of to cheer up his friend. The pair get wet from the rain, and find some laughs slipping and sliding through mud puddles. Wonderfully messy, the friends head home for warm baths, and tea, pickles, and cookies by the fire. The watercolor illustrations are warm and soft, like a beautiful fall day. This story would be a good tool to explore feelings of sadness, expressing feelings, empathy, and friendship. Recommended for ages 4 to 7 (Pre-K to 1^st grade).

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

Gather Grateful

November 11, 2025

Gather Grateful by Alexandra Finkeldey, Megan Litwin
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536233382
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Nature, Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Lyrical prose welcome the arrival of autumn and a season of thanksgiving. As fall progresses, animals begin gathering items—squirrels their acorns, crows their treasures, raccoons and skunks hunker down for warmth and affection. Likewise families gather for sharing of food, stories, and thanksgiving.

With poetic prose, Megan Litwin follows the transition of animals and humans as they prepare for the coming winter. Alexandra Finkeldey’s striking limited palette captures the preparations both outside and in, although some illustrations are quite dark which may make this a troublesome readaloud. The family is an extended interracial family, and it is free of references to specific holidays, making it suitable for all readers.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Wally Mammoth: The Sled Race

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Wally Mammoth: The Sled Race by Corey R. Tabor, Dalton Webb
Series: I Can Read Comics Level 1 #1
Published by Greenwillow Books ISBN: 0063434911
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this larger-size 8-inch x 11-inch easy reader book, Wally the wooly mammoth races an arctic wolf and Otto the great auk down a snow covered hill on sleds. Wolf and Otto want to win the race but Wally just wants to have fun. Soon the competitive ambitions of Wolf and Otto prove ruinous as their unmaneuverable speed sends them crashing and swallowed up by an ever-growing snowball. Wally nervously takes the lead in the race but soon “SHOOOP!” Wally is also part of the rolling snowball. In the end, all three tie for the first prize! And want to make another run down the hill!

Tabor’s text is accessible for new readers making use almost entirely of speech bubbles, much like Elephant & Piggie books. Webb’s cartoonish art complements the silliness. A fun new series for emergent readers. Ages 4-8.

Elmore and the Christmas Rescue

November 11, 2025

Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue (Elmore the Moose) by Dev Petty, Mike Boldt
Series: Elmore the Moose #2
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers ISBN: 0593518055
Genres: Animals, Holiday, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Elmore the Moose is back for book 2. This time Santa Claus falls sick a week before Christmas, and Mrs. Claus sends him on vacation leaving Elmore in charge. Elmore finds it harder than he thought so writes Santa for advice. Santa helps Elmore grow into his new role. On Christmas Eve, Elmore takes the reins to deliver presents before Santa’s return to the North Pole.

The story is a bit chaotic much like the accompanying artwork making it quite humorous. The letters exchanged between Elmore and Santa are the true gems in this story. Children will learn about problem-solving and that there is more than one way of doing things at the North Pole. This book will make a fun readaloud for 4-7 year olds.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Cat Nap

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Cat Nap by Brian Lies
Published by Greenwillow Books ISBN: 0062671286
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Magical Realism
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Brian Lies introduces a sleepy cat whose afternoon nap transforms into an epic journey through art, time, and history. A girl sits on the couch reading a book in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Egyptian Antiquities room while her cat dozes nearby. When the cat notices a mouse and dives after it, an epic chase through time, art, and history ensues. Brian Lies creates a truly unique picture book that takes readers through the galleries of an art museum. As the cat and mouse leap from one page to the next, they are portrayed in the style of masterful artworks—each re-created in its original media by Brian Lies. When the sly mouse gets away, Kitten finds himself lost and alone and Kitten needs to find his way home? Of course he does with the help of some of his new “friends.”

A page-turning cat and mouse chase, an introduction to famous works of art throughout history, an epic adventure story, and a homecoming. Back matter includes information about how each of the illustrations in the book was created, notes on the original artworks featured in the book, and an afterword inviting young readers to make, create, and build things. A masterpiece for reading at story time, perusing on your own, or sharing 1-on-1 with someone of any age.

Nominated for Cream

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone

November 11, 2025

If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone by Emily Hughes, Gideon Sterer
Published by Clarion Books ISBN: 0063375222
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Great front book cover of a gorilla talking/listening on a banana phone against a solid red background and on the back cover a child doing the same on a solid green background. When you look inside, you learn the gorilla is conversing with the dark-haired child who called him. The gorilla has a lot of questions, like “Why are you calling?” and asks what you look like? Family members doubt that the child is really speaking to a gorilla, but when the gorilla and friends show up for a visit, they are surprised. However the child knows, if you make a call on a banana phone, “You might just make a friend.”

Hughes’ artwork is a beautiful mix of fantasy and normality. Sterer provides good modeling about how a lonely child can make a new friend. Almost the entire text is made up of suppositions, much like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, but it works to tell a simple story, especially because the illustrations enhance the text. A sweet and humorous book for 3-6 year olds, and a fun readaloud for story time. I do wonder though in this age of cell phones, how many kids will relate to the banana handset?

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Merry Mittens: A Moontime Cats Christmas Story

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Merry Mittens: A Moontime Cats Christmas Story by Charlie Mylie, Jordan Morris
Published by Candlewick ISBN: 1536239666
Genres: Animals, Holiday, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Cat friends Carl, Biscuit, and Peewee meet up to make some mischief. They’re sidetracked by a paw-print trail leading to a little thief’s stash of stolen trinkets, tinsel, and a star swiped from a Christmas tree where they know where to return them. What’s new is a meow they hear coming out of a box, and they find a new kitten friend.

The best part of the book are the cat illustrations, with an especially appealing front cover. Mylie uses colored pencils and watercolors to create luminous cats on a black-background. However the story was rather flat and confusing at times. It is a secular story for the holidays if that is important for your library.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Happy Friendsgiving: A Thanksgiving Celebration of Found Families

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Happy Friendsgiving: A Thanksgiving Celebration of Found Families by Laura Sandoval Herrera, Marcie Colleen
ISBN: 0593649923
Genres: Holiday, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A refreshingly modern depiction of Thanksgiving with friends and family alike. This inclusive picture book has no references of historical Pilgrims or Native American feasts, but instead celebrates the coming-together of community and other traditions including Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football games. There is a heartwarming spirit in the text and illustrations of disorganized togetherness: “Someone brought a card table. The neighbors borrowed chairs. It’s snug around our mismatched feast. We wouldn’t have it any other way.” There is gratitude, inclusivity, and love on every page. With autumnal colors and delicious dishes illustrated, you’ll want to see a copy of this book in each library for every November display for years to come. Recommended for ages 3-7.

Cream of the Crop Nominee

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath