Month: April 2026

Mama Loves It

Mama Loves ItMama Loves It (Raffi Songs to Read) by Patricia Pessoa, Raffi
Published by Knopf Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Perennial favorite Raffi is here to remind us once again that it is just as acceptable to sing books out loud as it is to read them. This time it’s a song about helping out with chores and how much it means to family members when everyone chips in (can confirm). Happily illustrated and good-natured, this is a solid choice for story times, or for delivering an essential message about how it takes a whole family to keep things tidy. Song lyrics and notated music included.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Seven Million Steps

Seven Million StepsSeven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory's Run for the Hungry by Christian Gregory, Derrick Barnes, Frank Morrison
ISBN: 0063357526
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, History, Inspiration, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory’s Run for the Hungry

Written by: Derrick Barnes and Christian Gregory

Illustrated by: Frank Morrison

 

This non-fiction picture book for ages 4-8 tells the story of activist Dick Gregory’s remarkable 1976 Food Run- his two-and-a-half month run from Los Angeles to New York City to raise awareness about the epidemic of hunger and poverty in America. Mr. Gregory underwent this run while sustaining himself with only water, juice, vitamins, and some seeds. His goal was to raise attention and compassion to those who go days without food. The end contains a direct quote from Dick Gregory, as well information about the persistent reality of hunger and food insecurity today. Although the author mentions that individuals can support organizations like Feeding America and No Kid Hungry, inclusion of practical and child-friendly strategies (i.e. giving to a local food pantry, volunteering at soup kitchens) is lacking. This may have helped inspire activism and volunteerism in young readers by providing ideas for small and meaningful ways they can impact their communities. The underlying issue of wealth inequality remains relevant and deserving of attention.

3 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

three-stars

Because of a Shoe

Because of a ShoeBecause of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano, Marla Frazee
ISBN: 0593707400
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Because of a Shoe

Julie Fogliano & Marla Frazee

This picture book for ages 2-5 is the story of a toddler’s epic tantrum due to an ill-fitting shoe, just when the child’s mother is in a rush to get out the door.  The child’s raging frustrations are clearly depicted in the illustrations, as is the mother’s building exasperation and anger. This lovely story is one to which all parents of young children can easily relate. Everyone loses their temper at times, especially with those we love the most. Neither the mother nor the son wants to be loud and yelling. After the meltdown, the mother and son remember that they are not their maddest faces and their angriest eyes: “We are still us (funny sweet us) and you still love me and I still love you and nothing will ever change something like that.” It is a lovely book to share with a child after the inevitable tantrums and subsequent fallout. The dark and stormy pictures during the fight emphasize the strong emotions and serve as a stark contrast to the bright, colorful pictures of the following calm and peace. It is a tender reminder that unconditional love between mother and child is not without conflicts and moments of regret.

5 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

five-stars

Maya’s World

Maya’s WorldMaya's World by Andrea Pippins
ISBN: 0593814991
Genres: Arts, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Maya’s World

Author-Illustrator: Andrea Pippins

This picture book for ages 4-8 is about a young girl named Maya who loves to draw and is eager to share her colorful artwork with her classmates. However, her drawing of a rainbow causes confusion among her peers; Pia states, “It doesn’t look like a rainbow.” Another student says, “Rainbows don’t have patterns or those colors.” Maya overcomes self-doubt and inspires others to use their imaginations. While the reader never gets to view Maya’s drawing in its entirety, the pages show the children interacting with elements of Maya’s artwork through bright and vivid illustrations, once she starts explaining her piece to the class. Maya inspires her friends to use their individual imaginations and creativity to create a beautiful masterpiece together. It is a lovely celebration of art as self-expression. It’s validating to young artists to hear that there is no right or wrong way to draw what you feel.

5 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

five-stars