Category: Book Reviews

Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out

Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-OutGrumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out by Suzanne Lang, Max Lang
Published by Random House Studio on November 29, 2022
ISBN: 0593486927
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This holiday book has all the characteristic humor of the other Grumpy Monkey books. Jim Panzee is grossed-out by all the kissing and hugging on Valentine’s Day but learns there are different types of valentines and many kinds of love, such as love for a parent or for friends. The book would make a good read aloud for Valentine Story Time.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Frindleswylde

FrindleswyldeFrindleswylde by Natalia O'Hara, Lauren O'Hara
Published by Candlewick Press on November 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536225096
Pages: 40
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This trickster tale is reminiscent of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen. On the night of the first snowfall Granny warns Cora about Frindleswylde, a fae boy who brings the cold and comes to “snatch the storks” as well as people; everyone must be careful when they go out. The next day, when Granny goes out in the woods, Frindleswylde snatches the light from the lantern causing Granny to become lost. Cora follows Frindleswylde to another world which he says is the “land of ever ice”. Frindleswylde sets three “impossible tasks” for Cora to perform and she manages to complete them all to save her Granny. The authors of this book keep the story moving and keep the readers wondering what will happen. The mixed media illustrations give the story a fairytale feel. It is very wordy for a picture book and would be difficult to use as a read aloud but is an engaging story for older elementary readers. Recommended for grades 2-4.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

three-stars

Besties Find Their Groove

Besties Find Their GrooveBesties: Find Their Groove by Kayla Miller, Jeffrey Canino, Kristina Luu
Series: World of Click, #2, #2
Published by HarperCollins US on January 4, 2023
ISBN: 0358521165
Pages: 208
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This fiction graphic novel is the sequel to Besties Work It Out and was written by Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino; it is a story from the world of Click, Miller’s best-selling graphic novel series. The story explores Beth and Chanda’s friendship, as well as the relationships they have with their mothers and sisters. The expressive illustrations take the reader on a journey of two 12-year-old girls navigating their first middle school dance. From trying to get dates to finding the perfect outfits these two girls run into obstacles. Chanda is Indian American and wants to find an outfit that will express her cultural heritage. Beth is a larger girl and struggles with finding a dress that fits and would be flattering. This book shows the reader two best friends who have conflict with each other and how they resolve it. It shows family drama and how the characters deal with that. It shows the reader that is is ok to look different than other kids and still be awesome. This empowering graphic novel is for grades 4-6.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

Dinosaur Atlas

Dinosaur AtlasNational Geographic Kids Dinosaur Atlas by National Geographic Society
Published by National Geographic Kids on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 1426372795
Pages: 128
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Exactly what one would expect from a National Geographic atlas. It features T. Rex, Spinosaurus, Triceratops, Diplodocus, Brontosaurus, and more, covering ancient Pangaea to the modern-day continents and such topics as fossils and prehistoric landscapes. A solid addition to any library’s dinosaur book collection. Ages 7-10.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Build a House

Build a HouseBuild a House by Rhiannon Giddens, Monica Mikai
Published by Candlewick Press on October 11, 2022
Pages: 40
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Artist Rhiannon Giddens from the traditional African string band Carolina Chocolate Drops uses her platform to highlight a powerful piece of African American history. The powerful, spare poetry, spanning centuries of American history and originally written as a song to celebrate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, is remarkable. Readers should scan the QR code and listen to Giddens and Yo Yo Ma sing the text for an enhanced experience:  https://www.rhiannongiddens.com/build-a-house. The vibrant illustrations by painter Monica Mikai complement the text. A good choice for Black History Month and a springboard for conversations about historical injustice.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy EveningStopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, P.J. Lynch
Published by Candlewick Press on November 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536229148
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

I have long loved this poem illustrated by Susan Jeffers so was eager to review this book. Fun fact: “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” written in 1922 and published in 1923, is celebrating its centennial. Six decades after the passing of its author, Robert Frost, P.J. Lynch brings this classic to new life with exquisitely detailed illustrations. In this rendition, the traveler is a young woman traveling to the outskirts of a small town on this wintry night. Because it is night time, the illustrations are quite dark and best enjoyed one-on-one. But it is a perfect book to be share with horse-loving children on the “darkest night of the year.” There is reason that this has remained beloved for 100 years!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

I Love You All Year Round: Four Classic Guess How Much I Love You Stories

I Love You All Year Round: Four Classic Guess How Much I Love You StoriesI Love You All Year Round: Four Classic Guess How Much I Love You Stories by Sam McBratney, Anita Jeram
Published by Candlewick Press on September 13, 2022
ISBN: 1536228540
Pages: 72
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Nutbrown Hare hops from spring to summer to fall to winter with this reissued collection of four sweet stories. Same charming, simple tales starring two beloved characters. Lovely pastel illustrations by Anita Jeram. Perfect for sharing with little ones throughout the year.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Through the North Pole Snow

Through the North Pole SnowThrough the North Pole Snow by Polly Faber, Richard Jones
Published by Candlewick Press on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 1536228524
Pages: 32
Genres: Folklore
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

An unusual holiday book with the setting in the far north but that mostly occurs after Christmas and through the year. A young Arctic fox is out hunting and gets stuck and rescued by Santa Claus (No Mrs. Claus or elves in this story.) The fox and old man become friends and the fox is curious as he watches the man prepare throughout the year for his one big night. Finally, the fox understands and the last page shows him nestled on Santa’s lap with a tea kettle by their side, resting up for the coming year. Richard Jones’s mixed media illustration fills in much of the details that are elusive in the story. I am certain children will enjoy guessing what is inside those wrapped packages! A unique sweet book to share with a child ages 3-7.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Puffin

PuffinPuffin by Martin Jenkins, Jenni Desmond
Published by Candlewick Press on November 15, 2022
ISBN: 1536228508
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

An informational book about the Atlantic Puffins found in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean as far south as Maine. Using a conversational tone, the book traces part of the annual cycle from an avian couple to puffling parents. Desmond’s illustrations are charming and support the text. I wondered how this British author and illustrator’s rendition would connect to a Maine audience, but I think it translates very well. The book is filled with interesting facts but reads like a story. A good choice for a first informational book about this endearing sea bird for young ornithologists.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Girl on Fire

Girl on FireGirl on Fire by Alicia Keys, Andrew Weiner, Brittney Williams
Published by Harper Alley on June 1, 2022
ISBN: 0063029561
Pages: 224
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This graphic novel by singer Alicia Keys, co-written by Andrew Weiner, uses her song lyrics “Girl on Fire” as a jumping-off point to tell a story about a girl who is not going to take any more. When Lolo Wright’s brother is wrongly accused of a crime by police, and he is being physically assaulted by an officer, Lolo taps into a deep power she didn’t even knew she had to fight back. With a form of telekenesis that channels light, Lolo removes the officer from her brother. In doing this, she catches the eye of the neighborhood boss, Skin, who wants to use her power for his own nefarious intent.  Lolo has a choice to make as those she loves are used as leverage to try to woo her to the crime-lord’s team. The illustrations are excellent – each character is distinct and Lolo’s power is clearly delineated; the pages are uncluttered and the story is easy to follow. Hand this book to fans of Angie Thomas or Nic Stone.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars