Category: Book Reviews

Donut: The Unicorn Who Wants to Fly

Donut: The Unicorn Who Wants to FlyDonut: The Unicorn Who Wants to Fly by Laura Gehl, Andrea Zuill
Published by Random House Studio on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 0593376250
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Fantasy, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Donut: The Unicorn Who Wants to Fly is a story about perseverance and friendship shown by the trials and tribulations of Donut, a unicorn who is determined to fly and tries myriad methods that fail until, with the help of their friends, pulls together a beautiful flying contraption and sails away happily.

This picture book utilizes simple rhyming while also weaving in a graphic novel’s sensibility in using only pictures and symbols to convey meaning, which makes it a good entry into graphic novels for a younger audience. The illustrations are inked and colored beautifully and tell the story with support from the text, rather than the other way around. This would be a good read aloud for Pre K-1 but even younger children would enjoy the colorful illustrations about a unicorn yearning for flight.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Maisy At Work

Maisy At WorkMaisy at Work by Lucy Cousins
Published by Candlewick Press on July 19, 2022
ISBN: 1536224421
Pages: 20
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

This word book was first published in 1990 in the UK. It features Maisy Mouse in various occupations. The book names the setting of where Maisy works rather than the occupation. Toddlers will enjoy pointing to and naming the related items on the right-hand pages of the book. The book would be useful for building vocabulary.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Maisy’s Town

Maisy’s TownMaisy's Town by Lucy Cousins
Published by Candlewick Press on July 19, 2022
ISBN: 153622443X
Pages: 20
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

First published in the UK in 1990. Maisy Mouse begins by “getting ready” and then goes to town to visit: the library, post office, park, salon, supermarket, garden center, clothing store, and café. A few pictures are a bit dated as few libraries still have sets of encyclopedias. Toddlers will enjoy pointing to and naming items on the pages on the right side. The book would be useful for building vocabulary.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Where We Live: Mapping Neighborhoods of Kids Around the Globe

Where We Live: Mapping Neighborhoods of Kids Around the GlobeWhere We Live: Mapping Neighborhoods of Kids Around the Globe by Margriet Ruurs, Wenjia Tang
Published by Kids Can Press on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 1525301373
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

On the left page, there is a scenario of one of 16 children’s neighborhoods in mostly little-known countries that will enlighten readers’ understanding of global cultures. The right-side page is an accompanying map of the neighborhood that was featured. While the vignettes are strong, the maps were difficult to understand. Readers will learn a lot about different countries while reading this book, but might have to look up more information on a computer, such as the types of medicines obtained from coconut trees. An interesting book about cultures, but not a great introduction to maps. For readers in grades 3-6.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Where’s The Doctor?

Where’s The Doctor?Where's the Doctor? by Ingela P. Arrhenius, Nosy Crow
Published by Nosy Crow on May 23, 2022
ISBN: 1536223999
Pages: 10
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
two-stars

A five-page lift-the-flap book to find the Nurse/Paramedic/Orderly/Doctor/You (foil mirror). Felt flaps were nicer than the usual paper. But content was not great; text reads like what it is (fairly generic, from a publishing company, not an author). Digital illustrations were not comforting (a kid sick in bed with a nurse wheeling an IV, or a speeding and worried looking paramedic), and choice of words, in my mind, was odd. For the age (0-3), a warmer intro to the concept of nurses and doctors would be welcome, but the words “paramedic” and “orderly” felt like mouthfuls for that age level. Not a must have.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

two-stars

Splash!

Splash!Splash! by Leslie Patricelli
Published by Candlewick Press on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 1536219835
Pages: 26
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

Splash! by Leslie Patricelli is a worthwhile addition to her oeuvre. The trademark bright illustrations and joyful characters create a story of beach time that will bring a smile to every reader’s face. The bold color choices, sing-song text, repetition of words, and energetic verb choices all combine to create an enjoyable read aloud for younger children. This is a lovely book for babies and children in Pre-K.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Marco Polo Brave Explorer

Marco Polo Brave ExplorerMarco Polo Brave Explorer by Cynthia Lord, Stephanie Graegin
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536213551
Pages: 80
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Marco Polo is a mouse Christmas ornament who has been added to the collection of stuffed animals Anne the librarian lends out to children for sleepovers. He is very excited to go home with Seth, but Seth’s dad is worried he’s a bit small, and when Seth gets to the sleepover, Tulip the cat proves him right! The cat hides him behind the couch and Marco Polo has to be as brave as his namesake and save the other stuffed animals behind the couch.

This is a solid addition to a library collection, a quick-moving plot with internal monologues help the reader understand how Marco Polo and Seth are both feeling throughout the story. The illustrations peppered throughout the story are detailed and sweet, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the tale. The message of bravery is a strong one and the last portion of the book really hammers that home. Every kid will be able to catch onto the lesson of Marco Polo. This book is appropriate for grades 3-5.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Sir Ladybug

Sir LadybugSir Ladybug (Sir Ladybug, #1) by Corey R. Tabor
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on March 29, 2022
ISBN: 0063069067
Pages: 72
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Sir Ladybug is a knight for the modern age, he likes video games, baking cakes, and will always take on a quest when it is plopped in front of him. He has help on these adventures from his friends, Pell the roly-poly herald and Sterling the snail as his trusty steed. This early reader graphic novel uses colorful illustrations with simple line work to convey an easy joy and simplicity to the storyline. The text is humorous for both kids and adults, with some literary references peppered in for those who appreciate meta-humor, as well as knock knock jokes for the younger ones reading.

Each of the three main characters has something to bring to the table as far as adventuring goes, and the lessons on what it means to be brave and what it means to be “a monster” are well-worth remembering. This graphic novel is charming, funny, and thoughtful and would be well-suited for children grades 2-4.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game

Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First GameMr. Lemoncello's Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on May 3, 2022
ISBN: 059348083X
Pages: 304
Goodreads

Travel back in time to witness the origins of Luigi Lemoncello’s obsession with games and puzzles in this prequel to the popular “Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” series. Grabenstein does not disappoint his puzzle-loving, clue-hunting readers. Luigi is 13 and has been swept up in the excitement of the carnival and the mesmerizing game-play of Professor Marvelmous. Seeing the potential in Luigi, Professor takes him under his wing and shows him the way to capitalize on the spectacle of showmanship. Not only does Luigi hone his craft, but he earns some much-needed income as his father has been fired from his jobs in retaliation for Luigi’s boldness in challenging James Willoughby and Chad Chiltington, the sons of the two men who control the town.

Little nods to the first book will delight readers who might have wondered why Mr. Lemoncello had such an affinity for balloons or why he was probably happy (and not too surprised) to kick Charles Chiltington out of the library in Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.

If the series is popular at your library or school, this is a first purchase.

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

If you live here

If you live hereIf You Live Here by Christopher Silas Neal, Kate Gardner
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on February 22, 2022
ISBN: 0062865323
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a simply worded book exploring different types of dwellings. Each two page spread starts with, “If you live…” and is followed by a whimsical, unexpected, and sometimes comical conclusion. The types of dwellings are unique—from castles to spaceships to trains. It is a fun exploration of creativity and thought. The mixed media illustrations are essential for the book; the text alone does not carry the story. The pictures complete the thoughts of the text and bring life to the story. Recommended for readers 4 and up, this makes a fun read aloud where kids can offer their own interpretations of what needs to happen in each dwelling.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars