Category: Book Reviews

Peppa Pig and the Great Race

Peppa Pig and the Great RacePeppa Pig and the Great Race by Candlewick Press
Published by Candlewick Entertainment on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 1536224138
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Daddy Pig has a surprise for Peppa, George, and Mummy Pig, but they have to get to the fairgrounds to find out what it is. They take a car, bikes, a train, and a plane to get to their destination in time: a hot air balloon ride. Very small children and fans of Peppa Pig will enjoy the ever-changing modes of transportation. A more rambunctious story time might involve making vehicle noises with each new type of travel. A parent would be bored reading it for the tenth time. Digital illustrations are bright, on point with the series, and relevant to the story. Part of a popular series, but otherwise unexceptional.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

two-stars

From Dust a Flame

From Dust a FlameFrom Dust, a Flame by Rebecca Podos
Published by Balzer + Bray on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 0062699067
Pages: 416
Genres: Fantasy, Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Hannah, her mother, and brother have always lived a life on the road. So when they finally settle in Massachusetts, she has high hopes that they will stay for a while – at least long enough for her to finish high school and get into a good college. But on her seventeenth birthday, she wakes up with eyes like a snake – the first of many physical changes that occur. Leaving Hannah and her brother Gabe alone, her mother tells them she will to get help for the strange things that are happening. Only she never comes back. After weeks alone, an obituary for their grandmother comes anonymously in the mail, and Hannah and Gabe agree that setting out to find their relatives in New York seems to be their only option.

This novel uses Jewish tradition and mythology to tell the story of three generations of women, a family curse, and real atrocities that occurred in the past. The importance of family comes across as the main theme in this clever blend of horror, fantasy and historical fiction. A good addition to any YA collection.

Reviewed by Lee Remick, York Middle School

three-stars

The Hanmoji Handbook

The Hanmoji HandbookThe Hanmoji Handbook: Your Guide to the Chinese Language Through Emoji by An Xiao Mina, Jason Li, Jennifer 8. Lee
Published by Miteen Press on August 30, 2022
ISBN: 1536219134
Pages: 160
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This accessible book teaches the basics of the written Chinese language using the parallels of Chinese characters and emojis. It not only successfully explains how logographic language works, it is a terrific book on linguistics in general. It’s a clever way to teach a language that seems so different from an alphabetic language; most of use emojis and can combine several to create meaning so this book opens our minds to learning in a whole new way. I would absolutely recommend this for a high school language class (not even necessarily a Chinese class-it’s an all around fun read about language). It is a little intense, so I’m not sure how well it would circulate outside of being used as part of a class, but if your library or classroom has a language instruction shelf, it will fit right in.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

So Much Snow

So Much SnowSo Much Snow by Kristen Schroeder, Sarah Jacoby
Published by Random House Studio on October 25, 2022
ISBN: 0593308204
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
“So Much Snow” is a picture book about a large snowstorm. Written by Kristen Schroeder and illustrated by Sarah Jacoby, this gorgeous book features various animals as the snow begins and grows and becomes a blizzard. Despite the pile of snow, the book is never scary. Eventually the snow melts and it becomes spring-y again… But wait? Is that another snowflake?

Beautiful illustrations  that utilize white space effectively and text that rhymes and repeats, this book is a suggested purchase for picture book collections where it snows. Written for ages 3 – 7, kids will enjoy the repetition and seeing the different animals in the snow.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

five-stars

A Beginner’s Guide to Being Human

A Beginner’s Guide to Being HumanA Beginner's Guide to Being Human by Andr� Ceolin, Matt Forrest Esenwine
Published by Beaming Books on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 1506481736
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
“A Beginner’s Guide to Being Human,” written by Matt Forrest Esenwine and illustrated by Andre Ceolin, is a good, basic primer on how to be a friendly and positive person and what it means to be human. Each page gives tips and information about basic humanity like family (and that you don’t have to be related to be a family), being kind, and having feelings.

The text is fairly simple and the concepts are explained well and is written for children aged 4-8. The illustrations are large and bright and make the book inviting. If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel positive about humanity, this is a good addition to your collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME 04092.

four-stars

Izzy’s Tail of Trouble

Izzy’s Tail of TroubleIzzy's Tail of Trouble by Caroline Adderson
Published by Kids Can Press on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1771387335
Pages: 168
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
“Izzy’s Tail of Trouble” is written by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Kelly Collier. This beginner chapter book follows Izzy, a young girl, as she learns about growing up, responsibilities, and general pet care. Izzy’s dog Rollo isn’t a puppy anymore (in dog years, he’s a teenager) and he is out of control! How will Izzy deal with Rollo and with her teenage brother Lionel?

This book has interesting characters and a fun plot that should interest young readers, especially those who want a pet. The illustrations are black and white and add to the overall humor of the book. Aimed at readers 6 to 9 years old, this is a good additional purchase to build up your early chapter book section.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

It Will End Like This

It Will End Like ThisIt Will End Like This by Kyra Leigh
Published by Delacorte Press on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 0593375521
Pages: 352
Genres: Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Maddi and Charlotte are living charmed lives: beautiful and popular, successful parents, fabulous beach house. Until their mother ends up dead. The girls are told she died because her heart stopped suddenly, but they are quick to suspect that there is more to the story, especially when their father ends up in a relationship with the much younger Amber, personal assistant to their mother.

Told from the alternating perspectives of both Maddi and Charlotte, as well as an unknown third narrator, this book is a fast-paced look at loss, grief, mental illness, addiction, and family dysfunction. As the book progresses, Maddi and Charlotte descend into ever-increasing depression and paranoia. Family secrets are uncovered, those they seek help from turn on them, and the future seems bleak, unless they can take matters into their own hands.

Based on the Lizzie Borden murders, this is a strong pick for any YA collection, and will especially appeal to readers who enjoy a good psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.

Reviewed by Lee Remick, York Middle School

three-stars

The Funny Book

The Funny BookThe Funny Book (Bobo and Pup-Pup) by Vikram Madan, Nicola Slater
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 0593562801
Pages: 72
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
three-stars
Bobo and Pup-Pup are two good friends. Pup-Pup has a funny book he is reading that Bobo really wants to read too, but Pup-Pup wants to finish reading it first. Bobo disagrees and eventually the problem is resolved by the purchasing of a second book.

This is a book about sharing and problem-solving with friends, the text is simple and easily-read, and the pictures are cartoonish and graphic novel-adjacent. Not a first purchase, but appropriate for emerging readers and a fine addition to the collection.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

Sometimes, All I Need is Me

Sometimes, All I Need is MeSometimes, All I Need Is Me by Juliana Perdomo
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536218049
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Sometimes, All I Need Is Me by Juliana Perdomo is a beautiful, calm book of affirmation and self-love. This book celebrates togetherness alongside independence for everything the main character loves to do with someone, they are also able to do on their own.

The book touches on being home, playing, listening to music, nighttime thoughts, falling down, and hugs. The book posits that doing these things with others is wonderful, and doing them alone is equally so.

The illustrations are simple and bold, making it a great read for a younger audience or for a large group setting. The main character is a person of color, and the words and illustrations hint that they may be Latinx. The beautiful colors and setting appear almost like stamps.

Sometimes, All I Need Is Me is a great introduction to self-reliance, flexibility, and confidence. It can be used with the youngest readers, or as a discussion starter prompt for older elementary to consider what they can do in their life with others and alone to make themselves feel whole.

Recommended for ages 0 – 7.

Reviewed by Katie Drago, Children’s Librarian, Rockland Public Library, Rockland, ME

five-stars

The Lady and the Unicorn

The Lady and the UnicornThe Lady and the Unicorn by Béatrice Fontanel, Vanessa Hié
Published by Princeton Architectural Press on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 1648961231
Pages: 48
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Gorgeous illustrations inspired by the Unicorn Tapestries held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Cluny Museum in Paris. Unfortunately, the story was not as enchanting. When the huntsmen chase the unicorn, the creature finds his way into a secret garden in the forest and discovers a young lady who has powers more magical than his own. The writing is  simplistic and a bit far-fetched, even for a fairy tale. The afterword explaining the tapestries and highlighting the details in the hanging used in the book is very interesting. Readers in grades 1-3 will enjoy the pictures, but will not be wowed by the story.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars