Category: Book Reviews

Saving the Butterfly

Saving the ButterflySaving the Butterfly by Helen Cooper, Gill Smith
Published by Candlewick Press on June 21, 2022
ISBN: 1536220558
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Saving the Butterfly is an emotional read about two children suffering trauma as refugees. Both children are rescued from a boat but only the older remembers their journey and has difficulty getting past her loss. This story is probably not unique but the picture book format is sure to make a deep impression upon readers. Sadness and depression exhibited by the older sister is balanced by joy and hopefulness of the younger brother. Illustrations combine hope and sadness by using a range of colors and shadowing. While the village is shown in blacks and grays the flowers and butterfly include vibrant colors in many shades. The butterfly becomes a perfect symbol of hope even as it scares the younger brother. Readers will feel the emotional content and be grateful for the existence of a lovely creature who draws a depressed child out into her new village. The illustrations and text complement each other in a favorable way.

Readers may wonder if any services are offered to refugees like these siblings. Having minimal adult interactions seems to be a missed opportunity. As a picture book this story just touches on the reality of the refugee experience. Readers who have more questions will find lots of additional materials in public libraries and book stores. Because questions need to be answered this book should be included in primary media centers and public libraries. Intended for grade K-3 readers, this book would benefit and be welcomed by all ages. Art teachers will love the illustrations while guidance counselors will appreciate the content.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Little Houses

Little HousesLittle Houses by Kevin Henkes, Laura Dronzek
Published by Greenwillow Books on May 24, 2022
ISBN: 0062965727
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Natural curiosity is the theme that evolves throughout this picture book. Youngsters who have walked along a seashore beach are sure to identify with the illustrations and text. Those children who are not familiar with a seaside environment are in for a delightful experience as they stroll along with generic grandparents. Henkes catches the sounds of the sea as he develops the story to embrace what critters live within shells and wonder what lives below the surf. The second part of this book shares a sense of wonder as the young girl expresses her desire to know more. She and the audience are charmed by everything they have seen and want to learn more. The illustrations which were painted by Dronzek offer a birds-eye view of a perfect stretch of sandy beach. Color is used to emphasis the text and the animals are mostly in good proportion to the characters. Each shell is correctly drawn and most of the other marine species are accurately shown. One double page spread however shows a marine mammal (whale) that is incorrectly referred to as a big fish. Best of all is the emphasis placed on only removing from the beach shells that have no critters living in them.

This is a good book for primary grade nature study and great for families who love outdoor activities. May all children have the opportunity to view little marine houses and be able to take a couple empty shells home, if allowed by beach rules. Primary and nursery schools located in states that have ocean coastline should add this title to their picture book shelves. Public libraries ought to seriously consider including this book in their collections for families who have access to seaside beaches.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Do Baby Elephants Suck Their Trunks?: Amazing Ways Animals Are Just Like Us

Do Baby Elephants Suck Their Trunks?: Amazing Ways Animals Are Just Like UsDo Baby Elephants Suck Their Trunks?: Amazing Ways Animals Are Just Like Us by Ben Lerwill, Katharine McEwen
Published by Candlewick Press on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 1536224049
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This title is attractive and informative for preschool age children. Ten animals (wild and domestic) are introduced to young readers in a simple and factual presentation. Questions are asked and answered in lovely illustrated two-page spreads for each animal. Children will identify with and see the similarities between humans and other animals. Colored backgrounds are perfect for the natural setting of each individual animal.

This is bound to become a lap book, one that toddlers will drag over to a parent or grandparent frequently. While the information is slight, the illustrations of the various animals are perfect. Each page offers opportunity to search for and identify a number of added natural items within the animal’s environment. Add to library collections where concept books are shelved. Consider for pre-K classrooms and nursery schools.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Manatee Summer

Manatee SummerManatee Summer by Evan Griffith
Published by Quill Tree Books on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0063094916
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

An endearing adventure and scientific research novel which might best be noted as a middle grade coming-of-age story. Griffith has created two intriguing characters who are experiencing a unique summer, what should be their best summer ever. Pain, fear, loss of confidence, and family problems are all visible as Peter and Tommy interact in a somewhat dishonest relationship. Other characters are developed enough to hold their place in the story but it is a Florida manatee named Zoe who holds the story line in place. Unsettled parents, a failing grandfather, naturalists, and a grouchy neighbor contribute to the action which never stops from cover to cover.

The struggle these characters face is typical in society. Readers will encounter divorce, dementia in a grandparent, climate change, and an upcoming long-distance move. Each issue is enough to turn the life of a middle grader upside-down.

Griffith’s first novel is bound to be a favorite for juvenile readers. Those interested in marine animals and the scientific research method are sure to become engrossed by this story. Zoe may appear on the cover but this book is about relationships and struggles for humans and animals as well as their interaction. Future naturalist will be delighted with the field study notebook (Discovery Journal) and the marine scientists introduced within the story line. Add to intermediate school and middle school collections and include in public library juvenile collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

The Hurricanes of Weakerville

The Hurricanes of WeakervilleThe Hurricanes of Weakerville by Chris Rylander
Published by Walden Pond Press on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 006232750X
Pages: 432
Genres: Humor, Sports
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

In his newest book for middle grade readers, Chris Rylander introduces us to Alex Weakerman, a lovable misfit who is obsessed with the struggling independent league baseball team of his hometown, the Weakerville Hurricanes. Alex can’t play baseball, but he grew up going to games with his grandfather, who owns the team, and he knows the sport better than anyone else. When his grandfather dies, he makes Alex the manager of the Hurricanes. Despite being in middle school, Alex takes on this challenge, knowing that if his team doesn’t make the playoffs (which is a longshot), the new owner will dissolve it at the end of the season. Most of the team left when Alex was announced as manager, so Alex is left with a team of some professional players but also locals, like farmers and high school students. This would be hard for anyone, but especially for Alex who has Flumpo, the complete inability to speak coherently to anyone except his best friend. The Hurricanes of Weakerville is primarily a humorous book about baseball. Alex talks about strategy, statistics, and baseball magic, which fans can appreciate. There is well written in-game action that makes this a fast-paced book. Alex also undergoes character development as he learns what it means to be a friend and teammate and learns to have more confidence in himself. This is a fun, lighthearted read.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

The Subtle Knife

The Subtle KnifeThe Subtle Knife Graphic Novel by Philip Pullman
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on February 22, 2022
ISBN: 0593176936
Pages: 272
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This graphic novel adaptation of Philip Pullman’s The Subtle Knife is great for middle to high school age readers. It is not recommended for younger audiences due to subject matter and violence. The illustrations are very well done and the story will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. In this story Will and Lyra jump between different worlds on a hunt for magical Dust. When Will comes into possession of a knife that can cut through anything they have people in multiple dimensions on the hunt for them. It is packed with action and adventure and anyone who enjoyed the novels should read the adaptation.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

Mum, Me and the Mulberry Tree

Mum, Me and the Mulberry TreeMum, Me, and the Mulberry Tree by Tanya Rosie, Chuck Groenink
Published by Candlewick Press on July 19, 2022
ISBN: 1536220353
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Mother and child rise with the sun and take a bus into the country, where they spend the day picking mulberries. In the evening they return home and bake the berries into a pie. The text has an undemanding rhyming rhythm that is fun to read aloud, unspooling the gentle adventure of bus ride, rainstorm, tree-climbing and, finally, eating the delicious treat at the end. It is a sweet story that feels like a hug – it’s easy to imagine this being a book read over and over while snuggling.
Charming mixed media illustrations fill, but do not clutter, the page. They are in sync with the text and give the feel of an English countryside. Characters are white.

Four stars; a cozy addition to library shelves.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

four-stars

Everything In Its Place

Everything In Its PlaceEverything in Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging by Pauline David-Sax, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on July 19, 2022
ISBN: 0593378822
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Nicky finds it much easier to stay in the library with her beloved librarian, Ms. Gillam, than to go outside at recess and associate with her classmates. Ms. Gillam is supportive and accommodating but encourages Nicky to try playing outside during an upcoming week-long conference she’ll be attending. Nicky is crushed and finds solace in her mother’s restaurant where she catches up with her favorite regulars, particularly Maggie, a motorcycle-riding reader who passes books along to her young friend. When Maggie shows up one day with a huge group of motorcyclists, Nicky is awed by the diversity in the group and the way they all get along so well. She is encouraged to try her luck at the playground and even meets a new friend. Some kids stress about recess and this book would be helpful in starting a discussion about why that might be. The story is straightforward and the illustrations are nice, if a little chaotic. The book is kind and empathetic and would be a good read aloud for younger grades.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library

four-stars

Mystery of the Lost Lynx

Mystery of the Lost LynxMystery of the Lost Lynx (Cooper and Packrat, #5) by Tamra Wight, Carl DiRocco
Published by Islandport Press on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 1952143365
Pages: 240
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In this fifth installment of Cooper & Packrat (or as I like to think of them as modern day Hardy Boys), the unique wintertime setting is at the Wilder family campground in Maine. Aspiring game warden Cooper Wilder and his friend Packrat, the boy of many pockets, are setting up for the winter festival when they learn of a poacher in the area. These eco-mysteries are fun to read and the environmental intrigue is perfect for outdoorsy middle-grade readers. They are also good read alouds, especially for predicting what will happen, but I would start with the first book. Tamara Wight is from Maine.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee

Sir Ladybug and the Queen BeeSir Ladybug and the Queen Bee (Sir Ladybug, #2) by Corey R. Tabor
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0063069091
Pages: 72
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

“Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee” by Corey R. Tabor is the second book in the Sir Ladybug series of graphic novels. Broken up into chapters, the book follows Sir Ladybug, a knight, on a quest to stop the Queen Bee from being a bully and teach her to “bee kind.” The illustrations are simple and colorful and are very easy to follow. The style of the illustrations adds additional humor to the story and will make readers laugh. The story is relatable and treats the subject, bullying, in a serious way without sacrificing the overall humorous tone of the book. Good for classrooms, parents, and libraries, this book is aimed at children in grades 1-5.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library

four-stars