Category: Book Reviews

A Gift for Nana

A Gift for NanaA Gift for Nana by Lane Smith
Published by Random House Studio on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 0593430336
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“A Gift for Nana” follows young Rabbit as he goes on an adventure to find a good gift for his beloved Nana. Written and illustrated by Lane Smith, Rabbit asks the moon, a volcano, a big fish, and various others for the perfect gift, but nothing that they suggest is quite right. Lane’s mixed media artwork works well in showing just how big and long a quest Rabbit is on, with large swooping waves and tall craggy cliffs. Written for ages 4 to 7, this book is an excellent addition to any library collection.

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

four-stars

Out of this World: Star-Studded Haiku

Out of this World: Star-Studded HaikuOut of This World : Star-Studded Haiku by Matthew Trueman, Sally M. Walker
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536203564
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Out of this World” is a non-fiction picture book that describes objects and phenomena in space through haiku poetry. Written by Sally M. Walker and illustrated by Matthew Trueman, this book covers topics ranging from the Big Bang to the Curiosity Rover and Hubble Telescope. The illustrations are a beautiful mix of various media and art methods. The detail in each image is amazing, with tiny pieces of wire and tinfoil used to create  the Eagle lander on the Moon, and bits of what appears to be sand or salt as the chunks of ice and rock that make up a planet’s rings.

The haiku poetry gives a brief intro to each subject, but the real star is the artwork. Further information including a glossary, links to explore, and brief descriptions of different objects in space, are included at the back of the book. This book is a good purchase where non-fiction picture books are popular, but is not a must-buy for your library collection.

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

three-stars

Food Truck Fiasco

Food Truck FiascoFrank and Bean: Food Truck Fiasco by Bob Kolar, Jamie Michalak
Series: Frank and Bean #2
Published by Candlewick Press on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 1536214418
Pages: 48
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

It’s time for another adventure in the second book of the Frank and Bean series written by Jamie Michalak and illustrated by Bob Kolar. “Frank and Bean: Food Truck Fiasco” features friends Frank (a hotdog) and Bean (a bean) trying to run a food truck. The Food Truck Friday Festival is happening and Bean hopes that his donut food truck will win. He is nervous because he has heard that another food truck owner named Mad Dog always wins. Bean asks Frank to come with him to the festival. Following the theme of friendship and having fun, Frank and Bean work together to find success!

Funny text with hilarious illustrations, this book is a solid purchase wherever humorous early readers are popular. Written for kids aged 5 to 8.

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

four-stars

Two Dogs

Two DogsTwo Dogs by Ian Falconer
Published by HarperCollins on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0062954474
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Two Dogs” is a picture book written and illustrated by Ian Falconer, the creator of the Olivia series. This book is about two dachshunds named Perry and Augie who get bored while home alone one day. They play with the ball in the house and bang on the piano before going outside and wreaking havoc on the plants and lawn. They find a small hole and decide to dig, but when they hear a car pull up they are afraid they will get into trouble. Illustrations are fun and readers will enjoy the goofy dogs getting into different kinds of trouble. For kids in PreK to 3rd grade, this picture book is not a must-buy, but is recommended where Olivia books still go out.

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

three-stars

The Subtle Knife – The Graphic Novel

The Subtle Knife – The Graphic NovelThe Subtle Knife Graphic Novel by Philip Pullman
Series: His Dark Materials Graphic Novel #2
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on February 22, 2022
ISBN: 0593176936
Pages: 272
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

This is the graphic novel adaptation of the “His Dark Materials” series by Philip Pullman. Adapted by Stephane Melchior and illustrated by Thomas Gilbert, this is a good quality adaptation of the second book in the series. It follows Lyra, the main character, who in searching for the meaning of Dust meets Will, who is searching for his father. The graphic novel is fairly faithful to the original story, but there are some inconsistencies regarding rules around daemons. The art style has a sketched quality to it that really conveys the darkness of the overall story.

Geared towards kids aged 10 – 12, this is a worthwhile, though not necessary, purchase for fans of the original series and where fantasy graphic novels are popular.

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

three-stars

The Last Mapmaker

The Last MapmakerThe Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536204951
Pages: 368
Genres: Adventure
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

From author Christina Soontornvat, “The Last Mapmaker” is a tale of adventure and self-discovery. Sai is a twelve-year-old assistant mapmaker in the country of Mangkon (based off of Thailand); she is clever, ambitious, and resourceful, but she worries about her upcoming thirteenth birthday when everyone will learn that she has no noble ancestors (in this world, ancestry is extremely important). When she is tasked to go on a nautical adventure with the mapmaker, she hopes to prove herself worthy to the kingdom. Adventures ensue and Sai must decide who she really is, and who she can truly trust.

Themes of self-reliance and identity are clear in this seafaring adventure, brought to life by excellent world-building by Soontornvat. Difficult topics, such as poverty, class system, and overusing natural resources are part of the story, but are handled well. Recommended for readers age 9 – 13, this book is a must-buy for your middle grade fantasy collection.

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

four-stars

Emily’s Big Discovery

Emily’s Big DiscoveryEmily’s Big Discovery (The World of Emily Windsnap, #1) by Joanie Stone, Liz Kessler
Series: The World of Emily Windsnap #1
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536215228
Pages: 64
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Emily’s Big Discovery” is the start of an early chapter book series based on the middle grade “Emily Windsnap” mermaid books. Written by Liz Kessler and illustrated by Joanie Stone, the story follows Emily, a young girl who discovers that she can turn into a mermaid when she gets wet. The middle grade series has been a popular bestseller and this adapted version will probably be popular with younger readers who may not be ready yet for the longer books. Illustrations are fun and colorful. Aimed at kids age 6 – 9, this is a recommended purchase where early chapter books are popular.

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

three-stars

Busy Street

Busy StreetBusy Street by Edward Miller
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 25, 2022
ISBN: 0593377257
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

“Busy Street” by Edward Miller is an early reader similar to Richard Scarry’s “Cars and Trucks and Things that Go.” We follow Mommy and Bonnie, two animals who are out for a drive. Passing by lots of other vehicles with other animals inside, this rhyming book will appeal to any child who loves reading about vehicles. There are fire trucks, school buses, construction vehicles, and more! The illustrations are very bright and colorful and add to the busy and bustling nature of the book. The book doesn’t break any new ground, but it will definitely be enjoyed by younger readers who like books about animals and things that go! Aimed at ages 3 – 7, this is a recommended purchase wherever vehicle books are popular.

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

four-stars

Hangman’s Crossing

Hangman’s CrossingEmbassy of the Dead: Hangman's Crossing by Taryn Knight, Will Mabbitt
Series: Embassy of the Dead #2
Published by Walker Books US on October 26, 2021
ISBN: 153621048X
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Hangman’s Crossing” is the second book in the Embassy of the Dead series written by Will Mabbit and illustrated by Taryn Knight. Jake Green now has a job at the Embassy of the Dead, since he helped a ghost pass to the Afterworld in book 1. With his ghost partner, Cora, he helps ghosts pass on. While working on a routine undoing, Jake overhears a plot to bring a demon through to the realm of the living and apparently he’s one of the only people who can stop it.

A humorous middle grade fantasy book set mostly in the realm of the dead, Jake is an unlikely and reluctant hero. The minimal illustrations are done in a dark pencil style and add to the overall creepiness of the book. Being brave and facing your fears is interwoven with humor and low-key creepiness that you would expect from the land of the dead. Recommended for ages 8 – 12, this book is a good additional purchase if you already have the first in the series and it has proven popular.

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

three-stars

The Legend of Brightblade

The Legend of BrightbladeThe Legend of Brightblade by Ethan M. Aldridge
Published by Quill Tree Books on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 0062995537
Pages: 208
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Ethan Aldridge’s “The Legend of Brightblade” is a middle grade fantasy graphic novel. Prince Alto, the son of Lady Brightblade (a former hero and now queen), is tired of royal life and wants to be a bard and have adventures of his own. We follow him as he leaves the castle, makes other bard friends, and discovers that there is hidden trouble in the kingdom.

The art has strong lines and a watercolor feel to it, and definitely adds to the fantasy nature of the book. Brighter than Aldrige’s “Estranged” series, the art makes the book a bit lighter and more humorous and supports the theme of forging your own path. Alto has a lot of character development and the plot flows easily, though some problems are solved a little too quickly. Recommended for ages 8 – 12, this book is a worthwhile purchase wherever middle grade graphic novels are popular.

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

four-stars