Category: Book Reviews

Jigsaw: Mystery in the Mall

Jigsaw: Mystery in the MallJigsaw: Mystery in the Mail by Bob Graham
Published by Candlewick Press on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 1536224995
Pages: 40
Genres: Mystery
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
one-star

A family gets a mysterious jigsaw puzzle in the mail by an anonymous sender. The family opens the jigsaw puzzle box and decides to work on the puzzle together. Sadly, one of the jigsaw pieces goes missing and the family members must investigate and find the missing jigsaw piece.

This book misses its mark when trying to introduce young readers to the concept of mystery. Readers are aware where the jigsaw piece is hiding, which loses the mystery aspect. Also, readers do not discover the identity of the anonymous sender which leaves readers with no closure at the end. The watercolor and ink illustrations do help readers follow the plot of the story. There might be a demand for this book because of the popularity of the author, but there are definitely better books that introduce young readers to the genre of mystery.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

one-star

How to Hear the Universe: Gaby Gonzalez and the Search for Einstein’s Ripples in Space-Time.

How to Hear the Universe: Gaby Gonzalez and the Search for Einstein’s Ripples in Space-Time.How to Hear the Universe: Gaby González and the Search for Einstein's Ripples in Space-Time by Patricia Valdez, Sara Palacios
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1984894595
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

How to Hear the Universe is the story of how Gaby Gonzalez picked up and continued working on Einstein’s theory of ripples in space-time. The picture book is engaging and brightly illustrated and is an inspiring scientific theory success story. My only reservation is that this theory is so complicated, I finished the books still not comprehending what a ripple in space-time really is, even after reading the helpful further reading in the back. What I chose to take away instead, was how amazing science is, in that a hundred years after a theory has been developed, it can be further explored. It’s such an wonderful collective of minds, and it’s always nice to be reminded that scientists don’t work in a bubble and that every theory or discovery leads to further theory and discovery, even if it’s a century later.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library

four-stars

Yonder

YonderYonder by Ali Standish
Published by HarperCollins on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 006298568X
Pages: 368
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Yonder is a well written coming of age story with multiple strong characters. The setting is in a quiet small town within the Appalachian Mountains during WW II. Not only does the setting become better defined, but the action and behavior of residents is more intense with each short chapter. Some characters grow stronger while others begin to exhibit their prejudice, intolerance, and violent behavior. Danny proves that the strongest amongst us may not be the most powerful or largest in size. Compassion, bravery, and responsibility are threads throughout the book. Standish exposes the weakness of bullies and the strength of their victims. This book is a fast read that is hard to put aside; it will be appreciated by young readers and adults. Recommended for parent child book groups and for intermediate and middle school media centers as well as public library collections. There may be challenges of this historical fiction work but the content is real and does depict many areas of our country during the 1940’s. Consider for Cream

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Finn and the Subatomic Slip-and-Slide

Finn and the Subatomic Slip-and-SlideFinn and the Subatomic Slip-And-Slide by Michael Buckley
Published by Delacorte Press on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 0525646957
Pages: 288
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

In this culmination of the Finniverse series, Finn and his friends travel to the subatomic to rescue Finn’s dad and save the earth from the Plague, aka giant bugs who control the Earth. The friends get separated on their journey and must rely on strangers and enemies to find each other and return to Earth safely. Readers who enjoyed the first two books will want to read this final installation. The book is fast-paced and full of danger and it wraps up loose ends from the other books. This book does not work as a stand-alone as there are too many flashbacks and references to previous books, making it difficult for a new reader to understand. The writing is choppy, the dialogue seems forced at times, and the characters aren’t well developed. The author also uses a lot of clichés and other common phrases that detract from the quality of writing. This book is appropriate for 4-6th graders who are familiar with the series and enjoy a lot of action.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

two-stars

Poppy’s House

Poppy’s HousePoppy's House by Karla Courtney, Madeline Kloepper
Published by Walker Books US on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 1536211524
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

What a first book! Courtney has written a snuggle-book full of love and memories. A true connection between child and grandfather is evident within the text, as well as a deep connection to this lovely environment in Newfoundland. The author’s writing style adds to the degree of heartwarming reassurance this book provides. The attention to detail by illustrator Kloepper launches the book to a higher level. Quilters will appreciate all of the detailed patterns which integrate the story line and its location. While the Atlantic puffin is superb, all of the little reoccurring prints, lines, and shapes are fantastic.

Add this book to all public libraries and gift to early primary classroom collections. Even if a school is located inland the sentiments and illustrations will be appreciated by all in any primary media center. |

Recommended for Cream

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Wonderful You with the Grouchy Ladybug

Wonderful You with the Grouchy LadybugWonderful You: With the Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Published by HarperCollins on May 3, 2022
ISBN: 006298425X
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Author in question as Eric Carle has passed.

An attractive early reader with typical Eric Carle style and charming illustrations probably taken from previous works by Carle. The actual author is in question but the book offers a satisfying read for toddlers and pre-schoolers. The theme here is self-identification and absurdness. For the most part the characters are joyful, and curious. As in life, a little grouchy does make an appearance. The message is that children should celebrate themselves as they are.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Ear Worm!

Ear Worm!Ear Worm! by Jo Knowles, Galia Bernstein
Published by Candlewick Press on January 25, 2022
ISBN: 1536207837
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Little Worm has a song stuck in his head with a repeated lyric “Shimmy shimmy, no-sashay.” He tries to find out who put the song in his head from owl, chipmunk, rabbit, and fox, each of which has their own version of an ear worm stuck in their head. The large, whimsical illustrations of dancing and singing animals add to the enjoyment. The repetition and actions make for a fun story. Readers may note that Little Worm’s father is his caretaker and is also the culprit of inflicting the ear worm. This book just begs to be read aloud at Story Time!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Clementine and the Lion

Clementine and the LionClementine and the Lion by Zoey Abbott
Published by Kids Can Press on May 3, 2022
ISBN: 152530562X
Pages: 48
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This picture book is a magical story about a little girl whose parents are ogres. When her parents disappear, one snatched away by a dragon and one in a bottle out to sea, Clementine is quite happy by herself until her aunt shows up to take care of her. The aunt is as bad as her parents, so Clementine paints the house with invisible paint and her aunt goes home. All is well once again until one day, an uninvited lion shows up. She is afraid of him but Clementine overcomes her fear and she and the lion learn to live together. Reminiscent of Roald Dahl and Pippi Longstocking in a picture book. I thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations of the wide-eyed, red-haired Clementine and her fashionable shocking pink dress or coonskin cap. The freeloading lion is also adorable. Hand this book to those free-spirited children who will find this tale delightful. Definitely chuckle-worthy!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, LIberty Library

three-stars

Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech

Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of SpeechMarshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech by Connie Wanek, Richard Jones, Ted Kooser
Published by Candlewick Press on March 15, 2021
ISBN: 1536203033
Pages: 72
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“Celebrated poets Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek, along with illustrator Richard Jones, invite you to let your imagination run wild and celebrate unique visions.” The poems in this book are framed by the four elements: fire, water, air, and earth. However, they are more about imagination and what ifs. Evocative metaphors, e.g. “We keep our fire in a playpen where we feed it, mostly leftovers from the woods,” and arresting imagery, e.g. “The TV remote means to change the world one channel at a time.” cause readers to pay attention. Beautiful illustrations from Richard Jones compliment the 27 poems each on a 2-page spread. An intriguing collection to share with budding poets that will likely cause the most reluctant poets to pause and think about everyday things. Recommend this book of poetry to everyone!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Little Fish’s Ocean

Little Fish’s OceanLittle Fish's Ocean by Lucy Cousins
Published by Candlewick Press on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536216852
Pages: 10
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

Toddlers will love the fun flaps that open on each page. Typical bright, colorful Lucy Cousins illustrations of sea creatures. Rhyming text is bouncy and fun to read, but I’m uncertain whether the vocabulary will appeal to this age group, for example, kelp beds, anglerfish. Many more animals are pictured but not mentioned in the text. If I had to choose between this book and “hooray for Fish” by the same author, I would choose the latter. However, toddlers will love to turn the flaps!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars