Category: Book Reviews

Nigel and the Moon

Nigel and the MoonNigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady, Gracey Zhang
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 15, 2022
ISBN: 0063056283
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Nigel and the Moon is a picture book about a child who shares his hopes and dreams with the moon, of being an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero. The parallels of his secret wishes and his school’s career week put into sharp focus the distinct differences between Nigel’s inner world and his outer, with Nigel eventually finding pride and peace with the important, concrete jobs of his parents and also honoring his grand possibilities for his future. 

This picture book’s words and illustrations go hand in hand to lead Nigel to his confident conclusion and hopefully will lead children to the same. Dream big and share those dreams! 

Submitted by Mary Randall, Children’s Librarian, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME

five-stars

Boogie Boogie, Y’all

Boogie Boogie, Y’allBoogie Boogie, Y'all by C.G. Esperanza
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on August 10, 2021
ISBN: 0062976222
Pages: 40
Genres: Arts, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Boogie Boogie, Y'all is a book full of energy and rhythm. The story is about street art in a city, that no one is appreciating, until one child notices, and then another. The book is filled with lots of noise from voices and onomatopoeias. The illustrations are brimming of motion, from people running around, skateboarding, dancing, until finally the art comes alive too.
The illustrations are painted in street art style, with high contrast and dramatic shadowing.

The story is a tribute to graffiti and city life. I loved the children stopping to notice their surroundings and appreciating the art. It makes reference to people thinking graffiti is dirty and gross. The story ends with the young kids taking out their own cans and spray painting their neighborhood.

I adore the love for everything street art, the idea that in a busy place it’s nice to slow down and enjoy your surroundings, and that the kids get to participate in the art. But showing children vandalizing seems odd when geared this young, and missing the nuances of when and why this type of art might be worth breaking the law.

Recommended for ages 4-8.
Reviewed by Katie Drago, Children’s Librarian, Rockland Public Library, Rockland, ME

three-stars

Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by CountryAfrica, Amazing Africa: Country by Country by Atinuke, Mouni Feddag
Published by Candlewick Press on October 26, 2021
ISBN: 1536205370
Pages: 80
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
A bright, colorful look at all of the countries in Africa for the interested young reader. The book is divided by geographic area, southern, east, west, central, and north, and interspersed between each region are short pieces about different cultural touchstones: African religions, hairstyles, and football. Each country gets a one-page write up and bulleted facts. The book is oversized, the font is large and clear, and the illustrations are lively and engaging. This is not a book that would be used for a project; it is a browsing book that could spark up additional interest. A few of the entries mention things that are currently true, like a particular leader or situation, which will not hold up over the years, but on the whole, it’s a pleasing book that will circulate in a public library and be useful in a school in introducing the different areas and countries.

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

four-stars

There’s a Unicorn in Your Book

There’s a Unicorn in Your BookThere's a Unicorn in Your Book by Greg Abbott, Tom Fletcher
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 0593434765
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy, Mental Health
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
There’s a Unicorn in Your Book is an interactive book about a sad unicorn. The reader is asked to participate in some fun actions to scare the “worry gremlins” away. When that doesn’t work, the unicorn talks to its friend, Monster. Then the narrator asks the reader if they’d like to whisper something in unicorn’s ear.

This book is part of the “Who’s In Your Book” series. The first book in the series stars the Monster who makes a guest appearance in this story.

The book has bright and simple computer illustrations. There is little to no background behind the characters because they are living on the pages of the book. The illustration style is a little odd at closer look, because the images and title text are fuzzy like they are slightly pixelated, but that seems to be a style choice.

The book isn’t remarkable, but contains the good advice to talk about what is making you worried or sad. The story is a great combination of discussing emotions, fun game, and cute illustrations. It is sure to circulate well.

Recommended for ages 3-7.

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

four-stars

Bei Bei Goes Home: A Panda Story

Bei Bei Goes Home: A Panda StoryBei Bei Goes Home: A Panda Story by Cheryl Bardoe
Published by Candlewick Entertainment on December 6, 2021
ISBN: 1536217638
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Who does not love a panda bear?  Bardoe’s book takes readers from the day Bei Bei was born at the Smithsonian Zoo in DC till  his arrival in China four years later.  Fantastic up-close photographs show how his mother Mei Ziang, scientists  and zoo staff cared for him.   Scientific, behavioral and dietary information is offered making this far more satisfying than an animal picture book.   Panda Facts are presented in data boxes on most pages, each provides additional research worthy material.  Beyond being a story about a loved animal, this book brings in the issues of animal endangerment, scientific research and international relations.

Although in the format of a picture book for ages 6-9 this nonfiction title will enchant readers of all ages.  Many of us were introduced to Bei Bei via the internet and some of us lucky ones visited during his developing years at the Smithsonian Zoo.  All of the photographs enhance the text and are sure to win many hearts. The use of red and green add a serious attitude and strike a perfect balance with the many black and white photographs.

Bei Bei Goes Home will fly off shelves in both public and school libraries.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars

Turtle Walk

Turtle WalkTurtle Walk by Matt Phelan
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 0062934139
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
The eye-catching cover invites young readers to join the turtle family as they walk, “nice and slow” through the seasons with youngsters always asking, “Are we there yet?”, ending in winter with a FAST slide down a snow-covered hill, ending back at their own cave. 

Repetition and rhyming sentences lend to listeners predicting the next word. Watercolor artwork are simple but encourage the eye to linger.

Could be used to show the cycle of the four seasons and invite readers outdoors to explore and compare nature in all seasons. Great for one-on-one or group sharing.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog

See the Cat: Three Stories About a DogSee the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog by David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Candlewick Press on September 8, 2020
ISBN: 1536204277
Pages: 64
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
The title and subtitle hint at the humor that the reader is about to encounter. Three short stories in which Max the dog takes center stage arguing with the text. The text builds, starting with “See the cat,” to which he replies, “I am not a cat.” Each subsequent page adds a descriptor until he insists “There is no cat! There is no dress! There is not a  unicorn. There is just me, Max the Dog!” On the next page, a blue cat in a dress perched on a unicorn jumps across the page.

Two additional stories provide similar humor as Max talks to the text of the story.

Simple illustrations with no background keep the focus on Max. His facial expressions help the reader grasp his frustration. The story text appears in large simple font on the left hand page, and Max’s image and his words appear in speech bubbles on the left.

Just a fun book to share with an individual child or a group. Purchase recommended, along with its companion book, “See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat” (c2021).

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Tow

five-stars

The Power of Yet

The Power of YetThe Power of Yet by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Published by Harry N. Abrams on January 12, 2021
ISBN: 1419740032
Pages: 24
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
“I can’t do this!”  Not YET, anyway! This encouraging story helps youngsters (and oldsters) keep in mind that someday they might be able to succeed in their endeavor. Especially helpful are the strategies: practice, do it with someone who can do it better, and wait. Also helpful is the recognition of the frustrations, failures, anger: don’t quit: use your “power and courage, and that’s called GRIT.” 

Full color illustrations show a piglet who’s not ready, not big enough, or good enough to do various activities. Plenty of white space and large, black font spaces out the rhyming text.

This is more than perseverance; it’s about the need to sometimes wait as “It takes growing and doing, patience and time.”

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

The Greatest Showpenguin

The Greatest ShowpenguinThe Greatest Showpenguin by Lucy Freegard
Published by Pavilion Childrens GB on February 4, 2021
ISBN: 1843654687
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Poppy wasn’t afraid of falling off the trapeze or riding a unicycle; she was most afraid of telling her mother that she no longer wanted to perform in her penguin family’s age-old shows. 

There is usually a solution to every problem, and Poppy discovers she wants the magic of the show, but not as a performer. She becomes an organizer, helping interview new acts and be sure all the performers are in the right place at the right time.

Elementary students will recognize this lesson in belonging, finding one’s strengths, and how it takes people of many different skills for a group to be successful. Purchase recommended!

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

One Jar of Magic

One Jar of MagicOne Jar of Magic by Corey Ann Haydu
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 9, 2021
ISBN: 0062689851
Pages: 352
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Coming of age fantasy story of Little Luck who is expected to maintain the family tradition of finding and capturing the most and the best bits of magic in jars. Her father has a collection that takes over the house and he is blind to her struggle. She questions why she is the one who must carry this on, and discovers an uncle and cousins who don’t believe in the magic.

An engaging read for those middle readers who struggle with rules no one has told them and who don’t measure up to family and community expectations – the disappointments, the discouragement, pretending, and the final redemption and recognition of not fitting the mold.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars