Category: Book Reviews

Found

FoundFound by Sam Usher
Series: Nature Quartet #4
Published by Templar on May 28, 2024
ISBN: 153623494X
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The fourth title in a quartet of imaginative picture books in which a boy and his beloved granddad discover the wonder of the natural world. In this one, the grandfather and grandchild  enjoy a summer day at the beach. Narrated by the child with fanciful ink-and-watercolor illustrations. While the story generally is realistic, things eventually turn a bit fantastic when they rescue a baby seal caught in some netting and return it by sail boat to its family. Both granddad and child are white. An affectionate intergenerational story that would work well for preschool -1st grade story time with a beach or grandparent theme, especially its large 9″ x 12″ size and bright, clear illustrations.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Bunny with a Big Heart

Bunny with a Big HeartBunny with a Big Heart (Beginner Books) by Marilyn Sadler
Series: Funnybunny
ISBN: 0593480333
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

In this funny follow-up to the classic Beginner Book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny, P.J. Funnybunny learns a lesson in kindness. Always rushing,  P.J. Funnybunny leaves toys on the floor and dirty dishes on the table. He forgets to return things, is impatient with his sister, and shows up late. When a twisted ankle lays him up for a few days, he recognizes the thoughtfulness of his family and friends. This inspires him to be a more considerate bunny. Humorous and colorful illustrations. The book has a good lesson without being too moralizing. Good book for starting conversations with young children about being more responsible and thoughtful.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Lucky Duck

Lucky DuckLucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli
ISBN: 059364977X
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

I feel that this is a familiar story of wolf and duck soup, but Pizzoli puts a unique spin on the tale. Susan the duck has the worst luck. Her roller skates are too big. She’s lost her favorite marble. There is a hornets’ nest outside her window. And she’s run out of pickles. With each unfortunate discovery, Wolf shows up with a gift she’s won – a soup pot, onions, carrots, etc. When wolf shows up for his Duck Soup, Susan thinks her luck has run out, but the wolf slips on the marble, falls headfirst into the pickle jar, sticks his foot in the roller skate, and smacks into the hornets’ nest, never to be seen again. The illustrations, done in a graphic, flat-color style with simple linework, are typical of Pizzoli’s other award winning books. Sharp-eyed readers may notice a tiny bug with its own story throughout the book. A fun read aloud for storytime for 3-5 year olds who will likely figure out what is going on before the characters do.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Dog vs. Strawberry

Dog vs. StrawberryDog vs. Strawberry by Andrea Zuill, Nelly Buchet
ISBN: 0593643127
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Dog is the epitome of being a “hero in his own mind” in this silly story when he is given a strawberry and decides he should race it. Dog’s narration is spot-on as a sportscaster as he zooms about the room, trashing the furniture, and wreaking havoc. This book begs to be read aloud and the energy and humor will delight 4-8 year olds all the way to its squishy end. The illustrations of the roly-poly dog with a big black nose adds much to the hilarity of the story.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Luigi, The Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten

Luigi, The Spider Who Wanted to Be a KittenLuigi, the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten by Kevin Hawkes, Michelle Knudsen
Published by Candlewick Press on March 4, 2024
ISBN: 1536219118
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A big hairy spider wakes up and finds a lady proclaiming that she has always wanted a kitten and will name him Luigi! Amazingly, illustrator Kevin Hawkes does a remarkable job of transforming a spider into an adorable cat. At first, Luigi enjoys the tasty breakfasts and all the attention so decides he will be a kitten. But pretending to be someone you’re not is wearying and Luigi discovers he can still have unconditional love as a spider. This longer picture book works well as a read-aloud for children ages 5-7 who will find it humorous and enjoy the message and happy ending. The silly story is endearing but the illustrations really make this book exceptional. Kevin Hawkes lives in Gorham, Maine. Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

five-stars

Orris and Timble: The Beginning

Orris and Timble: The BeginningOrris and Timble: The Beginning by Carmen Mok, Kate DiCamillo
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536222798
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The first volume in a promised early reader trilogy. The first time I read this book I was sort of let down, mostly, I think, because I have such high expectations for a Kate DiCamillo book. However, I came to appreciate its simplicity more after the second and third reading and cherished it after the fourth reading. First of all, the wonderful illustrations by Mok are adorable and endearing. This is essentially a retelling of Aesop’s tale “The Lion and the Mouse.” Orris the rat lives alone in an old barn surrounded by his treasures, until the day his solitude is disrupted by a loud screech from a small owl  caught in a mouse trap. Inspired by the label on his sardine can to “make the good and noble choice” he reluctantly rescues the owl, despite the fact that owls and rats are natural enemies. Timble the owl and Orris the rat become friends by sharing stories and a gift of butterscotch in shiny gold wrapper. Short chapters and full-color illustrations make this book a great choice for a first chapter book, whether shared aloud or independently by a developing reader. Readers will look forward to seeing what the next adventures will be for these two unlikely friends.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

 

five-stars

Whale

WhaleWhale (Little Life Cycles) by Maggie Li
Series: Little Life Cycles
ISBN: 1536235059
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

One of seven books in Little Life Cycles series. There is a cut-out of a whale that young children will enjoy poking their fingers through. Starts off as a baby inside its mother. I found the beginning illustrations confusing as the whale is overlaid on the mother. It’s unclear whether it is inside or close by. Eventually the whale swims to the surface to take a deep breath and learn to talk. Then goes on an incredible journey, traveling to colder waters to find plenty of krill to eat. In time, whale returns to warmer waters to have a baby of its own and the circle of life continues. Informative and mostly clear illustrations, except for those beginning few. This book can be an added resource for Pre-K-2 classrooms studying life cycles and ocean life.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Bee

BeeBee (Little Life Cycles) by Maggie Li
Series: Little Life Cycles
ISBN: 1536235040
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

One of seven books in Little Life Cycles series. Clever cut-out of a bee that young children will enjoy poking their fingers through. This book is my favorite of the series. The illustrations are simple and much information is relayed about bees, probably more than the average preschooler will understand. But is is clear and accurate, despite the crown on the queen bee’s head and  no mention about bees stinging. Preschoolers will enjoy and be encouraged to look for bees in different stages and maybe not be so frightened of them . This book can be an added resource for Pre-K-2 classrooms studying life cycles and insects.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Wild About You

Wild About YouWild About You by Kaitlyn Hill
on May 21, 2024
ISBN: 0593650956
Genres: Adventure, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Goodreads
three-stars

Wild About You by Kaitlyn Hill is a grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity (only one tent), opposites attract, annoyances-to-lovers reality show romance that is very aware of its tropes. The protagonist, Natalie Hart, is a bubbly, make-up loving, romance reading, aspiring actress who recently lost her college scholarship due to her worsening anxiety. She is paired in an “Amazing Race” style show with the curt, nature-loving Finn, who was planning to do the show with his recently deceased father. The two immediately clash when Finn doesn’t take her seriously as a partner, but as real world stressors are revealed (finances, grief, mental health) the characters form an organic friendship that turns into a sweet & supportive relationship. 

Kaitlyn Hill is known for her reality show romances and fans of this sub-genre will enjoy the “behind the scenes” scenes. This title is good for aspirational YA readers who want a more mature romance, but aren’t ready for the content in adult romance. The characters are 19, in college, and though they share a bed for most of the novel, the physical contact doesn’t get past heated kissing on the page. 

Wild About You has good character growth, but maximizing tropes clearly steered the plot development. Because this will only be enjoyed by a specific kind of romance reader, it is not a necessary purchase.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

10 Things I Hate About Prom

10 Things I Hate About Prom10 Things I Hate About Prom (Joy Revolution) by Elle Gonzalez Rose
Published by Joy Revolution on May 14, 2024
ISBN: 0593705173
Pages: 292
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Ivelisse Santos, theater nerd, and her neighbor Joaquin Romero, school baseball star, have been best friends forever. They’ve gone to every single school dance together, and Ive expects prom to be no different. Until Quin develops a crush on Tessa, head cheerleader and Ive’s archnemesis since 10th grade. Worse still, Tessa famously doesn’t date. So Quin wants to plan the most elaborate and irresistible promposal yet – and to do it well, he’ll need Ivelisse.

Ivelisse agrees to help – she just can’t say no to Quin – but suddenly her own increasingly complicated feelings are getting in the way. Despite agreeing to be his wingman, and genuinely wanting to see him happy, something goes catastrophically wrong with every promposal she helps with.

Overall, a sweet teen romance as the two main characters, already good friends and with an established, very supportive and positive relationship, navigate shifting emotions from platonic to romantic. Both Ivelisse and Joaquin’s families are Puerto Rican, and that culture and connection is very present. Diversity among students in their NJ city school is present without feeling tokenized. Less LGBTQ+ representation, though the one couple of note does have a solid supporting role to the storyline.

– Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars