Category: Book Reviews

The Deepest Breath

The Deepest BreathThe Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan
on May 9, 2019
ISBN: 0358354757
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Eleven year old Stevie is an Irish girl who is a bit obsessed with facts and finds comfort in knowing lots of things–knowing helps to keep her anxiety at bay. But lately Stevie is finding that she doesn’t have all of the answers. Because now when she looks at her best friend, Chloe, she gets a “fizzy feeling,” a feeling she’s not quite sure what to do with.

The Deepest Breath is a novel in verse and is quite short. There is no real resolution to Stevie’s anxiety, which makes the story seem unfinished. Regardless, readers will empathize with Stevie and will likely find that they relate to the confusion and delight of having a first crush. This is a gentle LGBTQ story, perfect for the younger end of middle grade.

Grades 4-6

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

three-stars

Snoozefest: The Surprising Science of Sleep

Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
three-stars

From the author of “This is Your Brain on Stereotypes” comes another middle school friendly dive into the workings of our brain, this time focused on all things sleep. Topics such as dreaming, sleep studies, and the effects of sleep on our health, memory, and happiness are briefly explored within about 55 pages. While the information isn’t extensive, students looking for some basic knowledge to start their research or who are just wanting some quick answers to their sleep questions will appreciate this easy to read and digest book. Colorful illustrations and side bars help to break up the text and add visual appeal.

“More to Explore” and “Selected Sources” included.

Recommended for grades 5-8.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

 

three-stars

It Could Be Worse

It Could Be WorseIt Could Be Worse by Einat Tsarfati
Published by Candlewick Press on June 29, 2021
ISBN: 1536217913
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Albertini and George are two sailors lost at sea, floating on the wreckage of their ship. As they encounter unfortunate situation after unfortunate situation, Albertini continues to get increasingly frustrated while George remains optimistic, musing “It could always be worse!”

This is a silly story that isn’t going to win any awards, but it could be a fun way to encourage children to reset and shift their perspective if they’re having a bad day. Because whether you are in the smelly belly of a whale or are being showered in the diarrhea of a school of flying fish, it could indeed always be worse!

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

 

three-stars

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