Category: Book Reviews

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle LaneThe Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane by Kate O'Shaughnessy
Published by Random House LCC US on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 9781984893833
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Maybelle has panic attacks. Her mom worried and about her and tries to help her with them but she can’t always be there. She wishes her daddy (she has never met him) was there to help too. Then she hears his voice on the radio and decides she is going to find a way to meet him. The start of this story is a bit slow but if the reader sticks with it, they will be rewarded. Maybelle’s journey and her friendships that blossom between a class bully and strict teacher will make you tear up, laugh and root for her to find what she is looking for.

 

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

four-stars

Little Smokey

Little SmokeyLittle Smokey by Robert Neubecker
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1984851047
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Beautifully told and illustrated children’s book about a small forest fire fighting airplane who earns its name. Great lesson about size and how all sizes are important. Wonderful resources at the end will inspire children to learn more.

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

five-stars

A to Z Mysteries: Space Shuttle Scam

A to Z Mysteries: Space Shuttle ScamA to Z Mysteries Super Edition #12: Space Shuttle Scam by John Steven Gurney, Ron Roy
Published by Random House ISBN: 0525578900
Pages: 132
Genres: Adventure, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A fun mystery book that tells of the adventure of 3 children at the Space Museum. Also contains a hidden message in 26 of the illustrations that spells out the message. Children should enjoy trying to solve the mystery before the end.

For ages 6 to 12

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

four-stars

Where’s the chick?

Where’s the chick?Where's the Chick? by Ingela P. Arrhenius
Published by Nosy Crow ISBN: 1536207519
Pages: 10
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

A very sweet, simple board book for very young children. Felt panels cover answers to simple questions with a mirror surprise at the end these panels have lasted better that paper flaps. Standard board book for the very young.

For ages 6 months to 4.

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

four-stars

I Spy Spooky Night: A Book of Picture Riddles

I Spy Spooky Night: A Book of Picture RiddlesI Spy Spooky Night: A Book of Picture Riddles by Jean Marzollo, Walter Wick
Published by Cartwheel Books, Scholastic on July 30, 2019
ISBN: 1338353136
Pages: 40
Genres: Horror
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A really fun I Spy book that takes you through a haunted house. I always loved reading I Spy books to my students and interacting with them as we tried to solve all the riddles. Unfortunately children have to be able to read to know what to find. Lovely photos and a bonus challenge at the end of the book!

For ages 4 to 8

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

three-stars

16 Words: William Carlos Williams & “The Red Wheelbarrow”

16 Words: William Carlos Williams & “The Red Wheelbarrow”16 Words: William Carlos Williams and "The Red Wheelbarrow" by Chuck Groenink, Lisa Jean Rogers
Published by Schwartz & Wade, Schwartz & Wade Books on September 24, 2019
ISBN: 152472016X
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Absolutely fabulous book about a true to life person who was a physician and a poet. This book is a fictionalized (somewhat) version of how the doctor wrote his most famous poem. Wonderful illustrations and wonderful story that  children are sure to enjoy.

Recommended for ages 5 to 10

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

five-stars

Saturday

SaturdaySaturday by Oge Mora
on October 22, 2019
ISBN: 0316431273
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Mother’s only day off from work is Saturday and she and her daughter, Ava, have a wonderful day planned.  When all their plans go awry, Ava is annoyed but her mother has a meltdown because of the disappointments. Ava steps up and reassures her mom that the day was special because they spent it with each other. The book is illustrated with simple cut paper collage and the girl and her mother have brown skin and dark hair. This is an important book to share with children during this pandemic when many of their special plans are canceled.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

five-stars

The Secret Garden

Based on the classic story, “The Secret Garden,” by Frances Hodgson Burnett,  this adapted version by Calista Brill is overflowing with  lush, colorful illustrations,  by Adelina LIrius, depicting well the time and setting  of this story.  Written in  a direct and straightforward manor, the telling  conveys the plot well: in such a manner that young children (ages 4-8) are able to understand  the storyline as well as  the characters” motivations and feelings.

A young girl, Mary Lennox, moves into Misselthwaithe Manor in the North of England where she is unhappy, lonely. and “cranky!”  Upon discovery of a key, she unlocks a gate which leads to an ancient  and  abandoned garden.  Along  with DIckon’s assistance (the maid Martha’s brother )  Mary works hard to bring the garden back to life.  One day, Upon  hearing crying coming from one of Misselthwaite’s  bedrooms,  Mary goes exploring and  discovers a sad and  sequestered young boy, Colin, who is the Master of Misselthwaite’s son.   Seeing that he is pale and sickly Mary tells him: “What you need, is some fresh Spring air.” Mary brings him outside and  into the garden where he begins to recover his health and thrive.   Mary, herself,  changes as she has finds  purpose  and contentment resurrecting the long forgotten  garden along with her newfound friends.

Good to use when  introducing young children to the “classic” stories.

 

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

 

You’d Be Home Now

You’d Be Home NowYou'd Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow
Published by Delacorte Press on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 0525708049
Pages: 400
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Main character Emory, a high school junior has always felt invisible, and so acted out in private ways by stealing small things and engaging in sexual behavior. But everything gets flipped on its head when she’s a passenger in a car accident that kills a classmate. Her overdosed brother (Joey) was also in the car driven by his friend and dealer. Joey is sent to rehab out of state while Emory has to deal with her healing injuries and the loathing of the community for the death of her classmate. Emory withdraws even more into herself as her parents expect her to be Joey’s keeper upon his return and keep him from relapsing. This novel tackles so many important issues, from self-esteem to diversity issues in English class assignments, to how addiction affects whole families and whole communities. While the story is deeply troubling, it’s an honest look at what many teens and many families go through. And since Emory’s family has a lot of money, it’s a good reminder that money truly cannot buy happiness. The author doesn’t shy away from showcasing the truth about addiction, drug use, teen sex, suicide, etc. It’s a stark look at the truth of all too many families. Recommended for all high school collections. Best for ages 14+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

Everybody In The Red Brick Building

Everybody In The Red Brick BuildingEverybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter, Donna Bray, Oge Mora
Published by Balzer + Bray on October 12, 2021
ISBN: 0062865765
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Falling asleep can be tough! This picture book depicts an apartment building full of families of different ethnicities finding their way to sleep. Unfortunately, this sleepy building’s nighttime routine is interrupted by baby Izzie waking up, setting off a chain reaction of other kids in the building (along with some pets) finding reasons to stay awake as well, until the parents one by one manage to help their kids (and pets) back to bed and the building is finally able to fall asleep. 

This is a cumulative tale, adding and repeating dialogue and sound effects as the pages go on, which is a highly effective narrative device to help children’s language development. The text in this picture book is unique and evocative: using onomatopoeia and repetition of distinctive sound effects as we follow the reader through a whimsical tour of each apartment.

Illustration-wise, Oge Mora’s multimedia pictures are bright, bold, and textured in a way that keeps the eye engaged throughout the story without sacrificing complexity. The detailed choices for each set piece on each page is gorgeous and colorful. The illustrations complement and elevate the text, tying the story together effortlessly. 

The book would be an excellent choice for ages 0-5, for story times or lap sits. There is so much to spot with each illustration and both reader and listener will get a kick out of the cumulative dialogue of child and pet alike.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

 

five-stars