Category: Book Reviews

Sweater Weather

Sweater WeatherSweater Weather by Matt Phelan
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 5, 2021
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Papa Bear tells his seven cubs to put on the sweaters he knitted for them so they can go outside on this beautiful autumn day. However, as many parents will relate to, this is easier said than done. The brief text consists of primarily these words: “Sweaters on? Not yet.” The humorous illustrations convey much of the story as the plan unravels with the cubs mixing up their sweaters and complaints, such as, “I don’t like this color.” Finally, all the little bears are adorned in sweaters, but when they go outside, nighttime has fallen. Then they look up and see the stars and all is saved. I love that the adult character is a male who wears a pink bathrobe and knits. Even the youngest preschooler will be able to read this story by using only the illustrations and repetitive words. A delightful addition to any library’s autumn book collection.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library.

five-stars

Da Vinci’s Cat

Da Vinci’s CatDa Vinci's Cat by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Published by Greenwillow Books on May 25, 2021
ISBN: 9780063015258
Pages: 278
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A combination of portal fantasy, historical fiction, and time-travel with a bit of art history. Federico, in sixteenth-century Rome, and Bee, in present-day New Jersey, are linked through a cat that emerges from Leonardo Da Vinci’s mysterious wardrobe. Much like this author’s Newbery Honor-Winning book The Book of Boy, I think it would not work for children-  too confusing. However, it received heaps of starred reviews so perhaps I am missing something. Perhaps I am not the right reader?

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Good Knight, Mustache Baby

Good Knight, Mustache BabyGood Knight, Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos, Joy Ang
Series: Mustache Baby #5
Published by Clarion Books on December 7, 2021
ISBN: 0358434688
Pages: 40
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This preschool picture book is another installment in the Mustache Baby series which started in 2013.  Two babies, one sporting a mustache and the other a mustache and beard, interpret an evening sleepover and take a trip to the public library through the lens of pretending to be knights.  Each sibling interruption, bedtime routine and playtime in the library are seen as troll interference, castles to scale and a festival where the knights of the round table meet to plan a rebellion.  The text provides the babies imaginative play while the illustrations provide the reality.  According to the synopsis of the first book, the mustache is real which may or may not confuse readers.  The story is tongue in cheek with parents being the potential audience.  The illustrations provide a welcomed view of library activity.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

 

four-stars

The Verdigris Pawn

The Verdigris PawnThe Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad
Published by HarperCollins on July 13, 2021
ISBN: 0062908057
Pages: 368
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A debut middle grade fantasy that challenges concepts of power and class. Beau is the heir to Himself, iron ruler of the land. As a virus spreads across the land, the people are bled dry by a ruler who cares more for power  than for the love of his subjects. Led by fear of magic and an abhorrence for weakness, Himself is a one-dimensional character offered as a foil to Beau and all that he can become if he can break free from his father’s callous example.

Through the metaphor of a chess-like game called Fist, Wishingrad weaves in strategy, intrigue, and the use of people as playing pieces in a game of power. After coming to terms with the truth about his uncaring father, acquiring real friends, and finding a purpose to his life, the hero Beau, his name appropriately a homonym for the tool that wields the weapon when aimed correctly, learns that he, too, can be sharp and deadly.  The book leans heavily on fantasy tropes like secret magic, a quest, and an alleged hero turned villain, but it does it with aplomb and, in the end, is a highly entertaining and readable book. Give to fans of Adam Gidwitz, Diane Magras, and Anne Ursu.

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

five-stars

The Crown Heist

The Crown HeistThe Crown Heist by Deron R. Hicks
Series: the Lost Art Mystery #3
Published by Clarion Books on November 16, 2021
ISBN: 0358396069
Pages: 303
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the third installment in the Lost Art Mystery series and the setting is the museums and castles of London.  Twelve-year-old best friends, Camilla and Arthur (Art) have gained an international reputation for solving crimes in the previous novels and this time they think they are on a vacation trip to London with Camilla’s mom so that Camilla can meet her father in person for the first time.  When Dad is a no-show, the friends find themselves on a scavenger hunt to find him and a crown attributed to King Arthur.  They have to solve the riddle and keep ahead of the henchman who is threatening her father to solve the riddle and find the crown first.  Readers are treated to elaborate descriptions of London’s tourist points around the towers and some interesting history attributed to the various kings.  The twelve year olds seem very sophisticated in their riddle solving and in navigating all around London on their own for the first time.  Fans of the series will be surprised at some of the family revelations along the way.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

four-stars

Creatures of the Flood (Bamboo Kingdom #1)

Creatures of the Flood (Bamboo Kingdom #1)Creatures of the Flood (Bamboo Kingdom, #1) by Erin Hunter
Published by HarperCollins on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 0063021927
Pages: 256
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The entity that is Erin Hunter has birthed another adventure of epic proportions. Creatures of the Flood introduces us to triplet panda cubs separated from each other by the Giant Flood. The unexpected catastrophe was not foretold by Sunset, the Dragon Speaker, and resulted in devastation throughout the Bamboo Kingdom. The orphans, Rain, Leaf, and Ghost, long to find out the truth of who they are and their personal connection to the Great Dragon.

Secondary characters include a snow leopard family, fun-loving red pandas, and a troop of golden monkeys that heckle and taunt the pandas. Sunset, the Dragon speaker, resurfaces, bringing hopes that all the lost pandas will return to the Bamboo Kingdom. There are some scenes of peril, including a tiger mauling, an attempted murder, and multiple death scenes.

A mix of action, humor, and mystery, Creatures of the Flood will not disappoint Hunter’s readers and will be a staple for both public and school libraries.

Suitable for ages 9 and up.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library

four-stars

You Might Be Special!

You Might Be Special!You Might Be Special! by Kerri Kokias, Marcus Cutler
Published by Kids Can Press on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 1525303333
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“You Might Be Special!” is a picture book written by Kerri Kokias and illustrated by Marcus Cutler. The book is in the form of a quiz for the reader to answer questions to show that they are special. Each set of questions has a few that could fit a kid, but the last question is always about a mythical creature. For example, a few questions about being kind and liking rainbows are followed by “do you gallop or trot on four legs and have a horn in the center of your forehead?” The reader must not be a unicorn then.

The reader learns that they are likely not a fairy, dragon, or mermaid, among other creatures, but in the end they are still special. Bright and funny illustrations fit perfectly with the quiz structure and readers will enjoy the little funny details in each picture. The theme that everyone is special has been done before, but this is a welcome addition for picture book collections where mythical creatures and humor are popular. Aimed at ages 3 to 7, this is a worthwhile purchase.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

The Leopard Behind the Moon

The Leopard Behind the MoonThe Leopard Behind the Moon by Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev
Published by Greenwillow Books on September 21, 2021
ISBN: 0062993615
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Leopard Behind the Moon

 

The setting of this story is lush Africa.  Ezomo, the main character, is thought of as useless by his village.  His father has recently died and a leopard is the perpetrator.  Ezomo and his two loyal friends are searching for the leopard to kill it, but instead they find some magical leaves that may be able to give Ezomo and his friends what they most desire.

The author takes the reader into the African scenery in an adventure story with a hint of magical realism.  This book is recommended for 4th -8th graders.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Act Cool

Act CoolAct Cool by Tobly McSmith
Published by Quill Tree Books on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 0063038560
Pages: 352
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

August is a junior in high who has run away – from his small town home, from parents who don’t accept him as a transgendered boy, and from potentially being sent to conversion therapy. He moves in with his aunt in New York City and is accepted into a prestigious arts academy where he begins his life dream of studying theater. 

August wears a mask with almost everyone he encounters throughout most of this book. He is on the precipice of discovering who he is and has always had to act as though he were someone else. Fearing judgement, misunderstandings, and general teenage angst over not fitting in, he manages to act his way through most challenging situations – until he doesn’t. He makes plenty of mistakes, but does eventually learn from them. August forms strong bonds with new friends and family members, and tries to learn how to let go of unsafe and disrespectful relationships that break his heart. 

Act Cool is an important book because it is written by a trans man and amplifies a version of the trans experience. It’s great in other ways too, and would be an excellent addition to any YA collection. Teens will relate to August fumbling his way through adolescence in ways we all do.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

four-stars

Ghost Girl

Ghost GirlGhost Girl by Ally Malinenko
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on August 10, 2021
ISBN: 0063044609
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure, Horror, Mystery
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

From the opening paragraph, Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko sucks the reader into the story of Zee Puckett, a white-haired girl and infamous outsider in her small town. Cared for by her older sister Abby, Zee has no real adult supervision. Much of her time is spent in the local graveyard or with her best friend Elijah. Zee’s natural ability to spin tall tales works against her when she begins to have vivid dreams of terrifying wolf-like creatures that she feels are chasing her.
The story shifts during a library field trip where Zee converses with a young boy who worked for the library over 100 years earlier. Her then enemy, Nellie, promptly nicknames Zee “Ghost Girl”. The fight that ensues ushers in the character Mr. Scratch, the new school principal. With one red-gloved touch from Mr. Scratch and promises that the children’s deepest desires can be fulfilled, he takes control of the school. But it doesn’t stop there. Mr. Scratch gains control of the whole town, even Zee’s sister Abby.
The nightmares increase with ghostly visitations at night. Zee has inherited “the gift” that her mother had for talking to ghosts. With the help of the ghost of a murdered kindergarten teacher, Zee, Elijah, and Nellie end up working together to break the curse that has been cast over the town.

There are positive themes in this horror story of friendship, trust, and learning to accept yourself. A good addition to any library’s horror section.
Suitable for ages 9 and up.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children's Librarian, Waterville Public Library

four-stars