Category: Book Reviews

Peace Train

Peace TrainPeace Train by Cat Stevens, Peter H. Reynolds
Published by HarperCollins on May 11, 2021
ISBN: 0063053993
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A young child, accompanied by their guitar, their cat, and two birds hop aboard the Peace Train as it travels the land, picking up a diverse group of people as it goes while spreading a message of hope and world peace.

This is a picture book adaptation of Cat Stevens’ song, “Peace Train”, recorded in the 1970’s. One line of the song graces each page along with the vibrant illustrations typical of Reynolds. The illustrations complement the lyrics as they start off as a purple-blue hue that gradually turns from early morning into a bright blazing yellow day. There is a shift back to darkness when the lyrics about sadness and hate come into play, but as the lyrics turn back to hope, we return to a brighter, rainbow pallet.

The humans were drawn to show diversity in race and culture, though I found the attempts at physical ability diversity to be lacking. Between the cover and the pages, I located six people in wheelchairs and one person with a single crutch. I think that representation could stand to be stronger.

Includes an author’s note from Cat Stevens.

There is a sweet message here that would likely make a bigger impact when paired with the audio. Ages 4-8.

 

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

three-stars

Alone

AloneAlone! by Barry Falls
Published by Pavilion Books Company Ltd. on March 2, 2021
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Billy McGill lives by himself on the top of a hill, and he quite enjoys his quiet, solitary lifestyle. When a mouse makes an appearance in his home, Billy stops at nothing to get rid of it, bringing in a cast of characters, both animal and human alike, to fix this unacceptable problem! As the situation at home gets more and more out of control, Billy realizes that perhaps one doesn’t have to be alone all the time.

This rhyming cumulative story (in the same vein as The House That Jack Built and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie) will delight young readers and adults alike. The repetitive verse of ‘”This is my hill,” said Billy McGill. “I live here alone! Always have, always will” ‘ is perfect for an interactive read aloud. Engaging illustrations and a simple plot make this a great choice for PreK-1 collections. Recommended for Cream.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir AcademyThe Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu
Published by Walden Pond Press on October 12, 2021
ISBN: 0062275127
Pages: 432
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In the Kingdom of Illyria, boys are sought out and tested for magical talent so that they might become sorcerer’s capable of defending the land against a deadly curse known as the Dread. When Marya accidentally disrupts her brother Luka’s test, she is sent to Dragomir Academy, a school for troubled girls. Alongside the other girls, Marya tries to figure out how to shape herself into the expectations of a society that doesn’t have a place for her. She quickly realizes that what they have been told their whole lives is not the full truth, and that those with power will do anything to keep it for themselves. 

This captivating fantasy is a must-have for middle grade collections. Strong female characters fighting for their place in a patriarchal society with a critical message about the question that we must all remember to ask ourselves: “Who does the story serve?” Perfect for fans of Colfer’s “A Tale of Magic.” Nominated for Cream. 

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

five-stars

The Ghoul Next Door

The Ghoul Next DoorThe Ghoul Next Door by Cat Farris, Cullen Bunn
Published by HarperAlley on July 13, 2021
ISBN: 0062896105
Pages: 200
Genres: Horror, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars
“The Ghoul Next Door” is a middle-grade graphic novel written by Cullen Bunn and illustrated by Cat Farris. The story starts out with the main character, Grey, taking a shortcut to school through the local graveyard. He’s carrying his history project: a detailed miniature of the cemetery he is walking through. Unfortunately, he trips and drops his project into a hole in the ground. Before he can recover it, a creepy hand snatches it and drags it further into the tunnel. This is the beginning of Grey’s interactions with a ghoul from the graveyard.

The story is both creepy and funny as Grey befriends the ghoul, Lavinia. Lavinia confronts many mistaken ideas he has about what ghouls actually are (they are not monsters. They are former people and they only eat the dead, not living) and they both show bravery and empathy as they try to save Grey’s friend from the clutches of an evil witch.

The story will keep readers interested in finding out what will happen next as the stakes get higher. The artwork is delightfully colorful and creepy and complements the horror/humor of the book. A suggested purchase for middle-grade graphic novel collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Judy Moody in a Monday Mood

Judy Moody in a Monday MoodJudy Moody: In a Monday Mood by Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds
Published by Candlewick Press on September 14, 2021
ISBN: 1536213918
Pages: 144
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
In the 16th book of Judy Moody, “Judy Moody in a Monday Mood”, Judy wakes with the Monday blahs and dreads going back to school after the weekend. She is what some would call a Monday Morning Mopey. The same old week at school plays out. Every single week.  Until one Monday, when her teacher, Mr. Todd starts his Monday class by celebrating “Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!”.  Suddenly school has become fun!  His activity brings the realization to her that each day something can be celebrated to make life less dull and memorable.  She, along with her brother, Stink, and her friends and parents come up with various things to celebrate during the week. Everything from playing zucchini ninjas in the neighborhood and ding-dong-ditching zucchinis to their neighbors to making pet rocks for peace. Finally, when Saturday arrives, she is not sure how to celebrate it since they have always been special days. Her parents invent ‘National Blah-Blah -Blah Day” which is doing all those things you mean to do. As, she tackles cleaning her room, she discovers things that make her happy and appreciates. Sunday is a day of doing nothing and thinking of how Mondays are not something to be dreaded anymore. There can be good and fun in every day.

The Judy Moody series are fun and easy to read books.  It is always fun to read about her many adventures with her friends and family. Appropriate for ages 6-9 years old.

Reviewed by, Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars

Pax, Journey Home

Pax, Journey HomePax, Journey Home (Pax, #2) by Sara Pennypacker, Jon Klassen
Published by Balzer + Bray on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 0062930346
Pages: 256
Genres: Adventure
Goodreads
five-stars
The sequel to the wildly popular book Pax (2016), Pennypacker imbues this book with as much depth and beauty as in her first book about a boy and a fox, bonded by love but separated by circumstances beyond their control. In the sequel, Peter and Pax continue to be separated by distance, but each still holds the other in his memories. Now orphaned by his father’s death in the war, Peter is desperately trying to stop the painful reminiscences of his former life; and Pax, with a new family to protect, uses the memory of his time with a loving human to teach his kits that many humans are dangerous, but not all. Looking for purpose and a way to keep himself distanced from any people who would love him, Peter joins the Water Warriors, a group working to clean the lakes and rivers contaminated by the war. Looking for a safe home for his family, Pax travels back over familiar territory. When his kit is irrevocably injured, Pax seeks out the one human who will open his heart enough to care for an ailing fox. A story of loss and redemption, and one in which a boy who tries to harden his heart learns that love will find its way in through any sliver. The book would make a great read-aloud and could find an audience in readers anywhere from grade 3 and up. Highly recommend.

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

five-stars

Looking for a Jumbie

Looking for a JumbieLooking for a Jumbie by Amber Ren, Tracey Baptiste
Published by Balzer + Bray on September 21, 2021
ISBN: 006297081X
Pages: 32
Genres: Folklore
Goodreads
four-stars
What is a Jumbie you may ask? In Caribbean folklore it is a nocturnal creature that comes out at night when the moon is bright.   Mama says they are only in stories, but Nya does not believe this and is determined to find one!  Out of bed and into the moonlit night she sneaks out to find it.  Hopefully a scary one!  Along her journey into the woods, she encounters many fantastic creatures of lore such as – a small, large mouthed, backward footed Douen, a sharp toothed, chain wearing, furry Lagahoo and a bright as a flame skinned Soucouyants.  They all join in her adventure to find the Jumbie.  As the night turns to dawn the mystical Jumbie is never found.  A surprised Mama awakes to find the lot of creatures and Nya in a heap, fast asleep in the front yard.  Because sometimes stories cannot be believed.

This is a brightly illustrated book that exposes the reader to many friendly Caribbean monsters. It is fun book that all children would enjoy and learn about another culture’s folklore.

 

Reviewed by Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars

Peppa Pig and the earth Day Adventure

Peppa Pig and the earth Day AdventurePeppa Pig and the Earth Day Adventure by Candlewick Press
Published by Candlewick Press on March 9, 2021
ISBN: 1536218987
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Peppa Pig fans will enjoy this installment as the pig family has an earth day adventure.  The family plans to go to the botanical gardens and Peppa and George do their chores before they go.  They sort the recycling and talk about what goes in the compost bin.  The family even has an electric car, named Roger.  They pass the windmill field, visit the wildflower garden and learn about bees. On the way home the family is stopped by police because Daddy lets the car drive itself and he doesn’t have his hands on the wheel.  Roger, the car, shows the officers it’s driver’s license.  This story would be useful for preschools talking about Earth Day.  The characters and artwork are taken from the animated TV series which is on Nick Jr.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services, Springvale Public Library

three-stars

The End is just the Beginning

The End is just the BeginningThe End Is Just the Beginning by Diana Mayo, Mike Bender
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers ISBN: 1984896938
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
This picture book for children in grades Pre-k to 2, starts with the word “The End”.  A caterpillar reassures listeners that the end of something is the start of something else.  What follows is an illustrative listing of how that is possible:  a fair skinned child, and a dark skinned girl take a bike ride, blast off into space, go snorkeling, have a disagreement on the beach and a get well card is created among other things.  It is unclear if the children are siblings or friends.  Readers will notice the caterpillar making a chrysalis a few pages into the book and at the end of the story a butterfly comes into the picture.  Mayo’s acrylic paint, colored pencil and collage illustrations use a pastel and grey hue except when the children are blasting off into space.  The space pages have the text in a circle around the earth and forming a large infinity symbol.  This concept book provides concrete ideas that preschoolers will understand and will be useful for classrooms or individual lap-sharing.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services, Springvale Public Library

three-stars

The Museum of Everything

The Museum of EverythingThe Museum of Everything by Lynne Rae Perkins
Published by Greenwillow Books on May 11, 2021
ISBN: 0062986309
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Recommending for cream.  A young girl explains to readers how she focuses on details when the world becomes overwhelming.  She imagines them as pieces in a museum, even if the museum is in her mind.  The young narrator quietly and gently allows the reader to think, ask questions and wonder about various things.  After a time of thinking and imagining museums, the young girl then goes back outside to the busy world.  Perkins brings these contemplative thoughts alive with bright three-dimensional illustrations that clearly show textures, movement and a creative use of everyday things.   Some of the illustrations demand multiple “viewings” and easily could pass for rooms in a doll house or an art installation.  There is much to see, feel and think about in this gem of a picture book most suitable for prek-3 grade readers.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services, Springvale Public Library

 

five-stars