Category: Book Reviews

Winter Lullaby

Winter LullabyWinter Lullaby by Dianne White, Ramona Kaulitzki
Published by Candlewick Press on November 9, 2021
ISBN: 9781536209198
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning gray. Winter is on its way. For Mama Bear and Small Bear this means it is time to hibernate but like most preschoolers, baby bear does not want to go to bed. The soft watercolor-like illustrations and rhyming text depict a number of forest animals and how they manage to get through the winter. A sweet bedtime story book or could be paired at story time with Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer and Richard Jones or Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Stick and Stone : Best Friends Forever

Stick and Stone : Best Friends ForeverStick and Stone: Best Friends Forever! (Stick and Stone, #2) by Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld
Published by Clarion Books on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 9780358473022
Pages: 48
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A sequel to Stick and Stone by the same author and illustrator. I liked this one even better than the first. Best friends Stick and Stone set out to find Stick’s roots. In other words, to determine what kind of tree he was before his “branch broke.”  He doesn’t succeed but discovers friendship is what matters, including from their old nemesis Pinecone. Bright colorful illustrations, silliness, and succinct text will make this a popular book with preschoolers. I enjoyed the end pages with stick depicted as different types of trees.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

The Legend of Hobart

The Legend of HobartThe Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly
Published by Favored Oak Press on July 26, 2021
ISBN: 9781736477397
Pages: 92
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Set in a mythical medieval fantasy world amid a backdrop of castles, dragons, and damsels in distress. Tired of being teased about his name and his stutter, twelve-year-old Hobart wants to do heroic deeds and earn a place in Knight School. He sets out on a most daring quest to kill a dragon. Along the way he meets several strange and endearing characters.  Hobart’s honesty and self-deprecation will have readers relating to his failures and disappointments. When he begins to sense the needs and desires of others, he becomes more compassionate and self-confident. His quest takes readers on a journey that is entertaining and inspiring. Good pacing and humor will keep readers engaged. Recommended for reluctant readers because it is only 90 pages and a it’s a rolicking good story.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Helping Hospital: A Community Helpers Book

Helping Hospital: A Community Helpers BookHelping Hospital by Lindsay Ward
Published by HarperCollins Publishers on October 19, 2021
ISBN: 9780063081390
Pages: 40
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This introduction to a hospital, filled with modern technology and  diversity, in the vein of Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy World, will help readers see that the hospital isn’t a scary place. Unfortunately, there is almost too much information and the look is very busy. The reader can become easily overwhelmed. I think the difference between this and Scarry’s books is that there is lack of white space and perhaps too much information is provided. Is it really necessary to describe 14 different types of nurses? While eating lunch in the hospital cafeteria, the mommy goes into labor and then off to the maternity ward. There is a lot of informative things in the book and I support its intent. The book includes a glossary, counting prompts, and search-and-find elements that makes this book interactive.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodbye?

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodbye?How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodbye? by Jane Yolen
Published by Scholastic Incorporated on December 7, 2021
ISBN: 9781338363357
Pages: 40
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

An addition to the popular How Do Dinosaurs…? series. It is hard to say goodbye, whether to a beloved grandparent or to a parent dropping you off at school. Even though you might want to cry or hide, this books gives ideas about how a preschooler can face the situation with honesty and courage. Teague’s colorful larger-than-life illustrations are comical and the final page of a tarbosaurus holding a heart that has “goodbye!” written on it is heartwarming. This is a book to share at story time along with others in the series.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Hooky

HookyHooky by Míriam Bonastre Tur
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 9780358468295
Pages: 384
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Apparently this is based on the Webtoon series of the same name. A fantastical story about twin witches Dani and Dorian who have missed the bus to magic school and scramble to find a mentor to teach them before their parents find out. A fast-paced plot will keep upper elementary readers enthralled. Manga-style art matches the atmospheric characters and setting. The ending is a cliffhanger so there are sure to be more books to follow. Longer than many graphic novels at 384 pages.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

 

three-stars

Besties: Work It Out

Besties: Work It OutBesties: Work It Out by Jeffrey Canino, Kayla Miller
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on October 19, 2021
ISBN: 9780358633228
Pages: 216
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Series spin-off of the popular Click books, featuring aspiring entrepreneurs Beth and Chanda. The girls land a lucrative dogsitting job, but it quickly turns into a disaster after an accident leaves one of Ms. Langford’s prized lamps broken. The girls scramble to come up with the funds to purchase a replacement, putting a strain on their friendship. The book is primarily about the friendship of tweens  – the good, the bad, and the ugly. The typical graphic novel colorful illustrations bring the characters to life. Middle schoolers who like the other Kayla Miller and Raina Telgemeier books will enjoy it.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat

See the Dog: Three Stories About a CatSee the Dog: Three Stories about a Cat by David LaRochelle
Published by Candlewick Press on September 14, 2021
ISBN: 9781536216295
Pages: 64
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars

Sequel to See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog,  winner of Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. This one may be even better! Beginning readers will enjoy the three vignettes of Cat subbing for Dog.  This is the perfect easy reader with simple, repetitive phrases, clever plot line, and humor. Mike Wohnoutka’s cartoonish illustrations are a fabulous contribution to the story. This book will appeal to Elephant and Piggie fans. (And who isn’t?!)

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Pony

PonyPony by R. J. Palacio
Published by Random House Children's Books on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 9780553508116
Pages: 304
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Historical Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A rip-roaring adventure, western, historical fiction with paranormal elements. Then there is the mystery about his beloved father’s dark past. Twelve-year-old Silas is awoken in the night by three menacing horsemen who take his father away. Silas is left alone except for the presence of his companion, Mittenwool, who happens to be a ghost. Then a pony shows up and Silas decides to go find his father. Good character development and a strong setting throughout. History, literature, and science of the day are essential to the story so probably best suited for middle school.  Also violence and gore are plentiful, with gunplay, hand-to-hand-combat, grievous wounds, and lost limbs. Multiple characters die. Palacio provides extensive references for further reading in the afterword. Atmospheric daguerreotypes front each chapter.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

There’s A Dodo On The Wedding Cake

There’s A Dodo On The Wedding CakeThere's a Dodo on the Wedding Cake by Kevin Hawkes, Wade Bradford
Published by Candlewick Press on September 8, 2021
ISBN: 1536208841
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Mr. Snore’s hijinks at the Sharemore Hotel continue in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Hired to play the violin at a wedding, Mr. Snore takes it upon himself to protect the delicious cake from various hungry animals after one particular dodo sneaks away with some frosting. Mr. Snore may, however, take his duties a bit too seriously as he unintentionally bats away actual wedding guests, and maybe even some wedding party members in the process of protecting the cake. All is well in the end, except of course for one final mishap, courtesy of Mr. Snore, but the overall day is still so lovely no one really minds!

A lovely addition to the Sharemore Hotel story, the illustrations in this picture book are dynamic and expressive, while the animals that Mr. Snore interacts with are unique and silly. Expectations are subverted as to who would be a wedding guest, and kids will get a kick out of the reveals at the end. 

This book would be a good choice for ages 0-5. The illustrations are strong and the text is entertaining and engaging. 

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars