Duck, Duck, Moose by Mary Sullivan 
A young girl pleads with two ducks and moose for help in finding their missing friend, Goose. Silliness abounds, complemented by the amusing illustrations. Told mostly in speech bubbles with monosyllabic words. A first graphic novel for emergent readers.
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Mr. Complain Takes the Train by Carlyn Beccia, Stephan Britt, Wade Bradford 
As his name signifies, Mr. Complain is a fussy fellow who is not enamored with his train ride until the train goes on a loop-de-loop roller coaster-like track. The book has a simple plot and some fun interactive pages where you read the book on its side and upside down. It makes a not so subtle point about complaining and may offer a humorous lesson for some preschool children. Incidentally, this book is by the same author as The Dinosaur on the Thirteenth Floor, which was the 2018 Lupine Award Picture book Honor title featuring illustrations by Kevin Hawkes.
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens Fleming: Astronomer by Julianna Swaney, Kathryn Lasky 
An inspiring picture book biography of little known female astronomer Williamina Fleming, who helped lay the foundation for modern astronomy at the Harvard College Observatory. It begins with Flemings’s early life and budding curiosity. As she grew, she faced several hardships, such as the death of her beloved father, the disappearance of her husband after immigrating to the United States, becoming a single parent, and working as a maid. Her job as a maid for Professor Pickering, the director of the Harvard College Observatory, recognized Fleming’s intelligence and gave her a chance to replace one of the professor’s male assistants, who was making mistakes in his mathematical calculations. She became one of several women hired by the observatory as “human computers.” Includes an author’s note, a timeline, and a bibliography. There seems an incompatibility with the picture book format and the sophisticated content, and I doubt children will find it without an adult’s influence. Nonetheless, a compelling story and a fine addition to STEM studies and women’s history.
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
How to Be Cooler Than Cool by Jean Jullien, Sean Taylor First cat, then cockatoo, and finally, pig each find the same pair of sunglasses. When they put them on, they instantly feel cool, which causes them to make some poor choices. Then Chick finds them and shows them that being yourself is the coolest thing to be. Amusing cartoon illustrations and frequent use of speech bubbles convey the subtle lesson that you don’t need to show off to have fun. A good readaloud for kindergarten and first grade. Also a good pick to give to certain kids – you know who they are!
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
North and South: A Tale of Two Hemispheres by Sandra Morris The book begins with an introduction that explains the two hemispheres and how weather differs between the two. Following are 2-page spreads for each month describing different animal’s habitats, life cycle, diet, and other information such as their conservation status in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The lovely watercolor illustrations and maps encourage children to study the pages. There is a comprehensive Index and Glossary at the back. One criticism is that the featured animals are primarily from North America and Australia. Perhaps this is because the author lives in New Zealand.
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Henry at Home by Alea Marley, Megan Maynor Liza and her little brother, Henry, have always done everything together. But that changes when Liza starts school leaving her little brother behind. Henry is devastated. The illustrations convey the loving relationship between these dark-skinned siblings. An often overlooked topic in the back-to-school genre: the experience of the younger sibling. An important book to add to libraries’ back-to-school collection.
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Home Is Where the Heart Is by Emma Dodd Thirteenth volume of ‘Love You’ series. A celebration of what home means, featuring adorable mama cat and her kitten. Sweet, simple, and features shiny gold accents just like her other books. Toddlers, especially cat lovers, will identify with the small, white kitten who discovers that there really is no place like home.
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
The Dragon in the Library by Davide Ortu, Louie Stowell First book in series “Kit the Wizard.” First published in the UK. Three friends fight a developer who wants to tear down the library. Kit doesn’t like to read and would much rather be having adventures outdoors. Her friends, Alita and Josh, convince her to visit the library with them. Kit discovers magical properties within the books and into wizarding adventures. The author weaves magical elements from familiar books to create a fast-moving and fun story. Not quite a beginning chapter book but simple and engaging enough for novice chapter book readers.
Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
Water Everywhere: Pig Rescue! by James Buckley Jr., Kerstin Lacross Part of series “Rescued! Animal Escapes.” Four days of heavy rain flooded Johnson’s Iowa pig farm, but there was no way to move all of his pigs. Pigs are smart animals and found their way to safety. Descriptive, colorful panes and well-thought out text. Kids who enjoy “Science Comics” and animal rescue stories will find this true account interesting.
Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library
The Seventh Raven by David Elliott, Rovina Cai 
This retelling of a Brother’s Grimm fairy tale is fanciful and enticing as it is written in a variety of poetic forms and packed with emotion. The book offers a view of each character’s personality and reveals a peek into their changed lives. The seven brothers (six of which are named Jack) become ravens when their father curses them upon the near death of their baby sister Alice. Only one of the birds (Robyn) feels accomplished and comfortable in his new body. In poetic form, this story centers on Robyn and Alice expressing their strengths and desire for transformation. Written in flowing verse accompanied by graphic illustrations, The Seventh Raven is a must read for grade 6-8 readers. The black and white art expresses the fear and entrapment felt by six of the birds. Occasional black background pages convey their depression.
Add this winner to middle school media centers and to public libraries. In addition, this is a great book to gift to either male or female fantasy readers.
Recommend for Cream of the Crop
Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.