Category: Book Reviews

Beak & Ally: Unlikely Friends

Beak & Ally: Unlikely FriendsUnlikely Friends (Beak & Ally #1) by Norm Feuti
Published by HarperAlley on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0063021579
Pages: 64
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Beak is a bird, a Yellow-Bellied Fee Boo Bird, to be specific. Ally is an alligator. Beak really wants to befriend Ally, and Ally is more interested in relaxing in the swamp. Beak tries a number of things to get Ally’s attention, and Ally does their best to ignore Beak. Just when Ally thinks they’ve gotten rid of Beak, they realize they acutally enjoyed Beak’s presence.

This is a fun, early graphic novel perfect for those new to the style. The text isn’t overwhelming, the illustrations are engaging and funny, and the story is easy to follow. There aren’t difficult directions or loads panels making it hard to follow. This is a fun new graphic series perfect for new readers. Recommended for readers 5 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Puppy in my Head

Puppy in my HeadPuppy in My Head: A Book About Mindfulness by Elise Gravel
Published by HarperCollins on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 006303767X
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This is a book about mindfulness. The brown skinned narrator starts the book by announcing there’s a puppy in their head, and his name is Ollie. Most of the time, Ollie is calm and well behaved, but sometimes he gets excited, angry, and unable to control his emotions. The book walks the reader through the things the narrator does to calm the puppy in their head. Breathing, exercising, listening, and moving are all presented as ways to help calm the puppy down.

While the idea behind this book is a good one, the concept may be lost on young children. Young readers are so literal, the metaphor of a hyper puppy in their head may be hard to grasp and confusing. For readers slightly older, the concept may resonate, but the presentation will be too young. The illustrations are colorful, cartoonish, goofy and classic Elise Gravel. The emotions of the puppy are really brought out by the illustrations and add a level of humor to this book on a more serious subject. This is potentially a good book for starting discussion about emotions and how to respond to them. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

VIP: Dr. Mae Jemison

VIP: Dr. Mae JemisonVIP: Dr. Mae Jemison: Brave Rocketeer by Heather Alexander
Published by HarperCollins on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 006297808X
Pages: 128
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a very well done young middle grade biography of the first Black woman in space, Dr. Mae Jemison. It starts with Mae’s humble childhood and takes the reader through her medical education, her trip to space, and her work after retiring from NASA. The writing is simple and easy to follow, at times reading a bit younger than the intended audience. There are also details included that may be obvious to a reader third grade and older (a definition of gravity, for example). Throughout, there are illustrations reminiscent of some graphic novels that will appeal to readers and keep them engaged. The book is also dotted with quizzes and fun lists of facts that young readers will enjoy. This is a wonderful new biography series. Recommended for readers 2nd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Mr. Corbett is in Orbit

Mr. Corbett is in OrbitMy Weird School Graphic Novel: Mr. Corbett Is in Orbit! by Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot
Published by HarperAlley on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0062947621
Pages: 96
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

This is the first in the graphic novel adaptation of the early chapter series My Weird School. While touring NASA, the students unexpectedly find themselves launching into outer space. Mr. Corbett is no help as he keeps fainting from the enormity of the situation, and the kids are more or less left to fend for themselves. Will they safely find their way back to Earth?

The graphic novel adaptation contains all the silly humor found in the original books, and is reminiscent of the tone of Dog Man and the like. Kids will enjoy the wit and overall silliness throughout. The art is high color and matches the cartoonish tone of the My Weird School book covers. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Oona

OonaOona by Kelly DiPucchio, Raissa Figueroa
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on January 12, 2021
ISBN: 0062982249
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Oona is a brown skinned mermaid with big, beautiful hair. She and her otter friend, Otto, are treasure hunters. They find treasures all throughout the sea, and they make art and treasures of their own from their finds. There is, however, a crown that is just out of reach. They’ve tried so many ways to get to the bottom of the deep dark rift to collect it, and they’ve been thwarted at every attempt. How will they work together to get the treasure they want the most? What Oona does with it when she finally gets it will warm your heart.

This is a beautifully illustrated book about friendship and adventure. Oona and Otto are lovable little adventurers. The watercolor illustrations are bright and perfectly depict the magic of the underwater realm. This is a great book for one-on-one sharing and is recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

C is for Country

C is for CountryC Is for Country by Lil Nas X, Theodore Taylor III
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0593300785
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a new alphabet book written by country rap star, Lil Nas X. There aren’t many alphabet books written by People of Color, let alone LGBTQ+ People of Color so this is a refreshing addition to the body of work. The theme of this book is country and farm life, and the illustrations are spot on. Those unfamiliar with Lil Nas X’s hit song, Old Town Road, will still appreciate the book though there are some direct references to the song in the book. The cartoon style illustrations are colorful and bring the story to life. This is a welcome addition and upgrade to any alphabet book collection. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Broken Raven

The Broken RavenThe Broken Raven (Shadow Skye, #2) by Joseph Elliott
Published by Walker Books US on January 21, 2021
ISBN: 1536207489
Pages: 336
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

As the second in a trilogy this book was an interesting and adventurous read.  This reader would have benefited by previewing The Good Hawk first as the storyline of The Broken Raven is a continuation of the first book of the trilogy.  Three teen characters learn to think for themselves as they fight the royal and local authority who threaten the existence of their clan.  Their cunning and bravery are beyond question as is their loyalty.  The existence of dangerous shadow figures leads to challenging battles sure to please grade 7-9 fantasy readers.  As inviting as the plot sounds the storyline is propelled into another realm via the use of some Gaelic and local dialect.

Public libraries and middle school media centers who collect fantasy will want both the first and second title in the Shadow Skye Trilogy.  Students will be anxious for the third title to arrive.  Older fantasy readers may also be interested in this trilogy, many adults peruse titles on YA shelves.  Readers of all ages will notice that heroes within the pages possess various abilities.   This is a welcome addition to fantasy collections.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.

four-stars

What will you dream of tonight?

What will you dream of tonight?What Will You Dream of Tonight? by Anuska Allepuz, Frances Stickley
Published by Nosy Crow on November 3, 2020
ISBN: 1536214477
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“What will you dream of tonight?” by Frances Stickley and illustrated by Anuska Allepuz is a new bedtime story to add to your collection. In rhyme, the book asks the child what they will do in their dreams tonight, since in dreams you can do anything. Will you fly in a balloon up to the moon and put a star in your pocket? Will you ride on a river through the rainforest? Discover the treasure of a sleeping dragon? All of these can happen in your dreams.

Stickley’s calming rhymes fit well with Allepuz’s gorgeously serene mixed-media illustrations. You can get lost in the detailed settings Allepuz has drawn, with skies that look like crayon rubbings. The book truly does make you feel like falling asleep, but in a good way! You may be able to coax a child into wanting to go to sleep with this book!

The book ends with three reassuring sentences: “You are safe. You are home. You are loved.” This reminds the reader that you should feel free to go to sleep and have these amazing dreams without worry because you will still be safe and loved. For children aged 2 to 5, this book is a recommended purchase for your picture book collection and might be a new bedtime classic!

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

You are always loved

You are always lovedYou Are Always Loved: A Story of Hope by Harry Cunnane, Holly Clifton-Brown, Madeleine Dean
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on February 16, 2021
ISBN: 0593309243
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“You are always loved” is written by Madeleine Dean and Harry Cunnane and illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown. This book features a small rabbit who gets caught out in a storm. He is scared, but bands together with friends and finds out that even when you are scared or feel alone, you are still loved. This story can be read with a religious theme, as if a higher power is always loving you, but in the back of the book, the authors explain that the book was inspired by Harry’s addiction and recovery and what his mother and he wished that he and his family knew during his addiction.

Clifton-Brown’s illustrations are bright and cute, and the animals evoke a sense of warmth. The detail on the animals (down to their fur and feathers) contrasts nicely with the more basic watercolor-type art for the environment. The illustrations emphasize what is stated in the text: You are always loved and there is hope.

The book is aimed at children aged 4-8. While very nice, it is not a must-buy since there are many animal-based picture books with themes of love and acceptance. Could be purchased for collections that want a book for young kids about addiction.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

The Rock From The Sky

The Rock From The SkyThe Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen
Published by Candlewick Press on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 1536215627
Pages: 96
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I will never, ever get tired of deadpanning, hat-wearing, animals. I hope Klassen goes with this theme forever. In his newest book, which is broken down into small chapters, a turtle (in a bowler) has a favorite spot that is challenged by an armadillo (also in a bowler) and a snake (in a beret).  Basically, the animals just discuss spots they like to be in and then there’s a twist or two. His stories are so simple and funny and well written and his illustrations are so subtle and unique and also funny; I can’t gush about him enough. Recommended for everyone.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars