Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Eyes That Kiss in the CornersEyes That Kiss in the Corners by Dung Ho, Joanna Ho
Published by HarperCollins on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0062915622
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A young girl notices her eyes are different than some of her friends’ eyes, and she knows her eyes are like those of her family members. The book walks the reader through the many ways the girl’s eyes are like her mother’s, her sibling’s, her grandmother’s. The text is far more poetic than can be depicted here—there are references to Asian culture throughout and this will lead to many great discussions and learning opportunities. This is an important windows/mirrors book. Some readers will see people who look differently than they do in this book, and some readers will see themselves. The digitally rendered artwork is gorgeous and colorful. It brings the emotions of a strong familial bond to life while weaving in the poetic details of the text effortlessly. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

I am not a penguin

I am not a penguinI Am Not a Penguin: A Pangolin's Lament by Liz Wong
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on January 19, 2021
ISBN: 0593127404
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A pangolin sets up a sign inviting other animals to come and learn about pangolins. Immediately, there is confusion among the other animals. ” Did somebody say “penguins”? Oooo! I love penguins!” The confusion continues as the pangolin attempts to explain that it is not, in fact, a penguin—or an anteater, or an armadillo.

This is a funny and informative book. Kids will love the silliness and wit throughout the dialog. The illustrations are cartoonish, and the animals are all anthropomorphized in that they stand on two feet. The text is presented in speech bubbles so it can be a bit tricky for super young readers to follow, but this is a great opportunity to help kids begin to develop the skillset of following the dialog. This would be a super fun read aloud, especially for someone who does voices well. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Blue Table

The Blue TableThe Blue Table by Chris Raschka
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 20, 2020
ISBN: 0062937766
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This simple book follows the life of a blue table. First, just one child is at the table, then one parent, then two parents, then another family. The people are never fully pictured. They are implied by the items on the table—a cup of milk and some paper and crayons, then a cup of coffee and a newspaper, then another cup of coffee and a book. The book also includes the table being covered in vegetables from the garden, an apple pie being constructed, and more tasks that go along with expecting company. When an extra leaf is put into the table, the feast is ready to begin. Again, none of the people are fully depicted, though we do see their arms and hands, and those illustrations have a variety of skin tones depicted. The text is very sparse with only one phrase per page. The illustrations are watercolor and paper cut collage, and completely carry the story. Since the text is so sparse, the illustrations are essential. Obviously, the blue table is at the center of each page, and there are many small but important details depicted on each spread. This would make a great read aloud and could be used as a story time book provided everyone can see the illustrations well (so maybe not the best for virtual reading). Recommended for readers 2 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Tiny Monsters

Tiny MonstersTiny Monsters: The Strange Creatures That Live On Us, In Us, and Around Us by Robin Page, Steve Jenkins
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on November 17, 2020
ISBN: 0358307112
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This nonfiction picture book highlights small organisms that live in, on, and around humans. The subtitle is a bit misleading in that many of the animals found in the book live on the forest floor. Other than that misnomer, this is a great book that kids will enjoy. The illustrations are detailed and colorful, and each illustration is accompanied by an image of the actual size of the creature (sometimes just a dot because they’re so small) as well as the magnification scale of the drawing. This detail will help kids with perspective. Throughout the book, I wished there was information about where in the world each organism was found, and that information (and a little bit more) is included in the back pages. Overall, it is a fun exploration of often ignored or completely unknown organisms. From the more common mosquito to the little known eyelash mite, there’s something to pique the interest of most young readers. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Sleeping with the light on

Sleeping with the light onSleeping with the Light On by Carlos Aquilera, David Unger
Published by Groundwood Books on October 27, 2020
ISBN: 1773063847
Pages: 96
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is fewer than 100 pages long, but it packs so much into the short story. Davico lives in Guatemala with his family above the restaurant his family runs, La Casita. The beginning of the story is light hearted and depicts a warm and rich life. Things take a dramatic turn, however, when political unrest threatens Davico’s family’s livelihood. His parents leave him and his brother, Felipe, with their aunt and uncle so they may travel to the US to escape the violence and, hopefully, set up a new life. Davico and Felipe are miserable with their aunt and uncle, but Davico never loses hope that they will join their parents in the US. When that finally happens, it’s a different city than they had planned, and things are so different than what Davico ever expected.

This is a great book in a small package. The language is colorful, descriptive, and it’s just really well written. Davico is relatable and many young readers will connect with him. There are illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, and while they don’t add much to the story, the art is well done. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Good Girl, Bad Blood

Good Girl, Bad BloodGood Girl, Bad Blood (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, #2) by Holly Jackson
Published by Delacorte Press on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 1984896407
Pages: 416
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Pippa Fitz-Amobi is back with more mystery in the sequel to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. We join Pippa about 6 months after the end of GGGM. After the last case took over and threatened her life, she has sworn off investigating. But her friend Connor has begged her to help find his missing brother, Jamie. After the police do nothing, Pip has no choice but to dive in. This new mystery includes a lot of familiar characters and introduces us to a few new community members. During the investigation, Pip finds herself ruminating on what makes a person good or bad and how to figure out who you truly are. During this case, her audience starts to turn on her, claiming she’s faking the missing person to get sponsorships for her true crime podcast. Alas, it’s all too real and Jackson takes us to a surprising and dark ending. Recommended for all teen collections. Best for ages 14+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

Breaking the Ice: The True Story of the First Woman to Play in the National Hockey League

Breaking the Ice: The True Story of the First Woman to Play in the National Hockey LeagueBreaking the Ice: The True Story of the First Woman to Play in the National Hockey League by Angie Bullaro, C.F. Payne
Published by Simon Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books on October 20, 2020
ISBN: 1534425578
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Score another goal for the girls! Inspiring story of following one’s dreams with determination even when they say, “It can’t be done.” Canadian Manon Rheaume becomes the only female to play in the National Hockey League, or any of the four major North American leagues.

Pane’s slightly caricature style is here on large, double-page spreads with text carefully placed. Afterword, Time Line, and Fun Facts round out the details of Manon’s life and dreams fulfilled.

Great to use with elementary students and excellent addition to any female studies or sports section.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

Happy Birthday, Maisy!

Happy Birthday, Maisy!Happy Birthday, Maisy: Mini Edition (Maisy) by Lucy Cousins
Published by Candlewick on January 26, 2004
ISBN: 0763624543
Pages: 14
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
five-stars

Can you believe that Maisy is 30?? This mini-edition, lift-the-flap and pull-tab book for little hands celebrates her birthday in typical Maisy style. If you’re a Maisy fan, what’s not to love?

Purchase for all your little ones!!!

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of SoulR-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by Carole Boston Weatherford, Frank Morrison
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers on August 25, 2020
ISBN: 1534452281
Pages: 48
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Whether you’re a music lover or civil-rights defender, you’ll find this inspirational overview of Aretha Franklin’s life a meaningful and inspirational read.

Narrative poetry is always a challenge, but here it works as smoothly and rhythmically as Franklin’s voice itself. Using the spelling out of words method, each two-line stanza is headed with an important word: B-L-E-S-S-E-D, G-I-F-T-E-D, V-O-I-C-E, etc.  This book could only be improved with it’s own soundtrack and a few photos.

Illustrations (Frank Morrison) are big and bold, reflecting the big and bold influence of Aretha Franklin in real life.

Another book to add to your women, Black history, or music shelves for middle and upper elementary levels!

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

Allergic

AllergicAllergic: A Graphic Novel by Megan Wagner Lloyd, Michelle Mee Nutter
Published by Graphix on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 1338568914
Pages: 240
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Allergic by Megan Lloyd and Michelle Nutter

 

Maggie’s greatest wish has always been to have a dog.  But when she is so close to her goal, on her birthday, the sneezing and rashes begin.  Maggie must see an allergist and be tested to see what her triggers are.  She is distraught to find out that she is seriously allergic to pet fur and feathers.  It is so not fair!  After the shock wears off Maggie gives other pets a try.  No, no, and no!  A mouse seems to be the best choice until she has many, many babies, and they must go back to the pet store.  While all this is happening Maggie must start at a new school and her mother is having a baby.  This is an excellent graphic novel that explores allergies:  Maggie’s to fur and feathers and her friend’s to eggs.  Readers who are in the same situations will certainly sympathize. The drawings are excellent and this book is recommended for grades 3-5.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars