Category: Book Reviews

Chemistry for Kids

Chemistry for KidsThe Kitchen Pantry Scientist: Chemistry for Kids: Homemade Science Experiments and Activities Inspired by Awesome Chemists, Past and Present by Liz Lee Heinecke
ISBN: 1631598309
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book takes science experiments-at-home books a step further by including a one page biography of chemists before each experiment. It also has some unique experiments (elemental precipitation!) which is refreshing as a lot of these books have the same type of experiments over and over again (slime!). It would probably be best for older elementary to middle school students as some of the experiments are involved and take a while to complete. My only complaint with it is that it is part of the Kitchen Pantry Scientist series which implies that the supplies would be things one would have in their kitchen but some of the experiments require things that nobody has in their kitchen (118 small, clear containers with lids). Odd supplies aside, though, it has some exciting lessons and the bios are varied and interesting.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Starcrossed

StarcrossedStarcrossed by Julia Denos
on October 7, 2020
ISBN: 0358153956
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Eridani is a student of the stars, and Acamar is made of stars. The two friends long to be in each other’s worlds, and when they’re given the opportunity to wish for it, they both jump at the chance. Things, however, have an unexpected outcome.

This book is a really sweet and heartwarming story of friendship regardless of differences. The illustrations are very colorful and busy. At first glance, the cover was a bit off putting, but after reading the story, it seems less so. The illustrations really make the story come alive, and the story wouldn’t unfold in the same way without them. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Whale of the Wild

Whale of the WildA Whale of the Wild by Lindsay Moore, Rosanne Parry
Published by Greenwillow Books on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 0062995928
Pages: 336
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Vega and her family of Orcas thrive on salmon, and Vega is learning how and where to find the salmon. After a big earthquake and tsunami, Vega and her brother Deneb find themselves separated from the rest of the pod. Vega has to use all her navigational skills to find and guide her younger brother back to their family. They encounter many treacherous things along the way, sharks, hunger, pollution, and more.

This is a engaging and adventurous story of family, confidence, friendship, and survival. It also touches on climate change issues and the effect they’re having on the ocean and the creatures within it. The back pages include additional information about the selective and regional hunting strategies employed by specific Orca pods. Hand this book to anyone who loves a good animal adventure. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Find Fergus

Find FergusFind Fergus by Mike Boldt
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on November 3, 2020
ISBN: 1984849026
Pages: 36
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book starts with a list of things to find — Fergus is the only thing on the list. It turns out Fergus isn’t very good at hiding, but his skills pick up throughout the book. This book is just fun. Kids will love Fergus’s antics and trying to find him as his hiding skills get better. The highlight of the book is the double fold-out full page flaps where Fergus is actually quite hard to find. The added bonus is on the back pages. There’s another list: Fergus’s List of Other Things to Find on the Huge Fold-out Page. This book will definitely be popular and is recommended for purchase. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

No Vacancy

No VacancyNo Vacancy by Tziporah Cohen
Published by Groundwood Books on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 177306410X
Pages: 224
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

When Miriam’s father loses his job, their family uses all the money they have left to buy a run-down motel in upstate New York. Miriam’s parents are hoping they’ll save on rent and be able to get back on their feet by running a successful motel business. Miriam isn’t thrilled about leaving the city, but she quickly befriends Kate, whose grandmother owns and runs the diner next door to the motel. When a supposed image of Mary appears on the old drive-in screen of this very Catholic town, it seems Miriam’s family may be getting the Jewish miracle she’d been hoping would save the motel.

This is a really fun novel of frienship, family, and adventure. The image of Mary on the drive-in screen didn’t just *happen* to show up — Miriam and Kate had a hand in it, and they struggle with knowing the truth and also knowing that people’s faith and beliefs are sometimes all that’s needed. The plot moves easily throughout the book, and the characters are relatable and, at times, funny. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Dinosaurs are not extinct

Dinosaurs are not extinctDinosaurs Are Not Extinct: Real Facts About Real Dinosaurs by Drew Sheneman
Published by HarperCollins on October 20, 2020
ISBN: 0062972340
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is a funny and educational look at dinosaurs and their bird descendants. It’s loaded with facts but totally accessible to younger readers. The humor interjected throughout will keep kids engaged and giggling. There is standard text as well as speech bubbles, so the flow of the text may be a bit challenging for the youngest readers but this is a good place to start learning that skill. The illustrations are highly emotive, very colorful, and really enhance the text. Hand this book to kids who love dinosaurs, humor, and science in general. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Paper Kingdom

The Paper KingdomThe Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee, Pascal Campion
on February 18, 2020
ISBN: 052564461X
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

We have stories in which parents work, but few that describe in detail what their work is. When Daniel’s nightime caregiver is ill, his parents take him to work with them. They entertain him with stories of the Paper King and Queen, and the dragon to explain the messes they have to clean and why they have to make the office clean. 

Fairly simple but complete illustrations (by Pascal Campion) support and extend the text to show the work and envelop the reader in the mood of hard work and imagination.

Pairs well with “Night Job” (Karen Hesse, 2018) to compare and contrast, or just to add depth to the variety of ways families work hard to make ends meet. The story may also help build empathy to encourage daytime workers (and children) to keep their workplaces neat!

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

four-stars

If You Want to Visit a Sea Garden

If You Want to Visit a Sea GardenIf You Want to Visit a Sea Garden by Kay Weisman, Roy Henry Vickers
Published by Groundwood Books on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 1554989701
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Come for the art, stay for the text! Sea gardens, also known as clam gardens, are best appreciated early in the morning during low tide. This book refers to those gardens in the Pacific Northwest, and the beautiful, silhouette art in deep, pure, rich colors by local Roy Henry Vickers subtly depicts his Indigenous people of the area. The backmatter explains the science; the text lures the reader to come, explore, and appreciate these man-made walls that protect and provide a nourishing environment for clams and other edible sea life to flourish. 

Great introduction to the Pacific Northwest Peoples, or man-made attempts at sea life preservation, ecosystems, or for an art lesson with middle elementary ages.

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

five-stars

Dear Baby: A Love Letter to Little Ones

Dear Baby: A Love Letter to Little OnesDear Baby,: A Love Letter to Little Ones by Holly Hatam, Paris Rosenthal
Published by HarperCollins on September 29, 2020
ISBN: 0063012723
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Babies might not understand these important life’s messages just yet, but they will certainly feel the love with which this book is read when snuggled into a caregiver’s arms! Each page spread starts with “Dear Baby,” and gives a strategy about growing up and adapting to the world, such as “Sometimes you will need to speak up. Sometimes you will need to listen. And sometimes you’ll need to do a little bit of both.” or “Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. You’ll go far.”

Simple, bright illustrations on mostly white background are neat and clear, and support the text, occasionally with humor. Text is spread out and varies in size and font is changed for emphasis.

If you’re looking for an addition to or update on “I’ll Love You Forever,” (Munsch, 1995) pick this!

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

five-stars

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Collie Called Sky

Jasmine Green Rescues: A Collie Called SkyJasmine Green Rescues: A Collie Called Sky by Ellie Snowdon, Helen Peters
Published by Walker Books US on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 1536210269
Pages: 160
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

An abandoned pup catches Jasmine’s attention in this #3 in the chapter book series. She nurses it back to health, trains, and falls in love with it, not knowing if she’ll be allowed to keep it. A few predictable twists, such as the puppy going to get help when Jasmine sprains her ankle in a distant field in the rain, don’t detract from the pleasure and suspense that animal-loving transitional readers will have while reading it. The series looks similarly enjoyable.Occasional sketched and well-spaced lines help make the text accessible. This would also make a great read aloud to introduce young readers to chapter books.

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

four-stars