The Accidental Stowaway

November 12, 2025

The Accidental Stowaway by Jo Rioux, Judith Eagle
Published by Walker Books on 7/2025
ISBN: 1536233625
Genres: Adventure, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Patch follows a boy onto a ship because he has her roller skate and she wants it back. She doesn’t count on the ship setting sail before she can complete her mission. Ever eager for adventure, Patch befriends others on the ship, trying not to get caught by the captain who doesn’t abide stowaways on his ship. While hiding in plain sight, Patch gets the feeling that some of her fellow passengers aren’t being truthful about who they say they are. She realizes that Lilian, one of her friends on the ship, is in danger of being kidnapped, and does all she can to stop it. This puts Patch in grave danger, especially when she realizes who the potential kidnappers really are.

Elementary readers will enjoy this fun mystery/adventure. Patch gets in and out of lots of trouble, relying on her resourcefulness and quick thinking. There is plenty of action, especially at the end, to keep readers hooked. Patch is a unique, fun character readers will enjoy and pull for. The setting is also captivating and there is a map of the ship at the beginning of the book to provide context for readers and offers something to refer to as readers join Patch in learning about the steamship she is on.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

The Greedy Wolf

November 12, 2025November 12, 2025

The Greedy Wolf by Jean Jullien, Timothy Knapman
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536240699
Genres: Folklore, Humor, Suspense
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

A humorous adaptation of a classic tale starts with a very hungry wolf knocking on the door of a family of goats. The mother has left her ten baby goats alone in the house, and the wolf is impatient to get inside to eat them up. When the goats let him in, he is surprised at the amount of food the goats have cooked up. “Try my pizza! Try my pasta! Try my cake!” When the wolf goes to eat a goat, he’s stuffed with the baked goods from the goats instead. He’s eventually too full to eat the goats, and then it is revealed that it is the goats who want to eat HIM! Kids will undoubtably enjoy this book despite the far-fetched plot. Recommended for ages 3-7.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

I’m a Photon

November 12, 2025

I'm a Photon (Meet the Universe) by Eve M. Vavagiakis, Mike Malbrough
Published by MIT Kids Press ISBN: 1536228265
Genres: Non-Fiction, STEM
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Follow an exuberant photon as it explains its role in how we see and use light. This has propulsive energy, thanks to bright, sweeping illustrations and rhyming text, so it would be a good one to read out loud in a light unit for younger grades. There is a glossary that helps round out a narrative that is high on momentum but falls a little short on explanations.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle

November 11, 2025

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Matt Patterson, Sy Montgomery
ISBN: 0063325160
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a remarkable true story of a lucky snapping turtle named Fire Chief. From the time snapping turtle eggs are hatched there are a number of predators and obstacles a young turtle must survive in order to reach adulthood. Born about 60 years ago, Fire Chief found his summer home in a small heart-shaped pond by a fire station, migrating across a nearby road each year to a larger pond for winter. Over time the road grew busier, and one year he was hit by a car. Fire Chief was rescued and rehabilitated by the Turtle Rescue League. Barely able to move his back legs, Fire Chief was given a wheelchair so he could exercise year-round. As time passed, Fire Chief continued to heal, but would he be able to cross the road each winter? Fortunately, Fire Chief’s friends came up with a solution, digging him a new pond far from any road and planting it with his favorite plants. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and rehabilitation.

The illustrations in this story are superb – filled with natural details, emotion, and a sense of scale. The back matter contains real pictures of Fire Chief (who now lives with the illustrator of this book), information about snapping turtles, and resources for what to do if you find an injured turtle. A wonderful and engaging addition to any nonfiction collection. Recommended for ages 5 to 8 (Kindergarten to 2^nd grade). Cream of the crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

A Fall Day for Bear

November 11, 2025

A Fall Day for Bear (Bear and Mouse) by Bonny Becker, Kady MacDonald Denton
ISBN: 1536229490
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Bear and mouse are back and headed out to enjoy a picnic on a nice fall day. The only problem? Mouse (who is usually quite upbeat) is really sad about the changing seasons, and about the leaves, birds, and flowers leaving. Concerned for Mouse, Bear steps out of his typical curmudgeonly role, doing everything he can think of to cheer up his friend. The pair get wet from the rain, and find some laughs slipping and sliding through mud puddles. Wonderfully messy, the friends head home for warm baths, and tea, pickles, and cookies by the fire. The watercolor illustrations are warm and soft, like a beautiful fall day. This story would be a good tool to explore feelings of sadness, expressing feelings, empathy, and friendship. Recommended for ages 4 to 7 (Pre-K to 1^st grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

Gather Grateful

November 11, 2025

Gather Grateful by Alexandra Finkeldey, Megan Litwin
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536233382
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Nature, Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Lyrical prose welcome the arrival of autumn and a season of thanksgiving. As fall progresses, animals begin gathering items—squirrels their acorns, crows their treasures, raccoons and skunks hunker down for warmth and affection. Likewise families gather for sharing of food, stories, and thanksgiving.

With poetic prose, Megan Litwin follows the transition of animals and humans as they prepare for the coming winter. Alexandra Finkeldey’s striking limited palette captures the preparations both outside and in, although some illustrations are quite dark which may make this a troublesome readaloud. The family is an extended interracial family, and it is free of references to specific holidays, making it suitable for all readers.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Wally Mammoth: The Sled Race

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Wally Mammoth: The Sled Race by Corey R. Tabor, Dalton Webb
Series: I Can Read Comics Level 1 #1
Published by Greenwillow Books ISBN: 0063434911
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this larger-size 8-inch x 11-inch easy reader book, Wally the wooly mammoth races an arctic wolf and Otto the great auk down a snow covered hill on sleds. Wolf and Otto want to win the race but Wally just wants to have fun. Soon the competitive ambitions of Wolf and Otto prove ruinous as their unmaneuverable speed sends them crashing and swallowed up by an ever-growing snowball. Wally nervously takes the lead in the race but soon “SHOOOP!” Wally is also part of the rolling snowball. In the end, all three tie for the first prize! And want to make another run down the hill!

Tabor’s text is accessible for new readers making use almost entirely of speech bubbles, much like Elephant & Piggie books. Webb’s cartoonish art complements the silliness. A fun new series for emergent readers. Ages 4-8.

Elmore and the Christmas Rescue

November 11, 2025

Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue (Elmore the Moose) by Dev Petty, Mike Boldt
Series: Elmore the Moose #2
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers ISBN: 0593518055
Genres: Animals, Holiday, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Elmore the Moose is back for book 2. This time Santa Claus falls sick a week before Christmas, and Mrs. Claus sends him on vacation leaving Elmore in charge. Elmore finds it harder than he thought so writes Santa for advice. Santa helps Elmore grow into his new role. On Christmas Eve, Elmore takes the reins to deliver presents before Santa’s return to the North Pole.

The story is a bit chaotic much like the accompanying artwork making it quite humorous. The letters exchanged between Elmore and Santa are the true gems in this story. Children will learn about problem-solving and that there is more than one way of doing things at the North Pole. This book will make a fun readaloud for 4-7 year olds.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Cat Nap

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Cat Nap by Brian Lies
Published by Greenwillow Books ISBN: 0062671286
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Magical Realism
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Brian Lies introduces a sleepy cat whose afternoon nap transforms into an epic journey through art, time, and history. A girl sits on the couch reading a book in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Egyptian Antiquities room while her cat dozes nearby. When the cat notices a mouse and dives after it, an epic chase through time, art, and history ensues. Brian Lies creates a truly unique picture book that takes readers through the galleries of an art museum. As the cat and mouse leap from one page to the next, they are portrayed in the style of masterful artworks—each re-created in its original media by Brian Lies. When the sly mouse gets away, Kitten finds himself lost and alone and Kitten needs to find his way home? Of course he does with the help of some of his new “friends.”

A page-turning cat and mouse chase, an introduction to famous works of art throughout history, an epic adventure story, and a homecoming. Back matter includes information about how each of the illustrations in the book was created, notes on the original artworks featured in the book, and an afterword inviting young readers to make, create, and build things. A masterpiece for reading at story time, perusing on your own, or sharing 1-on-1 with someone of any age.

Nominated for Cream

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone

November 11, 2025

If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone by Emily Hughes, Gideon Sterer
Published by Clarion Books ISBN: 0063375222
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Great front book cover of a gorilla talking/listening on a banana phone against a solid red background and on the back cover a child doing the same on a solid green background. When you look inside, you learn the gorilla is conversing with the dark-haired child who called him. The gorilla has a lot of questions, like “Why are you calling?” and asks what you look like? Family members doubt that the child is really speaking to a gorilla, but when the gorilla and friends show up for a visit, they are surprised. However the child knows, if you make a call on a banana phone, “You might just make a friend.”

Hughes’ artwork is a beautiful mix of fantasy and normality. Sterer provides good modeling about how a lonely child can make a new friend. Almost the entire text is made up of suppositions, much like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, but it works to tell a simple story, especially because the illustrations enhance the text. A sweet and humorous book for 3-6 year olds, and a fun readaloud for story time. I do wonder though in this age of cell phones, how many kids will relate to the banana handset?

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library