Category: Book Reviews

Elmore and Pinky

Elmore and PinkyElmore and Pinky by Holly Hobbie
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 17, 2020
ISBN: 1524770817
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Elmore, the beloved and somewhat lonely, porcupine is back. He’s made lots of friends since his debut, but now he’s in search of a best friend. His wise uncle tells him that it will just happen, but Elmore isn’t so sure until he realizes his best friend has been right under his nose all along.

I love Elmore so I was really excited to see this follow up book; however, it just doesn’t hit the nail on the head in the same way that the first book did. The message is sweet, and Elmore is still relatable and adorable, but the flow of the book is off. It feels disjointed, and at one point I had to check to be sure I hadn’t skipped a page. The illustrations are colorful and definitely bolster the story and the book overall. Recommended for one-on-one sharing with kids 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

I Love Us: A Book About Family

I Love Us: A Book About FamilyI Love Us: A Book About Family (with mirror and fill-in family tree) by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Luisa Uribe
ISBN: 0358193303
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars


A celebration of all types of families and the bond that holds each one together: Love! This book includes a mirror so YOUR unique family will be reflected in the story. Work together to fill in the bonus family tree with the names of everyone you love.

Families can be big, small, silly, adventurous, loud, or messy, but they all have love in common. I Love Us! is all about the little ways families show they care: breakfasts made, play times shared, hurts soothed, and good times celebrated. With a mirror surprise and fill-in family tree, this special book makes a wonderful gift for children and the people who love them on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day—every day!

This board book is a wonderful celebration of all types of families and people. The simple text celebrates different things there are to love about one’s family — making breakfast, dancing to your own music, hugs, and more. Kids and parents will relate to the images and the events discussed throughout. The illustrations are colorful and detailed without being too busy. This is a great book for one-on-one sharing; my kids loved it at bed time. Recommended for babies and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Dragon Egg Princess

The Dragon Egg PrincessThe Dragon Egg Princess by Ellen Oh
Published by HarperCollins on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 0062875795
Pages: 256
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Jiho has no magical abilities what so ever. But in a land that is filled with magic this is actually a power- magic has no effect on him. So, when the missing royal princess needs his help, this ability will prove to be invaluable, especially in the magical Kidahara forest. Lots of cool magic by othere characters in the story. An interesting twist having that not having magic is powerful. At times, Princess Coco tended to be a bit annoying. But her feelings of frustration are real and when the reader discovers why, they will become more understanding of this. For ages 10 and up.

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

three-stars

My Life as a Potato

My Life as a PotatoMy Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner, James Lancett
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 24, 2020
ISBN: 0593118669
Pages: 272
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Ben moves to a new school and is bummed- the school’s team are the Spuds, their mascot a potato. Ben  feels he has a potato curse because several bad things have happened to him and a potato of some sorts always seems to play a part. But when Ben gets in trouble things get worse, he is going to have to be the school mascot for part of the basketball season, and that means wearing a potato costume. Ben is so embarrassed he does everything he can to hide it from his parents and friends, which gets way more complicated than he planned. Lots of humor in here and middle school issues with some sports as well. The shenanigans Ben goes through to keep his mascot identity a secret are funny and understandable.  Filled with humor, middle school bullies and cliques and sports, this is a terrific read. Ages 9 and up. Cream

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

Bloom

BloomBloom by Kenneth Oppel
on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 152477300X
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The Earth has been invaded by plants, and these plants not only out-compete Earth’s native plants for survival, they can use humans as a food source. No one knows how to stop them but on an island off of Canada, 3 teens are beginning to notice physical changes in their bodies when the plants arrive. And their changes might be the only thing that can stop the alien plants. This is a sci-fi, thriller, survival story. The plant aliens are brutal in here. The teens that are taking them on are cool too- and not perfect. Love the hint of the powers and what comes next. A series that will pull kids in. Ages 10 and up. Cream

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

A Home for Goddesses and Dogs

A Home for Goddesses and DogsA Home for Goddesses and Dogs by Connor, Leslie
Published by Groundwood Books, HarperCollins, Katherine Tegen Books on February 25, 2020
ISBN: 006279678X
Pages: 385
Genres: Non-Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Lydia’s mom died of cancer recently. The 2 were very close and Lydia has so many memories, Especially of her mom being honest with Lydia about her disease and their creation of goddesses to celebrate things in their lives. Now she is living with her Aunt Brat and her wife Eileen, both have made her feel welcome but Lydia wants to make sure that she does everything right. The problem is the dog they adopt and want Lydia to love too, is a hand full and a dog that most people would find hard to love. There is humor in this story and tearful moments as well. The adopted dog (Guffer) is far from perfect, he is really awful and challenging, a dog that most people would not keep. But the way this new family works at that, their passions, humor and love, shine through to make things work. One of the best parts is the relationship between Lydia’s two aunts. It isn’t always perfect and there are arguments but the love they have for each other (and Eileen’s humor) keep the couple, and eventually Lydia and Guffer loved and grounded. Terrific book. Ages 9 and up. Cream.

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

The Little Blue Cottage

The Little Blue CottageThe Little Blue Cottage by Jessica Courtney-Tickle, Kelly Jordan
ISBN: 1624149235
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The little blue cottage by the sea waits each year for summer and the girl to arrive. Each summer the girl grows until one year she doesn’t come. The cottage is left waiting and empty season after season until the girl returns with her children. This book has lovely illustrations, reminiscent of Barbara Cooney. The writing is lyrical, but I could not decide whether the text was supposed to rhyme or not. The book will be special to summer residents.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

When Lightning Strikes

When Lightning StrikesWhen Lightning Strikes by Katie Peters
Published by Lerner Publications, Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541558383
Pages: 16
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Dramatic photos and a simple text make this book an easy read for children who are just starting out. A simple weather book that some young readers will enjoy.

Preschoolers to 1st grade

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

three-stars

The Camping Trip

The Camping TripThe Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536207365
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Ernestine is invited by her aunt and cousin to experience her first camping trip.  From the cover pages of The Camping Trip  a realistic job of expressing a true outdoor adventure is offered.  Readers view an illustrated listing of necessary equipment before the story even begins.  Within the content a personal equipment list is incorporated and new experiences are explored.  Aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha are supportive and compassionate as Ernestine grows to love this new experience.   The art work is done in comic style panels that are fun and colorful.  This reader appreciates how one of the early two-page spreads is almost identical to a later illustration in the same spot.  All ages will enjoy this adventure and perhaps it will influence some families to go camping for the first time.

Bring on the s’mores and purchase this book for both primary school and public libraries.  Gift a copy to families who are interested in taking their first camping trip.

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

five-stars

Nessie Quest

Nessie QuestNessie Quest by Melissa Savage
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on January 14, 2020
ISBN: 0525645675
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
It is necessary to reveal the spoiler first, this reader has been to Loch Ness and looked for Nessie.   All the same the character of Ada Ru is compelling and her interactions with other characters are enlightened.  Perhaps the fact that her mother is a therapist helps Ada Ru stay in touch with her feelings but it is her desire to learn and to become involved that move this book forward.  Other characters are equally exposed in terms of their weaknesses and loyalties but perhaps the most definitive individual is Hamish Bean better known as Captain Green Bean.  Not only is this an enchanted mystery for intermediate and middle school readers but there is pre-adolescent romance budding as well.  Lots of twist and turns risk blindsiding the reader making the end satisfactory to all readers.

It is recommended that middle school media specialist and public librarians find room on their shelves for this title.  There may be classroom teachers that would find this an appropriate read aloud as it reveals Scottish traditions, local language and geography.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars