Category: Book Reviews

¡Vamos! Let’s go to the market

¡Vamos! Let’s go to the market¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market by Raúl the Third
Published by Versify on April 2, 2019
ISBN: 132855726X
Pages: 48
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Little Lobo is heading to the mercado to deliver much needed supplies to his community. There are so many things to see, smell, taste, and do at the market, and Little Lobo stops to visit with all his friends along the way.

I love the story in this book. The sense of community and comraderie is wonderful, and it’s just a good book. There are many spanish words and phrases throughout the book, and many are translated on the same page. There is a glossary of Spanish words at the end of hte book that includes all the words that appear in the book. The comic book style illustrations are great but so busy it’s a little overwhelming at times. If not for that, this book would have gotten 5 stars from me.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME.

four-stars

Little Frida

Little FridaLittle Frida: A Story of Frida Kahlo by Anthony Browne
Published by Candlewick Press on October 8, 2019
ISBN: 1536209333
Pages: 32
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This large format book is a glimpse into Frida Kahlo’s early life. It focuses on a dream she had where she met an imaginary friend who later heavily influenced her art.

The colorful illustrations are lovely and the strongest part of the book. The concept is good, but it will be lost on most young readers. The text was a bit flat and uninspiring as well. Best for kids 2nd grade and up with a follow-up discussion about what’s going on. An additional purchase for libraries looking to expand their picture book biographies.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Fourth of July

Fourth of JulyFourth of July by Pearl Markovics
Published by Bearport Publishing on August 1, 2018
ISBN: 1642801178
Pages: 16
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This simple introduction to America’s Independence Day is just right for the early childhood learner in your life. Through double page spreads and minimal simple text, readers can explore various aspects of the holiday, from fireworks to flags, and people to parades. This beginning reader nonfiction contains all of the expected text features. The back matter has a page of “teaching tips” which offers strategies and extensions to get the most out of the book.This book would be best for students in grades Pre-K – 2.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, SAD 17 Elementary Librarian, Oxford Hills.

three-stars

Animals That Jump

Animals That JumpAnimals That Jump by Pearl Markovics
Published by Not Avail on August 1, 2018
ISBN: 1642800058
Pages: 16
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Animals ambulate in all kinds of ways. In the latest edition of the ANIMALS on the Move! series, readers can explore Earth’s bounciest beasts. Each spread includes a full bleed photograph of the jumper in question and very simple text. This beginning reader nonfiction contains all of the expected text features and would make an excellent candidate for the youngest students exploring those features. The back matter has a page of “teaching tips” which offers strategies and extensions to get the most out of the book.This book would be best for students in grades Pre-K – 2.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, SAD 17 Elementary Librarian, Oxford Hills.

three-stars

Go Home, Goat

Go Home, GoatGo Home, Goat by Molly Coxe
Published by Kane Press Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Wandering through a frigid and snowy wilderness, Goat finds himself with a cold nose, cold toes, and nowhere to go. Will Mole take him in? Or Snowshoe Hare? What about Polar Bear? Yes, this Bright Owl Book is focused on the long “o” sound! Readers will love the adorable photographs which feature felted creatures in a natural, wintery landscape. Just when you get worried that all hope is lost for our friend Goat, the friends come together and help him find a cozy home all his own. This sweet story is great for emergent and/or younger readers, especially in grades K-3.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, SAD 17 Elementary Librarian, Oxford Hills

four-stars

Ghoulish Ghosts

Ghoulish GhostsGhoulish Ghosts by Craig Boutland
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 154156281X
Pages: 32
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

If your collection is in need of some spooky nonfiction, consider Craig Boutland’s Ghoulish Ghosts. This book is a concise overview of all that is ghastly. Major topics include ghostly places, ghostly history, and ghosts around the world. The book includes nonfiction text features such as a table of contents, glossary, and index. Hopefully readers are ok with unanswered questions because the book leaves a lot to wonder about! The book contains a variety of illustrations, photographs, and digital art which nicely illuminates each of the topics. Due to the supernatural nature of this book, it’s recommended for students in grades 4-6.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, SAD 17 Elementary Librarian, Oxford Hills.

three-stars

Arrr, Mustache Baby

Arrr, Mustache BabyArrr, Mustache Baby! by Bridget Heos, Joy Ang
Published by Clarion Books on March 5, 2019
ISBN: 1328506525
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

In this latest installment in the Mustache Baby series, Mustache Baby and his bearded buddy are at the public pool. They imagine themselves in all kinds of nautical scenes: as explorers, sailors, and scientists. But trouble was brewing at sea as they say, and Mustache Baby and Beard Baby encounter no other than the dread pirates Captain Kid and Short John Silver! A battle ensues and treasure changes hands, but the two find themselves turned into pirates! More havoc is wreaked at the pool, and their fantasy bubble is popped when their families step in. Unfortunately, while some would find the story charming, the illustrations are a bit problematic. Captain Kid and Short John Silver (the “bad” characters) both present as nonwhite (it’s worth noting the identities of Mustache Baby and Beard Baby are less clear because of the facial hair). Then Captain Kid and Short John Silver pick a fight with Mustache Baby and Beard Baby, and in fact, have a duel with pool noodles. The children are acting terribly at the pool, knocking things over, running around, and taking things from other visitors. If you can get past the bad behavior, this book would be appropriate for children Grades 2-4.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, SAD 17 Elementary Librarian, Oxford Hills.

two-stars

Tallulah The Tooth Fairy CEO

Tallulah The Tooth Fairy CEOTallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO by Federico Fabiani, Tamara Pizzoli
Published by Farrar Straus Giroux on July 30, 2019
ISBN: 0374309191
Pages: 34
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

I really wanted to like this more than I did. The book describes a day in the life of the Tooth Fairy CEO and the how and why of building her own business. This book is extremely wordy with a more advanced vocabulary than I would expect for a children’s book. On the plus side I did love the illustrations. This book would be appropriate for grades-3 but I wouldn’t recommend it for a collection.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

three-stars

Penny and Penelope

Penny and PenelopePenny and Penelope by Claire Almon, Dan Richards
Published by Imprint on August 6, 2019
ISBN: 1250156076
Pages: 34
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

In this story, two friends have a playdate with their Penelope dolls. Penny and Penelope couldn’t be more different: one is a secret agent, one is a princess. The friends also have different ideas about what adventure the dolls should go on. Should they have a tea party? Or keep the castle safe from creatures lurking in the shadows? Should they ride ponies? Or lightning fast motorcycles? The two friends play together, and through the back and forth find a way to have their dolls work together to prevent a disaster! Imagination, play, and compromise are the main themes of Penny and Penelope. It was nice to read a story that featured some of the many different sides of girls (even if it was a little too contrived at times) and shows them resolving their different ideas through healthy communication, rather than arguments. The story has great illustrations and a nice flow which would contribute to many children selecting this book from the shelves. Penny and Penelope is best suited for students who are beginning to or enjoy picture books on their own, grades K-3.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, SAD 17 Elementary Librarian, Oxford Hills.

three-stars

A Unicorn Named Sparkle’s First Christmas

A Unicorn Named Sparkle’s First ChristmasA Unicorn Named Sparkle's First Christmas by Amy Young
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on August 20, 2019
ISBN: 0374312109
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
two-stars

This  board book features A little girl named Lucy and her best friend Sparkle the Unicorn, Celebrating Christmas. The overall message of the book is that Christmas should not be just about getting presents, but should be a time to enjoy time spent with friends and family. For a board book I found this to be very wordy and the delivery of the message could’ve been clearer. I think this book would do well in a Kindergarten classroom during the holidays, otherwise I wouldn’t bother adding it to a collection.

Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

two-stars