Category: Book Reviews

How Do You Feel?

How Do You Feel?How Do You Feel? by Lizzy Rockwell
Published by Holiday House on September 24, 2019
ISBN: 0823440516
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

How Do You Feel? by Lizzy Rockwell is an outstanding books to help 3 to 5 year olds understand their emotions. The elegant and deceptively simple acrylic colored illustrations direct the viewers eye to the single young child who is experiencing the event on the opposite page. There is plenty for preschoolers to think about internally and lots for adults to talk about with children all of whom have strong feelings that they are trying to understand with different degrees of success. This is a quietly stated, direct “feelings” book with just one question per double page spread, such as “Do you feel sad?” With seemingly increasing behavior problems in schools, this book offers  a welcome, calm approach to talking about and thinking about one’s emotions. Highly recommended for both public libraries and primary level schools by Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Maine

5 stars

Somewhere Only We Know

Somewhere Only We KnowSomewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on May 7, 2019
ISBN: 0374310572
Pages: 328
Genres: Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Lucky is one of the biggest K-pop stars wrapping up her solo tour in Hong Kong and preparing to make her North American debut.  A craving for a cheeseburger puts her into the path of Jack, a boy who wants nothing more than to be a photographer but his parents want him to go to college.  Jack freelances as a paparazzi and soon recognizes Lucky for the K-pop star she is.  Jack, under the guise of showing Lucky a day of fun, takes pictures of her to sell later and bring her into a possible scandal.  Lucky agrees to the day because she hasn’t had a day off in years and has been questioning when her K-pop star dream stopped feeling like a dream.  After their time together they have to decide if what they think they want in life is worth what they could lose.  The book was a quick but predictable, cutesy, insta-love rom-com but the initial meeting of the two felt forced and chaotic and the scenery description was nonexistent.  The food was described in more detail.  Recommended for ages 13+.

Reviewed by Cassandra Lull, Windham Public Library

three-stars

The Space We’re In

The Space We’re InThe Space We're in by Katya Balen
Published by Margaret Ferguson Books on October 8, 2019
ISBN: 0823442896
Pages: 208
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Frank is a ten-year-old British boy who lives with his folks and autistic five-year-old brother Max. Not only the protagonist but the narrator as well, Frank shares a sad story of loss with a glimpse of hope.  There is little time for Frank because of Max’s overwhelming needs yet the family struggles to be normal.   Readers listen to Frank’s voice sharing the sad story of his mother’s illness and his brother’s behavior.  The Space We’re In is bittersweet, revealing and heartbreaking.  Autism presents all sorts of challenges to families, Balen treats the story with respect and offers a light at the end of the tunnel.

This title would be a good parent/ child book club selection.   It is a book that would be best shared with an adult as many questions will arise.  Public libraries should purchase and make available to adults and youth.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth service‘s librarian in Scarborough, ME

three-stars

Tarnished Are The Stars

Tarnished Are The StarsTarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
Published by Scholastic Press on October 15, 2019
ISBN: 1338312278
Pages: 384
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Prior to writing a review this reader had to research the term “streampunk”.  What was learned makes sense as this SciFi book is built around technology and aesthetic design. It might also be said that Tarnished Are the Stars is a cunning adventure where three strong characters each possess secrets and are searching for acceptance.  Although a little slow in setting the stage, the adjacent world environment becomes clear when Anna leaves her village to attend to those who have a TICCER.  Each character seems to have very little in common; Nathaniel should be an enemy and Eliza is a spy yet all three are exploring their sexual orientation and personal value in society.

Thor is new to the YA literature scene yet her first published title contains excellent character development. Teens questioning their own sexuality will find Thor’s characters honest and compelling. The storyline is streampunk and well worth placing on middle and high school shelves as well as adding to YA collections in public libraries. This book will be challenged but it has earned its right to be purchased.

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

four-stars

The Moon Book

The Moon BookThe Moon Book by Gail Gibbons
Published by Holiday House on May 14, 2019
ISBN: 0823443248
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This revised and updated edition of Gail Gibbon’s The Moon Book provides students with a clear introduction to how the moon was formed, its orbit, phases, solar and lunar eclipse, exploration, milestones, legends, and additional facts. Gibbon’s characteristic illustrations direct the reader’s eye to what is being explained. While the book does not include an index or glossary, there are many labeled diagrams and bold subject headings across the top of the pages. This updated version includes a map of the moon. Recommended for school and libraries serving k-3 children. Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Maine

four-stars

The Reasons for Seasons

The Reasons for SeasonsThe Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons
Published by Holiday House on May 14, 2019
ISBN: 082344273X
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

This updated edition of Gail Gibbon’s The Reasons for Seasons provides k-2nd grade children a clear introduction to how the earth’s relation to the sun throughout the year makes the seasons. There are just a few sentences per page, and large, colorful drawings direct the viewer’s eye to what is being explained. With lots of labeled diagrams, an explanation of the earth’s rotation around the sun, and boldly printed headings for each of the four seasons, the book has a logical flow of information. Each season is covered in just 5 pages, and young scientists can absorb the brief information through words and text. Recommended bot libraries serving 5 though 7 year olds. Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Maine

Rating 4

Snail and Worm: Three Stories about Two Friends

Snail and Worm: Three Stories about Two FriendsSnail and Worm All Day: Three Stories About Two Friends by Tina Kugler
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 24, 2019
ISBN: 0358063647
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Snail and Worm: Three Stories about Friends by Tina Kugler is the third book in this beginner reader series. These short humorous stories about two unusual main characters have a sweet silliness. There is no dark, edginess here. Ridiculous, expressive eyes on both characters add to the fun. While not Frog and Toad or Elephant and Piggie, Kugler’s pair will satisfy adults who are looking for gentle stories and children who appreciate the silliness. Highly recommended by Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Maine

Rating 5

five-stars

Bark in the Park!

Bark in the Park!Bark in the Park!: Poems for Dog Lovers by Avery Corman, Hyewon Yum
Published by Orchard Books on March 26, 2019
ISBN: 1338118390
Pages: 48
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Bark in the Park!: Poems for Dog Lovers by Avery Corman and pictures by Hyewon Yum offers short two to four-line rhyming poems illustrated with colored lined drawings. There is a poem for  each of 38 different breeds. While enjoyable and easily understandable to young listeners, the poems lack the humor and heart of some earlier dog poetry books such as Patricia MacLachlan’s Once I Ate a Pie. Children will enjoy the end papers that show all the breeds represented, and if their favorite breed is included, all the better. Recommended as an additional purchase by Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Maine

three-stars

You Can Do It, Pout Pout Fish!

You Can Do It, Pout Pout Fish!You Can Do It, Pout-Pout Fish! by Dan Hanna, Deborah Diesen
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on April 9, 2019
ISBN: 1250064279
Pages: 24
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Pout Pout Fish had a big idea that he felt he could complete all by himself. Mr. Fish (aka Pout Pout Fish) soon found out that he could not, and that maybe he should accept the help of his friends.

A charming story with a great lesson about friendship and accepting help.

A great read for the beginning reader.

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan retired Youth Services Librarian

three-stars

A Friend for Dragon

A Friend for DragonA Friend for Dragon: An Acorn Book (Dragon #1) by Dav Pilkey
Published by Scholastic Inc. on April 30, 2019
ISBN: 1338341057
Pages: 64
Genres: Adventure
Goodreads
three-stars

Dragon was very lonely, and longed for a friend. He asked several animals, but none were interested. Then as Dragon sat under an apple tree one fell on his head. Dragon decided that apple would make a great friend. So at long last Dragon has a friend, who he cared for, told stories to, made funny jokes with even made midnight snacks to share. One day his friend appears to be ill, and Dragon shows what a great and caring friend he is.has made a friend, and he loves spending time with his new buddy! He enjoys telling scary stories, cracking funny jokes, and fixing a midnight snack for them to share. But when his friend appears to be ill, Dragon demonstrates what it means to be a true friend.
This warmhearted friendship story of love and loss, is a great early chapter book for the emerging reader.

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan retired Youth Services Librarian

three-stars