Category: Book Reviews

Planet Earth

Planet EarthPaper World: Planet Earth by Bomboland
Published by Big Picture Press on September 17, 2019
ISBN: 153620854X
Pages: 30
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

An engaging overview of our planet, Planet Earth explores a wide variety of topics (e.g. tectonic plates, glaciers, deserts, weather). The bold colors and graphic design of the book, coupled with sturdy flaps for young readers to lift, provide an engaging format to explore. Page cutouts and visual layering add depth to each double spread, and pull the reader into the text. Information is presented in short, factual text blocks. Planet Earth provides a solid overview to pique a child’s interest, and can provide the foundation for deeper exploration of a given topic. A clear table of contents and glossary are useful for the reader. Intended for children ages 6-8, this book is well suited for tactile and visual learners, and those looking to explore a wide range of geographical and atmospheric features of our planet.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library

five-stars

Deep Breaths

Deep BreathsDeep Breaths by Carol Thompson
Published by Rodale Kids on October 1, 2019
ISBN: 1984893971
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

While originally published under a different title a decade ago (2010 in Australia; 2011 in the US), Deep Breaths has stood the test of time as a sweet story of friendship and reconciliation. Thompson’s loose and whimsical illustrations are a joy, and effectively illustrate the range of emotions that best friends Dolly the Pig and Jack the Rabbit experience throughout their interactions in the book: happiness, love, anger, sadness, and contentedness. Deep Breaths presents young children with relatable friendship scenarios and emotions, and illustrates tangible self-care and self-regulation strategies for when their emotions overwhelm them. It shows the value in acknowledging big feelings, taking time alone to self-regulate those feelings, and then reconciling negative emotions with your friend in a gentle and mutually agreed upon manner. Intended for children aged 3-7 years, Deep Breaths is not only a delightful story, but also a valuable teaching tool for parents, caregivers, teachers, and guidance counselors.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library

five-stars

Hair: Animal Fur, Wool, and More

Hair: Animal Fur, Wool, and MoreHair!: Animal Fur, Wool, and More by Julie Colombet, Marilyn Singer
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on January 1, 2019
ISBN: 1512449156
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A distinguishing characteristic of mammals, the topic of hair is explored in Hair: Animal Fur, Wool, and More. This engaging book provides a sound foundation of knowledge about the different types and purposes of hair on a wide variety of mammals. From humans to cats to dolphins, Hair informs with fascinating facts about this common and taken-for-granted trait. Detailed photographs paired with conversations depicted in speech bubbles between an illustrated sheepdog and bird will draw the reader into the text and keep them turning pages. Hair includes two double spreads of trivia information (How many hair follicles do we have? What is the hairiest mammal in the world?), as well as a glossary, selected bibliography, and further text and web resources. Intended for children ages 7-10, Hair is an entertaining and informative resource that will be popular with inquisitive children. It would be a great resource to have on-hand in a classroom library when studying the subject of mammals.

 Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library

four-stars

Animazes: Extraordinary Animal Migrations

Animazes: Extraordinary Animal MigrationsAnimazes: Extraordinary Animal Migrations by Katie Haworth, Melissa Castrillón
Published by Big Picture Press on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1536208531
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Readers explore the migratory journeys of 14 creatures in Animazes: Extraordinary Animal Migrations. From Antarctic krill to wildebeests, readers enjoy a wide range of animals and environments. Each double-page spread includes a concise description of the journey the animal makes, and a highly illustrated maze of their migratory paths. Readers are instructed to start the migratory journey at a red flag, and end at a checkered flag; these flags are not always obvious to spot, as they get lost in the wealth of visual information presented. The maze routes provided are fairly straightforward, and many readers will not have a need to consult the answer key at the end of the book. Textual information about the animals’ migratory paths is presented along the maze routes in short, factual sentences. Animazes provides readers with a brief overview of the migratory journeys of these animals in an eye-catching and engaging format. Intended for children aged 6-9, the book would appeal to children who are tolerant of a wealth of visual information and enjoy puzzle formats.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library

three-stars

Even More Lesser Spotted Animals

Even More Lesser Spotted AnimalsEven More Lesser Spotted Animals by Martin Brown
Published by David Fickling Books on July 30, 2019
ISBN: 1338349619
Pages: 56
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A companion to Lesser Spotted Animals (2016), Martin Brown continues to educate and entertain with Even More Lesser Spotted Animals. Spotlighting 21 lesser-known wild animals, Brown increases readers’ awareness of and encourages conservation for these compelling creatures. Brown’s endearing illustrations, interspersed with humorous speech bubbles, grab the reader and pull them into the text. Each double page spread features an animal, providing an illustration, informative text, and a stand-alone box with quick facts including the animal’s size, diet, locale, and conservation status. Brown’s clear, humorous, and delightfully illustrated table of contents and glossary provide readers with a wealth of information in an easily digestible format. Recommended for ages 7-10, this informative book will pique the curiosity and spur the interests of its readers, and may even encourage budding conservationists to take action on behalf of their new favorite animal.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library

five-stars

Olga: Out of Control

Olga: Out of ControlOlga: Out of Control! (Olga, #3) by Elise Gravel
Published by HarperCollins on September 24, 2019
ISBN: 006235132X
Pages: 192
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

The third book in the Olga series, Olga Out of Control! will not disappoint fans of this science-loving protagonist. As the discoverer and caretaker of a new species of animal, the Olgamus ridiculus, Olga’s days are never boring. The most recent surprise discovery is that Olga’s beloved pet Meh has given birth to seven baby Olgamuses. Olga is a strong, smart, resourceful protagonist, with an endearing supporting cast of characters (including her favorite pierced and tattooed librarian, Ms. Swoop). With the perfect balance of scientific inquiry, humor, and support from her friends, readers will delight in watching Olga navigate through her adventures with the newborns. Elise Gravel’s illustrations are bold, with a limited color palette, eliminating an excess of visual information, and allowing readers to enjoy the storyline without distraction. Recommended for ages 7-11, this hybrid of middle grade fiction/graphic novel will easily grab the attention of already established Olga fans, reluctant readers, as well as those simply looking for a light, entertaining read.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library

four-stars

Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis and His Brother

Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis and His BrotherFinding Narnia: The Story of C. S. Lewis and His Brother by Caroline McAlister, Jessica Lanan
Published by Roaring Brook Press on November 19, 2019
ISBN: 1626726582
Pages: 48
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

While this is a children’s biography, it could certainly captivate C.S. Lewis fans of any age. It tells the rather unknown story of C.S. “Jack” Lewis and his brother Warren “Warnie” Lewis from childhood through old age. Through lovely watercolor illustrations and brief anecdotes, the reader is taken on a journey that highlights the brothers’ differences while also showing the consistent strength of their connection. Jack was the dreamer and Warnie was the practical one, and together they built an imaginary world called “Boxen” that lay beyond the walls of the old wardrobe in their childhood home. Eventually they grew up and Boxen was forgotten in the midst of both World Wars. The true tale ends with the brothers living together and fostering two young girls who also wonder if perhaps there is something special about their home’s old wardrobe. Narnia is born out of the remnants of Boxen and some new inspiration, and that is the final note of the story.

Though this is a beautiful and interesting tale, it is incredibly vague. Without reading the author’s note at the end or somehow knowing ahead of time, it is unclear as to how these “Jack” and “Warnie” characters match the name of “C.S. Lewis” in the title. Very little specific facts are given at any point, and sometimes the vocabulary can be a bit advanced for such a simple narrative style. It is an interesting and moving story, for sure, but not the most informative non-fiction book you could add to your collection. It would honestly make a lovely story time book though.

Reviewed by Nicole Clark, Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford

three-stars

When Pencil Met Eraser

When Pencil Met EraserWhen Pencil Met Eraser by German Blanco, Jr., Karen Kilpatrick, Luis O. Ramos
Published by Imprint on May 28, 2019
ISBN: 1250309395
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

When Pencil Met Eraser is a simple, delightful tale that young readers are sure to enjoy. It begins with Pencil and Eraser, two characters who are separate entities with very different goals. Pencil wants to create art all by himself; Eraser wants to “improve” it in silly ways by erasing pieces of what Pencil creates. Pencil gets more and more annoyed, until he makes a mistake and Eraser helps him to fix it. The two work together after that, creating beautiful, fun drawings that both enjoy. It is predictable, yes, but you can’t help but smile the whole time you’re reading anyway. The narrative and the pencil illustrations are short and sweet and truly have a nice flow. The only odd part is the ending, in which a group of other art supplies (a crayon, a pen, a paint brush, etc.) pop onto the page to ask Pencil and Eraser, “Whatchya doin;?” before coloring all over a final pencil drawing. The words “The End” sit opposite the drawing, with a crayon-made question mark turning it into “The End?” It’s rather cute, and makes a good point, but it’s rather abrupt and creates a lot of chaos for a young child to take in. All in all, though, this is an extremely cute read and would work well for story time.

Reviewed by Nicole Clark, Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford

four-stars

The Tree That’s Meant to Be

The Tree That’s Meant to BeThe Tree That's Meant to Be by Yuval Zommer
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on September 24, 2019
ISBN: 0593119673
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Though this book features a Christmas setting at one of its most pivotal moments, it could certainly be featured in a non-holiday collection year-round. It follows the story of a tree in the middle of a large forest who isn’t quite as perfect as all the trees around it. Season after season it is alone, including the Christmas season, where every tree around it is chosen as a family’s Christmas tree except for it. The tree is lonely and sad, but hope arrives (quite randomly) in the form of the forests’ animals, who somehow notice the tree’s dilemma and dress it up themselves for Christmas night. They continue to visit the tree as the years go on, in all seasons, sometimes curling up to sleep under it or nesting in its branches. So eventually, the little tree realizes that it is just as good as other trees; it is just meant for something else that it originally thought. It is a sweet story and the illustrations are truly lovely. The reason for the slightly lower rating is that the writing is a bit choppy, and again, it can’t seem to decide if it is a Christmas story or not, so it may be hard to circulate.

Reviewed by Nicole Clark, Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford

three-stars

The Cool Bean

The Cool BeanThe Cool Bean (The Bad Seed, #3) by Jory John, Pete Oswald
Published by HarperCollins on December 3, 2019
ISBN: 0062954520
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

While I am a fan of every story Jory John and Pete Oswald have created, I think it is safe to say The Cool Bean is by far my favorite, and would make an excellent addition to any children’s collection. There is a wonderful blend of quirky characters (each “cool bean” even has a distinct personality), fun illustrations, and a powerful message. It tells the story from the point of view of a little bean who is decidedly un-cool – he even goes so far as to describe himself as a “has-bean.” His life is a little lonely, and he is made fun of at school. Meanwhile, the other beans from his pod are the coolest beans around. Everyone likes them, and they don’t really hang around with our protagonist anymore. What I absolutely love about the theme of this book, however, is that it isn’t simply the predictable “You don’t need to be seen as cool to be awesome” mantra. This is present, but what is striking is that at the same time the “cool beans” are starting to do nice things for the “uncool bean,” the “uncool bean” is learning that he needs to give them a chance, too. That just because those beans are popular it doesn’t mean they’re bad. He can be his own weird self and spend time both with them and alone, and no one needs to change. It’s a great message for kids, and the punny nature of the illustrations will be sure to delight adult readers, as well. All in all a fabulous book, and one deserving of “The Cream of the Crop.” 

Reviewed by Nicole Clark, Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford

five-stars