Category: Book Reviews

Otter: What Pet is Best

Otter: What Pet is BestOtter: What Pet Is Best? by Sam Garton
Published by Balzer + Bray on October 15th 2019
ISBN: 0062845136
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Otter is back in her latest “I Can Read” (My First) adventure! Sure, her life is plenty full already with Otter Keeper, plenty of toys, as well as many friends. But Otter wants a pet! She and Otter Keeper consider which pet really is the best choice for young Otter. Paired with cute, attractive illustrations, Otter practices her logical reasoning and decision making going through option after option to figure out what pet really is best for her. A fun book for emergent, young readers! 

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

four-stars

Cutting-Edge Artificial Intelligence

Cutting-Edge Artificial IntelligenceCutting-Edge Artificial Intelligence by Anna Leigh
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541523482
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Cutting-Edge Artificial Intelligence is a refreshing deviation from what I usually hear about A.I. which is that it’s inevitable that one day robots will rebel and own us. The photo that shows a robot trying to make a pizza is reassurance that that day is very far away.  Instead of fear mongering this book focuses on what A.I. is used for now, what it’s particularly successful at and what the future plans are for it. There’s a clear and interesting explanation of how A.I. works and how it is programmed. Kids in grades 4-6 are likely to enjoy this and recognize how often A.I. is used in everyday life. It would also be a good choice for anyone learning about robots, technology or biotechnology.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

four-stars

Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter

Harriet Tubman: Freedom FighterHarriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter by Nadia L. Hohn, Gustavo Mazali
Series: I Can Read
Published by HarperCollins on December 31st 2018
ISBN: 0062432850
Pages: 32
Goodreads

This “I Can Read!” (Level 2) biography of Harriet Tubman is concise and includes two sections. The first is a beautifully illustrated narrative of her brave and adventurous life. The second, significantly shorter section, includes a timeline and primary source material as well as more in-depth information about her life and experiences. The coverage of Tubman’s life in this book is realistic and acknowledges how badly enslaved people were treated, while remaining appropriate for the intended audience (kids ages 4-8). There are some claims that seem to come out of nowhere (“She also had a disability.”) and the title lacks a bibliography for a curious reader who would like to find out more. A younger student hoping to learn about significant events in and the basic biographical information of Harriet Tubman’s life would certainly find this book useful. It is an accessible and honest account of the amazing risks Tubman took in order to help improve the lives of many, many enslaved people. 

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

 

The Couch Potato

The Couch PotatoThe Couch Potato by Kerry Lyn Sparrow, Yinfan Huang
Published by Kids Can Press on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 1525300059
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

When a problem potato takes over the couch of the Russet family, stay-at-home dad Mr. Russet throws in the towel. Tired of tidying up for his family of four (and canine companion), Mr. Russet refuses to take care of the tuber and he sequesters himself in potato-free spaces elsewhere in the house. Each of his family members, though, finds a unique use for the potato amidst a home growing less and less tidy by the minute. Though a bit hard to swallow, Mr. Russet deals with the potato (and the mess), once and for all after five frustrating days. Huang’s illustrations, simply drawn in colored pencils, gouache, and watercolor, nicely illustrate the growing chaos and Mr. Russet’s frustration. This book would make a fun, silly read-aloud best suited for children in preschool – grade 2. 

 

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

four-stars

Sammy Claws: The Christmas Cat

Sammy Claws: The Christmas CatSammy Claws: The Christmas Cat by Lucy Rowland, Paula Bowles
Published by HarperCollins on September 17th 2019
ISBN: 0062959115
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Sammy Claws, beloved kitty of Santa Claus, is very sleepy. As Christmas draws near, Sammy is eager to help…after a cat nap. Fearing he will oversleep, Sammy settles into a cozy box for a quick snooze in the workshop. Misadventure after misadventure ensues, and Sammy finds himself helping Santa on delivery night in an unexpected way. When a pair of robbers tries to ruin Christmas by stealing the presents from Santa’s sleigh, Sammy jumps at his chance to finally give Santa a hand. Back at the North Pole, Santa recognizes Sammy’s efforts and he wakes up Christmas morning to find the perfect gift for him under the tree. Delightfully illustrated and written in rhyme, this tale of friendship, helpfulness, and personal growth is a great choice for a holiday season read-aloud. Children ages 4-10 will find it particularly enjoyable. 

 

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

 

four-stars

Nixie Ness Cooking Star

Nixie Ness Cooking StarNixie Ness: Cooking Star by Claudia Mills, Grace Zong
Published by Margaret Ferguson Books on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 0823440931
Pages: 144
Goodreads
four-stars

When third grader Nixie’s mother goes back to work it up heaves her perfect after school routine of hanging out with her best friend, Grace. To Nixie’s horror, she is enrolled in an after school cooking program while Grace is sent to a new friend’s house. Nixie watches as Grace’s new friendship develops which leads to jealousy and resentment of her own parents. After some poorly planned attempts to win Grace back, Nixie loses it and hits rock bottom but don’t worry: it all turns out OK.

I didn’t find Nixie a particularly endearing character but the supporting characters are sweet and funny and the overall message here is a good one. So many kids in this age group struggle with losing friends or sharing friends or making new friends that many will be able to recognize parts of themselves in this book making it perfect for reading aloud to a classroom that might be in the middle of social restructuring. The descriptions of the cooking and baking projects are great and this would work equally well for use in a cooking unit. Bonus points for sharing Nixie’s favorite recipe at the end!

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

four-stars

Deadly Frogs!

Deadly Frogs! Published by Bearport Publishing on 2019
ISBN: 9781684026586
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book really sticks to its topic: venomous frogs. It starts out with the story of a painful discovery by a scientist in Brazil which led to the discovery of frog venom that is delivered through microscopic spikes on a frog’s head. Yikes. It goes on to describe other species, general terms regarding venom, the difference between venom and poison and uses for frog venom. The writing is clear and there are plenty of photos of brightly colored and highly venomous frogs. Sensitive amphibian lovers might be disturbed by a photo of a dissected frog but otherwise it would be a good choice for young science/nature fans. This book would be helpful in classroom discussions about both frogs and animal defenses.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Amelia Bedelia Gets the Picture

Amelia Bedelia Gets the PictureAmelia Bedelia Gets the Picture by Herman Parish, Lynne Avril
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 0062935259
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

In the latest Amelia Bedelia adventure, Amelia is super excited for picture day only to be disappointed when the photographer has the flu. Amelia doesn’t dwell on the situation though; she takes initiative and turns her day around.  This is an early reader for kindergarten through second grade and would be great for kids who need help dealing with disappointment. Some kids will get a kick out of the humor in Amelia’s interpretation of language and her literal imaginings of idioms. A nice, upbeat book.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Home Is a Window

Home Is a WindowHome Is a Window by Stephanie Ledyard, Chris Sasaki
Published by Neal Porter Books on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 0823441563
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

A family learns what home really means, as they leave one beloved residence and make a new home in another.
Home can be many things—a window, a doorway, a rug…or a hug. At home, everything always feels the same: comfortable and safe.
But sometimes things change, and a home must be left behind.
Follow a family as they move out of their beloved, familiar house and learn that they can bring everything they love about their old home to the new one, because they still have each other. This heartfelt picture book by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard is richly illustrated by former Pixar animator Chris Sasaki.

An ode to home and the comfort and feelings of safety it produces, Home is a Window is beautiful in its simplicity. The patterned, warm illustrations are relaxing and the prose is sparse but kind. The first half of the book embraces home while the second half explores the emotions involved in moving to a new one. As someone who moved several times as a kid I appreciated how the book validates the sadness and anxiety about moving but then reassures the reader that home is, in fact, more about  where your loved ones are than a particular building. A good read aloud book for pre-k through second grade or anyone who might be facing either a move or a big family change.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Around the Table That Grandad Built

Around the Table That Grandad BuiltAround the Table That Grandad Built by Melanie Heuiser Hill, Jaime Kim
Published by Candlewick Press on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 0763697842
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

The cover sets the tone for this enchanting holiday offering.  Beginning with the table that Grandad built most of the items that find their way to the meal were contributed or made by someone loved by the group.   Be it family members, extended family or friends the characters all have a unique role in this clever progression.  The two-page spreads are well divided as they show the interaction of individuals and the work ethic of the group.  Who would not want to be invited to the table that Grandad built?

Add this to all public libraries, this book should find a home in most primary school media centers.  The facial expressions make this a worthy gift for early grade art teachers and the close relationships exhibited make this book a great addition to church libraries.

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

four-stars