Category: Book Reviews

Ranger Rick: I Wish I Was a Wolf

Ranger Rick: I Wish I Was a WolfRanger Rick: I Wish I Was a Wolf by Jennifer Bove
Published by HarperCollins on December 31st 2018
ISBN: 0062432206
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

I Wish I Was a Wolf is an informational early reader book that aims to give young readers facts about wolves. Each page is a full color picture of wolves with a white box giving information on a certain aspect of wolves’ lives. Bové structures the book to encourage children to compare aspects of their own lives with those of wolves. Unfortunately, this means that Bové then ends the book with an odd page that asks kids if they really want to “live outdoors? Lick [themselves] clean? Eat thrown-up meat?” and then tells them that luckily they don’t have to because they’re themselves. Structuring the book like this takes away from the informational aspects and adds nothing in return. Additionally, some of the facts are simplified to the point of misinformation.

Included in the backmatter are a “Did you know?” section,  a “Fun Zone” with activities based on wolf sounds, a short glossary, and a link to more information. There is no table of contents. Vocabulary seems to best first a first or second-grade reader.

A secondary purchase where animal books for readers are very popular.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

two-stars

Bloodleaf

BloodleafBloodleaf (Bloodleaf, #1) by Crystal Smith
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1328496309
Pages: 373
Goodreads
four-stars

Bloodleaf is the first of a new trilogy that is sure to win admirers and sustain interest through the next two books.  As a talented user of magic Princess Aurelia must hide her skills from the Tribunal as magic is forbidden.  The action builds from the beginning working up to a fevered pitch as her life and skills are continually challenged in two communities.  Fans of Medieval Age fantasy will be delighted with the dual of royal privilege and struggle of the simple life.  Aurelia will win the hearts of readers who are inspired by strong women especially those who are unafraid of ghostly presence, blood magic and violence.  This is a somewhat creepy read that reaches beyond Halloween and will be appreciated all year long.   Readers will anxiously wait for the next title in spring.

This book is divided into three sections which help to separate the different locations and action.  Yet a full circle is completed and the reader will be satisfied by the romance, suspense and battle to the end and beyond.  Add this new title to middle school and public libraries where fantasy is appreciated by readers.  Cannot wait to see where the next title takes readers.

four-stars

The Pawed Piper

The Pawed PiperThe Pawed Piper by Chinlun Lee, Michelle Robinson
Published by Candlewick Press on July 9th 2019
ISBN: 1536201650
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

”

A tale told in first person, ” The Pawed Cat,” is  about a small girl who wants a cat of her very own.  One day, the small girl  goes to visit granny  and borrows things that  Hector, (granny’s cat) likes to play with.   Soon, and to the small girl’s great surprise, Hector  pays a visit to the small girl’s home –  but Hector does not come alone.  Oh NO, Hector is accompanied by – not  one cat,  not  two cats , but by 67 cats! The small girl  loves them all, but doesn’t really  mean to take anyone else’s cat.   When she posts flyers to find their owners, and  when the  cats are finally all claimed,  she remembers the  cat who stayed hidden in her sock drawer.  The small girl soon know’s  the reason when she  discovers kittens!   And all of these kittens, too,  soon found new homes  – – -“except the smallest one, who made himself a home in the corner and wouldn’t leave . . . not ever.”

A wonderful, loving book for any child who has ever wished for a pet. The story plot is clever and the ending is most satisfying when the small girl’s wish is fulfilled.  The tone of this story is quiet and the ending says – Awwww. . . .

The illustrations are soft but  add more meaning and tenderness to the text.  I would recommend this book as a nap time or bedtime tale – satisfying, soft and cuddely!

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

four-stars

Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains

Snow Leopard: Ghost of the MountainsSnow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains by Justin Anderson, Patrick Benson
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536205400
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Justin Anderson is a zoologist and filmmaker who spent months in India tracking and filming the very rare and very illusive Snow Leopard. He has offered his findings in this picture book for young zoologists. These  cats live very high in the Himalayas where oxygen is half of what it is at sea level, they have the longest tail of all the cats, their eyes are blue at birth and turn green or gray as they age- all other cats have gold or yellow eyes , they are extremely well  camouflaged, and they are in danger, with less than 4,000 in the wild. Anderson invites the reader along with him as he tracks this rarest of wild cats. Patrick Benson adds illustrations to this journey that are large, quiet and done in shades of browns. The author has included facts about the leopard at the bottom of each page , an authors note, an index, and websites to visit for more information. Add to collections on endangered species. This book is worth reading to readers who will one day be responsible for the fate of this beautiful and mysterious cat.

submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

consider for Cream

five-stars

Panic

PanicPanic by Sasha Dawn
Published by Carolrhoda Lab (R) on October 1st 2019
ISBN: 154153574X
Pages: 312
Goodreads
four-stars

This realistic novel for readers in grades 9-12 is a cautionary tale of online strangers, as well as, blended family issues.  Madelaine, who prefers to be called Lainey, has been performing in commercials and theater since she was little.  She has panic attacks and finds that it is easier to be a character then to share about herself with people.    Lainey has always felt she is pushed and pulled in the middle of her parent’s divorce with each other.  Now her mother, who has kept her own cancer resurgence a secret,  is taking her manager father to court again to pay for Lainey to attend a performing arts high school.  As the family pressure escalates, Lainey connects to a stranger online who says he is the author of the poems in folded origami figures that have been appearing wherever she goes.  At first, she feels  safe sharing thoughts, feelings and family situations with this stranger online, but it starts to have a stalking quality and she starts depending on her friends and step sister to help her identify honest and safe decisions to make.   Lainey’s voice feels real and readers will want to direct her to appropriate decisions.   There is some hint of romance between Lainey and her friend, Brendon, who is pansexual.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library

 

four-stars

When Everyone Was Fast Asleep

When Everyone Was Fast AsleepWhen Everyone Was Fast Asleep by Tomie dePaola
Published by Holiday House on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 0823442810
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Originally introduced in 1976, Holiday House brings back master storyteller and illustrator Tomie DePaola’s story of the Fog Maiden who sends Token the cat to the house of two children and returns with them on a nighttime adventure. This adventure includes,trolls, a ball, dancing peacocks, and the meeting with a king and queen. When the evening ends, they are delivered safely home by the Fog Maiden. With signature DePaola illustrations of soft color that gives a feeling of calm, this is a gentle story from the past that introduces Tomie DePaola to a new generation of readers.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public lLibrary

four-stars

Join the No-Plastic Challenge: a first Book of Reducing Waste

Join the No-Plastic Challenge: a first Book of Reducing WasteJoin the No-Plastic Challenge!: A First Book of Reducing Waste by Scot Ritchie
Published by Kids Can Press on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 152530240X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Part of the Exploring Our Community series,author Ritchie introduces readers to Nick and his friends who are learning about plastic pollution. They are challenged to go one day without using single use plastic. Told in story form, this book is filled with facts about the use and misuse of single-use plastics.This is the plastic we use once and throw away: forks, lids, straws, and how it affects every living thing on the planet. The author also explains in text and illustration how plastic is made.  The  text is in two forms, a story form simple and easy for those younger readers and then a bolder more deliberate form for the scientist reader. Each page of text  is supported  with illustrations digitally rendered. There is a glossary of words to know in the back of the book and many suggestions on how to live a more plastic free. This is an excellent STEAM introduction to one of our planets biggest contributors to pollution. It is a must for every library and every reader. CREAM

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

five-stars

A World of Discovery

A World of DiscoveryA World of Discovery by Richard Platt, James Brown
Published by Candlewick Studio on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536207667
Pages: 64
Goodreads
five-stars

An entry in the Candlewick Studios oversized non-fiction books series, A World of Discovery talks about world-changing discoveries throughout history.  The book starts in 3500 BCE with the wheel and ends with artificial intelligence. The book mentions 30 discoveries in total, from simple concepts such as fire, time, and the wheel, to massive advancements such as antibiotics, steam power, and refrigeration.  Each topic receives a 2 page spread with a writeup on the discovery and creator, along with quotes and interesting facts on the left, while the right-hand side has a one color illustration of the invention and how it works. The book takes items, many from our daily lives, and explains how revolutionary they were at one time.  It’s a great reminder to all of us to not take the world around us for granted. Best for ages 8-14.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Out of my Shell

Out of my ShellOut of My Shell by Jenny Goebel
Published by Scholastic Press on June 25th 2019
ISBN: 1338259555
Pages: 224
Goodreads
five-stars

Olivia’s parents are getting a divorce. She’s trying very hard to be cheerful and not let anyone down. She’s pretending that everything is still okay. She’s going through her first family vacation at her grandparents with mom,  and her little sister Lanie. Mom and Lanie were a bookend and she and her dad were the other bookends in looks, personality, and interests. Her aunt comes for a visit with her twin toddlers (the mob) and starts trash talking her dad, and trying to get her mom to move back to Florida. Her friend from across the street is different this summer. His grandfather is a caretaker to a big Hotel that has a new owner. The new guy is a jerk and doesn’t care about the turtles that are trying to nest on the beach. Olivia does some research, some growing up, and learns to come out of her shell. Her sister almost drowns …

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick GNGMS Gray

I recommend this book for cream, it’s a very realistic self-help book for kids who can identify with family problems.

 

five-stars

Cats: Nature and Nurture

Cats: Nature and NurtureScience Comics: Cats: Nature and Nurture by Andy Hirsch, Mikel Delgado
Published by First Second on August 13th 2019
ISBN: 1250143128
Pages: 128
Goodreads
five-stars

Another fantastic title in the Science Comics series. This book by Andy Hirsch (a familiar Science Comics author of Dogs, Trees, and Varmints) delves into the mystery of the cat from house cat to jungle beast.  We meet Bean, adorable internet sensation, and learn how she got to be the most viewed kitty on the Web. As Bean tells her story, the reader learns about main motivation for ALL cats: hunting. Cats are carnivores and are made for killing. This killer instinct and humans’ understanding of it speaks to how successfully a person is in living with a domesticated cat. All cats need to hunt to feel fulfilled, it’s in their nature and humans can only change that behavior so much with nurturing. The book is filled with facts about the physiology of cats from their teeth to their claws to their righting reflex (cats always land on their feet). Cat lovers will enjoy the science behind the seemingly mysterious behavior of their pet and comics readers will enjoy the humor, engaging writing, and fabulous, bright illustrations for which this series has become known. These comics are text-heavy and best for readers in grades 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars