Category: Book Reviews

Ready for Action

Ready for ActionReady for Action (Toy Academy #2) by Brian Lynch, Edwardian Taylor
Published by Scholastic Press on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1338149164
Pages: 192
Goodreads
three-stars

Another addition in the Toy Academy series, Ready for Action is funny, witty and perfect for adventure-driven readers who are looking to experiment with a novel instead of their go-to graphic novel.  Black and white illustrations accompany each page, chapters are short and the story is just silly-enough to keep readers giggling as they find out what will happen next.  Grumbolt, a short cuddly stuffed animal, has been given admittance to Toy Academy to train to protect fellow toys from villains and enemies to Toy World. Grumbolt, along with good friend Micro and least-favorite person Rex Everything, compete through a variety of challenges to prove their metal to Professor Goldhawk.  On one particular training day, students get to find out who will be their sidekick. Grumbolt’s joy soon evaporates when he discovers that Goldhawk gave him the role of sidekick to Rex Everything.  Rex is mean and self-centered and rather than work together to be a great team, Rex lets Grumbolt know in no uncertain terms that he is inferior and useless.  Grumbolt is disheartened but when Toy Academy is attacked by Tempest Boomcloud, a discontinued toy, Grumbolt actually does quite a bit to save the day, earning Rex’s respect and friendship.  A light-hearted, quick read, students who enjoy the Toy Story franchise will love this look into the secret world of toys.  A good addition to all middle grade collections.  

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School

three-stars

Instagraphics: A Visual Guide to Your Universe

Instagraphics: A Visual Guide to Your UniverseInstaGraphics: A Visual Guide to Your Universe by Dan Green
Published by Scholastic Nonfiction on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338215574
Pages: 128
Goodreads
four-stars

Dan Green’s InstaGraphics: A Visual Guide to Your Universe will delight fans of Scholastic’s Book of World Records or Nat Geo Kid’s Weird But True series.  Each page is visually dynamic with color photos, short text boxes and little known (and oddly curious) facts that reel in the reader.  Chapters cover a variety of topics on natural disasters, animals, the human body and technology. While this nonfiction will surely be in high demand due to its eye-catching page displays of infographics, charts and visuals, it does not offer enough knowledge on any given topic.  Hopefully this will prove a springboard for readers to then dive more deeply into other meatier nonfiction. There is definitely “gross-factor” appeal with this title and library displays could certainly play up the sections on longest finger nails (358.1 inches!), the dung beetle (and its love of manure) and the delicious (and potentially fatal) pufferfish.  A glossary is also included.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook

four-stars

Hats off to Mr. Pockles!

Hats off to Mr. Pockles!Hats Off to Mr. Pockles! by David Litchfield, Sally Lloyd-Jones
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 0399558152
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“Hats off to Mr. Pockles” is an  imaginative and clever  picture book for ages 4  through 8.  Mr. Pockles, an odd little dog,  has a huge collection of hats.  “For Mr. Pockles,  going without a hat was like going around without any pants on.” Mr. Pockles owns  “an eating cornflakes hat, a drinking a cup of tea hat, and a going to bed hat among many others  BUT  a scarcity of  friends.  “It’s funny how wearing a hat cheers a personage up,” said Mr. Pockles.  But one day it didn’t and Mr. Pockles desperately wanted to attend “hat day” at the PandaPolitan Club. But Mr. Pockles was not a black and white  panda  and not allowed to attend.   To cheer himself up,  he dicided to buy a treat at the “Treat House,” whereupon he meets  Mrs. Lady Coco Fitz-Tulip sporting a hat decorated with banans, grapes, and pineapples. What happens,  after some bunny rabbits begin to snack upon her hat is well . . . both funny and very silly

A nice book to utilize when discussing how it feels to be left out and to not have many friends.  Young children will  enjoy the silliness of this story while  learning about  kindness, compassion, generousity and inclusiveness.  This book wonderfully demonstrates the  fact that  our similarities are much more significant  and universal in nature  than our perceived differences.  The story ends on a positive note by showing the happiness that can result from making new friends, sharing, and by discovering the pure joy of being alive and celebrating life all together.

The illustrations in the book are bright, lively and humorous while  accentuating and supporting  the text nicely.

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

five-stars

Brave Ballerina; The Story of Janet Collins

Brave Ballerina; The Story of Janet CollinsBrave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins by Michelle Meadows, Ebony Glenn
Published by Henry Holt & Company on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 1250127734
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

From the lovely cover to the Author Notes and Sources page this is an impressive biography. Janet Collins always knew she wanted to dance, with her personal talent, instruction and dedication she achieved her dream. Meadows shares that Collins’ achievements were not without racial barriers as she worked her way to become the first African American to become a prima ballerina in the famous Metropolitan Opera House.

Inspirational and in rhyming text this biography will be a welcome addition to any public library and primary school media center.  Young dancers will keep it off the shelf as they read the story and pour over the subdued illustrations. This book brings the story of an important dancer to life and may encourage youth readers to go after their dreams.

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

four-stars

PTSD

PTSD by Guillaume Singelin
Published by First Second on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1626723184
Pages: 208
Goodreads
three-stars

Jun returns home from war and finds herself on the dangerous streets run by gangs. She escapes from her memories of war by taking illegal drugs. While living on the violent streets of futuristic Tokyo, Jun finds solace from her friendship with the owner of a noodle shop and through the companionship of a stray dog. Guillaume Singelin uses sombre colors and the graphic novel format to portray a grim picture of the war and its effects on people. By setting the story in the future instead of describing past world conflicts, the story remains focused on PTSD and the trauma induced by war. Illicit drug use, gun violence and flashbacks from war make this a graphic novel aimed at older teens and adults. Recommended for grades 9 and up

Reviewed by Cathy Potter, Falmouth Middle School, Falmouth

three-stars

The Little Green Hen

The Little Green HenThe Little Green Hen by Alison Murray
Published by Candlewick Press on March 19th 2019
ISBN: 1536206105
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This traditional twist on a children’s tale is both engaging and clever and would be appreciated by young readers who are familiar with the story, “The Little Red Hen.”

A little “greeen” hen lives inside the  hollow of an old apple tree.  She faithfully tends to its care by pruning its branches, keeping pests under control, and sowing its seeds.  The day comes when she  needs help  caring for her expanding apple orchard.  Peacock  will not help as he is far too busy preening  himself, but Dog says, ” I will, I love sticks.” And so it goes,  with Fox saying “no,” and a teensy brown sparrow saying “I will,” a fat ginger cat saying, “Not I,” and a squirrel, who says, “I will.”  When a gigantic rain storm  floods the animals’ homes, they are ALL generously  welcomed to crowd into  Little Green Hen’s hollow for sfety.  And after  the rain subsides,  ALL  of LIttle Green Hen’s friends helped  look after the orchard and the orchard looked after them.

Reminiscent of “The Little Red Hen, ” this story focuses on the importance and interdependence of animals and nature.

Large, bright and coloful illlustrations are nicely paired with the simple, straightforward text of this tale.  Best suited for 3 to  5 year old children who are being introduced to these classic tales,  and  for slightly older children who are “studying,” –  comparing and contrasting classic tales , or even writing  and retelling their own tales – Preschool through first/second grade.  Also a nice story  to use when teaching the concepts of  appreciation in general,  helping others and the interdependence of nature and animals.

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

four-stars

Peter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths

Peter & Ernesto: The Lost SlothsPeter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths by Graham Annable
Published by First Second on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1626725721
Pages: 128
Goodreads
four-stars

Book two of this graphic novel series find Peter & Ernesto and their sloth family in search of a new home after a hurricane comes through and destroys their tree. Annable’s adorable sloths are simple in their design, but with their big eyes and expressive mouths, they will delight the reader. With a maximum of four panels per page and large, clear lettering this book is excellent for emerging readers. As he spins his tale of sloths on a quest, Annable deftly weaves in other animals and topography of the South American landscape home to a sloth from peccaries to armadillos to the dreaded jaguar, primary predator of the slowest-moving animal. The book has plenty of adventure and some fantastic singing and it offers a very satisfying conclusion. More books of these problem-solving, kind-hearted, fun-loving sloths would be welcome. Recommend for any juvenile graphic novel collection, but particularly for readers/browsers in K-3.

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

four-stars

Chomp; A Shark Romp

Chomp; A Shark RompChomp: A Shark Romp by Michael Paul
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on April 16th 2019
ISBN: 1524767026
Pages: 40
Goodreads
three-stars

This short romp in oceans around the world reveals many species of sharks. Paul’s illustrations are captivating and are sure to catch the eye of young naturalist. Each shark is identified and one fact is offered to readers.   It is interesting that the publisher recommends the book for pre-schoolers and excludes K; this seems to indicate that Crown Books realized that the information is limited.   Although a fun romp this title misses an opportunity to share knowledge especially in an environment where sharks are migrating into new areas.   The New England coast line is experiencing an influx of great whites that is impacting local’s and tourist’s attitudes toward swimming in the Atlantic.

Young children who are intrigued by sharks will enjoy this romp but they will need additional books to learn more about the marine animal.  Public libraries may want to add this to their collection of nonfiction picture books.   Chomp is not a necessary purchase for school media centers as it lacks information needed for reports.

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

three-stars

Summer of a Thousand Pies

Summer of a Thousand PiesSummer of a Thousand Pies by Margaret Dilloway
Published by Balzer + Bray on April 16th 2019
ISBN: 0062803468
Pages: 378
Goodreads
four-stars

After her dad is arrested (again), 12 year old Cady winds up being taken in by her aunt Shell, whom she has never met. Throughout the summer, Cady helps Shell and her partner Suzanne run their struggling small town bake shop all the while learning about the complexities of family, friendship, and the power of community. 

Current topical aspects woven into this story include undocumented immigrants and celiac disease. Middle school students will identify with the reluctance to ask for help even when you need it most and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Aspiring bakers, or even just those with a sweet tooth, won’t be able to resist this treat. Recipes  are even included in the back! Wonderful! 

Grades 5th-8th.

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

Wings of Olympus

Wings of OlympusWings of Olympus (Wings of Olympus #1) by Kallie George
Published by HarperCollins on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062741527
Pages: 224
Goodreads
two-stars

Every hundred years, the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus hold a race of their winged horses and select a mortal child to be the riders. 12 year old orphan Pippa never imagined she would be chosen, and nobody believes she can win, but with the love of her new horse, Zephyr, maybe she can change her fate.  

As this book just hits 200 pages there is not much time for character development or enough tension to drive the story. A handful of black and white illustrations are included which do not enhance the writing. This is the first of a planned series, though I am not entirely sure where the next installment would go. Readers who love horses or who are looking for a brief glimpse into the world of Greek mythology may be interested in this one. For grades 3rd-6th.

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

two-stars