Category: Book Reviews

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

Last Girl Lied To

Last Girl Lied ToLast Girl Lied to by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
Published by Imprint on April 16th 2019
ISBN: 1250158133
Pages: 347
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

When Fiona first met Trixie it was when Trixie jumped into Fiona’s car as she was escaping from her sometime boyfriend, Jaspar.  Trixie had the type of personality that made people gravitate to her and do whatever she wanted.  But now Trixie has disappeared, as had Fiona’s crush, Beau’s brother, Toby, a year before.  Are the two together and what, if any role does Jaspar play?  Now Jaspar has moved on to a relationship with Fiona as he goes with her to Tijuana where Fiona suspects Trixie may have gone.

Amidst all this angst, uncertainty, and relationship drama Fiona manages to get accepted to every college to which she applies, including Princeton, NYU, and UCLA.  Fiona finally learns that she must make her own decisions and not be so influenced by those around her.  The ending of the book is a surprise that wasn’t expected.  It made for a fast-moving book that I couldn’t put down.  It is recommended for grades 9-12.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

four-stars

Sadie and the Silver Shoes

Sadie and the Silver ShoesSadie and the Silver Shoes by Anna Walker, Jane Godwin
Published by Candlewick Press on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 1536204803
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Sadie and the Silver Shoes,” is a lovely picture book story about friendship, independence and resilience. Sadie, a young girl, must wear hand me downs from her three older brothers. She is, however, allowed to choose her own underwear and shoes.  And, boy, does Sadie ever love shoes.  After finding a pair of sneakers she  absolutley adores, she then proceeds to lose one of them it as  “was swept down the creek like a shimmering silver fish.” Sadie chooses to wear the remaining sneaker to school anyway. When Sadie is asked to show a new girl, Ellie,around the school,  Ellie says, “I have a shoe like that.” When the two girls go to Ellie’s house and discover that Ellie does indeed have Sadie’s other shoe,   Sadie,being kind and considerate, allows Ellie to keep the show since it fits her too.

A nice book to read anytime, but particularly when talking about friendship. The story shows that by talking things over, using a little imagination, and kindness as well, what might become a problem may sometimes promote a new friendship.

The illustrations are expressive, supporting the text nicely and do focus on what really matters in the story, the friendship of Sadie and Ellie.

 

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

four-stars

You Are Light

You Are LightYou Are Light by Aaron Becker
Published by Candlewick Studio on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1536201154
Pages: 16
Goodreads
five-stars

A board book like no other, this title is a piece of art that literally shines in sunlight.  Each page contains circular paper cuts, some containing colored inserts. The simple but thought provoking text complements the colors chosen for each individual page.  And then there are the circular illustrations which carries the theme and intent of the book. There is great emotional value within the text that will not be missed by children and adults.

You Are Light is the complete package, it is a perfect book for toddlers at home and nursery school environments. Try to read this book where there is a source of light so viewers can appreciate the full experience.  All public libraries need to make this purchase and families are encouraged to use as a gift book for preschool events/parties. A special recommendation for religious institutional collections.

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

five-stars

Bad Dad

Bad DadBad Dad by David Walliams
Published by HarperCollins on March 19th 2019
ISBN: 0062561103
Pages: 448
Goodreads
three-stars

“Bad Dad” by bestselling author David Walliams is actually about a dad who is a good guy, but makes bad decisions and ends up working for a crime boss to make money. Frank, son of “Bad Dad,” loves his dad a lot. His dad’s car accident leads to money troubles and a bunch of bad situations. Frank goes along with the chaos to try and keep his dad out of trouble, but it doesn’t work.

The book reminds me of Roald Dahl’s outrageous situations and stories, and is illustrated by Quentin Blake. The female characters are a bit one-note (Auntie Flip who loooves poetry, Reverend Judith who just wants people to go to church, etc.), but the story is funny and exciting and features an LGBTQ wedding at the end. The illustrations are hilarious and the various sizes and styles of fonts will catch kids’ eyes. This middle grade novel is not a must-buy, unless Walliams’ books are very popular with your library or child.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

The Breakaways

The BreakawaysThe Breakaways by Cathy G. Johnson
Published by First Second on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 1250196949
Pages: 224
Goodreads
four-stars

The epigraph on the title of this middle grade graphic novel says a lot, “Bad at Soccer. Okay at Friends.” The message that sports are not everything and that making friends is difficult when you are a quiet person who often prefers her fantasy world to the real one is refreshing. Faith is convinced to join her middle school soccer team by the shiny and alluring Amanda with the promise that they will hang out once on the team together. Turns out the reality is quite a bit different as there are three teams, A, B, and C, and Amanda is an A-team soccer player while Faith, having never played before, is on the C team. The C team is comprised of a group of misfits who don’t particularly like playing soccer and who are struggling to find their place in the world, not just the middle school hierarchy, but in the world at large that seeks to define them and put them into a certain box. Johnson is not about boxes though; she has many, many different characters with varied background stories and challenges. It is to her credit that she is able to enter so many of the players’ homes and show the reader what it’s like to walk in that character’s shoes. This is one of the most powerful tools of the GN; she can show, not tell, and she does it beautifully. The reader glimpses the many stories of the Bulldogs C-team players and draws the reader in that much farther. A lovely exploration of friendship and finding one’s place and standing up for your team no matter how bad they are at the sport they have chosen to play. Recommend for grades 4 and up for coming-of-age themes like first crushes and sexual identity exploration.  Perfect for readers who have enjoyed Raina Telgemeier, Svetlana Chmakova, and Jennifer Holm GNs.

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

four-stars