Category: Book Reviews

Peppa Pig and the Family Reunion

Peppa Pig and the Family ReunionPeppa Pig and the Family Reunion by Candlewick Press
Published by Candlewick Press on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1536206156
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

Made popular by the TV show, Peppa Pig is the darling in the world of 2-5 year old girls.  Peppa Pig enjoys watching over her toddler cousin who she is trying to teach to talk.  Sure the characters are pigs but the storyline is realistic and somewhat sweet as the children play well together and interact with all family members.

There is a cuteness about Peppa and her family, the simple illustrations express emotion and depict typical family bonding.  Colors (other than the pink pigs) are appealing and vary from page to page.   There is reason for young listeners and readers to request this book as a bedtime story.  Although books created from TV shows are not always among the best selections this is a satisfying read for its intended audience.  Gift to families with young girls and consider for nursery school collections.

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

three-stars

Goodbye, Mr. Spalding

Goodbye, Mr. SpaldingGoodbye, Mr. Spalding by Jennifer Robin Barr
Published by Calkins Creek Books on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1684371783
Pages: 272
Goodreads
five-stars

Take me out to the ballgame, to any ball park, in any city and this reader is happy.  Barr’s first middle age novel is a winner for any age reader who loves baseball and especially for those who appreciate the history of American’s favorite sport.  All of the characters show their love of the game but more important is their place within the family and community.   Jimmy and Lola have a friendship that is built on mutual respect and caring, something not frequently found in a relationship of a 12 year old boy and girl.  Relationships of family members, neighbors and classmates feel honest and valued.  This book brings to life some of the issues during the Great Depression and how it affected those who loved the game of baseball.  The old photos and Author’s Notes are an added bonus.

Add this to all middle school media centers and to public library collections.   Goodbye, Mr. Spalding is an excellent choice for students assigned the genre of historical fiction.  It is also going to gain a following with preteen boys and girls who adore our favorite American pastime.

 

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

five-stars

Duck and Goose: A Gift for Goose

Duck and Goose: A Gift for GooseA Gift for Goose by Tad Hills
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 052564489X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Duck shows us how to give a thoughtful gift to our friends. Too bad there is a misunderstanding about the gift! Goose keeps interrupting, but Duck finally explains and Goose is thrilled with his box so he can put his special things in it.

Simple text in large font welcomes beginning readers. Signature illustrations of Duck and Goose will give fans a new episode to enjoy.

In addition to a delightful friendship story for preschoolers, this story would be a great study for young authors on how to write a twist/surprise ending.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

 

four-stars

Numbers in Nature

Numbers in NatureNumbers in Nature by Jennifer Marino Walters
Published by Red Chair Press - (Look! Books) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1634403541
Goodreads
three-stars

Quick! What in nature has 8? Or 3? Browse these pages and count up to 10.

Clear photos fill the pages and provide very close-up views of many of the items identified. Additional facts are given in “Good to Know” bubbles on almost every page. Some pages have a heading, others don’t with no apparent pattern.

 

Back matter includes “Words to Keep” (instead of a glossary) a short list of books to check out, and a simple index of animals and plants used in the book. This book is part of the “Look!  Books” and “Nature is All Around Us” series.

Young readers may be inspired to find their own list of numbers in nature, or it could be used as a guessing game.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

three-stars

Museums (Kids’ Day Out)

Museums (Kids’ Day Out)Museums (Kids' Day Out) by Joanne Mattern
on January 1st 1970
ISBN: 1634403908
Goodreads
three-stars

Museums have changed significantly in the last decade. Youngsters today may view them as much more than the quiet, dusty storehouses of the past. Their favorite museums may be the ones where they ARE allowed to touch and explore.

The cover of this title in the ‘Kid’s Day Out” series will attract readers. Although the text is informative and accessible for middle elementary, readers may enjoy browsing the interesting photographs of strange objects. Some photos show youngsters at various museums. Brief index, glossary and a short list of books to “Learn More” are included.

This could be used as part of a study of communities, and readers may like to compare their own local museums with those described in the books.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

three-stars

Good Night, Wind

Good Night, WindGood Night, Wind by Linda Elovitz Marshall, Maëlle Doliveux
Published by Holiday House on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 0823437884
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Most of us can relate to having tantrums when we don’t get our way, especially when we are beyond tired. In this book, two nice little children help weary Winter Wind find a nice little cave to have a nice little rest instead of tormenting everyone.

Inspired by a century-old Lithuania tale, “The Wind Who Got Angry” and translated from Yiddish to English, extraordinary paper cut illustrations provide endless opportunities for browsing and being amazed. The use of color, shapes and placement create a visual wonderland.

Youngsters of all ages will enjoy knowing they are in good company when it comes to being overtired.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

 

four-stars

Red Light, Green Lion

Red Light, Green LionRed Light, Green Lion by Candace Ryan, Jennifer Yerkes
Published by Kids Can Press on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 1525300156
Pages: 40
Goodreads
three-stars

Remember the game, “Red Light, Green Light”? At first glance, I misread the title, but quickly realized the title says, “Green Lion.” So begins an opportunity to use textual clues to guess many different words beginning with “Li… Each page provides a clue and requires the reader to turn the page to find out the word. Taken as a whole, there is a storyline as well in which the lion is waiting to cross the street.

Some pages are difficult to guess as the clues are irrelevant or too simple. Lots of white space hold the simple text and simple line drawings in red, green, blue, purple and occasional yellow.

Preschoolers and early elementary would have fun trying to guess these words and would enjoy the imaginative story.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

three-stars

Working in Space

Working in SpaceWorking in Space (Space-Ology) by Ellen Lawrence
Published by Bearport Publishing on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1642801763
Pages: 24
Goodreads
four-stars

Have you heard of Destiny, Columbus and Kibo? Readers of this non-fiction introduction to space work will find out they are laboratory modules on the International Space Station.

Each 2-page chapter discusses an aspect of working on the International Space Station, such as space walking and various types of experiments, including astronaut twins Scott and Mark Kelly.

Clear photos overlaid with fact boxes and captions fill the right hand pages. Smaller photos on the left side accompany the text which is written in an easy-to-read font. Backmatter challenges readers to “Work Like an Astronaut” as well as expected features.

Part of the “Space-ology” series, there is enough content here to inform young readers, but not too complicated for younger browsers – ages 4 and up. Even as an adult reader, I found a few facts I did not know.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

four-stars

Ruby and Rufus Love the Water

Ruby and Rufus Love the WaterRuby & Rufus by Olivier Dunrea
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on March 19th 2019
ISBN: 0547867603
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

“Gossie & Friends” move over and make room for “Ruby & Rufus”! If you enjoy the water every day, what do you do when it freezes over? You discover the joys of playing on the ice!

Dundee’s signature small format with yellow & red illustrations extend the short sentences, which are perfect for beginning readers.

Great for teaching preschoolers how to make the best of unexpected circumstances and possible disappointment. This book and message are just too cute not to have in your collection!

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas

Juana & Lucas: Big ProblemasJuana and Lucas: Big Problemas by Juana Medina
Published by Candlewick Press on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 1536201316
Pages: 96
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the second book in the Juana and Lucas series by Juana Medina. Juana is a girl who lives in Bogota, Colombia with her Mami and her dog/best friend, Lucas. In this story, Juana has been spending a lot of time with her abuelos (grandparents) and neighbors because Mami has a new friend! Juana meets Luis, who is actually her Mami’s boyfriend. Juana worries about if they will get married and what that will mean for her.

The illustrations are simple and colorful and really funny. There are so many illustrations that this book could almost be considered a graphic novel. Readers will enjoy following Juana and Lucas on their adventures and finding out what will happen next. Aimed at ages 5 through 8, this is good book for kids who have a parent that is getting remarried.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars