Category: Book Reviews

Hello Ruby – Expedition to the Internet

Hello Ruby – Expedition to the InternetHello Ruby: Expedition to the Internet by Linda Liukas
Published by Feiwel & Friends on October 9th 2018
ISBN: 1250195993
Pages: 96
Goodreads
four-stars

In this fun exploration of the internet it is explained in terms that a child can understand.  Using a fun story of kids building  snowmen and igloos then connecting  them together the reader not only gets an explanation but also a visual of what the internet is and how it works.

There are also fun activities the kids can do that bring clarification of  concepts.

I read this book to first graders and they loved it and enjoyed the activity we did afterwards.

Previewed by Melissa Madigan retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Horse Meets Dog

Horse Meets DogHorse Meets Dog by Elliott Kalan, Tim Miller
Published by Balzer + Bray on October 30th 2018
ISBN: 0062791109
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Sweet nonsensical joy abounds when Horse and Dog meet. Horse thinks Dog is a tiny Horse, and Dog thinks horse is just a really big dog. Argument ensues and when they try to settle their differences with presents things only get worse. Will they solve this silly riddle? Bird’s arrival at the end gives us some hope. This book is pure silliness and told all in dialogue through speech bubbles. Fans of Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggy series will enjoy this new duo.

Reviewed by Ali Reddy, Freeport Community Library

four-stars

A Conspiracy of Stars

A Conspiracy of StarsA Conspiracy of Stars (Faloiv, #1) by Olivia A. Cole
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on January 2nd 2018
ISBN: 0062644211
Pages: 432
Goodreads
four-stars

In this first book of a planned series readers are introduced to Octavia, a young lady who wants to be a scientist on the planet of Faloiv.  Yes, this is science fiction but the plot runs toward fantasy and romance. Certainly the strong heroin has a plan, one that must change as the story unfolds, complete with twist and turns.  Complete with a shady character, moral issues and open defiance it could be said that fiction imitates the real world.

This well written yet somewhat slow book should be given to teen girls who loved The Hunger Games for it sensitive treatment of a strong teenage female.   Science fiction readers will enjoy the alternative world and appreciate the several other genres included within the pages. This is a coming of age story as much as a fantasy and mystery.

Public libraries should purchase this title for their YA collection and be on the lookout for the second book of the series: An Anatomy of Beasts.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, ME

 

 

four-stars

Good Night, Mr. Panda

Good Night, Mr. PandaGood Night, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony
Published by Scholastic Press on August 28th 2018
ISBN: 133827595X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

Pandas are one of the most loved animals in the world, making the series of Mr. Panda books successful. This title however does not live up to expectations.  The animals remain adorable, the storyline simple, the clear and large font is readable but the action is slow.   Specific difficulty is that the bedtime story is omitted.  Surely every child knows they need to brush their teeth, take a bath, put on PJ’s and get a hug but where is the all-important bedtime book?

 As in other books by Antony the characters are adorable and the backgrounds allow the text and illustrations to shine.  His selection of colors helps to set the stage for a bed time story.  Silly as the ending is pre-school children will giggle as they setting into bed to await that missing bed time story.

Public libraries and pre-schools might consider this title.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, ME

three-stars

Josie’s Lost Tooth

Josie’s Lost ToothJosie's Lost Tooth by Jennifer K. Mann
Published by Candlewick Press on September 11th 2018
ISBN: 0763696943
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Josie is the last kid in her class to lose a tooth. Finally one night she feels one start to wiggle (but just a little). At school the next day Josie is determined to get the tooth to fall out but nothing seems to works. Finally while playing a game of chase Josie falls and loses her tooth…and also LOSES HER TOOTH. Josie fears the Tooth Fairy wont leave her a coin if she doesn’t have the tooth to leave under her pillow. Luckily her friend Richard steps up and offers his shark tooth as a replacement. Josie leaves a note for the Tooth Fairy explaining the mishap and in the morning finds a reward for her and Richard. A very sweet story of friendship told with simple lined illustrations and water color that is great for any age.

Reviewed by Ali Reddy, Freeport Community Library

four-stars

Where the Heart Is

Where the Heart IsWhere the Heart Is by Jo Knowles
Published by Candlewick Press on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1536200034
Pages: 304
Goodreads
four-stars

Reminiscent of a Judy Blume novel (the ones for older middle grade readers), this book feels like you’re looking into the life of a friend who is struggling but doesn’t know how to talk about it.  It is intimate and honest, inspiring and raw. Thirteen-year-old Rachel is on the cusp of leaving her childhood behind, from getting a job to exploring her sexuality to coping with major financial hardship in her family, she is dealing with so many emotions and thoughts. Knowles deftly handles the awkward, challenging time of adolescence when things seem to change, when friendships threaten to shift and things that didn’t matter before, matter now (a one-piece bathing suit vs. a bikini, for example).  And when the reality of your home life becomes something you have to “handle” with some measure of maturity. With searing honesty and wry humor (sister Ivy is a hoot), the story covers one life-altering summer when Rachel struggles to define the definition of home.  Recommend to readers of The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin or Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt. Follow up titles if a reader likes this one: It’s Not the End of the World, Tiger Eyes, or Blubber by Judy Blume.

Recommended for grades 6-9

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

four-stars

Elbow Grease

four-stars

Elbow Grease may not be the biggest, smartest, or toughest truck at the demolition derby but he definitely has the most determination.  His brothers each have their own special talent and sometimes make fun of Elbow Grease for being different, but when Elbow Grease take off to join the  Grand Prix he teaches them that it can be fun to try new things even if you’re not the best at it. Truck lovers will enjoy this book with bright full-page illustrations and speech bubbles that allow each of the trucks to add their voice to the story. Over all a cute story of friendship and perseverance great for the 3 and up crowd.

Reviewed by Ali Reddy, Freeport Community Library

four-stars

The Magic School Bus Rides Again – Sink or Swim

The Magic School Bus Rides Again – Sink or SwimSink or Swim: Exploring Schools of Fish: A Branches Book (The Magic School Bus Rides Again, #1) by Judy Katschke
Published by Scholastic Inc. on December 26th 2017
ISBN: 1338194453
Pages: 96
Goodreads
four-stars

This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, and fast-paced stories. I had some of the kids at the local elementary school read them and they really liked them , and were asking for more. A good addition to any library.

Although the teachers are different they follow the  same familiar motto: take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

Flip Flap Dogs

Flip Flap DogsFlip Flap Dogs by Nikki Dyson
Published by Nosy Crow on December 11th 2018
ISBN: 1536202584
Pages: 28
Goodreads
four-stars

Flip Flap Dogs will have children wagging their tales and giggling over the silly hybrid names they create with this wonderful book. Once inside each page is sliced in the middle so you can mix and match the lively illustrations of each dog bread. Cross a dalmatian with a poodle to create a DALMOODLE! The possibilities and endless and when paired with fun rhyming couplets that teach a little bit about each bread this book is sure to be a hit with dog lovers big and small. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Reviewed by Ali Reddy, Freeport Community Library

four-stars

A Long Line of Cakes

A Long Line of CakesA Long Line of Cakes by Deborah Wiles
Published by Scholastic Press on August 28th 2018
ISBN: 1338150499
Pages: 288
Goodreads
four-stars

Gr 4–6—The Cakes are a family of itinerant bakers. They move from place to place  and 11 year old Emma Alabama Lane Cake doesn’t like it. She is tired of making friends only to have to leave them behind when her father decides it’s time to move to the next town he feels needs their baking services.

This time though Emma feels that there’s something special about this town.

Even though she longs for a new friend she’s just not sure she’s up to it.

However, Ruby Lavender  of  Halleluia, MS  has other ideas.

Readers do not need to have read any of the other “Aurora County” novels to follow this novel about belonging.

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars