Category: Book Reviews

Up, Up, Ever, Up! Junko Tabei: a Life in the Mountains

Up, Up, Ever, Up! Junko Tabei: a Life in the MountainsUp, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains by Anita Yasuda, Yuko Shimizu
Published by Clarion ISBN: 0063242419
Genres: Adventure, Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This is an exhilarating look at the life of Junko Tabei, the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.  Starting with her early life in Japan, the book profiles a life dedicated to climbing,  and, eventually,  to the care and maintenance  of mountains necessitated by so many people determined to reach the top.  After Junko climbed Everest she continued climbing and achieved all seven major summits of the world.

The illustrations are as colorful as the story, and work in perfect harmony to create a fitting tribute to a trailblazing climber, feminist, and humanitarian. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Peace on Earth

Peace on EarthPeace on Earth by David Litchfield, Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536235709
Genres: Adventure, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

What does peace on earth look like? This picture book shows how we can find peace in nature, friendships, and adventures. But sometimes peace can be hard to find when hurtful words are used. At that point, it takes bravery and kindness to come back together and rekindle the peace that once was. While the text of this book is simplistic (and sadly repetitive when peace is hard to find), the illustrations in this book are stunning – full of detail, color, and whimsy. This book could be useful for children navigating difficult relationships or having trouble with peers. Recommended for ages 5-8 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

three-stars

Still Life

Still LifeStill Life by Alex London, Paul O. Zelinsky
ISBN: 0063229552
Genres: Arts
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In a still life painting, nothing moves – ever. This quirky story is narrated by a stuffy artist explaining his still life painting. He repeats his mantra that still life paintings never move, while to the contrary, an adventure featuring mice, dragons, a knight, and a princess unfolds before the reader’s eyes.  This book is silly and fun, with the text telling a different story than the illustrations.  Though, some knowledge of still life paintings (and sarcasm) may be helpful to fully appreciate the humor. The illustrations are a clever mix of traditional and digital styles. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 1st Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Tiny Jenny: Little Fairy, Big Trouble

Tiny Jenny: Little Fairy, Big TroubleTiny Jenny: Little Fairy, Big Trouble by Briony May Smith
ISBN: 0593650476
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Tiny Jenny is a wingless fairy born to a family of wrens. She creates some mischief growing up in the forest, and is encouraged by a wise owl to go find the fairies to learn more about herself. She finds the fairies to be bullies, stealing from her friends and wreaking havoc in the woods. Instead of choosing to join the fairies and gain her wings, she stands up to them, daring to eat the mushrooms from their magic circle. With the circle no longer intact, the fairies are forced to leave the forest and Tiny Jenny returns to her family of wrens, and is (almost) never naughty again. The illustrations are lovely, celebrate nature, and are visually captivating. This story has so many lessons or potential parallel experiences (such as bullying, acting out, and feelings related to being adopted). The story is a bit long, and does paint the entirety of the fairy species as being “bad”. Recommended for ages 5-8 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

The Magic Callaloo

The Magic CallalooThe Magic Callaloo by Sophie Bass, Trish Cooke
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536235571
Genres: Cultural / African American, Fairy Tale
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Once upon a time, there was a tiny village that had a special gift – a Callaloo plant that granted wishes. The people of the village cared greatly for the plant, helping it to thrive and sharing the magic. One day, a very selfish man wanted the Callaloo all for himself so that he could have endless wishes. He became so lazy that he failed to care for the plant, which had withered away with the exception of one leaf. Meanwhile, a married couple back in the village longed for a child so much, that when an old wise woman told them where the plant had been taken to, they traveled in search of the plant, battling snakes and dragons, in hopes of getting one last wish fulfilled. With the last of the remaining Callaloo magic their wish was granted, and they named their daughter Lou. Lou was beautiful, with luscious Afro hair reminiscent of the Callaloo plant. The selfish man captures Lou and forces her into a life of slavery. Until one day, the wise old woman visits Lou, and gives her a roadmap home by braiding her hair. This story is a cultural and moving re-telling of the classic “Rapunzel”, with bright, colorful, vibrant illustrations, and it would be an excellent addition to any picture book collection. Recommended for ages 7-9 (2nd to 3rd Grade). Cream of the Crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom

They Call Me Teach: Lessons in FreedomThey Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom by James E. Ransome, Lesa Cline-Ransome
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 0763681555
Genres: Cultural / African American, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A young slave that goes by “Teach” was fortunate to become educated by studying with his Master’s son. Before she died, his mother reminded him that every day is a chance to make something of yourself. This moving story showcases a week in the life of Teach: teaching reading to other slaves, stealing glances at his Master’s newspaper, forging a pass to freedom, and reading from the bible “Let my people go.” A poetic tale of the bravery and resistance during slavery, and the importance of and right to education. Illustrations are beautiful, soft, sketchy, and full of emotion. This would be an excellent addition to any picture book collection or as part of a larger classroom lesson plan. Recommended for ages 6-9 (1st to 3rd Grade). Cream of the Crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

Maven Takes the Lead

Maven Takes the LeadGirl Scouts: Maven Takes the Lead by Yamile Saied Méndez
ISBN: 0063317818
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Maven is nervous to start 5th grade. Her best friend, Gemma, recently switched schools and now they only get to see each other at Girl Scouts. All of the other kids seem to start the school year boasting about fancy vacations they took, while Maven is self-conscious about spending all Summer entertaining her younger brother and cousins. Maven quickly befriends a new girl, Sylvie, and invites her to Girl Scouts, where Sylvie and Gemma hit it off (perhaps a little too well, leaving Maven feeling left out). In the classroom, Maven has volunteered to lead a robotics competition, which she does not feel prepared for (she’s more of a creative type, and definitely not an expert in robotics). She quickly gets overwhelmed with the competition, spending late nights reading robotics books she checked out from the library and fussing over robotics kits. Even worse, while the class is supposed to be a united team, it has unraveled into a petty competition of boys versus girls (and Maven refuses to let down the girls in her class). Obsessed with the competition, Maven starts neglecting her relationships. With a good look in the mirror, and some honest conversations, she works to repair her relationships, bring her team together, and be proud of who she is. An optional purchase, especially good for areas with active Girl Scout troops or if looking for series similar to the Baby-Sitters Club. Recommended for ages 8-10 (3rd to 5th Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

three-stars

Good Hair

Good HairGood Hair by Freda Chiu, Yvonne Sewankambo
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536238864
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Birungi’s frustration with her hair leads to an exploration of the many, many types of hair people have. Her parents describe hair in fun, exciting terms and Birungi gains a new appreciation of how important it is to accept and love the hair you have.

The message here is a nice one, but both the pictures and the text fall somewhat short of driving it home. A decent choice for children struggling with accepting their hair; it would definitely help get a conversation started.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Alphonse, You’re Ruining the Show!

Alphonse, You’re Ruining the Show!Alphonse, You're Ruining the Show! (Natalie and Alphonse) by Daisy Hirst
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536238899
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

When Natalie and Alphonse’s parents have a night out at the theater, the siblings are all set to have an exciting night at Granny’s. It is quickly decided that this will include writing and performing a play of their own.  As they work on the play, creative differences and logistical issues lead to some big feelings.  Will the show go on?

The illustrations in this book are absolutely adorable; like Lucy Cousins books but with monsters. The story has some odd pacing and is somewhat difficult to read out loud. This is the fourth book in a series featuring the monster siblings, and fans who are familiar with Natalie and Alphonse will most likely enjoy this one as well.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

The Den That Octopus Built

The Den That Octopus BuiltThe Den That Octopus Built (Animal Habitats) by Anne Hunter, Randi Sonenshine
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536226548
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Den That Octopus Built

Written by Randi Sonenshine, Illustrated by Anne Hunter

This non-fiction picture book, written for readers ages 4-8, is the latest in the series preceded by The Nest that Wren Built and The Lodge that Beaver Built and is written in a similar narrative format. The book follows the life cycle of an octopus from building her complex shelter with found materials, avoiding predation, hunting, and finally becoming a mother. The book contains many interesting facts about cephalopods; kids will be amazed to learn that octopuses have more brains than arms!  There is also a short glossary, making this a lovely introduction to non-fiction texts.

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Library, Jay

four-stars