Category: Book Reviews

Let’s Draw Robots with Crayola!

Let’s Draw Robots with Crayola!Let's Draw Robots with Crayola (R) ! by Kathy Allen, Crayola
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512432962
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

For younger artists in grades k-3 who wish to create a variety of robots with a cartoon style, this visual instruction book from Crayola will provide the necessary building blocks.  Most of the 2 page spreads have the same layout.  A title of what the each spread illustrates such as Box Robots, Round Robots, and Robot Animals next to a text box illustrating the different shapes used to create the different robots.  Each robot has 8 steps to create the final robot.  The finished robot is colored with a few colors.  A non-essential page of advertising the names of the crayon colors used follows a joyful, full spread of all the robots pictured in a “Robot World”.  The back page provides three drawing books and two websites as resources.  The websites are geared toward parents, but the second tracing website will be useful for teachers, librarians and parents.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library

five-stars

Moon River: There’s Such A Lot Of World To See

Moon River: There’s Such A Lot Of World To SeeMoon River by Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini, Tim Hopgood
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on October 16th 2018
ISBN: 1250159008
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Much Like the artwork in “Singing in the Rain”, Tim Hopgood offers illustrations that are very attractive and joyful in his rendition of “Moon River”.    Children may not be acquainted with the lyrics but will soon learn to sing along as they turn one captivating page after another in this dreamy picture book.

Preschoolers and young primary grade students may be lulled to sleep by the sensation of slow movement as the night sky darkens.  Each page exposes the dream state brought on by soothing words. and various shades of blue.   Musical notes accompany the drifters as they visit nationally recognized sites all over the world.

Consider adding to library collections and share with music and art teachers.

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

four-stars

The Superpower Field Guide: Beavers

The Superpower Field Guide: BeaversBeavers by Rachel Poliquin
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on December 4th 2018
ISBN: 0544949870
Pages: 96
Goodreads
five-stars

This book is all about beavers which at first might make you pass it by. But that would be a mistake. Not only is this book chock-full of amazing beaver facts- stuff like they have orange teeth, they can hold their breath for 15 minutes- and weird stuff- they eat their own poop- it’s got terrific drawings in it and is filled with humor. As you read about the beaver sometimes you will find your self chuckling but for sure you will be impressed with how really incredible beavers are and will want to share all the cool facts you discover with others.

Cream, Grades 3 and up, Mary Lehmer, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P!

You Don’t Know Everything, Jilly P!You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P! by Alex Gino
Published by Scholastic Press on September 25th 2018
ISBN: 0545956242
Pages: 256
Goodreads
five-stars

This book is about a girl named Jilly with a new baby sister, Emma, that is born deaf. Jilly wants to find a way to help and communicate with her so she seeks help from an online young friend that is deaf. What she finds out is that it is easy to say things that are hurtful without meaning to and finding a way to avoid that takes thoughtfulness and a willingness to work at it, including saying you’re sorry.

The chatroom that Jilly meets her friend Derek in was great, it is made up of a bunch of students that love a book series and like to talk about it with each other, almost a book club kind of thing. The stuff they say to each other is honest and sometimes uncomfortable which puts the reader in the position of thinking, “What would I do”? With Jilly’s own family, the remarks they make towards her aunt and other Black people are sometimes racist and often just pushed aside and ignored until Jilly decides that it’s not right. When she finds her voice and stands up to them, it will make you hope you would do the same. This book will definitely make readers look at themselves and how they can support others.

Cream, Grades 4 and up, Mary Lehmer, Freeport Community Library.

five-stars

Stomp! Stomp!

Five sturdy and colorful pages with lift the flaps hiding five of our favorite dinosaurs.  Easy repeatable words in the simple text that those just learning to talk will love to follow.  good and rugged for the smallest hands.

Karen Spiliopoulos, Parsons Memorial Library, Alfred

 

 

four-stars

Rumble Grumble . . . Hush

Rumble Grumble . . . HushRumble Grumble . . . Hush by Kate Banks
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on March 6th 2018
ISBN: 1101940492
Pages: 40
Goodreads
three-stars

“Rumble, Grumble . . . Hush” is a  lively, colorful picture book detailing  the mood of a young child who is very animated throughout  his busy day.  Listeners are bombarded with such words as: rat – a – tat, cling clang,  and  toot.  All this is followed by some whirring, some whistling and  a clip-clop –   produced by a young boy  putting his imagination to good use.    Quiet time does finally arrive during rest time and then again at bedtime, when it signals the end of the day.

The illustrations do make the story as we watch this boy in full action!   The excellent visuals would keep young children engaged as they can easily relate to the boy’s activities.

Since the book is devoid of  plot,  toddlers and perhaps preschoolers would best appreciate this book.   A boy playing with  toys until the end of his very busy day!

“Rumble Grumble . . .  Hush is a short read.”  A perfect bedtime book  for little ones.

reviewed by: Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School Library, Portland, ME

three-stars

I Do Not Like Books Anymore!

I Do Not Like Books Anymore!I Do Not Like Books Anymore! by Daisy Hirst
Published by Candlewick Press on November 20th 2018
ISBN: 1536203343
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Natalie and Alphonse just adore books until Natalie received her first reader in school.  To her eyes many of the letters and words look like scratches or animal tracks; she is unable to make sense of what is written on the page.  She is disappointed that the cat book lacks plot and believes she can do better. Together these adorable mini monsters do create their own picture book with Daddy’s help who writes what they dictate.

Learning to read can be difficult and the reality is that books for early readers usually lack plot or character definition.  Natalie may also be experiencing a learning disability which just makes the situation worse.   Credit goes to the author for exploring this normal frustration and to the parental figures who are sensitive to their offspring’s needs.

The illustrations are bold and show emotion with facial expression and actions.  Hirst’s work is fun and perfect for the intended audience. Librarians in primary school and public libraries should add this book to their picture book collection.  The real winners will be early readers who receive a copy of this book as a gift from an admiring adult.

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

four-stars

Stink; Hamlet and Cheese

Stink; Hamlet and CheeseStink: Hamlet and Cheese (Stink, #11) by Megan McDonald
Published by Candlewick Press on March 13th 2018
ISBN: 0763691631
Pages: 144
Goodreads
four-stars

Hie thee to Shakespeare camp with Stink to learn fake sword-fighting, spout silly curses, and prithee try to escape a kiss . . . BLUCK!

It's spring break, and Stink is faced with a difficult choice: hang out at home with his sister, Judy, or become a Shakespeare Sprite with his friend Sophie of the Elves. Hanged be! When Sophie tells Stink that there will be swordplay and cursing at Shakespeare camp, his choice is made. But wait! How now? The eager young thespian hadn't counted on Riley Rottenberger being a Sprite, too. And he positively had not counted on being the only boy! Fie upon't!

The eleventh entry of the Stink series is good fun for the characters as well as the readers.  Stink signs up for a spring break Shakespeare camp without knowing all the facts which places him in a tough spot.  The story is amusing and somewhat educational as the camp participants learn about Shakespeare literature.  Sword fighting is perhaps the biggest draw while the threat of an unwanted kiss is the largest horror of the week. 

Stink readers will recognize family and classmates but that knowledge is not necessary to enjoy this title.   The story can stand alone and will be appreciated by most readers.   The only issue for some may be the beginning of a romantic interest; are Stink readers ready for a big kiss scene?

Libraries that collect the series need to add this immediately.  Stink books also make great gifts for young readers and K – 2 classroom teacher collections.

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

four-stars

First Star A Bear and Mole Story

First Star A Bear and Mole StoryFirst Star: A Bear and Mole Story (Bear and Mole) by Will Hillenbrand
Published by Holiday House on May 1st 2018
ISBN: 0823437604
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

“First Star”  (A Mole and Bear Story)  is a story within a story.  Mole wishes to see”the stars turn on,” and his friend, Bear,  suggests that they hike to Camp Tip Top.  However, Mole is worried that they will get lost in the dark.  Bear proceeds to tell Mole the  story  of “First Star,” and then explains to Mole that it will show him how to find his way in the dark.

Colorful  Illustrations accompany the  sparse text.  Although the expressions of Bear and Mole are simple,  they do enhance and carry the meaning of the text.   Illustrations fill the page spaces nicely,  are engaging and  are evenly distributed throughout the story.

A short story that  will  hold the attention of the youngest set. Good for studying the nighttime sky and fear of the dark.   Might be used as a  very basic introduction to the study of constellations.

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

four-stars

Christmas A B C

Christmas A B CChristmas ABC by Nosy Crow, Jannie Ho
Published by Nosy Crow on October 2nd 2018
ISBN: 1536202495
Pages: 26
Goodreads
three-stars

The board book format and small size of this seasonal book make it a winner for toddlers.  Employing many animals Ho has offered a book that is sure to attract little ones.  Certainly there are many like titles but this Christmas book does provide most of the secular holiday traditions.  I would have preferred however if the  B page was for Baby Jesus (or baby) as the inclusion of angels, wise men and drummer boy do imply the more religious meaning of the holiday.

Large illustrations combined with bright and open back space are a plus.  Little ones will beg to have this read over and over as they learn the letters.    Add to public libraries that collect board books and consider gifting as a baby gift to families who celebrate the holiday.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian in Scarborough, ME

three-stars