Category: Book Reviews

Meena and the Microbiome

Meena and the MicrobiomeMeena and the Microbiome by Majdi Osman, Teresa Martínez
ISBN: 1536227595
Genres: STEM
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This picture book narrative from MIT Kids Press explains the world of microbes and how they work in the world around us, through about a curious young girl named Meena who asks a *lot* of questions, and her scientist mom, who has most of the answers.  As they work in their backyard garden after a rainstorm, information about microbiomes and microbes is conveyed to the reader through Meena and her mom’s conversation about what is happening all around them in the backyard garden. 

As they plant seeds, harvest vegetables, compost weeds, wash hands, and eat lunch, Meena’s mom explains what microbes are and the many different, important jobs they do, inside and outside our bodies.Simple whimsical illustrations help move the story along; the perspective of the illustrations moves from scenes in the garden to depictions of the microscopic world microbes occupy. Microbes are anthropomorphized  in the narration as Meena’s mom describes the microbiome as a “community . . . like a city with millions of people living together”, and in the illustrations through cartoonish features that young readers will find compelling. The author is a researcher in the field of microbiomes and the role they play in nutrition.

Science-minded children who enjoy a little bit of an “ick” factor (microbes aid in digestion, and the word “poop” is used – always a crowd pleaser) will find that this story generates curiosity around the tiny things around us that have a big impact on our everyday lives. 

Recommended as an additional purchase for school and public libraries.

 Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MILS
K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

three-stars

Growing Green: A First Book of Gardening

Growing Green: A First Book of GardeningGrowing Green: A First Book of Gardening by Candlewick Press, Daniela Sosa
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536235512
Genres: Non-Fiction, STEM
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This interactive picture book walks the reader through fifteen gardening projects broken down into simple, step-by-step instructions, in language accessible to young readers ages 5-8. With a table of contents and a Getting Started page that encourages gardeners of all abilities and any amount of planting space to dive into inviting projects such as Strawberries in Rain Boots and Tin Can Herb Garden. This section also details the basic tools and supplies needed.

Each project has a two-page spread that includes a headnote with suggestions on when and where to plant; a list of materials; infographic about season, harvest, and the proper environment, and detailed steps, taking the project from preparation to harvest.  Most projects also have a “Did you know?” blurb that includes a fun fact about the plant – its history, its nutritional value, etc. All the projects are for edible plants, which adds to the appeal for young gardeners and their parents.  

The illustrations are attractive and playful mixed-media collage. They accompany each step, which are seen as progressing along a vine on numbered leaves. Originally published in the U.K., there are a few words (“cressheads” and “peat-free”, for example) that might be unfamiliar but aren’t distracting. All measurements are given in metric and imperial units. Occasionally, there are instructions with non-specific quantities (a “large” pot), where specifics would be helpful.

Families and classrooms interested in hands-on gardening projects will find this book delightful and engaging. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

 Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MILS
K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

four-stars

Otto and the Story Tree

Otto and the Story TreeOtto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger
ISBN: 0593710789
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Everyone has a story to tell but finding someone to listen is sometimes a struggle. Otto is a “cranky” anthropomorphized stork who never bathes, cleans his apartment, or opens a window because he doesn’t see the point of any of it. Children might describe him as lonely; adults might identify Otto as melancholy, or even depressed.

Things start to change when a little seed falls from his dinner plate and onto the floor. He leaves it on the floor because he doesn’t see the point of picking it up. Later, Otto sees that seed as an audience for his reminiscences of his many adventures. The muted, shadowy illustrations capture the emotions that Otto doesn’t share. The apartment is unkempt and in disrepair but the attentive reader will notice curious objects in the apartment that relate to each of Otto’s stories. Following each revelation is a wordless, two-page spread depicting his exploits. 

As the seed sprouts and grows, Otto shares more and more stories, until it becomes an enormous tree that bursts through the roof of the building, inviting  in the sunlight and more listeners. This provides a satisfying ending for the reader. Readers who enjoy using illustrations to make up their own stories to suit will enjoy this book.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MILS
K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

three-stars

Very, Bad at Math

Very, Bad at MathVery Bad at Math (A Very Graphic Novel #1) by Hope Larson
Published by Harper Alley on January 21, 2025
ISBN: 0063311283
Genres: Learning Disabilities, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Verity “Very” Nelson is an overachieving 8th grader who cheerfully and enthusiastically succeeds at everything she does. Almost. She wins her bid for re-election to class president and all seems to be going well until the principal calls her in to tell Very she will have to step down from the post if she doesn’t improve her math grade. Embarrassed, Very goes out of her way to hide the fact she’s failing math and having to take special tutoring during study hall, rather than trusting her family and friends to understand and support her. When the tutoring doesn’t seem to be helping, things get worse, causing Very to stress out and mess up a fundraising order for t-shirts. Amazingly, that mistake provides an important clue her math tutor needs to finally realize Very has dyscalculia. Similarly to dyslexia, people with dyscalculia mix up numbers, rather than letters. Once her learning disorder is properly diagnosed, Very gets the help she needs and trusts those closest to her with the truth, vastly improving her life at school and at home.

This graphic novel does a beautiful job of portraying the anxieties that may surround learning disabilities and the many ways family, friends, and learning professionals can be supportive. Suggested for ages 8-12 years old.  Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

five-stars

Over in the Garden

Over in the GardenOver in the Garden by Janna Matthies, Tisha Lee
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on 2025
ISBN: 059380936X
Genres: Counting Books, Gardening, Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A gardening-themed counting book that focuses on a diverse group of children tending a community garden. The rhyming text is inspired by an old country song called “Over in the Meadow”. The colorful, mostly full-page illustrations depict enthusiastic young gardeners amongst a verdant landscape.

This fun read-aloud teaches basic counting (1-10) and basic gardening concepts (such as planting, watering, and composting) to 3-7 year-olds.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

four-stars

Steve, A Rare Egg

Steve, A Rare EggSteve, a Rare Egg (Steve the Horse graphic novels, #2) by Kelly Collier
Published by Kids Can Press on 2025
ISBN: 1525313002
Genres: STEM, Animals, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Steve, a goofy free-roaming horse, wanders through a picnic area and finds the remains of a birthday party, including a bright red balloon. Steve, his raccoon friend Bob, gopher and hare all try to figure out what he has discovered. Through a series of questions, loosely reminiscent of the scientific method, the horse decides he has found an egg that he names Eggbob. The other animals are dubious, but Bob really gets concerned when Steve declares he’s going to sit on the “egg” to hatch it. As anticipated, Eggbob pops, leaving the inquisitive animals to conclude that it wasn’t really an egg after all. Ultimately, Steve congratulates himself on being a “very good scientist, indeed!”

This children’s graphic novel, intended for 6-9 year-olds, is a humorous, slightly wacky introduction to the process of testing scientific theories. It follows Steve’s first book, Steve, A Pretty Exceptional Horse.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

three-stars

The Jade Bracelet

The Jade BraceletThe Jade Bracelet by Hà Dinh, Yong Ling Kang
ISBN: 0593711785
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

 

The Jade Bracelet

Ha Dihn and Yong Ling Kang

This picture book for ages 4-8 is about a young Vietnamese girl, Tien, who receives a jade bracelet for her birthday from her mother following the death of her grandmother, Ba Ngoai. At first, Tien does not like the bracelet; she would prefer a brand-new popular sparkly bracelet like the ones worn by her classmates. Embarrassed, Tien tries to hide her simple jade bangle and then flings it to the floor after school. Rather than getting angry, her mother shows sympathy.  Tien realizes that the bracelet is not just a green rock, but rather a symbol of the spirit of Tien’s family members who have also worn them. She decides to wear her jade bracelet proudly as a reminder of her late grandmother and embrace her family’s tradition and heritage.
The Jade Bracelet is based on the author’s own experience of wanting to blend in with her peers, something to which all children can relate.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

four-stars

The Assassin’s Guide to Babysitting

The Assassin’s Guide to BabysittingThe Assassin's Guide to Babysitting by Natalie C. Parker
Published by Candlewick Press on January 7, 2025
ISBN: 153623009X
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A fun, high-tension, high-thrill novel set in a shadowy Kansas City where a society of Talented people lives alongside – and unnoticed by – regular humans. Tru is the most unusual type of talent, most of whom fit into one of four groups based on the special skill they are born with (strongarm, wingtip, bullseye or bombshell). She’s a bastion, which means she can’t be easily hurt. Her parents were killed protecting her secret, and she was raised by a former assassin who taught her how to hide. The action kicks off when Tru is on what appears to be a normal babysitting job, and masked intruders break in, demanding the one-year-old she has been watching. Tru escapes with the baby (also being targeted for being a bastion, she later discovers), but in the skirmish her secret is discovered. Her guardian is killed protecting her and she and her band of three friends are suddenly on the run from assassins. Tru and her friends work to keep themselves and the baby alive, and to figure out who they can trust while being pursued by talented bounty hunters. Readers will enjoy worldbuilding, excellent character development and suspense paired with an original plotline. A subtle subplot builds in the second half of the book with a budding romance between Tru and her friend Sage’s older sister Lila, one of the bounty hunters chasing the friends down. Snappy and fast paced, this is a hard book to put down.

5 stars

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Like a Curse

Like a CurseLike a Curse (Like a Charm #2) by Elle McNicoll
Published by Random House on February 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593649524
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this follow up to Like a Charm, Ramya has been sent to Loch Ness to learn to control her magic from her grandmother and Aunt Opal. But Ramya is impatient: having discovered that she’s a witch, she has no use for lessons – she’s ready to do – especially since the evil siren, Portia, is gaining control over the humans in Edinburgh and beyond. She and her cousin Marley befriend a dryad, a dragon and a siren in their quest to first get out of the house, and next, to save the hidden people and humans of Edinburgh.

This will be most enjoyed by readers who started with the first book in the series. Ramya and her aunt Opal are both neurodivergent, and that plays a significant role in Ramya’s life and how she interacts with the world, which many readers will appreciate. A great addition to library shelves that also have the first book. 4 stars.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars

The Misfits: A Copycat Conundrum

The Misfits: A Copycat ConundrumA Copycat Conundrum (The Misfits #2) by Dan Santat, Lisa Yee
Published by Random House on January 7, 2025
ISBN: 0593564227
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Mystery
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This second book in the Misfits series by Lisa Yee will please young readers who enjoyed the first. Olive and her friends are back at the Reforming Arts School on Foggy Island when a string of strange happenings kick off: their friend Zeke starts getting threatening letters, odd earthquakes are shaking up San Francisco, a treasure trove is discovered deep beneath the school and goldrush-era legends are cropping up in unexpected places. Stranger yet, all these things seem to be connected.

Dan Santat’s black and white drawings enliven Yee’s text. Chapters are short and will keep readers engaged. A great choice for middle grade readers who enjoy zany characters, imaginative tech, madcap adventure and a good mystery thrown into the mix. An easy purchase for libraries that already own the first book, A Royal Conundrum. 4 stars.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars