Category: Book Reviews

Extreme Places: The Most Remote Homes on Earth

Extreme Places: The Most Remote Homes on EarthExtreme Places: The Most Remote Homes on Earth by Giles Laroche
Published by Clarion Books on September 30, 2025
ISBN: 0358690188
Genres: History, Informational, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Journey around the world to some of the most challenging and remote spots on Earth in this stunningly illustrated book that celebrates human ingenuity, community, and the people who call these places home. Laroche’s cut-paper collage artwork illustrations are stunning. Using a consistent textual format which includes a synopsis, location, who lives here, fascinating fact, and adapting to extremes, he  suggests what it takes to survive there. A list of places included: Tristan da Cunha; Sahara Desert; Mentawai Islands; Verkhoyansk, Siberia; Isla Navarino; Spiti Valley; Goreme, Cappadocia; Floating Islands of the Uros; Atafu Atoll; Gobi Desert; Agoashima ;Socotra; and, Atka, Alaska. A map of the world at the end of the book indicates where all of these places are located. Give this book to anyone interested in geography or as a model of beautiful collage artwork.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Not Like Ever Day: Finding Calm During School Lockdown Drills

Published by Random House on 9780593652220
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

During his school’s lockdown drill, Henry tries to make himself as small and quiet as possible, but even though he knows it’s just a drill, he still doesn’t like it. When the drill is over, it still doesn’t feel over for him. With guidance from a reassuring teacher, Henry is able to relax, talk about his feelings, and feel safe again. This book belongs in all elementary school libraries.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

SPARK: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone

SPARK: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the MicrophoneSpark: Jim West's Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone by Ainissa Ramirez
Series: Black Inovators
Published by MIT Kids Press on October 21, 2025
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Cultural / African American, STEM
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The first book in the MIT Kids Press Black Innovators series. This picture book biography is for science lovers. Author Ainissa Ramirez shares the story of Jim West who patented the foil-electret microphone, a unit integral to everything from cell phones to hearing aids. Her explanations of the science are in-depth and sure to appeal to STEM-minded kids. Growing up on a farm, West had a compulsion to take things apart to see how they worked and had a fascination with electricity. He studied science in college, where he was one of only two Black students, and then went on to work at Bell labs. West’s advocacy for more diversity in the technology field paved the way for many scientists of color to follow their interests and curiosity. Back matter provides an author’s note, a time line, a bibliography, and more information on the life and work of Jim West. Ages 8-12.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

A Knot is Not a Tangle

A Knot is Not a TangleA Knot Is Not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri, Vesper Stamper
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on November 25, 2025
ISBN: 0593809696
Genres: Immigrants, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

There is so much I love about this book. There are multiple topics for discussion in this poignant picture book about an Iranian boy learning to make a new family rug with his grandmother. Together, they wash and dye the wool, design the rug, and tie the knots. He becomes frustrated when his knots aren’t perfect like his grandmother’s. She teaches him about imperfection, tradition, and togetherness. The beautiful illustrations and descriptions of rug-making in this book make it a one that every library should own, especially in the current social climate in this country. All ages.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

five-stars

Enchanted Night Before Christmas

Enchanted Night Before ChristmasEnchanted Night Before Christmas by Michael J. Caduto
on October 14, 2025
ISBN: 1455628506
Genres: Historical Fiction, Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Christmas is a time for magic and this beautifully illustrated book lovingly conveys that. In the days of beehive ovens and horse pulled sleighs, the single mother and her two children bake cookies that look like their friends to give them as gifts. During the night, all the delivered cookies come to life and visit and decorate the house of the two kids and their mother. The toymaker followed the footsteps of his cookie to their house and all wonder at the magic that happened during the night and how the toymaker’s cookie ended up there. There is a gingerbread recipe at the back of the book. I could easily see this book becoming a classic in elementary school, library Christmas book book collections, and in family homes.  For children ( ages 5-8 (and their parents) who like Little House on the Prairie and The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey books.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

A Stickler Valentine

A Stickler ValentineA Stickler Valentine (A Stickler Story) by Lane Smith
Series: A Stickler #3
Published by Random House Studio on December 2, 2025
Genres: Holiday, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Book 3 in “A Stickler” series. I confess – I love Lane Smith’s dry, weird sense of humor. I don’t know how I missed this series, but I instantly fell in love with A Stickler Valentine” and ordered the first two books in the series. Sticlker is a unique, metamorphic character who loves sticks. So naturally he wants to gift everyone a stick on Valentine’s Day. He eventually figures out that it is not what he loves but what the recipient loves that makes the best gifts. Lane is generous with the number of eyes he gives Stickler and gives him the most endearing expressions. This whimsical story stands out in all the best way from other saccharine-sweet Valentine’s books.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Steve Maggie and Pirate Treasure Hunt

Steve Maggie and Pirate Treasure HuntSteve and Maggie Pirate Treasure Hunt by Sr. Sanchez
Published by Candlewick Entertainment on August 26, 2025
ISBN: 9781536246650
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

Book 3 in “Steve and Maggie” series. Steve and Maggie as they search for clues, solve riddles, and find their way to a pirate-themed party with a very special prize. Based on the hit YouTube series (which I never heard of), this vibrantly illustrated picture book of a treasure hunt enhances critical thinking skills. Ages 2-5.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

two-stars

It’s Not Easy Being a Leprechaun

It’s Not Easy Being a LeprechaunIt's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun by Marilyn Sadler, Stephanie Laberis
Series: It's Not Easy Being
on February 4, 2025
ISBN: 0593810333
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

Book 2 of “It’s Not Easy” series. Connor O’Connor is not a happy leprechaun. His ears are too big, and his body is much too small. But worst of all, no one wants to be Connor’s friend. because they want is his pot of gold! He uses some leprechaun magic to turn himself into a fairy, a carpenter, and a king. Connor discovers that the best way to make friends is by being himself and befriends a flamingo princess. Add it to your other St. Patrick’s Day books if they are popular in your library. Ages 3-6.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

two-stars

Fancy Nancy: Besties for Eternity

Fancy Nancy: Besties for EternityFancy Nancy: Besties for Eternity by Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser
Series: Fancy Nancy
Published by Harper on September 16, 2025
ISBN: 0063411229
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Book 12(?) of Fancy Nancy series. Fashionista Nancy with her expanding vocabulary are back with a story about friendship. She is disappointed when her best friend Bree cannot play with her during the long weekend but makes a new friend who is older and more sophisticated. Nancy wonders if there is room in her life for two friends? This book will be popular with fans of other Fancy Nancy books and fans of Fancy Nancy  TV show on Disney Junior.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Follow That Map!: A First Book of Mapping Skills

Follow That Map!: A First Book of Mapping SkillsFollow That Map!: A First Book of Mapping Skills (Exploring Our Community, 1) by Scot Ritchie
Series: Exploring Our Community
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1554532744
Genres: Animals, Informational, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Book 9 in series “Exploring Our Community.” This first paperback edition was published in 2025, but the hardcover was published in 2009. Sally and her four friends are looking for her missing cat and dog. The simple text is accompanied by a colorful map that uses symbols to identify places such as the library,  park, airport, country, and eventually across the world and the solar system. On the way, a different type of map is featured and explained. The information is solid and works better as an informational book than story. Although, readers will enjoy looking for the animals who are hiding somewhere in each map. Instructions for creating a map of a bedroom are included in the back of the book. Ages 4-8.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars