Category: Book Reviews

Breathe Like a Bear First Day of School Worries

Breathe Like a Bear First Day of School WorriesBreathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries: A Story with a Calming Mantra and Mindful Prompts (Mindfulness Moments for Kids) by Anni Betts, Kira Willey
ISBN: 0593486722
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Bear, Bird, and Fawn are anxiously making their way to their first day of school – each one worried about being different. They meet a wise owl who gives them a mantra to remind them to take a deep breath and remember their similarities. Full of prompts to spark conversations between caregivers and children, and the (somewhat repetitive) mantra, this book specifically addresses childhood anxiety for big firsts. The story itself is kind and sweet, but the prompts and mantra make this book more for addressing a difficult topic, rather than an everyday go-to read aloud. Recommended for ages 5-6.

Reviewed by Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

two-stars

In the Dark

In the DarkIn the Dark by Corinna Luyken, Kate Hoefler
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on August 29, 2023
ISBN: 0593372832
Genres: Cultural / African American, Folklore
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Witches walked through the trail in the dark woods, making witches brew around a fire, and flying on broomsticks through the air.

~OR~

People walked through the woods, admiring the wildlife, making a campfire for light in the darkness, and crafting beautiful kites to fly in the breeze.

This story begins alternating between two very different perspectives (one of the so-called “witches” and the other of the townspeople), showcasing misunderstandings and spreading stereotypes, until their stories intertwine and everyone realizes they are actually more alike than they thought. This book has lovely illustrations and an important message. However, the book itself is rotated so that the pages turn from bottom to top, making it cumbersome to hold. The alternating storyline also seems potentially difficult for children to follow. Recommended for ages 6-7.

Reviewed by Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

three-stars

Bear with me

Bear with meBear with me by Kerascoët, Marie Pommepuy, Sébastien Cosset
ISBN: 0593307674
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This beautifully illustrated and nearly wordless picture book perfectly captures the life of a growing child and their favorite teddy bear. The child and teddy bear are inseparable – that is, until the first day of school. The child bravely leaves Bear behind, but sweetly remembers Bear throughout the day, and joyfully reunites with Bear after school. This adorable story is easy to relate to, especially for the first day of school jitters, or needing to wean from a security blanket or lovey. A great addition to any picture book collection. Recommended for ages 4-6.

Reviewed by Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Where I Live: Poems about My Home, My Street, and My Town

Where I Live: Poems about My Home, My Street, and My TownWhere I Live: Poems About My Home, My Street, and My Town by Hyewon Yum, Paul B. Janeczko
Published by Candlewick on March 14, 2023
ISBN: 1536200948
Pages: 48
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Where I Live is an anthology of children’s poems about everyday life in different homes and communities.  The poems are from a diverse group of poets and the watercolor illustrations reflect the diversity found in different places. Some of the topics most children will be familiar with, like shoes, cats, and school.  Others highlight a more urban or rural experience, like a block party or playing in the sprinkler.  Kids might enjoy checking this out as an introduction to poetry. Teachers could also use this anthology to show what happens in different types of communities or to teach literary elements, as many are utilized in these poems.  This would be a great addition to any children’s poetry collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other StoriesBear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories by Jarvis
Published by Candlewick ISBN: 1536234575
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The second installment in the “Bear and Bird” series, Jarvis hits the mark once again with his knack for blending whimsical, lively illustrations with equally witty stories. Bear and Bird are best friends, on the fast track to being up there with the greats, a la Frog & Toad. This irreverently funny collection of short stories starts with Bear and Bird in the middle of a mutual silent treatment, and though neither of them can remember exactly why they’re fighting, they DO know they both need a new best friend. As they separately set out to find a new bestie, Bear & Bird are drawn back together in an unlikely way & this theme of unwavering support and friendship is woven through each story and each goof-up and misunderstanding along the way.

Short story collection for newly independent readers, this series has the feel of an instant classic. The illustrations will capture prospective readers’ eyes and Bear & Bird’s flawlessly flawed dynamic will keep kiddos coming back for installments yet to come. 

 

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME

four-stars

Waaa Waaa Goes Táwà

Waaa Waaa Goes TáwàWaaa Waaa Goes Táwà by Alaba Onajin
Published by Random House Studio ISBN: 0593644077
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Táwà, an adorable and perfectly sweet little girl can’t talk quite yet, but not to worry! She communicates with a scream heard round the world, letting out a wail anytime things don’t go the way she envisions. A day in Táwà’s life tells a familiar story, not wanting to share, being upset she can’t come along to the market, being upset she has to now come along to the market, all which she meets with vocal defiance 10 times the size of herself. After each tiny tantrum, her family rushes to soothe her & to decipher and meet her needs, before being led back down the warpath once more.  

After a full day facing Táwà’s wrath, her family finally reach the end of their rope that night and wail in a chorus of WAAA WAAAAS in return as bedtime tensions rise. Being faced with a taste of her own medicine, Táwà rushes to soothe her family with kind words & a hug, the same way they had comforted her – the perfect cure!

Sprinkled with onomatopoeias and fun, jaunty words set against the beautifully illustrated backdrop of Táwà’s village in Nigeria, we’re lead in a singsongy dance between Táwà’s “waaa waaa waaas” and Mama’s “no no nos” all the way to a quiet resolution …. zzzzzz. Ònájìn hit the nail on the head for his debut picture book – with a silly & endearing ending, Waaa Waaa Goes Táwà answers the cries heard far & wide for the perfect bedtime read-aloud! 

For ages 4-8, though younger kiddos would appreciate it as a read-aloud.

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME

 

five-stars

A Spider Named Itsy

A Spider Named ItsyA Spider Named Itsy by Steve Light
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536225290
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“A Spider Named Itsy” is a retelling of the Itsy-Bitsy Spider rhyme, written and illustrated by Steve Light. Itsy starts out in their web all alone when suddenly their web is destroyed by a branch and the wind. Time to find a new home. In the process of climbing the waterspout to make a new home, Itsy meets and helps other insects along the way. The artwork is fun and colorful and full of little details to enjoy. Itsy helps others and by the end has made friends. Written for ages 3 to 5, but can be enjoyed by all ages. A cute book about friendship and helping, this is a suggested purchase for picture book collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Creep, Leap, Crunch!: A Food Chain Story

Creep, Leap, Crunch!: A Food Chain StoryCreep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story by Christopher Silas Neal, Jody Jensen Shaffer
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 2023
ISBN: 9780593565520
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Soft, full-color illustrations accompany fun, rhyming text that builds the steps of a temperate deciduous forest food chain in a style similar to “The House that Jack Built”, starting with the rising sun and leading all the way up to the black bear. Along the way, all the animals appear to succeed in their food acquisitions, but then the book takes a fun twist and turns the tables. All the food gets away! The book concludes with a glossary. This book would be excellent for story times, and makes for a simple, exciting introduction to natural food chains. It is recommended for 4-8 year olds.

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

five-stars

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World: The Story of Two Groundbreaking Environmental Artists

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World: The Story of Two Groundbreaking Environmental ArtistsChristo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World: The Story of Two Groundbreaking Environmental Artists by Elizabeth Haidle, G. Neri
Published by Candlewick Press on April 18, 2023
ISBN: 1536216615
Pages: 48
Genres: Arts, Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This is the story of how controversial artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude met, married, and started creating their art together. Their philosophy was that “Art [was] supposed to make you see things differently” therefore, much of their early art involved wrapping objects of varying sizes to obscure what was inside.  After moving to the United States, the couple created The Wall of Oil Barrels (1962), a wrapped Medieval Tower (1968), and even wrapped the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago (1969). They started wrapping natural objects, adding an Ocean Front (1974) and Wrapped Trees (1998) to their accomplishments. One of their best-known projects was The Gates (2005) that consisted of a park full of flowing fabric gates. Full color illustrations throughout the book add life to the text. A note at the end of the text explains that the artists never accepted public money to create their works. They also never charged anyone to experience their works. Because all their installations were temporary, they were each treated as an event.  The author  includes a list of Fun Facts and a Bibliography at the end of the book. Intended for ages 6-9 years old.

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

three-stars

Caught in a Bad Fauxmance

Caught in a Bad FauxmanceCaught in a Bad Fauxmance (Joy Revolution) by Elle Gonzalez Rose
ISBN: 0593645790
Genres: Romance, Science Fiction
Format: Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

For years, Devin Baez’s family and Julian Seo-Cooke’s clan have hated each other with a mutual loathing that peaks during the annual Winter Games at their Florida camp compound.  They earnestly compete – and audaciously cheat – to win the top prize and bragging rights. But it has been four years since Devin and his papi, twin sister, step-mother and step-brother have been to camp, four years since Devin’s mom died. Facing that loss is hard enough without having to deal with the smarmy, ultra-rich Seo-Cookes and their despicable father who stole papi’s invention and made millions off it without so much as a share to the Baez’s. So when Julian asks Devin to pretend to be his boyfriend in order to snub an ex, Devin shockingly says yes, if secretly only to get the inside scoop on how to defeat the insufferable family once and for all. The stakes are high, shenanigans ensue, and a romantic happy ending satisfies. This is a fun and clean romance that sometimes splashes into more serious moments of grief and familial discord. The secondary characters, especially the touching relationship between Devin and his twin sister Maya, bring weight to what could be a trope-filled enemies to lovers story. Instead this fauxmance to romance rises to the top with its mix of sweet emotions, funny pranks, and a fabulous comeuppance.   Reviewed by Melissa M. Orth, Richmond Middle/High School, Richmond, ME

five-stars