Category: Book Reviews

Betty and the Mysterious Visitor

Betty and the Mysterious VisitorBetty and the Mysterious Visitor by Anne Twist, Emily Sutton
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536234869
Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Betty’s favorite place in the whole world is a community garden behind her grandmother’s house. Betty and her grandma spend summers together gardening, picking fruit, and making delicious jam to sell at the local farmer’s market. One night, the garden is ransacked by a mysterious visitor – a badger that has learned where to find delicious treats, with plans to come back for more. Betty rises to the occasion, fashioning a scarecrow to scare away the badger and save the garden. This book is a delightful read and celebrates family, community, and nature. The illustrations are gorgeous and full of bright colors and charming details. The fruits of Betty’s garden are definitely “Cream of the Crop” worthy. Recommended for ages 4-7.

Reviewed by Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell
five-stars

Next Door

Next DoorNext Door by Deborah Kerbel, Isaac Liang
Published by Kids Can Press on October 3, 2023
ISBN: 1525306588
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Next Door is a heartwarming story of making new friendships across language barriers. When a new family moves in next door, a young boy and his mother bring over some simple housewarming gifts to their new neighbors, who speak in Arabic. This wordless picture book is told from the perspective of the young boy, who is Deaf, and includes a few simple words/phrases for the reader to learn in American Sign Language. While the storyline is simplistic and the illustrations are a little flat, this book uses a clever concept to deliver a positive message. This would make a great diverse addition to any picture book collection. Recommended for ages 5-6 (Kindergarten to 1st Grade).
Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library
four-stars

What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?: And Other Questions About Moths & Butterflies

What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?: And Other Questions About Moths & ButterfliesWhat's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?: And Other Questions About Moths & Butterflies by Rachel Ignotofsky
Published by Random House Children's Books on July 20, 2023
ISBN: 059317657X
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A companion book to What’s Inside a Flower?, which I believe was a Cream of the Crop book in 2022. This book is equally engaging, answering readers’ questions about caterpillars, moths, and butterflies. Unlike other books about lepidoptera, this one imparts much more information about what occurs inside the cocoon or chrysalis stage. It goes on to compare butterflies and moths, the differences between cocoons and chrysalis, and the importance of these insects are as pollinators. Particularly attractive are Ignotofsky’s signature graphics, stylized illustrations with flat colors and intricate details. Many pages could easily be stand-alone posters. Varied page design helps with the organization and makes the whole more absorbing. Different species pictured are labeled with the common name in tiny but legible uppercase lettering. A beautiful informational book that every library will want to have a copy.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Super Magic Boy: I am a Dinosaur

Super Magic Boy: I am a DinosaurSuper Magic Boy: I Am a Dinosaur: (A Graphic Novel) by Jarod Roselló
ISBN: 0593427785
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“I am a Dinosaur” is the first book in the “Super Magic Boy” graphic novel series by Jarod Roselló. Hugo, a kid with magic powers turns his dinosaur toy to life and they have adventures. Hugo teaches his dinosaur friend words like “rampage,” “transform,” and “defeat” while destroying his house, digging up a cursed skeleton king, and finding a treasure. Bright and humorous illustrations and a limited amount of text make the story move quickly. Readers will enjoy the funny situations and hilarious art style. Written for ages 4 to 8, this is an excellent addition to your middle grade graphic novel collection.

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

three-stars

When the Fog Rolls In

When the Fog Rolls InWhen the Fog Rolls In by Pam Fong
on October 10, 2023
ISBN: 0063136546
Genres: Mental Health
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

I thought this was going to be a book about weather but it is a metaphorical picture book about navigating uncertainty, opening your mind, and finding your way back to your flock. An adorable puffin separated from its colony finds itself alone and directionless as a dense fog rolls in. Given the foggy setting, the palette is necessarily muted, but despite this, the pictures are the preeminent feature of the book. The idea of fog as a metaphor for depression will likely go over the heads of younger readers.  But the puffins sure are cute!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Parker’s Place

Parker’s PlaceParker's Place by Russ Willms
Published by Clarion Books on August 1, 2023
ISBN: 0358683394
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Parker the T-Rex tries to fit in on a friendly farm, but there are no jobs that seem suitable for a dinosaur. A forlorn Parker is about to leave when the chickens propose a great idea – Parker becomes a much needed daycare provider. Kids who are not sure what they are good at will empathize with to Parker. The colorful digital illustrations are bold, and kids will giggle at Parker’s attempts to do various farm chores. This cute book is perfect for preschool interactive storytimes.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Totally Random Facts, Vol. 2

Totally Random Facts, Vol. 2Totally Random Facts Volume 2: 3,219 Surprising, Strange, and Striking Things About the World by Melina Gerosa Bellows
Series: Totally Random Facts #2
Published by Bright Matter Books on 07/04/2023
ISBN: 059351646X
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Totally Random Facts is exactly what the title says it will be!  This nonfiction book is filled with unusual and surprising facts about any topic you can think of.  There truly is something for everyone in this book- facts about history, sports, animals, dinosaurs, technology etc.  There is a table of contents and an index that can help guide readers, but it would also be fun to flip to any page in the book to see what topic they will learn about next.  Each two page spread covers its own topic.  The information provided isn’t meant to be in depth, but rather fun facts that kids will no doubt enjoy sharing with others.  Each layout has colorful and interesting graphics and photographs and the text alternates between black and a color to help separate each fact from the next.  This book would be a great addition to any children’s collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

This Little Kitty in the Garden

This Little Kitty in the GardenThis Little Kitty in the Garden by Karen Obuhanych
on January 30, 2024
ISBN: 0593435176
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

This Little Kitty: In the Garden is the sequel to This Little Kitty by Karen Obuhanych. The first in this series was a sweet and silly romp through a day in the lives of five kitties in their home. This is a spring themed version, showing us how the mischievous kitties get into the garden shed and try to help their owner with planting seeds and other spring activities. This is usually a popular theme, but the writing was lacking. The rhymes do not have a natural flow when reading them aloud and some feel quite strained.

On one page it says, “These little kitties hear the bumbles buzz, watch the butterbees aflutter, and poke at crawly fuzz.” This is either a typo or a nonexistent animal, either way it takes the reader out of the book. There is a lot to love here with the colorful illustrations and silly expressions, but this sequel’s language is forced. This one might naturally be a popular pick because children love kittens and spring activities, but it is not necessary for one’s collection. Two stars.

Reviewed by Gia Pilgrim Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

two-stars

Lunch Buddies: Battle in the Backyard

Lunch Buddies: Battle in the BackyardLunch Buddies: Battle in the Backyard (Lunch Buddies, 1) by Daniel Wiseman
Published by Harper Alley on 9/26/2023
ISBN: 0063236230
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This amusing graphic novel for early readers tells the story of Marco, a talking sandwich, and a pair of dance enthusiasts in the form of squirrels. When Marco makes a sandwich and it comes to life, he is delighted to have an amazing new buddy. But when the squirrels that live in the backyard snatch Sandwich, they challenge Marco and his dog Poofy to fight them to get him back in the only way that makes sense: a dance battle. 

As absurd and hilarious as expected with plenty of food humor that will make both kids and adults laugh out loud. Serve to young elementary students who enjoy similar fare.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz

The Boy Who Followed His Father into AuschwitzThe Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield
on 01/17/2023
ISBN: 0063236176
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Adapted for younger readers from Dronfield’s adult version by the same name, The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz is a narrative account of the Jewish Kleinmann family, living in Austria during World War II. Fourteen-year-old Fritz and his Papa, Gustav, are taken to Buchenwald concentration camp where they endure innumerable brutalities. When Gustav is set to be transferred to Auschwitz, Fritz decides he cannot leave his dear father, and ensures they make the transfer together. Several chapters are dedicated to Fritz’s brother Kurt and his acceptance into America as a refugee. 

This is an excellent addition to middle school nonfiction collections serving as a necessary contribution to the record of Holocaust stories. The resilience, hope, courage, and love exemplified in the actions of the Kleinmann family in the face of such horrors is thought-provoking and powerful.

Dronfield provides readers with some background information about how this book came to be and his interactions with Kurt. An author’s note to parents and teachers, a timeline of events, a glossary, suggestions for further reading, and works cited are included. 

Grades 6-8

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

five-stars