Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Tree House Homes: Daytime Dens and Nighttime Nooks

Tree House Homes: Daytime Dens and Nighttime NooksTree Hole Homes: And the Animals That Live in Them by Melissa Stewart, Amy Hevron
Published by Random House on September 1, 2022
ISBN: 0593373308
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

As is the hallmark of Melissa Stewart, every detail is attended to in this nonfiction picture book about the types of animals that use tree holes. From the peek-a-book picture under the dust jacket to the endpapers showing the start of the day and the end of the day to the clear, well-written layered text, Stewart invites the reader to imagine “what would it be like to live inside a tree?” From there, the book offers different animals who use a tree hole for safety and refuge, an escape from the outside world. Each double-page spread features simple text for a read-aloud and added information about the animal featured for a more in-depth look at the topic. Also featured are wonderful illustrations by Amy Hevron rendered in acrylic and marker on wood; her earthy palette hits just the right tone for the text. The back matter provides more information about each animal mentioned in the book along with sources for further study.

Hand to the naturalist, the science teacher discussing adaptations in nature, and, ultimately, to the child who is willing to look a little deeper at something as common as a tree and see the possibilities.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Build a House

Build a HouseBuild a House by Rhiannon Giddens, Monica Mikai
Published by Candlewick Press on October 11, 2022
Pages: 40
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Artist Rhiannon Giddens from the traditional African string band Carolina Chocolate Drops uses her platform to highlight a powerful piece of African American history. The powerful, spare poetry, spanning centuries of American history and originally written as a song to celebrate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, is remarkable. Readers should scan the QR code and listen to Giddens and Yo Yo Ma sing the text for an enhanced experience:  https://www.rhiannongiddens.com/build-a-house. The vibrant illustrations by painter Monica Mikai complement the text. A good choice for Black History Month and a springboard for conversations about historical injustice.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Puffin

PuffinPuffin by Martin Jenkins, Jenni Desmond
Published by Candlewick Press on November 15, 2022
ISBN: 1536228508
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

An informational book about the Atlantic Puffins found in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean as far south as Maine. Using a conversational tone, the book traces part of the annual cycle from an avian couple to puffling parents. Desmond’s illustrations are charming and support the text. I wondered how this British author and illustrator’s rendition would connect to a Maine audience, but I think it translates very well. The book is filled with interesting facts but reads like a story. A good choice for a first informational book about this endearing sea bird for young ornithologists.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

My Imaginary Mary

My Imaginary MaryMy Imaginary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Series: Mary, #2, #2
Published by HarperTeen on August 2, 2022
ISBN: 0062930079
Pages: 496
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Three established female authors have created the Lady Janies series where they reconstruct the past and concentrate on historical people. Mary Shelley used to day dream about her suitor prior to becoming a feminist. Ada Lovelace Byron has a compelling personality which matched her strong desire to make her way by building automated creatures and beings. Ada is driven to introduce herself to her missing and irresponsible father, Lord Byron. Together these three authors and two young women mesh into a strong bond. Magic, poetry, and storytelling are components of this stand-alone series entry. Enough backstory is provided to enable readers to build attachments and to identify with characters within the pages of My Imaginary Mary. Although fantasy is the primary genre, this is a story of betrayal, romance, and self-discovery. Beyond the existence of fae powers and evil scientific experimentation, this read offers adventure and surprise.

My Imaginary Mary will appeal to literature and history teachers and their high school students. Middle grade readers who appreciate fantasy as well as adventure will want this Lady Janies series title for personal enjoyment. Librarians in public and school facilities should add this title to their collections. It is recommended that the previous three titles in the series be added to library shelves as well.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian

five-stars

Squire

SquireSquire by Sara Alfageeh, Nadia Shammas
Published by Quill Tree Books on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 0062945858
Pages: 336
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

When the Bayt-Sajji Empire offers teens from their conquered territories to enlist in a squire training program, Aiza jumps at the chance. It is an opportunity to not only gain honor, but full citizenship and all the benefits that come with it. She must be careful though to hide her Ornu heritage as it is sure to make her a target of discrimination.

Aiza struggles with her training and begins a secret mentorship with the groundskeeper Doruk who not only improves her swordsmanship, but imparts the grim realities of war. After a surprising turn of events, Aiza must determine what it means to be a part of a history and what it means to fight for justice.

With attractive illustrations and a spirited heroine to root for, this graphic novel is an engaging and insightful look at colonization and prejudice. An author’s note reminds readers, “when you listen to a history, think about who it serves,” a message that is reiterated throughout the story and one that we should all contemplate as we examine our own country’s past. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School

five-stars

Shoshi’s Shabbat

Shoshi’s ShabbatShoshi's Shabbat by Caryn Yacowitz, Kevin Hawkes
Published by Candlewick Press on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 1536216542
Pages: 48
Genres: Fairy Tale, Folklore, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The value of rest, gratitude, and communing with nature practiced on the Shabbat is explained via this charming picture book. Based on a traditional Jewish folk tale, this book provides readers with a historical understanding of the day of rest. An older farmer declares that he is retiring from plowing his fields, so he sells his reliable ox to a new, younger neighbor. On the seventh day, Shoshi the ox refuses to work. The text explores the interaction of humans and animals while exposing the joys of taking a restful day each week.

Hawkes’ illustrations bring the story to life; readers will smell the grass and dust dirt off their own shoes. The faces of both men and the all-important ox reveal deep emotion. Background colors vary as the sun rises and sets over the hills and fields near Jerusalem. This book provides exposure to a wonderful Jewish tradition. Public libraries and primary school media centers should add this creative book to their collections, and it would also have a place in church, temple, or mosque libraries.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian

five-stars

Always, Clementine

Always, ClementineAlways, Clementine by Carlie Sorosiak
Published by Walker Books US on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 1536228842
Pages: 304
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

From the author of I, Cosmos and Leonard, My Life as a Cat this is a humor-filled, heartwarming story of a genius lab mouse, secretly freed from the lab. This lively adventure story is narrated in “think” letters from Clementine (the mouse) to her chimpanzee friend at the lab, Rosie. The story is chockablock with interesting characters, my favorite being 86-year old Ginger, “I’ve seen weirder. I lived in Florida in the nineties.” At first, readers may find the narration technique difficult to follow but soon they will get caught up in the adventure story and the characters. The author has a definite agenda against lab testing on animals but it is presented in more of a slapstick than heavy-handed sort of way. Middle-grade animal lovers and chess fanatics will enjoy this title.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Knitting for Dogs

Knitting for DogsKnitting for Dogs by Laurel Molk
Published by Random House Studio on November 29, 2022
ISBN: 0593434587
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A classic making lemonade from lemons story. Izzy can do just about anything so when she takes up knitting she expects to excel at that as well. While scarves and hats knit up quickly, her sweaters always come out wrong. Both Izzy and her canine pal Max are depicted in watercolor and ink illustrations that showcase Izzy’s creative process, her frustration, and her relationship with Max. The story illustrates two big lessons: everyone fails sometimes and sometimes your failures wind up as successes even though they don’t turn out as expected. It’s an enjoyable and lovely story from which we can all learn a lesson from reading it. Recommend for grades 1-5.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Granny and Bean

Granny and BeanGranny and Bean by Karen Hesse, Charlotte Voake
Published by Candlewick Press on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 1536214043
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A beautifully illustrated picture book that follows the simple yet lyrical text expected from author Hesse. Regardless of the gray sky, Granny and Bean enjoy a near perfect walk on the beach and readers are drawn in to their magical beach walk. The text is bold and easily read. Illustrator Voake’s choice of bright primary colors bring the characters to the forefront in each illustration, and even within all the gray, there is constant movement on each page. Newly arriving beach walkers are interesting with their colorful umbrellas and dogs but it is the birds who steal the show. Add this to primary school media centers and to public libraries, particularly those within driving distance of a loved beach though land-locked communities would benefit from placing this book on their shelves.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian

five-stars

A Bear Far From Home

A Bear Far From HomeA Bear Far from Home by Susan Fletcher, Rebecca Green
Published by Anne Schwartz Books on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593181891
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A beautiful nonfiction picture book that will amaze and educate readers from pre-K to grade three. Rachel Green’s attractive cover immediately reminds readers of Jan Brett’s illustrations. Based on a true story from around 1251 when the King Henry III of England was gifted a polar bear from the king of Norway. The bear is out of its element, but King Henry orders that the bear be allowed to swim and fish in the Thames. Fletcher invites readers to imagine what it would have been like to  be so far from home.  Green uses colors to distinguish time periods and emotional changes in the bear’s life. The author and illustrator notes are an excellent addition to a nicely crafted and packaged children’s nonfiction picture book.

The title would be useful in a presentation on a study of fiction vs. nonfiction picture books and art teachers in all grade levels could appreciate the incredible illustrations. Public librarians can put this in the hands of young readers who enjoy stories about wild animals.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian

five-stars