Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Midnight Fair

Midnight FairThe Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, Mariachiara Di Giorgio
Published by Candlewick Press on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 153621115X
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I usually don’t love books with no words because I’m never sure how to read them to kids. That didn’t seem to matter with Midnight Fair, though, because my eight year old insisted that this book be nominated for Cream of the Crop (and I agree with him). There is an undeniable joy that comes through this book about woodland animals that enjoy a fair after the humans have called it a night. While the illustrations are not overly busy, it’s full of activity and every page has subtle, funny details that kids will love finding.  It’s an immediate mood boost and has one of my favorite endings of any picture book.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

five-stars

Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of True Friendship

Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of True FriendshipThe Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of True Friendship by Julie Abery, Pierre Pratt
Published by Kids Can Press on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 1525302086
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Penguins in Brazil. That might be the first amazing fact in this true story. Joao nurses him back to health, and tries to return him to the sea where he belongs. But the penguin comes back, so Joao gives him a name: Dindim, and gives him the freedom to be wild.

Illustrations by Pierre Pratt show various angles and views, giving the reader a fuller feel for the blues and greens of the Brazilian beach setting.. Sparse rhyming text does the story justice.

Pair with any books about Harry Goodridge and Andre the seal of Rockport, Maine, or narratives about oil-soaked animals being rescued or stories of penguins for early to middle elementary levels.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

When I Draw a Panda

When I Draw a PandaWhen I Draw a Panda by Amy June Bates
Published by Simon Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books on September 22, 2020
ISBN: 1481451480
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Is less-than perfect art OK? Is it the effort that matters? What if I “run out of space” or my “lines come out of our pencils and they are not going anywhere in particular”? This young girl loves to draw. Her not-perfect circles end up creating a panda, who then also draws his own way, and they end up with lines that “…are just going somewhere that makes up happy.”

Sparse text with illustrations combine for a full message of self-acceptance. 

Not to be missed – especially the cover under the dust jacket! Pair with “Ish” by Peter Reynolds.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

Mae the Mayfly

Mae the MayflyMae the Mayfly by Denise Brennan-Nelson, Florence Weiser
ISBN: 1534166742
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Oh, the delights of a day in the life of a mayfly! aFter saying goodbye to her mother, May explores her surroundings, barely escapes being lunch for a trout, and then ends up saving him after he becomes entanglesd in fishing line.

Beautiful, rich illustrations on double page spreads pull the reader in. Rhyming text flows well and gives facts and information about a mayfly’s life. Back matter includes more facts about mayflies, and how to practice mindful breathing exercises. 

Could be paired with Aesop’s “The Mouse and the Lion” or David Shannon’s “Jangles: A Big Fish Story”. Could also be used to show children how to slow down and enjoy nature’s beauty. 

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

Flying Over Water

Flying Over WaterFlying Over Water by N.H. Senzai, Shannon Hitchcock
Published by Scholastic Press on October 20, 2020
ISBN: 1338617664
Pages: 272
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

What if you were a refugee who finally arrived safely in Tampa, Florida, but your best friend drowned during her trip? What if you’re a champion swimmer who suddenly panics during a meet? What if these two middle school girls’ lives connect and they help each other be brave? Then you’d have a successful book about friendship and courage like “Flying Over Water”.

This chapter book, told in alternate voices of the two girls, intertwines refugee history, current events (such as the 2017 mosque arson in Tampa) and challenges in a sensitive but not too political manner.  Author notes are as interesting as the book for background info, which may invite readers to find out more about any of the possible threads that hold this fictional account together. The ending acknowledges that there will always be challenges, but hope and determination, especially among friends, will help one deal with whatever tomorrow or next week or next year will bring.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian

Lightfall: The Girl and the GaldurianThe Girl & the Galdurian (Lightfall, #1) by Tim Probert
Published by HarperAlley on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 0062990470
Pages: 247
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

The set-up graphic novel to what promises to be a dazzling graphic novel series. While in the forest, Bea meets Cad, a Galdurian in search of help from the Pig Wizard. Turns out, Bea is his granddaughter so she brings Cad to Salty Pig’s Tonics and Tinctures to meet the Pig Wizard. Unfortunately, her grandfather has remembered that the Seal of the Restless Sleeper needs to be checked and it’s his job to do it. In the note to Bea, her grandfather explains that he doesn’t seem to know exactly where the Seal is. Bea and Cad decide to set out and find him as Bea is sure that he will surely need help. This is the setup for the perfect quest graphic novel. In crisply drawn panels with a palette of rusts and teals, the two reluctant adventurers face strange creatures and precarious situations. This first volume ends on a mighty cliffhanger that promises more adventures, and these will be eagerly snapped up by readers. Recommend for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Can You See Me?

Can You See Me?Can You See Me? by Libby Scott, Rebecca Westcott
Published by Scholastic Press on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 1338608916
Pages: 362
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Tally is an autistic 6th grader, and she’s dreading many things about starting school—scratchy uniforms, changing schedules, being without her friends in all her classes. Until now, Tally has never been ashamed of being autistic. It’s part of what makes her the person she is. When she starts 6th grade, though, she’s the brunt of a fair amount of bullying, and it makes her keenly aware of her differences. Suddenly, she feels as if she needs to fit into a mold that doesn’t feel quite right.

This is a wonderful #OwnVoices book co-written by a young autistic girl, Libby Scott. The way Tally expresses her autism and what it means for her really brings to light some of the often misunderstood aspects of autism. The story is relatable, well paced, and easy to read. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

The Boy and the Gorilla

The Boy and the GorillaThe Boy and the Gorilla by Cindy Derby, Jackie Azúa Kramer
Published by Candlewick Press on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 0763698326
Pages: 48
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A young boy is mourning the death of his mother. He begins a relationship with an imaginary gorilla who helps him process his emotions and who answers many questions young kids have about death in general. The gorilla helps the boy to know it’s ok to be sad, and that the things the boy once enjoyed with his mother will eventually feel less sad and instead a way to remember the good times he had with his mom.

The text is simple and clear. The gorilla’s text is italicized so it’s clear who is talking. the mixed media illustrations are simply gorgeous and carry the heavy emotion of the book with ease. The gorilla exudes kindness and empathy while simultaneously being strong. This is a wonderful book on a very difficult topic. Recommended for wide purchase, for Cream of the Crop, and for readers of all ages dealing with grief.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Taking Up Space

Taking Up SpaceTaking Up Space by Alyson Gerber
Published by Scholastic Inc. on May 18, 2021
ISBN: 1338186000
Pages: 272
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Taking Up Space by Alyson Gerber

 

Sarah is a 12-year-old 7th grader who isn’t getting enough to eat, even though her family makes plenty of money.  Sarah loves basketball but she is also maturing and growing and her body isn’t the same.  Her mother has issues of her own with food and these have spilled over to Sarah having disordered eating.  Besides her eating problems, Sarah has a best friend with whom she is having issues over a boy, two girls on the basketball team who dislike her, and a cooking contest that may change Sarah’s life; if she can stand the stress.

Sarah finally is seen by her Guidance Counselor who gives excellent advice and encourages Sarah and her whole family to see therapists.  This was one of my favorite parts where therapy was seen as such a positive way to learn to accept yourself.

Sarah and her teammates and friends were so authentically middle schoolers with their concerns and thoughts.  This book is recommended for Cream of the Crop and for students in grades 4-7.

 

Reviewed by Ellen Spring, Oceanside High School, Rockland

five-stars

Good Girl, Bad Blood

Good Girl, Bad BloodGood Girl, Bad Blood (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, #2) by Holly Jackson
Published by Delacorte Press on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 1984896407
Pages: 416
Genres: Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Pippa Fitz-Amobi is back with more mystery in the sequel to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. We join Pippa about 6 months after the end of GGGM. After the last case took over and threatened her life, she has sworn off investigating. But her friend Connor has begged her to help find his missing brother, Jamie. After the police do nothing, Pip has no choice but to dive in. This new mystery includes a lot of familiar characters and introduces us to a few new community members. During the investigation, Pip finds herself ruminating on what makes a person good or bad and how to figure out who you truly are. During this case, her audience starts to turn on her, claiming she’s faking the missing person to get sponsorships for her true crime podcast. Alas, it’s all too real and Jackson takes us to a surprising and dark ending. Recommended for all teen collections. Best for ages 14+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars