Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

The Blue House

The Blue HouseThe Blue House by Phoebe Wahl
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Leo is a long-haired white boy who lives with his father in a little blue house, and that’s the way it’s always been. The paint is peeling, the whole place is drafty, and the heater only works part of the time. It’s their house, though, and they love it. They cook, dance, grow food, and explore together. When eminent domain takes the house from their landlord, they’re forced to move. Leo and his dad are really upset, and frankly quite MAD. To work out their anger, they have a jam session where Leo does “a special scream solo.” When they move to their new house, it isn’t the same, but slowly and surely, it begins to feel like home as well.

There are so many things to love about this book. First, a boy living only with his father in dilapidated old house. Second, displays of love, affection, and wonderful coping mechanisms for processing emotions. Third, the illustrations are gorgeous and really bring the emotion out in this story. This sort of a father-son relationship is rarely depicted in picture books, so it is refreshing to see. The text is simple and not overdone. There are enough words to convey the story without being overly wordy. Recommended for wide purchase and for Cream of the Crop. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

A Cloud of Outrageous Blue

A Cloud of Outrageous BlueA Cloud of Outrageous Blue by Vesper Stamper
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on August 25, 2020
ISBN: 152470041X
Pages: 320
Genres: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Edyth grew up in a small, quiet village but when she loses everything seemingly over night, she’s sent to live in a priory. Once there, she begins work and falls in love with old books in the scriptorium. When a boy from her past appears on a work crew, her future seems complicated. As the Plague sets in, her future is in even more turmoil. She knows she wants to be with him, but she feels drawn to her work and stuck there at the same time.

This book is phenomenally written. The main character, Edyth, has synesthesia — she sees colors for different emotions and circumstances. Though this plays a role in the plot, it isn’t the main focus. It does, however, lead to some exceptionally colorful and image rich writing. Throughout the book, there are also two-page spread illustrations, and the use of color in these illustrations personifies the imagery in Edyth’s mind. The story is engaging, the artwork is stunning, and the writing is gorgeous. A highly recommended purchase for young adult collections everywhere. Recommended for readers 13 and up and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Honey, the Dog Who Saved Abe Lincoln

Honey, the Dog Who Saved Abe LincolnHoney, the Dog Who Saved Abe Lincoln by Chuck Groenink, Shari Swanson
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on January 14, 2020
ISBN: 0062699008
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This beautifully written picture book biography is about young Abe Lincoln living in Knob Creek, Kentucky. One day he rescues and cares for a honey colored dog with a broken leg. Soon Honey and Abe go everywhere together whether it’s dropping off grain at the mill or going out on adventures. One day Abe ends up trapped between two boulders in a cave. Honey returns to Abe’s mother and leads the town folk to Abe. The soft and colorful illustrations enhance the well written text. The story is a wonderful read aloud. Not only will is appeal to animal lovers, but also to those who enjoy a well told story that happens to be about one of our most famous presidents. There is a fascinating timeline entitled Abraham Lincoln and His Animal Encounters. The timeline includes his childhood in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and continues to his years as the president depicting his lifelong compassion for animals The author’s note explains how this story came to be known. There is also an illustrated map around Hodgen’s Mills where the story takes place. This is the author’s debut picture book.                                                                                          I highly recommend this for children ages 4-9.

Kris Zuidema,  retired school librarian, Standish.

five-stars

THE SECRET GARDEN

THE SECRET GARDENThe Illustrated Secret Garden: 100th Anniversary Edition with Special Foreword by Anna Clark, Charles Robinson, Frances Hodgson Burnett
Published by HarperCollins ISBN: 1950435989
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A lovely adapted version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic book, ‘The Secret Garden.”  This picture book is for young readers – ages 4-8.  It is an easily read, straight forward rendition accompanied by lush, colorful illustrations  by the Swedish illustrator and designer, Adelina LIrius.

This is  the story of a lonely child, Mary Lennox, who was moved into  Misselthwaite Manor in Northern England. Mary hates the cold dreary Manor, until  an old gardener tells her about  a hidden, secret garden. And soon, a  Robin helps Mary to  discover the key that unlocks the  the  ancient  and  unkept garden.  One day, Mary hears cries coming from one of the manor bedrooms and searches to discover a young boy, Colin, (brother  of Martha, the maid, who is sick and weekly.)  Mary brings him to the garden in his wheelchair  for fresh air and sunshine.  A  transformation occurs in the children  while working together  to  bring the old garden back to  life.  And slowly, as the  new garden  emerges, so does a new friendship between Mary and Colin.

Great for when studying classic literature with children.  A beautiful  read aloud with beautiful engaging artwork.

 

Reviewed By Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

five-stars

Brian Wildsmith’s animal Gallery

Brian Wildsmith’s animal GalleryBrian Wildsmith's Animal Gallery by Brian Wildsmith
on February 1, 2010
ISBN: 1536212350
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a true picture book!  done in colored pencil, chalk, watercolor and goache, the animal groups are depicted in their groups, with the only text being the collective nouns by which the groups are identified. Some are familiar, ” a pride of lions” and some are not as familiar, ” a game of swans, a siege of herons, an ambush of tigers.” It is stunning in the art, vibrant,double page offerings that keep the reader wanting to see what the next page brings. It is also fun to figure out why each group has been identified as they have. simple in its presentation, it can be read again and again. Use in animal units and in art classes.

“Wildsmith’s illustrations were a;ways as important as his text.” Michael Rosen’s reaction when first seeing his work. ” Floods of color exploding across the pages with a name to match.” I remember feeling envious: why hadn’t I had books as wild and lush as these.”

grades pre-k thru 2.     Consider for Cream

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

five-stars

Bowl Full of Peace:a True Story

Bowl Full of Peace:a True StoryA Bowl Full of Peace: A True Story by Akira Kusaka, Caren Stelson
ISBN: 154152148X
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Between 2010 and 2015 the author traveled to Nagasaki, Japan to interview Sachiko Yasui, a survivor of the Nagasaki bombing on August 6, 1945. Sachiko is the subject of the book: Sachiko: a Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story. During the interviews, Sachiko spoke of a bowl that had been in her family forever, handed down from mother to daughter. Caren Stelson felt the bowl itself had a story to tell. Sachiko and her family were less than a mile from ground zero the day the bomb fell. though she survived, her youngest brother died and then within days her surviving brothers pass away. When they go back to their home- the only thing that can be found is the green leaf bowl.It becomes the touch point that keeps the family looking forward- her grandmother had touched it, her brothers had touched it . It is a reminder of that fateful August day that must never be forgotten and must never happen again. As the years pass, Sachiko loses her sister, mother and father to radiation sickness- she and the bowl are the only long term survivors. After fifty years have past, Sachiko feels that she must tell the story to children. Sachiko brings her bowl to gatherings of children to tell of her experience.

This story is told quietly,  in simple language with soft muted illustrations. It is told in a peaceful way with a non threatening message. In the back of the book there is an author’s note with photos of Sachiko and her family, speaking to students and the green leaf bowl itself. readers will  also find an illustrator’s note too.

This must be added to units on war and its horrors, units on the atomic bomb and its effects, units on the need to find paths to peace. It can also be used in units about family heirlooms and their importance to family history.

Use in grades 3 and up. consider for Cream.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

five-stars

Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an Ecosystem

Tracking Pythons: The Quest to Catch an Invasive Predator and Save an EcosystemGenres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
five-stars

Burmese pythons, native to Southeast Asia, that either escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild and began eating every animal in their path. A group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida are tracking the snakes to find ways to stop their proliferation, which could change the ecosystem of the Everglades. Messner does a good job of describing the sometimes-messy work of scientists who work in the field and in the lab. She delves a bit into invasive species and responsible pet ownership. Captioned photographs, maps, and diagrams add information. Videos of some of the episodes described are available via QR codes scattered throughout the book. Overall, a well constructed book that might inspire budding scientists and others fascinated by 100-pound snakes. Recommended for middle school students.

Starred Review Kirkus Reviews: Jan 1, 2020

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures

The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in PicturesThe Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures by Noelle Stevenson
Published by HarperTeen on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 0062278274
Pages: 208
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

The Fire Never Goes Out chronicles eight years of the author’s young adult life in the form of sketches and text.  As the years progress, so does the author’s self-portraits and experiences. She discovers herself through good times and bad, professional successes and defining her independence, many times in letters that she has written  to herself. This book is a National Book Award Finalist.

Fans of Nimona, will love this memoir and those looking to relate on self-understanding and approval. Recommended for grades 10 and above.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

 

Frozen Beauty

Frozen BeautyFrozen Beauty by Lexa Hillyer
Published by HarperTeen on March 17, 2020
ISBN: 0062330403
Pages: 368
Genres: Mystery, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Frozen Beauty is a mystery that reveals itself slowly as the reader becomes acquainted with the three Malloy girls.  The story line is embedded in deep relationships and loving sisterhood yet secrets are held tight to the chest.  The book is beautifully written using prose and poetry to unravel the past and present.  Character development is strong yet readers may not be able to predict situations or actions. Each of the three sisters reveal their individuality and in good time their stories coincide enough to solve the mystery.  Hillyer deals effectively with love, loss, fear, eating issues and abuse while writing a story of betrayal and death.  It appears that the new YA focus is on teen crime, this is an excellent example of the genre.

Add this to all public libraries and to High School media center shelves.  Gift to teen girls who love mysteries and romance novels.  Readers will find it difficult to put this book aside, it is recommended as an all-night read.

 

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

five-stars

When You Were Everything

When You Were EverythingWhen You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk
Published by Delacorte Press on March 10, 2020
ISBN: 1524715913
Pages: 400
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Woodfolk has crafted an emotionally wrought but ultimately beautiful tale of friendship, love, and relationships.  Cleo is a wonderfully quirky teen who loves jazz music, her best friend, and Shakespeare.  Layla is that best friend, or used to be, and has a stutter and a love for musical theater.  The full story of Cleo and Layla is told in alternating timelines, so we don’t find out exactly what happened to ruin their friendship until near the end.  Cleo  takes an amazing journey through grief, anger, forgiveness, and acceptance.  While her friendship is falling apart, she’s also dealing with the divorce of her parents, lingering difficulty with the death of her beloved grandmother, and meeting a new love interest.  Cleo struggles but ultimately comes out on top with a new lease on life and new relationships.  Anyone who has lost a friend will feel a deep connection with Cleo and this book.  This is a lovely emotional journey that ultimately ends up hopeful.  Recommended for grades 7+.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars