Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

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

War is Over

War is OverWar Is Over by David Almond, David Litchfield
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536209864
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

So well written and illustrated, War is Over is bound to be a new classic.  The story takes place during WWI in an English town where the women work in a munitions factory while the men are off fighting the war.    John is a sensitive boy who questions the situation attempting to find an answer to his one question: when will the war end?  Almond had provided readers with a text full of historic information, personal struggle and the seeds of peace.  Readers may begin to question the validity of conflict, blind obedience to negative instruction and the beliefs of conscience objectors.

Litchfield’s illustrations are mostly done in gray scale, adding another layer of sadness to the text.  It is so difficult to think of children playing in a war environment, yet leaves that turn to birds that turn to bombs helps to illuminate the text.

John has an out of body experience where he meets with a young boy living in Germany.  The richness of this interaction adds to the deep compassion and desire for peace that this book provides to readers.   While this may not be the perfect book for all students it belongs in the media center of all intermediate and middle schools.   In addition it is a necessary purchase for all public libraries.

Sunny

SunnySunny by Celia Krampien
Published by Roaring Brook Press on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 125031660X
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Sunny sees the good in situations where others simply complain — the rain, being carried away by a strong gust of wind, being late to school, etc. This is a sweet book about making the best of otherwise unfavorable situations. I love the positive message in this book, but I love even more that it shows that it’s ok to cry when you need it. The illustrations are fairly monochromatic with yellow highlights — Sunny’s umbrella, for example. This is a great book to share with kids of all ages as the message is a really good one. Recommended for kids 2 and up and for consideration for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Water Bears

Water BearsThe Water Bears by Kim Baker
on April 21, 2020
ISBN: 1984852205
Genres: Fantasy, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Newt Gomez lives on an island, and he survived a bear attack. He still has dreams about the attack, and he’s still physically healing as well. When he and a friend find a bear statue on the beach, and when the statue appears to grant wishes, things get interesting. Newt is ready to move on from island life, but the lessons he learns from his friends (and their interactions with the bear) may change his mind.

A little bit of magic, a lot of frienship, and a food truck with a giant rooster on it make this an all around entertaining read. The story felt a bit slow at times, but the plot, character development, and overall message are good. It also does a great job of exploring the challenges of overcoming trauma. A gentle coming of age story with a hint of magic, this book will appeal to a wide audience. Recommended for 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Summer Song

Summer SongSummer Song by Kevin Henkes, Laura Dronzek
Published by Greenwillow Books, HarperCollins on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 0062866133
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The last in Henkes’ season series is both striking in eye appeal and language.  Beginning with an invitational poem printed on the jacket this story engages young readers.  The writer and illustrator demonstrate that obviously summer is a time of color, music, wonder, and adventure.  Importance is placed on green growing plants but other colors of the season are not ignored.  Readers may find themselves whispering as a youngster lays quietly in the grass listening to small creatures. Yet on the following two-page spread children will fly around the room following imaginary fireflies.

Summer Song is a very pleasing story of our natural environment complete with many animals.  This reader is captivated by the adorable white cat.  Which creature will other readers fall in love with? The illustrations are wonderful, perfectly matching the text as they flow across the pages.  As a librarian I looked for concept books that explored the seasons.  I am glad to add this title to my favorite list of seasonal books where In the Middle of the Fall stands at the top.  Add to all public libraries and to K classrooms and primary media centers.  Also purchase for pre-schools and day care centers where seasonal changes are introduced.

five-stars