Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Small in the City

Small in the CitySmall in the City by Sydney Smith
Published by Neal Porter Books on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 0823442616
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

The reader meets a small boy who is familiar with moving about the city. As he navigates the various areas, he explains that although one is small, one can survive the big city. The boy gives advice about what parts of the city one should avoid, dark alleys, yards with dogs that chase and bite,  and what places are safe, under a  mulberry bush, under a dryer vent to take a nap, and where to find food.  What the reader has to figure out is, who is the little boy giving advice to. The author slowly lets the reader know as the story continues. The illustrations compliment the text and are somewhat graphic in nature. Some of them are bright and defined and then there are those that are darker and muted. They evoke a strong sense of emotion as the boy travels through the city. This is a unique picture book that should not be missed.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

consider for Cream

five-stars

How Do You Care For a Bear?

How Do You Care For a Bear?How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear? by Rosie Butcher, Vanessa Bayer
Published by Feiwel & Friends on June 4th 2019
ISBN: 1250298431
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“How Do You Care For a Bear?” is Vanessa Bayer’s debut book. When young, she was diagnosed and treated for childhood leukemia.  This book, in an upbeat and joyous way, gives suggestions as to how one might help and “be there” for a friend who is experiencing illness.   Written and illustrated in such a way that is both reassuring and instructive, this adorable little picture book shows children how they might bring joy and happiness into the lives of others.  During times when one might  feel helpless and unneeded,  this book shows and reassures children  that  they  can make a difference.  And sometimes it’s enough to just “be there” and to be a friend.

I think this is an excellent book that gently provides  young children with several suggestions  of what they might do to bring happiness to a sick friend.  By doing so, a child may feel  a sense e of empowerment as opposed to feeling helpless and unneeded.

The illustrations are joyful and appealing.  I would recommend this book for children ages 3-8. Could be read anytime but especially when a child is concerned about another’s health.

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

five-stars

Queen of the Sea

Queen of the SeaQueen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis
Published by Walker Books US on June 25th 2019
ISBN: 1536204986
Pages: 400
Goodreads
five-stars

Dylan Meconis has created a historical fiction graphic novel that will wow readers. Clearly inspired by the Tudors, especially Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I, Queen of the Sea tells the story of Margaret, a little girl who was found by the nuns living on a small island in the middle of the sea. Margaret occasionally chafes against the rules of the Elysian sisters, especially when political prisoners, William and his mother, Lady Cameron, are exiled to the island. Eventually, they are also joined by Eleanor, the former queen, banished there by her half-sister, who is now sitting on her throne.

Though Margaret and Eleanor don’t get along at first, they grow to depend on each other as mysteries begin to unravel for Margaret about who she really is and what purpose the island actually serves.

Filled with a story pulsing with the drama of history and stylized illustrations that adapt to the story, Queen of the Sea is recommended for all collections serving kids between third and seventh grade.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

 

five-stars

Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains

Snow Leopard: Ghost of the MountainsSnow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains by Justin Anderson, Patrick Benson
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536205400
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Justin Anderson is a zoologist and filmmaker who spent months in India tracking and filming the very rare and very illusive Snow Leopard. He has offered his findings in this picture book for young zoologists. These  cats live very high in the Himalayas where oxygen is half of what it is at sea level, they have the longest tail of all the cats, their eyes are blue at birth and turn green or gray as they age- all other cats have gold or yellow eyes , they are extremely well  camouflaged, and they are in danger, with less than 4,000 in the wild. Anderson invites the reader along with him as he tracks this rarest of wild cats. Patrick Benson adds illustrations to this journey that are large, quiet and done in shades of browns. The author has included facts about the leopard at the bottom of each page , an authors note, an index, and websites to visit for more information. Add to collections on endangered species. This book is worth reading to readers who will one day be responsible for the fate of this beautiful and mysterious cat.

submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

consider for Cream

five-stars

Join the No-Plastic Challenge: a first Book of Reducing Waste

Join the No-Plastic Challenge: a first Book of Reducing WasteJoin the No-Plastic Challenge!: A First Book of Reducing Waste by Scot Ritchie
Published by Kids Can Press on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 152530240X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Part of the Exploring Our Community series,author Ritchie introduces readers to Nick and his friends who are learning about plastic pollution. They are challenged to go one day without using single use plastic. Told in story form, this book is filled with facts about the use and misuse of single-use plastics.This is the plastic we use once and throw away: forks, lids, straws, and how it affects every living thing on the planet. The author also explains in text and illustration how plastic is made.  The  text is in two forms, a story form simple and easy for those younger readers and then a bolder more deliberate form for the scientist reader. Each page of text  is supported  with illustrations digitally rendered. There is a glossary of words to know in the back of the book and many suggestions on how to live a more plastic free. This is an excellent STEAM introduction to one of our planets biggest contributors to pollution. It is a must for every library and every reader. CREAM

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

five-stars

A World of Discovery

A World of DiscoveryA World of Discovery by Richard Platt, James Brown
Published by Candlewick Studio on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536207667
Pages: 64
Goodreads
five-stars

An entry in the Candlewick Studios oversized non-fiction books series, A World of Discovery talks about world-changing discoveries throughout history.  The book starts in 3500 BCE with the wheel and ends with artificial intelligence. The book mentions 30 discoveries in total, from simple concepts such as fire, time, and the wheel, to massive advancements such as antibiotics, steam power, and refrigeration.  Each topic receives a 2 page spread with a writeup on the discovery and creator, along with quotes and interesting facts on the left, while the right-hand side has a one color illustration of the invention and how it works. The book takes items, many from our daily lives, and explains how revolutionary they were at one time.  It’s a great reminder to all of us to not take the world around us for granted. Best for ages 8-14.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Out of my Shell

Out of my ShellOut of My Shell by Jenny Goebel
Published by Scholastic Press on June 25th 2019
ISBN: 1338259555
Pages: 224
Goodreads
five-stars

Olivia’s parents are getting a divorce. She’s trying very hard to be cheerful and not let anyone down. She’s pretending that everything is still okay. She’s going through her first family vacation at her grandparents with mom,  and her little sister Lanie. Mom and Lanie were a bookend and she and her dad were the other bookends in looks, personality, and interests. Her aunt comes for a visit with her twin toddlers (the mob) and starts trash talking her dad, and trying to get her mom to move back to Florida. Her friend from across the street is different this summer. His grandfather is a caretaker to a big Hotel that has a new owner. The new guy is a jerk and doesn’t care about the turtles that are trying to nest on the beach. Olivia does some research, some growing up, and learns to come out of her shell. Her sister almost drowns …

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick GNGMS Gray

I recommend this book for cream, it’s a very realistic self-help book for kids who can identify with family problems.

 

five-stars

My Grandma and Me

My Grandma and MeMy Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin, Lindsey Yankey
Published by Candlewick Press on August 13th 2019
ISBN: 0763694940
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

My Grandma and Me

Not only an autobiographical love story of a little girl and her Grandma this book goes beyond the family to include the larger Muslin community in Iran.   Readers feel the adoration in the storyline as they learn about traditions in a culture that may be unlike their own.  Unity of thought however comes alive as the reader remember their own childhood cooking with a grandmother and playing with friends.  The Holidays may be different but the underlying reality of love between generations and sharing of time is comprehended by all.  This title can be seen as a work of art, My Grandma and Me is full of lovely patterns in the curtain, clothing, rugs, tiles and fabrics.   All of the characters are charming as they express their happiness, joy and love in simple daily task.  This is a cultural story of love that will touch all who open the book and read the story.

Add this to primary school media centers, public libraries and gift to families.  A perfect story book for grandmas and granddaughters.

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

five-stars

On Snowden Mountain

On Snowden MountainOn Snowden Mountain by Jeri Watts
Published by Candlewick Press on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 0763697443
Pages: 208
Goodreads
five-stars

This historical fictional novel takes place during WWII. Twelve year old Ellen faces many challenges. Her father has left to fight in the war and her mother is suffering from severe depression. Ellen contacts her aunt to help them. They go to her aunt’s home in the mountains of Virginia. There is no electricity or running water. Life is much different than what Ellen and her mother were used to in Baltimore. Ellen meets and becomes friends with a classmate who faces his own set of difficulties. There are many touching moments in this well written story that deals with family, friendship, mental illness, domestic violence, and alcoholism. The characters and the plot are very well developed. Although, this story takes place in the 1940s the issues are contemporary. I highly recommend this exceptional book for grades 4-6. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

five-stars

Rachel’s Roses

Rachel’s RosesRachel's Roses by Ferida Wolff, Margeaux Lucas
Published by Holiday House on August 20th 2019
ISBN: 0823443655
Pages: 112
Goodreads
five-stars

This short chapter book is set in the early 1900s in an immigrant neighborhood in New York City. Rachel is in third grade and has a younger sister Hannah. The family is getting ready for the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. Rachel and her sister will be wearing identical skirts and she wants hers to stand out from Hannah’s skirt. Rachel ends up in a situation that causes her to need extra money for some special buttons that are beyond her family’s means. This endearing story about family relationships demonstrates what is really meaningful in the end. The story is short and simple. The message is strong and clear, but not didactic. Black and white drawings enhance this delightful book. An author's note is included. I highly recommend this for 3rd and 4th grade readers. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish.

five-stars