Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

Make a Wish, Henry Bear

Make a Wish, Henry BearMake a Wish, Henry Bear by Liam Francis Walsh
Published by Roaring Brook Press on April 30th 2019
ISBN: 162672332X
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Make a Wish, Henry Bear, is written and illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist Liam Francis Walsh. The story is a hilarious spin on the classic, “be careful what you wish for” tale. The story opens with Henry Bear trying to go to bed, but his parents urge him to stay up just ten more minutes! The parents insist on cake for dinner, TV all day, and drawing on the walls. Children will enjoy this story of role reversal, but may need a little help figuring out that the reason Henry Bear’s parents are behaving as they are is because of his birthday wish: that detail is not revealed until halfway through the book. But, when Henry Bear meets a new classmate, Marjani, on his birthday, he finds a way to return to his life before the last wish. Marjani wears a hijab, and I appreciate how seamlessly Walsh incorporates this piece of diversity into his story. 

The illustrations complement and extend the text. The color pallette is simple, which makes the details of the teacher’s desk, for example, stand out even more. I discovered fun, new details every time I read the book. Recommended ages 4-8

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth

five-stars

Birds of a Feather; Bowerbirds and Me

Birds of a Feather; Bowerbirds and MeBirds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me by Susan L. Roth
Published by Neal Porter Books on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 0823442829
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Primary teachers and librarians may select this book because it highlights bowerbirds, perhaps to learn more about this Australian species of bird.  Art teachers will select this book because it provides the experience of viewing an artist at work.  It is parents and children who will make the choice to purchase Birds of a Feather: Bowerbirds and Me just because it is fascinating and beautiful.  Roth points out the artistic eye of the bowerbird and compares his creations to her own.  His composition is made using different tools but his materials are found object like hers.  The bowerbird’s goal of attracting a female bird is achieved, the artist’s goal of depicting her work process is presented and the result is a winning package.

Each page is delightful, some two page spreads are busy while others offer white space. Readers learn about a new species of bird but it is Roth’s artistic illustrations that make this a fantastic read.   Backgrounds vary, materials are organic and the colors used are consistent throughout the book.  Children will question if the author used feathers to make her hair and wonder how long it took her to collect all her bits and pieces for these stunning collages.  A recommended  addition to grade k-3  schools and public libraries.  Art teachers working with all ages would love to be gifted a copy of this title.

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

five-stars

Come Find Me

Come Find MeCome Find Me by Megan Miranda
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 0525578293
Pages: 336
Goodreads
five-stars

In Come Find Me by Megan Miranda, two teenagers, Kennedy and Nolan, are both alone after tragic events in their families. Kennedy sneaks out each night to continue her brother’s research into the cosmos, but discovers an unexpected signal. Meanwhile, in the next county over, Nolan yearns to understand what happened to his missing brother when he picks up an odd pattern on his electromagnetic field meter. Longing to understand what has happened, Kennedy and Nolan find one another on an Extraterrestrial Intelligence discussion board. Kennedy and Nolan find they are connected in unexpected ways as they work to understand the events that are taking place in their lives. 

While the novel starts off with strong paranormal elements, it quickly becomes a psychological thriller with well executed surprises that make this a quick read. This difficult to categorize book is perfectly suited for teenagers who enjoy Stranger Things and suspense-filled novels. Recommended for grades 8 and up

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth

five-stars

Maybe Tomorrow?

Maybe Tomorrow?Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell
Published by Scholastic Press on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338214888
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Elba is a little hippo struggling with a big sadness, in fact her sadness is so big it has formed a block that she is dragging around everywhere she goes. Norris is a crocodile who dances and brings fluttery butterflies with him  everywhere he goes. When the two meet, Norris suggests a walk to the beach, but Elba puts him off saying, “maybe tomorrow,” pointing to the dark block tethered to her arm. Norris gently coaxes Elba to share her block with him and as Elba opens up about her sadness, sharing it with her new friend, she finds that her block is not quite so heavy anymore. This simple metaphor is accessible to the readers of a picture book and will resonate with readers/listeners. The book is a lovely exploration of loss and the power found in being present with a person who has experienced loss. Illustrations by Gonzalez perfectly capture the stunningly beautiful text by Agell. A must-have for any collection and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Gondra’s Treasure

Gondra’s TreasureGondra's Treasure by Jennifer Black Reinhardt, Linda Sue Park
Published by Clarion Books on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 0544546695
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Biography/Autobiography, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Gondra, a little dragon with an Eastern dragon dad and a Western dragon mom, celebrates her uniqueness in this sparkling collaboration between Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park and rising star artist Jennifer Black Reinhardt.
Gondra has inherited traits from both her eastern (Asian) dragon dad and western (European) dragon mom and enjoys them all. She's especially happy that she's a combination of both. Cheerful banter and hilariously adorable dragon portrayals present a warm, appealing family portrait. The beautiful and fanciful illustrations are rich in whimsical details that invite repeated readings.

“Gondra’s Treasure” is told from the perspective of a baby dragon who has a Western Dragon  mom and an Eastern Dragon dad.   Gondra sports characteristics of each and is curious as to the origin of each talent and power that she witnesses.   Gondra’s parents appreciate their own differences  as well, sometimes lovingly  teasing   one another regarding  their varying traits. (a trait perhaps observed in a loving and happy family)  Learning to apprecite what she  has inherited form both parents is encouraged and praised, thus helping little Gondra appreciate what she herself   has inherited.  Gondra wonders: Will she be able to fly like mom? Will she live in the clouds and rivers like her dad?  Will she have bronze scales like mom or green and blue  scales like dad? Gondra replys that she likes classy and she likes flashy both.  Her parents marvel at her traits in spite of whichever ones come forth. Rather than possessing and guarding  treasure in  caves,  as the Western dragons do –  or carry  around  a pearl in their  claw,  as the Eastern dragons do,  Gondra has enough conficence to declare “Oh, that’s right . We don’t need them anymore – because I’m  your treasure.”

This clever story points up the importance of learning to appreciate and value one’s own talents and abilities. This story would be good to use for increasing self confidence and allowing  one to be prous of their heritage.   A good book for recognizing  one’s uniqueness and learning to appreciate who we each are.

The illustrations are quite remarkable – well defined and humorous – whimsical and reminicent of Steven Kellog perhaps.  Children will enjoy their  humour and detail.  The author’s  note included at the end is well worth reading –  informative and interesting.

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

Hats off to Mr. Pockles!

Hats off to Mr. Pockles!Hats Off to Mr. Pockles! by David Litchfield, Sally Lloyd-Jones
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 0399558152
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“Hats off to Mr. Pockles” is an  imaginative and clever  picture book for ages 4  through 8.  Mr. Pockles, an odd little dog,  has a huge collection of hats.  “For Mr. Pockles,  going without a hat was like going around without any pants on.” Mr. Pockles owns  “an eating cornflakes hat, a drinking a cup of tea hat, and a going to bed hat among many others  BUT  a scarcity of  friends.  “It’s funny how wearing a hat cheers a personage up,” said Mr. Pockles.  But one day it didn’t and Mr. Pockles desperately wanted to attend “hat day” at the PandaPolitan Club. But Mr. Pockles was not a black and white  panda  and not allowed to attend.   To cheer himself up,  he dicided to buy a treat at the “Treat House,” whereupon he meets  Mrs. Lady Coco Fitz-Tulip sporting a hat decorated with banans, grapes, and pineapples. What happens,  after some bunny rabbits begin to snack upon her hat is well . . . both funny and very silly

A nice book to utilize when discussing how it feels to be left out and to not have many friends.  Young children will  enjoy the silliness of this story while  learning about  kindness, compassion, generousity and inclusiveness.  This book wonderfully demonstrates the  fact that  our similarities are much more significant  and universal in nature  than our perceived differences.  The story ends on a positive note by showing the happiness that can result from making new friends, sharing, and by discovering the pure joy of being alive and celebrating life all together.

The illustrations in the book are bright, lively and humorous while  accentuating and supporting  the text nicely.

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwtaer School. Portland, ME

five-stars

You Are Light

You Are LightYou Are Light by Aaron Becker
Published by Candlewick Studio on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1536201154
Pages: 16
Goodreads
five-stars

A board book like no other, this title is a piece of art that literally shines in sunlight.  Each page contains circular paper cuts, some containing colored inserts. The simple but thought provoking text complements the colors chosen for each individual page.  And then there are the circular illustrations which carries the theme and intent of the book. There is great emotional value within the text that will not be missed by children and adults.

You Are Light is the complete package, it is a perfect book for toddlers at home and nursery school environments. Try to read this book where there is a source of light so viewers can appreciate the full experience.  All public libraries need to make this purchase and families are encouraged to use as a gift book for preschool events/parties. A special recommendation for religious institutional collections.

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

five-stars

The Rabbit The Dark, and the Cookie Tin

The Rabbit The Dark, and the Cookie TinThe Rabbit, the Dark, and the Cookie Tin by Nicola O'Byrne
Published by Nosy Crow on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1536205761
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“The Rabbit The Dark and the Cookie Tin is a clever, fun, and intriguing story for children ages 4-8.  Rabbit does not want to go to bed.  “I don’t wan t to go to bed, “said Rabbit, (with an attirtude) “and if it doesn’t get dark, I won’t have to.”  Then Rabbit has a very clever idea. He grabs a cookie tin,  containing the last cokie, and ” storms”  outside to find the dark.  The dark, which is  personified, reaches out with one dark hand to snatch the cookie, and “SNAP,” the dark is captured.   Will the dark ever be able to convince Rabbit to let him/her go free?

This book portrays  cleverness and a very playful imagination – just what  many teachers love to see in young children.  The way in which  these three very different  elements , – a cookie tin, a rabbit, and the dark,  interact  to serve up  a simple and delightful story is amazing.

This is a book to read just for fun or/and to provoke the use of imagination. Appropriate for any season of the year.  The animals in the story are expressive and brightly colored,  standing out nicely from a mostly white background. The predominantly white background  sets up a nice contrast for when an  “explosion” of dark erupts from the cookie tin.  Young children will find this story to be intriguing and surprising.

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

 

five-stars

Say Something!

Say Something!Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
Published by Orchard Books on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 0545865034
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Say Something is unique in its diversity and level of kindness shown between children.  Reynolds acknowledges all children and motivates them to raise their voices concerning justice and personal power.   Interactions within this book are positive and express empathy, we all need more of the ability to reach out to others and to speak up.

The illustrations are fairly simple and direct, they appear on backgrounds featuring many dots and vivid colors.  On one page the dots turn into birds reinforcing the message to “Keep saying it…and you may be surprised to find the whole world listening”.  Imagine how that sentence sounds to a shy child who has yet to find her/his voice. 

Building self-confidence and honoring the freedom of expression needs to be part of the educational process for all youngsters.   Add this to primary school media centers, put on public library shelves and gift to K – second grade teachers.  In addition school guidance counselors would appreciate a copy to use with students.

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

five-stars

Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat Friends

Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat FriendsMisunderstood Shark: Friends Don't Eat Friends by Ame Dyckman, Scott Magoon
Published by Orchard Books on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1338113887
Pages: 42
Goodreads
five-stars

In the first “Misunderstood Shark” book, Bob the jellyfish ends up getting eaten while interviewing Shark for his TV show, Underwater World with Bob.  The opening endpapers of this sequel give us a brief recap of that by showing Bob in Shark’s stomach.  The action begins right away on the title page with Bob being burped up as his camera crew begins filming the next episode of his show.  In this episode, Shark claims NOT to have eaten Bob; that he was just giving him a tour.  While Bob and Shark argue about whether or not Shark did, in fact, eat Bob, they also teach us some actual facts about sharks.  In the end, both Bob and Shark apologize and remain friends.  This book, along with the first in the series, is a first purchase.  Great for all ages.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

five-stars