Format: Board Book

Maisy’s Town

Maisy’s TownMaisy's Town by Lucy Cousins
Published by Candlewick Press on July 19, 2022
ISBN: 153622443X
Pages: 20
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

First published in the UK in 1990. Maisy Mouse begins by “getting ready” and then goes to town to visit: the library, post office, park, salon, supermarket, garden center, clothing store, and café. A few pictures are a bit dated as few libraries still have sets of encyclopedias. Toddlers will enjoy pointing to and naming items on the pages on the right side. The book would be useful for building vocabulary.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Where’s The Doctor?

Where’s The Doctor?Where's the Doctor? by Ingela P. Arrhenius, Nosy Crow
Published by Nosy Crow on May 23, 2022
ISBN: 1536223999
Pages: 10
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
two-stars

A five-page lift-the-flap book to find the Nurse/Paramedic/Orderly/Doctor/You (foil mirror). Felt flaps were nicer than the usual paper. But content was not great; text reads like what it is (fairly generic, from a publishing company, not an author). Digital illustrations were not comforting (a kid sick in bed with a nurse wheeling an IV, or a speeding and worried looking paramedic), and choice of words, in my mind, was odd. For the age (0-3), a warmer intro to the concept of nurses and doctors would be welcome, but the words “paramedic” and “orderly” felt like mouthfuls for that age level. Not a must have.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

two-stars

Splash!

Splash!Splash! by Leslie Patricelli
Published by Candlewick Press on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 1536219835
Pages: 26
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

Splash! by Leslie Patricelli is a worthwhile addition to her oeuvre. The trademark bright illustrations and joyful characters create a story of beach time that will bring a smile to every reader’s face. The bold color choices, sing-song text, repetition of words, and energetic verb choices all combine to create an enjoyable read aloud for younger children. This is a lovely book for babies and children in Pre-K.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

I’m Up

I’m UpI'm Up! by Antoinette Portis
Published by Clarion Books on January 18, 2022
ISBN: 0358181348
Pages: 22
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

Early risers will enjoy this humorous board book. Small enough for little hands, “I’m Up!” will be dragged around the house to be enjoyed in every room. Young toddlers will love the colorful pages but parents will most identify with the dark background morning illustration. Cheer and happiness surround this new family as the birds fly, the flowers grow, and parents prepare their little one for the day. The author/illustrator has drawn circles throughout, it is the dominant shape. Perhaps the best two-page spread shows baby being rescued from the crib. Consider adding this colorful and joyful title to public libraries with board book collections. This title has a companion book.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

three-stars

I’m Still Up

I’m Still UpI'm Still Up! by Antoinette Portis
Published by Clarion Books on January 18, 2022
ISBN: 0358181356
Pages: 22
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

A simple and appropriately small board book that will entertain young toddlers. While the theme is simplistic many new parents deal with the reality that their baby is not a good sleeper. The illustrations are large and the facial expressions reveal emotion making this a good introductory book for little ones. Siblings may want to read out loud to a younger child because of the cute cat and dog pictures. New parents are apt to learn that bedtime can be a real struggle.

Readers may wish that all the pages had light backgrounds. Libraries that collect board books may want to consider this and its companion book “I’m Up!”.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

three-stars

I Believe in Me

I Believe in MeI Believe In Me by Emma Dodd
Published by Templar Books on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 1536223905
Pages: 24
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

In typical Emma Dodd style, the book is heartwarming and filled with sparkly, glitzy illustrations. This one’s message is about having faith in oneself. The story features a baby crocodile who discovers all the things he can do when someone cheers him on. Even when “clouds are gray” the sun will shine again, another day. The crocodile mom and baby are the main characters but the illustration of the flamingos really stands out. Sweet affirmation for someone who is in need of that, i.e EVERYONE!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

I’m Thinking of a Farm Animal

I’m Thinking of a Farm AnimalI'm Thinking of a Farm Animal by Adam Guillain, Lucia Gaggiotti
Published by Nosy Crow on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536220175
Pages: 8
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

I’m Thinking of a Farm Animal is a guessing game for young children. There are clues given in rhyme and the sturdy sliders pull out to reveal the mystery animals. This colorful farm board book promotes early critical thinking and verbalization, as well as introduces children to farm animals. It is a fun, interactive book for children and parents or educators.

Reviewed by Mary Webster, Isaac F. Umberhine Public Library

four-stars

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

The Itsy Bitsy SpiderThe Itsy Bitsy Spider: Sing Along with Me! by Yu-Hsuan Huang
Published by Nosy Crow on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 1536224030
Pages: 8
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

This book introduces a traditional song to the next generation with beautiful illustrations and interactive moving parts. The scenes are colorful and the sliding parts are thick and sturdy. Young children will enjoy singing along and moving the spider up and down the waterspout. With each movement more images are revealed, including a smiling sun, baby birds in a nest, a little worm popping out of the soil, and a beautiful rainbow after the rain. This is one that will be read many times.

Reviewed by Mary Webster, Isaac F. Umberhine Public Library

four-stars

Bizzy Bear Tow Truck Driver

Bizzy Bear Tow Truck DriverBizzy Bear: Tow Truck Driver by Benji Davies
Published by Nosy Crow on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 1536224006
Pages: 8
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

Bizzy Bear Tow Truck Driver is a fun, colorful board book with sturdy moving parts. The illustrations are reminiscent of Richard Scarry books. The book opens with Bizzy Bear answering the phone at his garage. He then sets off to help the rabbit family whose car has broken down on the side of the highway overpass. The road below can be spun to reveal a variety of vehicles being driven below. The moving parts are as thick as a board book page and young children will enjoy being able to slide Bizzy Bear on his car roller to check the engine, pulling the car up with the tow truck, and driving the bunny family home. The pictures are ones to be looked at again and again, discovering something new on every page with each reading.

Reviewed by Mary Webster, Isaac F. Umberhine Public Library

four-stars

Birds

BirdsLittle Kids First Board Book: Birds by Ruth Musgrave
Published by National Geographic Kids on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 1426371446
Pages: 26
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a National Geographic board book part of a series perfect for budding naturalists. Each two-page spread features a full color photograph of one bird species. There is one sentence in large text perfect for reading aloud to babies, but there is also an additional piece of information about the bird in smaller text. Read some of the words, read all of the words, or simply let baby marvel at the brightly colored birds. The ratio of text to picture is perfect for board book readers. Recommended for babies up through new readers.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars