Format: Board Book

Little Blue Truck’s Valentine

Little Blue Truck’s ValentineLittle Blue Truck's Valentine by Alice Schertle, Jill McElmurry
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on December 8, 2020
ISBN: 0358272440
Pages: 20
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

Ever popular Little Blue Truck is back for another installment. This is a board book that follows Blue as he delivers valentine cards to all the animals in the village. All the usual characters are represented, and the story has the usual theme of friendship and kindness. The illustrations are in line with previous Little Blue Truck books and add color and detail to the story. Recommended for wide purchase and for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton,Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Baby Shark! Based on the World’s Catchiest Song

Baby Shark! Based on the World’s Catchiest SongBaby Shark! by Stevie Lewis
Published by Henry Holt & Company on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 1250263182
Pages: 24
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

Although there are many board books about sharks (and this song) Stevie Lewis’  is the most appealing.   Adults who sing the song will get a huge positive response from their toddler audience.  Large eyes on children and sharks alike draws the reader’s attention to the interaction between children and animal. The use of color behind the glass is inspired as each shark has its own color and the water vegetation is vibrant.

This reader appreciates that the emphasis is on the animals; the aquarium tank is unadorned on the exterior and the children wear solid colored clothing bringing the eye to the sharks and their habitat.

Add this to public libraries that collect board books and place on personal gift list for favorite toddlers.

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

four-stars

I Love Genetics

I Love GeneticsI Love Genetics: Explore with sliders, lift-the-flaps, a wheel, and more! by Allison Wortche, Steve Mack
ISBN: 0358169011
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

This board book is an early introduction to the vast and fascinating world of genetics. How tall will you be? Why do some cats have short hair and others are super fluffy? Do you like broccoli? These are just some of the questions asked in the book. The only answer given is that we’re made of cells and our cells have genes. This level of information is appropriate for young readers. The illustrations are cartoonish and the flaps will keep young readers engaged and interacting. If you read this to slightly older kids, be prepared for bigger questions about what genes are and how they function because those questions just aren’t answered in the text. Recommended for readers 2 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Creature Features

Creature FeaturesCreature Features by Natasha Durley
ISBN: 1536210439
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

Introduces children to an assortment of common and strange animals. “Most of the time, they are grouped into big families, like all the birds together and all the fish together. But there are other ways you can group them—like those with big noses and those who have antlers!” There are eleven categories of anatomical adaptations illustrated with about 25 different species per physical trait presented throughout the book. (Good thing that it is a large 9” x 12” format.) Slight text prompts reader to look for a specific animal, e.g. “Which animal also has webbed feet?” I predict 3-year-olds will find this book engaging and their caregivers will find it grueling.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Old MacDonald Had a FarmOld MacDonald Had a Farm: Sing Along with Me! by Nosy Crow, Yu-Hsuan Huang
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536212180
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

Little is new in this edition of the traditional nursery rhyme “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”.   This long-loved rhyme/song is a basic for any toddler’s book collection making this a recommended purchase for those without a copy.  The original text copyright date is 2015 but it is the illustrations done by Yu-hsuan Huang in 2015 that make it so attractive for little ones and families.  Four farm animals are highlighted in this version with cute pull outs or movable features for each.   Even without white space the illustrations are appealing and colorful for toddlers to enjoy. The Sing Along with Me series offers a barcode which links to the song presented in the board book.  Pages are thick and the overall book is heavy but it should last longer than previous editions of this classic.

Good baby shower or new arrival gift that babies will grow into.  Not a necessary purchase for public libraries unless other editions of the title are in poor shape or missing.

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

four-stars

Little Baby’s Busy Day

Little Baby’s Busy DayLittle Baby's Busy Day: A Finger Wiggle Book by Nick Sharratt, Sally Symes
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536212784
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

Several babies are indeed busy but it is probably Mom or caregiver who is tired.  This board book is interactive and very touchable for babies and toddlers.   Older siblings will enjoy reading the book as they use fingers to act out the activity with baby sister or brother.  The children illustrated are diverse and large placed against colorful backgrounds.  Although the level of color is overwhelming to infants the toddler crowd will enjoy the totally recognizable daily events.  Each sentence starts with the same three words which will soon be repeated by the intended audience.

Good gift book but perhaps not a necessary purchase for libraries as the finger holes may become encrusted with food left from baby’s meals.

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

three-stars

Up Cat Down Cat

Up Cat Down CatUp Cat, Down Cat by Steve Light
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536210315
Genres: Animals
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars

Another well done board book is offered to toddlers by Steve light.   Two cats, one black and one white spend their day together doing just the opposite over six two-page illustrations.   As a concept book this is educational while it is busy being cute.    Back ground colors are brightly intense making the board book attractive to toddlers and their adult readers.  The large font size and simple text offers an opportunity for early readers to share with younger siblings.  Youngsters will enjoy searching for the mouse on each page.   They may also wonder why the wet white cat resembles a dog.

Add a copy to public library collections that include board books and gift to young toddlers.  Especially offer a copy to any cat lover with small children.

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

four-stars

B is for Becca

B is for BeccaBecca's Bunch: B Is for Becca: An ABC Book by Jam Media
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 0763690864
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
three-stars

Based on TV series Becca’s Bunch, this is a colorful, fun introduction to a child learning their ABC’s. Colorful characters throughout will. Very young children will want you to read this over and over.

For Preschoolers

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

three-stars

I Love Us: A Book About Family

I Love Us: A Book About FamilyI Love Us: A Book About Family (with mirror and fill-in family tree) by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Luisa Uribe
ISBN: 0358193303
Format: Board Book
Goodreads
four-stars


A celebration of all types of families and the bond that holds each one together: Love! This book includes a mirror so YOUR unique family will be reflected in the story. Work together to fill in the bonus family tree with the names of everyone you love.

Families can be big, small, silly, adventurous, loud, or messy, but they all have love in common. I Love Us! is all about the little ways families show they care: breakfasts made, play times shared, hurts soothed, and good times celebrated. With a mirror surprise and fill-in family tree, this special book makes a wonderful gift for children and the people who love them on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day—every day!

This board book is a wonderful celebration of all types of families and people. The simple text celebrates different things there are to love about one’s family — making breakfast, dancing to your own music, hugs, and more. Kids and parents will relate to the images and the events discussed throughout. The illustrations are colorful and detailed without being too busy. This is a great book for one-on-one sharing; my kids loved it at bed time. Recommended for babies and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

A Home for Goddesses and Dogs

A Home for Goddesses and DogsA Home for Goddesses and Dogs by Connor, Leslie
Published by Groundwood Books, HarperCollins, Katherine Tegen Books on February 25, 2020
ISBN: 006279678X
Pages: 385
Genres: Non-Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Format: Board Book, Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Lydia’s mom died of cancer recently. The 2 were very close and Lydia has so many memories, Especially of her mom being honest with Lydia about her disease and their creation of goddesses to celebrate things in their lives. Now she is living with her Aunt Brat and her wife Eileen, both have made her feel welcome but Lydia wants to make sure that she does everything right. The problem is the dog they adopt and want Lydia to love too, is a hand full and a dog that most people would find hard to love. There is humor in this story and tearful moments as well. The adopted dog (Guffer) is far from perfect, he is really awful and challenging, a dog that most people would not keep. But the way this new family works at that, their passions, humor and love, shine through to make things work. One of the best parts is the relationship between Lydia’s two aunts. It isn’t always perfect and there are arguments but the love they have for each other (and Eileen’s humor) keep the couple, and eventually Lydia and Guffer loved and grounded. Terrific book. Ages 9 and up. Cream.

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars