Cooking with the Sneetches

Cooking with the SneetchesCooking with the Sneetches (Step into Reading) by Astrid Holm, Erik Doescher
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 0593706242
Genres: Children's Beginning Readers, Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Cooking with the Sneetches by Astrid Holm and illustrated by Erik Doescher, brings the reader the familiar Seuss characters, the Sneetches, at the beach with a cookout to round out their day. We follow along with the lovable characters in an easy to read format with repetitive and rhyming text whose cadence moves the story along.

The bright yellow Sneetches with their green-starred bellies and smiling faces are a friendly invitation to our youngest readers while having a great time doing all things beachy. This is a great book to help emerging readers navigate new words they can derive from the illustrations on every page. There is the clear and sparse text expected from a Step 1 reader to engage without overwhelming showing the fun and helpful nature of friends at the beach.

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston

four-stars

Bunny with a Big Heart

Bunny with a Big HeartBunny with a Big Heart (Beginner Books) by Marilyn Sadler
Series: Funnybunny
ISBN: 0593480333
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

In this funny follow-up to the classic Beginner Book It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny, P.J. Funnybunny learns a lesson in kindness. Always rushing,  P.J. Funnybunny leaves toys on the floor and dirty dishes on the table. He forgets to return things, is impatient with his sister, and shows up late. When a twisted ankle lays him up for a few days, he recognizes the thoughtfulness of his family and friends. This inspires him to be a more considerate bunny. Humorous and colorful illustrations. The book has a good lesson without being too moralizing. Good book for starting conversations with young children about being more responsible and thoughtful.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Orris and Timble: The Beginning

Orris and Timble: The BeginningOrris and Timble: The Beginning by Carmen Mok, Kate DiCamillo
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536222798
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The first volume in a promised early reader trilogy. The first time I read this book I was sort of let down, mostly, I think, because I have such high expectations for a Kate DiCamillo book. However, I came to appreciate its simplicity more after the second and third reading and cherished it after the fourth reading. First of all, the wonderful illustrations by Mok are adorable and endearing. This is essentially a retelling of Aesop’s tale “The Lion and the Mouse.” Orris the rat lives alone in an old barn surrounded by his treasures, until the day his solitude is disrupted by a loud screech from a small owl  caught in a mouse trap. Inspired by the label on his sardine can to “make the good and noble choice” he reluctantly rescues the owl, despite the fact that owls and rats are natural enemies. Timble the owl and Orris the rat become friends by sharing stories and a gift of butterscotch in shiny gold wrapper. Short chapters and full-color illustrations make this book a great choice for a first chapter book, whether shared aloud or independently by a developing reader. Readers will look forward to seeing what the next adventures will be for these two unlikely friends.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

 

five-stars

A Magical Parade

A Magical ParadeAfro Unicorn: A Magical Parade (Step into Reading) by Anthony Conley, April Showers
ISBN: 0593704150
Genres: Animals, Cultural / African American, Fairy Tale
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

“A Magical Parade” by April Showers is an early reader featuring the Afro Unicorns. This story is for any unicorn lover, and is complete with glitter, rainbows, ribbons, and crowns! The plot is simple – the group of friends help another unicorn who lost their crown before the big parade. When the unicorns wear their crowns, they feel confident, and like they can do anything. The Afro Unicorns are all unicorns of color, making this a diverse and inclusive addition to any early reader collection. One of the unicorns is also given they/them pronouns, providing gender inclusivity as well. Recommended for ages 5-6 (Kindergarten to 1st Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Field Day

Field DayField Day! (Step into Reading) by Ashley Evans, Candice Ransom
ISBN: 0593643674
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Field Day is a transitional leveled reader in a series starring the Day kids (brother and sister). The short, declarative sentences tell the story of these elementary school-age siblings enjoying their field day. Beginning readers will enjoy this story about Field Day, and identify with the many activities (bouncy house, tug of war, etc.). The Day siblings are brown-skinned; the classmates are diverse in skin color and ableness. 

 New readers will enjoy this outing.The simple words, rhyming couplets and brightly colorful illustrations offer clues to help readers decode text. Recommended for public and school library collections. 

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

Arfy Has a Ball

Arfy Has a BallArfy Has a Ball (Step into Reading) by Troy Cummings
ISBN: 0593643739
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This leveled comic reader and its main character, Arfy, will delight new readers. Arfy is a dog who knows what he wants, and what he wants is a ball. Along with Arfy, readers will learn that in the search for a  just-right ball, one needs to be discerning. Some balls are too fast (a baseball zipping by), while others are too bright (a twinkling disco ball). In the end, he’s reconciled himself to a ball-less life, and then sniffs out a stinky, old tennis ball that he deems “perfect”. 

Arfy and his surroundings are cartoonish and brightly colored. The comic illustrations by Cummings and the simple, relatable storyline will keep readers turning the pages, and the repetitive text will give them confidence to keep reading.

Readers who enjoy comics and want to read on their own will love this. Highly recommended for public and school library collections. 

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

Rabia’s Eid

Rabia’s EidRabia's Eid (Step into Reading) by Rukhsana Khan
ISBN: 0593706811
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this leveled reader, we see Rabia, a young Muslim girl with brown skin, and her family as they enter the last day of Ramadan, and then celebrate Eid. Rabia is not expected to fast, because of her age, but wants to be part of it. The illustrations depict Rabia and her family in observance of Ramadan – in prayer, fasting, and then after sundown, breaking the fast by eating  dates. The view of muslim culture is joyful, and welcome. Other traditions, such as painting henna designs, wearing new clothes, praying as a community and donating money to the poor, are also shown. 

The appealing illustrations will capture the attention of young readers, and the simplicity of the text keeps the story moving along. Much information is offered through the illustrations – Rabia wears a hijab while kneeling on a prayer rug. There are concepts and words that will be familiar to some readers but not all such as Fitr, and the book does not offer additional context (glossary, author’s note, etc.) to deepen understanding. This is a great story for children with knowledge of Eid, who are interested in reading more about other children observing this Muslim holiday. If introducing Eid and Ramadan to young readers through this story, be prepared to answer questions that are not answered in the book. 

There are not enough leveled readers depicting Muslim families observing their faith, making this is a necessary purchase for public and school library collections.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

Green Machines and Other Amazing Eco-Inventions

Green Machines and Other Amazing Eco-InventionsGreen machines and Other Amazing Eco-inventions by Meadows, Michelle
Published by Random House Children's Books on 2024
ISBN: 9780593488041
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
one-star

This informational book uses the image of the Lorax and other characters from the Seuss book to introduce the reader to many interesting eco-inventions The Lorax is the narrator. Inventions are described using rhyming couplets with simple words and short sentences, for beginning readers. The last section of the book uses prose, longer words and more complex sentences to explain how inventors do what they do. This book is meant to open young readers up to inventions that solve ecological problems of all kinds, from polluted riverways to animal poachers.

The book leans hard into the Seussian rhyming couplet format, but the rhymes are forced and clunky. In describing a portable water filter: 

“Flip the whole thing over.
Glug, glug, glug, glug. Glug.
Safe drinking water flows into a clean jug.” 

The illustrations are mixed-media collage, combining photos with characters from The Lorax. In one description of drones being used to plant trees, there’s an image of the Oncler and his Super Axe Hacker superimposed over a photo of a deforested area. 

The connection between a beloved literary character and environmental inventions should work but the writing is uneven and unenjoyable. This book is not recommended.  

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

one-star

Words are Magic

Words are MagicWords Are Magic! (Step into Reading) by Felicia Whaley, Zaila Avant-Garde
Published by Random House on 1/2/24
ISBN: 0593571673
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
Words are Magic is an enjoyable early reader that shares the joy and power of words.  The text is simple and the font is large, which is perfect for younger readers.  The strength of this book is the illustrations.  They are fun and colorful, without being too distracting, but they really stand out with how they invite the children to interact with them.  There are short words that the children can sing, shout, rhyme, trace, and draw, which will reach auditory and kinesthetic learners.  One two page spread is a city scene filled with signs that children can read either by using the picture as clues or with the help of an adult.  This book encourages children to practice basic early reading skills in a fun way and is recommended for any library with preschool or kindergarten children.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other StoriesBear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories by Jarvis
Published by Candlewick ISBN: 1536234575
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
The second installment in the “Bear and Bird” series, Jarvis hits the mark once again with his knack for blending whimsical, lively illustrations with equally witty stories. Bear and Bird are best friends, on the fast track to being up there with the greats, a la Frog & Toad. This irreverently funny collection of short stories starts with Bear and Bird in the middle of a mutual silent treatment, and though neither of them can remember exactly why they’re fighting, they DO know they both need a new best friend. As they separately set out to find a new bestie, Bear & Bird are drawn back together in an unlikely way & this theme of unwavering support and friendship is woven through each story and each goof-up and misunderstanding along the way.

Short story collection for newly independent readers, this series has the feel of an instant classic. The illustrations will capture prospective readers’ eyes and Bear & Bird’s flawlessly flawed dynamic will keep kiddos coming back for installments yet to come. 

 

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME

four-stars