Format: Early Reader

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

Pete the Kitty’s Outdoor Art Project

Pete the Kitty’s Outdoor Art ProjectPete the Kitty's Outdoor Art Project by James Dean, Kimberly Dean
Series: My First I Can Read
Published by HarperCollins on March 14, 2023
ISBN: 0062974327
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

An “I Can Read” book featuring everyone’s favorite groovy kitty. Aimed at the Pre-K set, Pete the Kitty is tasked with finding pieces of nature for an art project. Usually one to use paints and paper, Pete is not so sure that art can come from objects in nature. As he walks around, he sees his classmates using objects to create interesting things like a flower crown and a pinecone turtle. Feeling inspired, Pete finds a way to create his own art with the items he finds. A nice exploration of the different ways we can define and create art for young readers. The text makes good use of repetition and sight words, and even throws in some new vocabulary like “nifty” and “awesome”, and the illustrations are clear and support the text. Get for collections with Pete fans or for those readers who always seem to have a few sticks and rocks in their pocket.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School Library

three-stars

Frankie and Friends: Breaking News

Frankie and Friends: Breaking NewsFrankie and Friends: Breaking News by Alea Marley, Christine Platt
on October 10, 2023
ISBN: 1536237949
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

This beginner chapter book series introduces us to Frankie, an aspiring newswoman who wants to be just like her journalist mama. Breaking News starts when Frankie’s mother, Franklynn, must leave their family game night to report on breaking news – something she frequently has to do. Everyone in the family understands the importance of mama Franklynn’s work, but her presence is always missed. With the help of Frankie’s friends (her dolls, a stuffed teddy bear, and her cat named Nina Simone) she uses everything her mama has taught her about journalism to cover a developing story.

Though the emotional core of the story is simple (we all miss our mamas sometimes), Breaking News organically explains complicated topics in media such as how to create a news story, how to maintain journalistic integrity, and why “hard news” can sometimes be inappropriate for younger kids. The vocabulary will be advanced for the target audience, but keywords are capitalized and elaborated upon in a glossary. The text is also paired with colorful, incredibly charming and emotive illustrations that help tell the story. The Frankie and Friends series might have niche appeal, but it’s perfect for kids interested in journalism, families who need help explaining jobs that require travel, and newly independent readers who aren’t afraid of big words, big concepts, and a longer story. Consider Frankie and Friends: Breaking News when purchasing books for transitional readers!

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Gnome and Rat

Gnome and RatGnome and Rat: (A Graphic Novel) by Lauren Stohler
Series: Gnome and Rat, #1, #1
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on June 13, 2023
ISBN: 0593487826
Pages: 66
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

From its adorable cover to its delightful endpapers, this elementary graphic novel focuses on friendship and the importance of the right hat. Short chapters celebrate the fabulous hat of Gnome, question whether hat is necessary or if hair will do (it will not), and ponder whether a new hat is necessary (it is not). Rat is a supportive friend, recognizing how important the hat is to Gnome. There are a lot of word bubbles on some pages, so it might feel overwhelming to emerging readers, but the pictures do a wonderful job of supporting story, so they could flip through and enjoy the bright, engaging illustrations. Stohler has created a delightful duo; fortunately, the end of the book promises future adventures.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School Library

four-stars

Lunch Buddies: Battle in the Backyard

Lunch Buddies: Battle in the BackyardLunch Buddies: Battle in the Backyard (Lunch Buddies, 1) by Daniel Wiseman
Published by Harper Alley on 9/26/2023
ISBN: 0063236230
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This amusing graphic novel for early readers tells the story of Marco, a talking sandwich, and a pair of dance enthusiasts in the form of squirrels. When Marco makes a sandwich and it comes to life, he is delighted to have an amazing new buddy. But when the squirrels that live in the backyard snatch Sandwich, they challenge Marco and his dog Poofy to fight them to get him back in the only way that makes sense: a dance battle. 

As absurd and hilarious as expected with plenty of food humor that will make both kids and adults laugh out loud. Serve to young elementary students who enjoy similar fare.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

four-stars

Frank and Bean: The Stinky Feet Monster

Frank and Bean: The Stinky Feet MonsterFrank and Bean: The Stinky Feet Monster by Bob Kolar, Jamie Michalak
Series: Frank and Bean
Published by Candlewick Press on 09/23/24
ISBN: 1536225460
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Frank and Bean are back in this funny early reader/early chapter book.  Frank is on the hunt for the Stinky Feet Monster, which Bean doesn’t believe is real.  They follow Frank’s map through the woods and into a cave, singing a song to try to attract the monster.  Instead they find a friendly family of monsters who run a cheese shop.  Young readers will enjoy the last chapter when they learn that Bean is actually the Stinky Monster!  The colorful and fun illustrations enhance the humor of the story and help move the plot forward.  There are other books in this series, but this book definitely works as a stand alone and would be a fun addition to any collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

How To Go Hiking

How To Go HikingHow to Go Hiking (Step into Reading) by Jean Reagan, Lee Wildish
Series: Step Into Reading/How To...: Step 2 "Reading with help."
ISBN: 0593644778
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

A paperback copy of the popular Step Into Reading series: Level 2 “Reading with help.” An unnamed boy and his uncle each get new hiking boots. So of course they decide to go for a hike. They load their backpacks with snacks, water, map, and binoculars. The boy wisely adds a first-aid kit as the uncle discovers at the top of the hill that he has a gotten a blister  Created by the same author and illustrator team as How to Babysit a Grandma and others in series, it combines the same hilarity and colorful comic book-like characters. The characters all have dark-ish skin and characteristics. Mom is depicted but there is not a dad in this family. Geared for beginning readers with short sentences and colorful illustrations depicting the text. A fun Easy Reader!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Harry at the Dog Show

Harry at the Dog ShowHarry at the Dog Show (I Can Read Level 1) by Gene Zion, Margaret Bloy Graham
ISBN: 0062747789
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Harry, the beloved black and white dog, is back in an Easy Reader format. When Harry goes to the park, he accidentally gets mixed up in the dog show and finds himself running the obstacle course. In typical Harry outcome – he is the blue ribbon winner. Anyone who is familiar with this adorable puppy will enjoy his antics in this book, as well. I, for one, am glad that Harry has been rediscovered for a new generation – or perhaps third generation. The original Harry the Dirty Dog was published in 1956. He ages well!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

How to Rock a Snow Day

How to Rock a Snow DayHow to Rock a Snow Day (Step into Reading) by Jean Reagan, Lee Wildish
Series: Step Into Reading/ How To...
ISBN: 0593644808
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A paperback copy of the popular Step Into Reading series: Level 2 “Reading with help.” A subject that every kid in the north will relate to. School is canceled because of snow so the kids have a snow day. There is so much to do: snow angels, snowmen, soup, and sledding. Created by the same author and illustrator team as How to Babysit a Grandma and others in series, it combines the same hilarity and colorful comic book-like characters. Geared for beginning readers with short sentences, repeated words, and colorful illustrations depicting the text. Nicely done and recommended for all Easy Reader collections.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars