The Puppets of Spelhorst: a Norendy Tale

December 5, 2023

The Puppets of Spelhorst (The Norendy Tales) by Julie Morstad, Kate DiCamillo
Published by Candlewick Press on October 10, 2023
Pages: 149
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Told with DiCamillo’s trademark elegant simplicity and wit, this first in a series of original fairy tales will not disappoint her many fans.

Five friends, puppets all: a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl, are taken from a shop window and become part of a Story. They are at first together in their story, which takes them by a roundabout route to the home of two young girls, before each has an adventure of their own – sometimes gently harrowing – before they are happily reunited. DiCamillo creates wonder in simple pleasures such as a rising moon, and a song, and a puppet show that magically reflects life.

Chapters are short, and black and white pencil drawings by Julie Morstad beautifully illustrate the text. Text is straightforward enough for a reader of short chapter books, but never feels like it is being simplified. It would also make a lovely read-aloud for slightly older children who do not need an illustration on every page to remain engaged.

5 Stars

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

Pizza y Taco: ¿Quién es el mejor?

October 24, 2023

Pizza y Taco: ¿Quién es el mejor?: (A Graphic Novel) (Pizza and Taco) (Spanish Edition) by Stephen Shaskan
ISBN: 0593704320
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Pizza y Taco: ¿Quién es el mejor?” is the Spanish edition of “Pizza and Taco: Who’s the best?” by Stephen Shaskan. Pizza and Taco are best friends, but which one of them is the best? They vote on it, but end up in a tie (or with a write-in candidate winning their second voting attempt). They decide to have a competition! Who is the best? Bright and engaging illustrations that are a combination of photos and cartoony drawing catch the eye. Written for ages 5 through 8, this is a silly graphic novel about friendship with lots of goofy antics, this book is a must-buy for all youth graphic novel collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

Give What You Can

October 20, 2023

All Are Welcome: Give What You Can (Step into Reading) by Alexandra Penfold, Suzanne Kaufman
Series: All Are Welcome
Published by Random House on 09/05/2023
ISBN: 0593430077
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Give What You Can, part of the All Are Welcome series, is an early reader book with a great message for children. The kids in the story work together to make their community better. The bright, colorful illustrations are full of diverse characters with different ethnicities, religions and physical abilities. This book is designed for children who recognize sight words and have basic decoding skills. Some of the text repeats, which will also help the readers build their fluency skills. This book is very inclusive and would be a great addition to an early reader collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

Fish and Worm

October 7, 2023January 17, 2024

Fish and Worm (I Can Read Comics Level 1) by Sergio Ruzzier
Published by HarperAlley on May 23, 2023
ISBN: 0063290359
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
This I Can Read! Comics leveled reader brings new meaning to “playing with your food”. In the usual mealtime struggle, Fish is told by his mother to eat his dinner, which Fish is disinclined to do. (He’d rather have cake.) After Mom leaves, a discussion with his dinner leads to fun and frivolity. Children will love the resolution.

The simple vocabulary, hilarious plot and appealing art in Fish and Worm will delight new readers. This title is a great way to introduce younger readers to the concept of graphic novels. The language of comics (panels, word balloons, etc.) is introduced clearly and well in the front matter, in “Cartooning Basics”, which also includes a “How to Read Comics Guide”. Highly recommended for all libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS Young School Library, Saco

Elena Rides

September 12, 2023

Elena Rides by Juana Medina
Published by Candlewick Press on March 14, 2023
Pages: 24
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars
With its joyful cover and positive message, Elena Rides is a great addition to an emerging reader collection. Elena the elephant attempts to ride her bicycle. She rides and wobbles and falls. She rides and tries and falls. She cries. She gets back on and glides and flies and falls. She is about to give up when a little encouragement from a friend sets her upright again, and off she goes. Short and to the point, this book has large, clear illustrations, some fun onomatopoeias, simple, but engaging text, and a relatable message: we try things and we fall, but we get back up and try again. The glee evident on Elena’s face while successfully riding her bike is infectious and listeners will want to hear this one over and over.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

Shermy & Shake: The Not-So-Nice Neighbor

September 7, 2023

Shermy & Shake: The Not-So-Nice Neighbor Shermy and Shake, the Not-So-Nice Neighbor by Kirby Larson, Shinji Fujioka
Published by Candlewick Press on May 9, 2023
Pages: 96
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars
A story of an unlikely pair of friends; Shermy and Shake are polar opposites in every way. Shermy is the bookworm, Shake is the get-out-and-go type of kid. Shake is visiting for the summer and time moves quickly with the storyline highlighting the moments where they just don’t understand each other. As the summer progresses, they find more and more in common. This is a good story about finding ways to make friends and finding commonality with those around you. It has an easygoing prose and a nice smattering of illustrations, and any young child will resonate with some of the frustrations (and hunger) that the two main characters feel!

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Patten Free Library, Bath

How to Love a Pony

September 6, 2023

How to Love a Pony by Michelle Meadows, Sawyer Cloud
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on May 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593483162
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
three-stars
This beginning book will take emerging readers through a year of caring for a pony, including feeding, brushing, and training. The text is relatively simple and readers can use the illustrations to help them solve most of their new words, though some adult support will probably be needed. The text rhymes and has an easy rhythm to follow, which could help readers build fluency. One of this book’s biggest strengths is the diversity of characters represented in the illustrations. The main character is a Black girl and the other people in the book are a variety of ethnicities and have different body types. This book would be a great addition to an Early Reader collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

See the Ghost

August 14, 2023

See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See by David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Candlewick Press on July 25, 2023
Pages: 64
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars
Book 3 in the “See the Cat” series. The Geisel Award–winning creators of See the Cat and See the Dog return for a comical new spoof of three stories about things they cannot see: ghost, wind, and fairy. Playful and colorful characters. This beginning reader makes use of repetition and context clues. The speech bubbles add comical commentary from the dog and cat characters and from characters you cannot see. Recommended for all Easy Reader collections.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Vivi Loves Science: Wind and Water

August 14, 2023

Vivi Loves Science: Wind and Water (I Can Read Level 3) by Kimberly Derting, Shelli R. Johannes, Joelle Murray
Published by Greenwillow Books on January 10, 2023
ISBN: 006311660X
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
This story opens with main character Vivi fascinated by a strong storm one evening. The following morning over breakfast, her parents tell her that the local park ranger needs help cleaning up the beach. After picking up Vivi’s friend Graeme, they all head over and get to work. The two children are surprised to see not only trash and debris, but a changed landscape. The ranger teaches them about erosion, and when they see their teacher assisting with the cleanup, they excitedly share what they have learned. The following day at school, Vivi and Graeme’s teacher has them perform a science experiment for the class so they might share this important information. The experiment involves pouring sand into different containers and using poured water and air blown through a straw to illustrate the effects on a smaller scale. In the back of the book there is a step-by-step guide to replicate the experiment at home, including a variation using rocks and plants to learn about how they help retain the shape of the soil.

Children ages 4-7 will appreciate this early reader, especially those who are already interested in science.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library

Gigi and Ojiji: What’s in a Name?

August 14, 2023

Gigi and Ojiji: What’s in a Name? (I Can Read Level 3) by Melissa Iwai
Published by HarperCollins on January 3, 2023
ISBN: 0063208091
Pages: 31
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars
This early reader has it all: likable characters, an interesting plot, life lessons, and cultural references. Gigi decides one day that her nickname is “a baby name”, and that she’s ready for something a bit more grown-up. The adults in the story (her parents and Ojiji, her Japanese grandfather) respect her choices, even as they change. Following a series of events, Gigi realizes that her name really does suit her and feels best after all. Along the way, readers learn a bit of Japanese, see Gigi’s excitement over visiting her public library, and follow along as the characters work their way through a scenario that may feel familiar.

Gigi and Ojiji: What’s in a Name is an excellent pick for libraries looking to bulk up their early reader collection.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library