Marco Polo Brave Explorer

May 4, 2022

Marco Polo Brave Explorer by Cynthia Lord, Stephanie Graegin
Series: Book Buddies #2
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536213551
Pages: 68
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars

The second title in the easy reader Book Buddies series by award winner Maine author Cynthia Lord is enchanting and sensitive. The author knows her audience and has provided a heart-warming story about a boy who needs something to make him brave. Marco is a small character with a large heart who is borrowed from the local library for a special reason. Without the mouse, readers might never have experienced a first sleepover with a charming protagonist named Seth. The story is told in a compassionate voice which is reassuring and very honest. Graegin’s illustrations make for a perfect complement as they depict the three boys, a family cat and the lost toys. This reader is unsure who her favorite character really is; it could be Marco Polo, Tulip the cat, or Seth.

If only all libraries offered book buddies to their young patrons, what a service that would be! Marco Polo Brave Explorer is a delightful easy reader with 68 pages of exciting text and delightful illustrations. Media Centers in primary schools, public libraries and grade 1-3 classroom collections should all have this and the first book in the Book Buddies series.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

Fergus And Zeke And The 100th Day of School

April 25, 2022April 25, 2022

Fergus and Zeke and the 100th Day of School by Heather Ross, Kate Messner
Series: Fergus and Zeke #4
Published by Candlewick Press on December 14, 2021
ISBN: 1536213004
Pages: 56
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars

Fergus And Zeke And The 100^th Day of School is the fourth in an excellent advanced easy reader series. Messner had previously introduced readers to these two talented mice; this book will satisfy those who follow Fergus and Zeke. These charming and well-developed animal characters capture the interest and provide humor to readers. Although the text is written in nearly chapter book level the font is large and clear for advanced grade 1 – 3 readers.

Illustrations created by Ross are full of action. Rats and children express emotion as they progress through normal school activities including art and gym classes. The color pallet is simple and plenty of white space is used.

Add this book where easy readers are collected in libraries and classrooms. When thinking of gifts for this age group, Fergus and Zeke stories make excellent selections.

Tiny Tales: Shell Quest

March 25, 2022

Tiny Tales: Shell Quest by Steph Waldo
Published by HarperAlley on June 22, 2021
ISBN: 0063067838
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
three-stars

A slug is trying to play with two snails, but the snails tell them that they can’t play without a shell. The slug goes off to try to find a shell and instead finds an acorn top. Things change when the trio encounter a group of animals that don’t have shells and don’t look alike and are all still friends and play together.

This early reader is in graphic novel format and is a great way to introduce new readers to panels and the directionality of reading in the graphic format. The illustrations are composed almost entirely of browns and greens, and this fits perfectly with the setting. The message of inclusivity is a good one, though it takes a bit to get there at first.

Recommended for readers 5 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

Clark the Shark and the School Sing

March 25, 2022

Clark the Shark and the School Sing by Bruce Hale, Guy Francis
Published by HarperAlley on June 22, 2021
ISBN: 0062912577
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Clark is super excited for the school sing, he LOVES to sing. When the teacher tells him he’ll have to sing and dance at the same time, Clark wonders if he can actually do that. His friends and some practice help him feel confident.

This early reader is in graphic novel format. The text is simple but has some challenging words and phrases in it. The graphic novel format may present a bit of a challenge for new readers, but this is the perfect way to introduce them to panels and speech bubbles. The illustrations are loud and busy and some kids may find this distracting. They definitely add emotion and motion to the story.

Recommended for readers 5 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

Otter: Best Cake Ever

March 25, 2022March 25, 2022

Otter: Best Cake Ever by Sam Garton
Published by Balzer + Bray on August 3, 2021
ISBN: 0062991213
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
three-stars

It’s Teddy’s birthday, and Otter and friends want to make the perfect birthday cake. They all have ideas for what that is, but what they come up with is even better and fits Teddy perfectly. This early reader is great for new readers. The text is simple and repetitive with one to two sentences per page. The illustrations are colorful and will keep young and emerging readers engaged.

Recommended for new readers ages 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

National Geographic Readers: Rainforests (Level 2)

January 12, 2022May 19, 2022

National Geographic Readers: Rainforests (Level 2) by Andrea Silen
Published by National Geographic Kids on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 1426338384
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

This reader is one of the many in the National Geographic Kids collection. As a Level 2 Reader; it is appropriate for a young reader ready for longer sentences and more complex vocabulary. It is an informative book complete with interesting photographs and text. It covers information about rainforests and the animals and plants that make their home there. It addresses why it is important to preserve these unique treasures and some famous rainforests in the world. Throughout the book are riddles and a short quiz and glossary at the end. There are boxes on some pages labeled “Rainforest Talk” that give more detailed definitions of words that are used. This is a bit complex for a level 2 reader, but an adult could assist with the text. The National Geographic Readers are always filled with captivating pictures and facts and make learning fun for any young reader.

Reviewed by Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

Too Small Tola

January 7, 2022January 7, 2022

Too Small Tola by Atinuke, Onyinye Iwu
Published by Candlewick Press on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 1536211273
Pages: 96
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

Tola is a fresh face, she will be welcomed by early readers. Three stories within this book tell of Tola’s dedication to her family and community. Yes, she is small but she is also strong and smart, things girls should be known for. Though the stories take place in Nigeria young readers around the world will identify with the character’s desire to be helpful. This is a book that will appeal and endure a lasting following. Readers will want more books about Tola, her family and community. The digital illustrations add context to the text and provide a glimpse into Tola’s environment. Add to primary school media centers and donate to classroom collections.

Ivy Lost and Found

December 21, 2021

Ivy Lost and Found by Cynthia Lord, Stephanie Graegin
Published by Candlewick Press on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 1536213543
Pages: 80
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars

The first in a Book Buddies series; this book follows a doll named Ivy who has spent years in a box, after her owner grows out of the doll phase of her childhood. Years later she is unboxed and brought to a library program by her owner, who is now a librarian, to be lent to young children who want to take a stuffed animal home with them as a Book Buddy.

Ivy meets a cast of stuffed animal characters who talk about their experiences being borrowed. The point of view shifts to the girl, Fern, who ends up taking Ivy home. Ivy, the other dolls, as well as the humans in the story all learn a valuable lesson about growing up and showing kindness toward one another.

This book is a good early chapter book for a confident reader, has good talking points for showing boundaries out of love, for caring for one another and trying new things. It would also make a lovely read aloud, a chapter or two a night. Overall, it is accessible for kids ages 7-9.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Maine.

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat

December 7, 2021

See the Dog: Three Stories about a Cat by David LaRochelle
Published by Candlewick Press on September 14, 2021
ISBN: 9781536216295
Pages: 64
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars

Sequel to See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog, winner of Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. This one may be even better! Beginning readers will enjoy the three vignettes of Cat subbing for Dog. This is the perfect easy reader with simple, repetitive phrases, clever plot line, and humor. Mike Wohnoutka’s cartoonish illustrations are a fabulous contribution to the story. This book will appeal to Elephant and Piggie fans. (And who isn’t?!)

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

JoJo Makoons

November 3, 2021

Jo Jo Makoons: The Used-to-Be Best Friend by Dawn Quigley, Tara Audibert
Series: JoJo #1
Published by Heartdrum on May 11, 2021
ISBN: 0063015374
Pages: 80
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Fiction, Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars

Jo Jo Makoons introduces herself as a seven year-old first grader whose best friend is her cat, Mimi. This early reader is the first in a new series about an indigenous Ojibwe girl who lives on a reservation. Though not a fan of school JoJo has a great sense of humor which adds levity to the storyline. Readers learn words, pronunciations and some Ojibwe culture while enjoying this tantalizing sixty-two-page charmer. Eight short chapters combined with many humorous illustrations tell the story of a girl who needs more school relationships. The after pages contain a glossary, author’s note, a letter to readers, and a short bio of the author.

Primary school libraries and all public libraries should include this first book in their collection. Librarians will want to add other titles in the series as they are published. JoJo Makoons: The Used-To-Be Best Friend is an excellent example of the type of diverse materials that belong in all our libraries and classrooms.