Format: Early Reader

Bill & Rose: Forever Friends

Bill & Rose: Forever FriendsBilly and Rose: Forever Friends by Amy Hest, Kady MacDonald Denton
Series: Billy & Rose, #1, #1
Published by Candlewick Press on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 1536214191
Pages: 48
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars

Four sweet stories about friendship that express compromise and communication. Billy, a sheep, and Rose, a pig, are best friends who enjoy sharing time and minor adventures. Much like Frog and Toad, these new characters learn to work together despite having different approaches to a situation. Hest’s newest animal pair are authentic and timeless, their friendship is playful and sincere. MacDonald Denton’s illustrations are expressive; the soft coloration and vast white space allow the characters to have center stage. Readers will look forward to other stories about these friends.

Librarians might shelve this book as an early reader or a seasonal concept book. The illustrator’s choice of clothing and environmental markers places the four stories in distinctive seasons. Recommend for grades K-1 classroom collections and on the shelves of public libraries.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian

five-stars

Harry’s Squirrel Trouble

Harry’s Squirrel TroubleHarry's Squirrel Trouble by Gene Zion, Margaret Bloy Graham
Published by HarperCollins on August 9, 2022
ISBN: 0062747754
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
three-stars

Harry the Dog is back in this story about a neighborhood dog and his nemesis. Intended for beginning readers, the book’s short, simple sentences lead the reader through Harry’s travails and eventual triumph. Harry is being blamed for the antics of a squirrel in his own backyard but finds a way to cleverly expose the hooligan, ending satisfactorily for all. The character and illustrations, based on the originals by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham, will engage emergent readers.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

three-stars

The Funny Book

The Funny BookThe Funny Book (Bobo and Pup-Pup) by Vikram Madan, Nicola Slater
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 0593562801
Pages: 72
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
three-stars

Bobo and Pup-Pup are two good friends. Pup-Pup has a funny book he is reading that Bobo really wants to read too, but Pup-Pup wants to finish reading it first. Bobo disagrees and eventually the problem is resolved by the purchasing of a second book.

This is a book about sharing and problem-solving with friends, the text is simple and easily-read, and the pictures are cartoonish and graphic novel-adjacent. Not a first purchase, but appropriate for emerging readers and a fine addition to the collection.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

The Flamingo

The FlamingoThe Flamingo: A Graphic Novel Chapter Book by Guojing
Published by Random House Studio on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593127315
Pages: 144
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader, Graphic Novel, Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A small child of Chinese descent goes to visit her Lau Lau (grandmother) who lives by the beach. Over the course of the visit, Lau Lau tells the girl about a special flamingo feather Lau Lau has had since she was a girl. Over the course of the story, the two enjoy the beach, splashing in the ocean, picking up seashells, and even finding a recently hatched sea turtle egg. The child learns this flamingo was very special to her Lau Lau. When she returns home, the girl creates a special keepsake for Lau Lau – she illustrates a book with the story of the flamingo. This nearly wordless chapter book graphic novel is beautifully illustrated with whimsical watercolor and colored pencil drawings that evoke the sense of imagination children often possess. The connection between grandmother and grandchild in this story is touching and in many ways magical. This book would be best for 2nd-5th graders as an individual checkout. I recommend it for any library that serves children.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, MSAD #17 Librarian,  Oxford Hills

five-stars

The Bad Seed Goes to the Library

The Bad Seed Goes to the LibraryThe Bad Seed Goes to the Library by Jory John, Pete Oswald
Published by HarperCollins on March 29, 2022
ISBN: 0062954563
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

The Bad Seed Goes to the Library is the story of Bad Seed learning the ins-and-outs of good patron behavior, how to be respectful of noise levels, other patrons, and book due dates all with that charming Bad Seed twist of never quite learning the lesson, but coming quite close. The illustrations are delightful in this emerging reader addition to the Bad Seed stories. Bad Seed’s expressions are mischievous and joyful, adding to the fun of reading this story. This beginning reader has quite a few words per page, but overall this would be a good story to read with the help of an adult. Good for more confident emerging readers, a worthwhile addition to any library collection.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

The Good Egg and the Talent Show

The Good Egg and the Talent ShowThe Good Egg and the Talent Show by Jory John, Pete Oswald
Published by HarperCollins on March 29, 2022
ISBN: 006295458X
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

In The Good Egg and the Talent Show, the Good Egg does not  feel that he is talented enough to participate in the talent show. As the show goes on, he helps each act behind the scenes, so when it’s all over, everyone declares him the star of the show! This book has wonderful illustrations and funny scenes depicted with different food types performing talent show acts. It will keep your young readers happily flipping pages. The message of kindness being an important talent to cultivate lasts for a few pages, but a message like that is always good to repeat.

This would be a good addition to any emerging readers section.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Sir Ladybug

Sir LadybugSir Ladybug (Sir Ladybug, #1) by Corey R. Tabor
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on March 29, 2022
ISBN: 0063069067
Pages: 72
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Sir Ladybug is a knight for the modern age, he likes video games, baking cakes, and will always take on a quest when it is plopped in front of him. He has help on these adventures from his friends, Pell the roly-poly herald and Sterling the snail as his trusty steed. This early reader graphic novel uses colorful illustrations with simple line work to convey an easy joy and simplicity to the storyline. The text is humorous for both kids and adults, with some literary references peppered in for those who appreciate meta-humor, as well as knock knock jokes for the younger ones reading.

Each of the three main characters has something to bring to the table as far as adventuring goes, and the lessons on what it means to be brave and what it means to be “a monster” are well-worth remembering. This graphic novel is charming, funny, and thoughtful and would be well-suited for children grades 2-4.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Fish and Wave

Fish and WaveFish and Wave by Sergio Ruzzier
Published by HarperAlley on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 0063076675
Pages: 48
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Fish from Fish and Sun is back for another adventure. This time, Fish meets a small friendly wave but when Wave grows and grows, what’s a little fish to do? After a scary encounter with a really big wave, Fish rides on Wave’s back to endure the rise and fall of Wave’s natural way.

This is a gentle book for new readers. The text is sparse and perfect for those working on independent reading. It is in graphic novel format, so it’s a great opportunity for young readers to learn how to read panels. Ruzzio’s watercolor and line drawing illustrations bring the story to life and help carry the sparse text. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Food Truck Fiasco

Food Truck FiascoFrank and Bean: Food Truck Fiasco by Bob Kolar, Jamie Michalak
Series: Frank and Bean #2
Published by Candlewick Press on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 1536214418
Pages: 48
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

It’s time for another adventure in the second book of the Frank and Bean series written by Jamie Michalak and illustrated by Bob Kolar. “Frank and Bean: Food Truck Fiasco” features friends Frank (a hotdog) and Bean (a bean) trying to run a food truck. The Food Truck Friday Festival is happening and Bean hopes that his donut food truck will win. He is nervous because he has heard that another food truck owner named Mad Dog always wins. Bean asks Frank to come with him to the festival. Following the theme of friendship and having fun, Frank and Bean work together to find success!

Funny text with hilarious illustrations, this book is a solid purchase wherever humorous early readers are popular. Written for kids aged 5 to 8.

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

four-stars

Busy Street

Busy StreetBusy Street by Edward Miller
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 25, 2022
ISBN: 0593377257
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

“Busy Street” by Edward Miller is an early reader similar to Richard Scarry’s “Cars and Trucks and Things that Go.” We follow Mommy and Bonnie, two animals who are out for a drive. Passing by lots of other vehicles with other animals inside, this rhyming book will appeal to any child who loves reading about vehicles. There are fire trucks, school buses, construction vehicles, and more! The illustrations are very bright and colorful and add to the busy and bustling nature of the book. The book doesn’t break any new ground, but it will definitely be enjoyed by younger readers who like books about animals and things that go! Aimed at ages 3 – 7, this is a recommended purchase wherever vehicle books are popular.

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

four-stars