Format: Early Reader

Too Small Tola

Too Small TolaToo 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.

four-stars

Ivy Lost and Found

Ivy Lost and FoundIvy 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.

five-stars

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat

See the Dog: Three Stories About a CatSee 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

five-stars

JoJo Makoons

JoJo MakoonsJo 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.

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

Recommend for Cream of the Crop

five-stars

Fish and Sun

Fish and SunFish and Sun by Sergio Ruzzier
Published by HarperAlley on June 22, 2021
ISBN: 0063076640
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

A simple early reader from the I Can Read series told in a comic-style with one full image per double-page spread. Little Fish is bored and cold. When he wanders to the surface, he meets Sun, who is bright and warm. The two play until, predictably for the reader, though not Fish, Sun sets. Luckily, Fish finds Sun again the next day and the two agree to play everyday. Ruzzier’s soft, warm watercolor illustrations pair with simple text to make this a sweet and enjoyable book. The book includes a note to parents before the text begins explaining how to read comics and their leveling parameters.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

In the Desert

In the DesertNational Geographic Readers: In the Desert (Pre-Reader) by Michaela Weglinski
Published by National Geographic Kids on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 9781426338359
Pages: 24
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
three-stars

Pre-Reader in the series “National Geographic Kids.” The lush colored photographs of animals typical of National Geographic books are the prominent feature of this book series. The controlled vocabulary is suitable for the more advanced emergent reader. Simplistic but reliable information.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Splat the Cat; and the Obstacle Course

Splat the Cat; and the Obstacle CourseSplat the Cat and the Obstacle Course by Rob Scotton
Published by HarperCollins on May 4, 2021
ISBN: 9780062697165
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
five-stars

What older brother wants to hang out with his little sister?   Readers may start with that question but their view of Flo is bound to change as her ballet skills become apparent on the obstacle course.  This early reader in the I Can Read series is sure to win the approval of pre and early readers.  The theme combined with the humor and illustrations makes this book a winner.  Scotton’s illustrations of the course and his facial expressions on the cats will delight all readers.

Primary school librarians and preschool – grade 1 teachers will want this book added to their library and classroom collections.   I Can Read book always make great holiday and birthday gifts.

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

 

five-stars

Bug Blonsky and His Swamp Scout Survival Guide

Bug Blonsky and His Swamp Scout Survival GuideBug Blonsky and His Swamp Scout Survival Guide by E.S. Redmond
Series: Bug Blonsky #2
Published by Candlewick Press on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 1536206768
Pages: 96
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
four-stars

Humor and adventure define this early chapter book for primary grade readers.  Bug and his scout troop are on a camping trip, one where he believes he will see Big Foot.  While other scouts receive more approved badges Bug has a of list of skills,  which in his mind should quality for badges.  Written with compassion for a young boy who is somewhat unique and true to himself, this book will find its way into the heart of many early readers both boys and girls.   The illustrations add to the humor and sometimes highlights the heroin’s distress.  Readers will be entertained, surprised by the plot change and are bound to enjoy the bathroom humor.

As the second in the Bug Blonsky series this book does stand on its own.  The characters are introduced without the need of background information from the first title.  Librarians in primary schools will want both the first and second book in the series.  Public libraries who collect early chapter books should add this series to their shelves.

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

four-stars

The book no one wants to read

The book no one wants to readThe Book No One Wants to Read by Beth Bacon
Published by HarperCollins on June 15, 2021
ISBN: 006296254X
Pages: 176
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader
Goodreads
three-stars

This is the follow-up to Bacon’s I Hate Reading, and it follows the same format. The book is written as if the book itself is having a conversation with the reader. It is full of humor and fun activities to keep young readers engaged. Each page asks the reader to do something to or with the book — complete a maze, wink, make silly faces, and more. This reviewer’s 6-yr old new reader found the entire thing amusing and read the entire 176 page book in one sitting. The only criticism is that some of the humor will go over the heads of young readers and the concept of having a conversation with the book can be a little confusing. Recommended for reluctant readers and new readers who enjoy some humor in their books.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars