Claire and the Cathedral
Author/ Illustrator: Pam Fong
This is a wordless grayscale picture book, with pops of rainbow colors, for ages 4-8 about a young girl named Claire. When her mother takes her to a cathedral on a rainy day, she is initially quite bored. Then a brief ray of light shines through a stained-glass window and brings color and wonder back into Claire’s gray world. Soon she realizes there are rainbows all around her, if she looks closely.
But I'm a Pumpkin!: A Summerween Story by Heidi Moreno, Kat Choppy 
Author: Kat Choppy
Illustrator: Heidi Moreno
This picture book for ages 3-7 is about a little girl who can’t wait for Halloween. She plants a pumpkin patch and eagerly monitors the growth of her plants. The growing pumpkins can’t wait for Halloween either; they look forward to being turned into jack-o-lanterns. However, the girl finds a pumpkin with green stripes that just isn’t turning orange. She tries everything, from giving it extra water to thinking the halloweeniest thoughts, but it stays green. At first, the little girl is devastated to learn that her favorite pumpkin isn’t a pumpkin at all! But, she still carves it into a jack-o-lantern and creates a new Summerween tradition.
This reviewer’s favorite illustration is at the end of the book and depicts the old wilted, smelly ant-filled watermelon on the porch with the freshly- made pumpkin jack-o-lanterns. This book will inspire readers to create their own watermelon jack-o-lanterns.
5 stars
Reviewed by: Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay
Lulu Didn't Want a Dog by Laurel Molk 
Like oil and water cats and dogs are things that often don't mix well. Lulu is a cat who likes things a certain way and likes her time alone to enjoy them. When the news comes her family will be welcoming a rescue dog, Gus, into the family she is highly apprehensive and downright displeased.
Gus arrives loud and boisterous, disturbing Lulu’s much prized peace and quiet. Lulu spends her day trying to get away from Gus to be able to have her time alone. When she finds a place where she can be all alone she also finds herself in trouble and it is Gus to the rescue.
This story is a wonderful look at how to overcome as well as celebrate differences.Ages 4-8
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.
The Wildest Thing by Emily Winfield Martin Eleanor loved wild things – and inside of her, there was something wild waiting to come out. Her mother calls her back into the house one night, since it is time to go to bed. And when she wakes up, the wild had come in. As she goes about her day surrounded by the wild, Eleanor comes further and further out of her shell embracing the wildness within herself. Finally, when the wild is quiet inside her head, all Eleanor wants is for a bath and to climb into bed. The pencil, gouache, and acrylic illustrations perfectly showcase the wildness coming into Eleanor’s house, as well as her pushing the limits and engaging with her own wildness. The gentle rhyming text makes for a sweet and easy read-aloud. This lovely story feels like a classic tale, and is reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. This cream of the crop nominee would be a welcome addition to any picture book collection. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 (Preschool to 2nd Grade).
Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell
It’s an exciting day for a family road trip to meet the new baby cousin. A young child, along with the family dog, Miles, enthusiastically overpacks for the trip. They drive off only to realize they have lost the gift for the new baby! The family scrambles to find the lost gift, and ends up finding nostalgia, love, and silly banter along the way. The family presents as East Asian, and the dynamic illustrations include family photos and memorabilia. This funny, relatable family story has love, generosity and memories at its heart, and is great for Pre-K-2nd graders. This would be a fun story time read aloud, and is nominated as a cream of the crop book.
Reviewed by Antona Briley, Librarian, Dora Small School, South Portland
I Will Not Walk to School by Kelly Collier, Naseem Hrab Another school day, another dreaded commute for Monster. School’s not the issue, it’s just getting there that has him dragging his feet. Luckily he has Bird, a selfless source of motivation who reminds Monster that it’s pancake day and then proceeds to stick with him every step of the meandering, increasingly infuriating way.
Presented entirely in banter between Monster and Bird, this picture book for younger grades will appeal to both Mo Willems fans and those who have similar trouble making the daily trek to school.
Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski. Patten Free Library, Bath
Worm on the Job by Maureen Fergus, Paul Hammond Worm on the Job
Author: Maureen Fergus
Illustrator: Paul G. Hammond
This picture book for ages 3-7 demonstrates that size isn’t everything and that you can do anything you put your mind to!
Worm is a librarian, but he’s read all the books on the shelves and has decided it’s time for a new job. He considers numerous options, such as lifeguard, deep-sea fisherman, and window washer, but none are the right fit for him. Then, he finds a sign looking for a courageous night security guard to keep a thief from stealing the Invention Convention’s exhibits. Unfortunately, the hiring manager doesn’t think that Worm would be good at the job since he is just a small worm. Worm proves to be perfect for the job, competent in ways that people aren’t, and is even offered a promotion! Worm sets his sights even higher- outer space
The illustrations contain clever details and funny pictures that warrant multiple readings. This is a great story celebrating optimism, self-confidence, and perseverance. Worm is sure to inspire others to reach for their dreams.
Reviewed by: Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Library, Jay
5 stars
I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Lorraine Nam, Mychal Threets In this love letter to libraries, Mychal the Librarian (a librarian, viral social media personality, and literacy advocate) conveys the most important message shared by all librarians: “I’m so happy you’re here.” The very simple text is a gentle reminder that everyone belongs in the library, just as they are. And while libraries have lots of books, you can also do so much more at the library by attending activities and programs. The paint and collage illustrations are pure joy and full of color and emotion. The text and illustrations are incredibly inclusive, showcasing different races, ages, families, abilities, and housing situations. A sweet addition to any library collection. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 (Preschool to 2nd Grade). Cream of the crop nominee.
Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell
Emily Saw a Door by Mel Rosenberg, Orit Magia In this motivational picture book, Emily is searching for a door that will open for her. She knocks on all kinds of doors during her search for one. She encounters a blue door that only opens for people feeling blue, a dishonest door that only opens for liars, and a very tall door that only opens for people who are tall enough. Finally, she realizes that she must create her own door – and so she does! When a new friend comes knocking, it is already open for them.
The text is humorous at times, and even includes a carnivorous door that wants Emily to stay for lunch. The illustrations (created with paint and paper textures combined with digital media) are delightful and use ample white space to focus on each door. While this book contains an important message about belonging and creating your own path, the metaphor does not seem readily apparent to the intended younger audience. Recommended for ages 5 to 8 (Kindergarten to 3rd Grade).
Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell
Mungo on His Own by Julie Benbassat, Matthew Burgess Mungo on His Own by Matthew Burgess takes the reader on a young fox’s first journey into the forest alone. Still hungry after dinner, Mungo and his mother decide it’s time for him to venture out to find his own food at the red berry bush. The dangers of the forest are darkly illustrated as Mungo endures predators, or perhaps they are just trees that appear to be bears and owls? The reader is encouraged to decide for themselves. Mungo triumphs in his quest, and returns home enjoying his success and the beauty of his first snowfall.
The book is appropriate for ages 4-8 and encourages children to do challenging things, even if things may appear scary at first. The language is descriptive and poetic, without being too obtuse: “…wonders sometimes happen when we stand inside our fear on four feet, eyes sharp, breathing deep.” A young reader could appreciate a simple message of accepting challenges, while older readers could spend some time unpacking what it means to be brave when fear is strong, how imagination can cloud reality, and how to be “sharp” while “breathing deep.”
Recommended for school and public libraries. The book could be well used as a read-aloud while teaching about forests, winter, courage, imagination (with its occasional perils), and meeting challenges.
Reviewed by Beth Almquist, Lewiston Public Library