Format: Picture Book Fiction

A Scarf for Keiko

A Scarf for KeikoA Scarf for Keiko by Ann Malaspina, Merrilee Liddiard
Published by Kar-Ben Publishing (R) on February 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541521641
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Racism and the underlying fears prompt us to do things that later may seem unbelievable. Sam’s fear prevents him from standing up for Keiko when his friends shun her because she is of Japanese ancestry. He also has no motivation to learn to knit to help the war effort like his classmates are doing. After Keiko and her family are relocated to an internment camp, she leaves him a pair of knit socks for his brother and entrusts her bicycle to him. Then he realizes the desert is cold at night, and he knits a scarf for Keiko. The fact that Sam’s family is Jewish is secondary to the main story, but opens the door for additional conversation.

The simple cartoonish illustrations hold limited dark colors and resemble sepia contrasted with some white. 

This could be an important book to introduce middle grade students about the internment of Japanese during WWII. However, the backmatter lists December 6 as the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, and the illustrations show children a bit younger than the audience to whom this might be directed. These might not be problems in the right teacher’s hands.

Companion books could include “The Bracelet” by Yoshiko Uchida, “How Baseball Saved Us” by Ken Mochizuki, and “Knit Your Bit” by Deborah Hopkinson.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

three-stars

Fly

FlyFly by Nathan Clement
Published by Boyds Mills Press on April 16, 2019
ISBN: 1629799378
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A simple, brief fictional look at a commercial airplane flight from boarding to landing. 

Simple, bold illustrations done digitally show key images of the experience. Simple text in bold font is specific and direct. The first page shows only the story’s family heading to the gate with a few other travelers in the background, but the text begins, “The airport is filled with passengers…”

In the back, “Airplane Words to Know” explains some airplane terms such as taxi, flaps, and yoke. 

This book might be good to use for learning about process/procedure, for helping a child know what to expect for their first flight, or for children who have flown to compare/contrast their own experience. 

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

three-stars

The Bold, Brave Bunny

The Bold, Brave BunnyThe Bold, Brave Bunny by Beth Ferry, Chow Hon Lam
Published by HarperCollins on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 0062850318
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

How many bunnies are too many in one burrow? Teetu decides there are so many bunnies everywhere he turns, he won’t be missed if he leaves. He finds out ‘B’ is not only for’ bunnies’, it is also for ‘brave’ and ‘bold’ and ‘book’. It’s a satisfying story many children will enjoy and relate to, but the most interesting part of this book are the illustrations.

At first glance there seems a disconnect between the cartoonish, simple white rabbit walking through a dark, dusky forest, meeting various animals. But upon closer inspection, the reader will discover animals in the trees as well! The trees have lacey leaves and branches, and cleverly woven into the patterns of the leaves are outlines of various animals!

For all ages to enjoy!

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

four-stars

One Mean Ant

One Mean AntOne Mean Ant by Arthur Yorinks, Sergio Ruzzier
Published by Candlewick Press on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 0763683949
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

The cover may draw readers to try this book; some will relate to the self-absorbed, arrogant ant, some will find humor in his disagreeable state, such as when he says, “Where the jalapeño am I!?” The story has irregular arcs and at times the reader may wonder where the story is leading. After reading, the reader may wonder where the story went. 

Pastel illustrations in a variety of layouts have mostly desert-yellow with a vast sky mirroring the ‘lost’ feeling of the ant. The ant and fly have very buggy eyes, and the surprise spider appearing at the end is sufficiently weird.

This book could be used as a read aloud, if you don’t mind the near-swears (such as above). Was the ant lost because he was mean or was he mean because he was lost? Discussion would be easy to lead about friendship, kindness, self-awareness.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

two-stars

The Passover Mouse

The Passover MouseThe Passover Mouse by Joy Nelkin Wieder, Shahar Kober
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 1984895516
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Highlighting the Jewish custom to remove all traces of leavened foods from the home before Passover, The Passover Mouse is a quick-paced tale based on a passage of the Talmud. A mouse brings remnants of chometz (leavened food) from one person’s home to another, setting off alarm and questioning throughout the village. It is not only a story of Jewish traditions, but also a story of the interconnectedness and support of a community. The pace of the story is mirrored in the illustrations, projecting the sense of panic and worry instigated by the thieving mouse. Final pages include an author’s note explaining the tale from the Talmud that this story is based upon, as well as a glossary of terms, both useful for those readers with limited knowledge of the Jewish faith. Intended for children ages 4-7, The Passover Mouse is a great addition for any librarian looking to expand their collection of stories from the Jewish faith.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

four-stars

Almost Time

Almost TimeAlmost Time by Elizabeth Stickney, G. Brian Karas, Gary D. Schmidt
Published by Clarion Books on January 14, 2020
ISBN: 0544785819
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A gentle and sweet story about maple sugaring season, Almost Time brings the reader through late winter and early spring on the family homestead. A story placing emphasis on the importance of patience, Ethan must wait for the sap of the maple trees to begin flowing in order to enjoy sweet maple syrup, which corresponds with the change of seasons and the anticipation of the dropping out of a loose tooth. Fans of illustrator G. Brian Karas will easily recognize his renderings of the relationship between father and son. This is a gentle story that tells of changing seasons, maple sugaring, and the value of patience. Intended for children ages 4-7, this is a lovely addition to any youth collection.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

four-stars

Cool Cuts

Cool CutsCool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 1984895575
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A companion book to Happy Hair, Cool Cuts celebrates the spirit and many hairstyles of Black and Brown children. While Happy Hair focuses on female depictions, Cool Cuts focuses on male depictions, although there are a number of illustrations that do not have clear gender identity assigned. With bold, affirming statements paired with a large, colorful illustration on each double spread, the format is eye catching and inspiring. Cool cuts is a simple book with a clear message for Black and Brown children: I am born to be awesome. A great, affirming selection for children ages 3 – 7 for any public or school library.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

four-stars

My Tiny Pet

My Tiny PetMy Tiny Pet by Jessie Hartland
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books on August 6, 2019
ISBN: 1524737534
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

When a family decides to simplify a child must say goodbye to her house full of pets and, while they enjoy the peace and quiet  of their newly downsized life, they long for just one pet. The parents refuse but the child comes up with the prefect pet for their new lifestyle and after describing the care and size of it, Mom and Dad agree. So they go to the woods and find a tardigrade in some moss and they all live in simplified harmony! Tardigrades are so interesting; I’m so glad there’s a book about them. It’s illustrated nicely and has a lot going on story-wise (I think many kids are probably struggling with wanting things while the family decides to live more simply) and at the end there is an informative section on tardigrades. They are truly some formidable little animals.

five-stars

Most of the Better Natural Things in the World

Most of the Better Natural Things in the WorldMost of the Better Natural Things in the World by Angel Chang, Dave Eggers
Published by Chronicle Books on November 5, 2019
ISBN: 1452162824
Pages: 52
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I love so much that Dave Eggers is writing children’s books. This one has a wordy title but otherwise minimal text with each page being a beautifully illustrated image of different areas of the earth (taiga, foothills, ridge. etc.). A white tiger with a chair strapped to its back and a bird explore each natural phenomenon; the chair seems inexplicable and it would be fun to ask kids halfway through why they think it’s carrying it. While most of the images are self-explanatory, there is a helpful glossary at the end. I would like a print of every single page!

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Ella McKeen Kickball Queen

Ella McKeen Kickball QueenElla McKeen, Kickball Queen by Beth Mills
Published by Carolrhoda Books (R) on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1541528972
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The message is clear the storyline is believable and the digital painted illustrations are well done.  Ella is a talented kickball player who has never before met a challenge.  When one of her famous kicks is caught by a new classmate Ella does not handle the situation well.  Eventually her meltdown ends but her day is spent thinking about her reaction.

This title would be appreciated by classroom teachers, guidance counselors, gym instructors and coaches.  Adults will find lots of discussion points concerning anger, frustration and sportsmanship behavior.  Since this is Mills first book, I look forward to additional titles in the future.  Primary school media specialist should consider this picture book for their shelves and youth services librarians will want to add it to their collections.

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

four-stars