Format: Picture Book Fiction

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

Hands to Heart; Breathe and Bend With Animal Friends

Hands to Heart; Breathe and Bend With Animal FriendsHands to Heart: Breathe and Bend with Animal Friends by Alex Bauermeister, Flora Waycott
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on March 26, 2019
ISBN: 1328550419
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Certainly not the first book of yoga for children, Hands to Heart is among the better.   From preschool to primary grades many little ones will enjoy bending and stretching with the adorable animals as illustrated.  Each page teaches a new skill from breathing through various poses and ending with mediation.  At times the text feels forced perhaps to maintain the rhyming flow.  Young readers will return over and over, some to read the text and others to practice the poses.  The Author’s note appears to be above the lexile score of some youngsters but will prove helpful to parents reading aloud.

The illustrations of animals are adorable and interactive expressing motion and body flexibility.  From cover to cover the flowers add interest and texture to each page.  How many little ones will search for the mouse on each page?  All yoga instructors need to own this book and it would make a nice addition to public libraries and nursery schools.

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

four-stars

This is Baby

This is BabyThis Is Baby by Jimmy Fallon, Miguel Ordóñez
Published by Feiwel & Friends on October 8, 2019
ISBN: 1250245605
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A cute presentation for a typical part of the body baby book with some difficulties.  The text has a rhyming quality that is sure to entertain little ones and their preschool siblings.  It might have been nice however if the introduction was in the book rather than on the book jacket.    While the illustrations are cute and silly young children will be unable to identify some body parts as it is confusing.   Although not a board book this is intended for young children and would be improved with some white space.  The background pastel colors blend in with the babies and animals distracting attention.

Not a necessary purchase  for public libraries or day care centers.   Families who own the previous family titles by this author will want This is Baby.

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

 

three-stars

Black is a Rainbow Color

Black is a Rainbow ColorBlack Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, Ekua Holmes
Published by Roaring Brook Press on January 14, 2020
ISBN: 1626726310
Pages: 40
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

An ode to Black culture, this book celebrates things that are black all around us. It begins with “…my color is black, and there’s no black in rainbows,” and continues to highlight so many things in life that are black. Black is a color. Black is a culture.

This book is a wonderful window into Black culture with many significant people and events mentioned despite the minimal text. The rhyming nature of the text will appeal to younger readers as will the colorful and expressive collage-style illustrations. Recommended for K-2 grade, this would be a great read aloud. It could be used with older students followed by a discussion about Black history and culture. A recommended purchase.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Luckiest Snowball

The Luckiest SnowballThe Luckiest Snowball by Elliot Kreloff
Published by Holiday House on September 10, 2019
ISBN: 0823441059
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Izzy meets Larry sounds like a preteen romance.  Actually, Izzy is a rambunctious child enjoying a winter day in the snow who makes friends with a snowball.  The storyline is very unique but it works in this four-season concept book for early graders.  Larry the snowball spends a total of one year in the family freezer however he takes day trips out to greet the arrival of each season.  Readers will not miss Larry’s many expressions as well as his cries for help.

The illustrations are cute and very detailed.  Readers will notice the dog’s jacket in winter, flowers in spring, ocean animals in summer, and the fall leaves.  It just might be that the fruits and veggies, pops and turkey inside the refrigerator are more interesting but it all speaks to the change of seasons.  Early education professionals will want this book in primary school media centers as it has STEM and literacy sections in the back. Teachers would love a copy in their pre K – grade 1 classrooms    Public libraries who collect concept books should consider the purchase.  The Luckiest Snowball is also good for nursery schools where playing in the snow is a winter activity.

four-stars

Dibs

DibsDibs! by Laura Gehl, Marcin Piwowarski
Published by Carolrhoda Books (R) on May 7, 2019
ISBN: 1512465321
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

It is true that brothers do not always share well but “Dibs” brings new meaning to sibling rivalry.  Julian seems determined to not allow his baby brother any leeway;  while Clancy is learning the meaning of “dibs” and the associated behavior.   This book is silly enough to make adults dispense with reality in order to get into the mood.   While little brother manages to get 100% of his way and leaves the earth big brother realizes his loss.

The illustrations are eye catching and seem to represent Washington DC.  Colors are an attractive blend of light and dark surrounded by ample white space for little brother readers.  Early reader l big brothers will appreciate the large font and simple text.  Gift this to families with a new addition and consider for public libraries to encourage sharing.

three-stars

Christmas Cheer for The Grouchy Ladybug

Christmas Cheer for The Grouchy LadybugChristmas Cheer for The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Published by HarperCollins on September 17, 2019
ISBN: 0062932268
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Eric Carle has blended characters and illustrations from previous works making this a special Christmas book.   The art work is consistent with his lifelong collection of illustrations;  it is colorful, bold and identifiable.   Having recently learned of Carle’s death I will treasure this book and purchase a copy for my soon to be born grandchild.

An excellent gift book for Christian families with preschool age children.   Kindergarten teachers will welcome a copy in their class collections as the print is large and perfect for early learners.  Public libraries will want to add this to their Eric Carle storybook shelf.

four-stars

Grandpa’s Top Three

Grandpa’s Top ThreeGrandpa's Top Threes by Daniel Egneus, Wendy Meddour
Published by Candlewick Press on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1536211257
Pages: 32
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

A young boy's original game coaxes a grieving grandpa to reconnect with the world in a touching intergenerational story of love and resilience.
Henry loves talking with Grandpa, but Grandpa has stopped listening. Mom says to just give him time. But Henry wants to talk to Grandpa now. So Henry tries his favorite game: Top Threes. And something amazing happens: Grandpa starts talking again. Out of a tale of favorite sandwiches and zoo animals, outings and trains, emerges a moving story about love, loss, and the wonder of grannies and grandpas.

“Grandpas’ top Three” is a lovely, inter – generational picture book for ages 4 through 8. When Henrytries to get Grandpa to listen and to interact with him, he finds that Grandpa isn’t ready “just now”to talk.Henry, however,  wants to talk “now”  and does not understand why Grandpa is so reticent.When Henry decides to try his game of “Top Three”on Grandpa (for example – “What are your top three favorite sandwiches?” he then very slowly warms up to Henry’s persistence in playing the game .When Henry asks his Grandpa who his top three Grannies are, Grandpa doesn’t answer. We then surmise that perhaps Henry’s Granny has passed away.

Henry then states who his own top three Grannies are:

“Granny who is dead. Granny who loves on top of the shoe shop, and Granny in Little Red Riding Hood.”

It is then that Grandpa opens up a bit and begins to speak of Granny who has passed away. This in turn leads to the start of a loving relationship between Grandpa and his grandson.

A lovely sad and poignant tale about how through the persistence of a young boy, Grandpa slowly begins to comes to realize the importance.

A heartfelt loving story to be enjoyed by inter-generations of folks who wish to foster closer relationships.

 

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

 

The Piano Recital

The Piano RecitalThe Piano Recital by Akiko Miyakoshi
Published by Kids Can Press on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1525302574
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Piano Recital” is an imaginative picture book for children ages 4 through 8. Momo, a young girl, is about  to perform her  first piano recital.  However, she is experiencing a great deal of anxiety.   Momo  keep repeating the phrase, “I’ll be okay, I’ll be okay”  to reassure herself before the performance.  Soon, Momo’s imagination kicks in and she believes she is beckoned by a mouseling  (who  has anxiety herself about performing) to come  backstage with her  where there is already a performance in progress.  When it is the mouseling’s turn to perform.   Momo offers to go with her  on stage, telling  the mouseling  “you’ll be okay. ”  And when it’s   mouseling’s turn to perform, Momo  accompanies  her by playing the piano –  thus causing   Momo to   forget her own worries.  When the piece ends,  Momo stands to take a bow and finds that she isn’t at the mouseling’s recital after all, but at her very own piano recital.

A cleverly executed  picture book, whereupon the award winning author/illustrator , Akiko Miyakoshi,  utilizes the power of imagination to help allay Momo’s anxiety.

A wonderful resource to use when children feel anxiety  or nervousness regarding performing in front of an audience. This story speaks to how a child might put his own  imagination to work when feeling discomfort.

 

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

four-stars