Format: Picture Book Fiction

Snakes on a Train

Pages: 32
four-stars

In her debut picture book, Dennis has taken snakes and trains and put them together. A simple rhyming text with a recurring refrain, young readers accompany  the snakes as they get on the train.Then, both reptile and reader take a train ride. They learn about switches, tracks, whistles, gears and even a brakesnake! Colorful, simple artwork makes it both fun to read and fun to listen to. A selection for pre-K -1, it can be used for units on trains, snakes? and imagination.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray

four-stars

Puddle

PuddlePuddle by Richard Jackson, Chris Raschka
Published by Greenwillow Books on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 0062651951
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

A puddle, deeper and bigger than its siblings, bemoans the fact that it isn’t as dainty and shallow as those puddles around it. The day goes from bad to worse as a seagull swoops in, a basketball splashes into it, feet  stomp in it and the worse- a dog pees in it! But as the children gather around it- they discover something beautiful as the sun hits the water. Readers are engaged by Chris Raschka’s signature bright, bold, water colored illustrations and text with such action words as swish, swoosh, splat, and euwww! This selection has an energy to it and readers will get caught up in the plight of the puddle and never look at one quite the same again.  Use with units on water, language and colors. Good for ages pre-k-3.

submitted by Kathy George

Gray Public Library, Gray, Maine

five-stars

Who’s Hiding at the Beach?

Who’s Hiding at the Beach?Who's Hiding at the Beach? by Nosy Crow, Katharine McEwen
Published by Nosy Crow on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 1536205850
Pages: 10
Goodreads

There are lots of creatures at the beach. Where are they hiding and what are they doing? In this innovative lift-the-flap book, little ones can pore over the beautiful collaged pages and explore under rocks, shells, and seaweed to find out lots of interesting facts about seaside wildlife. This is the perfect introduction to the outdoors.

Our youngest readers will spend a day at the beach, lifting flaps and discovering who and what can be found at the beach in this sturdy board book for preschoolers  by Katharine McEwen.  The text is minimal- a statement  about the beach on one page and a question about the inhabitants on the facing page.  Finding the inhabitants under sturdy flaps with a fact about each animal found, solves the mystery of who lives at the beach. Soft, colorful illustrations done in mixed media add to the fun of the search. STEAM at it’s simplest!  An excellent way to introduce the beach to those who live near one or readers far from the shore. This offering is one of a series which includes Who’s Hiding on the Farm, and Who’s Hiding in the Woods coming next year.

Submitted by Kathy George

Gray Public Library, Gray Maine

 

Fern and Horn

Fern and HornFern and Horn by Marie-Louise Gay
Published by Groundwood Books on September 1st 2019
ISBN: 1773062263
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Are Fern and Horn siblings? It doesn’t matter because what matters in this story is that they are creative and polite to each other. Even though Horn is a bit sneaky and tries to trick Fern, she offers the use of her crayons and scissors, and she knows how to tame him (chocolate chip cookies!).

The author understands children and offers many strategies for getting along, such as distraction. At first the cartoonish illustrations appear a bit messy, but being creative can be a bit messy. Fern and Horn are fortunate to have a family that allow this messiness, indoors and outside. The publisher blurb on the dust jacket says they are twins, but this reviewer did not interpret that from the book. 

This book might encourage youngsters to enjoy, explore, and expand their imaginations. 

This could be used in art units, behavior units, or just for a fun read aloud, just be sure to have some paper, crayons and scissors ready! 

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

five-stars

Prince Bertram the Bad

Prince Bertram the BadPrince Bertram the Bad by Arnold Lobel
Published by Henry Holt & Company on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 1250143667
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Fans of Arnold Lobel will be pleased to see the release of this 1963 favorite. This Henry Holt edition includes a note from his daughter about the story and has a different cover image than the original. This review will comment on the book as she would for any current picture book.

What to do with a prince who acts so badly that even a spanking does not good? You hope a witch comes along and turns him into a small, scaly dragon that the people in the kingdom will make fun of! Even when he runs away to the big forest, the animals think he is strange and will not play with him. One day in winter, he finds the witch stuck in a snowbank and as a reward, she restores him to princedom. The reader is left with the impression that he will be a nice prince in the future.

The illustrations, done in graphite and ink, are mostly black and white with watercolors, but are spacious and hold only the necessary details pertinent to the story. The medium-size, easy to read black font is balanced throughout the pages. 

Told in a fairy tale style complete with a moral and castle and dragon, this would make a good read aloud for preschool and early elementary children. The reader could prompt a discussion about behavior and consequences, but the listeners are apt to easily discern the lesson through the humor. 

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

four-stars

Clark the Shark Too Many Treats

Clark the Shark Too Many TreatsClark the Shark: Too Many Treats by Bruce Hale, Guy Francis
Published by HarperCollins on February 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062279173
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

The only way to be sure that all the brownies are perfect for his class is to eat them – one by one, until they are all gone! Clark realizes too late that he now has no treats to take to school the next day. Forgiving mom helps him make another batch, and he’s able to help his classmates understand that “When you’ve had your snack, just hold back.”

Level 1 for beginning readers in the ‘I Can Read Books’ line provides a valuable lesson in a humorous story.

Great story to teach younger elementary and preschoolers about impulsive behavior and making predictions. Includes a few facts about real sharks at the end.

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

four-stars

Bearnard’s Book

Bearnard’s BookBearnard's Book Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on February 5th 2019
ISBN: 1627797572
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Bearnard, a picture book with text by Deborah Underwood, is the story of a bear who is preparing to audition for his very first book.

One day, Bearnard the bear receives a very special letter from the Queen of Storybook Land.  He,  has been chosen to be in a book!  His mind is racing with  thoughts of children reading a book about him, and he rushes off to tell his best friend, Gertie, the duck. This honor is a dream come true for Bearnard, and he wants to be sure he is up for the challenge. So, he begins studying other bear tales to make sure he is prepared.  Unfortunately, every time that Bearnard attempts to replicate the other bear’s activities, he fails. From floating in a tub, being a messy bear, to having his porridge stolen, Bearnard  just can’t do these things.  There will be no book for him….Fortunately, he has a true friend who has his best interests in mind. Gertie points out that he tried all these things and therefore he is a brave bear, plus he may not have to do these things in his own book!  Gertie calms him down and convinces him to meet the queen and move forward with the book. He does so, and  finds out that the book is about him being a brave bear getting ready to be in his book. And that all he has to do is be himself. The book is ready to go.

The beige pages are colored with shades of green, coral and golden brown conveying a charming and homey feel.  The book abounds with lovely textures in the background from artsy wallpapers to textured shower curtain that create the feeling of security and warmth.  The illustrations are outlined in bold  black  and work work well with and easy to read typeface that looks like handwriting. The text is spot on and flows nicely with the illustrations.

An outstanding cream level picture book with many important themes that include : bravery, the importance of having support from a true friend  and the big message of just being yourself. A recommended purchase for all libraries.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

 

five-stars

What is Given From the Heart

What is Given From the HeartWhat Is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack
Published by Schwartz & Wade on January 8, 2019
ISBN: 0375836152
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Not only is this a wonderful last book by one of our best storytellers, it is also illustrated by a talented artist. The combination of loving text and beautiful pictures makes this a contender for all sorts of awards. When Mama and James are struggling they learn that another family has lost everything in a fire.   Their minister asked his parish members to each find something to share.   This story is not new nor uncommon but the attitude is one of charitable giving without concern for personal sacrifice.  It is not surprising that McKissack has her character write and illustrate a book, she made this title a real gift to her readers.

The illustrations are wonderful, the blended colors make me think of lovely batik fabric. Even in this poor setting the pictures show shades of courage, love, and spiritual commitment.   Add this book to all public libraries, primary school media centers, church shelves and gift to readers who love and cherish other titles by Patricia McKissack.

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

five-stars

Inside Outside

Inside OutsideInside Outside by Anne-Margot Ramstein, Matthias Arégui
Published by Candlewick Studio on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1536205974
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Published first in France, Inside Outside is an art book for young viewers.  Yes it is a concept book but this title will not be shelved in public libraries with early education concept books.   It will be best appreciated by children between the ages of 4-6 and by art teachers of all ages.   The authors have produced a lovely and creative work that offers concepts to ponder.  The first few pages clearly show the inside and outside of an egg, a tunnel, and a castle. Readers may not be prepared for the illustration of birds on a captivating two page spread.  Equally challenging is the tent and whale illustration which this readers admits is her favorite.

Choice of colors, the depth within the illustrations and drama represented in this wordless book makes it a winner.   Add this to public libraries, primary schools and gift to your favorite art teacher and student.

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

five-stars

Perfect

PerfectPerfect by Max Amato
Published by Scholastic Press on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 0545829313
Pages: 48
Goodreads
four-stars

A lovely entry into the growth-mindset picture book canon. Eraser likes things just so, clean and smudge-free. Along comes Pencil traipsing across Eraser’s clean pages, making marks with wanton abandon. No problem, Eraser will just…erase. But there are so many marks and finally, an entire page scribbled in by pesky Pencil. When Eraser discovers that this dark page presents an opportunity to make intentional marks, a whole new world opens up. In the end, Pencil and Eraser can work together to make something greater than either could accomplish alone. A lovely metaphor for finding flexibility in your thinking and for accepting that everything does not always turn out exactly the way you picture it in your mind. A fun read-aloud with clear, energetic illustrations, this one will be a hit.

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

four-stars