Format: Picture Book Fiction

Giant Tess

Giant TessGiant Tess by Dan Yaccarino
Published by HarperCollins on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 0062670271
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Giant Tess by Dan Yaccarino is a picture book fantasy that will appeal to both adults who recognize the New York inspired setting and children who will like the young giant and her dragon friend. Most of us feel left out and different at times, and young Tess certainly does. She is a little girl giant in a world of little monsters, cyclops, and gnomes. Her parents are fairies. She finds happiness in the end, not by being like everybody else, but by helping a like-sized, kindred spirit dragon. Together they learn to appreciate their large size when they rescue the mayor during city’s big balloon parade. Yaccarino’s retro style digital illustrations direct the viewer’s eyes to lots of fun fantasy features and emotional depth of characterization.

Recommended for ages 4-7 by Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Maine

four-stars

Mighty Truck: Surf’s Up!

Mighty Truck: Surf’s Up!Mighty Truck: Surf’s Up! by Chris Barton
Published by HarperCollins on April 30th 2019
ISBN: 0062344765
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Surf’s Up! is an I Can Read Book! from the Mighty Truck series. Clarence is a humble pickup truck but when he gets wet, he turns into Mighty Truck, a superhero-like monster truck. In this early reader, Clarence agrees to accompany Mr. Dent and his cat Throttle to the beach for some surfing. Mr. Dent believes that his cat loves to surf. He does not. When Throttle gets into trouble in the waves, Clarence heads out to sea to save him. Of course, the water turns Clarence into Mighty Truck, who saves Throttle and the day. A touch of humor, excellent vocabulary words, and a hint of suspense will keep a young reader in preschool through grade two turning pages to find out how Clarence/Mighty Truck solve the problem and get Throttle back to safety. Clear, bright illustrations from Troy Cummings accompany the text. A worthwhile addition to a reader collection.

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

four-stars

The Little Guys

The Little GuysThe Little Guys by Vera Brosgol
Published by Roaring Brook Press on April 2, 2019
ISBN: 1626724423
Pages: 40
Goodreads
three-stars

Cautionary tale? Fable? Brosgol’s picture book definitely has a message, but it might depend on the age of your audience as to what part of the message they hear. The Little Guys are the smallest creatures in the forest, but there are so many of them that together they are strong. They are so strong, in fact, that when they band together, they take anything they want. And they want everything. They take so much that soon none of the other animals have anything. So while the book starts out feeling like a teamwork book for younger readers/listeners with a message of “no matter how small you are, you can get the job done if you work together,” which is true in the story, it ends up really being the story for older readers about how a large group of any people *can* take what they want, but what is the point if no one else has anything? The book shows how community works. The Little Guys are powerful, but they should use their power for good, to help. The artwork is fantastic – you can almost feel the Little Guys, a group of acorn dwarfs or dwarf acorns?, marching and chanting across the cover (“oh-wee-oh, oh—o” or perhaps “hi, ho, hi, ho, it’s off to work we go”) and the forest scenes are comical and well-drawn. Somehow, Brosgol imbues the Little Guys with emotions though they wear no expressions. As a read-aloud, it is a bit tough as the Little Guys get more and more forceful in their quest to take what they need (or is it want?) even resorting to violence against the Bigger Guys.  Children, who don’t always attach as much depth of meaning or layers of politicized feelings, will appreciate the idea that being little is okay, and working together to get something you want is usually easier than working alone but, in the end, recognizing the need to share and practicing kindness so that everyone has enough is the best approach to a happy community and, perhaps, world.

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

three-stars

Looking for Yesterday

Looking for YesterdayLooking for Yesterday by Alison Jay
Published by Candlewick Press on August 20th 2019
ISBN: 1536204218
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

A young boy is nostalgic for yesterday.  How could he go back in time and do it all again, he wonders.  So he decides to try  – by gazing at stars whose light is from a million yesterdays,  by imagining what might go faster than the speed of light,   to  building a supersonic rocket, and to even  considering that a wormhole just might do the trick. Eventually he decides to ask  his Granddad who asks him “why” he wants to go back to yesterday. Granddad then reminisces about some of his own very best yesterdays.  He then tells the young boy that “everyday brings the chance of a new adventure. Why go looking  for yesterday when you can be happy here . . .TODAY!”

This  picture book  tackles a big and thought provoking question.  In turn, this question has the potential of  leading  to interesting discussions with as may answers as their are children discussing it!   The scope of this book is wide and deep and scientific,  yet whimsical in it’s telling and illustration.  And by including Granddad in the “equation,” the topic is made  personal for children.  After all, doesn’t Granddad, with all his knowledge and experience, know the answer to everything?

The illustrations  by this author-illustrator are captivating, colorful and expressive and nicely enhance the thoughts and ideas  presented  throughout the text.   Could be used at any time,  during a science class or for stimulating the minds of the young and curious.

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

five-stars

Here and Now

Here and NowHere and Now by E.B. Goodale, Julia Denos
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 1328465640
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Have you ever thought of what is happening all around you at this very minute? Julia Denos and E.B. Goodale have teamed up to engage young readers in their book about what is taking place to you and your surroundings even as you are reading the book. The world is spinning,and thus you too, ideas are forming, animals all over are living and breathing. Through simple text and rich illustrations of ink, watercolor and collage they urge the reader to take the time to notice , feel , listen, smell and hear what is around you. It is a picture book of “real time meditation.” It is a reminder that even our youngest readers are so busy they forget to be still and breathe. Use this to open a discussion on slowing down and enjoying all that is before us.

four-stars

Maya and The Lost Cat

Maya and The Lost CatMaya and the Lost Cat by Caroline Magerl
Published by Candlewick Press on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 1536204234
Pages: 40
Goodreads

The story  of a small girl on a mission. During a rain storm, Maya spots a cat on the roof of a   neighboring building.  Sensing it may be lost or homeless, she tries to lure it in with all manner of tricks. Finally, a bowlful of fish brings the cat to the doorway but not inside. Deciding it must live in a one of the nearby houses, she places a can of fish in her pocket and sets out to find cat’s home. No home to be found. Not one to give up, she widens her search area. the reader will have to continue to see if   she succeeds in finding cat’s humans and then how will she say goodbye. The text is simple and sparse, leaving lots of room for delightful, whimsical watercolor illustrations that are fluid like and  full of expression . Readers will respond to the spirit and “never give up ” attitude of Maya.

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray

Anxious Charlie to the Rescue

Anxious Charlie to the RescueAnxious Charlie to the Rescue by Terry Milne
Published by Candlewick Press on October 1st 2019
ISBN: 1536209163
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Charlie is an adorable little dog who lives a very structured life.  Living this way helps  alleviate his many fears.  He believes that if he follows the same routines every day that nothing bad will ever happen. So, the wiener dog  starts each day with a regimented wake up hop and ends each day with a systematic lining up of his toys. Many other rituals follow throughout the day that help him feel  in control.  But one day he is awoken by a ringing phone with an urgent request . His friend, Hans the dog, is stuck and Charlie is needed. The routines are forgotten in his rush to help his friend. The little dog comes up with a clever method to free his friend and is declared a star by his friends. When he gets back, he realizes that even though he forgot his routines  everything turned out fine! The next day Charlie is open to new adventures!  An uplifting  story on embracing change that works for everyone but will be of particular benefit for children with anxieties and or OCD. The sweet illustrations are done in ink with  a watercolor wash using a soft palette of warm blues, golds and browns.  The illustrations are varied with some full page bleeds and other pages with plenty of white space to offset the smaller  illustrations. The text and illustrations work well together making the book easy to read . Ideal for ages 3 to 6. A nice addition to any library or home.

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

four-stars

Dear Boy,

Dear Boy,Dear Boy, by Paris Rosenthal, Jason Rosenthal
Published by HarperCollins on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 0062422510
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

This picture book is a companion to Dear Girl, written by Amy Rosenthal and her daughter Paris just before the former’s death. This time, Paris has teamed up with her father for a paean to all that a boy can be. Sincere, funny, and encouraging, this book attempts to celebrate the many emotions a boy can feel, the positive actions he can take, and the dreams and hopes he should be allowed to pursue. After generations of boys who have been told that “boys will be boys” and to “take it like a man,” a book like this is welcome for its message of acceptance of gentleness and quiet power. It pairs well with Pat Zietlow Miller’s Be Kind and The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and can be used to show that all children have the capacity to be many things no matter their gender if nurtured and supported. Once again, Holly Hatam’s digital illustrations punctuate the narrative with powerful simplicity.

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

four-stars

Crunch and Crack, Oink and Whack!: An Onomatopoeia Story

Crunch and Crack, Oink and Whack!: An Onomatopoeia StoryCrunch and Crack, Oink and Whack!: An Onomatopoeia Story by Brian P. Cleary
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 146778799X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

A great cover and a strong concept will make readers pick up this picture book. But an overwrought rhyme and overwhelming design may mean they don’t finish it. Cleary writes in stanzas of a, b, c, c, b and forces a lot of the rhymes which cause many a mouthful when attempting to read this out loud. He also packs in a ton of onomatopoetic words, but instead of being fun, it feels like an onslaught. He follows one class in their quest for these sound words and places the school near a farm, so the children even get some animal onomatopoeia, which could make sense to readers, but feels forced. And the end of the book, when the children are celebrating all of their investigative onomatopoetic work, an administrator enters the room and instead of engaging with them, she admonishes them with a “shoosh” just to fit into the rhyme. The bright, busy illustrations by Pablo Pinto are the strongest part of the book and readers who take the time to pour over them will find a lot of detail and diversity and movement.  Better suited for a classroom, which feels like it was the intention of the author as back matter breaks down the examples of the onomatopoetic words used and offers further reading. Not an essential purchase.

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

two-stars

ALBERT’S QUIET QUEST

four-stars

“Albert’s Quiet Quest” is about a young boy who is searching for a  quiet place so that he can read his book in peace.  It’s too noisy inside his house, so he ventures outside  with book in hand. However, before long,  friends begin to approach Albert  and try to engage him  in their own activities;  such as , gardening, playing badminton,  babysitting for dolls, and playing music and dancing.   As Albert refuses  their invitations to join them,  he is teased – slightly.  Albert finally becomes so annoyed that he slams his book shut and stands on top of his chair.  At this point,  the  children  recognize that they are annoying Albert. The friends reconsider,  and  run to get their own books.   While they are gone, Albert feels slightly  abandoned and a little  guilty.  Suddenly,  they all return with books underneath  their arms.   They begin to read their books while still trying to engage in their former activities but soon discover  themselves  telling each other to “be quiet!”  Albert apologizes to his friends, saying”Hey guys, I didn’t mean to – ”  and then, his friends tell him to “SHHHHH.”  The story ends with all of the friends laughing  together then sitting happily watching the sunset.

“Albert’s Quiet Quest,” is told in sparse bubble text.”   T his little book shows how children often can,  if left to their own devices, work out their own differences.  It just takes a little give and take from  both sides – a wonderful negotiating skill that all children can benefit from. . Can be used also in teaching to emphasize the fact that children  don’t always have to run to an adult to settle a difficult situation.  They can learn and grow by working things out on their own.

The illustrations have a “cartooney” feel, but  go well with the bubble  text.

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

four-stars