Format: Picture Book Fiction

My Forest is Green

My Forest is GreenMy Forest Is Green by Darren Lebeuf, Ashley Barron
Published by Kids Can Press on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1771389303
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

There is a combination of environmental studies and art exploration in this very good first work by a new author.  A young boy finds his environment enchanting, he appreciates nature and is inspired to create art based on his green forest.  Not only is he an observant young scientist but he introduces journaling as a form of nature study. Obviously this author appreciates the out of doors and wants to share his joy with other children and families.

The illustrations are charming, colorful and specific. The collage pages make me think of work done by Cathryn Farwell, a loved local author/illustrator in Maine. There are rich colors, playful designs and a feeling of depth on each page.  My Forest is Green must be added to early grade classrooms, put on library shelves and gifted to youngsters for birthday and holiday occasions.

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

four-stars

Dragons eat noodles on Tuesdays

Dragons eat noodles on TuesdaysDragons Eat Noodles on Tuesdays by Jon Stahl, Tadgh Bentley
Published by Scholastic Press on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338125516
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Dragons eat noodles on Tuesdays” starts with a monster beginning a story. Unfortunately, the story is “once upon a time…The End!” He then tries to make the story more interesting by having a kid get eaten by a dragon, the end! Another monster joins him and lets him know that people don’t want to read stories about kids getting eaten by dragons. They argue about this, each starting their own story where people do or do not get eaten by dragons. Jon Stahl’s writing is funny and keeps your interest, while Tadgh Bentley’s silly and colorful illustrations make you laugh.

The story ends with a brave damsel  saving a knight from getting eaten by showing the dragon a scroll that says that dragons can only eat noodles on Tuesdays. Problem solved? Aimed at ages four through eight, this book is silly and funny and would make a good read-aloud. Not a must-buy for your library, but if dragon picture books are popular, you should consider purchasing “Dragons eat noodles on Tuesdays.”

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

The Book in the Book in the Book

The Book in the Book in the BookThe Book in the Book in the Book by Julien Baer, Simon Bailly
Published by Holiday House on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 0823442438
Pages: 56
Goodreads
two-stars

“The book in the Book in the Book” by Julien Baer and illustrated by Simon Bailly is interesting in that you start off reading a book about Thomas and his parents going out to the beach and him getting lost, BUT he then finds a book that he starts reading! That book also has a character named Thomas and if you check, the text is exactly the same as in the first third of the book, but in this book Thomas is in the snowy mountains. Second Thomas gets lost, finds a book about a Third Thomas! Again the same text, but Third Thomas is in space!

The illustrations are simple and colorful and I did enjoy them, but the book itself was underwhelming. The stories end well as the parents find Thomas(es?) and then they go home. Kids may enjoy the novelty of a book within a book within a book, but I wouldn’t consider this a must-buy.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

two-stars

Make a Wish, Henry Bear

Make a Wish, Henry BearMake a Wish, Henry Bear by Liam Francis Walsh
Published by Roaring Brook Press on April 30th 2019
ISBN: 162672332X
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Make a Wish, Henry Bear, is written and illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist Liam Francis Walsh. The story is a hilarious spin on the classic, “be careful what you wish for” tale. The story opens with Henry Bear trying to go to bed, but his parents urge him to stay up just ten more minutes! The parents insist on cake for dinner, TV all day, and drawing on the walls. Children will enjoy this story of role reversal, but may need a little help figuring out that the reason Henry Bear’s parents are behaving as they are is because of his birthday wish: that detail is not revealed until halfway through the book. But, when Henry Bear meets a new classmate, Marjani, on his birthday, he finds a way to return to his life before the last wish. Marjani wears a hijab, and I appreciate how seamlessly Walsh incorporates this piece of diversity into his story. 

The illustrations complement and extend the text. The color pallette is simple, which makes the details of the teacher’s desk, for example, stand out even more. I discovered fun, new details every time I read the book. Recommended ages 4-8

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Yarmouth High School, Yarmouth

five-stars

Gondra’s Treasure

Gondra’s TreasureGondra's Treasure by Jennifer Black Reinhardt, Linda Sue Park
Published by Clarion Books on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 0544546695
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Biography/Autobiography, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Gondra, a little dragon with an Eastern dragon dad and a Western dragon mom, celebrates her uniqueness in this sparkling collaboration between Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park and rising star artist Jennifer Black Reinhardt.
Gondra has inherited traits from both her eastern (Asian) dragon dad and western (European) dragon mom and enjoys them all. She's especially happy that she's a combination of both. Cheerful banter and hilariously adorable dragon portrayals present a warm, appealing family portrait. The beautiful and fanciful illustrations are rich in whimsical details that invite repeated readings.

“Gondra’s Treasure” is told from the perspective of a baby dragon who has a Western Dragon  mom and an Eastern Dragon dad.   Gondra sports characteristics of each and is curious as to the origin of each talent and power that she witnesses.   Gondra’s parents appreciate their own differences  as well, sometimes lovingly  teasing   one another regarding  their varying traits. (a trait perhaps observed in a loving and happy family)  Learning to apprecite what she  has inherited form both parents is encouraged and praised, thus helping little Gondra appreciate what she herself   has inherited.  Gondra wonders: Will she be able to fly like mom? Will she live in the clouds and rivers like her dad?  Will she have bronze scales like mom or green and blue  scales like dad? Gondra replys that she likes classy and she likes flashy both.  Her parents marvel at her traits in spite of whichever ones come forth. Rather than possessing and guarding  treasure in  caves,  as the Western dragons do –  or carry  around  a pearl in their  claw,  as the Eastern dragons do,  Gondra has enough conficence to declare “Oh, that’s right . We don’t need them anymore – because I’m  your treasure.”

This clever story points up the importance of learning to appreciate and value one’s own talents and abilities. This story would be good to use for increasing self confidence and allowing  one to be prous of their heritage.   A good book for recognizing  one’s uniqueness and learning to appreciate who we each are.

The illustrations are quite remarkable – well defined and humorous – whimsical and reminicent of Steven Kellog perhaps.  Children will enjoy their  humour and detail.  The author’s  note included at the end is well worth reading –  informative and interesting.

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

Hats off to Mr. Pockles!

Hats off to Mr. Pockles!Hats Off to Mr. Pockles! by David Litchfield, Sally Lloyd-Jones
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 0399558152
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“Hats off to Mr. Pockles” is an  imaginative and clever  picture book for ages 4  through 8.  Mr. Pockles, an odd little dog,  has a huge collection of hats.  “For Mr. Pockles,  going without a hat was like going around without any pants on.” Mr. Pockles owns  “an eating cornflakes hat, a drinking a cup of tea hat, and a going to bed hat among many others  BUT  a scarcity of  friends.  “It’s funny how wearing a hat cheers a personage up,” said Mr. Pockles.  But one day it didn’t and Mr. Pockles desperately wanted to attend “hat day” at the PandaPolitan Club. But Mr. Pockles was not a black and white  panda  and not allowed to attend.   To cheer himself up,  he dicided to buy a treat at the “Treat House,” whereupon he meets  Mrs. Lady Coco Fitz-Tulip sporting a hat decorated with banans, grapes, and pineapples. What happens,  after some bunny rabbits begin to snack upon her hat is well . . . both funny and very silly

A nice book to utilize when discussing how it feels to be left out and to not have many friends.  Young children will  enjoy the silliness of this story while  learning about  kindness, compassion, generousity and inclusiveness.  This book wonderfully demonstrates the  fact that  our similarities are much more significant  and universal in nature  than our perceived differences.  The story ends on a positive note by showing the happiness that can result from making new friends, sharing, and by discovering the pure joy of being alive and celebrating life all together.

The illustrations in the book are bright, lively and humorous while  accentuating and supporting  the text nicely.

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

five-stars

The Little Green Hen

The Little Green HenThe Little Green Hen by Alison Murray
Published by Candlewick Press on March 19th 2019
ISBN: 1536206105
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This traditional twist on a children’s tale is both engaging and clever and would be appreciated by young readers who are familiar with the story, “The Little Red Hen.”

A little “greeen” hen lives inside the  hollow of an old apple tree.  She faithfully tends to its care by pruning its branches, keeping pests under control, and sowing its seeds.  The day comes when she  needs help  caring for her expanding apple orchard.  Peacock  will not help as he is far too busy preening  himself, but Dog says, ” I will, I love sticks.” And so it goes,  with Fox saying “no,” and a teensy brown sparrow saying “I will,” a fat ginger cat saying, “Not I,” and a squirrel, who says, “I will.”  When a gigantic rain storm  floods the animals’ homes, they are ALL generously  welcomed to crowd into  Little Green Hen’s hollow for sfety.  And after  the rain subsides,  ALL  of LIttle Green Hen’s friends helped  look after the orchard and the orchard looked after them.

Reminiscent of “The Little Red Hen, ” this story focuses on the importance and interdependence of animals and nature.

Large, bright and coloful illlustrations are nicely paired with the simple, straightforward text of this tale.  Best suited for 3 to  5 year old children who are being introduced to these classic tales,  and  for slightly older children who are “studying,” –  comparing and contrasting classic tales , or even writing  and retelling their own tales – Preschool through first/second grade.  Also a nice story  to use when teaching the concepts of  appreciation in general,  helping others and the interdependence of nature and animals.

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

four-stars

Sadie and the Silver Shoes

Sadie and the Silver ShoesSadie and the Silver Shoes by Anna Walker, Jane Godwin
Published by Candlewick Press on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 1536204803
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Sadie and the Silver Shoes,” is a lovely picture book story about friendship, independence and resilience. Sadie, a young girl, must wear hand me downs from her three older brothers. She is, however, allowed to choose her own underwear and shoes.  And, boy, does Sadie ever love shoes.  After finding a pair of sneakers she  absolutley adores, she then proceeds to lose one of them it as  “was swept down the creek like a shimmering silver fish.” Sadie chooses to wear the remaining sneaker to school anyway. When Sadie is asked to show a new girl, Ellie,around the school,  Ellie says, “I have a shoe like that.” When the two girls go to Ellie’s house and discover that Ellie does indeed have Sadie’s other shoe,   Sadie,being kind and considerate, allows Ellie to keep the show since it fits her too.

A nice book to read anytime, but particularly when talking about friendship. The story shows that by talking things over, using a little imagination, and kindness as well, what might become a problem may sometimes promote a new friendship.

The illustrations are expressive, supporting the text nicely and do focus on what really matters in the story, the friendship of Sadie and Ellie.

 

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

four-stars

Dress Like a Girl

Dress Like a GirlDress Like a Girl by Patricia Toht, Lorian Tu-Dean
Published by HarperCollins on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 0062798928
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

“Dress Like a Girl” purports to be sending a girl power message, telling girls to dress how they want, but the text actually tells girls that they DO have to follow the rules, they can just do so in their own way.  It goes on via text to state what the fashion “rules” are and via the illustrations shows young girls dressing up in ways that sort of meet that rule but in an unexpected way, such as wearing a white space suit for the “crisp white” on a hot summer day rule.  The book’s refrain ends with, “Make your own rules in this big wide world. Set your sights high and…dress like a girl!” and shows all the girls in various outfits from the earlier pages with signs that say “my own hero”, etc. It’s clear what the author was reaching for with this book, attempting to send the message of empowerment to girls, but she really misses the mark here.  The text sends two very different messages, making it very unclear. Are we to live within the rules or do what we want? Not recommended.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

two-stars

Pippa’s Passover Plate

Pippa’s Passover PlatePippa's Passover Plate by Vivian Kirkfield, Jill Weber
Published by Holiday House on February 5th 2019
ISBN: 0823441628
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

This rhyming holiday book is sure to please Jewish families with preschool age children.  Families who follow other religious traditions will appreciate this enchanting story that offers an introductory fictional  tale about Passover.  Librarians and parents will enjoy reading the text aloud, there are many tongue twisting sentences that will tickle the funny bone of young listeners.  In spite of her shivers and shakes Pippa approaches less than friendly animals to help her find the special Passover Plate.  A little fright adds to the storyline making the book more fun than most holiday books.

The illustrations add charm, each page has several small surprises with lots of detail.  Preschoolers and K students will love to search for all the animals; some of which stand out using color while others almost melt into the environment.  Add this new Passover book to public library collections and gift to early education programs and K classrooms.

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

four-stars