Format: Picture Book Fiction

Bear’s Book

Bear’s BookBear's Book by Claire Freedman, Alison Friend
Published by Templar Books on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 1536205710
Pages: 34
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a story about a bear who loves to read who decides to write his own story. He is stuck on what to write so he goes out for a back scratch on a tree and a series of interactions with friends which inspire him creatively. He goes to the different animals as he takes the time to think about what story to write. The text includes “Bear’s Story” as a two page spread that folds out with different coloring.

The illustrations in this story are very soft with muted colors. They show full detailed scenes to accompany the text. These are thick pages with matte paper.

The theme of this story could be that inspiration for creativity could come from anywhere. I would compare story to Winnie the Pooh with how the bear acts bumbling about and the scenery. The book would be appropriate for upper preschool to kindergarten as it is wordy but the subject matter fits younger children. It would be useful for early school age children who are beginning to write and tell their own stories.

Reviewed by Kathleen Powers, Winslow Public Library, Winslow, ME

four-stars

Felix Eats Up

Felix Eats UpFelix Eats Up by Rosemary Wells
Published by Candlewick Press on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 0763695483
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

This most recent book in the Felix & Fiona series deals with the issue of picky eating.   Felix is happy to eat the same lunch each day and becomes concerned when he learns that he will be going to a restaurant with Fiona’s family.  Wells approaches this common childhood problem without judgement showing concern for Felix’s feelings.   As usual the storyline is recognizable and offers positive solutions to the common challenge.  

As in all Felix and Fiona books the illustrations are cute but somewhat static.   Readers will delight in picking out several interesting decorative and colorful objects like striped glasses worn by Fiona’s Mom and the bird hats worn in class.  Primary colors dominate but background pages vary between white, yellow, pastel green and blue.

Add this to classroom collections in primary classes and to library shelves with other titles by Wells.  Definitely gift to a child who shares either of these great names.

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

four-stars

Peppa Pig and the Family Reunion

Peppa Pig and the Family ReunionPeppa Pig and the Family Reunion by Candlewick Press
Published by Candlewick Press on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1536206156
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

Made popular by the TV show, Peppa Pig is the darling in the world of 2-5 year old girls.  Peppa Pig enjoys watching over her toddler cousin who she is trying to teach to talk.  Sure the characters are pigs but the storyline is realistic and somewhat sweet as the children play well together and interact with all family members.

There is a cuteness about Peppa and her family, the simple illustrations express emotion and depict typical family bonding.  Colors (other than the pink pigs) are appealing and vary from page to page.   There is reason for young listeners and readers to request this book as a bedtime story.  Although books created from TV shows are not always among the best selections this is a satisfying read for its intended audience.  Gift to families with young girls and consider for nursery school collections.

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

three-stars

Duck and Goose: A Gift for Goose

Duck and Goose: A Gift for GooseA Gift for Goose by Tad Hills
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on January 8th 2019
ISBN: 052564489X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Duck shows us how to give a thoughtful gift to our friends. Too bad there is a misunderstanding about the gift! Goose keeps interrupting, but Duck finally explains and Goose is thrilled with his box so he can put his special things in it.

Simple text in large font welcomes beginning readers. Signature illustrations of Duck and Goose will give fans a new episode to enjoy.

In addition to a delightful friendship story for preschoolers, this story would be a great study for young authors on how to write a twist/surprise ending.

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

 

four-stars

Good Night, Wind

Good Night, WindGood Night, Wind by Linda Elovitz Marshall, Maëlle Doliveux
Published by Holiday House on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 0823437884
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Most of us can relate to having tantrums when we don’t get our way, especially when we are beyond tired. In this book, two nice little children help weary Winter Wind find a nice little cave to have a nice little rest instead of tormenting everyone.

Inspired by a century-old Lithuania tale, “The Wind Who Got Angry” and translated from Yiddish to English, extraordinary paper cut illustrations provide endless opportunities for browsing and being amazed. The use of color, shapes and placement create a visual wonderland.

Youngsters of all ages will enjoy knowing they are in good company when it comes to being overtired.

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

 

four-stars

Ruby and Rufus Love the Water

Ruby and Rufus Love the WaterRuby & Rufus by Olivier Dunrea
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on March 19th 2019
ISBN: 0547867603
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

“Gossie & Friends” move over and make room for “Ruby & Rufus”! If you enjoy the water every day, what do you do when it freezes over? You discover the joys of playing on the ice!

Dundee’s signature small format with yellow & red illustrations extend the short sentences, which are perfect for beginning readers.

Great for teaching preschoolers how to make the best of unexpected circumstances and possible disappointment. This book and message are just too cute not to have in your collection!

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

five-stars

Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure

Charlotte the Scientist Finds a CureCharlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure by Camille Andros, Brianne Farley
Published by Clarion Books on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 0544813766
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

In “Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure,” Charlotte, a young bunny who loves science, faces a mysterious malady: lots of animals in the forest are getting sick! What could have caused it? Charlotte does some information gathering, runs scientific tests, and tries to figure out the sickness. Older doctors tell Charlotte that they will figure it out on their own and don’t need her help; Charlotte wonders if she really can make a difference with her research since she’s so young. Written by Camille Andros, the book has a lot of fun and long words that kids may not know, but luckily there is a glossary in the back of the book! Brianne Farley’s illustrations are detailed and colorful without seeming too busy. Comical pictures of the animals will make kids laugh along with the funny story.

Aimed at ages 4 to 7 years old, this is the second book in the “Charlotte the Scientist” series after “Charlotte the Scientist is Squished.” A fun read with a strong STEM component, children will enjoy following along as Charlotte performs her science!

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Sea Bear

Sea BearSea Bear: A Journey for Survival by Lindsay Moore
Published by Greenwillow Books on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 0062791281
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

“Sea Bear,” (a journey for survival) is a realistic fiction picture book for children 4-8 years.  A polar bear shares her own story of survivla with  readers. She tells us how her own mother taught her that she must wait and be patioent.   She tells us how her very survivla depends upon the floes of Artic ice.  We learn what the polar bear  must do when the ice becomes so thin and small that there is no longer any room for her at all.    Her story of survivla is not an easy one.  She must remember what she was taught  by her own mother –  to be”as patient as a glacier.”  She must hope and wait.  A wonderful story that tells of the relationship between a bear and the ocean..  Without being said,  we become aware  that a  changing environment  with  less Artic ice, could be detrimental to the survival of polar bears.

Lovely , claming illustrations, convey the feeling of time passing slowly.  This nicely  reinforces a theme of the story that a polar bear must be patient and wait.  A good book to read when studying polar bears and/or Artic animals.  Also, good when  discussing climate change and it’s effects on animals around the globe.  A calming story to read before rest time, as well.

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

 

four-stars

Birds

BirdsBirds by Carme Lemniscates
Published by Candlewick Studio on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 1536201782
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Lemniscates has caught birds at their best, expressing their lighthearted emotions and depicting their life styles.   The two page spreads features one or more variety of birds as they make homes and interact in their environment.  Each illustration is more lovely than the previous as the colors in nature dominate the space.

 The text is simple and endearing, making this a good choice for nursery schools and public libraries.  Pre-school children who connect with birds will love to just look at the illustrations, name the types of birds, and enjoy the vibrant illustrations.  This reader imagines many little ones saying “please read it again”.

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

four-stars

The Goose Egg

The Goose EggThe Goose Egg by Liz Wong
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on January 22nd 2019
ISBN: 0553511572
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars


From the author of Jumpstart's Read for the Record pick

Quackers

comes the story of Henrietta the Elephant, whose life goes from calm to chaotic when a baby goose comes to stay.

Henrietta likes her quiet life. A morning swim, a cup of tea--all is serene.

But everything changes when she bumps her head and winds up with a goose egg--a REAL goose egg. Henrietta tries to return the baby goose to the nest, but her flock has flown. It's up to Henrietta to raise her.

Goose isn't anything like Henrietta. She's flappy, and noisy, and exhausting. But Henrietta raises that goose right. She teaches her to swim, and to honk, and to fly. When Goose flies off with the other geese, Henrietta is so proud!

And then . . . lonely. How quiet her life feels now.

But the love you give has a way of coming back to you. And Henrietta has a wonderful surprise in store. . . .

Henrieta is an elephant who “savored the stillness of the morning as she sipped her Darjeeling.” Sometimes, when swimming underneath the lake in the quiet murmer of the water, Henrietta would become  lost in her her own thoughts.   And sometimes,  Henrietta became  a little too lost.  And then one day,  it  took  a”bonk” on the head to wake Henrietta up.  Henrietta returns  home to collect herself and soon discovers that the “bonk” was a literal,  “real”  goose egg,  which landed smack  on the top of Henrietta’s head.   But there  is no mother goose to care for the gosling,  so Henrietta take the job on herself.  Her silence, that she loves so very much is now shattered, but when the gosling  finally learns to fly away on it’s own, Henrietaa is sad.  The ending is a surprise; however, not totally unexpexpected.

“The Goose Egg” is an  adorable picture book with endearing  watercolor illustrations.  This book can be used when exploring uncommon animal relationships.   “The Goose Egg,” would also  make a delighful read and introduction of the topic  “taking on  responsibilities.”  Why and when might some animals do it . Why and when might people do it.  What information might inform their decisions.   Do animals have feelings?  Are animals “loyal” to one another? Do animals “think” like people or is their behavior instinctive?  Definitely a story to ponder, learn from, and to enjoy!

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

 

four-stars