Format: Picture Book Fiction

See Me Play

See Me PlaySee Me Play by Paul Meisel
Published by Holiday House on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 0823438325
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

This picture book sized easy reader hits all the requirements for new readers.  The popular subject of dogs, a single repetitive sentence in large font per page and clear illustrative two-page spreads with lots of white space make this series a good fit for word recognition and confidence building.  Most sentences only change one or two words.  The humorous story line of the group of dogs following the ball and needing to catch an hot-air balloon, a motorboat, and a pink convertible is told through cartoon animal characters in action that enhance the simple sentence structure.  Suggested for school and library easy reader sections.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Springvale Public Library

 

five-stars

Babymoon

BabymoonBabymoon by Hayley Barrett
Published by Candlewick Press on March 14th 2019
ISBN: 0763688525
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Often used to describe a trip taken by expecting parents before the baby arrives, this book uses Babymoon in the  way that midwives do for taking the time immediately after a baby is born to form connections and settle into the adjustment of transforming from two to three. Barrett captures the magical period with simple rhyming couplets and Martinez-Neal punctuates the text with soft, glowing illustrations. The gentle message of giving yourselves time to adapt to the newness of parenthood is necessary in a country that offers very little parental leave and has expectations that people will go right back to their pre-baby lives. The illustrations are realistic in terms of body size for a new mother and offer a picture of a non-Caucasian family, which is refreshing. The audience is bit narrow since it is intended for new parents and, since it does it through the lens of just one family, it cannot speak to all of the different types of families that exist. But if the reader accepts that this is not the picture of EVERY family, and applies the message broadly and transfers the love felt by new parents for their baby, it is a beautiful addition to the new baby/bedtime picture book shelf.

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

four-stars

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