Format: Picture Book Fiction

Unbudgeable Curmudgeon

Unbudgeable CurmudgeonThe Unbudgeable Curmudgeon by Matthew Burgess, Fiona Woodcock
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 0399556621
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Who doesn’t love a monster wearing a headband? That’s what greets the reader in this slightly funny, oh-so-relatable picture book. Any listener/reader who has been in a situation with a hard-to-budge sibling, or who has BEEN unbudgeable him or herself, will identify with this story. Fiona Woodcock’s palette of muted primary colors grabs the reader from the front cover and, in a succinct 24 pages, Burgess expresses the childhood phenomena of transitioning from happy to ragingly angry back to content again. With many  soft ‘g’ words, Burgess captures the struggle of a sister trying to get her backpack from an obstinate “monster,” her brother. Offering many suggestions for shaking a curmudgeonly mood, this picture book would make a great read aloud on cooperation and dealing with emotional reactions and size of the problem discussions. This book will circulate on cover design alone, but should foster some nice conversations about dealing with problems.

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

four-stars

The Poesy Ring a Love Story

The Poesy Ring a Love StoryThe Poesy Ring: A Love Story by Bob Graham
Published by Candlewick Press on December 11th 2018
ISBN: 0763698849
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

In 1830 a broken hearted young woman throws her ring inscribed “Love never dies” onto a meadow. Over a period of 137 years, the ring is seen only by passing animals. An acorn by the ring grows into an oak tree. It becomes stuck into a deer’s hoof and then is picked up by a bird who drops it into the ocean. After being swallowed by a fish, the ring is discovered by a fisherman who sells it at a pawn shop. In 1967 a young couple buys the ring and the ring finds a worthy finger for its “love never dies.”  Detailed ink, watercolor, and pastel illustrations show the big skies, small animals, changing seasons, and passage of time. This is a quiet story that will be appreciated by young romantics ages four to eight who look carefully at the story told in large part by the  illustrations. Reviewed by Margy Soule, Coffin School, Brunswick.

 

four-stars

Mary Poppins

Mary PoppinsMary Poppins by P.L. Travers, Geneviève Godbout, Amy Novesky
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on October 23rd 2018
ISBN: 1328916774
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

Mary Poppins by Mary P.L. Travers, adapted by Amy Novesky, and illustrated by Genevieve Godbout is a picture book story. It gives the reader/listener a very brief introduction to the classic character. Most modern children will never read the 202 page original work, and so this picture book is more an introduction to the movies. There is a glimmer of some of the fun, unpredictable spirit of the nanny. The children’s and their nanny’s fantastical adventures are mentioned in just a few sentences for each. The illustrations are done in soft pastel and colored pencils and show wide eyed, expressive children. Mary is prettier and younger than the original illustrations by Mary Shepard and more a nod towards the movie portrayals. Since the story goes from 202 to 32 pages, it is unfortunate the adapter’s name is left off the cover and back flap. Recommended as an additional purchase for large collections in libraries serving children ages three through six. Reviewed by Margy Soule, Coffin School, Brunswick.

two-stars

Princess Truly in My Magical Sparkling Curls

Princess Truly in My Magical Sparkling CurlsPrincess Truly in My Magical, Sparkling Curls by Kelly Greenawalt, Amariah Rauscher
Published by Orchard Books on January 2nd 2018
ISBN: 1338167197
Pages: 40
Goodreads
two-stars

Princess Truly My Magical Sparkling Curls by Kelly Greenwalt and illustrated by Amariah Rauscher shows a little Africa American girl who loves her “fluffy, puffy curls…When I believe in myself, they shimmer and they shine.”   Like many little girls she is wearing a tutu and sparkly bows. In her happy imagination she confidently explores the oceans, space, dinosaurs, and ancient Egypt before bedtime. Do we need more picture book stories with energetic and confident African American girls? Absolutlely. Do we need more coyingly sweet and overly obvious picture books? I don’t think so. Illustrations by Amariah Rauscher show a cute little girl with a pug and bunny who follow her on her adventures. This is the sequel to I Am Truly.  Pastel watercolors and pencil give a fresh feel to this believe-in-yourself portrait for children ages 3 to 6.  Reviewed by Margy Soule, Coffin School, Brunswick.

two-stars

I’ve loved you since forever

I’ve loved you since foreverI've Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb, Suzie Mason
Published by Harper on March 6th 2018
ISBN: 0062841742
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

Simple rhyming couplets follow animal parents as they tell their children how they were loved even before they were born. The text is alright but the illustrations sell the story. Large full page illustrations take you into nature where parents are tenderly caring for there children.  Short enough for even the youngest readers and is a nice mellow story time or bedtime book.

Reviewed by Ali Reddy, Freeport Community Library

three-stars

There’s a Dragon in Your Book

five-stars

Upon discovering that there is a dragon in their book young readers are encouraged to tickle her nose. Seems harmless enough, but it causes the little dragon to sneeze and when dragons sneeze there’s fire. Little ones will love trying to blow the fire out, close the book to put it out, and lastly imagine a giant water balloon to dowse the flames. Sweet, bright images help illustrated the toll the flames are having on the book as the book progresses. This book is sure to be a story time favorite.

Recommended for ages 2 and up.

Reviewed by Ali Reddy, Freeport Community Library

five-stars

Horse Meets Dog

Horse Meets DogHorse Meets Dog by Elliott Kalan, Tim Miller
Published by Balzer + Bray on October 30th 2018
ISBN: 0062791109
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Sweet nonsensical joy abounds when Horse and Dog meet. Horse thinks Dog is a tiny Horse, and Dog thinks horse is just a really big dog. Argument ensues and when they try to settle their differences with presents things only get worse. Will they solve this silly riddle? Bird’s arrival at the end gives us some hope. This book is pure silliness and told all in dialogue through speech bubbles. Fans of Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggy series will enjoy this new duo.

Reviewed by Ali Reddy, Freeport Community Library

four-stars

Good Night, Mr. Panda

Good Night, Mr. PandaGood Night, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony
Published by Scholastic Press on August 28th 2018
ISBN: 133827595X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

Pandas are one of the most loved animals in the world, making the series of Mr. Panda books successful. This title however does not live up to expectations.  The animals remain adorable, the storyline simple, the clear and large font is readable but the action is slow.   Specific difficulty is that the bedtime story is omitted.  Surely every child knows they need to brush their teeth, take a bath, put on PJ’s and get a hug but where is the all-important bedtime book?

 As in other books by Antony the characters are adorable and the backgrounds allow the text and illustrations to shine.  His selection of colors helps to set the stage for a bed time story.  Silly as the ending is pre-school children will giggle as they setting into bed to await that missing bed time story.

Public libraries and pre-schools might consider this title.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired librarian in Scarborough, ME

three-stars

Josie’s Lost Tooth

Josie’s Lost ToothJosie's Lost Tooth by Jennifer K. Mann
Published by Candlewick Press on September 11th 2018
ISBN: 0763696943
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Josie is the last kid in her class to lose a tooth. Finally one night she feels one start to wiggle (but just a little). At school the next day Josie is determined to get the tooth to fall out but nothing seems to works. Finally while playing a game of chase Josie falls and loses her tooth…and also LOSES HER TOOTH. Josie fears the Tooth Fairy wont leave her a coin if she doesn’t have the tooth to leave under her pillow. Luckily her friend Richard steps up and offers his shark tooth as a replacement. Josie leaves a note for the Tooth Fairy explaining the mishap and in the morning finds a reward for her and Richard. A very sweet story of friendship told with simple lined illustrations and water color that is great for any age.

Reviewed by Ali Reddy, Freeport Community Library

four-stars

Elbow Grease

four-stars

Elbow Grease may not be the biggest, smartest, or toughest truck at the demolition derby but he definitely has the most determination.  His brothers each have their own special talent and sometimes make fun of Elbow Grease for being different, but when Elbow Grease take off to join the  Grand Prix he teaches them that it can be fun to try new things even if you’re not the best at it. Truck lovers will enjoy this book with bright full-page illustrations and speech bubbles that allow each of the trucks to add their voice to the story. Over all a cute story of friendship and perseverance great for the 3 and up crowd.

Reviewed by Ali Reddy, Freeport Community Library

four-stars