Format: Picture Book Fiction

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

The Hawk and the Dove

The Hawk and the DoveThe Hawk and the Dove by Paul Kor
Published by Kids Can Press on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 152530125X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Not only a lovely example of papercut illustrations, this children’s book excelled in all ways.  This reader experienced tears while slowly turning pages which revealed how peace can grow from war.  Much like the peace posters of the 1960’s The hawk and the Dove makes the change feel possible, tangible, and real.  If only life followed art, this new title could affect social change.  Each time a page is turned the reader is offered a different way to view war machines; bombs become butterflies and battleships become sailboats. 

A strong feeling of hope is contained across the pages of this book, the message is strong and direct. Readers would do well to open themselves to the possibilities presented in this book.

Art teachers and social studies teachers will want this book at their disposal to use with classes.  Librarians in media centers and public libraries will find this an excellent addition to their collections. Excellent for grade 2-4 and for art classes of all ages.

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

 

Consider for Cream

five-stars

Rappy and His Favorite Things

Rappy and His Favorite ThingsRappy and His Favorite Things by Dan Gutman, Tim Bowers
Published by HarperCollins on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 0062252720
Pages: 32
Goodreads

The kids in Rappy’s class have to write a poem. Rappy doesn’t think he’s a poet and won’t be able to do it. But when he realizes that rap is same as poetry, he gets into it. Kids that enjoy rap will like this one, Guided Reading Level k.

Ages: 4 and up. Mary Lehmer, Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Maine.

Rappy and his Favorite Things

Rappy and his Favorite Thingstwo-stars

The kids in Rappy’s class have to write a poem. Rappy doesn’t think he’s a poet and won’t be able to do it. But when he realizes that rap is same as poetry, he gets into it. Kids that enjoy rap will like this one, Guided Reading Level k.

Ages: 4 and up. Mary Lehmer, Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Maine.

two-stars

Pete the Kitty and the Case of the Hiccups

Pete the Kitty and the Case of the Hiccupsthree-stars

Pete the kitty has the hiccups and he doen’t like it. Everyone tries to help him get rid of them but it’s his mom that ends up saving the day. Funny ways that some kids might have tried to get rid of the hiccups. Bright drawings and large text will work well for young readers. Readers of Pete the Cat will be drawn to this one. Guided Reading Level F is on the back of the book.

Ages: 4 and up. Mary Lehmer, Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Maine.

three-stars

Duck, Duck , Dinosaur Spring Smiles

Duck, Duck , Dinosaur Spring SmilesDuck, Duck, Dinosaur: Spring Smiles by Kallie George, Oriol Vidal
Published by HarperCollins on February 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062353225
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Poor dinosaur is sneezing at everything. He is getting sad but when the rain arrives and makes puddles, he gets to play without sneezing and is happy. Silly story that will appeal to young children. The dinosaur drawings are adorable and his sneezes silly, a great combo. Large text and the Guided Reading Level E on the back are very helpful. A solid story for a level E reader.

Ages: 4 and up. Mary Lehmer, Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, Maine.

four-stars

Biscuit Loves the Park

Biscuit Loves the ParkBiscuit Loves the Park by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Pat Schories
Published by HarperCollins on December 31st 2018
ISBN: 006243618X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Biscuit is playing in the park but all of a sudden he disappears. But not to worry he is with the other pups in the park. A sweet early chapter book. The illustrations captures the fun, gentleness of the story. The lettering is large and easy to read for a new reader. The back of the book gives the Guided Reading Level E making it clear for readers and others looking for that information.

Very Good. Ages 4 and up. Mary Lehmer, Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

four-stars

I Like My Bike

I Like My BikeI Like My Bike by Antongionata Ferrari
Published by Holiday House on January 15th 2019
ISBN: 0823440974
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Different animals and people like the vehicle they ride in. For some it’s a car ,others a truck and still others a bike. The text repeats to make it easy for a new reader. The illustrations pull the reader in and give clues as to what the new word might be. A fun book that has a bit of humor in it and great illustration as well. On the front and back is the Guided Reading Level A which is really handy. Perfect choice for  new reader.

Cream. Ages 4 and up. Mary Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

Pete the Cat’s Giant Groovy Book

Pete the Cat's Giant Groovy Book: 9 Books in One by James Dean
Published by HarperCollins on March 5th 2019
ISBN: 0062868306
Pages: 288
Goodreads
three-stars

“Pete the Cat’s Giant Groovy Book” is a collection of nine previously published Pete the Cat early reading stories. The collection starts with five stories at the “My First” beginning reading level, and then goes on to four “Level 1” reading level stories.

I enjoyed the fact that between the two reading levels, there’s a special page with Pete telling the reader, “Groovy job! You’re moving on to Level 1,” and at the end of the book he says, “Congrats! You’re a cool reader!”

James Dean is the writer and illustrator and gives Pete the Cat bright artwork and short, fun stories. I wouldn’t consider this a must-buy for a library, especially if you already have the nine stories that are included, but it would be a good purchase for an individual child who is learning to read. Aimed at children in preschool to third grade, getting to read through a “big book” and getting encouragement from Pete himself is pretty fun.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars