Format: Picture Book Fiction

If Animals Celebrated Christmas

If Animals Celebrated ChristmasIf Animals Celebrated Christmas by Ann Whitford Paul
on September 11th 2018
ISBN: 0374309019
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Twelve types of wild animals find themselves celebrating the fast approaching Christmas Day.   Each prepares in their own way, combined their traditions cover most of the human activities surrounding the holiday.  The animals find ways to be involved that seems logical for that species; including singing, gift making, decorating, letter writing and cuddling.  Paul’s text imagines lovely individual and group activities and Walker’s illustrations bring it all to life.  The color selection is very bright and pleasing.

The story-line and illustrations contained in “If Animals Celebrated Christmas” make a warm and cozy read.  From pre-school to grade 1 children will want to sit in a big comfy chair with their favorite adult as the story is read aloud.    This is a comfort book, one that will make a good Christmas gift for little children on everyone’s shopping list.   Public librarians will want to order a copy for their picture book or holiday picture book section.

four-stars

Dino-Christmas

Dino-ChristmasDino-Christmas by Lisa Wheeler, Barry Gott
Published by Carolrhoda Books (R) on September 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512403156
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

As Christmas approaches the local dinosaurs are making preparations all over town.  While T.rex munches s’mores, Raptor is enjoying the first snow with other dino buddies.  This book is humorous and silly to the max, readers will tour the community, meet all the residents and laugh at their pranks.  Wheeler offers a fun folic to her Dino loving readers but many of the rhyme patterns feel forced.  Gott’s illustrations are large and very colorful as well as being dynamic.  Best is the size of the font which is readable for the intended audience of early readers in K – grade 3. 

This reader is somewhat off put by the total elimination of any religious observation within the community.   Christmas is a religious holiday yet this is totally secular.  Add this where other titles  by this author are cherished. 

three-stars

We Love Dinosaurs

We Love DinosaursWe Love Dinosaurs by Lucy Volpin
Published by Nosy Crow on June 26th 2018
ISBN: 0763699594
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Simple rhyming text and colorful dinosaur drawings will make this a big hit with very young children, especially those that like dinosaurs. The inside covers have drawings of dinosaurs with their official names but the text of the book does not go into that. Great way to read about dinosaurs for those that don’t know their dinosaurs but also info for those that do. The text itself gives a piece of info on each dinosaur in easy to understand sentences. The last page does bring up the word extinct which might be tricky for young ones, but the book is still terrific. Ages 2 and up.

Reviewed by Mary Lehmer, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME

five-stars

Go To Sleep, Little Creep

Go To Sleep, Little CreepGo to Sleep, Little Creep by David Quinn
Published by Crown BFYR on July 24th 2018
ISBN: 1101939443
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Some of the most adorable monsters in picture book history inhabit this rhyming picture book by Quinn and Spires. Perfect for a Halloween read-aloud or any old bedtime where a good baby monster is appreciated. Quinn’s rhyme is a bit cutesy, but it works in a story aimed at lulling listeners at the end of the day. And Spires takes the text to the next level with fantastic touches in her illustrations like pictures on Baby Godzilla’s wall of buildings aflame and a portrait of Uncle Igor hanging in the home of the Frankensteins. She even manages to capture a feeling of diversity within some of the monster families (the werewolves and zombies). The page of terrible things baby monsters dream of is worth the price of the book. There are many bedtime books out there and many Halloween-themed books, but if you have the funds to pick this one up for your library, it should circulate as often as a baby monster looks at its father with a book in its hands and says, “again?”.  

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

five-stars

The Three Little Superpigs

The Three Little SuperpigsThe Three Little Superpigs by Claire Evans
Published by Scholastic Press on July 31st 2018
ISBN: 1338245457
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

The Three Little Superpigs by Claire Evans begins where the Three Little Pigs classic fairy tale ends. The Big Bad Wolf has been put in prison to serve his time and Fairyland has promoted the swine siblings to superhero status. While the Pigs are fighting crime and enjoying their new found fame, the Big Bad Wolf stews in “Happily Never After Prison” plotting his revenge. The unexpected escape of the canine criminal throws Fairyland into a fear-filled frenzy. Will the Superpigs be able to capture the Big Bad Wolf and retain their “superhero” status?

The silly circumstances that follow will cause the reader to laugh-out-loud while learning the importance of hard work and ingenuity.

With Clare Evans’ vibrant, action-packed illustrations, witty wording, and engaging storyline, The Three Little Superpigs is sure to become a new favorite. The flavor of the overall book is reminiscent of authors Jon Sciezka and Rob Scotton. The content is best suited for a target audience of ages 4 to 7 years of age and would enhance any early-elementary picture book collection.

 

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public LIbrary

four-stars

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah

All-of-a-Kind Family HanukkahAll-Of-A-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins, Paul O. Zelinsky
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on September 11th 2018
ISBN: 039955419X
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Emily Jenkins takes inspiration from Sydney Taylor’s classic chapter book series, All-of-a-Kind Family, which follows the life of a jewish family in the Lower East Side, beginning from a time when they had five daughters. Jenkins uses the characters at the age they are at the start of the chapter series and writes from the perspective of youngest daughter, Gertie. This allows Jenkins to give the reader many details about the holiday that would otherwise feel forced, as Gertie is reminded of details she has forgotten since the year before. Many children will relate to the excitement of a holiday and the frustration of not being able to help out in the same way that everyone else can.

Zelinsky’s illustrations give character to each of the different sisters, making them stand out even with such a small amount of text. The digital paintings give historical details and a homey feel that compliment the text. The back of the book includes a glossary, a note from the author with historical context and additional information about Hanukkah, a note from the illustrator, a bibliography of the original series, acknowledgements, sources, and a website that gives additional information and a latke recipe.

Recommended as a beginner’s look into Hanukkah or an introduction to a great, classic series.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

four-stars

The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight

The Dragon and the Nibblesome KnightThe Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight by Elli Woollard, Benji Davies
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on August 21st 2018
ISBN: 1250150205
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

When Dram, the smallest dragon, takes off on his own for the first time, he splashes down into a lake. James, a knight, takes off his armor and wades in to help Dram, who was injured in the fall. Thanks to the circumstances of their meeting, Dram thinks that James is a lad, and James thinks Dram is a duck. Neither realizes that the other is their sworn enemy until after they are friends when they meet at Sports Day. They are expected to fight, but can’t help but hug instead. Their friendship inspires change in the dragons and knights around them, resulting in (mostly) peace between the two former enemies. Elli Woollard writes in a humorous rhyming style, accompanied by Benji Davies’ cartoon style. Though a few stretches are required (that James would mistake Dram for a duck, that the problems between the dragons and knights would be resolved so quickly), young readers who love fantasy fare will enjoy this story.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

three-stars

If Wendell Had a Walrus

If Wendell Had a WalrusIf Wendell Had a Walrus by Lori Mortensen, Matt Phelan
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on April 17th 2018
ISBN: 1627796029
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

If Wendell Had a Walrus is the story of a young boy with fair skin and red hair who sees a cloud shaped like a walrus and decided that he simply must have a walrus as a pet. Unfortunately, the pet store doesn’t seem to have any in stock, so Wendell writes a letter asking for a walrus to come be his pet, places it in a bottle, and throws it into the sea. While there, he meets Morrell, a boy with brown skin and curly brown hair, who is throwing a bottle into the ocean in attempt to get a whale as a pet. They decide to spend time together while they wait and become friends. Mortensen has written a sweet story full of gentle humor and good friends. Phelan’s pencil and watercolor illustrations perfectly capture the soft, friendly nature of the story and include funny jokes for readers to catch. Recommended.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library. 

four-stars

Neon Leon

Neon LeonNeon Leon by Jane Clarke, Britta Teckentrup
Published by Nosy Crow on July 24th 2018
ISBN: 0763699152
Pages: 24
Goodreads
three-stars

Neon Leon is a sad chameleon who is in search of a place where he fits in.    Clarke and Teckentrup  reveal his struggle in this most appealing and bright picture book.   Being the wrong color and unable to change like his mates creates huge problems that must be overcome.  Together the author and illustrator  take readers for a walk through several habits till a satisfying ending is achieved.

The story line will reassure children who find social situations challenging while the illustrations will lighten their hearts.  Being one of the crowd, just like everyone else, and finding your group are heavy issues for primary school students.   Leon will resonate with K- 2nd graders who strive for the right balance.  The brimming colors and large illustrations are sure to please and will bring smiles to small faces.

Add to primary grade media centers and to public libraries which serve children.   This is an excellent book to purchase for children who are searching for the right balance in social situations.

 

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

three-stars

A Werewolf Named Oliver James

A Werewolf Named Oliver JamesA Werewolf Named Oliver James by Nicholas John Frith
Published by Arthur A. Levine Books on June 26th 2018
ISBN: 1338254332
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Oliver James has to be home by six for dinner. What he didn’t plan was for people to run away from him yelling werewolf, only to find out he’s the werewolf. It’s a fun read that’s perfect for Halloween or just kids who enjoy spooky fantasy stories with a message of ‘it’s okay to be different’. It’s perfect for 2nd and 3rd graders due to the fact younger readers might not fully grasp the meaning of the story, but they’ll still enjoy the illustrations and the basic idea of it. The story was great at capturing emotions of someone young who might not be scared of what they are, but excited about these new powers only for them to question it when other’s their age is frightened. The illustrations are simple shapes with simple colors following a six-color theme throughout the book, some on top of others to add depth, which works well for this story in adding another spooky layer to it. The flaw is that the message is something you don’t really think about reading unless you’re looking for it. A great Halloween read with a great message that any library would love to have.

Reviewed by Cherise Letourneau, Auburn Public Library, Auburn

four-stars