Window Fishing

December 13, 2023

Window Fishing by D.K. Dyson, Rudy Gutierrez
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on August 1, 2023
ISBN: 059342901X
Pages: 40
Genres: Cultural / African American, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Sometimes the smallest interactions with virtual strangers can make all the difference – you never know what someone else is going through, and how big of an impact you may have on them. Window Fishing dives into one of those relationships between Rudeday, a working artist who is in a slump, and Amir, a young boy stuck at home with an illness. Rudeday feels that his work is routine/meaningless and hopes to be a famous artist. One day, Amir goes “window fishing”, lowering a string and paperclip out his apartment window. Rudeday notices the “fishing line” as it goes ‘tap tap tap’ on his window, and sketches a fish to put on the paperclip and send back. A relationship forms, and a new hobby of window fishing brings these two strangers together, while also bringing positivity to their individual situations. When Amir is recovered, he brings window fishing out into the greater community, therefore, bringing recognition to Rudeday. This book is set in the city with diverse characters, and celebrates food and music of many cultures. The illustrations are unique and bold, but can feel disorienting at times. As an adult reader, I found the protagonist (Rudeday) to be moderately relatable (who doesn’t get tired of their day job from time-to-time?), but I found his quest for fame to be a bit shallow. I would expect a child audience may relate even less to Rudeday. Nonetheless, this is a sweet story, and this book would be a solid and diverse addition to your library picture book collection. Recommended for ages 4 to 7 (Pre-K to 1st Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

Repeat after Me: Big Things to Say Every Day

December 10, 2023

Repeat After Me: Big Things to Say Every Day by Dule Hill, Jazmyn Simon, Shamar Knight-Justice
Published by Random House on 2023
ISBN: 0593426975
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This book of affirmations for parents to share with their children begins with “I am worthy” and ends with “I am ready”. Each affirmation is accompanied by a short reinforcing poem and a colorful, cheerful, full-page illustration. I think any parent would be happy to share these messages with their children. The age range is not indicated, but I would estimate 4-8 years. This book is recommended for public libraries and school libraries, as well as for gifting.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

Words of Wonder from Z to A

December 10, 2023

Words of Wonder from Z to A by Keisha Morris, Zaila Avant-Garde
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on 2023
ISBN: 0593568931
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Zaila Avant-garde became the first Black American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2021 at the age of 14. The author’s love of words is very clear in her first book. This unique abecedary approaches the English alphabet in reverse order, starting with the author’s first name, Zaila, and ending with her last name, Avant-garde. Each word receives a thoughtful description, often including a self-affirmation and always including a quotation from a well-known person such as Neil Gaiman or Colin Powell. There are brightly colored illustrations of people of color throughout. The book is suggested for readers ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

Stickler Loves the World

December 4, 2023

Stickler Loves the World by Lane Smith
Published by Random House on 08/22/2023
ISBN: 0593649834
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Stickler is a uniquely optimistic woodland creature, who sings the praise of all the overlooked & underappreciated wonders of the world, especially – you guessed it – sticks! Brown ones, knobby ones, and knobby brown ones alike!

While eagerly heading to show its jaded friend, Crow, some particularly impressive sticks, Stickler comes across a tin-can wearing alien, who must be freshly arrived on Earth and unaware of the beauty it contains! With gusto, Stickler takes on the challenge of showing its new friend the marvels its world has to offer – from the sunshine beaming down, to the wind rushing by, the flowers, the ocean, rocks and fish, the colors of the sunset – and of course, sticks! After Stickler’s tour de force, it’s revealed that our alien was Stickler’s good friend Crow stuck in the can all along. Stickler is afraid it has bored Crow by showing them things they’ve already seen, but Crow was thrilled to see the magic of the world as viewed by Stickler.

Natural, flowing illustrations don’t just jump off the page, they reach out and invite the reader to step into the story to take this journey right alongside Stickler and Crow.

An enchanting story with a wonderful message to enjoy the world around us ferociously & never stop sharing our enthusiasm, this book will be adored by preschoolers, elementary schoolers, & adults alike. Another must have from Lane Smith!

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME

How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney?

November 25, 2023November 25, 2023

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Jon Klassen, Mac Barnett
ISBN: 153622376X
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This holiday book by wonder duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen is just as delightful as everything else they’ve teamed up on. Between Barnett’s deadpan text and Klassen’s funny yet beautiful illustrations (those string lights!), this is a must have for any school or library and would be perfect for a read aloud. It starts with a timeless question and offers multiple ridiculous solutions. Be sure to look out for the reindeer’s hoof slipping Santa through a mail slot like a letter.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

Oh, Panda

November 14, 2023

Oh, Panda by Cindy Derby
Published by Random House Children's Books on 9/5/2023
ISBN: 0593564723
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

In this tale told through beautiful, transporting illustrations & sparse text, young Panda loses his new butterfly friend over a mountain and tries with all his might to surmount this obstacle & their caregivers’ hesitancy so they can play together.

Written as though speaking directly to Panda, the narrator is initially unsupportive and overly cautious in regards to Panda’s challenge. As Panda makes several unsuccessful attempts to climb the towering, slippery mountain, the narrator repeatedly tries to distract them with playing or snacks, telling Panda the problem is too large for them to solve on their own. Once the narrator realizes Panda has no interest in giving up their goal to play safely, they come around and give them the encouragement & support they need to finally climb the mountain, where they find their butterfly friend waiting for them.

The message could get a little jumbled depending on who’s reading the story – our narrator can come off as a little overly cold towards Panda at times, and their communication with Panda is lacking. Overall, this is a tale that will speak to every cautious toddler & preschool caregiver’s heart, reminding them that love is sometimes letting them do the tough stuff.

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME

Grandpa Is Here!

November 12, 2023

Grandpa Is Here! by Chuck Groenink, Tanya Rosie
on August 29, 2023
ISBN: 1536231266
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Grandpa Is Here! is a sweet picture book that cherishes the fleeting special moments shared between a little girl and her grandfather visiting from afar. Grandpa comes from Iran, speaks in Farsi, and brings with him spices, walnuts, and Nana’s fig jam. The duo shares an outside adventure, and the whole family shares a traditional dinner together upon a sufra (or a mat placed on the floor). The beautiful illustrations celebrate childhood, nature, family, and culture – with new details to notice each time you read this book. The rhyming verse, while sometimes feeling like a a stretch, is still thoughtful and effective, making this book an enjoyable read-a-loud. The theme throughout remains bittersweet – perfectly capturing the emotion of wanting to soak up visits with loved ones that live far away. This diverse book would be a lovely addition to any library collection. Recommended for ages 4 – 6 (pre-K to K).

Reviewed by Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

Oh, Olive!

November 8, 2023

Oh, Olive! by Lian Cho
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on 2023
ISBN: 9780063237490
Genres: Arts, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Olive Chen is an enthusiastic , energetic child artist who loves bright colors and abstract art. Her parents are “serious artists”. One only paints squares, while the other only paints triangles. They, and their art, are only depicted in black & white. Olive’s teacher and her classmates are also strictly black & white. The adults cannot fathom Olive’s apparent inability to draw black & white geometric shapes, as all serious artists should. However, Olive’s classmates love her paintings and want to know how she produces such lively, vibrant works. She shows them by leading them on a wild adventure, painting the whole town as they go. They end at Olive’s parents’ art museum. Her parents are initially appalled, but once they see what Olive has achieved, they ask her to add some color to their museum. Olive shocks them all by painting a perfect circle… in all the blazing colors of the sun.

I highly recommend this book for libraries, classrooms, and even as a gift. It is perfect for any child seeking all the joys and exuberance that come from finding acceptance and praise for being one’s own true self. Recommended for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine – Gorham Campus Library

A Book about You and All the World Too

November 8, 2023

A Book About You and All the World Too by Jean Reidy, Joey Chou
Published by Harper on 2023
ISBN: 9780063041523
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Bright, full-page illustrations with rhyming text begin with two young friends going to story time at their local library. There, wildly imaginative ideas lead the diverse group of kids to bigger ideas which then lead them to all-inclusive ideas requiring cooperation. Ultimately, their efforts transition into ideas of activism and environmentalism.

“From the tallest of trees,
down to every last bug,
we could help our whole world,
like a great big group hug.”

This beautiful book, with its very positive messages, will make a lovely read-aloud for libraries and classrooms. It is recommended for 4-8 year olds. This book is a companion to two previous books by the same author, What Would You Do in a Book about You? and Me and You in a Book Made for Two.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine – Gorham Campus Library

Is This Winter?

November 7, 2023

Is This . . . Winter? (Helen Yoon's Is This . . .?) by Helen Yoon
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536226270
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This puppy has never experienced winter before and is overly enthusiastic. He ends up feeling that “winter is weird” as he experiences the Christmas season yard ornaments. Yoon portrays an amusing dog’s-eye view, exposing the humans as only their knees and boots. Apparently this is part of Is This…? series, but I am not familiar with it. The short sentences work well for younger children, but I am unsure they will understand the concept of lawn ornaments. The dog seems overly manic to me but the white space nicely depicts the winter season.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library