Format: Picture Book Fiction

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Jon Klassen, Mac Barnett
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 153622376X
Genres: Holiday, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In the typical understated humor of the duo of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, this holiday book may not be for everyone. I thought it was hilarious! Many precocious kids ponder how does Santa go down the chimney?  Feetfirst or headfirst? What if he gets stuck? (The illustration of Santa getting stuck and his butt hanging out amused me, but again, this book may not be for everyone.)    What happens once he’s inside? Does he do his laundry because his suit is dirty? Things get more outlandish until, “Santa goes up the chimney the same way he comes down. And I have no idea how Santa does that. But I’m glad he can.” Klassen’s depiction of Santa is droll, not a cheery one, and he does not carry a sack of toys. Recommend this to those who enjoyed the humor in “I Want My Hat Back.”

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Mr. S

Mr. SMr. S: A First Day of School Book by Monica Arnaldo
ISBN: 0063003953
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

It’s the first day of kindergarten, but where is the teacher? The name Mr. S is written neatly on the board above a stack of papers, a steaming mug, and a sandwich that displays face pareidolia with eyes and a tongue that most kids will easily see in the illustrations. The diverse group of kindergartners grapple with questions such as, “Where is our teacher?” and then “Who is our teacher?” before coming together to keep themselves remarkably well occupied in the warm toned classroom. Meanwhile, outside the window in the distance the reader can see the man who wrote Mr. S on the board dealing with some serious issues with his car in a gray toned environment, surrounded by some unlikely supporters.

This book has great examples of everyday diversity of students all participating in the classroom shenanigans. Humorous artwork sets the tone for the two simultaneous scenes, and a silly, yet elevated sense of humor reveals the imagination of the students. Elementary school students in grades K - 3 will likely enjoy this silly story.

Reviewed by Lisa Roberts, South Portland Public Library

four-stars

Simon and the Better Bone

Simon and the Better BoneSimon and the Better Bone by Tabor, Corey
Published by Balzer + Bray on May 9, 2023
ISBN: 9780063275553
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Folklore
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A reimagining of the Aesop tale  “The Dog and His Reflection.” One day looking down into the pond, Simon sees another dog just like him. And that dog has a bone just like his, only better! Simon offers a trade for the bone and a challenge, but when nothing works he pounces into the pond, losing his bone.  There happens to be another bone close by, so a dripping-wet Simon decides to toss the bone to his new friend. Preschoolers will giggle at the silly puppy’s antics. The book opens vertically, allowing viewers to see both the furry hero and his reflection, which is genius implementation of the story. The smudgy illustrations work well to also depict the reflections in the water. Recommended read for Story Times.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas

Dasher Can’t Wait for ChristmasDasher Can't Wait for Christmas by Matt Tavares
Published by Candlewick Press on September 5, 2023
ISBN: 1536230138
Pages: 40
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Matt Tavares’s sequel to the New York Times best-selling Dasher is a joyful ode to helping others and reminiscent of “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg . Dasher’s excitement for the holiday gets the better of her and she sneaks off  to follow Christmas carols and twinkling lights. But as snow starts to fall, Dasher realizes she can no longer spot the North Star in the sky to lead her home. A child comes to Dasher’s aid. Dasher makes it back to the North Pole and is reunited with Santa and the rest of the reindeer. While the story is fittingly holiday-ish, the digital illustrations in a realistic style are what makes the book special. I prefer the illustrations in this one to “Dasher” because they are not as dark. They are luminous!  Recommended for holiday collections for libraries and individual families alike. I predict that soon we will be able to purchase a compass with “The North Pole” engraved on its edge to gift to children along with the book. Matt Tavares lives in Ogunquit, Maine.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

We Disagree About this Tree

We Disagree About this TreeWe Disagree About This Tree: A Christmas Story (Ross Collins' Mouse and Bear Stories) by Ross Collins
ISBN: 1536231983
Genres: Humor, Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A companion book for “There’s a Bear on My Chair” (2016) and “There’s a Mouse in My House” (2021) by the same author/illustrator. In this Christmas book, Bear & Mouse argue about how to decorate their Christmas tree. Finally, they agree that, “This happens when we disagree. It always ends disastrously!” The silliness is sure to elicit giggles from preschoolers, but the ending illustration is hilarious when they open each others presents – Bear sports the sweater meant for Mouse on his head and Mouse is engulfed in the enormous sweater meant for Bear. A fun read for Story Time!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

If You Get Lost

If You Get LostIf You Get Lost by Deborah Marcero, Nikki Loftin
ISBN: 0593375319
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

A few years ago I was searching for books to read at Story Time about being lost and practical advice about what you should do if you get lost. I was hoping that this book would be a solution, but alas it was not what I was hoping for. Perhaps this disappointment colored my impression of the book. It begins with a brown-skinned, dark hair girl holding a stuffed rabbit out the car window on the way to a camping trip. The bunny is lost in the woods and then reality and fantasy blur. It seems to come to life accompanied by esoteric language about being “lost” -…find one thing, one place, one smile, one friend. “If you get lost and you might get lost you could get lost – let go of lost…” At the end of the book, the bunny is rejoined with the girl and accompanied by the wild animals around a campfire. The accompanying brightly-colored watercolor-and-ink illustrations  ground the story. The illustrations truly are lovely but not sure if they are enough to carry the obscure text. I am not sure who would be the reader for this book – perhaps someone with depression or anxiety issues.

 

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Mine!

Mine!Mine! by Candace Fleming, Eric Rohmann
ISBN: 0593181662
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

“Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!” by Candace Fleming is one of my favorite books to read-aloud. “Mine!” may be a close second. This rhythmic read and the repetition has the makings of a storytime classic. Greedy animals have their eyes on a single red apple that hangs at the “tip-tippy top” of a tree, poised to fall at any moment. The mouse, rabbit, fox, deer, and bear all declare the apple to be “MINE!” when it falls. This is followed immediately by different descriptions of how each animal hides. Clever phrases, such as Mouse “zippety-eeked” beneath a leaf to wait, Hare “hoppety-boinged,” and fox “waggety-dashed,” along with Rohmann’s colorful, uncluttered art make this an ideal read-aloud for preschoolers. In the end, none of the greedy animals end up with the apple. It lands with an opossum who is not unhappy that the apple has a worm in it!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Rivka’s Presents

Rivka’s PresentsRivka's Presents by Adelina Lirius, Laurie Wallmark
ISBN: 0593482077
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This moving historical fiction book is likely one that will appeal more to adults than children. During the flu pandemic of 1918, Rivka can’t start school because her father is sick, so she trades for chores with the grocer, the tailor, and an elderly neighbor in exchange for lessons. It is a charming and beautifully illustrated story  and a lovely addition to a unit study about immigration for elementary-aged students. Rivka’s determination to learn despite her adversity is admirable even if the extremely well-behaved little sister she is minding is a  tad unbelievable. There are Author Notes and Glossaries for English and Yiddish works in the back.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Pepita y Bebita

Pepita y Bebita (Pepita Meets Bebita Spanish Edition) by Gabriel Frye-Behar, Maribel Lechuga, Ruth Behar
ISBN: 0593705033
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Pepita y Bebita” is the Spanish edition of “Pepita meets Bebita” by Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga, translated by Yanitzia Canetti. Pepita is a little dog and is the baby of the house, but then things start to change. Papi is building all kinds of things. Abuelo and Abuela bring a blanket instead of treats or toys for Pepita. Inevitably, a baby arrives. Pepita has a very hard time getting used to Bebita and no longer being the center of attention, but things turn all right in the end. Colorful and funny images uplift the emotional story about Pepita learning about Bebita and eventually becoming friends. Written for ages 4 to 8, a recommended purchase (either in English or Spanish) for your picture book collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Vlad the Fabulous Vampire

Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire (The World of Gustavo) by Flavia Z. Drago
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“Vlad the Fabulous Vampire” is written and illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago. Vlad is a vampire who loves fashion, but has a terrible secret… His cheeks are rosy pink! Too lifelike! Too bright! What would his friends say if they knew?!? So he tries designing different fashion looks to hide his cheeks. The book ends with the theme that it is better to love what makes us unique rather than force ourselves to fit in. I like that the book admits that even when being yourself, you may still feel insecure at times, but your real friends will still love you.

I love the bright crayon-like illustrations. Characters are cartoony and fun and each image has a lot of details to delve into. Written for kids 4 to 8, this book is a recommended purchase for picture book collections, especially where monsters like vampires and ghosts are popular. I read both the English and Spanish editions of this book.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars