Format: Picture Book Fiction

That’s Not Funny, David!

That’s Not Funny, David!That's Not Funny, David! by David Shannon
ISBN: 1546123180
Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

That’s not Funny, David!

David Shannon

This picture book, for ages 3-7, is the newest and sixth in the No, David series. Youngster David is committed to getting laughs out of everyone, although some folks don’t find his antics funny at all! Some of the hijinks shown in Shannon’s recognizable vivid illustrations include doing cannonballs into a pool, messily slurping his spaghetti, and telling jokes at school. Unfortunately, David learns the hard way that sometimes he goes too far; we see David crying at the doctor’s office when he gets a peanut stuck up his nose. His mischievous, fun-loving nature is what makes David who he is. This book is both a celebration of -and a warning to- class clowns everywhere.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

four-stars

Strong Like Me

Strong Like MeStrong Like Me by Kelechi Okafor, Michaela Dias-Hayes
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536241849
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Strong Like Me

Author: Kelechi Okafor. Illustrator: Michaela Dias-Hayes

 

This picture book for ages 3-7 tells the story of Karama, a girl whose physical strength makes her stand out from others. At first, Karama is proud to be strong; she can give piggyback rides to her older brother and climb trees with ease. Kamara hopes to fun faster than anyone else and beat her classmate, Benji, in the annual Big Race. Benji accuses Kamara of showing off, but Karama’s friend Josie tries to reassure her that he is just jealous. Auntie Lynda give Kamara advice everyone, especially young people, should hear: “Your friends will shine in different ways, so don’t dim your own light just to please them.”

This story inspires kids to embrace their gifts and be secure in who they are, while also teaching the importance of grace and compassion. It also highlights the importance of different kinds of strength.

5 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

five-stars

A Forest Song

A Forest SongA Forest Song by Evan Turk, Kirsten Hall
ISBN: 0593480368
Genres: Nature, Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A Forest Song

Kirsten Hall & Evan Turk

This picture book is a lyrical cento poem, created from a combination of lines and phrases written by late poets including Robert Frost, Edgar Allen Poe, Emily Dickinson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and many others.  It brings the reader on a multi-sensory journey through the woods, exploring different animal inhabitants, a forest pool, and a meandering path through rustling tree branches. The end of the book includes instructions and guidance for readers wishing to write their own cento poetry. This book was written for ages 4-8 and will inspire readers to explore the forest in their own neighborhoods. It would also be a useful resource for instruction in creative writing.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

four-stars

New Shoes for Leo

New Shoes for LeoNew Shoes for Leo by Lauren Agra Deedy, Susan Gal
ISBN: 1338770217
Genres: Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

New Shoes for Leo

Lauren Agra Deedy

This picture book is a debut written by Cuban-America author, Lauren Agra Deedy, for ages 4-8. It tells the story of an immigrant family packing a box of supplies and necessities to send to their relatives back in Cuba. Mami gives young William a very important job- Cousin Leo has outgrown his shoes and needs a new pair. By trying to locate a spare pair of shoes for his cousin, William learns that although they have never met, he has lots in common with Leo, including freckles and a love of baseball. In the end, William’s selfless generosity shows his love for his family, even though they live far away. A useful and instructional glossary of Spanish words is including following the story.  This story is a nice reminder that it is often better to give than to receive.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

four-stars

Paloma Flies Away

Paloma Flies AwayPaloma Flies Away by María J. Guarda
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536231444
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

After fleeing a country made uninhabitable by a dictator, Paloma and her family settle into a new country and find a new life with new friends. While Paloma feels at home, her family misses their former life and eventually they are able to return. They are welcomed back and Paloma is embraced into the warmth of the family they had to leave. A beautiful color palette and sparse but expressive illustrations support the story, and the lack of specifics means this could be used for any child going through the same changes and emotions Paloma’s family experienced. A great book for reading aloud and for increasing empathy.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Call Me Gray

Call Me GrayCall Me Gray by Andrew Larsen, Bells Larsen, Tallulah Fontaine
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525311352
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The yearly tradition of building a skating rink is the backdrop for a revelation in this intimate and compassionate picture book. Year after year a father and his child build a backyard rink, but this year the child is ready to let their father in on a feeling that has been building up inside them; they look like a boy but feel like  a girl. The relief of sharing this feeling and the calm acceptance the father receives it with make for a loving glimpse into what must be a difficult, but necessary, discussion for many kids. Perfect reading for children who would like to start this conversation.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Firefly Season

Firefly SeasonFirefly Season by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kate Gardiner
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks ISBN: 0063274442
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Seven year old Piper’s family lives in Kansas City and she cherishes the trips they take to visit their relatives in Cherokee Nation and Muscogee Nation. When a new friend named Sumi moves next door to Piper, the two become very close, and are upset when Piper’s family has to move away. Life goes on and their bond continues, with each family inviting the friends to visit relatives with them, strengthening the friendship and expanding the circle of family. A great book for anyone feeling stressed about a move or anticipating a big change in family or friend dynamics.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Tenacious Won’t Give Up

Tenacious Won’t Give UpTenacious Won't Give Up by Leanne Hatch, Pam Vaughan
Published by Alfred A. Knopf ISBN: 0593645219
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Tenacious Won’t Give Up” is a picture book written by Pam Vaughan and illustrated by Leanne Hatch. Tenacious is a kid who lives up her name. She does everything she sets her mind to, except when it comes to riding a bike. She falls and wobbles and crashes. With the help of her sister Sage, who has wheel experience from being in a wheelchair, Tenacious learns to try smarter, not just harder, and adjust to get better. Illustrations are cozy and dynamic as we watch Tenacious keep trying. A good read for kids trying to learn new things. A recommended purchase for picture book collections.

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

four-stars

Catnip Mouse

Catnip MouseCatnip Mouse by A. J. Smith
ISBN: 1525313533
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“Catnip Mouse” is a picture book by AJ Smith featuring a dog named Gipp and a cat named Vera. Vera is playing with her catnip mouse, but Gipp wants to play with Vera. He interrupts and accidentally breaks the catnip toy with his magic wand. Gipp then spends most of the book trying to use his magic wand to recreate the catnip mouse, but making mistakes (“ketchup joust?” “Cactus house?”). A cute and funny book that will make kids laugh at all the silly-sounding mistakes. This book is geared to ages 4-8. A suggested purchase for picture book collections where animals are popular.

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

three-stars

Ruthie Rose’s BIG IDEA

Ruthie Rose’s BIG IDEARuthie Rose's Big Idea: A Poetry Story by Holly Hatam, John Schu
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536226491
Genres: Arts, Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Ruthie Rose wakes up with a brilliant idea! She shares her exciting idea with her school librarian, her art teacher, her friend Lily-May (who also love poetry and prose as much as she does), and her class teacher. Throughout her day at school, her idea is visualized as a sparkling, rainbow swirl cloud that follows her around the school as it hums inside her. Finally, her idea is revealed: A space in the school library where kids can perform poetry and prose: The Poetry Place. “A space for everyone, a space for anyone to explore ideas so grand, ideas so great, ideas just waiting to become… big and bright and beautiful.”

This inspiring picture book does a wonderful job of showing children how a simple idea we wake up with can create new possibilities in our communities. The graphic design and font choices were unfortunately lacking for this one, which distracts the reader from believing in the book’s message with as much gusto as one would like. A very basic message, but will likely inspire some children who pick it up.

Recommended for kids PreK-Elementary.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars