Format: Picture Book Fiction

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

Bedtime is Boring!

Bedtime is Boring!Bedtime Is Boring!: A Cheery Street Story by Georgie Birkett
Published by Candlewick Press, Candlewick Press (MA) ISBN: 153624127X
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Bedtime used to be easy for baby tadpole Cosmo, but now that he’s an active froglet, Bedtime is Boring! Cosmo and his mother have a special bedtime routine: a long bubble bath, brushing teeth, choosing pajamas, five stories, seventeen kisses, one sleepy song, and two snuggly hugs, etc. But Cosmo still won’t go to sleep. Every time Mom tries to go downstairs, Cosmo fires off every possible question that comes to mind. Then finally at 3am, Cosmo will finally fall asleep in Mommy’s bed. Only after Cosmo realizes that his lack of sleep is making playing at school harder, he realizes that some things about bedtime have to change. Only a few books, a few questions, and sleeping in his own bed, make him feel like a big grown-up frog.

Bedtime is Boring is from the Cheery Street series of books by Georgie Birkett including Carry Me and Snack, Please! While this book is great at making the topic of being sleepy/struggles with bedtime humorous for kids, every parent knows that it can be a struggle to work through bedtime troubles. This book could be a great tool for caregivers to help kids visualize what a good bedtime routine looks like and why it’s important for everyone to have enough sleep.

The illustrations are digitally created but have the appearance of looking like crayons and pastels. The colors are bright and cheery and are reminiscent of the Pip and Posy series by Axel Scheffler. The font and illustrations are really cohesive and pleasing to the eye.

Recommended for any Early Childhood Programs and Library Collections.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

The Search for Carmella

The Search for CarmellaThe Search for Carmella (Hidden Wonders) by Chloe Savage
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 153623897X
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Oceans, STEM
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Dr. Rose is a marine biologist, passionate about the ocean and all its creatures. She always loved listening to the tales of old fisherman, especially about the mythical(?) creature Carmella. One day, Dr. Rose is determined to search for Carmella. She puts the word out to her colleagues, recruits a crew for her ship, and sets sail. Dr. Rose explores the deepest waters in a submarine with her partner (and pilot), Anne, and her dog, Stanley. Dr. Rose feels frustrated and impatient when they don’t find Carmella right away. Anne reminds Dr. Rose that they are still seeing so many wonderful new things, and that they have so much to explore. In the end, Dr. Rose is looking forward to having a lifetime of adventures with Anne, even if they haven’t found Carmella yet.

This picture book would be a wonderful addition to any collection. In the forefront, it showcases a female scientist. But it also has other more subtle (or inferred) inclusive references, such as a possible service dog, a character that uses gender neutral pronouns, and a possible same-sex partnership. The main character also practices mindfulness when she struggles in her journey. The illustrations are lovely and fun, celebrating science and the ocean, and include Carmella sneaking up or behind Dr. Rose and Anne throughout their explorations. Recommended for ages 5 to 7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade). Cream of the crop nominee.

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

five-stars

Getting Ready for First Grade

Getting Ready for First GradeGetting Ready for First Grade: A First Day of School Book by Debby Rahmalia, Vera Ahiyya
ISBN: 0593810015
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Getting Ready for First Grade by Vera Ahiyya (The Tutu Teacher)

Getting Ready for First Grade paints a great picture of first grade. The book clearly helps students learn what to expect and what first grade might be like for them. This would be a fantastic resource for kids who are reaching the end of Kindergarten or feeling nervous about first grade. While much of the content is to be expected (an overview of circles, going through the lunch line, etc.), there’s also incredible representation in the drawings (many types of people are represented) and the author adds several SEL components. First, the author discusses how it’s okay to be nervous and then also includes a student who is new to the school and the ways in which the other students look out for her and take care of her to help her feel welcome. As someone with a Deaf family member, I also appreciated the inclusion of sign language at one point in the book. While the content is routine, the author and illustrator’s efforts to be inclusive, provide strong representation, and include SEL aspects made this a four-star book for me. The age range is pretty niche since this is about first grade but it could be a good addition to a library that has Kindergarten patrons or to recommend to your Kindergarten teachers or guidance staff.

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

four-stars