Format: Picture Book Fiction

Kozo the Sparrow

Kozo the SparrowKozo the Sparrow by Allen Say
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks ISBN: 0063248468
Genres: Animals, Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Seventy-six years ago, Allen Say rescued a tiny sparrow he named Kozo and he recounts the story in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Children will respond to both the threat posed by a group of bullies and the care and love that goes into raising Kozo. The ending is lovely and just ambiguous enough to encourage further discussion. An excellent book about kindness and the bonds it can create; make sure to read the touching author’s note.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Masala Chai Fast and Slow

Masala Chai Fast and SlowMasala Chai, Fast and Slow by Neha Rawat, Rajani LaRocca
Published by Candlewick Press on 9/5/23
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Masala Chai Fast and Slow is an intergenerational picture book that captures the love between Aarav and his grandfather.  Aarav wants to do everything quickly, from getting dressed to running on the sidewalk.  He even wants to make their favorite, masala chai tea, quickly.  Aarav’s grandfather tries to show him the importance of being deliberate and centered, especially when making their tea.  When Aarav’s grandfather hurts himself and can’t make the masala chai, Aarav tries to make it himself.  He learns through trial and error that some things, like making the perfect chai, are worth slowing down for.  Young children will enjoy the illustrations of this picture book, especially Aarav’s facial expressions. Many of the illustrations are large and detailed, but the muted color palette prevents them from being overwhelming.  Backmatter includes a note from the author and a recipe for masala chai.  This book would be a great addition for libraries seeking to include representation of Indian culture and/or multigenerational families living together.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

 

three-stars

A Letter for Bob

A Letter for BobA Letter for Bob by Jonathan Nelson, Kim Rogers
ISBN: 0063044552
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“A Letter for Bob” is a picture book in verse written by Kim Rogers (an enrolled member of Wichita and Affiliated Tribes) and illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Diné). It tells the story of the family car, Bob, and all the places and activites he took them to, including Yellowstone, the Witchita Annual Dance, the library, the playground, and other family gatherings. The family has grown too big for Bob, so now they are saying goodbye, but will never forget him. Nelson’s images are colorful and highlight the parts of the image that you should pay close attention to, like at the end when the family is driving away from Bob at the dealership, but a new family is already looking to buy Bob. For ages 4 to 8, this is a recommended picture book purchase for all library collections.

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

four-stars

Chubby Bunny

Chubby BunnyChubby Bunny by Julie Murphy, Sarah Winifred Searle
ISBN: 0063011182
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

“Chubby Bunny” is bestselling author Julie Murphy’s first picture book. The book is illustrated by Sarah Winifred Searle. Barbara “Bunny” Binks is a grade school student with a mother and grandmother who are both named Barbara. Bunny is excited about field day at school, but when teachers have the kids take part in the “chubby bunny” marshmallow challenge, Bunny is teased about her body and repeatedly called “Chubby Bunny.” There is an excellent conversation in the book between Bunny and her grandmother about how it’s okay for people to have different shaped bodies and that chubby is not a bad thing to be called.

The illustrations are beautiful and fun. I feel like the fact that the “chubby bunny challenge” can be a choking hazard makes this book a bit uncomfortable for adult readers. There is a note on the back cover that “chubby bunny” should not be attempted without adult supervision. Unfortunately the positive message of this book is muddled by the marshmallow challenge and the lack of apologies from the bullies in the end. Written for ages 4 – 8. An additional purchase for library picture book collections.

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

two-stars

Betty and the Mysterious Visitor

Betty and the Mysterious VisitorBetty and the Mysterious Visitor by Anne Twist, Emily Sutton
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536234869
Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Betty’s favorite place in the whole world is a community garden behind her grandmother’s house. Betty and her grandma spend summers together gardening, picking fruit, and making delicious jam to sell at the local farmer’s market. One night, the garden is ransacked by a mysterious visitor – a badger that has learned where to find delicious treats, with plans to come back for more. Betty rises to the occasion, fashioning a scarecrow to scare away the badger and save the garden. This book is a delightful read and celebrates family, community, and nature. The illustrations are gorgeous and full of bright colors and charming details. The fruits of Betty’s garden are definitely “Cream of the Crop” worthy. Recommended for ages 4-7.

Reviewed by Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell
five-stars

Next Door

Next DoorNext Door by Deborah Kerbel, Isaac Liang
Published by Kids Can Press on October 3, 2023
ISBN: 1525306588
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Next Door is a heartwarming story of making new friendships across language barriers. When a new family moves in next door, a young boy and his mother bring over some simple housewarming gifts to their new neighbors, who speak in Arabic. This wordless picture book is told from the perspective of the young boy, who is Deaf, and includes a few simple words/phrases for the reader to learn in American Sign Language. While the storyline is simplistic and the illustrations are a little flat, this book uses a clever concept to deliver a positive message. This would make a great diverse addition to any picture book collection. Recommended for ages 5-6 (Kindergarten to 1st Grade).
Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library
four-stars

When the Fog Rolls In

When the Fog Rolls InWhen the Fog Rolls In by Pam Fong
on October 10, 2023
ISBN: 0063136546
Genres: Mental Health
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

I thought this was going to be a book about weather but it is a metaphorical picture book about navigating uncertainty, opening your mind, and finding your way back to your flock. An adorable puffin separated from its colony finds itself alone and directionless as a dense fog rolls in. Given the foggy setting, the palette is necessarily muted, but despite this, the pictures are the preeminent feature of the book. The idea of fog as a metaphor for depression will likely go over the heads of younger readers.  But the puffins sure are cute!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Parker’s Place

Parker’s PlaceParker's Place by Russ Willms
Published by Clarion Books on August 1, 2023
ISBN: 0358683394
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Parker the T-Rex tries to fit in on a friendly farm, but there are no jobs that seem suitable for a dinosaur. A forlorn Parker is about to leave when the chickens propose a great idea – Parker becomes a much needed daycare provider. Kids who are not sure what they are good at will empathize with to Parker. The colorful digital illustrations are bold, and kids will giggle at Parker’s attempts to do various farm chores. This cute book is perfect for preschool interactive storytimes.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

This Little Kitty in the Garden

This Little Kitty in the GardenThis Little Kitty in the Garden by Karen Obuhanych
on January 30, 2024
ISBN: 0593435176
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

This Little Kitty: In the Garden is the sequel to This Little Kitty by Karen Obuhanych. The first in this series was a sweet and silly romp through a day in the lives of five kitties in their home. This is a spring themed version, showing us how the mischievous kitties get into the garden shed and try to help their owner with planting seeds and other spring activities. This is usually a popular theme, but the writing was lacking. The rhymes do not have a natural flow when reading them aloud and some feel quite strained.

On one page it says, “These little kitties hear the bumbles buzz, watch the butterbees aflutter, and poke at crawly fuzz.” This is either a typo or a nonexistent animal, either way it takes the reader out of the book. There is a lot to love here with the colorful illustrations and silly expressions, but this sequel’s language is forced. This one might naturally be a popular pick because children love kittens and spring activities, but it is not necessary for one’s collection. Two stars.

Reviewed by Gia Pilgrim Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

two-stars

Greenlight

GreenlightGreenlight by Breanna Carzoo
ISBN: 006305406X
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Greenlight has an important job to do. So why do cars stop for Redlight and slow for Yellowlight.but every time when it’s Greenlight’s time to shine, the cars drive away. Greenlight gives up, closes his eyes, and has a bit of an existential crisis. He eventually decides that he wants to shine again and resolves the traffic jam. I confess, it took me some time to “get” this book, but after reading it a few times, the more I enjoyed it. The realization that being liked by others is less important than liking oneself turns out to be literally eye-opening. Young preschoolers will enjoy the cars and trucks and simple colorful paper collage illustrations but may need some support to understand the underlying concept. Or maybe they are smarter than I am? Anyway, this is why I gave the book a 5 star rating rather than a Cream of the Crop rating. The book is funny and children will enjoy the topic. It could easily be paired with Cazoo’s first book, Lou, about a fire hydrant for a Story Time.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars