Format: Picture Book Fiction

Olivette Is You

Olivette Is YouOlivette Is You by Nico Tortorella
Published by Random House on 2024
ISBN: 059338153X
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Simple rhyming text and effervescently cheerful illustrations introduce us to Olivette, a kid who can do, and be, anything. The message of the book is not only that Olivette is “all of it”, but so is everyone else.  One memorable two-page illustration shows a diverse row of children, and even Olivette’s dog, lined up at a table with their own nesting dolls showing the many different aspects of their individual personalities, from artists and athlete to doctors and scholars.
All the illustrations, done with Adobe Photoshop, are exceptionally inclusive.

An example of one of the most representative rhymes is:
“No matter where we come from,
What we look like,
How we speak,
We aren’t that different, after all.
We are equally unique!”

This book would make for an extremely cheerful, positive read-aloud for 4-8 year-olds.

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

five-stars

The Last Stand

The Last StandThe Last Stand by Antwan Eady, Jarrett Pumphrey, Jerome Pumphrey
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 2024
ISBN: 0593480570
Genres: Farm Life, Cultural / African American
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

An unnamed young teen boy helps his grandfather harvest and sell fresh produce at the last remaining farm stand in their all-Black neighborhood. Poignantly, their’s is the last stand open in what was once a thriving five-stall location. When the grandfather becomes ill, his grandson works hard to continue business as usual by loading up a wagon and peddling it to the farm stand with his bicycle. The grateful neighbors bring gifts of jams and baked goods to wish his grandfather well. The grandfather does recover and the last pages show that the grandson takes over the stand as an adult. Significantly, one of the other stands has also reopened by then, showing some signs of recovery for Black farmers, as well.

The author’s note at the end of the book explains the reality of the plight of small-scale Black farmers. He hopes this book will help to bring this issue to light. The illustrations are done with handmade stamps and digitally edited.

Highly recommended as an engaging way to introduce 3-7 year olds to important social issues.

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

five-stars

Peace on Earth

Peace on EarthPeace on Earth by David Litchfield, Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536235709
Genres: Adventure, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

What does peace on earth look like? This picture book shows how we can find peace in nature, friendships, and adventures. But sometimes peace can be hard to find when hurtful words are used. At that point, it takes bravery and kindness to come back together and rekindle the peace that once was. While the text of this book is simplistic (and sadly repetitive when peace is hard to find), the illustrations in this book are stunning – full of detail, color, and whimsy. This book could be useful for children navigating difficult relationships or having trouble with peers. Recommended for ages 5-8 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

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

three-stars

Still Life

Still LifeStill Life by Alex London, Paul O. Zelinsky
ISBN: 0063229552
Genres: Arts
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In a still life painting, nothing moves – ever. This quirky story is narrated by a stuffy artist explaining his still life painting. He repeats his mantra that still life paintings never move, while to the contrary, an adventure featuring mice, dragons, a knight, and a princess unfolds before the reader’s eyes.  This book is silly and fun, with the text telling a different story than the illustrations.  Though, some knowledge of still life paintings (and sarcasm) may be helpful to fully appreciate the humor. The illustrations are a clever mix of traditional and digital styles. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 1st Grade).

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

four-stars

Tiny Jenny: Little Fairy, Big Trouble

Tiny Jenny: Little Fairy, Big TroubleTiny Jenny: Little Fairy, Big Trouble by Briony May Smith
ISBN: 0593650476
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Tiny Jenny is a wingless fairy born to a family of wrens. She creates some mischief growing up in the forest, and is encouraged by a wise owl to go find the fairies to learn more about herself. She finds the fairies to be bullies, stealing from her friends and wreaking havoc in the woods. Instead of choosing to join the fairies and gain her wings, she stands up to them, daring to eat the mushrooms from their magic circle. With the circle no longer intact, the fairies are forced to leave the forest and Tiny Jenny returns to her family of wrens, and is (almost) never naughty again. The illustrations are lovely, celebrate nature, and are visually captivating. This story has so many lessons or potential parallel experiences (such as bullying, acting out, and feelings related to being adopted). The story is a bit long, and does paint the entirety of the fairy species as being “bad”. Recommended for ages 5-8 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars

The Magic Callaloo

The Magic CallalooThe Magic Callaloo by Sophie Bass, Trish Cooke
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536235571
Genres: Cultural / African American, Fairy Tale
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Once upon a time, there was a tiny village that had a special gift – a Callaloo plant that granted wishes. The people of the village cared greatly for the plant, helping it to thrive and sharing the magic. One day, a very selfish man wanted the Callaloo all for himself so that he could have endless wishes. He became so lazy that he failed to care for the plant, which had withered away with the exception of one leaf. Meanwhile, a married couple back in the village longed for a child so much, that when an old wise woman told them where the plant had been taken to, they traveled in search of the plant, battling snakes and dragons, in hopes of getting one last wish fulfilled. With the last of the remaining Callaloo magic their wish was granted, and they named their daughter Lou. Lou was beautiful, with luscious Afro hair reminiscent of the Callaloo plant. The selfish man captures Lou and forces her into a life of slavery. Until one day, the wise old woman visits Lou, and gives her a roadmap home by braiding her hair. This story is a cultural and moving re-telling of the classic “Rapunzel”, with bright, colorful, vibrant illustrations, and it would be an excellent addition to any picture book collection. Recommended for ages 7-9 (2nd to 3rd Grade). Cream of the Crop nominee.

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

five-stars

They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom

They Call Me Teach: Lessons in FreedomThey Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom by James E. Ransome, Lesa Cline-Ransome
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 0763681555
Genres: Cultural / African American, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A young slave that goes by “Teach” was fortunate to become educated by studying with his Master’s son. Before she died, his mother reminded him that every day is a chance to make something of yourself. This moving story showcases a week in the life of Teach: teaching reading to other slaves, stealing glances at his Master’s newspaper, forging a pass to freedom, and reading from the bible “Let my people go.” A poetic tale of the bravery and resistance during slavery, and the importance of and right to education. Illustrations are beautiful, soft, sketchy, and full of emotion. This would be an excellent addition to any picture book collection or as part of a larger classroom lesson plan. Recommended for ages 6-9 (1st to 3rd Grade). Cream of the Crop nominee.

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

five-stars

Good Hair

Good HairGood Hair by Freda Chiu, Yvonne Sewankambo
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536238864
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Birungi’s frustration with her hair leads to an exploration of the many, many types of hair people have. Her parents describe hair in fun, exciting terms and Birungi gains a new appreciation of how important it is to accept and love the hair you have.

The message here is a nice one, but both the pictures and the text fall somewhat short of driving it home. A decent choice for children struggling with accepting their hair; it would definitely help get a conversation started.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Alphonse, You’re Ruining the Show!

Alphonse, You’re Ruining the Show!Alphonse, You're Ruining the Show! (Natalie and Alphonse) by Daisy Hirst
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536238899
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

When Natalie and Alphonse’s parents have a night out at the theater, the siblings are all set to have an exciting night at Granny’s. It is quickly decided that this will include writing and performing a play of their own.  As they work on the play, creative differences and logistical issues lead to some big feelings.  Will the show go on?

The illustrations in this book are absolutely adorable; like Lucy Cousins books but with monsters. The story has some odd pacing and is somewhat difficult to read out loud. This is the fourth book in a series featuring the monster siblings, and fans who are familiar with Natalie and Alphonse will most likely enjoy this one as well.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

The Verts

The VertsThe Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts by Ann Patchett, Robin Preiss Glasser
Published by Harper on September 17, 2024
ISBN: 0063064553
Pages: 40
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a story of siblings who couldn’t be more different in many ways. Estie is gregarious and likes to be busy. Ivan is quieter and likes to read and spend quiet times alone.These differences come head to head when it’s Ivan’s birthday and Estie invites family, friends, neighbors, and various pets to have a great big party in their apartment to celebrate. Everyone is having a great time, but where did Ivan go in the midst of party hats, dancing, and tin-foil stars?

This story highlights sibling differences and empathy, showcasing who each is absolutely perfect the way they are.

Ages 4-8

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars