Format: Picture Book Fiction

Over in the Garden

Over in the GardenOver in the Garden by Janna Matthies, Tisha Lee
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on 2025
ISBN: 059380936X
Genres: Counting Books, Gardening, Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A gardening-themed counting book that focuses on a diverse group of children tending a community garden. The rhyming text is inspired by an old country song called “Over in the Meadow”. The colorful, mostly full-page illustrations depict enthusiastic young gardeners amongst a verdant landscape.

This fun read-aloud teaches basic counting (1-10) and basic gardening concepts (such as planting, watering, and composting) to 3-7 year-olds.

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

four-stars

The Jade Bracelet

The Jade BraceletThe Jade Bracelet by Hà Dinh, Yong Ling Kang
ISBN: 0593711785
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

 

The Jade Bracelet

Ha Dihn and Yong Ling Kang

This picture book for ages 4-8 is about a young Vietnamese girl, Tien, who receives a jade bracelet for her birthday from her mother following the death of her grandmother, Ba Ngoai. At first, Tien does not like the bracelet; she would prefer a brand-new popular sparkly bracelet like the ones worn by her classmates. Embarrassed, Tien tries to hide her simple jade bangle and then flings it to the floor after school. Rather than getting angry, her mother shows sympathy.  Tien realizes that the bracelet is not just a green rock, but rather a symbol of the spirit of Tien’s family members who have also worn them. She decides to wear her jade bracelet proudly as a reminder of her late grandmother and embrace her family’s tradition and heritage.
The Jade Bracelet is based on the author’s own experience of wanting to blend in with her peers, something to which all children can relate.

4 stars

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

four-stars

The Hawk Shadow

The Hawk ShadowThe Hawk Shadow by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, Karlene Harvey
ISBN: 1525310844
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Cultural / African American, Nature, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Big Ed is walking to his favorite fishing spot on Hawk River, and his little sister Serenity insists on tagging along. The two Anishinaabe siblings make their way to the river, with Serenity stopping repeatedly to interact with birds and guzzle chokeberries. After they start fishing, Big Ed winds up in danger, but Serenity is able to help him with the guidance of the Hawk, or River Keeper, and her fishing rod. This is a sweet native story bursting with nature, sibling banter, Indigenous culture, and vibrant illustrations. This diverse story would be a wonderful addition to any picture book collection. However, it lacks back matter, which could have been helpful for some readers. Recommended for ages 6 to 7 (Grades 1 to 2).

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

four-stars

On a chariot of fire: the story of India’s Bene Israel

On a chariot of fire: the story of India’s Bene IsraelOn a Chariot of Fire: The Story of India’s Bene Israel by Erica Lyons, Siona Benjamin
ISBN: 1646144341
Genres: Family, Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

You can learn a lot from a picture book. On a Chariot of Fire: The Story of India’s Bene Israel was my first introduction to this group of Jews who left Israel over two thousand years ago and landed on India’s coast. Nani Penkar details the traditionally told account of their arrival to her granddaughter Maya (both appearing to be Bene Israel Jews living in India) as they prepare Malida (a ceremonial rice dish). 

Nani relates the Bene Israel’s journey from the escape of religious persecution in Israel to a shipwreck off the coast of India and the integration of seven survivors into the community.  According to the author, the Bene Israel practiced Judaism without persecution in  Mumbai, “for they too had forbidden foods and holy days marked by the movement of the moon”. This adherence to religious traditions and practices leads to the appearance of a chariot of fire driven by Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah), who declared that one day the Bene Israel would return to Israel, “because we hadn’t abandoned our faith”. 

The illustrations are vibrant and textural, although not always in harmony with the text. For those unfamiliar with the Bene Israel (like me), the story, in addition to the author’s note and glossary within the backmatter, provide an introduction to this group of people and their history. 

Recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

three-stars

Two Birthdays

Two BirthdaysTwo Birthdays (Cedric and Boo Books) by Tim Hopgood
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536238902
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Cedric (a crocodile) and Boo (an elephant) are the best of friends. The story opens on Boo’s “best birthday ever”, according to him. Cedric presents Boo with a superlative card and handknit scarf. Boo and Cedric share ice cream and thoroughly enjoy celebrating Boo’s birthday. A few weeks later, Cedric’s birthday arrives but without any of the fanfare or celebration. There is no acknowledgement from Boo, and no Boo. Cedric eats cake alone and the ”day did not feel special at all.”

Birthdays and fairness are two themes young readers consistently take an interest in, and no doubt many will take umbrage at the turn of events. The next day, Boo realizes he forgot and apologizes but there is still discomfort on both sides: Cedric because his feelings are still hurt and Boo because  he is aware he has caused his friend pain. This awareness allows Boo to come up with a plan to make amends. The resolution is a chance for redemption and forgiveness. A simple story that shows that friendships can survive mistakes and hurt feelings. The book ends with “Cedric and Boo, Friends Forever: A Song”, further extolling the pair’s affection. 

Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

five-stars

Beanie the bansheenie

Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer, Steve McCarthy
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536240664
Genres: Family, Supernatural
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Eoin Colfer turns Irish legend on its head in this long-form picture book about kindness and caring. Beanie the Bansheenie (a baby banshee named by atom fish) is destined to warn the small human girl named Rose when she is about to die (that is, after all, a banshee’s job). Circumstances collide, as seen in the graphic illustrations by Steve McCarthy, and Beanie is unable to bind with Rose in the way traditional to banshees. Instead, Beanie spends important developmental time in the company of the atom fish who name her and sustain her through storytelling and song. When Beanie is ready to learn of Rose (so she can do her Banshee job), she watches Rose (a creative and joyful human) and this observation, along with all the other non-traditional circumstances of Bansheenie’s existence, change the path of their destined relationship. 

The story and accompanying illustrations are entertaining and clever. Older readers will enjoy Colfer’s signature wry humor and McCarthy’s bold, graphic illustrations embellished with Celtic ornamentation and the depiction of Rose and Bansheenie as nonconforming (Rose is a brown-skinned girl with dark brown hair streaked with pink; Bansheenie looks like a punk rocker with her biker jacket, motorcycle boots and wallet chain). 

In an author’s note below the dedication, Colfer explains how and what inspired him to turn an Irish legend into a delightful story with an important message about unexpected opportunities to do good, be kind, and make a lifetime friend.The long form (64 p.) lends itself to a more complex plot, making this a good fit for older readers. Recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

five-stars

A voice in the storm

A voice in the stormA Voice in the Storm by Karl James Mountford
ISBN: 1536238880
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

The story begins, “The air had been heavy all day . . . . “ and sets up the foreboding that Rat, the main character, carries with her. Rat runs from the concern of her friend, Jackdaw, and her own feelings, into the danger of the growing storm.  There are more perils than just the storm, however, and Rat’s feelings of helplessness and hopelessness make her vulnerable. In the middle of the storm, she runs into Bear (literally), and Bear gently encourages Rat to seek shelter and understand that letting someone help takes worlds of courage. 

Rat’s pain is visceral and Bear’s soothing presence is a balm. The illustrations are visual expressions of the crushing weight of Rat’s sorrow, and as she is able to set down that burden, the palette and the cloud cover lighten. 

This is a powerful story to share with anyone, but especially children struggling with expressing deep sadness, and those needing guidance in how to help them. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

Mauntie and me

Mauntie and Me by Nadia Alam, Rajani LaRocca
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536229415
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Priya’s Poornima Auntie is “Mauntie” (My Auntie). Priya’s relationship with Mauntie is blissful. In Priya’s house,  she is “too young” to play with her older siblings and the cousins who arrive every Saturday, along with the aunties and uncles. Who needs cousins when Mauntie is there to play games, style hair, and tell riddles? And then cousin Aditi arrives from far away and Priya has to share Mauntie. 

Mauntie’s riddles provide a throughline for Priya’s emotional rollercoaster as she struggles with overwhelming feelings of jealousy toward Aditi, and being on the outs, because Aditi is just enough older to make Priya feel like she’s too young to understand. Eventually, Mauntie asks the riddle, “What grows when you share it?” Once Priya figures that out, things get better.

The illustrations in Mauntie and Me cleverly reflect the story through depictions of an extended South Asian family, with generations of relatives on the pages, and peeks into family traditions. Readers will enjoy detailed pictures that show characters of many different skin tones filling Priya’s house at family events.

LaRocca’s picture book contains a story many readers will identify with, if they’re lucky enough to have a “cool” aunt who dotes on them and makes time and space to give that child their full attention. The resolution is satisfactory, if predictable, and allows for growth and understanding on Priya’s part, without too much sacrifice.

Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

 Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough 

five-stars

Box of Dreams

Box of DreamsBox of Dreams by Christine Almeda, Faith Kazmi
on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 0063251361
Genres: Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The title refers to a balikbayan box, and the young Filipino-American girl narrating the story learns from her mother that balikbayan means “return to home”. Through the gifts and practical items (school supplies, jeans, swim goggles) packed in the large cardboard box, the narrator learns more about her relatives’ way of life in the Philippines. The prose is simple; Filipino words are used in context to connect the reader with the narrator and her story of immigration and connection to Filipino culture.

The colorful illustrations connect the young girl to her family in the Philippines and the reader to the main character through everyday objects (slippers, baby photos displayed on the wall) and happenings.

This story culminates in a trip to the Philippines with the accompanying balikbayan box, and family reunion is beautifully expressed through the illustration. Box of Dreams offers the Filipino perspective on the immigration story, and the family that remains in the Philippines. This story could be used as a springboard to discuss what readers would put in a box for a family far away and lead to finding similarities to other immigration stories about leaving one’s homeland for opportunity, and sharing with those who stayed behind. 

The author’s note explains reasons for Filipino emigration to escape economic hardship, as well as her own family’s emigration story. Meant as a read-aloud for children ages 4-8. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

five-stars

Eight sweet nights: A festival of lights

Eight sweet nights: A festival of lightsEight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Story by Charlotte Offsay, Menahem Halberstadt
ISBN: 059380872X
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Sweet traditions (old and new) of Hanukkah are celebrated in brief, poetic prose. Every page features an inset containing brief explanations for those unfamiliar with Hanukkah and its customs. This picture book’s focus is on the desserts eaten during Hanukkah, and the illustrations expand on the text, telling the story of a multi-generational family gathering to observe the beginning of the holiday as they make and eat latkes, sufganiyots (fried doughnuts filled with jam), and other sweet treats while spinning the dreidel. The characters present with diverse skin tones. Families looking for a light story to read around Hanukkah will enjoy this. 

Recommended as a supplemental purchase for library collections where Hanukkah picture books with diverse characters are needed.

 Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

three-stars