Format: Picture Book Fiction

Chloe’s Lunar New Year

Chloe’s Lunar New YearChloe's Lunar New Year by Lily LaMotte, Michelle Lee
Published by HarperCollins on January 3, 2023
ISBN: 0063076519
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Chloe, her younger brother, and her parents prepare a New Year dinner for themselves and her aunt and uncle. Text is simple, touching on their traditions of cleaning and preparing three special dishes. Illustrations mostly follow along with text, with a strictly illustrated “side plot” unfolding where the children are honoring their beloved A-ma (grandmother), who readers will be expecting to see attending the dinner until the end of the book, when family members surround her altar and it becomes clear that she has passed away.

The book is a very simplified introduction to Lunar New Year overall, so readers who pick this up hoping for a more information-filled story might be disappointed. The traditions and food, which make up the bulk of the story, are not described in much detail; the illustrated subplot of the beloved grandmother having passed away would likely pass unnoticed by younger readers if not described by the person reading the book aloud, and the necessary side conversation feels like it would be awkward and out-of-context-with-the-story; this device feels better suited for graphic novels, where the reader is able to interpret pictures themselves as they go along, rather than having it be a major part of the storyline in a read-aloud.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

three-stars

The Lights That Dance in the Night

The Lights That Dance in the NightThe Lights That Dance in the Night by Yuval Zommer
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on November 1, 2022
ISBN: 0593563131
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A fanciful, poetical picture book about the northern lights. Rich, colorful illustrations that somehow feel cozy. Text is simple but with a pleasing cadence for read aloud. The pictures, though all themed by the northern lights, are each distinct and in perfect sync with the words on that page. This would be a delicious book to read aloud on a winter evening while curled up on the couch, and also perfect for a winter story time when there is snow outside. For very young children, it might be a fun introduction to a conversation about northern lights and exploring the night sky.

This has a place on library shelves; a beautiful display item that would go out frequently.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars

Goldilocks and the Three Knocks

Goldilocks and the Three KnocksGoldilocks and the Three Knocks by Gregory Barrington
ISBN: 0062891375
Genres: Fairy Tale, Folklore
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A brightly illustrated, humorous “prequel” to the traditional Goldilocks story. In this version, Goldi tells readers how the three bears came to her new house in the woods with a pie, and then unexpectedly stayed and hibernated in her bed for the winter. Barrington’s digital illustrations are in keeping with the text. Young children will find pleasure in the silliness of the story, and it would be an easy, fun read-aloud.

There was one objectionable line, however, which should have been best left out, which describes Goldilocks cooking “low carb, high fiber meals” – this is meant to be funny (probably more for grownups) but frankly, anything that makes mention of dieting, no matter how obliquely, in a picture book for children, is distressingly misplaced. For that reason, the book rates fewer stars.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

three-stars

Manny and Lizzie: Friends Forever

Manny and Lizzie: Friends ForeverManny and Lizzy: Friends Forever by Tona Mareglia, Rebekah Guiltner
Published by 1st Light Ministries Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Lizzie the lobster, caught in a loose trap and stranded on the shore, is saved by the caring actions of Manny the moose. In this self-published (1stlightministries.net) picture book by Maine author Tona Mareglia, Lizzie and Manny give credit to God for their ability to become friends despite their differences.

Line and watercolor illustrations by New England artist Rebekah Guiltner are bold and colorful, in keeping with the text without being overwhelming.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

three-stars

Stacey’s Remarkable Books

Stacey’s Remarkable BooksStacey's Remarkable Books by Kitt Thomas, Stacey Abrams
Published by HarperCollins US on April 5, 2023
ISBN: 0063271850
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

When a new friend from Vietnam pulls Stacey our of her book reverie and into conversation, Stacey can’t wait to share her enthusiasm for the school library. Her friend, Julie, shares that she isn’t comfortable reading in English yet, so with the help of the school librarian, Stacey sets out to start a reading club with options for everyone.

The illustrations are colorful and look like animation. This vibrant, inclusive story is a great choice for a school library or classroom read aloud book and it might even inspire some multilingual or multicultural book choices.

Bonus! There is a nice author’s note by Stacey Abrams about reconnecting with the childhood friend the story is based on and a list of Stacey’s Remarkable Books to give the reader a solid list of reading suggestions.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

I Am Not a Tin Can

I Am Not a Tin CanI Am Not a Tin Can! by Barroux
Published by Kids Can Press on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1525305549
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is an offbeat book for young children about the nature of friendship and what makes a someone (or something) a friend. A child and a robot essentially bicker through most of the book about whether or not the robot is a tin can. The resolution is that it doesn’t really matter because they get along, have fun together, and each complements the other’s personality.

With the exception of one drawing showing the robot plunging into despair when it realizes that it doesn’t have a heart, the illustrations are bright and appealing. This will circulate and would be a good book to open a discussion about feelings; kids might have an interesting take on whether this robot is, indeed, a tin can and why or why not that might be.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

A Library

A LibraryA Library by Nikki Giovanni, Erin K Robinson
Published by Versify on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0358387655
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Many readers think of their local library as a wonderful building full of books, but for Giovanni’s character the library is much more. The character within these pages celebrates the existence of her special place to be free and to dream. Sparse lyrical sentences perfectly portray the emotion and imagination contained within a lovely picture book.

Several illustrations express the sense of space; behind the laundry, within the library, and on the street. The two-page spreads are especially significant as they reveal the loving relationship between the girl and her grandmother as well as the girl’s affection for the librarian. Colors range from pastel to bold shades of primary colors. Robinson wraps her character in a cherished colorful quilt that is sure to engage any reader. This book honors the author’s first librarian and acknowledges her importance. An author’s note reveals how the author views her own childhood summer library.

Media center librarians located in primary schools should purchase a copy of A Library. This book can be utilized in poetry units, displayed for Black History Month, and offered as a read-a-loud in primary classrooms.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Just the Way You Are

Just the Way You AreJust the Way You Are by Emma Dodd
Published by Templar on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1536226653
Pages: 24
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A short and sweet picture book around the unconditional love of a parent for a small child will never go amiss, and when it is paired with Dodd’s illustrations, even better. The newest addition to Dodd’s Love You series contains rhyming text and cunning illustrations. The metallic highlights on the illustrations feel magical. The only detraction is that occasionally, there is not enough contrast between a dark background and its accompanying text, making it hard to read.

Everything about the book – its format (8-inches square), its brevity (24 pages), its composition (the tiger family is side-by-side on every page) – suggests a cozy, bedtime read-aloud for wee ones. Definitely well-trodden subject matter but still welcome.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

The Bird Book

The Bird BookThe Bird Book by Robin Page, Steve Jenkins
Published by Clarion Books on December 6, 2022
ISBN: 0358325692
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Steve Jenkins and Robin Page bring us another nonfiction hit in the same format as their previously published books, The Frog Book, The Beetle Book, and The Shark Book. The book begins with general information about birds, their body parts, their feathers, and some of the habitat-specific adaptations that have evolved over time. The text includes information about the evolution of birds and the link between dinosaurs and modern day birds. Other topics include bird intelligence, song, nesting, eggs, and more. The text is spread around the pages in small blocks rather than being one large paragraph, and this may appeal to younger readers still building reading confidence. Every page includes many paper cut and collage illustrations. While the illustrations are beautiful (and consistent with previous books by this duo), some people may prefer actual images of birds and their characteristics for a nonfiction book.

This is a great book for young scientists, birders, and readers who just love to learn about the world around them. Recommended for readers 7 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Hound from the Pound

The Hound from the PoundHound from the Pound by Jessica Swaim, Jill McElmurry
Published by HarperCollins US on April 5, 2023
ISBN: 0358622204
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Miss Mary Lynn MacIntosh lives alone, and she’s feeling like her life is missing something. She visits the local dog shelter and adopts a Bassett Hound named Blue. She’s told he’s the only dog in the shelter that isn’t well trained, but she knows there’s something special about him. When they get home, Blue begins baying (as hounds do), and his calls are answered by all the other dogs from the shelter. Her house is overrun by dogs, but she can’t bear to give them back. She asks Sam, who works at the shelter, to help her train them. Sam does, and in the process of training the dogs, Sam and Mary fall in love. The story ends with them and their enormous pack living and thriving happily under one roof.

This is a fun and entertaining read that will please young dog lovers, and the rhyming text makes it a great option for story time. The illustrations are done by Jill McElmurry, known for the Little Blue Truck series, and her work here does not disappoint. The dogs are portrayed in colorful and humorous ways. Their facial expressions really help to bring the story and the hijincks to life. The romantic connection between Mary and Sam feels completely unnecessary, unexpected (not in a good way), and forced. The story is lighthearted, whimsical, and humorous, and suddenly we’re at a wedding, then the story ends. Aside from the unfortunate ending, this is a fun read. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars