Format: Picture Book Fiction

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

The Kite Collector

The Kite CollectorThe Kite Collector by Zoey Abbott
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525312529
Genres: Babies/Infants, Emotions & Feelings, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

James loves kites. He has a collection of them in his closet, and after earning enough money from walking his neighbors’ dogs, he goes to the store and buys another one to add to his collection. His baby sister GG discovers the closet of pristine, unused kites and has other ideas of how they should be played with. After a moment of panic and anger, James remembers that his sister is learning all kinds of new things and repairs their relationship. As a gift, James buys GG her very own pirate kite. He panics again when she asks to fly it. It could be tangled! Torn! Lost in the wind! But after watching his new octopus kite flutter a bit in the wind, he chooses to be courageous enough to open his mind.

Together, James and GG enjoy an afternoon in the park, flying GG’s pirate kite and James learns to be brave. This one’s a special story about sibling bonding and repair, and how to navigate a new baby in the house.

Review by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

four-stars

Sloth and Squirrel on Vacation (Sloth and Squirrel, 2)

Sloth and Squirrel on Vacation (Sloth and Squirrel, 2)Sloth and Squirrel on Vacation (Sloth and Squirrel, 2) by Cathy Ballou Mealey, Kelly Collier
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525312561
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In the second in a series of Sloth and Squirrel, the friends are now boarding up their pickle stand and deciding to take a much needed vacation. After much deliberation, they decide to book a trip to Paradise Park Resort where there is, “something for everyone.”

Sloth wants to relax, whereas Squirrel wants to try every single activity they offer. Squirrel’s attention is humorously derailed at every turn. He starts by rock-climbing and then spies people on kayaks. “OOH Paragliding!” he exclaims. While Sloth is napping on the beach, Squirrel remembers to find his friend. Although they are different, they share a treat together on the beach and remember why they love spending time together. A great read for kids who are learning how to navigate friendship. Great for fans of Duck and Goose and the like.

Ages 4-7

Review by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Lonely Bird’s Dream by Ruth Whiting

Lonely Bird’s Dream by Ruth WhitingLonely Bird's Dream by Ruth Whiting
Published by Candlewick Press on 2024
ISBN: 153622619X
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Lonely Bird’s dream is to fly.  Yet, Lonely Bird is a hand sketched, nearly wingless, paper bird.  Through research, imagination, experimentation, and trial and error, she creates a usable airplane.  Her dream of flight is a success, but landing is not.  After her flight is unpredictably cut short, she gets some help from a very clever spider who helps her find a way back home in flight using dandelion seeds, riding the wind. 

This is Whiting’s follow up to her book Lonely Bird.  The story is so well told through the artwork, that the simplistic prose is almost unnecessary.  Her amazing artistry is on display with layered paintings that make the eye believe the 2D Lonely Bird is living her best life in a 3D miniature world.  This book will appeal to ages four through nine.  

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

five-stars

A Pinecone!

A Pinecone!A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon
Published by Candlewick Press on 2024
ISBN: 1536226262
Genres: Adventure, Family, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In this picture book, Yoon brings back the parent-child relationship from her book Off-Limits.  In this story, the father and daughter go out for a walk.  The father is very distracted as his daughter becomes gripped with the exciting task of collecting pinecones.  Her great enthusiasm is portrayed mostly through the comedic artwork and few words.  The text is bold and easy to read as well as cleverly placed on the page to create whimsey.  The father’s response is to encourage his daughter’s imagination and not lose his temper.  This book is a perfect read aloud to young children, yet entertaining for readers of all ages.    

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

five-stars

You’re a POET: Ways to Start Writing Poems

You’re a POET: Ways to Start Writing PoemsYou're a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems by Sam Usher, Sean Taylor
Published by Candlewick Press on March 4, 2025
ISBN: 153623933X
Pages: 72
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses, Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

You’re a POET: Ways to Start Writing Poems

By: Sean Taylor and Sam Usher

This picture book is comprised of five stories about the adventures of Piglet and his best friend, Squirrel. Each story demonstrates how to create a different kind of poem: a puddle poem, a comparing poem, a making-a-person-out-of-something poem, an if-I-was poem, and an I-would-give-you poem. Following each story are tips and suggestions to inspire young children to write their own poetry.  This book for ages 3-7 would be best utilized as an educational resource.

3 stars

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

three-stars

The Cookie Vote

The Cookie VoteThe Cookie Vote (Mr. Tiffin's Classroom Series) by Daniel Bernstrom, G. Brian Karas, Margaret McNamara
ISBN: 0593173309
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

The Cookie Vote

Authors: Margaret McNamara & Daniel Bernstrom

 

This picture book for ages 4-8 is the latest in the Mr. Tiffin’s Classroom series. Mr. Tiffin, whose students are learning how bills become laws, announces that the student who comes up with the best idea will have the opportunity to present his or her bill to Representative Noor during their upcoming class trip to the state capitol. Jeremy believes his state needs an official cookie, but his classmates begin to argue over which cookie flavor is the best. As is appropriate for a civics lesson, the class settles the debate with a vote. When the students visit the State House to present their bill, Jeremy learns that every vote counts and that compromise is often a necessary, albeit a frustrating part of government. The end of the book highlights three real student-sponsored bills which led to the appointment of three official state cookies. Additionally, a recipe for Jeremy’s official state cookie is also included. This book would be a nice supplement to a school lesson on government, and may even inspire students to draft their own bills.

3 stars

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

three-stars

Cranky Makes a Friend

Cranky Makes a FriendCranky Makes a Friend (Cranky and Friends) by Pete Oswald, Phúc Trần
ISBN: 0063256304
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Humor, Vehicles
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Cranky the crane is back and today there is a new crane on the construction site. Lefty is geared up to meet everyone – happy to help, he is cheerful and full of compliments and jokes for his new crew. Cranky feels threatened and jealous – what if his friends like Lefty better than him? Cranky puts on a fake smile to try to fit in and then blows a gasket. Cranky’s friends can sense that something is wrong, and reassure him that they like Cranky for who he is. After all, it’s OK to have different kinds of friends, and not everyone has to be the same. The text has plentiful construction puns and the illustrations are colorful, fun, and detailed. This book would be a useful tool to start discussions about more complex emotions like jealousy. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars

Ruffles and the Bouncy, Bouncy Ball

Ruffles and the Bouncy, Bouncy BallRuffles and the Bouncy, Bouncy Ball by David Melling
ISBN: 1536241385
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Ruffles is a dog who loves howling, scratching, eating, fetching, sniffing, and more. But most of all Ruffles LOVES his bouncy bouncy ball. But today, he can’t find it. He looks everywhere, and even gets help looking from his friend, Ruby. They continue the search and make the unfortunate conclusion that bouncy bouncy ball is lost. Can Ruby help Ruffles feel better? With the help of a squishy squashy mud puddle, Ruffles recovers and discovers he loves playing with his friend Ruby best of all. A sweet story with cute illustrations, simple text, and a kind message; perfect for the youngest readers. Recommended for toddlers, ages 2-4.

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

four-stars