Format: Picture Book Fiction

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

What We Wear When We Take Care

What We Wear When We Take CareWhat We Wear When We Take Care by Sarah Finan
Published by Candlewick Press on 06/18/24
ISBN: 1536227706
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Young readers will get to know the world a little better after reading this picture book.  This book introduces kids to personal protective equipment from head to toe in fun and engaging ways.  For example, kids wear helmets when skateboarding or headphones when watching fireworks and grownups wear goggles when welding or gloves as they work with animals.  The illustrations are bold, using primarily yellow, blue, black, and white.  There are many different settings shown in the pictures which will no doubt stimulate conversations and the sound effect words in the text are larger than the rest of the text, making them pop off the page. The illustrations show a diverse range of people who have different abilities, skin color, and religious practices.  The pictures also show both men and women as construction workers, scientists, and doctors.  This picture book would be a great addition to any public library.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Brandon and the Baby

Brandon and the BabyBrandon and the Baby by Brian Pinkney
Published by Greenwillow Books on June 18, 2024
ISBN: 0063159848
Genres: Babies/Infants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This picture book tells the story of Brandon, a young boy, who loves his special plaid blanket, but is unsure of how he feels about his new baby brother.  Brandon tells his mother he no longer wants to sit in his big-boy chair, but becomes upset when his mom is too busy with the baby to hear him.  At first Brandon screams into the blanket he wrapped around his head, but with the help of his active imagination, his blanket turns into a toucan, causing Brandon to laugh.  Brandon’s blanket also helps him at bath time and bedtime, distracting him from otherwise frustrating situations, with humor and comfort.  Soon Brandon’s attitude shifts as he was too busy having fun with his family to be upset anymore.  Brandon is even able to use his special blanket to help his brother take a nap.

This picture book is ideal for a public library to add to its collection of books for children who go from being an only child to an older sibling.  This book deals with the regression some children experience as they try to adapt to their new family dynamics.  Brandon’s facial expressions change throughout the book which will help children understand Brandon’s feelings of sadness, anger, comfort, and joy.  Children will enjoy the whimsical illustrations and the fun animal sound effects.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Getting Ready for KindergartenGetting Ready for Kindergarten by Vera Ahiyya
ISBN: 0593809483
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A well done first experience picture book that will help prepare a child for a first school experience. Vera Ahiyya has taught Kindergarten and first grade for 16 years which is evident in how she approached this book from getting on the school bus to eating lunch in the cafeteria. The 5-year-old has big feelings throughout the day, both ups and downs, and she navigates them all. The unnamed girl has dark skin and her new friend wears a headscarf. The teacher has long dark curly hair and brown eyes, perhaps Hispanic, and the other children and adults vary in their depiction. Definitely a good choice for parents and their children who will be starting kindergarten as there is much fodder for discussion and reassurance. Great example for what this book is meant to be, but I would not call it great literature though. So I did not recommend it for Cream of the Crop. There is a “I’M READY FOR KINDERGARTEN” sign in the back of the book meant to be held for the first day of school photo.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Socks

SocksSocks: A Kid's Christmas Lament by Anika Orrock, JD McPherson
ISBN: 1536237027
Genres: Holiday, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

I really like getting socks for a Christmas present, but this boy does not. This book is based on songwriter JD McPherson’s Christmas song, “Socks.”  A young boy sneaks down the stairs early Christmas morning and launches into a funny rant when he discovers socks in his package. But when his family joins him all wearing the same type of socks he realizes that perhaps there are more important Christmas gifts than what’s inside the packages. Cartoonist Annika Orrock adds humorous illustrations which enhances the story. IMHO there are much funnier and better Christmas books available, but it’s not awful.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

The Midnight Panther

The Midnight PantherThe Midnight Panther (A Poonam Mistry Fable) by Poonam Mistry
ISBN: 1536238716
Genres: Folklore
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The outstanding feature of this book are the gorgeous illustrations! In this fable, Panther feels he is not special like the other big cats in the forest. He doesn’t have stripes like Tiger, a mane like Lion, or spots like Leopard. Panther despairs until Moon encourages him to embrace his blackness which sparkles in the dark like the night sky. Inspired by her Indian heritage, Mistry creates the most stunning artwork. The story is not all that original but takes on a folkloric quality of a pourquoi tale and one can always use a reminder of seeing the beauty in oneself. This book can be used as a Story Time readaloud but children will want to examine the illustrations more closely in an intimate setting.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

King Alfred and the Ice Coffin

King Alfred and the Ice CoffinKing Alfred and the Ice Coffin by Chris Riddell, Kevin Crossley-Holland
ISBN: 1536238805
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction
Format: Middle Grade Fiction, Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

King Alfred loved stories and had a wish for his people to read books in their native language. So, he learned Latin in order to translate important texts and stories into English. One day, a sailor named Wulfstan comes to the King’s court to tell a tale from the northern seas. After enduring a terrible storm, Wulfstan and his crew had become shipwrecked in Maarahvas. During their stay, they witnessed the celebration of life of one of the town’s leaders, which included viewing the deceased leader in an ice coffin, and dispersing his riches in a horse race. Captivated by the story, King Alfred pledges to record it so that it will never be forgotten. This book is formatted as a long picture book, with stunningly detailed monochromatic illustrations. Recommended for ages 9-11 (4th to 6th Grade).

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

four-stars

When We Gather: (Ostadahlisiha): A Cherokee Tribal Feast

When We Gather: (Ostadahlisiha): A Cherokee Tribal FeastWhen We Gather (Ostadahlisiha): A Cherokee Tribal Feast by Andrea L. Rogers, Madelyn Goodnight
ISBN: 0063076799
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This beautiful book covers so many desirable picture book categories: Indigenous knowledge and traditions, community, sustainability, family, food, caring for our elders, and so much more.

At the start of the story, a Cherokee girl welcomes the onset of spring. Details of tasks being done by different family members help set the tone, and readers will enjoy the family adventure to gather wild onions. The tale continues as everyone makes their way to the community center to help prepare a meal. Various traditional dishes are described and recipes are included in the back of the book.

In addition to the recipes, back matter includes a glossary of native words, a note to the reader, and a longer and more detailed author’s note. When We Gather was published in association with We Need Diverse Books. This selection is recommended for all libraries with picture book collections.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

five-stars