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

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