Format: Picture Book Fiction

Lily Leads the Way

Lily Leads the WayLily Leads the Way by Margi Preus, Matt Myers
Published by Candlewick Press on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 1536214035
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Once I got over my expectation that this book is set on the Great Lakes instead of the ocean, I enjoyed this story about the plucky little sailboat that saves a flotilla of tall ships. The other characters are cargo ships, speedy fishing vessels, and bossy tugboat. The tall ships – which are wonderful illustrations – are silent so cannot give a signal for the bridge to rise so Lily saves the day … or rather the ships. Luscious oil painted illustrations add much to the story. The “Author’s Note” at the end provides fascinating information about bridges. Anyone interested in boats and bridges will enjoy this story. Also a fun readaloud with the onomatopoeia sounds, such as a blast of the horn, “OOHHH-pen. OOHHH-pen.” And the bridge answers: “OOHHH-kay. OOHHH-kay.” Will pair nicely with “Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey” by Maira Kalman.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

A Gift for Nana

A Gift for NanaA Gift for Nana by Lane Smith
Published by Random House Studio on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 0593430336
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“A Gift for Nana” follows young Rabbit as he goes on an adventure to find a good gift for his beloved Nana. Written and illustrated by Lane Smith, Rabbit asks the moon, a volcano, a big fish, and various others for the perfect gift, but nothing that they suggest is quite right. Lane’s mixed media artwork works well in showing just how big and long a quest Rabbit is on, with large swooping waves and tall craggy cliffs. Written for ages 4 to 7, this book is an excellent addition to any library collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Two Dogs

Two DogsTwo Dogs by Ian Falconer
Published by HarperCollins on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0062954474
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Two Dogs” is a picture book written and illustrated by Ian Falconer, the creator of the Olivia series. This book is about two dachshunds named Perry and Augie who get bored while home alone one day. They play with the ball in the house and bang on the piano before going outside and wreaking havoc on the plants and lawn. They find a small hole and decide to dig, but when they hear a car pull up they are afraid they will get into trouble. Illustrations are fun and readers will enjoy the goofy dogs getting into different kinds of trouble. For kids in PreK to 3rd grade, this picture book is not a must-buy, but is recommended where Olivia books still go out.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Sometimes Cake

Sometimes CakeSometimes Cake by Edwina Wyatt, Tamsin Ainslie
Published by Candlewick Press on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 1536217816
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In its simplest form, this is a book about friendship between a tiny girl named Audrey and large Lion. But there is nothing simple about this book. It is profound! Lion enjoys celebrations. “What are you celebrating? asked Audrey. “Orange mostly,” said Lion. “Also yellow.” Audrey likes orange and yellow and suggests purple, too, and they have a grand time. This goes on until the day Lion is not celebrating because it is just an ordinary day. The give-and-take between the two friends is heartwarming as are the colored pencil and watercolor illustrations. Audrey finds a way to reciprocate goodness for the despondent Lion. After all that’s what friends are for … and to make a cake to share because it is Tuesday. Perfectly logical for a 3 or 4-year-old. This gentle book is a real charmer!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Capybara is Friends With Everyone

Capybara is Friends With EveryoneCapybara Is Friends with Everyone by Maddie Frost
Published by HarperCollins on March 22, 2022
ISBN: 0063021021
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Capybara has 4,382 friends! Every day he runs around trying to help his friends in any way he can. Then Capybara meets Sloth, an animal he hasn’t befriended before, Sloth is so slow to respond to his friendship, that Capybara must adjust and learn that making friends takes time. By the end, Capybara learns that his 4,383 friends don’t always need anything from him; sometimes it is just fun hanging out and doing nothing at all. The boldly illustrated animals pop against the minimalist background. This humorous and light-hearted book provides good prompts for discussions about making new friends and maintaining established friendships. Recommended for grades Pre-K-3.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

four-stars

Our Playground Rules!

Our Playground Rules!Our Playground Rules! by Kallie George, Jay Fleck
Published by Rodale Kids on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 0593378741
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is an absolute must for elementary school libraries. Teachers will love the pun in the title of the book, which is a delicate way to address behavior on the school playground. The topics such as kindness, fairness, apologizing, inclusion, patience, and acceptance are each addressed in a colorful and cute two-page spread. The illustrations are simple but have details that will keep readers interested even after the first read. This empathetic and affirming story is recommended for grades Pre-k through grade 2.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

four-stars

Saving the Butterfly

Saving the ButterflySaving the Butterfly by Helen Cooper, Gill Smith
Published by Candlewick Press on June 21, 2022
ISBN: 1536220558
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This book opens with two children being removed from a boat. They are the only two who have survived the journey. The younger sibling adjusts to their new life easier than the older sister who stays inside and hides. The world trauma is not explicitly mentioned, but older readers will understand “shadows and worries” are references to her past. When her younger bothers brings her a butterfly, its color and flight lure her outside. The predominately charcoal-colored pages become filled with more color and activity throughout the book, but, the words let the reader know that things are better for this one day and that there is no tidy ending to some life experiences. Close readers will notice the barbed-wire fence on the end sheets and borders of some of the pages, but other than that there is no mention of being a refugee. Interestingly, Amazon has a subtitle listed for this book “A Story about Refugees”, but this does not appear in the book or in the official MARC record. This subtitle would help prepare readers for the story and back matter at the end might help readers connect this story with real-world events.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

three-stars

Punky Aloha

Punky AlohaPunky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa
Published by HarperCollins on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 0063079232
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This charming intergenerational story tells of how Punky learns to become brave, helpful, and adventurous. When her grandmother asks her to go to the market to pick up butter, Punky feels shy and unsure. Her grandmother gives her magical, brave glasses to help her with the reminder to share her “aloha” by being helpful, giving, as well as brave. Punky has a few adventures on the way to the market and when her magical glasses break, she comes to realize that she does not need them anymore; she has a heart full of courage. Shar Tuiasoa, the author and illustrator, is Polynesian from the island of O’ahu. Her illustrations fill the pages of this book with lush and vibrant tropical colors. School libraries in particular will find this a great addition to diversity their collection of picture books about helping others and kindness.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

four-stars

Lucky

LuckyLucky by Christy Mandin
Published by HarperCollins on May 24, 2022
ISBN: 0063047349
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Set under the sea, the illustrations in this picture book are adorable, cute, and colorful. Lucky, a pearl, has her home destroyed when trash is dumped and breaks her shell. However, the message of the book is elusive: Is it a book focusing on ocean pollution or a book about friendship? The theme of ocean pollution is understandable to adults, but not explained enough for young readers; the text and the pictures just don’t work together to tell the whole story As Lucky journeys to find a new shell, readers can see trash in the background; however, when Jim the Jellyfish joins up with Lucky, the story about their friendship moves to the forefront and it becomes less about the pollution of the ocean. In the back, the author’s note provides a good explanation of ocean pollution and the “What You Can Do” page has solid tips for young readers. This book should be considered an additional selection.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

two-stars

Don’t Worry, Murray

Don’t Worry, MurrayDon't Worry, Murray by David Ezra Stein
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 0062845241
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Mental Health
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Murray is a nervous dog. He doesn’t want to go out, he doesn’t want to meet new dogs, he doesn’t really want to do anything. With the encouragement of his person (never pictured), Murray tries many new things throughout the course of the day. The book concludes with the narrator telling Murray they’re proud of him for trying new things.

This is a gentle book for nervous kids. It recognizes real fears that kids may have, and it helps them realize things aren’t always as scary as they may seem (even though scary things do happen). The mixed media illustrations really convey Murray’s emotions and his fears. The illustrations also show Murray’s thoughts so without them, the story would fall flat. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars