Format: Picture Book Fiction

Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool

Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting PreschoolOlu's Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool by Jamel C. Campbell, Lydia Mba
Published by Candlewick Press on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 1536231460
Genres: Cultural / African American, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Olu’s Teacher” is a story about anxiety, new beginnings, belonging, and representation. As Olu gets ready for his first day of preschool his imagination runs wild – could his teacher have teeth like a T-Rex? Or breathe fire like a dragon? He is stomach is churning, his legs are wobbly. But, with some encouragement from his parents, he embarks on his first day. Once at school, Olu sees his friends in class, and enjoys music, building, soccer, and story time. Before he even realizes it – it’s already time to go home. The best part of his first day? Olu feels represented – his teacher looks just like him! This book is very relatable for any child getting ready for their first day, and showcases diversity in a classroom setting. Illustrations are colorful and playful. The book includes recommended tips for parents to help their child get excited for preschool. Recommended for ages 4-6 (Pre-K to 1st Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library

four-stars

Sleep Little Dozer (A Bedtime Book of Construction Trucks)

Sleep Little Dozer (A Bedtime Book of Construction Trucks)Sleep, Little Dozer: A Bedtime Book of Construction Trucks by Diana Murray, Michael Fleming
ISBN: 0593119045
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Sleep, Little Dozer is about a dozer who’s had a long day and is ready for bed. His dad calls him in from playing to get ready for bed but he doesn’t feel ready because his mom isn’t there. Still, he takes a bath and brushes his teeth and settles in for sleep. He’s worried he’ll never fall asleep without the bedtime song his mom sings until his dad starts singing it and finally he’s able to drift off. The book ends with his mom kissing him goodnight after he’s asleep. Little ones (pre-k, possibly stretch to K) who love construction trucks will be enthralled following a family of construction trucks. However, there’s not much to this one, which is why I think its age range is narrow. Readers, teachers, and parents will love that Dozer’s dad is painted as a loving, capable father who doesn’t need his wife’s help to take care of their son. Add it to your collection if you have a lot of kids who love vehicles or construction or need more positive stories of masculinity. Three stars. 

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School, Gardiner 

three-stars

Duck Duck Taco Truck

Duck Duck Taco TruckDuck Duck Taco Truck by Laura Lavoie, Teresa Martínez
ISBN: 0593644638
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Students will fall in love with the ducks and goose and the food they serve in these competing food trucks. The ducks think they have the market cornered on food truck sales until a goose shows up with a new truck that suddenly takes all of their sales. The ducks wonder if their dreams of buying a speedboat are sunk in the water until the goose reaches out to suggest a merger because, though he has many customers, his service is slow. Through collaboration the ducks and goose make all of their dreams come true. The illustrations are fun and engaging and students will love the lighthearted and fun story while teachers will love the lessons of collaboration and problem-solving. Four stars! 

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School, Gardiner

four-stars

The Fastest Drummer: Clap your hands for Viola Smith

The Fastest Drummer: Clap your hands for Viola SmithThe Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith! by Dean Robbins, Susanna Chapman
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536224863
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In the 1930s most people didn’t believe that women could play instruments as well as men. Viola Smith proved them all wrong, playing the drums in bands all over the world. Starting as a teen, Smith did not stop playing professionally until well after her 100th birthday. Although many people alive today may not be familiar with Viola Smith, this book covers her start in her family band composed of herself and her sisters through her break onto the national stage during World War II and beyond. Viola Smith designed drum kit staging in such a way that it allowed her to be one of the fastest drummers of the Jazz and Big Swing Band eras. This warm toned and fondly written biography of an American musical icon comes to life with vivid illustrations filled with sound and movement. The author and illustrators’ love of the subject matter is clear. The illustrations use a mid century color scheme and aesthetic that is extremely visually pleasing and brings the time period to life.  The inclusion of a glossary and other resources for students to learn more about female musicians and Jazz music make this book a fantastic resource for school libraries or for classroom teachers looking to grow a picture book biography section.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette – Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

five-stars

Down the Sleepy River

Down the Sleepy RiverDown the Sleepy River: A Mindful Bedtime Book by Carmen Saldaña, Emma Drage
ISBN: 1536234974
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This beautifully illustrated bedtime book follows a journey down a jungle river, using gentle language to encourage very young children to fall asleep. The book includes an introduction for adults discussing the importance of mindfulness for children and giving suggestions for how to read the book with your child. While the repetitive text is very similar to many other books in the “time for bed” genre, Carmen Salaña’s illustrations set this book apart. The colors are rich and vibrant and the jungle theme is clear throughout. As the reader travels down the river each African animal they visit is beautifully illustrated and paired with a breathing activity. The breathing activities are repetitive, however some families and children may find this soothing. This book would be a good choice for children ages pre-k and under or for children who are particularly interested in African animals.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette – Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

three-stars

Mermaid Lullaby

Mermaid LullabyMermaid Lullaby by Kenneth Kraegel
Published by Candlewick Press on April 19, 2024
ISBN: 1536204668
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

From the author & illustrator of “Mushroom Lullaby” comes this cozy underwater sequel. Kraegel’s writing here is a little inconsistent, with some bursts of genius and some lackluster lines, but ultimately this slack is picked up by the nature of the story and the transporting illustrations that are chock full of life & magic. Mermaid Lullaby takes the reader on a wonderful, peaceful journey through a few mermaid friends’ day as they explore the wonder of the ocean & wider world around them. Large, simple text on each page is easy for little eyes to follow and the timeless style of the illustrations feels sure to spark sweet dreams. This simple concept was executed very well and makes a phenomenal read through and through, definitely worthy of a place amongst the bedtime-story classics. For ages 2 and up.

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME 

four-stars

A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast

A Crocodile Should Never Skip BreakfastA Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast by Colleen Larmour
Published by Kids Can Press on June 4, 2024
ISBN: 1525308343
Genres: Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Enter: Crocodile. He’s a working reptile, he serves as the River Ferry safely carrying passengers across the river. It’s a tough job but he’s just the guy for it. Croc’s hard work is fueled by his favorite quick-n-easy breakfast – donuts. On any given morning, Croc’s typically running a little late, so he always grabs his donuts from Hippo’s stand & chows down on the way to work. This very morning is just like any other, except … Hippo is sold out of donuts! Croc panics but keeps pushing forward, he’s got backup options. But none of these pan out and when Croc shows up to his job – growing hungrier by the minute – to ferry cute … fluffy …. dare I say tasty looking passengers, we quickly learn why a crocodile should never skip breakfast. Before disaster can strike, Hippo saves the day with a special delivery – a fresh batch of donuts! Simple text is paired with character dialogue to tell this story and bright, expressive illustrations drive home the drama of Croc’s situation. A silly cautionary tale that reminds the reader you have to take care of yourself before you can take good care of others. Perfect for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME

four-stars

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn

The Teeny-Weeny UnicornThe Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris
Published by Random House Children's Books on 2024
ISBN: 0593571886
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Shawn Harris’ newest picture book is, The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn, with his renowned illustration style using heavily textured, and colorful oil pastels. Our main character is an uncharacteristically small unicorn who lives in a large palace with his large unicorn brother and sister. Because our (unnamed) teeny-weeny unicorn is so small, he is often the target of criticism from his family members. He runs off into the palace lawn in despair and accidentally damages a tiny gnome’s car. The gnome is furious and demands compensation. Luckily, the palace has loads of gold and the gnome is content. It ends with a hopeful quote saying, “We are all teeny-weeny. We are all giant. And we are all just the right size.”

This story started off unique and enchanting, but quickly lost charm and had remarks that set a harsh tone towards the middle of the story. Fans of Harris’ dry humor might really enjoy this type of dialogue, but it feels geared towards ages 5 and older. I give the story 3 stars, particularly for Harris’ illustrations and creativity with language, but this one leans a little too far into the bizarre.

Reviewed By Argia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever

Grumpy Monkey Spring FeverGrumpy Monkey Spring Fever by Max Lang, Suzanne Lang
Published by Random House Studio on January 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593652339
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Grumpy Monkey (Jim Panzee) is back again – and this time with spring fever. At first, his friends suggest different ways to help Jim relax and calm down. But no matter what he tried, Jim just could not relax – he had too much energy! His friends then pivot their suggestions to ways that he could enjoy his spring fever, by using his extra energy to do seasonal activities. By the end of the story, all of the friends are romping through the jungle delighted to have caught Jim’s spring fever. The illustrations are colorful and fun, emphasizing the personalities and emotions of the different jungle friends. The moral of the story is somewhat confusing – and shows wavering support and inconsistent recommendations from the other animals.  Overall this seasonal sequel feels lacking compared to the original, but fans of Grumpy Monkey will likely still enjoy the story. Recommended for ages 5-6 (Kindergarten to 1st Grade).

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

three-stars

Back Home: Story Time with My Father

Back Home: Story Time with My FatherBack Home: Story Time with My Father by Arlene Elizabeth Casimir, Ken Daley
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536223204
Genres: Cultural / African American, Realistic Fiction, Short Stories
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is Arlene Elizabeth Casimir’s love letter to her immigrant parents, and in particular, their stories of “Back Home” or “Lakay”. The book follows Lune, who loves to hear her father’s stories about Haiti – so much so that she will wait up for her father to catch him in-between late night work shifts just to hear another one. Lune dreams of Haiti, a place that she has never been, but carries such significance to her family. By the end of the book, Lune learns that there is also value to her own unique story, and that she can be a storyteller as well. Ken Daley’s illustrations are lush, vibrant, and gorgeous – merging Lune’s life in America with her father’s stories from “Back Home”. The text includes words in Haitian Creole, including a glossary at the end. This diverse story is a great addition to any picture book collection, especially representing the lives of immigrants and their children. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars