Format: Picture Book Fiction

Ruby’s Reunion Day Dinner

Ruby’s Reunion Day DinnerRuby's Reunion Day Dinner by Angela Dalton, Jestenia Southerland
Published by HarperCollins on May 18, 2021
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Each year Ruby’s relatives prepares a special dish to share at their family reunion. Daddy calls it their “signature dish”and Ruby wants one of her own. She wanders through the bustling kitchen looking for inspiration but is told the stove is too hot and the knives are too sharp until she stumbles on the notion that her lemonade is the perfect accompaniment to all the other dishes offered. The rich African American tradition of family reunions with delicious food at the heart of the celebration is conveyed throughout. This book could be paired nicely with Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons or When Grandma Gives you a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan. Also a good choice to add to your picture book collection to make it more diverse.

 

five-stars

Not That Pet

Not That PetNot That Pet! by Rosalind Beardshaw, Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Published by Candlewick Press on February 1, 2022
ISBN: 9781536217766
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Mabel is allowed to choose the perfect pet for her family. None of the pets she tries out seems like the right fit and many disasters ensue. Preschoolers will love the humor – “Then Mabel’s dad started jiggling, ’cause those tiny ants had marched their way into his UNDERPANTS!” Mabel’s choices go from bad to worse with an elephant to snake to skunk. Readers will love following through several comical reveals until Mabel meets her perfect furry match which you expect to be a cat … but it is not! The rhyming text begs to be read-aloud and the large, colorful  illustrations will have kids giggling. Perfect Story Time choice!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Sweater Weather

Sweater WeatherSweater Weather by Matt Phelan
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 5, 2021
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Papa Bear tells his seven cubs to put on the sweaters he knitted for them so they can go outside on this beautiful autumn day. However, as many parents will relate to, this is easier said than done. The brief text consists of primarily these words: “Sweaters on? Not yet.” The humorous illustrations convey much of the story as the plan unravels with the cubs mixing up their sweaters and complaints, such as, “I don’t like this color.” Finally, all the little bears are adorned in sweaters, but when they go outside, nighttime has fallen. Then they look up and see the stars and all is saved. I love that the adult character is a male who wears a pink bathrobe and knits. Even the youngest preschooler will be able to read this story by using only the illustrations and repetitive words. A delightful addition to any library’s autumn book collection.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library.

five-stars

Good Knight, Mustache Baby

Good Knight, Mustache BabyGood Knight, Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos, Joy Ang
Series: Mustache Baby #5
Published by Clarion Books on December 7, 2021
ISBN: 0358434688
Pages: 40
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This preschool picture book is another installment in the Mustache Baby series which started in 2013.  Two babies, one sporting a mustache and the other a mustache and beard, interpret an evening sleepover and take a trip to the public library through the lens of pretending to be knights.  Each sibling interruption, bedtime routine and playtime in the library are seen as troll interference, castles to scale and a festival where the knights of the round table meet to plan a rebellion.  The text provides the babies imaginative play while the illustrations provide the reality.  According to the synopsis of the first book, the mustache is real which may or may not confuse readers.  The story is tongue in cheek with parents being the potential audience.  The illustrations provide a welcomed view of library activity.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

 

four-stars

You Might Be Special!

You Might Be Special!You Might Be Special! by Kerri Kokias, Marcus Cutler
Published by Kids Can Press on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 1525303333
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“You Might Be Special!” is a picture book written by Kerri Kokias and illustrated by Marcus Cutler. The book is in the form of a quiz for the reader to answer questions to show that they are special. Each set of questions has a few that could fit a kid, but the last question is always about a mythical creature. For example, a few questions about being kind and liking rainbows are followed by “do you gallop or trot on four legs and have a horn in the center of your forehead?” The reader must not be a unicorn then.

The reader learns that they are likely not a fairy, dragon, or mermaid, among other creatures, but in the end they are still special. Bright and funny illustrations fit perfectly with the quiz structure and readers will enjoy the little funny details in each picture. The theme that everyone is special has been done before, but this is a welcome addition for picture book collections where mythical creatures and humor are popular. Aimed at ages 3 to 7, this is a worthwhile purchase.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Rubylicious

RubyliciousRubylicious by Victoria Kann
Published by HarperCollins on September 28, 2021
ISBN: 006305521X
Pages: 40
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Rubylicious by Victoria Kann is the eighth book in the Pinkalicious collection.  One day while playing, Pinkalicious finds a stone for her rock collection. While wiping it clean- Poof! A cloud of red smoke fills the room and a figure appears.  Is she a genie? The figure tells Pinkalicious that she will grant one wish for her and her brother Peter.  The figure, who they name “Rocky” is afraid to do wishes because she fears they will turn out badly.  Because of this, Rocky agrees to give them a preview of their wish ideas. The wishes are- huge pile of sweets, the ability to fly and being a princess and prince living in a castle.

Each of the preview wishes do turn out badly.  Too much sugar and overstuffed bellies, an airplane that flies out of control and a cold castle with a fire breathing dragon. Rocky is disappointed that she has not been able to give them a wonderful wish.  Pinkalicious seeing how sad she is gives Rocky a wish instead. The wish is that she will be less afraid and have more fun. This wish breaks the curse that had been placed on Rocky for one hundred years. She shimmers and sparkles and turns into a princess in red. Her name is Ruby and she no longer is fearful of granting wishes. She grants them a lovely wish in the end.

In usual Pinkalicious fashion, this story is very predictable. Probably a good addition to a collection since these books circulate, however this story was a replay of the other Pinkalicious books.

Reviewed by Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

two-stars

What If, Pig

What If, PigWhat If, Pig? by Linzie Hunter
Published by HarperCollins on June 8, 2021
ISBN: 0062986090
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Mental Health
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

What If, Pig is a sweet and relatable story about a pig who is a kind and generous friend to everyone. But Pig has a secret. Pig is a worrier.
When Pig decides to plan a party for all of their friends, they start to panic about all the things that could go wrong. Pig’s friend Mouse lets Pig cancel the party, and then takes Pig for a walk to relax. There they run into all the invited guests who share their own worries with Pig.

This is a fun and gentle introduction to worries and anxiety, and how children don’t have to feel alone in their fears. The illustrations are bright, goofy and sweet, with the text changing font depending of the emotions they are conveying.

I recommend this book. It is a fun read for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Katie Drago, Children’s Librarian, Rockland Public Library, Rockland, ME

four-stars

Ready for the Spotlight!

Ready for the Spotlight!Ready for the Spotlight! by Jaime Kim
Published by Candlewick Press on January 25, 2022
ISBN: 1536205184
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Sports
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Ready for the Spotlight is the story of Tessie, who can’t stand that her older sister is better than her at ballet. Just looking at Tessie’s snarky glare will remind the reader of a time they were irrationally jealous of someone they loved. Tessie is new in the class and her mother, teacher, and sister all gentle remind her that it takes practice to improve and every person that dances had to learn the basics first.

Tessie feels like it’s the last straw when her big sister wins the solo in the upcoming recital, but when Tessie takes a moment to relax and let loose she does a great freestyle dance that her classmates love. Later, Tessie’s sister asks for some pointers on how to do freestyle as well as Tessie does.

This story is a very relatable tale about jealously and sibling rivalry. It talks about how we all have something special to share. The main character isn’t particularly likable, but none of us are when we are feeling this way.

The illustrations occasionally use shadow to show Tessie’s perception, but I didn’t find the illustrations particularly interesting.

Overall an okay book for ages 4-8. The book is about dance and jealously, so it will circulate but won’t bring anything unique to your collection.

Reviewed by Katie Drago, Children’s Librarian, Rockland Public Library, Rockland, ME

three-stars

Always by My Side: A Stuffie Story

Always by My Side: A Stuffie StoryAlways By My Side: A Stuffie Story by Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 0593173821
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A deep-felt relationship exists between a child and his dinosaur stuffie, one that grows as it changes. Reinhardt introduces readers to a typical little boy who needs his stuffie when he is scared, shy and alone.   As narrator the dinosaur speaks of places he goes and introduces us to new friends. This storyline is typical of many child/stuffed animal relationships.   Adult readers will recognize their own child or perhaps themselves in the text. The story will be comforting to youngsters who need their stuffie.

Although the illustrations are detailed and uncluttered the faces are not very appealing.  Dinosaur is the most strongest character as he responds to his human friend.   Add to public library storybook collections.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

Sometimes Cake

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

This sweet picture book not only applies to birthday celebrations but it relates to the need for some daily celebrations in current life.  Audrey joins her friend Lion who celebrates a birthday, a color, or a day of the week.  The storyline continues with daily interactions were Lion is doing his best to celebrate and Audrey is his perfect companion.  Their friendship is based on understanding and affection so naturally the sweet girl child wants to cheer lion up when he has nothing to celebrate.

This storyline exposes just how lethargic we have all become during the pandemic and our need for friends and celebrations.   The illustrations done on slightly yellow background are uplifting and cheerful.  Ainslie’s use of color and texture add to the appeal of this storybook.  Sometimes Cake is a perfect selection for youngsters and their adult readers who are suffering from pandemic blues.  Add to primary school media centers and to public libraries.  Gift to preschool children who enjoy stories and creating their own art.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

Suggested for Cream of the Crop

five-stars