Go and Get with Rex

Go and Get with RexGo and Get with Rex by David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Candlewick Press on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 1536222062
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals, Children's Beginning Readers, Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In this picture book, the reader gets to play a game of “Go and Get”, in which Jack, Jill, and Rex (the dog) are sent to retrieve an item that begins with a specific letter. The text and illustrations provide hints of what each character brings back for each round, providing fun opportunities for guessing. Rex comically brings back items that (at first blush) don’t appear to start with the requested letter. The illustrations are simple, fun, and effective. The text includes many alliterations, and the text font showcases the letter for each round of the game, which is helpful for early readers to follow along. This is sure to be a story time favorite and will have little readers simultaneously learning and laughing out loud. Recommended for ages 5-6 (Kindergarten to 1st Grade). Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There

Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-ThereWilla and Wade and the Way-Up-There (Willa and Wade, 1) by Judith Henderson, Sara Sarhangpour
Published by Kids Can Press on 2024
ISBN: 1525308424
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Two best friends, an ostrich and a penguin, cheerfully attempt to fly in an increasingly dangerous, and always amusing series of stunts, starting with pogo sticks and ending with catapulting themselves off a cliff. Miraculously, they somehow avoid hurting themselves. However, the book ends with the two friends in mid-air after the catapult launch, looking thoroughly blissful… but it never shows them landing.

This book is adorable and definitely illustrates a strong and joyful friendship. Willa and Wade’s attempts to achieve the impossible do lean toward a Wile E. Coyote kind of story. (Maybe it should come with a “Do Not Attempt” kind of warning?) They do look like they are having a wonderful time!  As someone who watched all of the Roadrunner/Coyote cartoons as a kid, I can definitely see the appeal of this book.

This is listed as the first book in a series starring the two friends and is recommended for 5-7 year-olds (K-2nd grade).

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

three-stars

If You Get Lost

If You Get LostIf You Get Lost by Deborah Marcero, Nikki Loftin
Published by Anne Schwartz Books on 2023
ISBN: 0593375319
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Slightly abstract watercolor and ink illustrations accompany very simple text to tell the tale of a stuffed bunny who comes to life after it is dropped out a car window and gets lost in a forest. The book suggests to stop, look around, and listen, then the reader might make a friend and have an adventure. In this case, the bunny is befriended by a fox and they travel with other forest animals to return the bunny to the girl who lost it. She and her parents were headed to this forest to go camping. The final picture shows the girl seated by a campfire holding the once-again stuffed bunny, while the fox sleeps nearby.

I am not certain how I feel about the closing text, “… let go of lost and grab hold of one thing, one place, two smiles, new friends.” I know the author is trying to be gently reassuring to any child who might get lost, but I question the wisdom of urging a child to approach any stranger who smiles at them.

I do want to give a special mention about the end papers of this book. They are maps of the forest where the bunny’s adventure occurs. The front map is bright, as in daylight, while the back map is of the same area in nighttime darkness. They are very well done and add a nice touch to the book, as a whole.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

three-stars

Gorgeously Me!

Gorgeously Me!Gorgeously Me! by Jonathan Van Ness, Kamala M. Nair
ISBN: 0593622847
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Gorgeously Me! is a sweet picture book from Jonathan Van Ness, star of Netflix’s Queer Eye. Using a simple rhyming scheme, this story reinforces the idea everyone is perfect just the way they are, no matter how they appear or what they love to do. Even when things are a struggle – for example, when you’re feeling sad, nervous, or made a mistake – you’re the best version of yourself when you’re living authentically. 

The illustrations in this book focus on showing kids of all different skin, clothing, and body types, so readers will find someone to relate to right away. Each subsequent page shows these children bright, happy, awash with color as they celebrate the things that make them happy. 

This book is best suited for younger readers, a quick and easy read with a message that resonates. It would be perfect for an SEL lesson on self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-acceptance. 

Reviewed by Amie Martin, H.B. Emery Jr. Memorial School, Limington, Maine

three-stars

The Big Cheese

Published by HarperCollins Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

Classic Jory John, “The Big Cheese” is the newest in The Food Group series. Big Cheese is a big deal. No seriously, a BIG deal. Haven’t you heard of him? Big Cheese’s reputation precedes him: he’s the best at everything! The best speller, the best soccer player, the coolest guy in any room, and the center of every conversation. Oh yeah, and also the most humble! Until of course, Wedge Wedgeman moves to town. At first Wedge keeps to himself, but on the day of the annual Cheese-cathalon (a VERY big deal), Wedge smokes the Big Cheese in every single event in front of the whole town! After 6 years in a row of winning, the Big Cheese is shocked to his gooey center, going through every stage of grief until he realizes it felt kind of … good … to lose? To not have to live up to his own impossible standards. The weight falls off his shoulders as he comes to realize the world won’t end if he doesn’t win everything. The Big Cheese wraps up neatly as the title character befriends Wedge & has his very first conversation NOT all about him, thus leading our hero to gain humility, become a team player, and cheer on those around him. Great for ages 4-8 & a good storytime book to boot.

 

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth  ME

four-stars

A Best Friend for Bear

A Best Friend for BearA Best Friend for Bear by Petr Horáček
Published by Walker Books on April 7, 2022
ISBN: 1406397547
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

First US edition 2024. Published in UK in 2022. This book is sublime in its simplicity. Black Bear decides to look for a friend. He meets Brown Bear who is also looking for a friend so the bears decide to search for a friend together. They search everywhere, but a friend is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile they help each other and play hide-and-seek much like friends would do, and leave the woods laughing and holding hands on the final page. The simple, colorful artwork featuring either the black bear or brown bear is joyful and the text is heart-warming. Highly recommended for preschool storytimes.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Found

FoundFound by Sam Usher
Series: Nature Quartet #4
Published by Templar on May 28, 2024
ISBN: 153623494X
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The fourth title in a quartet of imaginative picture books in which a boy and his beloved granddad discover the wonder of the natural world. In this one, the grandfather and grandchild  enjoy a summer day at the beach. Narrated by the child with fanciful ink-and-watercolor illustrations. While the story generally is realistic, things eventually turn a bit fantastic when they rescue a baby seal caught in some netting and return it by sail boat to its family. Both granddad and child are white. An affectionate intergenerational story that would work well for preschool -1st grade story time with a beach or grandparent theme, especially its large 9″ x 12″ size and bright, clear illustrations.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Lucky Duck

Lucky DuckLucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli
ISBN: 059364977X
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

I feel that this is a familiar story of wolf and duck soup, but Pizzoli puts a unique spin on the tale. Susan the duck has the worst luck. Her roller skates are too big. She’s lost her favorite marble. There is a hornets’ nest outside her window. And she’s run out of pickles. With each unfortunate discovery, Wolf shows up with a gift she’s won – a soup pot, onions, carrots, etc. When wolf shows up for his Duck Soup, Susan thinks her luck has run out, but the wolf slips on the marble, falls headfirst into the pickle jar, sticks his foot in the roller skate, and smacks into the hornets’ nest, never to be seen again. The illustrations, done in a graphic, flat-color style with simple linework, are typical of Pizzoli’s other award winning books. Sharp-eyed readers may notice a tiny bug with its own story throughout the book. A fun read aloud for storytime for 3-5 year olds who will likely figure out what is going on before the characters do.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Dog vs. Strawberry

Dog vs. StrawberryDog vs. Strawberry by Andrea Zuill, Nelly Buchet
ISBN: 0593643127
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Dog is the epitome of being a “hero in his own mind” in this silly story when he is given a strawberry and decides he should race it. Dog’s narration is spot-on as a sportscaster as he zooms about the room, trashing the furniture, and wreaking havoc. This book begs to be read aloud and the energy and humor will delight 4-8 year olds all the way to its squishy end. The illustrations of the roly-poly dog with a big black nose adds much to the hilarity of the story.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Luigi, The Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten

Luigi, The Spider Who Wanted to Be a KittenLuigi, the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten by Kevin Hawkes, Michelle Knudsen
Published by Candlewick Press on March 4, 2024
ISBN: 1536219118
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A big hairy spider wakes up and finds a lady proclaiming that she has always wanted a kitten and will name him Luigi! Amazingly, illustrator Kevin Hawkes does a remarkable job of transforming a spider into an adorable cat. At first, Luigi enjoys the tasty breakfasts and all the attention so decides he will be a kitten. But pretending to be someone you’re not is wearying and Luigi discovers he can still have unconditional love as a spider. This longer picture book works well as a read-aloud for children ages 5-7 who will find it humorous and enjoy the message and happy ending. The silly story is endearing but the illustrations really make this book exceptional. Kevin Hawkes lives in Gorham, Maine. Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

five-stars