Format: Picture Book Fiction

Stacey’s Remarkable Books

Stacey’s Remarkable BooksStacey's Remarkable Books by Kitt Thomas, Stacey Abrams
Published by HarperCollins US on April 5, 2023
ISBN: 0063271850
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

When a new friend from Vietnam pulls Stacey our of her book reverie and into conversation, Stacey can’t wait to share her enthusiasm for the school library. Her friend, Julie, shares that she isn’t comfortable reading in English yet, so with the help of the school librarian, Stacey sets out to start a reading club with options for everyone.

The illustrations are colorful and look like animation. This vibrant, inclusive story is a great choice for a school library or classroom read aloud book and it might even inspire some multilingual or multicultural book choices.

Bonus! There is a nice author’s note by Stacey Abrams about reconnecting with the childhood friend the story is based on and a list of Stacey’s Remarkable Books to give the reader a solid list of reading suggestions.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

I Am Not a Tin Can

I Am Not a Tin CanI Am Not a Tin Can! by Barroux
Published by Kids Can Press on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1525305549
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is an offbeat book for young children about the nature of friendship and what makes a someone (or something) a friend. A child and a robot essentially bicker through most of the book about whether or not the robot is a tin can. The resolution is that it doesn’t really matter because they get along, have fun together, and each complements the other’s personality.

With the exception of one drawing showing the robot plunging into despair when it realizes that it doesn’t have a heart, the illustrations are bright and appealing. This will circulate and would be a good book to open a discussion about feelings; kids might have an interesting take on whether this robot is, indeed, a tin can and why or why not that might be.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

A Library

A LibraryA Library by Nikki Giovanni, Erin K Robinson
Published by Versify on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0358387655
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Many readers think of their local library as a wonderful building full of books, but for Giovanni’s character the library is much more. The character within these pages celebrates the existence of her special place to be free and to dream. Sparse lyrical sentences perfectly portray the emotion and imagination contained within a lovely picture book.

Several illustrations express the sense of space; behind the laundry, within the library, and on the street. The two-page spreads are especially significant as they reveal the loving relationship between the girl and her grandmother as well as the girl’s affection for the librarian. Colors range from pastel to bold shades of primary colors. Robinson wraps her character in a cherished colorful quilt that is sure to engage any reader. This book honors the author’s first librarian and acknowledges her importance. An author’s note reveals how the author views her own childhood summer library.

Media center librarians located in primary schools should purchase a copy of A Library. This book can be utilized in poetry units, displayed for Black History Month, and offered as a read-a-loud in primary classrooms.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Just the Way You Are

Just the Way You AreJust the Way You Are by Emma Dodd
Published by Templar on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1536226653
Pages: 24
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A short and sweet picture book around the unconditional love of a parent for a small child will never go amiss, and when it is paired with Dodd’s illustrations, even better. The newest addition to Dodd’s Love You series contains rhyming text and cunning illustrations. The metallic highlights on the illustrations feel magical. The only detraction is that occasionally, there is not enough contrast between a dark background and its accompanying text, making it hard to read.

Everything about the book – its format (8-inches square), its brevity (24 pages), its composition (the tiger family is side-by-side on every page) – suggests a cozy, bedtime read-aloud for wee ones. Definitely well-trodden subject matter but still welcome.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

The Bird Book

The Bird BookThe Bird Book by Robin Page, Steve Jenkins
Published by Clarion Books on December 6, 2022
ISBN: 0358325692
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Steve Jenkins and Robin Page bring us another nonfiction hit in the same format as their previously published books, The Frog Book, The Beetle Book, and The Shark Book. The book begins with general information about birds, their body parts, their feathers, and some of the habitat-specific adaptations that have evolved over time. The text includes information about the evolution of birds and the link between dinosaurs and modern day birds. Other topics include bird intelligence, song, nesting, eggs, and more. The text is spread around the pages in small blocks rather than being one large paragraph, and this may appeal to younger readers still building reading confidence. Every page includes many paper cut and collage illustrations. While the illustrations are beautiful (and consistent with previous books by this duo), some people may prefer actual images of birds and their characteristics for a nonfiction book.

This is a great book for young scientists, birders, and readers who just love to learn about the world around them. Recommended for readers 7 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Hound from the Pound

The Hound from the PoundHound from the Pound by Jessica Swaim, Jill McElmurry
Published by HarperCollins US on April 5, 2023
ISBN: 0358622204
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Miss Mary Lynn MacIntosh lives alone, and she’s feeling like her life is missing something. She visits the local dog shelter and adopts a Bassett Hound named Blue. She’s told he’s the only dog in the shelter that isn’t well trained, but she knows there’s something special about him. When they get home, Blue begins baying (as hounds do), and his calls are answered by all the other dogs from the shelter. Her house is overrun by dogs, but she can’t bear to give them back. She asks Sam, who works at the shelter, to help her train them. Sam does, and in the process of training the dogs, Sam and Mary fall in love. The story ends with them and their enormous pack living and thriving happily under one roof.

This is a fun and entertaining read that will please young dog lovers, and the rhyming text makes it a great option for story time. The illustrations are done by Jill McElmurry, known for the Little Blue Truck series, and her work here does not disappoint. The dogs are portrayed in colorful and humorous ways. Their facial expressions really help to bring the story and the hijincks to life. The romantic connection between Mary and Sam feels completely unnecessary, unexpected (not in a good way), and forced. The story is lighthearted, whimsical, and humorous, and suddenly we’re at a wedding, then the story ends. Aside from the unfortunate ending, this is a fun read. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Elephant’s Big Solo

Elephant’s Big SoloElephant's Big Solo by Sarah Kurpiel
Published by HarperCollins World on October 13, 2022
ISBN: 0063093200
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Elephant loves making music. She loves being a part of the orchestra, and she loves playing her French horn. She does not, however, love the idea of a solo. When her music teacher announces everyone will have a solo, she’s wracked with nerves and fear. Despite everyone trying to encourage her and her hours of practice, she just doesn’t feel good about it. Her friends find a great solution that celebrates Elephant’s talents and love of music but also respects her desire not to stand out.

This is a tender book about fear, friendship, and remaining true to oneself. The text is simple, and the story flows smoothly and is easy for even the youngest readers to follow. The digitally rendered illustrations are bold and colorful and really help to convey Elephant’s fears and emotions. This would be a great book to share with anxious kids or those who are struggling with self-confidence. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Big Truck Day

Big Truck DayBig Truck Day by Niki Stage, Rosanne Parry
Published by HarperCollins US on January 30, 2023
ISBN: 0063218860
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

It’s Big Truck Day, and the kids are so excited! They make their way to the library with all the sounds of trucks and engines along the way. This is a fun picture book that celebrates all things truck. The text rhymes and flows well, and the digitally rendered illustrations are colorful and add motion to the story. This is a great read aloud and a good book for story time. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

The Mermaid Moon

The Mermaid MoonThe Mermaid Moon by Briony May Smith
Published by Anne Schwartz Books on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 1984896563
Pages: 40
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

I really wanted to like this book. It had friends from two different worlds, mermaids, and a whale that saves the day. However, in the end, it was just not very compelling. Molly, a real girl, and Merrin, a mermaid girl, are best friends. Merrin will magically be able to survive out of the sea and visit Molly’s home on the night of the Mermaid Moon. Borrowing the “be back in time or else” plot line from many other fairy tails, Merrin must be back in the ocean “before the moon’s reflection disappears from the sea.” You know where this is going! She nearly misses the deadline, but is saved by a whale whisking her back home to the sea. I wish I could say her delay was cause by something more interesting and exciting than needing to save Molly from falling out of a tree.

The illustrations are very dark in color. I suspect to try to capture the feeling of night time with moonlight, but they just come off as mostly dark. The faces of the girl are very delightful and I only wish they were rendered more in the light.

The book was just average and likely there are other adventure/ mermaid fairy tails that tell a better story with more compelling illustrations. Not an essential purchase for a picture book collection.

Reviewed by Kathy Bain, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library

two-stars

My Poet

My PoetMy Poet by Patricia MacLachlan, Jen Hill
Published by HarperCollins US on November 30, 2022
ISBN: 006297114X
Pages: 32
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

My Poet is the story of a young girl and an older woman. This young, unnamed protagonist follows an older woman through the natural world, learning what it means to be a poet and observe the world around her. A beautiful lyrical look at the poetry of Mary Oliver and a young Patricia MacLachlan’s slightly embellished relationship with the poet.

The words are reminiscent of Mary Oliver, simple and clear while still resonant with the beauty of nature and our relationship to it, showing the reader how anyone can be a poet and an artist if they pay enough attention. The pictures are easy to follow and support the story incredibly well. A worthwhile addition to any collection.

A Cream of the Crop nominee.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Patten Free Library

five-stars