Format: Picture Book Fiction

The Mouse Who Carried a House on His Back

The Mouse Who Carried a House on His BackThe Mouse Who Carried a House on His Back by Jonathan Stutzman, Isabelle Arsenault
Published by Candlewick Press on August 30, 2022
ISBN: 1536216798
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In this beautifully illustrated book, about the bounty of sharing what you have, the main character is Vincent, a nomadic mouse. His house is small enough for him to carry but still manages to be large enough to welcome any animal in need of shelter. As the story progresses, his home grows (inside and outside) to accommodate these guests. At the climax of the story, when a hungry bear needs help, the smaller animals protest against allowing him entry. Vincent simply says, “(I)n my house, all animals are welcome.”

The illustrations (created with gouache, ink, and cut paper) support the story. The animals in need note that the house is bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside, however as more animals seek shelter, the house “grows” with architecturally different additions that pop up as the story goes along.

Preschoolers through second grade could find much to discuss in this sweet simple story about being generous and open to those who need help.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

four-stars

Books Aren’t For Eating

Books Aren’t For EatingBooks Aren't for Eating by Carlie Sorosiak, Manu Montoya
Published by Walker Books US on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 1536214965
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

A simply told story about finding that magical book that opens up the world of reading for the choosiest reader. Told from the point of view of Leopold, a goat who owns a second-hand book store and derives great joy from handing “just-right” books to various kinds of readers. Then he meets a tough customer (a fellow goat – most of his other customers are human). This goat savors the books Leopold hands to him but as a literal feast, instead of a literary one. In the end, Leopold finds the perfect book for the choosy goat to read.

The illustrations are fun with interesting details that immerse the reader more fully in the story. Young children will enjoy the silliness of the goat eating the books he should be reading. I thought Leopold was a little too invested in the goat customer seeing things his way. It is better than some other “the magic of just-right books” (talking to you, Goldie Socks and the Three Librearians) and not as good as Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I Don’t) by Barbara Bottner and Michael Emberley.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

two-stars

I’m a Unicorn

I’m a UnicornI'm a Unicorn by Helen Yoon
Published by Candlewick Press on September 13, 2022
ISBN: 1536219762
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This romp of a picture book follows our narrator, a bull with one horn, through the emotional ups and downs and ups of self-identity. Using “Unicorn Facts & Myths” criteria as a guide, the bull declares himself a unicorn but begins to question this. Luckily he encounters some magical creatures that support his self-discovery. Yoon uses humor both sly and over-the top (be prepared for the poop jokes) to let readers know that it’s best to be who you are, not worry about what you’re “supposed to” look like and, equally importantly, support others who are being true to who they are.

Unicorns are (as always) having a moment, as is poop humor. Preschoolers through grade 2 will appreciate the expressive illustrations and simple language that delivers the message in a clear, creative and convincing way. This will make a fabulous read-aloud with lots of giggles.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

five-stars

Little Ellen

Little EllenLittle Ellen by Ellen DeGeneres, Eleanor Michalka
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on May 3, 2022
ISBN: 0593378601
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
one-star

In this picture book, Little Ellen uses rhyming couplets to share the message that it’s best to be one’s most authentic self through love, kindness, and caring. It starts with Little Ellen questioning what makes Ellen “Ellen” – not what she says or things, but what she does for others. Between the subplot of a secondary character that Ellen cheers up and and then leaves in a gazebo, inelegant rhyme schemes, and illustrations that are colorful to the point of sensory overload, the message is obscured.

Between rhymes that contort themselves to fit the theme and illustrations that are overwrought, this is not a useful or enjoyable book.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

one-star

Something About Grandma

Something About GrandmaSomething About Grandma by Tania de Regil
Published by Candlewick Press on August 9, 2022
ISBN: 1536201944
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A lovely, quiet picture book about the magic of grandmas – their special gifts and their individuality. The writing is simple and carries the reader along as the narrator, Julia, a child, learns more about her grandmother while spending time with her at the grandmother’s home outside Mexico City. Julia changes from observer to fellow adventurer and finds maturity and her own maternal qualities along the way. It gently points to grandmas as individuals quietly teaching what that they know (seemingly through magic).

The illustrations use a collage of poems handwritten in Spanish (written by the author’s great-grandfather and transcribed by her grandmother) and a soft palette of blues for the nuclear family, while the grandmother is rendered in rose colors. This will make a great one-on-one read aloud for connecting generations.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

four-stars

A Very Big Fall

A Very Big FallA Very Big Fall by Emmy Kastner
Published by Clarion Books on August 2, 2022
ISBN: 035841945X
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A fall foliage picture book about “finding the joy in change” through the perspective of three deciduous trees’ leaves: Birch (adventurous), Oak (comfortable with status quo), and Maple (covetous). A sweet story, each leaf has its own perspective, voice, and fate, accompanied by simple illustrations that reflect their differences. Our three amigos learn that change can lead down unexpected but delightful paths.

Children are fascinated by changing leaves – collecting them, jumping in them, etc. – and may enjoy this appealing tale. This is a fun fall read-aloud for the younger crowd (PreK-1) that doesn’t worry itself with the ultimate fate of leaves once they’re no longer decorative. Great for “Inevitably of Change Month”, which happens to be October (kidding!). It is a fun, frothy, fall book.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

three-stars

Mushroom Lullaby

Mushroom LullabyMushroom Lullaby by Kenneth Kraegel
Published by Candlewick Press on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 153621941X
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Mushroom Lullaby is a whimsical wander through mushrooms and the magic they contain. What starts out as a rhyming description of the different types of fungi you can find, takes a left turn into a fantastical smaller world of mushrooms-as-homes, showing that the fantastical might be a bit closer than one realizes. This book’s text is simple and rhymes, though the rhyming scheme is a bit inconsistent for a read aloud, nevertheless it helps elevate the charming cadence of the book. The illustrations are where this book shines, however, with detailed line art colored over with warm color palettes and a cozy look inside mushroom homes. Perfect for autumn days. A solid addition to a collection and good for pre-k through first grade.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Well Done, Mommy Penguin

Well Done, Mommy PenguinWell Done, Mommy Penguin by Chris Haughton
Published by Candlewick Press on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 1536228656
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Chris Haughton’s book Well Done, Mommy Penguin is the story of a mommy penguin fetching dinner for her baby while daddy penguin watches. Baby penguin watches and narrates the feats of mommy penguin, while asking daddy penguin if she will be back soon. Daddy penguin reassures baby that mom will indeed come back, and though there are some seals to contend with, she does indeed return, proving moms can do just about anything! This book continues the Chris Haughton tradition of writing animals with anxiety. The prose is simple while still action-filled, intermingled with sound effects to keep the younger readers engaged. Questions are peppered throughout and the reader is offered a chance to watch mommy penguin as if they are the baby, hoping for mom’s success. The illustrations pair beautifully with the text, the deep blues of the sky and the water giving a sense of nature and expansiveness while the mom swims, and the blank slate of the snow and worry that baby penguin feels while they wait for mom to return. This book is excellent for Pre-K-2nd grade and is highly recommended for any library collection.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Peppa Pig and the Christmas Surprise

Peppa Pig and the Christmas SurprisePeppa Pig and the Christmas Surprise by Candlewick Press
Published by Candlewick Entertainment ISBN: 1536228109
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Peppa Pig and the Christmas Surprise” is everything you’d want or expect from a Peppa Pig book. All of Peppa’s family get cool presents on Christmas day including Grandpa Pig who gets a drone! They take the drone outside to test it out and see lots of fun things, but when the drone is supposed to go home, it goes back to the North Pole! Luckily someone special brings the drone back…

Bright and colorful illustrations and a short, humorous story will keep young readers interested. A recommended purchase wherever Peppa Pig books are popular, for children 2 to 5.

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

three-stars

Octopus Shocktopus!

Octopus Shocktopus!Octopus Shocktopus! by Peter Bently, Steven Lenton
Published by Nosy Crow on August 9, 2022
ISBN: 1536223964
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

With an adorable octopus gracing the cover and pretty coastal endpapers, we had hoped for more from this book. One day a town awakens to discover a giant octopus has landed upon the roof of a house. An old woman calls for its speedy removal, but over time the townspeople come to appreciate everything the octopus can contribute.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely the highlight; they are bright, charming, and make some attempt at racial inclusivity. The author chose to write the book in rhyme, which does add positively to the reader experience.

This book will circulate some but is only recommended for libraries that have liberal funding dedicated to expanding their picture book section.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars