Format: Picture Book Fiction

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

Find My Family

Find My FamilyFind My Family (Waffles + Mochi) by Golden Books, Mei Nakamura
Published by Golden Books on May 3, 2022
ISBN: 0593483332
Pages: 24
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

This Little Golden Book is based on a TV show with the same name. The characters are a ball of mochi and a monster with waffles for ears. This is confusing as one character looks like their name and the other doesn’t at all. In this book, the characters go on an adventure to see where Mochi is from and learn about rice and how mochi is made. Waffles starts feeling left out when Mochi meets other mochi and feels connected like a family. But Mochi soon realizes that families are all different  and that Waffles is part of his family too. The bright illustrations will capture the reader’s attention as they learn about family trees and ancestry. This book would be appropriate for grades K-2 but isn’t a must-have for your shelves. 

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD75, Woodside

two-stars

The Bad Day

The Bad DayThe Bad Day by Frann Preston-Gannon
Published by Templar Books on June 14, 2022
ISBN: 1536223786
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This picture book written in first-person narratives by various forest animals explores how teamwork and friendship can turn a bad day into a good day. All of the animals are having a bad day, but no one more than Mouse! Rhyming verse coupled with ink, pencil, and paint illustrations depicting cute, colorful animals will have readers turning the pages to find out if poor Mouse can escape from Fox’s stomach. Consider purchasing this book if your library needs more books about teamwork and friendship for your youngest readers.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

three-stars

Still Mine

Still MineStill Mine by Jayne Pillemer, Sheryl Murray
Published by HarperCollins on January 18, 2022
ISBN: 0063062771
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Still Mine is a heartwarming picture book about loss that reminds us that even if the person we love is gone they are still there in the sunshine, in a laugh, or in a cup of hot chocolate. This book illustrates many different families and relationships that experience a loss. It shows us that these losses happen to everyone and there are always signs we can look for to remember, and love, the departed person. The illustrations and the text go very well together and the reader can really see that even when someone is physically gone they can still be part of us. This book is recommended for grades K-4 and would be a great addition to any book shelf!

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

Nigel and the Moon

Nigel and the MoonNigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady, Gracey Zhang
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 15, 2022
ISBN: 0063056283
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Nigel and the Moon is a beautiful story about a little boy who is scared to admit his dreams to his class, so he spends his evenings telling the moon all his hopes and dreams. When it is career day at school, he is afraid that his classmates will laugh about his parents’ jobs, but when his parents come in and explain their jobs as a postal carrier and a truck driver, the kids are impressed. Nigel works up the courage to tell his class his dream of being an astronaut and a dancer and a superhero. The ink and watercolor illustrations show Nigel trusting in the big bright moon to listen to his hopes and dreams. This book is recommended for grades K-2 and would be a great addition to any collection.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

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

In the summer before she becomes a big sister, Julia is sent to stay with her grandmother in a picturesque area outside of Mexico City. The area is full of new smells and tastes as Julia experiences the local foods and flora. The two establish an affectionate bond that is extended to the newborn brother who appears at the end of the book.

Something About Grandma is a cozy, calm love letter to the grandparent/grandchild relationship and to the importance of experiencing small moments with someone who loves and understands you. This would be a nice read aloud book, both at school and at home.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

The Boy Who Loved Maps

The Boy Who Loved MapsThe Boy Who Loved Maps by Kari Allen, G. Brian Karas
Published by Anne Schwartz Books on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 1984852302
Pages: 44
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A young boy absolutely loves maps. He enjoys collecting them, studying them, and making them in his tree house. A little girl comes to visit the young mapmaker and requests a most unusual map. Her map must represent the perfect place! Her descriptions of the place leave the mapmaker perplexed. He does not know of anyplace that is a match. The young girl suggests they go exploring and they begin an adventure around the town — from the library, to a bakery to a park, ending up at her cozy home. The soft, gentle palette done in gouache and pencil is in keeping with the gentle story of the wonders of home and the importance of appreciating our own surroundings. The back pages contain an editor’s note, glossary, more information, map-making instructions and map activities. The story will be of special interest to children who like to draw and may inspire them to make their own maps.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

three-stars

Little Bat Up All Day

Little Bat Up All DayLittle Bat Up All Day by Brian Lies
Published by Clarion Books on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 0358269857
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

As the sun is rising one morning, Little Bat is curious about what daytime is like. His mother says that it’s very similar to the night, just noisier and brighter. She explains that animals that sleep at night just live their lives in the daytime as the bats do at night. Little Bat is intrigued and wants to stay up and experience day and perhaps meet new friends. Little Bat finds daytime very confusing and scary and just in the nick of time, meets a friendly squirrel who saves him. Rusty the squirrel shows Little Bat around and introduces her new friend to many new things, all the while Little Bat struggles to stay awake. Finally, Little Bat can no longer stay awake and the two sadly say goodbye. How can the two friends stay in touch when they live their lives at different times? The story has an satisfying ending when the two become pen pals leaving notes for each other on leaves. The friends are brought to life with the amazing illustrations done with acrylic and watercolor paints and colored pencils. The illustrations of the two friends swinging on the swing together and another of the squirrel ski jumping off a chair are especially charming. The text is spot on — easy to read with perfect pacing set off again the white pages and illustrations that jump off the page. An excellent addition to all libraries. A recommended read for children ages 4 to 6.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Bee

BeeBee by Charlotte Voake
Published by Candlewick Press on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 1536220450
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A little boy enjoys spending warm spring days watching honeybees fly in and out of their hive. He wonders what they do in the hive and also what they do when they are not in the hive. The adventure begins when he hears tiny voices talking. Two honeybees have appeared with a tiny bee suit that includes wings on the jacket. With a stroke of magic, the little boy is suddenly wearing the outfit and is the size of a teeny-weeny honeybee. He can now accompany the bees into the hive! Inside, the hive is dark, hot, and smells of honey. Busy bees are everywhere — cleaning, building, feeding bee babies, and brushing the Queen bee. One bee is even doing a waggle dance showing the other bees where to find the flowers. Next, the boy and his bee friends leave the hive and go off to find the flowers and sweet nectar. The story ends with the little boy planting lots of seeds and flowers to help his bee friends. The artwork consists of cut paper collages with black ink embellishes. The color palette is warm with deep, rich shades of yellow, blue, and orange. The story is imaginative and whimsical yet also includes some basic information about honeybees. A pleasing read that would work best coupled with a non-fiction bee book. A solid addition to any library.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

three-stars

There is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me

There is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling MeThere Is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me by Alice Walker, Queenbe Monyei
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on June 14, 2022
ISBN: 0063089912
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This perspective-bending picture book for young children is written with a poetic and repetitive cadence that will work well for read-alouds. Bold, colorful illustrations are in keeping with text. Combination of text and pictures provide a sense of being connected to the world, which is reassuring and even empowering for young people. Recommend for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

four-stars