Format: Picture Book Fiction

You are always loved

You are always lovedYou Are Always Loved: A Story of Hope by Harry Cunnane, Holly Clifton-Brown, Madeleine Dean
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on February 16, 2021
ISBN: 0593309243
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“You are always loved” is written by Madeleine Dean and Harry Cunnane and illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown. This book features a small rabbit who gets caught out in a storm. He is scared, but bands together with friends and finds out that even when you are scared or feel alone, you are still loved. This story can be read with a religious theme, as if a higher power is always loving you, but in the back of the book, the authors explain that the book was inspired by Harry’s addiction and recovery and what his mother and he wished that he and his family knew during his addiction.

Clifton-Brown’s illustrations are bright and cute, and the animals evoke a sense of warmth. The detail on the animals (down to their fur and feathers) contrasts nicely with the more basic watercolor-type art for the environment. The illustrations emphasize what is stated in the text: You are always loved and there is hope.

The book is aimed at children aged 4-8. While very nice, it is not a must-buy since there are many animal-based picture books with themes of love and acceptance. Could be purchased for collections that want a book for young kids about addiction.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

The Rock From The Sky

The Rock From The SkyThe Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen
Published by Candlewick Press on April 13, 2021
ISBN: 1536215627
Pages: 96
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I will never, ever get tired of deadpanning, hat-wearing, animals. I hope Klassen goes with this theme forever. In his newest book, which is broken down into small chapters, a turtle (in a bowler) has a favorite spot that is challenged by an armadillo (also in a bowler) and a snake (in a beret).  Basically, the animals just discuss spots they like to be in and then there’s a twist or two. His stories are so simple and funny and well written and his illustrations are so subtle and unique and also funny; I can’t gush about him enough. Recommended for everyone.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

My Day with the Panye

My Day with the PanyeMy Day with the Panye by Sara Palacios, Tami Charles
Published by Candlewick Press on March 16, 2021
ISBN: 0763697494
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Vibrant colors, descriptive language and a true sense of community make this a good read for     K – gr 3 readers.  Mother and daughter lead readers through a colorful and rich tour of Port-au-Prince in Haiti.  The text points out cultural traditions, relationships and the vibrant presence of women within the community.  Like all girls Fallen is in a hurry to grow up; for her carrying the panye on her head to market would indicate maturity.  Mother and daughter pass through the country side, by the tap-tap bus, and arrive in the city where market is held. Palacios’ illustrations enhance the storyline bringing the physical environment to life and revealing the look and feel of the market.  French language signs dot the cityscape where mostly women are conducting business.

This lovely book would make a great addition to media center and public library collections.  The diverse content may prompt classroom discussion and raise awareness of young readers.  Although children live in different lands they have more in common than not.

Ten Beautiful Things

Ten Beautiful ThingsTen Beautiful Things by Maribel Lechuga, Molly Beth Griffin
ISBN: 1580899366
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Lily is moving across Iowa to live with her grandmother, leaving everything she has ever known. As they begin their journey, Gram suggests they look for ten beautiful things. To Lily, there is nothing beautiful in big, empty Iowa! But as  they travel along, a beautiful sunrise, a wind farm, a red- winged blackbird, a thunderstorm, the list grows. When they arrive at the farm, nine beautiful things have been seen and Gram declares number ten is them, the life they will have and the love between them. Though we don’t know the circumstances of the move, this heartfelt story will resonate with readers dealing with their own journey and how being open to the little things of nature can ease that journey.

The reader can see Lily’s feelings of sadness, defiance and anxiousness through Maribel Lechuga’s illustrations done in Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint with added watercolor textures. The journey begins at night – in the dark- but gives way to the sunrise of the morning and by the time they arrive at the farm, there is a lightness that lets the reader know all will be well.

A selection to be added to books such as In a Jar – Deb Marcero, One Good Thing About America -Ruth Freeman, Florette – Walker, Tiny Perfect Things – MH Clark, My Favorite Memories – Sarihi.

Grades K-3

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library , Gray Maine

five-stars

All Along the River

All Along the RiverAll Along the River by Magnus Weightman
Published by Clavis on May 19, 2020
ISBN: 1605375187
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Fans of Where’s Waldo and Richard Scarry will enjoy this pretty book following a rabbit’s quest to find her beloved duck toy. Each page has the duck hidden somewhere for the reader to find. There is a sort of prologue page describing all the characters and what they’re up to so you can read this book at least 13 times and follow the different stories. Kids will enjoy finding everybody and its illustrations are sweet and calm.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

four-stars

Sometimes People March

Sometimes People MarchSometimes People March by Tessa Allen
Published by Balzer + Bray on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 0062991183
Pages: 32
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Sometimes People March” is written and illustrated by Tessa Allen. The book shows different people marching or showing resistance for ideas that are important to them. It starts with ants marching and then bands marching, and then just regular people marching. The causes people are marching for are varied, from water protection to voting rights to saving the Earth. The People depicted in the book are all various ages and skin colors. Some people march standing up, while others may march in a wheelchair.

The second half of the book shows people resisting. People can use signs to share their personal stories or views of resistance. Resistance can be shown many ways: with voices, or art, or by kneeling. The overall theme of the book is that people are stronger when they march/resist together.

For kids aged 4 to 8, this informational picture book is a good purchase for most libraries. It showcases diversity and even includes historical information about the marches and figures depicted in the book art (and what page they are on).

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Mr. Brown’s Bad Day

Mr. Brown’s Bad DayMr. Brown's Bad Day by Alison Friend, Lou Peacock
Published by Nosy Crow on November 10, 2020
ISBN: 1536214361
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Mr. Brown’s Bad Day” is written by Lou Peacock and illustrated by Alison Friend. Mr. Brown is a tiger businessman who is very busy all the time. He always eats his lunch in a nearby park, but one day his important briefcase goes missing! He looks around and sees that a baby has grabbed his briefcase, so he chases after it and silly stuff happens!

The pictures are bright, bold, and funny. There is a lot going on in every picture and kids will want to spend time looking at each page. The situations Mr. Brown finds himself in just keep getting sillier and sillier and should get quite a few laughs.

For kids aged 2 to 5, this silly book is sure to be a winner. A recommended purchase for your bookshelf, especially if your kids like funny picture books.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Love is love: The journey continues

Love is love: The journey continuesLove Is Love: The Journey Continues (Love Around the World (2)) by Fatinha Ramos, Fleur Pierets
on Nov. 17, 2020
ISBN: 1644420260
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Love is love” is the sequel to Fleur Pieret’s “Love around the world.” Both are written by Pierets and illustrated by Fatinha Ramos. This book continues Fleur and Julian’s trip around the world to get married in many countries around the globe who allow same-sex marriage. In real life, Julian unfortunately passed away from cancer after their fourth wedding abroad, so Fleur is continuing with a fictional account of how the trip would have gone.

Ramos’ illustrations are gorgeous and manage to somehow include a lot of architectural and environmental detail without the pictures seeming too busy. The text feels a bit long at times, but often lacks details about each country other than facts about when they allowed same-sex marriage and how many couples have gotten married so far. However, Pierets does manage to convey the idea of same-sex marriage and love clearly to the children who are reading or having this book read to them. For LGBTQIA+ families and their allies, this book is uplifting and beautiful, if not perfect.

Written for kids age 4 to 8, I would not recommend it for a library’s picture book collection, but might fit well in a non-fiction section.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

Midnight Fair

Midnight FairThe Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, Mariachiara Di Giorgio
Published by Candlewick Press on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 153621115X
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I usually don’t love books with no words because I’m never sure how to read them to kids. That didn’t seem to matter with Midnight Fair, though, because my eight year old insisted that this book be nominated for Cream of the Crop (and I agree with him). There is an undeniable joy that comes through this book about woodland animals that enjoy a fair after the humans have called it a night. While the illustrations are not overly busy, it’s full of activity and every page has subtle, funny details that kids will love finding.  It’s an immediate mood boost and has one of my favorite endings of any picture book.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

five-stars

Ellie’s Dragon

Ellie’s DragonEllie's Dragon by Bob Graham
Published by Candlewick Press on November 10, 2020
ISBN: 1536211133
Pages: 40
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Ellie’s Dragon” by Bob Graham is the story of a girl and her imaginary friend, a dragon, who she eventually outgrows. Her dragon then movies on to another young child who needs an imaginary friend. This book is a bit sad for the reader, as you watch Scratch the Dragon become more invisible as Ellie gets older. There are shades of Puff the Magic Dragon and Pete’s Dragon in this story with the bittersweet ending.

Illustrations are simple line and colored pencil drawings that burst with color. The pictures show Ellie slowly getting older and Scratch slowly fading as she needs him less.

Aimed at children aged 3 to 7, this book is not a must purchase for your collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars