Mermaid Lullaby

Mermaid LullabyMermaid Lullaby by Kenneth Kraegel
Published by Candlewick Press on April 19, 2024
ISBN: 1536204668
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

From the author & illustrator of “Mushroom Lullaby” comes this cozy underwater sequel. Kraegel’s writing here is a little inconsistent, with some bursts of genius and some lackluster lines, but ultimately this slack is picked up by the nature of the story and the transporting illustrations that are chock full of life & magic. Mermaid Lullaby takes the reader on a wonderful, peaceful journey through a few mermaid friends’ day as they explore the wonder of the ocean & wider world around them. Large, simple text on each page is easy for little eyes to follow and the timeless style of the illustrations feels sure to spark sweet dreams. This simple concept was executed very well and makes a phenomenal read through and through, definitely worthy of a place amongst the bedtime-story classics. For ages 2 and up.

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME 

four-stars

A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast

A Crocodile Should Never Skip BreakfastA Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast by Colleen Larmour
Published by Kids Can Press on June 4, 2024
ISBN: 1525308343
Genres: Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Enter: Crocodile. He’s a working reptile, he serves as the River Ferry safely carrying passengers across the river. It’s a tough job but he’s just the guy for it. Croc’s hard work is fueled by his favorite quick-n-easy breakfast – donuts. On any given morning, Croc’s typically running a little late, so he always grabs his donuts from Hippo’s stand & chows down on the way to work. This very morning is just like any other, except … Hippo is sold out of donuts! Croc panics but keeps pushing forward, he’s got backup options. But none of these pan out and when Croc shows up to his job – growing hungrier by the minute – to ferry cute … fluffy …. dare I say tasty looking passengers, we quickly learn why a crocodile should never skip breakfast. Before disaster can strike, Hippo saves the day with a special delivery – a fresh batch of donuts! Simple text is paired with character dialogue to tell this story and bright, expressive illustrations drive home the drama of Croc’s situation. A silly cautionary tale that reminds the reader you have to take care of yourself before you can take good care of others. Perfect for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME

four-stars

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn

The Teeny-Weeny UnicornThe Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris
Published by Random House Children's Books on 2024
ISBN: 0593571886
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Shawn Harris’ newest picture book is, The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn, with his renowned illustration style using heavily textured, and colorful oil pastels. Our main character is an uncharacteristically small unicorn who lives in a large palace with his large unicorn brother and sister. Because our (unnamed) teeny-weeny unicorn is so small, he is often the target of criticism from his family members. He runs off into the palace lawn in despair and accidentally damages a tiny gnome’s car. The gnome is furious and demands compensation. Luckily, the palace has loads of gold and the gnome is content. It ends with a hopeful quote saying, “We are all teeny-weeny. We are all giant. And we are all just the right size.”

This story started off unique and enchanting, but quickly lost charm and had remarks that set a harsh tone towards the middle of the story. Fans of Harris’ dry humor might really enjoy this type of dialogue, but it feels geared towards ages 5 and older. I give the story 3 stars, particularly for Harris’ illustrations and creativity with language, but this one leans a little too far into the bizarre.

Reviewed By Argia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever

Grumpy Monkey Spring FeverGrumpy Monkey Spring Fever by Max Lang, Suzanne Lang
Published by Random House Studio on January 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593652339
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Grumpy Monkey (Jim Panzee) is back again – and this time with spring fever. At first, his friends suggest different ways to help Jim relax and calm down. But no matter what he tried, Jim just could not relax – he had too much energy! His friends then pivot their suggestions to ways that he could enjoy his spring fever, by using his extra energy to do seasonal activities. By the end of the story, all of the friends are romping through the jungle delighted to have caught Jim’s spring fever. The illustrations are colorful and fun, emphasizing the personalities and emotions of the different jungle friends. The moral of the story is somewhat confusing – and shows wavering support and inconsistent recommendations from the other animals.  Overall this seasonal sequel feels lacking compared to the original, but fans of Grumpy Monkey will likely still enjoy the story. Recommended for ages 5-6 (Kindergarten to 1st Grade).

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

three-stars

Back Home: Story Time with My Father

Back Home: Story Time with My FatherBack Home: Story Time with My Father by Arlene Elizabeth Casimir, Ken Daley
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536223204
Genres: Cultural / African American, Realistic Fiction, Short Stories
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is Arlene Elizabeth Casimir’s love letter to her immigrant parents, and in particular, their stories of “Back Home” or “Lakay”. The book follows Lune, who loves to hear her father’s stories about Haiti – so much so that she will wait up for her father to catch him in-between late night work shifts just to hear another one. Lune dreams of Haiti, a place that she has never been, but carries such significance to her family. By the end of the book, Lune learns that there is also value to her own unique story, and that she can be a storyteller as well. Ken Daley’s illustrations are lush, vibrant, and gorgeous – merging Lune’s life in America with her father’s stories from “Back Home”. The text includes words in Haitian Creole, including a glossary at the end. This diverse story is a great addition to any picture book collection, especially representing the lives of immigrants and their children. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

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

four-stars

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