Format: Picture Book Fiction

The Shadow & The Ghost

The Shadow & The GhostThe Shadow and the Ghost by Cat Min
ISBN: 164614368X
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Shadow & the Ghost” is the unlikely tale of friendship between a ghost who would rather look at the stars than haunt houses, and a shadow who just wants someone to talk to. The ghost is awake at night, and the shadow is awake during the day. But they slowly get to know each other, over many days and nights, by leaving notes and gifts for each other, and inventing games to play. Finally, through the magic of a shower of shooting stars, they finally get to meet face to face. This is a nice story of friendship against the odds, with unlikely characters and cute illustrations. Recommended for ages 5-6 (Kindergarten to 1st Grade).

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

four-stars

The Spice Box

The Spice BoxThe Spice Box by Meera Sriram, Sandhya Prabhat
ISBN: 0593427130
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Rishi’s family has an heirloom spice box. A spice box that traveled with his grandmother across mountains when she dared to become one of the first female chefs. A spice box that crossed oceans with his father when he went overseas for university. This spice box represents more than just flavors – it represents home, tradition, family, bravery, and dreams. Rishi wants nothing more than to cook with and have the spice box passed down to him. In his excitement for Paati’s visit, the spice box is dropped and broken. But Rishi and his dad fix it together, clean it up, and it is officially gifted to Rishi. A diverse and sweet story, reminiscent of any family heirloom or tradition. The illustrations are colorful and perfectly fitting of the tale. The book includes an explanation of spices typically found in a traditional Indian spice box and a recipe for potato curry. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

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

five-stars

Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders

Eyes that Weave the World’s WondersEyes That Weave the World's Wonders by Dung Ho, Joanna Ho, Liz Kleinrock
ISBN: 0063057778
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

“Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders” showcases a young girl of Korean descent processing the feelings of being adopted, and weaving those feelings together into her own story. Her adoptive family is wonderful, and she shares so many special moments with both of her parents. But she still wonders about where she came from, and acknowledges that her white adoptive family doesn’t look like her. The text is vibrant, descriptive, and tugs at the heartstrings. The illustrations are stunning, with images tying together her different worlds into her own experience. This is a must have for any library collection, and increases awareness for and representation of adoptive families. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

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

five-stars

Peppa Pig and the Nature Walk

Peppa Pig and the Nature WalkPeppa Pig and the Nature Walk by Candlewick Press
ISBN: 1536235822
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
one-star

Peppa Pig and her family enjoy a picnic on a warm day. Pages alternate between the family making discoveries in the natural world and showing pages from Peppa’s nature book. The book lists ‘facts’ that science-loving readers may find underwhelming. The fact about turtles, for example, is “Turtles walk slowly. But they can swim very fast!”

The book ends when Mummy Pig, Peppa, and George find Daddy Pig, who had run off in fear of a wasp. This book will likely appeal to toddler-aged and preschool-aged fans of the show but is not recommended for libraries looking to expand their science or nature picture book sections.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

one-star

Heatwave

HeatwaveHeatwave by Lauren Redniss
ISBN: 0593645944
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

To say the illustrations in this book are striking is an understatement. Redniss begins the story at the beach; folks are looking for some respite from an overwhelming heatwave. Both words and images are simple and bold, with black lines set against a stark red page with no other color.

The first drop of rain produces a brilliant mark of blue on the page, evoking the sensation of water falling from the sky on a too-hot day. On the pages that follow, blue slowly overtakes red as the rain falls harder and the sun begins to set.

Global warming is mentioned in the jacket description, but messaging in regard to that theme is quite subtle. At the same time, we can all relate to days that seem abnormally hot, as well as the relief that comes when the temperatures come down. This book is recommended for ages 3-6.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta 

four-stars

Miss MacDonald Has a Farm

Miss MacDonald Has a FarmMiss MacDonald Has a Farm by Elizabet Vukovic, Kalee Gwarjanski
ISBN: 0593568168
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This debut picture book by Maine author Kalee Gwarjanski, shares all the labors of love Miss MacDonald must go through, in order to harvest her vegetables. Gwarjanski’s clever phrasing breathes new life into an old classic. Miss MacDonald sports an adorable denim overall dress and purple clogs. Readers will get an appreciation for the hard work that goes into caring for plants. When caring for her tomatoes, the refrain is “E-I-E-I-GROW . . . With a weed-weed here, and a pluck-pull there, here it’s red, there it’s ripe, everywhere it’s ripe, ripe. Miss MacDonald has a farm. She loves things that grow.”

The back matter contains a glossary explaining farming tasks and an Harvest Vegetable bake recipe. The catchy text and the attractive illustrations that contain elements of block-printing will make for a lively read-aloud, with many possibilities for accompanying programming and activities. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

five-stars

For Our Daughters

For Our DaughtersFor Our Daughters by Joelle Avelino, Mel Nyoko
ISBN: 0593428080
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is a heartwarming affirmation from mothers to their young Black daughters, aimed at empowering them to embrace their uniqueness. Each page offers supportive messages on how to counter negativity from those who may not understand. For example, “If they shake their head and say, you don’t come from a good home, tell them about the lotus flower, which blooms beautifully wherever it’s planted.” These reminders emphasize to daughters that they are cherished and valued.

The bright and simple illustrations depict joyful scenes of young Black girls thoroughly enjoying life, which will undoubtedly captivate readers. Recommended for public and school library collections.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

Dream Big

Dream BigDream Big (Emma Dodd's Love You Books) by Emma Dodd
ISBN: 1536236004
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This charming picture book features delightful rhyming couplets as a father lion imparts the timeless wisdom of ‘dreaming big’ to his young cub. Through encouraging words, the father lion inspires bravery, the exploration of new experiences, and the limitless power of imagination. The narrative, albeit somewhat sentimental, is complemented by sweet and captivating illustrations adorned with metallic copper accents throughout.  Some imagery borrows heavily from the Lion King (father and child sit on a cliff, overlooking the savannah as the sun sets). The dimensions of the book and the text suggest it’s meant for a one-to-one read aloud.

Recommended for public library collections where Emma Dodd books are popular.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

three-stars

Animal Albums from A to Z

Animal Albums from A to ZAnimal Albums from A to Z by Cece Bell
ISBN: 1536226246
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The concept of this compendium is Bell’s “collection” of animal albums. What we get are 26 hilarious, extraordinary double page spreads of these animal albums. Bell’s art in this book is all hand-painted collage with cut paper lettering, embroidery and other handmade elements. Each double page-spread includes an album cover complete with record companies, titles, and lyrics to one of the album songs – all alliterative, amusing and acrobatic in their uniqueness. The type for each ornamental display letter is done in a compatible style. Dodos and discos, Kangaroos and klezmer,  –  Bell’s imagination and scope knows no bounds. For example, Xavier Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican hairless dog) and his “x-traordinary xylophone” sing on XOXO, Xavier on Xanthic Fox Records with songs like Use Your Inside Vox. Each animal artist also has a brief but incredibly detailed bio.  

This would be a great one-to-one read aloud. Each set of lyrics would probably work as a separate session. The book is highly browseable; a QR code on the copyright page allows readers to become listeners and listen to the musical rendition of each of the book’s songs. As Arnie Dillow sings in “My Astonishing Armpit is Astonishing to All”, “Whee!  . . . .  Gee! .. . .  And ‘Glory be!’”

Highly recommended for public and school library collections. 

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

five-stars

Divine Makes a Splash!

Divine Makes a Splash!Divine Makes a Splash! (Afro Unicorn) by April Showers
ISBN: 0593704193
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Showers tells a relatable story set in Afronia, land of the Afro unicorns. Divine, who wants to “make a splash” but is afraid of water, conquers her fear with the help of her fellow Afro unicorns and Uni Mermaids – all the magical creatures are bejeweled with crowned horns and fabulous hair. Many children will snatch the book off the shelf for the cover art alone but the story will keep them engrossed.

Divine’s friends use practical steps (such as blowing bubbles in the water) to help her overcome her fear. She learns that with the help of supportive friends and belief in one’s self, one can do challenging things. 

For children who may be hesitant around the water, especially in Maine, where swimming feels like a necessary life skill, this story and the way it is told, feels important. Showers, the author and founder of Afro Unicorns, has created the Learn to Swim AU initiative to service communities plagued by a lack of access to pools and proper instruction. There are no (as of today) such initiatives active in Maine. 

Highly recommended for public and school library collections.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS, Young School Librarian, Saco

five-stars