Format: Picture Book Fiction

Rez Kid

Rez KidRez Kid by Andrea Landry, Isabella Fassler
ISBN: 1525311255
Genres: Cultural / Native American, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a book that starts with a bullying moment on the bus. “Rez Kid!” a kid shouts as a Native girl gets on the bus and sits at the back, feeling sad and ashamed. When she gets home we see her spend time with different members of her family. She talks about what happened on the bus and asks for their advice.

The sensory writing is what really works here: the smell of herbal tea, the sound of her mothers hands moving through her bowl of beads, the feeling of shade beneath a tree while her horse drinks from a creek. The next time the kid on the bus yells, “Rez kid!” she stands up with pride and tells the kids on the bus how being on the reservation is something she loves. “I know the trails and the paths better than anyone. I grow my own food. My mama makes the best bannock.” she passes around pieces of the delicious dough. “My ancestors lived on my traditional lands. We speak our language, pray, dance powwow, smudge, snare rabbits and more.” She invites the kids to come on Friday after school to see the “rez” for what it is. One by one, the kids come off the bus as she shows them the beauty of the rez. How free it feels to be on the land, and how special her culture is.

This book excels at showing how an insult can be turned around to be used as a title of pride. The illustrations are created with pencil crayons and then finished digitally that beautifully capture the essence of nature on a reservation. A foreward explains what a reservation is and how they exist historically. Ages 4+

Review by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

four-stars

When Auggie Learned to Play Chess

When Auggie Learned to Play ChessWhen Auggie Learned to Play Chess by Meredith Rusu, Stephen Costanza
ISBN: 0593710819
Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

When Auggie Learned to Play Chess

Meredith Rusu & Stephen Costanza

This is a heartfelt picture book, for ages 4-8, about a boy named Auggie, a shy kid whose dad teaches him how to play chess. Learning the game gives Auggie the confidence to make a new friend.

Auggie and his family have recently moved to a new house in a new town, and Auggie is struggling to make friends at his new school. When Auggie finds an old chessboard that once belonged to his grandfather, he decides he wants to learn how to play chess from his father, his Tatâ. Eventually and with practice, Auggie gets so good at the game that he can beat Tata!

Then, Auggie finds a chessboard in his classroom during a rainy recess. When he sees that another boy looks interested in it, he knows just what to do: he can teach Luke how to play chess, too!

This is not only a touching father-son story about the importance of perseverance, but it is also a great way to teach chess to new players; the book contains illustrations about how each of the chess pieces move so that readers can learn the game along with Auggie. This book depicts how life lessons can be taught through a game of chess but would also be applicable to video games (perhaps more appealing to a younger audience) involving strategy, planning, patience, risk-taking, and connecting with others.

5 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

five-stars

Together we are Sunshine

Together we are SunshineTogether We Are Sunshine by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Raissa Figueroa
ISBN: 0593705416
Genres: Adventure, Emotions & Feelings, Family, Nature
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Together we are Sunshine

Amilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Raissa Figueroa

This picture book for ages 4-8 is about three sisters. The author features Black and Muslim protagonists in her books. Haala, the middle sister, loves to tag along with her older sister, Sanaa, on their outdoor adventures. But her little sister, Munira, always seems to get in the way. Munira blocks the sunshine, intrudes on the wind’s song, and frightens away the goldfish’s secrets with her screams. Haala can’t keep up with Sanaa when Munira’s on her heels. But when the sisters start working with each other, they realize that together they can achieve anything–and that together they are sunshine.
This story is a lovely depiction of sisterhood, to which readers with siblings, both older and younger, can relate. However, Haala very quickly feels guilty about getting upset with Munira, which perhaps is not the most realistic depiction of sibling relationships.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

four-stars

What Color is the Baby? A Celebration of Skin Tones

What Color is the Baby? A Celebration of Skin TonesWhat Color Is the Baby?: A Celebration of Skin Tones by Harshini Vankineni, Neha Rawat
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 153622894X
Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

What Color is the Baby? A Celebration of Skin Tones

Author: Harshini Vankineni

Illustrator: Neha Rawat

 

This picture book, for ages 4-8, is the publishing debut of Harshini Vankineni, whose own experience with colorism served as the inspiration for this story; As a child, Vankineni, from India, was often told that her light-skinned cousins were more beautiful than she was.  This book is about a young girl named Kundana, who declares her newborn sister, Kuku, to be the prettiest baby in the whole world. Kundana’s parents, Papa and Amma, appear disappointed by the darker shade of Kuku’s skin, especially since the members of the extended family can’t stop asking, “What color is she?” Kundana defends her sister and declares “She is our color!” Everyone agrees that is a beautiful color.

This is a beautifully illustrated story about inclusion and acceptance. Kundana’s adoration of her sister, regardless of her color, will inspire young readers just like she inspired her family members. This reviewer appreciated the subtle reference to normalized breastfeeding. Western audiences can relate to the practice of coveting whiteness, but the book is not overly didactic.

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

five-stars

Safe at Last

Safe at LastSafe at Last by Richard Jones
Published by Candlewick on May 20, 2025
ISBN: 9781536241310
Pages: 32
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Magical Realism
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A young boy, James, with fair skin, bright blue eyes and dark brown bangs sweeping to the side of his bright red hooded jacket, lives alone on an island in harmony with his animal friends. His daily routine is idyllic. Under blue skies, James cycles around the small island with his cat in the bicycle basket, visiting birds, bears, otters, etc.  at their woodland homes, all of whom wave back. “Every day was the same. Every day was wonderful.”

Jones’ text and mixed-media illustrations work together to create an atmosphere that lets the reader feels what James experiences as he traverses the island — his contentment and happiness with his life and his friends and as the weather changes for the worse, his fear and concern for the animals as a raging storm blows across the island that evening. James is safe and cozy in his house, but as he looks outside at the dark, howling storm, he worries about his friends, and asks, “Should I go out and make sure they are safe?” There is no one else to respond, so James does: “Yes, I must!”.

He goes into the storm with his bright red coat and lantern, to check on the animals. Though the storm makes everything frightening and “different”, with only his lantern to stave off the dark, James call out at every animal’s home,  “Are you home? Are you safe?” No one responds. No one is home.

After looking everywhere, and locating no one, he acknowledges his uncertainty, fear, and loneliness. “It’s too scary. I want to go home.”The light of his lantern guides him home, only to see shapes in the window. Living alone has not prepared James for anyone else being in his home and he is frightened. Readers will most likely guess (correctly) that his friends are inside waiting for him, wanting to make sure he was safe. The next morning, with the storm gone, they all watch the sun rise together.

A story that lets readers know that they can be brave and scared at the same time, and be someone else’s bright, shining light in the process. Highly recommended for all picture book collections.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

five-stars

Book Comes Home: A Banned Book’s Journey

Book Comes Home: A Banned Book’s JourneyBook Comes Home: A Banned Book's Journey by Micah Player, Rob Sanders
Published by Random House Children's Books on 2025
ISBN: 0593813685
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Book Comes Home : A Banned Book’s Journey helps grown-ups explain book banning and organized activism to young readers using simple, direct language. Other picture books prompt discussion about the concept of banned books in school and public libraries, but this is the only one (I know of) telling the story from the book’s perspective.

Book is an approachable looking children’s book with a lovely lilac cover, shiny gold medal and a friendly smile, living her best life in a school library, well-loved and popular. Illustrations of children of different skin tones and sizes bringing Book home, enjoying, reading and discussing the story will resonate with many readers and the people who support their reading habits. Then one day, Book is removed from the shelves. Librarians and other adults will predict the next part of the story as Book is placed in a closet in the back of the library, with other books that have been challenged.

Inside the closet, the illustrations are dark and gloomy. Sanders, whose picture book, Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, has been challenged and banned, shares the experiences of other books in the closet, placed there for being “scary”,  or for “mak(ing) people think”.  Inside the closet, Book questions whether these are bad things, and if she is bad. Outside the closet, a double-page spread illustration shows determined and impassioned readers  opposing the book banning; creating protest signs and phoning the school board.

Player makes good use of posters as messaging: readers create posters that say things like “Let Me Be. Let Me Read.” and outside the library,  quotes about reading, such as “Don’t be afraid to go in your library and read every book.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower).

Readers and librarians will appreciate the happy ending as Book and the other books are saved from the Banned Book Closet, and brought back into the light where the images are bright, colorful, and dynamic. Readers are reunited with the books they love and all is well.

Sanders includes a thoughtful author’s message that puts book banning in historic context and encourages  reading books that challenge us.  Also included in the back matter is a glossary and resources listing online websites for people interested in learning more about censorship from  the American Libraries Association and PEN America.  The end pages include words from the ALA’s Statement on book censorship. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

five-stars

The Day Leap SOARED

The Day Leap SOAREDThe Day Leap Soared by Blair Braverman, Olivia When
Published by Harper on Oct 21, 2025
ISBN: 0063238055
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Sports
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

True confession – I am a fan of any book about sled dogs. This one is a delight for younger children. It is based on dogsledder Blair Braverman’s real-life team of sled dogs and her puppy Leap whose photographs grace the back of the book. In the story Leap is an adorable rambunctious puppy who cannot wait for her turn to join the sled dog team. She is understandably worried that she is not special or talented enough to be part of the team. She needn’t have worried because she performs magnificently until the iced-over river turns into a rushing stream that none of the dogs can figure out how to get across. However, Leap does what she does best … she leaps over the river! And the other older dogs follow her example and get safely across. I am not sure how the dogsled makes it across though but it does?????

A sweet book and a sweet message for young children. Both the narrative and the illustrations do an exceptional job of building a case for individuality as an asset and the value of using individual strengths to comprise a team.  The author’s note and photographs of the sled dogs add additional strength to the book. A throughly enjoyable dog story for preschool to age 7. It may create some sled dog enthusiasts, as well. This book would pair well with Big-enough Anna : the little sled dog who braved the Arctic written by Pam Flowers with Ann Dixon, Also a true story.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

A Hatful of Dreams

A Hatful of DreamsA Hatful of Dreams by Bob Graham
Published by Candlewick Press on November 11, 2025
ISBN: 1536245046
Genres: Magical Realism
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

There is still one vibrant house on the otherwise derelict street where a multigenerational family lives. The most interesting character is the grandfather who strums a guitar and lavishes the three children with outlandish stories about why Grandpa never takes off his hat  When the children finally convince him to take off his hat, a galaxy is released.

The eclectic mix of realism and magic is what makes the story interesting. The author/illustrator’s signature comical watercolors bring to life the gloom of the abandoned neighborhood,  the warmth of the home, and the magic that leaks from Grandad’s hat. Mom and Grandad are pale-skinned, while Dad and the kids are brown-skinned. A hopeful book but I am unsure whether young children will understand the message.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

The Littlest Drop

The Littlest DropThe Littlest Drop by Brian Pinkney, Jerry Pinkney, Sascha Alper
ISBN: 059330912X
Genres: Animals, Folklore
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The Littlest Drop is a story that was inspired by a parable from the indigenous Quechua people of South America, but was famously told by African Environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Wangari Maathai. In the story, a hummingbird is weaving a nest in the trees, getting ready to lay her eggs, when a fire breaks out in the forest below. It grows and grows, and the African animals all around panic and run to the riverbank to be safe. The hummingbird also goes to the river and takes a mouthful of water in her beak, then flies towards the fire and squirts at the fire to try and put it out.

The animals are bewildered by the hummingbird’s behavior. The elephant asks her, “Hummingbird, what are you doing? You cannot put out that terrible fire You are just a small bird.” and the hummingbird says, “I am doing what I can.”  And then, one by one, the animals move forward. “Then I will do what I can.” They go back and forth, and back and forth until they are exhausted. And then finally, the fire dies down. The hummingbird lets one last drop fall, and the fire goes out completely. The animals’ homes are safe and they all worked together to make it happen. The hummingbird and her tireless action is a beautiful little beacon of hope.

This is an inspiring story, but it’s also extraordinary in the way it was created. The book is physically large, with big colorful spreads on each page. Beloved author and illustrator, Jerry Pinkney started the black and white sketches for this book before he died in 2021. His son, Brian Pinkney, with his own award-winning, unique style, finished the sketches and completed the book’s illustrations in entirety . The illustration collaboration between legendary father and son, and powerful storytelling from Sascha Alper, makes this a five-star picture book. Ages 3-7

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

five-stars

Wash Day Love

Wash Day LoveWash Day Love by Raissa Figueroa, Tanisia Moore
ISBN: 1338897322
Genres: Cultural / African American, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Tasha does not like Saturdays. On Saturdays the kitchen turns into a salon for wash day. Reluctantly, Tasha sits on the stool, water dripping over her head in the sink, while her mama scrubs and hums, her sister squeezes her hand, and her granny sings to the music. Together they get through wash day, crowns emerging fresh, hair laid, and edges smooth. This intergenerational story is a much-needed window or mirror into a regular tradition for Black families and showcases the beauty of natural hair. Illustrations are stunning and full of bright colors, textures, and varying scales – perfectly depicting the movement and emotions in the story. While this story is specifically about wash day, it is also very relatable for children with sensory sensitivities. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 (Pre-K to 3rd grade). Cream of the crop nominee.

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

five-stars