Format: Picture Book Fiction

Julián at the Wedding

Julián at the WeddingJulián at the Wedding (Julián, #2) by Jessica Love
Published by Candlewick Press on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 1536212385
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Julián is a brown skinned elementary aged kid who lives with their abuela. Today, they’re going to a same sex wedding. At the wedding, Julián and a young girl go on adventures and end up getting dirty. Julián has an idea for how to fix the problem, and the two kids are discovered having tied branches to their backs like wings.

As with its predecessor, Julián is a Mermaid, the art is really what makes this book. The story is wonderfully sweet and inclusive (it is refreshing to see queer People of Color represented in a picture book), but the gorgeous watercolor illustrations bring it to another level. The bright colors, the emotions, and the way the illustrations convey movement are all magical. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Brenda is a Sheep

Brenda is a SheepBrenda Is a Sheep by Morag Hood
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on November 17, 2020
ISBN: 0593173805
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Brenda is a sheep. She’s like all the other sheep — except Brenda has a long snout and sharp teeth and sharp claws. Brenda is planning a feast for all her sheep friends with her delicious mint sauce. She just needs to find the perfect thing to eat with it.

This is a quirky twist on the classic ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ story, and it will appeal to a wide audience. The story is sweet and has a good message of friendship. The illustrations are high contrast in green, orange, grey, black and white and are simply done. This is a cute story but there isn’t any major wow factor. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

All Because You Matter

All Because You MatterAll Because You Matter by Bryan Collier, Tami Charles
Published by Orchard Books on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 133857485X
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This book is gorgeous, heartfelt, hard, and important. The author notes that she wrote the book for parents as a starting point for discussions with children about the racial climate in the world right now. She also wrote it for the kids from marginalized communities as a reminder that, no matter what, they matter.

The book follows a young brown skinned child into adolescence, but the text is really a letter to children everywhere about how they matter. It covers many situations where kids may think that their worth is lost but reminds the readers of how this isn’t true. It encourages kids to always see the good in themselves. The artwork in this book is realistic, gorgeous, and really builds the story. The portraits of children and their families are life-like and full of emotion. Recommended for all readers. Highly recommended purchase and recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol

The Hanukkah Magic of Nate GadolThe Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol by Arthur A. Levine, Kevin Hawkes
Published by Candlewick Press on September 8, 2020
ISBN: 0763697419
Pages: 40
Genres: Fantasy, Folklore
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a new, exciting story that puts a spin on the tradition of presents for Hanukkah.  The magic of the great spirit, Nate Gadol, helps those who pray when things need to last.  He helped the oil last for eight days and nights and continues to do big and small things as needed.  The story focuses on how Nate Gadol extends a small bit of chocolate, saved for a holiday, when the Glaser family emigrates from Europe to America.  The family then extends the good will they feel toward their less fortunate neighbors the O’Malley family.  During the bad winter of 1881, Nate Godol steps in to better the meager situations all the families by assisting Santa Claus, whose sleigh has lost some of its magic, resulting in shiny wrapped presents for all.  Hawkes provides period details in larger than life illustrations of Nate Gadol and the variety of settings depicted.  A brush of gold, Nate’s magic, extends throughout the book and adds to the magical excitement.  Levine provides an author’s note in the back to explain the mix of holidays.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian

 

five-stars

Superhero Gran

Superhero GranSuperhero Gran by Joe Berger, Timothy Knapman
Published by Nosy Crow on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 1536214426
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Every child who idolizes their grandma will be in good company with this new book in Knapman’s series that showcases family members.  This third edition to the series highlights a black family.    In bright colors and energetic positions, girl and boy siblings are dropped off by their father to their Superhero Gran’s house for a day of dress-up, make up for disguises, games like tickle monster, treats, sweets and an invitation for a sleepover.  There is variety in setting.  Dress up takes place in the attic, make up in the bedroom, treats in the living room and hide and seek in the garden.  Although time is depicted by the various activities the family does, the book presents more as an illustrated listing of what the children love about their gran and how much she loves them over a story line.  The text does have a bouncy rhythm that may inspire repeat readings.  The book reviewed is a reinforced trade edition that has a cut out in the middle of the front cover, consistent with the other books in the series.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian

three-stars

THE LEGEND OF KING ARTHUR-A-TOPS

THE LEGEND OF KING ARTHUR-A-TOPSThe Legend of King Arthur-a-tops by Andrew Joyner, Mo O'Hara
Published by HarperCollins on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 0062652753
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This cute picture book retells the story of King Arthur, but with a dinosaur cast of characters.  There are lady dinos, bossy dinos, a magical dino, and a very kindhearted dino, who ultimately becomes King!

This cute story will engage and entertain children and families.  The illustrations are charming and colorful

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Library, Castine

three-stars

WHERE LILY ISN’T

WHERE LILY ISN’TWhere Lily Isn't by Julie Paschkis, Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Published by Henry Holt & Company on January 21, 2020
ISBN: 1250184258
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

This colorful picture book explores a little girl’s grief and loneliness at the loss of her favorite pet.

She remembers how her dog used to greet her after school, and snuggled and played.  She eventually realizes that her friend will always be in her heart.

I would only recommend this book for a parenting section, so that the right patron is connected to the book.  I would not have enjoyed my children grabbing this book off the shelf at our library and expecting a fun read, only to be crying and upset for weeks.

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Library, Castine

two-stars

THE BLUNDERS A Counting Catastrophe!

THE BLUNDERS A Counting Catastrophe!The Blunders: A Counting Catastrophe! by Christina Soontornvat, Colin Jack
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 153620109X
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This charming picture book tells the story of ten brothers and sisters that go out to play, promising their mom they would look after one another.  When the time comes to go home, they can only count 9 siblings!  OH no!

Drawings are very bright and colorful. This would make a great read-aloud, as children try to figure out how they have counted incorrectly.

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Library, Castine

four-stars

The Farm That Mac Built

The Farm That Mac BuiltThe Farm That Mac Built by Jackie Urbanovic, Tammi Sauer
Published by Clarion Books on August 11, 2020
ISBN: 0544113020
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a fun and charming adaptation of the old song/story, Old MacDonald’s Farm.  In this story, the animals on the farm have put on a “Way Off-Broadway Production” of the story.

The story is filled with sound effects and funny repetitions, that would be great fun as a read- aloud to young children.  And of course, the funny antics as lots of animals try to join the production, including many not so traditional farm animals!  The text is silly, fun, simple and the illustrations are charming and colorful.

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Library, Castine

four-stars

Ty’s Travels All Aboard!

Ty’s Travels All Aboard!Ty's Travels: All Aboard! by Kelly Starling Lyons, Nina Mata
Published by HarperCollins on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 0062951122
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In this easy reader, each family member in Ty’s family, who present as brown skinned, are too busy to play with him.  When he finds an empty box, he creates his own adventure pretending to be on a train.  Each member joins in the fun until it is time to eat.  There is plenty of white space and illustrative clues for beginner readers.  Mata creates scenery that look like it has been colored with crayons during the time that Ty is pretending which adds a whimsical touch.  The text is repetitive enough for those who are learning to read and following along.    Vocabulary includes adventures, clothes, whistle and compound words such as upstairs, homework and downstairs.  A useful addition to all easy reader collections in schools and public libraries.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian

four-stars