Format: Picture Book Fiction

John’s Turn

John’s TurnJohn's Turn by Kate Berube, Mac Barnett
Published by Candlewick Press on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 1536203955
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Every Friday, a kid gets up and does something in front of the whole school. Today is John’s turn, and he’s going to dance. When the classical music begins, some kids laugh and wonder how you dance to that music. John is brave. He dances and dances and smiles with his whole being. His classmates cheer.

This is a wonderful book. John is dancing ballet in front of his entire (presumably) elementary school. The watercolor illustrations do a wonderful job of conveying John’s emotions as they range from nervous to fearful to elated. This book celebrates the underrepresented dancers and all who choose to do something outside the box.

Recommended for readers 3 and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Emile and the Field

Emile and the FieldEmile and the Field by Chioma Ebinama, Kevin Young
Published by Make Me a World on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 1984850423
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

I realized over the past few years how powerful a simple, calming, picture  can be. I’m always on the lookout to have some suggestions on hand when there has been a tragedy or a high stress time, and I’ll add Emile and the Field to my mental list. It’s a gentle, lyrical story of a child named Emile and his relationship to a field throughout the seasons. The text is sparse and the illustrations capture that one-ness with nature we get to experience as kids (and adults if we’re lucky).  This book would be great for a classroom and as a way to open a discussion about places in nature that are special to students.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

four-stars

Joy Ride

Joy RideJoy Ride by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Ana Ramírez González
Published by Candlewick Press on April 26, 2022
ISBN: 1536207748
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

On Joy’s third day of summer vacation, Joy’s mother tells her to visit her Grandad. Joy and her Grandad decided to fix an old bike that Joy can ride. She is thrilled to show off her new bike that she and her Grandad worked on to the neighborhood kids. Sadly, Joy gets teased by the neighborhood kids about her bike and Joy must process these strong emotions independently. Author Sherri Duskey Rinker provides a relatable character that all readers can empathize with. Rinker’s bully scenario can definitely happen in the age group the book is ideal for, and it is resolved in a positive manner. The illustrations were drawn digitally, but the illustrator Ana Ramírez González uses bright colors throughout the book which are appealing to the eye. The intended audience is Kindergarten through 3rd grade. This book would be a great addition to any public/school library collection, classroom library, and on a counselors book shelf.

Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

three-stars

Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness

Being a Dog: A Tail of MindfulnessBeing a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness by Maria Gianferrari, Pete Oswald
Published by HarperCollins on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0063067919
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness” is a picture book about being in the moment. Written by Maria Gianferrari and Pete Oswald, the book is written in a bright and fun style, almost like a collage. The book uses the concept of being a dog to introduce kids to the idea of living in the moment and how to express our emotions and stay mindful. The story uses simple words and flows from one illustration to another. The end of the book has instructions for going on a mindful walk, but it crams a lot of words in and the flow is less smooth than the rest of the book. Useful as an introduction to mindfulness, this book is not necessarily a must-buy for your collection, but kids aged 4 to 8 will enjoy pretending to be a dog and the fun illustrations by Pete Oswald (illustrator of “The Bad Seed”).

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library

three-stars

Darryl’s Dream

Darryl’s DreamDarryl's Dream by Darryl DMC McDaniels, Tristan Tait
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 0593487745
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

After a difficult day at school Darryl questions his value and appearance. As Darryl’s mother said “what’s important is that you like yourself and you stay true to who you are”. Following a dream, Darryl both stands up for himself and wins the adoration of his classmates when he performs a hip hop poem. McDaniels provides a strong character who learns to stand up for himself and others; this is such a valuable lesson to all children. The illustrations are bright and somewhat comic in appearance. The intended audience of K-grade 2 will appreciate the story line and the illustrations. It is interesting however that the bully is the tallest child and that the nerd wears glasses. Add this to primary school media centers and to classroom collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

three-stars

‘Twas the Night Before Pride

‘Twas the Night Before Pride'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick, Juana Medina
Published by Candlewick Press on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 1536213438
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In this take on the Clement Moore poem, debut author McClintick captures the joy and excitement felt by LGBTQIA+ people as they prepare for the day in the month of June when they can join together in celebration of all that they are. Shown through the lens of one youngster and their family as they make preparations for the Pride parade and also as they reflect on the reasons that Pride is celebrated in the month of June. The text is mostly constructed of rhyming couplets and the flow and meter are well-done. From the cover, bursting with rainbow joy, to the endpapers, to the exuberant and detailed illustrations inside, Medina flawlessly crafts a pictorial narrative to accompany McClintick’s text. This is a book that belongs in every collection and one that will help explain the importance of Pride celebrations.
Recommended for: Grades K-5

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Once Upon a Forest

Once Upon a ForestOnce Upon a Forest by Pam Fong
Published by Random House Studio on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 0593380142
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The story of an unidentified furry animal who lives with their bird in the woods, pleasantly gardening in silence until they see smoke on the horizon and a helicopter arrive to quickly quash the danger of a forest fire. So off they go, with their bird friend and some seedlings to assess the damage. Through wordless communication, they clear the burnt trees and protect the seedlings over months of inclement weather and hungry woodland creatures, until there are new trees where the old ones burned. Going back home with their wagon, they arrive only to see a whiff of familiar smoke in the air. The reader is left to guess what they do next.

This art requires no words, the pictures are intricate and soft line drawings with color reserved for the new plant growth that appears throughout the book and adds to the gentle nature of the story. The protagonist and their bird friend are determined and single-minded in their goals. It is a story of small success and one that is both timely and a good reminder of the ways in which acts of kindness and environmental awareness can start with you. Good for anyone learning how to read a graphic novel, or for an environmentally-minded child (or adult).

Recommended for: PreK-grade 1

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Tractor

TractorTractor by Sally Sutton, Brian Lovelock
Published by Candlewick Press on August 9, 2022
ISBN: 1536225045
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Tractor by Sally Sutton is a worthwhile addition to the construction and wheels picture books in Sally Sutton’s repertoire. Provides a detailed overview of the myriad roles of a tractor during planting. Lovelock’s illustrations are bright and the double-page spreads will appeal during a read aloud. It is a solid supplement to the collection of a library that has a young audience appreciative of vehicles and a nice introduction to the young reader curious to learn more.

Audience: PreK-grade 1

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

No Bunnies Here!

No Bunnies Here!No Bunnies Here! by Tammi Sauer, Ross Burach
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 0593181352
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

An exuberant tale of a bunny trying to keep a wolf away from their friends for fear of being eaten up, when in reality all the wolf wanted was to join in the fun as a bunny fan. This book is busy. Busy with text, with illustrations, and with jokes. The bunny continues to be thwarted by weather, or just oblivious fellow bunnies as they try to continue the ruse that there are “no bunnies here’’ and the jokes and text are so layered on top of one another, that the meaning can get a little jumbled in delivery.
The wolf never speaks and we rely entirely on illustrations to infer his motivations, while the bunny seems to never stop talking. So, when the bunny finally runs out of excuses and asks the wolf why he is looking for bunnies, it is quite a relief. The wolf is just a fan? Well, then of course he can join in bunny festivities. Overall, a read that tries very hard to be funny and mostly succeeds.

For Grades K-1

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

Not Enough Lollipops

Not Enough LollipopsNot Enough Lollipops by Megan Maynor, Micah Player
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 0593372565
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

When Alice wins a raffle prize: a wagon full of lollipops, students in her school worry that there might not be enough to go around. Alice assures them there will be plenty of lollipops, but her classmates continue to explain why they deserve lollipops more than others. She has them line up and, sure enough, there are enough to go around. Will there be enough for everyone to get two, though? And the cycle continues. The illustrations in this book are delightful, sweet and colorful like the lollipops themselves; each expression on each child is evocative and unique. The font and speech bubbles, the way the pictures all fit together, make for an entertaining ride through the moral dilemma of ‘not enough to go around.’ Overall, a fun read that weaves in morality without becoming too heavy-handed.

For grades K-1

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars