Format: Picture Book Fiction

Somewhere

SomewhereSomewhere by Armando Mariño, Robie H. Harris
Published by Candlewick Press on February 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536207357
Pages: 40
Genres: Adventure, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Somewhere is a book about a relationship between father and daughter, with brightly colored illustrations and simple text interspersing Spanish words throughout, it is a story about adventure and independence as well as the familial connection that tethers us to one another. 

The text tries to capture the cadence of a small girl and does so well enough. The pictures are where the book shines, with bright splashes of color and a whimsy in the way the girl encounters the natural world, this would be a fun book to read to someone sitting on the reader’s lap. It is unclear how much of the book is meant to be metaphor versus an actual journey the protagonist went on before returning to her father, but a good story nonetheless. 

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Children’s Librarian, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

While You’re Sleeping

While You’re SleepingWhile You're Sleeping by John Broadley, Mick Jackson
Published by Pavilion Children's on September 3, 2020
ISBN: 1843654652
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
This picture book takes readers through what happens when most of us are fast asleep. There are people working throughout the night baking, cleaning public transit, and driving delivery trucks. Doctors and nurses are taking care of the sick and firefighters are keeping us safe. Babies are up needing to be fed, animals are out and about. And when we wake in the morning to begin our day, the night time workers are headed off to sleep.

The pen and ink illustrations in this book steal the show. The soft color palette and dot and line patterns are mesmerizing and offer an incredible amount of detail. Some British terms such as “lorries” may need to be explained to young readers.

Ages 4-7

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

three-stars

Me and Ms. Too

Me and Ms. TooMe and Ms. Too by Laura Ruby, Thi Hanh Dung Ho
Published by HarperCollins US on June 1, 2022
ISBN: 0062894331
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Molly and her Dad were happy living alone together before Ms. Too came to live with them.  Ms. Too was the Children’s Librarian;  Molly’s father fell in love with her and they got married.  Molly has to adjust to living with her now and sharing Dad.  Suddenly, everything  has changed, the house, the alone time with Dad.  Life is now different. Molly can not find anything  good about this situation.

However, one day, Ms. Too asked for her help to bake cookies.  This was the moment that Molly realized that Ms. Too was okay after all. The  threat of sharing her Dad disappeared and all it took was a  heart shaped cookie and a loving affirmation.

This is such a good story for a child dealing with the situation of a parent remarrying and feeling left out and dealing with adjusting to a new life and household.

The pictures are charming and detailed and the story is realistic.

Reviewed by Amy Tobalske, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook 

 

four-stars

Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure

Linty: A Pocketful of AdventureLinty: A Pocketful of Adventure by Mike Shiell
Published by Kids Can Press on May 3, 2022
ISBN: 1525304941
Pages: 64
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel, Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
I have to give a shout-out to Mike Shiell, the author of Linty. He realized that there are too few books out there that feature agoraphobic lint, and he set out to change that. The result is a brightly colored story about Linty, who after years of isolation in a denim pocket gets his first taste of adventure and friendship when a child fills that pocket with random things (an acorn, a bottle cap, two peas (?)).  After the friends leave because of an impending wash, Linty tries to go back to his normal daily routine but feels empty. Can he overcome his fear of the world outside the pocket and find his beloved new friends again?

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

three-stars

Who Are Your People

Who Are Your PeopleWho Are Your People? by Bakari Sellers, Reggie Brown
Published by Quill Tree Books on January 11, 2022
ISBN: 0063082853
Pages: 32
Genres: Cultural / African American
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Who Are Your People is a response to the questions, “Where are you from?” It is a call to African American children to be proud of their roots. The illustrations depict slavery, oppression, and marching, paired with words that focus on the strengths and courage of the people that lived through it.

As the pictorial history is being told to the reader, is it also being told to two children by their father. The story ends with the three family members joining their extended family for a picnic in the current day. Their family includes three generations, with straight and gay couples. The book talks about community, how we build each other up, and “stand on the shoulders” of our ancestors.

This story is uplifting and a good way to start conversations. It would make a nice introduction for older kids, to then research further into each event or person depicted in the illustrious.

The illustrations are a little too cartoony for my taste, but the book is a wonderful celebration of history and has a great message about how to remember the past.

Recommended for ages 4-10.

Reviewed by Katie Drago, Children’s Librarian, Rockland Public Library, Rockland, ME

four-stars

Friendsgiving

FriendsgivingFriendsgiving by Nancy Siscoe, Sabina Gibson
Published by Balzer + Bray on September 8, 2020
ISBN: 0062956760
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Fall is here, and a group of animals is setting off on an adventure bike ride to enjoy the nice weather. They find themselves collecting the bounty of the season and the neighborhood along the way. They find there is so much to be thankful for and they gather to begin a new tradition of Friendsgiving. This is a fun celebration of fall and gratitude. The illustrations are photographs of hand crafted props and are really the star of the book. Each animal is crafted with detail and individuality, and the entire environment created is full of whimsy.

Recommended for readers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Hector Fox and Giant Quest

Hector Fox and Giant QuestHector Fox and the Giant Quest (Hector Fox #1) by Astrid Sheckels
on October 16, 2014
ISBN: 1952143268
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Lucy wishes fairy tales were real, and so Hector Fox and the rest of this animal crew goes off on an adventure to find out if they really are true. They had all heard a rumor of a large shadowy figure north of the Green Wood, and though they’re slightly scared, they head out and find that things aren’t always as they seem.

This is a sweet adventure story featuring a cast of animals including a fox, a skunk, a marten, a chipmunk, and more. The watercolor illustrations are gorgeous and full of detail and whimsy. Some young readers may find the shadowy figure scary, but if they stick it out, the overall message is a good one.

Recommended for readers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

The Whole Hole Story

The Whole Hole StoryThe Whole Hole Story by Ken Lamug, Vivian McInerny
Published by Versify on January 12, 2021
ISBN: 0358128811
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Zia, a young brown skinned girl, has a hole in her pocket. The hole gets so big that Zia falls into it herself. From here, her imagination runs wild and the hole gets filled with everything from candy to elephants. The hole also becomes a swimming hole, a really long tunnel, and more. Zia’s imagination is never ending and this story is just fun. The mixed media illustrations are full of color and life and really help carry the story. They bring all the imaginative adventures to life and add context. The text flows well and is filled with small word plays and puns that will keep adult readers engaged and mildly entertained.

Recommended for readers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Little Bat in Night School

Little Bat in Night SchoolLittle Bat in Night School by Brian Lies
Published by Clarion Books on June 29, 2021
ISBN: 0358269849
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars
Little Bat is really excited for the first night of school, and when he gets there, he discovers things are like what he expected. Through some time and patience, he makes friends and finds a way to fit in in his new surroundings.

This book misses the mark. The text doesn’t flow well, the story is disjointed, and at times confusing. The acrylic and watercolor illustrations do help the story, but for young readers it may still be hard to follow. There may be some demand for this book given the popularity of the previous two, but there are certainly better books about school.

Recommended for readers 4 and up. Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

two-stars

The little butterfly that could

The little butterfly that couldThe Little Butterfly That Could (A Very Impatient Caterpillar Book) by Ross Burach
Published by Scholastic Press on April 6, 2021
ISBN: 1338615009
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
The butterfly from the end of The Very Impatient Caterpillar is back, and they’re struggling to make it through the arduous migration to the wintering grounds. The illustrations are high color, high contrast, and add a lot of motion and emotion to this funny story. The text is presented in thought bubbles making this a good opportunity for young readers to practice the skill of navigating graphic novel formats. This book is asking for someone who does voices to read it aloud. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars