Format: Picture Book Fiction

Dogs at Work

Dogs at WorkDogs at Work: Good Dogs. Real Jobs. by Margaret Cardillo, Zachariah OHora
Published by Balzer + Bray on June 22, 2021
ISBN: 0062906313
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

What if dogs were the ones to go to work each day while the humans stayed home? “Dogs at Work” explores this very idea while also featuring some very real jobs that dogs do for us every day!

There are times when it is difficult to tell whose perspective the text is coming from–human or dog, but overall this is a cute introduction to working dogs that will invariably lead to lots of discussion and further investigation. The end of the book contains information about the real dogs who complete the jobs mentioned throughout as well as resources for more information. The illustrations have a very classic, vintage feel to them which will delight young and old readers alike.

Ages 4-8

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School. York

three-stars

It Could Be Worse

It Could Be WorseIt Could Be Worse by Einat Tsarfati
Published by Candlewick Press on June 29, 2021
ISBN: 1536217913
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Albertini and George are two sailors lost at sea, floating on the wreckage of their ship. As they encounter unfortunate situation after unfortunate situation, Albertini continues to get increasingly frustrated while George remains optimistic, musing “It could always be worse!”

This is a silly story that isn’t going to win any awards, but it could be a fun way to encourage children to reset and shift their perspective if they’re having a bad day. Because whether you are in the smelly belly of a whale or are being showered in the diarrhea of a school of flying fish, it could indeed always be worse!

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

 

three-stars

Nigel and the Moon

Nigel and the MoonNigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady, Gracey Zhang
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 15, 2022
ISBN: 0063056283
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Nigel and the Moon is a picture book about a child who shares his hopes and dreams with the moon, of being an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero. The parallels of his secret wishes and his school’s career week put into sharp focus the distinct differences between Nigel’s inner world and his outer, with Nigel eventually finding pride and peace with the important, concrete jobs of his parents and also honoring his grand possibilities for his future. 

This picture book’s words and illustrations go hand in hand to lead Nigel to his confident conclusion and hopefully will lead children to the same. Dream big and share those dreams! 

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

five-stars

Boogie Boogie, Y’all

Boogie Boogie, Y’allBoogie Boogie, Y'all by C.G. Esperanza
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on August 10, 2021
ISBN: 0062976222
Pages: 40
Genres: Arts, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Boogie Boogie, Y'all is a book full of energy and rhythm. The story is about street art in a city, that no one is appreciating, until one child notices, and then another. The book is filled with lots of noise from voices and onomatopoeias. The illustrations are brimming of motion, from people running around, skateboarding, dancing, until finally the art comes alive too.
The illustrations are painted in street art style, with high contrast and dramatic shadowing.

The story is a tribute to graffiti and city life. I loved the children stopping to notice their surroundings and appreciating the art. It makes reference to people thinking graffiti is dirty and gross. The story ends with the young kids taking out their own cans and spray painting their neighborhood.

I adore the love for everything street art, the idea that in a busy place it’s nice to slow down and enjoy your surroundings, and that the kids get to participate in the art. But showing children vandalizing seems odd when geared this young, and missing the nuances of when and why this type of art might be worth breaking the law.

Recommended for ages 4-8.
Reviewed by Katie Drago, Children’s Librarian, Rockland Public Library, Rockland, ME

three-stars

There’s a Unicorn in Your Book

There’s a Unicorn in Your BookThere's a Unicorn in Your Book by Greg Abbott, Tom Fletcher
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 0593434765
Pages: 32
Genres: Fantasy, Mental Health
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
There’s a Unicorn in Your Book is an interactive book about a sad unicorn. The reader is asked to participate in some fun actions to scare the “worry gremlins” away. When that doesn’t work, the unicorn talks to its friend, Monster. Then the narrator asks the reader if they’d like to whisper something in unicorn’s ear.

This book is part of the “Who’s In Your Book” series. The first book in the series stars the Monster who makes a guest appearance in this story.

The book has bright and simple computer illustrations. There is little to no background behind the characters because they are living on the pages of the book. The illustration style is a little odd at closer look, because the images and title text are fuzzy like they are slightly pixelated, but that seems to be a style choice.

The book isn’t remarkable, but contains the good advice to talk about what is making you worried or sad. The story is a great combination of discussing emotions, fun game, and cute illustrations. It is sure to circulate well.

Recommended for ages 3-7.

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

four-stars

Turtle Walk

Turtle WalkTurtle Walk by Matt Phelan
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 0062934139
Pages: 32
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
The eye-catching cover invites young readers to join the turtle family as they walk, “nice and slow” through the seasons with youngsters always asking, “Are we there yet?”, ending in winter with a FAST slide down a snow-covered hill, ending back at their own cave. 

Repetition and rhyming sentences lend to listeners predicting the next word. Watercolor artwork are simple but encourage the eye to linger.

Could be used to show the cycle of the four seasons and invite readers outdoors to explore and compare nature in all seasons. Great for one-on-one or group sharing.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog

See the Cat: Three Stories About a DogSee the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog by David LaRochelle, Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Candlewick Press on September 8, 2020
ISBN: 1536204277
Pages: 64
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
The title and subtitle hint at the humor that the reader is about to encounter. Three short stories in which Max the dog takes center stage arguing with the text. The text builds, starting with “See the cat,” to which he replies, “I am not a cat.” Each subsequent page adds a descriptor until he insists “There is no cat! There is no dress! There is not a  unicorn. There is just me, Max the Dog!” On the next page, a blue cat in a dress perched on a unicorn jumps across the page.

Two additional stories provide similar humor as Max talks to the text of the story.

Simple illustrations with no background keep the focus on Max. His facial expressions help the reader grasp his frustration. The story text appears in large simple font on the left hand page, and Max’s image and his words appear in speech bubbles on the left.

Just a fun book to share with an individual child or a group. Purchase recommended, along with its companion book, “See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat” (c2021).

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Tow

five-stars

The Power of Yet

The Power of YetThe Power of Yet by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Published by Harry N. Abrams on January 12, 2021
ISBN: 1419740032
Pages: 24
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
“I can’t do this!”  Not YET, anyway! This encouraging story helps youngsters (and oldsters) keep in mind that someday they might be able to succeed in their endeavor. Especially helpful are the strategies: practice, do it with someone who can do it better, and wait. Also helpful is the recognition of the frustrations, failures, anger: don’t quit: use your “power and courage, and that’s called GRIT.” 

Full color illustrations show a piglet who’s not ready, not big enough, or good enough to do various activities. Plenty of white space and large, black font spaces out the rhyming text.

This is more than perseverance; it’s about the need to sometimes wait as “It takes growing and doing, patience and time.”

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

The Greatest Showpenguin

The Greatest ShowpenguinThe Greatest Showpenguin by Lucy Freegard
Published by Pavilion Childrens GB on February 4, 2021
ISBN: 1843654687
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Poppy wasn’t afraid of falling off the trapeze or riding a unicycle; she was most afraid of telling her mother that she no longer wanted to perform in her penguin family’s age-old shows. 

There is usually a solution to every problem, and Poppy discovers she wants the magic of the show, but not as a performer. She becomes an organizer, helping interview new acts and be sure all the performers are in the right place at the right time.

Elementary students will recognize this lesson in belonging, finding one’s strengths, and how it takes people of many different skills for a group to be successful. Purchase recommended!

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

Lion Lullaby

Lion LullabyLion Lullaby by Kate Banks, Lauren Tobia
Published by Candlewick Press on January 25, 2022
ISBN: 1536209821
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Young lion cubs are gently encouraged to make their way home to their mother in this counting book for preschool listeners.  Dusk is coming to the savanna and each full spread page provides the various animals and situations lion cubs may encounter on their way back to their pride.  Wiggly cobras, braying zebras, bees and a herd of wildebeests provides distractions and activities for the cubs as the refrain gentle states, “Oh little lions, run along home.”  Tobia’s illustrations provide a variety of vegetation, animals and cute spunky, lion cubs.  This picture book lends itself to animal enthusiasts, preschool story times about lions or parents who want to impress going to bed in a subtle way.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library

four-stars