Format: Picture Book Fiction

Brave Every Day

Brave Every DayBrave Every Day by Patrice Barton, Trudy Ludwig
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0593306376
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

It isn’t easy being brave, especially when you are always surrounded by worries. Camila is always worrying. Whether it be school, home, or outside playing, Camila’s anxiety constantly gets in the way. She doesn’t think of herself as being brave however, when she unexpectedly encounters another worrying classmate during an aquarium field trip, Camila pushes herself to find the bravery inside her to help her friend. From the creators of The Invisible Boy, this book addresses the anxiety that many children encounter throughout their daily lives. The digitally-painted pencil sketch illustrations show a diversity of children and the end includes discussion questions and related books. A nice selection to help young readers in grades K-1 learn about the anxiety they and/or their peers may be experiencing.

Reviewed by Regan Parker, Buxton Center Elementary School/MSAD 6

four-stars

Meow

MeowMeow by Chris Raschka
Published by Greenwillow Books on May 31, 2022
ISBN: 006304935X
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In this delightful picture book, author/illustrator Chris Raschka shows the many meanings of a cat’s meow! A persistent cat, Marigold, meows her way through her day, with her many meows ranging from feeling content after a loving rub from her owner, to the hurt and fear after later being accidentally stepped on by her distracted owner. As Marigold meows her way through the day, the accompanying charming watercolor illustrations give readers an understanding of the meaning behind each meow. Aside from a small amount of dialogue at the end, this book is told entirely through multiple variations of the sound meow. In addition to the watercolor illustrations, the text is also done in watercolor, adding to the sweet charm of this book. A lovely story that many cat enthusiasts will relate to!
Recommended for Grades K-1

Reviewed by Regan Parker, Buxton Center Elementary School/MSAD 6

four-stars

Not Yet, Yeti

Not Yet, YetiNot Yet, Yeti by Bethany V. Freitas, Maddie Frost
Published by Clarion Books on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 035845025X
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

An excited Yeti, wearing a cute unicorn backpack and red sneakers, happily begins his first day of school! As he eagerly tries new things and makes new friends, he discovers, when he struggles to write his name, that he isn’t as good at everything as he would like to be. Although discouraged about this, Yeti finds support from his teacher, who reminds him that he can try again later, and encouragement from his helpful classmates as he tries to navigate the struggles of school. Using fun, bold illustrations and a bit of humor, Not Yet, Yeti shows how support and encouragement can go a long way when helping someone who is facing struggles when trying something for the first time. This book will be a nice choice for teachers of younger grade levels (particularly kindergarten) as they are helping students navigate all the new challenges that school brings!

Reviewed by Regan Parker, Buxton Center Elementary School/MSAD 6

three-stars

Hundred Years of Happiness

Hundred Years of HappinessHundred Years of Happiness by Thanhha Lai, Kim Lien, Nguyen Quang
Published by HarperCollins on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0063026929
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In this sweet, tender, emotional picture book overarching themes of love, family, grandparents, and the challenges of memory loss prevail as does the caring relationship between a young Vietnamese girl and her grandparents; especially the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. All of this caring is wrapped around the need to spark a memory – any memory – for An’s grandmother. The text is lyrical and filled with references to a particular Vietnamese fruit – the orange/red gac fruit. Both An and her grandfather hope to sprout, plant, and nurture the seeds for this fruit in hopes of returning Ba’s memory to a place of when she and Ong pledged to one another “the hundred years of happiness” on the day they were married.

The illustrations are vivid, yet soft and lovely. The wrap-around cover art sets the stage with its visuals of what’s to be told once the book is open. The facial expressions of each family member evoke tenderness, sadness, astonishment, joy and bring to life each person as they work hard to achieve a brief moment of hope, the return of Ba’s memory. At the same time, all of this is woven around the life cycle of gac seedlings, planting, vine growth, cooking, eating, and delighting in the deliciousness of a tasty memorable dish.

It is a lovely story that will most likely have you wiping a tear or two from your eyes, especially when Ong “blinks moisture” while watching as his beloved Ba eats her bowl of gac fruit with sticky rice.

There is A Note from the Author on the last page spread. It contains a short memorable recollection of a time when she traveled to Viet Nam and sampled gac fruit. Also included is a beloved recipe from the illustrator, Kim Lien’s mother, for Gac Sticky Rice.

Recommended for grades 2-4
Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Library

four-stars

Girl Dad

Girl DadGirl Dad by Sean Williams, Jay Davis
Published by HarperCollins on March 22, 2022
ISBN: 0063113635
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A picture book celebration of #GirlDads everywhere by The Dad Gang CEO, Sean Williams! The story is a fun read-aloud with simple text wrapped around daily activities of what young girls love most; princess and fairy costume dress-up, hair bows, dancing, ballet, tea parties, star gazing, and art. Girl Dad is a picture book that honors the strong men who raise, love, and uplift strong girls. It is evident through the text and illustrations that the theme of spending time together – father & daughter – is joyous and together takes center stage in this worthy celebration of proud dads who love and support their daughters.

The illustrations are vivid, colorful, and show a lot of actionable movement. Together the text and art build a fatherly portrait that simultaneously embraces and expands upon traditional dad types, while wrapping itself around each daily life event in a cheerful celebration. The facial expressions of the characters are lively depicting many emotions – tenderness to astonishment to joy – and truly brings the story to life.

There is no Author’s Note, however a brief statement on the front book flap says: “From the founder and CEO of The Dad Gang and debut illustrator Jay Davis comes a heartfelt celebration of fathers and their daughters.” https://thedadgang.com/ “To Change the Way the World Views Black Fatherhood”.

Ages 4-8

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Library

three-stars

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