Format: Picture Book Fiction

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

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