Format: Picture Book Fiction

The Peddler of Puddles

The Peddler of PuddlesThe Peddler of Puddles: A Heartwarming Story About an Inventor, Friendship, and Home for Children (Ages 4-8) by Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks on April 8, 2025
ISBN: 0063318342
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Peddler, an affable looking turtle,  pushes his puddle-making machine (equal parts wheelbarrow and Rube Goldberg contraption) along, creating puddles that become homes and play areas for delighted animals in the forest and children wherever he goes. Everyone he assists is left happy and fulfilled and it seems the Peddler is too, sporting red rain boots, a fetching straw hat and a friendly smile.

The Peddler has many friends but a nomadic life that seems an unremarkable part of his job (peddlers  seldom “(stay) in one place very long”). Then one day, the Peddler makes his way to the seashore, and is astonished by the sight of the ocean. There he meets a little girl with brown skin and brown hair  in a polka dot swimsuit. She is sandy from head to foot, and the Peddler tries to assist. His puddles all disappear into the sand but no matter, the new friends go down to the water’s edge and enjoy the wonderful experience of playing in the waves.

When it’s time for the little girl to leave for home, the Peddler is despondent with the knowledge that he does not have a place to call his own. Ferry’s description and Lichtenheld’s illustrations work well together here to share the Peddler’s overwhelming feeling of being untethered and alone, as he tries and fails to push his puddle-making cart through the sand.

The Peddler has given up and sits defeated in the sand, when all the animals with whom he has shared his marvelous puddles, appear at the shoreline. They help him move his machine through the sand, and lead him back to the forest, where they have dug a large hole just right for a puddle-making contraption to turn into a pond and a home.

The Peddler dismantles the machine and converts it into a charming cabin, and the pond becomes a place for the Peddler and all his friends to share. Maine families will appreciate this sweet story that ends with the Peddler and all his friends swimming, playing cards,  etc.  at a pond and cabin that will remind many of “camp”. A gentle reminder that sometimes our friends might need something they don’t know they’re missing.

Recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

four-stars

Little Red and Big, Bad Fred

Little Red and Big, Bad FredLittle Red and Big, Bad Fred by Ashley Belote
Published by Random House ISBN: 0593902432
Genres: Fairy Tale
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Follow big, bad Fred’s emotional growth journey from terrifying predator to snuggly best friend in this funny retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Fred is continually exasperated with Little Red, who first labels him a kitty, then obliviously thwarts all of Fred’s attack plans, all while showering the wolf with love. Fred’s frustration leads to confusion, acceptance, and finally love as he realizes how much Little Red adores him. This will be a hit with young fairy tale fans, and would be a fun read aloud choice.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Lolly on the Ice

Lolly on the IceLolly on the Ice by Sarah S. Brannen
Published by Random House ISBN: 0593711815
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Sports
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

As much as Lolly loves ice skating, the minute she gets in front of a crowd she shuts right down. After working up the muster to try out for a skating show,  Lolly is disappointed that she gets cast as an unmoving snowman.  When another skater hurts her ankle, Lolly steps up and gets her chance to shine as the skater she knows she can be.

Setting aside the discomfort of Lolly’s opportunity appearing thanks to another child’s injury, this book would be helpful for children who are feeling any kid of performance anxiety, or are worried about attempting something new.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Oh No, Ojò

Oh No, OjòOh No, Ojó! by Alaba Onajin
Published by Random House Studio on July 15, 2025
ISBN: 0593805720
Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Ojò loves to draw and his mama thinks his drawings make their home a more beautiful place. Ojò needs to learn where he can color and where he can’t when his Papa brings him a new set of markers and Ojò thinks the walls make a wonderful canvas for his art and he draws everywhere in and around their home!
In their search for a solution big sister Oge brings him a pad of paper and Mama can hang his art on the walls.
Based on the author's own childhood.

Ages 4-6
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars

The Boy, the Troll & the Chalk

The Boy, the Troll & the ChalkThe Boy, the Troll & the Chalk by Anne Booth, David Litchfield
ISBN: 1536243973
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

The Boy, the Troll & the Chalk

Anne Booth. Illustrated by David Litchfield

 

This picture book for ages 3-7 is about a big fierce troll who lived in the cave.
“Leave me alone!” it yelled. And everyone did leave the troll alone, except for a red-headed boy who brought some chalk up to the mouth of the cave and drew a flower with every petal colored in but one. The boy leaves the chalk behind and next day, he finds that the flower has been completed. Day by day, the troll finishes the boy’s drawings, until they each draw self-portraits holding hands. The boy tells the troll that he isn’t a big scary troll at all, but rather a boy just like him. The two boys start drawing together and soon all the other children gather to join in and draw with chalk. Everyone forgets that there was a troll inside the cave. This is a sweet story about patience, friendship, and the power of shared art. Unfortunately, the reader never learns why the “troll” was so isolated and despondent, which detracts from building empathy and understanding.

3 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

three-stars

Punch!:A Story About Kindness

Punch!:A Story About KindnessPunch!: A Story About Kindness – A Funny Picture Book About Empathy and Bullying for Kids (Ages 4-8) by Michael Hall
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks on 2025
ISBN: 0062866214
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Before the story even begins, readers may find themselves wondering why the author titled  a story about kindness, “Punch!” The inside front cover directs the reader to “look at the pictures very carefully” and notes, “Some words have more than one meaning.” The copyright pages shows Badger and Snaily sharing good times in a  series of snapshots .

Badger, the main character, bursts onto the first page of the story, “looking for trouble”, angry and red in the face. Pulling a wagon carrying among other things, a shovel and pitchfork, he  proceeds to physically hurt Elephant, Bear,  Frog and Moose, without provocation or explanation.

The blocky cut out characters on a white background, allow us to focus on the animals’ facial expressions and the undercurrents of what is left unsaid. The friends are understandably bewildered and make a three-part plan to “teach (Badger) a lesson”.

In Part 1, as Badger digs a hole,  Bear approaches  him with “Punch!” (to drink); in Part 2, Badger smooths a pile of dirt and is surprised by Moose and Frog, who give Badger a “Belt!” and “Sock!” (to wear). Part 3 shows Badger placing flowers on a gravestone for his friend Snaily and Elephant “really let(ting) Badger have it” . . . .  a “Slug!” (to care for). Readers will enjoy the way the story plays with the double meaning of the action words that turn into symbols of tenderness and empathy, even as they feel distress at understanding that Snaily has died.

As Badger accepts the compassion his friends are showing him, and allows them to support him in his grief over losing Snaily, something in him loosens and allows Badger to return the kindness.

This would be a positive  story for families to read together to discuss empathy and an  important life lesson:  sometimes we lash out when we’re in pain and friends can choose to respond in kind, or with kindness.  Punch!may  need an immediate second reading for young readers to synthesize the story’s words with its images and message.

Recommended for public school libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

four-stars

The Baby who Stayed Awake Forever

The Baby who Stayed Awake ForeverThe Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever by Sandra Salsbury
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers ISBN: 0593805879
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This  funny, relatable story for families with new babies, is perfect for bedtime. Follow along hour to hour as Mom, Dad and big sis try everything to get the baby to sleep, from good night kisses to pacifiers to cuddles. Nothing works.Even Mr. Neighbor wonders if the baby is going to stay awake forever.

Using humor that older siblings and parents will relate to,  the reader is privvy to baby’s thoughts. Her master plan is to stay awake forever, exploring the wonders of the universe, jumping “fifty times in a row. Or one hundred times. Nobody knows, because babies can’t  count.”

The illustrations are playful and alternate through full-page spreads, vignettes, panels and close-ups of Baby and family as she flings binkies, probes Papa’s face, and revels in her nighttime hijinks.  Baby’s eyes are wide and round as saucers as  everyone else’s eyelids get heavier and heavier.

This would be a delightful addition to a public library collection.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

 

four-stars

The Beautiful Layers of Me

The Beautiful Layers of MeThe Beautiful Layers of Me by Ruchi Mhasane, Sophia Payne
ISBN: 1536242896
Genres: Cultural / African American, Emotions & Feelings, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Ameena is so excited, because today is her Auntie’s nikah, or wedding. Because of the special occasion, she is gifted with her first ever salwar kameez, and she loves the soft layers of floaty fabric. But, when her next-door neighbor Emily accidentally compliments Ameena’s “pajamas”, Ameena feels embarrassed and worried. Ameena goes to her room, fidgeting with her outfit, and accidentally picks a hole right through her kameez. Without time to spare, she changes into her favorite dress, only to regret the outfit change when seeing how beautiful her cousin Lisa looked in her matching salwar kameez. Saving the day, Babu repairs Ameena’s kameez right before the ceremony, and Ameena feels proud to wear it, and of her heritage. The illustrations are full of colorful, soft, and flowy layers, just like Ameena’s salwar kameez. This relatable tale would resonate with any child feeling embarrassed about being “different”. The writing also beautifully weaves in words of the Author’s Indo-Caribbean heritage. Recommended for ages 5 to 7 (Kindergarten to 1st grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Quentin Blake’s Fantastic Journeys: Fanciful Drawings & Surprising Situations

Quentin Blake’s Fantastic Journeys: Fanciful Drawings & Surprising SituationsQuentin Blake's Fantastic Journeys by Quentin Blake
ISBN: 1536245089
Genres: Arts
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Join beloved illustrator, Quentin Blake, on a journey through this fun collection of illustrations. The illustrations are grouped into themes such as “Trip Hazards” and “Deliveries from Elsewhere”. While not creating a storyline, this collection of quirky sketches and illustrations is sure to bring delight to readers of all ages. The style of Quentin Blake’s illustrations is also inspirational for artists at all ability levels, demonstrating that you can spark joy, create movement, tell a story, and elicit emotion without being “perfect”. Recommended for ages 7 to 9 (2nd to 4th grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story

So Many Years: A Juneteenth StorySo Many Years: A Juneteenth Story – A Radiant Picture Book about Black Resilience and Joy for kids (Ages 4-8) by Anne Wynter, Jerome Pumphrey
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks ISBN: 0063081148
Genres: Cultural / African American, History, Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A masterful picture book celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Anne Wynter and Jerome Pumphrey together have created a joyful celebration of a book that explains why Juneteenth is so important, for everyone, but especially Black Americans.

“How would you dress after so many years of mending your clothes with rags? 

How would you sing after so many years of writing in code? 

How would you eat after so many years of making your meals from scraps?”

There are not many lines in this book, but they are stunningly poetic and powerful. The colors of the acrylic paint brushstrokes are bright and celebratory. The pages do not shy away from the history of enslavement, however they are not too harsh for young readers. A must buy for picture book collections. Ages 4-8.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars