Format: Picture Book Fiction

Sometimes People March

Sometimes People MarchSometimes People March by Tessa Allen
Published by Balzer + Bray on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 0062991183
Pages: 32
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Sometimes People March” is written and illustrated by Tessa Allen. The book shows different people marching or showing resistance for ideas that are important to them. It starts with ants marching and then bands marching, and then just regular people marching. The causes people are marching for are varied, from water protection to voting rights to saving the Earth. The People depicted in the book are all various ages and skin colors. Some people march standing up, while others may march in a wheelchair.

The second half of the book shows people resisting. People can use signs to share their personal stories or views of resistance. Resistance can be shown many ways: with voices, or art, or by kneeling. The overall theme of the book is that people are stronger when they march/resist together.

For kids aged 4 to 8, this informational picture book is a good purchase for most libraries. It showcases diversity and even includes historical information about the marches and figures depicted in the book art (and what page they are on).

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Mr. Brown’s Bad Day

Mr. Brown’s Bad DayMr. Brown's Bad Day by Alison Friend, Lou Peacock
Published by Nosy Crow on November 10, 2020
ISBN: 1536214361
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Mr. Brown’s Bad Day” is written by Lou Peacock and illustrated by Alison Friend. Mr. Brown is a tiger businessman who is very busy all the time. He always eats his lunch in a nearby park, but one day his important briefcase goes missing! He looks around and sees that a baby has grabbed his briefcase, so he chases after it and silly stuff happens!

The pictures are bright, bold, and funny. There is a lot going on in every picture and kids will want to spend time looking at each page. The situations Mr. Brown finds himself in just keep getting sillier and sillier and should get quite a few laughs.

For kids aged 2 to 5, this silly book is sure to be a winner. A recommended purchase for your bookshelf, especially if your kids like funny picture books.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Love is love: The journey continues

Love is love: The journey continuesLove Is Love: The Journey Continues (Love Around the World (2)) by Fatinha Ramos, Fleur Pierets
on Nov. 17, 2020
ISBN: 1644420260
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Love is love” is the sequel to Fleur Pieret’s “Love around the world.” Both are written by Pierets and illustrated by Fatinha Ramos. This book continues Fleur and Julian’s trip around the world to get married in many countries around the globe who allow same-sex marriage. In real life, Julian unfortunately passed away from cancer after their fourth wedding abroad, so Fleur is continuing with a fictional account of how the trip would have gone.

Ramos’ illustrations are gorgeous and manage to somehow include a lot of architectural and environmental detail without the pictures seeming too busy. The text feels a bit long at times, but often lacks details about each country other than facts about when they allowed same-sex marriage and how many couples have gotten married so far. However, Pierets does manage to convey the idea of same-sex marriage and love clearly to the children who are reading or having this book read to them. For LGBTQIA+ families and their allies, this book is uplifting and beautiful, if not perfect.

Written for kids age 4 to 8, I would not recommend it for a library’s picture book collection, but might fit well in a non-fiction section.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

Midnight Fair

Midnight FairThe Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, Mariachiara Di Giorgio
Published by Candlewick Press on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 153621115X
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I usually don’t love books with no words because I’m never sure how to read them to kids. That didn’t seem to matter with Midnight Fair, though, because my eight year old insisted that this book be nominated for Cream of the Crop (and I agree with him). There is an undeniable joy that comes through this book about woodland animals that enjoy a fair after the humans have called it a night. While the illustrations are not overly busy, it’s full of activity and every page has subtle, funny details that kids will love finding.  It’s an immediate mood boost and has one of my favorite endings of any picture book.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick

five-stars

Ellie’s Dragon

Ellie’s DragonEllie's Dragon by Bob Graham
Published by Candlewick Press on November 10, 2020
ISBN: 1536211133
Pages: 40
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Ellie’s Dragon” by Bob Graham is the story of a girl and her imaginary friend, a dragon, who she eventually outgrows. Her dragon then movies on to another young child who needs an imaginary friend. This book is a bit sad for the reader, as you watch Scratch the Dragon become more invisible as Ellie gets older. There are shades of Puff the Magic Dragon and Pete’s Dragon in this story with the bittersweet ending.

Illustrations are simple line and colored pencil drawings that burst with color. The pictures show Ellie slowly getting older and Scratch slowly fading as she needs him less.

Aimed at children aged 3 to 7, this book is not a must purchase for your collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

Peep and Ducky Sleepover

Peep and Ducky SleepoverPeep and Ducky Sleepover by David Martin, David Walker
Published by Candlewick Press on February 16, 2021
ISBN: 1536204544
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“Peep and Ducky Sleepover” written by David Martin and illustrated by David Walker, is the fourth installment in the “Peep and Ducky” series. You do not need to have read the other books in order to read this one. Peep, who appears to be a young bluebird, and Ducky, a duckling, have a sleepover planned! Ducky comes over to Peep’s house and gets a little nervous when his father leaves after dropping him off, but after hugs from Peep and Peep’s Momma, he is ready to play.

The illustrations are bright and simple, and the text has a fun rhyming scheme and a repeated phrase: “Lucky lucky lucky!” Kids will enjoy this read aloud and it can be used by caregivers of young children to prepare them for a sleepover away from home. Caregivers can show how Peep and Ducky go through the whole bedtime routine, including brushing their beaks and going to the bathroom before bed.

Written for kids age birth to three, this is not a must-buy for your collection, but a nice addition to a large picture book collection, or where bird picture books are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Quiet down, loud town

Quiet down, loud townQuiet Down, Loud Town! by Alastair Heim, Matt Hunt
Published by Clarion Books ISBN: 1328957829
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
What a way to start the day, with loud honking horns and chirping birds! Mr. Elephant’s day  has started out loudly and it’s only getting louder!  As he strolls through the town, he is met with barking dogs, clanking dishes, banging drums , noisy flip flops, along with clops, clinks, taps and pops. He’s is going to SNAP if the noise doesn’t STOP! Finally, he yells to the loud town to Quiet Down.  The animals in town are annoyed but they do quiet down and Mr. Elephant heads home for bed. Unfortunately, he can’t get to sleep…it’s just TOO quiet for him to sleep. So, he gets up and starts making all kinds of noises himself and falls asleep while snoring LOUDLY.  He is now waking up all the other animals with the loud noises coming from his apartment.  The animals confront him and he explains he didn’t MEAN to be so loud… and that maybe they didn’t either. The story ends with the elephant giving out free coffee to all his tired new friends.  The brightly colored mixed media illustrations are playful and engaging. Children aged four to seven will enjoy this picture book about a cranky elephant who gets what he thinks he wants… but  be careful what you wish for! This rhythmic tale would make a fun read aloud with all the various sounds. The story also opens up discussions on having different perspectives.  A strong addition for either public or school libraries. Reviewed by Terri Bauld,  Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library — Kennebunkport, ME.

four-stars

What Grew in Larry’s Garden

What Grew in Larry’s GardenWhat Grew in Larry's Garden by Kass Reich, Laura Alary
ISBN: 152530108X
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Larry is a gardener and a teacher – in real life! He used gardening to teach life skills. We could all take a lesson from him! In this story based on his life, he helps little next-door neighbor Grace some problems they encounter in trying to grow unusual vegetables.

Colorful gouache illustrations (Kass Reich) are adequate.

What grew in Larry’s garden? Much more than plants! Use this book for lots of life’s lessons!

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

five-stars

Peppa Pig and the Day of Giving Thanks

Peppa Pig and the Day of Giving ThanksPeppa Pig and the Day of Giving Thanks by Candlewick Press
Published by Candlewick Press on September 8, 2020
ISBN: 1536216607
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Fans of Peppa will enjoy joining her and her family on their outdoor fall walk, giving thanks to various things: clouds, flowers, apples, etc.  Daddy Pig running from the spider provides a bit of humor (which could also be an opportunity to discuss why spiders should be thanked instead of feared). When it starts raining, readers are also afforded the opportunity to look at such events from more than just their own dislike or inconvenience.

Colorful illustrations provide enough detail for preschoolers to stop and count or name, and perhaps segue into making a gratitude list or a walk around their own neighborhood.

Purchase for Peppa fans.

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

three-stars

When I Draw a Panda

When I Draw a PandaWhen I Draw a Panda by Amy June Bates
Published by Simon Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books on September 22, 2020
ISBN: 1481451480
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Is less-than perfect art OK? Is it the effort that matters? What if I “run out of space” or my “lines come out of our pencils and they are not going anywhere in particular”? This young girl loves to draw. Her not-perfect circles end up creating a panda, who then also draws his own way, and they end up with lines that “…are just going somewhere that makes up happy.”

Sparse text with illustrations combine for a full message of self-acceptance. 

Not to be missed – especially the cover under the dust jacket! Pair with “Ish” by Peter Reynolds.

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

five-stars