Format: Picture Book Fiction

Everybody’s Tree

Everybody’s TreeEverybody's Tree by Barbara M. Joosse, Renée Graef
Published by Sleeping Bear Press on September 15, 2020
ISBN: 1534110585
Pages: 32
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

How does a small spruce seedling get to be the centerpiece of the city square on Christmas? This seasonal book describes 3 phases in points-of-view from the boy who first planted it, to the workers to select, transport, and set it up, and lastly, the tree speaks to the reader.

Overall it is a narrative, but in free-verse form with some rhyming, lots of descriptive words and phrases. Some of the phrases lack rhythm, but other places build anticipation and energy: “We creak around the corner, we chug up the hill, we’ll make it to the city-we will! We will!” Full color illustrations perfectly match the text. Bonus: the dust jacket glows in the dark!

Great addition to the holiday section, and could be used for descriptive language, adjectives, and to answer a youngster’s question, “How did that tree get here?”

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

four-stars

Outside in

Outside inOutside In by Deborah Underwood; Cindy Derby
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on April 14, 2020
ISBN: 1328866823
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Recommending for cream consideration.  In an ode to nature and being outside, Underwood weaves descriptions of how the Outside influences us in everyday ways enhanced and nuanced with the beautiful watercolor wash illustrations by Derby.  Following a dark haired girl from the car into the house, The Outside beckons  her (and us) with flashes through the window, “tap-taps on the roof” and smells.  It feeds us, clothes us, provides a natural clock and steals inside with the help of spiders, bugs and snails.  The illustrations demand more than one reading to see the changes in space, details and the emotion within each scene.  Underwood uses the simple amount of text to entice readers to think about how the outside calls to us and the girl goes outside to nature in the end.  Satisfying, thought- provoking and art inspiring.  Suitable for readers in prek-3.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services, Springvale Public Library

 

five-stars

The Yellow Square of Stonewall

The Yellow Square of StonewallThe Yellow Square of Stonewall by Sonny Dean
ISBN: 0578527359
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

All children understand that shapes fit in different places because of a popular baby toy full of multi colored shapes.   The use of simple and colorful illustrations will attract the attention of young readers and pre-readers.  Dean handles a heartbreaking real-life story in a soft manner that is sure to appeal.  While the book is simple, it deals with huge issues of exclusion and inclusion that many people can relate to in our society.  Even children know that being different is difficult, this paperback book helps to explain reality.  Certainly, young children will feel the pain and fear as well as the celebration of acceptance.

Consider for public libraries and gift to families of primary school age children.  There may be some schools that will take issue with this book but it belongs on library shelves.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.

four-stars

AAAligator!

AAAligator!AAAlligator! by Andrea Stegmaier, Judith Henderson
Published by Kids Can Press on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 1525301519
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

There’s a boy who likes to walk in the forest, and one day, he comes across an alligator. The alligator is stuck in a twisty vine so the boy brings the alligator food. Once he’s able to free the alligator, it comes to his house in the night because it’s lonely. The boy and the alligator become friends and eventually, the townspeople warm up to him too….except the mayor.

This is a sweet story of community, friendship, and how we treat those that are different from us. The story is a bit long so it’s better for a bit older readers, and there’s the implication that the mayor gets eaten. Sensitive kids might find that part scary. The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and will engage young readers. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Dot, Unplugged

Dot, UnpluggedDot Unplugged by Randi Zuckerberg, The Jim Henson Company
Published by Candlewick Press on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 153620983X
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Everyone in Dot’s family is busy and plugged in — video games, circuit board building, computer work, etc. No one has time to play with Spark, the dog — then the power goes out. Dot and her brother are lost as to what they can do without power. Their parents suggest they find some games to play that don’t require electricity. They end up having a great time and enjoying each other’s company and creativity.

This book is a great reminder to unplug devices and check in with people. The diverse family plays a game similar to charades, and my only complaint is that most of the things they make or do revolve around things that *do* require electricity. The text is easy to follow, the illustrations are high contrast color and will keep kids engaged. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME.

three-stars

Why Do We Cry?

Why Do We Cry?Why Do We Cry? by Ana Sender, Fran Pintadera
ISBN: 1525304771
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A boy and his mother sit on a park bench, and she notes he’s been quiet all morning. The boy then asks, “…why do we cry?” His mother takes him through a litany of reasons we all cry: sadness, anger, injury, and eventually happiness.

This is a wonderful book for kids learning to process emotions. I love that throughout, tears and crying are seen as cathartic and healthy. Never is crying shamed or perceived as a negative thing. The illustrations are colorful and really help bring the emotions and situations associated with crying to life. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Kit and Kaboodle Take the Train

Kit and Kaboodle Take the TrainKit and Kaboodle Take the Train (Highlights Puzzle Readers) by Michelle Portice, Mitch Mortimer
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

In this Level 2 early reader, Kit (a cat) and her friend Kaboodle (a mouse) want to visit Sillyville, but they’re not sure how to get there. They ask the reader to discover how by giving hints as to what sounds they may hear in Sillyville. They prepare, pack, and head off on their journey. This is a great book for new readers. There are simple sentences with a few more tricky words thrown in to help push reading development along. Throughout the book, the colorful and detailed illustrations double as search-and-finds which will help keep new readers motivated to keep going. Recommended for readers 5 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Lubaya’s Quiet Roar

Lubaya’s Quiet RoarLubaya's Quiet Roar by Marilyn Nelson, Philemona Williamson
Published by Dial Books on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 0525555552
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A sensitive and gentle story that depicts current events in society.  A quiet girl, Lubaya is a budding artist who sees and listens to others without contributing verbal comments.  Her response to negative historic events is to draw what is within her heart.   The story offered by Nelson is powerful even as the protagonist is quiet and the illustrations stretch the storyline.  Each page is covered in intense colors implying the magnitude of the subject matter.  This is a story about a family who are aware of current events and takes part in peaceful demonstrations.  There will be readers who have their eyes opened to some of the reasons individuals and families take to the street in protest of American society.

Add Lubaya’s Quiet Roar to primary school media centers and to public libraries.    Consider purchase for places of worship and as a gift to families who advocate for social justice.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.

four-stars

Window

WindowWindow by Marion Arbona
ISBN: 1525301365
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book grew on me from beginning to end. I was impressed with the illustrations immediately but I wasn’t too drawn in and neither were my kids. By the end of it, though, we were all really excited to see what was behind each window and the discussion of each page got more enthusiastic. Each page is a window that opens up to reveal what a child is imagining lives behind it. The final page combines all of the previous pages and we were excited to go back to make more connections and find things we had missed.

It’s wordless, black and white, and will definitely appeal to fans of Edward Gorey. This might be a great book for kids who enjoy the I Spy or Where’s Waldo series. It doesn’t ask you to find anything but you just can’t get help it.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Emily Writes: Emily Dickenson and Her Poetic Beginnings

Emily Writes: Emily Dickenson and Her Poetic BeginningsEmily Writes: Emily Dickinson and Her Poetic Beginnings by Christine Davenier, Jane Yolen
Published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1250128080
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars
The author imagines what Emily Dickenson’s early childhood was like growing up with a mother who often took to her bed in the afternoons and a stern father who only read on Sundays. Emily had a younger sister and an older brother. She was fascinated with writing, words, and nature. The colorful ink and watercolor illustrations add to the charm of this well written story. The author’s note offers much information about Emily and her family. After the author’s note there are short samples of Dickenson’s poetry and a bibliography. Yolen’s work about this famous American poet is creative and inspiring. Recommended for ages 5-8.

Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars