Format: Picture Book Fiction

THE SECRET GARDEN

THE SECRET GARDENThe Illustrated Secret Garden: 100th Anniversary Edition with Special Foreword by Anna Clark, Charles Robinson, Frances Hodgson Burnett
Published by HarperCollins ISBN: 1950435989
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A lovely adapted version of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic book, ‘The Secret Garden.”  This picture book is for young readers – ages 4-8.  It is an easily read, straight forward rendition accompanied by lush, colorful illustrations  by the Swedish illustrator and designer, Adelina LIrius.

This is  the story of a lonely child, Mary Lennox, who was moved into  Misselthwaite Manor in Northern England. Mary hates the cold dreary Manor, until  an old gardener tells her about  a hidden, secret garden. And soon, a  Robin helps Mary to  discover the key that unlocks the  the  ancient  and  unkept garden.  One day, Mary hears cries coming from one of the manor bedrooms and searches to discover a young boy, Colin, (brother  of Martha, the maid, who is sick and weekly.)  Mary brings him to the garden in his wheelchair  for fresh air and sunshine.  A  transformation occurs in the children  while working together  to  bring the old garden back to  life.  And slowly, as the  new garden  emerges, so does a new friendship between Mary and Colin.

Great for when studying classic literature with children.  A beautiful  read aloud with beautiful engaging artwork.

 

Reviewed By Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

five-stars

THE STARS JUST UP THE STREET

THE STARS JUST UP THE STREETThe Stars Just Up the Street by Christine Davenier, Sue Soltis
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 0763698342
Genres: Adventure, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“”The Stars Just Up the Street,” is a sweetly told picture book about a Mabel who loved to watch   the 37 stars she could count  from  her backyard.  When Mabel shares this fact with Grandpa, he recalls  memories  of his own childhood in the prairies where he was able to view thousands of stars.   Grandpa and Mabel climb the hill “just up the street” where Mabel is able to count 103 stars.   On their walk through town, Mabel had noticed that many houses and porches were brightly lit!  Mabel then has an idea. “Maybe people would turn off their lights!  But The townspeople protest until Mabel is to convince them  ( all but the mayor, that is) to all come outside and see for themselves.  Finally she sends the mayor an email saying,  “When was the last time you saw thousands of stars?” And suddenly,  recalling  her own childhood  –  “lying on a striped blanket under the darkest of summer skies, she had tried to count them all.- the mayor types back, “Let’s give it a try!”

A fun read when studying the night sky.  Pastel watercolors lend an air of nighttime and gentleness to the story about a grandfather sharing with his granddaughter.

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME

four-stars

Brian Wildsmith’s animal Gallery

Brian Wildsmith’s animal GalleryBrian Wildsmith's Animal Gallery by Brian Wildsmith
on February 1, 2010
ISBN: 1536212350
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a true picture book!  done in colored pencil, chalk, watercolor and goache, the animal groups are depicted in their groups, with the only text being the collective nouns by which the groups are identified. Some are familiar, ” a pride of lions” and some are not as familiar, ” a game of swans, a siege of herons, an ambush of tigers.” It is stunning in the art, vibrant,double page offerings that keep the reader wanting to see what the next page brings. It is also fun to figure out why each group has been identified as they have. simple in its presentation, it can be read again and again. Use in animal units and in art classes.

“Wildsmith’s illustrations were a;ways as important as his text.” Michael Rosen’s reaction when first seeing his work. ” Floods of color exploding across the pages with a name to match.” I remember feeling envious: why hadn’t I had books as wild and lush as these.”

grades pre-k thru 2.     Consider for Cream

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

five-stars

The Moon Keeper

The Moon KeeperThe Moon Keeper by Zosienka
Published by HarperCollins on March 10, 2020
ISBN: 0062959522
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Emile gets a letter from the night creatures, and he learns they’ve chosen him to be the new moon keeper. He’s thrilled and excited for his new job, and he enjoys his time with the moon even though it is a solitary existence. One day, he notices the moon is getting smaller. He didn’t anticipate this problem, and he’s unprepared to stop it from disappearing altogether. Wise words from a feathered friend give him renewed hope and a positive outlook for the future.

This is a gorgeously illustrated picture book, and the message is a good one as well. The illustrations are colorful and detailed paintings, and they really help bring the story to life. The message of things coming and going in life is a good one that while presented mostly metaphorically, is laid out quite clearly by the end. Recommended for kids 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

No More Naps!

No More Naps!No More Naps!: A Story for When You're Wide-Awake and Definitely NOT Tired by Chris Grabenstein, Leo Espinosa
Published by Random House on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1524771287
Pages: 40
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

A spunky toddler prefers shrieking to napping so a bedraggled father pushes her through town in a stroller. The townspeople are eager to “take” her nap instead until Annalise is the only one who is not asleep. A humorous book with comical cartoonish illustrations that depict a diverse group of townspeople and animals. A fun book to share with toddlers and preschoolers, although some parents may consider the child’s behavior inappropriate and not want to their children to emulate it.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

I Believe I Can

I Believe I CanI Believe I Can by Grace Byers, Keturah A. Bobo
Published by Balzer + Bray on March 3, 2020
ISBN: 0062667130
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

This book reminded me much to a book that I read in the 1980s to my own children, but the title eludes me. That said, there is nothing new here in that it features kids using cardboard boxes to feed their imagination, plant gardens, bake a cake (epic failure), and failure to stop a soccer ball. However, the illustrations shine by the inclusion of children with varying abilities, religions, genders, body types, and racial features. It’s hard to argue with the sentiment of empowerment and self-acceptance, but text is mostly clichés and uninspiring.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

two-stars

Happy Hair

Happy HairHappy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe
Published by Delacorte Press, Doubleday Books for Young Readers on October 22, 2019
ISBN: 1984895540
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

I loves this book, it shows all the different hair styles of African American people. Even though it is published in 2014, it is very relevant in today’s world. A new law is even being considered regarding this topic of beauty and hair in this culture. Great book!

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

four-stars

Five Fuzzy Chicks

Five Fuzzy ChicksFive Fuzzy Chicks by Diana Murray, Sydney Hanson
Published by Imprint on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 125030122X
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Five baby chicks are determined to have some fun before bed in a rhyming farm story with counting elements.
It's time for bed, but these five chicks are full of energy!
They race out of the coop to visit all of the other animals. But the dog is so snuggly and the hay is so comfy, and these five fuzzy chicks can't help but fall asleep one by one.
Before long, the sleeping chicks are scattered all over the farm! What will Mama Hen do?

The animal faces in this bedtime story are the high point of the book.  Each farm animal appears angelic and curious about the five little chicks and each is willing to share their space for a nap.  The story line is simple and repetitive, perfect for a concept book intended for the preschool audience.   Hanson has followed the rhyming text and brought the characters to life.   The mixed media of pencil and watercolors adds dimension to the pages.  This reader is reminded of the wonderful pig illustrations by Chris Van Dusen in the Mercy Watson series.   Parents and grandparents are bound to enjoy sharing this bedtime book with the little ones in their lives.  Preschool – grade 1 teachers will find the text perfect for some of the budding readers in their classrooms as the font is clear and the type size is acceptable.

Add this to rural and city public libraries, include in early classroom collections and gift to toddlers who run from bedtime even when tired.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

Going UP!

Going UP!Going Up! by Charlene Chua, Sherry J. Lee
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525301136
Genres: Adventure
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

An elevator ride to a birthday party turns into a shared experience bursting with joy in this multicultural story about community, togetherness and the special feeling of belonging.
Today is Olive's birthday party, and Sophie and her dad have baked cookies. Sophie's dad holds the platter so Sophie can push the elevator button for the tenth floor. But on the way up, the elevator stops to let the Santucci brothers get on. Then on the next floor, Vicky, Babs and their dog, Norman, get in. And as the elevator ascends, it keeps stopping, and more neighbors squeeze in to the crowded space: the Habibs, the Flores family, Mr. Kwan, Vi Tweedle with her Chihuahua, Minx. Everyone is going to the party!
Playfully combining the excitement and anticipation of a party with children's universal love of riding in elevators, Sherry J. Lee's picture book story is ultimately about community and a sense of belonging. With characters from many cultural backgrounds, it showcases the everyday diversity that many urban children experience. Charlene Chua's illustrations provide loads of funny details and visual narratives that aren't in the text, making for a multilayered reading experience. The book's tall, narrow trim size adds to the effect of the rising elevator.

Receiving a birthday invitation, a father and daughter prepare by baking cookies.  The surprise for rural children will be the elevator ride as a means of transportation, but wait there is a bigger surprise in the end.     The story line is simple and easily identifiable by all ages but the illustrations bring the magic of city life to young readers.  A little magic may be sprinkled into the text and illustration as this reader believes the elevator becomes larger as it makes its way to the 10th floor.  Character development is not the intent but Sophie is one of the many charming neighbors who vary is size, age and appearance.  Certainly, the two-page spread of the 8th floor is a winner but wait till they all reach the 10th floor.  The illustrations alone tell a large part of this bright and happy story.  Look for all the live and illustrated animals on clothing pieces.

Such a good birthday book that includes diversity, friendship and celebration.   Prepare for a surprise ending.    Add to public libraries and gift to a loved one on their birthday.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton,  retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

The Music of Life

The Music of LifeThe Music of Life by Louis Thomas
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on February 18, 2020
ISBN: 0374303150
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This is a really cute book. Louis, a composer, is lacking inspiration for writing a symphony when he begins to notice all the music in the noises that surround him. His cat, the street sweeper, a motorcycle, a jogger, etc. I love books that inspire people to notice the beauty and music in every day life. The illustrations are colorful and simple, and they are pocked with musical notes throughout. This book could be a great virtual read aloud followed by encouraging patrons to go out and explore the music around them. Recommended for children 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars