Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Mystery of the Monarchs

Mystery of the MonarchsThe Mystery of the Monarchs by Barb Rosenstock
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book tells the true story of Fred and Norah Urquhart and their quest to uncover the secrets of monarch migration. It begins with Fred as a young boy observing bugs and monarchs and ends with the Urquharts finally helping to discover the overwintering grounds of millions of monarchs in Mexico.

This is a great book for young scientists and would be a wonderful addition to a school classroom, especially if they were going to tag monarchs. The text is a bit dense and somewhat long so this book is best as a one-on-one read aloud or for readers 5 and older.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Lift, Mix, Fling

Lift, Mix, FlingLift, Mix, Fling!: Machines Can Do Anything by James Yang, Lola M. Schaefer
Published by Greenwillow Books on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 0062457101
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a fun and rhyming book that introduces the concept of machines to kids. From simple machines like levers, inclined planes, and wedges to more complex machines like hay balers, rockets, and cement trucks. The text is simple and does a great job of teaching kids that simple things are machines too. The digitally rendered illustrations are crucial for showing how the machines work and what they do. Recommended for story times, for readers 3 and up, and for a story/project combination program.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

A Beginner’s Guide to Being Human

A Beginner’s Guide to Being HumanA Beginner's Guide to Being Human by Andr� Ceolin, Matt Forrest Esenwine
Published by Beaming Books on October 18, 2022
ISBN: 1506481736
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“A Beginner’s Guide to Being Human,” written by Matt Forrest Esenwine and illustrated by Andre Ceolin, is a good, basic primer on how to be a friendly and positive person and what it means to be human. Each page gives tips and information about basic humanity like family (and that you don’t have to be related to be a family), being kind, and having feelings.

The text is fairly simple and the concepts are explained well and is written for children aged 4-8. The illustrations are large and bright and make the book inviting. If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel positive about humanity, this is a good addition to your collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME 04092.

four-stars

5000 Awesome Facts (About Animals)

5000 Awesome Facts (About Animals)5,000 Awesome Facts About Animals by National Geographic Society
Published by National Geographic Kids on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1426372612
Pages: 224
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction, Nonfiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

National Geographic Kids will rope in curious children with 5000 Awesome Facts (About Animals). In the back matter it says putting this book together was a bit like doing a jigsaw puzzle and it reads the same way. Each 2-page spread contains anywhere from 1-100 facts alongside beautiful, photographs and images. Some pages are very text heavy which may limit the interest for some readers. The book, however, is very well produced, as we’ve come to expect from National Geographic, and readers need not travel far to find a page with more of what they like. Topics range from “Social Media Pets”, to gorillas, to “Creature Couples”, to flightless birds, to “Animals That Can Take the Heat” (like tardigrades and camels) and more. The back matter includes an index, credits and citations, and a “behind the book” section.

Unfortunately, like many fact books, this one is not made of the most solid construction. The binding is sewn and some pages were breaking with just one adult gently reviewing the book. These kinds of books circulate heavily and need kevlar bindings! This would be an especially big hit with 2nd-5th graders for an individual check out. 

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, MSAD#17 Librarian

four-stars

The Girl Who Built an Ocean

The Girl Who Built an OceanThe Girl Who Built an Ocean: An Artist, an Argonaut, and the True Story of the World's First Aquarium by Jess Keating, Michelle Mee Nutter
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on October 25, 2022
ISBN: 0593305116
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a beautifully illustrated biography of Jeanne Villepreux-Power, who started out designing and sewing in-demand dresses but soon found her calling as a naturalist. After moving to the Mediterranean she discovered the beauty of ocean life and loved collecting and studying specimens. Some of the specimens proved too elusive, though, so Villepreux-Power designed the world’s first aquarium. With her new aquarium Villepreux-Power studied argonauts to find out how their papery shells formed.

While I would have loved to see some of the trial and error that goes in to inventing a water tight glass box, this is a solid, eye-catching biography that will do well in a library or classroom.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A story of food, family, and freedom.

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A story of food, family, and freedom.Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A Story of Food, Family, and Freedom by Glenda Armand, Steffi Walthall
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593486145
Pages: 40
Genres: Cultural / African American
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Young food historians will enjoy the description and history of nine year old Frances’ family’s New Year’s meal. Each dish is tied to the culinary contributions that Frances’ ancestors made to our country while enslaved and Frances’ grandparents explain how each recipe came to be. The pages are full of admiration and appreciation for the dishes that were created and have been passed down from generation to generation. The meal becomes a way to honor ancestors and tradition while enjoying family on New Year’s day.

This would be a good classroom or read aloud book and features sidebars about the Atlantic Slave Trade and some specific ingredients. It also has a lovely author’s note, further reading suggestions, and a recipe for pralines!

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

The Power of Architecture

The Power of ArchitectureThe Power of Architecture: 25 Modern Buildings Around the World by Annette Roeder, Pamela Baron
Published by Prestel Junior on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 3791375148
Pages: 64
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This nonfiction book shows 25 modern buildings from around the world. From Olympic stadiums to memorials to factories, this book takes you on a journey to places many have never seen. The reader will learn how and why different buildings were created. The detailed illustrations aim to show the magnitude of these buildings. There are not a lot of children’s books about architecture out there and this one would be good for middle grade readers. Not a must have, but an interesting read.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

three-stars

Standing in the Need of Prayer

Standing in the Need of PrayerStanding in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual by Carole Boston Weatherford, Frank Morrison
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on September 20, 2022
ISBN: 0593306341
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This deeply moving book takes the reader from 1916 to today in a beautifully illustrated riveting way. This story takes the reader from the arrival of enslaved people in Jamestown through emancipation, from segregation to Black Lives Matter. The way the text repeats the line “Standing in the need of prayer” multiple times on every page gives the book the feel of a call and response prayer. This book is highly recommended for every classroom and library for grades 2-12.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

five-stars

The Animal Toolkit

The Animal ToolkitThe Animal Toolkit: How Animals Use Tools by Steve Jenkins, Robin Page
Published by Clarion Books on August 30, 2022
ISBN: 0358244447
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This nonfiction animal book teaches the reader about various animals who use tools in the wild. The unique torn and cut paper collage illustrations add amazing detail to the informative text. This book will capture the readers attention from the first page and teach them so many interesting facts. Perfect for animal lovers in grades 2-5. A great addition to any bookshelf.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

Where We Live: Mapping Neighborhoods of Kids Around the Globe

Where We Live: Mapping Neighborhoods of Kids Around the GlobeWhere We Live: Mapping Neighborhoods of Kids Around the Globe by Margriet Ruurs, Wenjia Tang
Published by Kids Can Press on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 1525301373
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

On the left page, there is a scenario of one of 16 children’s neighborhoods in mostly little-known countries that will enlighten readers’ understanding of global cultures. The right-side page is an accompanying map of the neighborhood that was featured. While the vignettes are strong, the maps were difficult to understand. Readers will learn a lot about different countries while reading this book, but might have to look up more information on a computer, such as the types of medicines obtained from coconut trees. An interesting book about cultures, but not a great introduction to maps. For readers in grades 3-6.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars