Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Out of this World: Star-Studded Haiku

Out of this World: Star-Studded HaikuOut of This World : Star-Studded Haiku by Matthew Trueman, Sally M. Walker
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536203564
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“Out of this World” is a non-fiction picture book that describes objects and phenomena in space through haiku poetry. Written by Sally M. Walker and illustrated by Matthew Trueman, this book covers topics ranging from the Big Bang to the Curiosity Rover and Hubble Telescope. The illustrations are a beautiful mix of various media and art methods. The detail in each image is amazing, with tiny pieces of wire and tinfoil used to create  the Eagle lander on the Moon, and bits of what appears to be sand or salt as the chunks of ice and rock that make up a planet’s rings.

The haiku poetry gives a brief intro to each subject, but the real star is the artwork. Further information including a glossary, links to explore, and brief descriptions of different objects in space, are included at the back of the book. This book is a good purchase where non-fiction picture books are popular, but is not a must-buy for your library collection.

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

three-stars

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for Women

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for WomenSanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women by Christine McDonnell, Victoria Tentler-Krylov
Published by Candlewick Press on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 153621129X
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

An outstanding biography of a women well known within the community service agencies of Boston, MA. Kip Tiernan learned to have compassion for those hungry and homeless at her grandmother’s knee. She went on to work in social service facilities and opened the first shelter for woman. The author introduces Tiernan as an extraordinary woman and continues the story with a full heart and hope filled pen. The illustrations perfectly complement the story line using a varied color pallet; as the years pass more color is introduced revealing the happiness of sharing within Rosie’s Place. Facial expressions and the gentle leaning in to listen to others fully illustrates the heart and love at this woman’s shelter.

The author has a personal relationship with Rosie’s Place, she speaks from experience. Sadly, the conditions in the 1930 and later are much like the homeless stories of our current time. This book is a valuable contribution to the children’s literary industry. If only every primary school, church and town hall had a copy of “Sanctuary “, society might see those around who need financial help, respect and health services. The back pages include more information about Tiernan and several of her inspirational quotes. Recommended purchase for all primary schools, public libraries and a great addition to Gr K – 3 classroom book collections.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

Celia Planted a Garden

Celia Planted a GardenCelia Planted a Garden: The Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island Garden by Gary D. Schmidt, Melissa Sweet, Phyllis Root
Published by Candlewick Press on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 1536204293
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This beautiful picture book tells the story of Celia Laughton Thaxyer, a poet and nature lover who spent much of her life bouncing between the mainland and Appledore Island. It begins with her childhood where her father was a lighthouse keeper, and follows through her married life where she spent much of her time longing for island life while raising a family on the mainland. She’s most famously known for her poem about gardens and her love of flowers, and the wildlife they attract, is the focus of this book. Melissa Sweet’s colorful mixed media illustrations really bring movement and life to the story. Each two page spread also features a some of Thaxter’s own writing artistically rendered. The story is text heavy so not recommended for the youngest readers. It is best for one on one sharing, perhaps followed by a walk through a garden to spot flowers and wildlife. Recommended for readers 5 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Inheritance: A Visual Poem

Inheritance: A Visual PoemInheritance: A Visual Poem by Elizabeth Acevedo, Andrea Pippins
Published by Quill Tree Books on May 3, 2022
ISBN: 0062931946
Pages: 48
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

***A note on format: this could probably best be described as a “picture book in verse”***

Elizabeth Acevedo is best known for her acclaimed novels in free verse (The Poet X, Clap When You Land), but she is also an award-winning spoken word poet – and her talents shine in Inheritance, a newly illustrated edition of one of her poems which crackles with energy and power even from the printed page. The volume could be described as a love letter, in the best possible way: a declaration of love for the hair which she is far too often told to “fix,” and of pride in her culture and history. At once a scathing critique of Eurocentric beauty standards and a celebration of self-love, this ode to hair as a symbol of identity is both deeply personal and fiercely political. Andrea Pippin’s accompanying art is bold and evocative, a perfect compliment to the text. Inheritance is appropriate for all ages, from children to adults.

As a note, the poem was originally called “Hair” and is available as a spoken word performance on YouTube; I would highly recommend providing a link to Acevedo’s reading, with a note on the book itself for patrons who might borrow it – both reading and watching it creates a stunningly multilayered and powerful experience.

Highly recommended for all libraries and for the Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library

five-stars

What’s Cooking in Flowerville: Recipes from Garden, Balcony or Window Box

What’s Cooking in Flowerville: Recipes from Garden, Balcony or Window BoxWhat's Cooking in Flowerville? by Felicita Sala
Published by Prestel Publishing Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

I wasn’t sure if this should be categorized as fiction or nonfiction, but it is primarily and informational book about gardening and a cookbook that tells a story of a neighborhood through gardening. Each month features a different member of the town and a recipe inspired by a fruit or vegetable. However, the seasons are geared more toward the mid-Atlantic region than Maine. The watercolor illustrations depict the yards, balconies, and rooftops in which diverse people of all ages and colors grow their gardens. The recipes are unique and might encourage young cooks to try something new to eat. The back pages of the book shares gardening terms and tools, various seeds, and when different fruits and vegetables are in season. A unique cookbook!

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

A Pandemic is Worldwide

A Pandemic is WorldwideA Pandemic Is Worldwide by Sarah L. Thomson, Taia Morley
Series: Science, let's read and find out
Published by HarperCollins on February 22, 2022
ISBN: 0063086263
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This nonfiction picture book takes the reader through the history of pandemics starting with the bubonic plague up through Covid 19. It describes the differences between an outbreak, an epidemic, and a pandemic. It also talks about steps people can take to keep germs from spreading and ending a pandemic. This book is informative and timely. It would be a good addition to your shelves. Recommended for grades 1-4.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75

three-stars

The Astronomer Who Questioned Everything

The Astronomer Who Questioned EverythingThe Astronomer Who Questioned Everything: The Story of Maria Mitchell by Laura Alary, Ellen Rooney
Published by Kids Can Press on May 3, 2022
ISBN: 1525303481
Pages: 36
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This biographical picture book tell the story of Maria Mitchell who was one of the most important women in astronomy. It talks about her childhood and how her father taught her. It shows how she grew up to discover a comet all the barriers she broke following her passions. The illustrations work well with the text. This would be a good addition to any elementary biography section.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75

three-stars

Animal Facts: By the Numbers

Animal Facts: By the NumbersAnimal Facts: By the Numbers by Steve Jenkins
Series: By the Numbers
Published by Clarion Books on June 14, 2022
ISBN: 0358470129
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Animal Facts: By the Numbers is one title in the “By the Numbers” series. This book draws readers in with its informative facts and infographics. It covers a wide range of animals and information and the infographics illustrate size differences along with other characteristics. The use of charts and graphs and timelines and maps are effective tools used in conveying the information presented. Readers of Guinness World Records or National Geographic informational texts will enjoy this title. Recommended for any non-fiction section in a public library or middle grade school library.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

A Rose Named Peace: How Francis Meilland Created a Flower of Hope for a World at War

A Rose Named Peace: How Francis Meilland Created a Flower of Hope for a World at WarA Rose Named Peace : How Francis Meilland Created a Flower of Hope for a World at War by Barbara Carroll Roberts, Bagram Ibatoulline
Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 1536208434
Pages: 48
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

An inspiring picture book biography that is placed in Europe during WWII. This book is a perfect compliment to texts which date from the same period of stress and conflict. A promising young self-taught botanist In France succeeded in cross pollinating two rose bushes to create a new rose. Known for its beauty, cuttings of this new rose were shipped to various countries. This nonfiction picture book goes on to speak about how WWII interfered with the development of non-vegetable plants which were needed to feed solders and the general population.

While the book is a pleasure to read and the illustrations are exquisite and detailed, the question of circulation remains in the mind of this reviewer. Certainly, this book belongs in collections of intermediate media centers and public libraries however it remains to be seen if young readers will be attracted to its content. A Rose Named Peace will not appeal to all young readers but will find a place with adults who are familiar with the species of rose. Several vital pieces of information are included in the afterword section. Readers will be introduced to the patent process, learn how the rose received its name, and can view a detailed diagram within the glossary. Include this book where juvenile biographies are collected for school projects, librarians could book talk when visiting local garden clubs or in discussing plant adaptations.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, Retired Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

How to Hear the Universe: Gaby Gonzalez and the Search for Einstein’s Ripples in Space-Time.

How to Hear the Universe: Gaby Gonzalez and the Search for Einstein’s Ripples in Space-Time.How to Hear the Universe: Gaby González and the Search for Einstein's Ripples in Space-Time by Patricia Valdez, Sara Palacios
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1984894595
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

How to Hear the Universe is the story of how Gaby Gonzalez picked up and continued working on Einstein’s theory of ripples in space-time. The picture book is engaging and brightly illustrated and is an inspiring scientific theory success story. My only reservation is that this theory is so complicated, I finished the books still not comprehending what a ripple in space-time really is, even after reading the helpful further reading in the back. What I chose to take away instead, was how amazing science is, in that a hundred years after a theory has been developed, it can be further explored. It’s such an wonderful collective of minds, and it’s always nice to be reminded that scientists don’t work in a bubble and that every theory or discovery leads to further theory and discovery, even if it’s a century later.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library

four-stars