Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Climate Action

Climate ActionClimate Action: What Happened and What We Can Do by Seymour Simon
Published by HarperCollins on February 23, 2021
ISBN: 0062943316
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

What is climate change? What is it doing to our planet, and what can we do about it? These are the questions tackled in this short, picture-book format nonfiction book. The book is filled with real images of the effects of climate change as well as a lot of text exploring the different ways we can help alleviate the effects of climate change. Throughout, there are profiles of young people taking action, from Greta Thunberg to lesser known kids, young readers will relate to their desires to make a change. Recommended for readers 7 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Bei Bei Goes Home: A Panda Story

Bei Bei Goes Home: A Panda StoryBei Bei Goes Home: A Panda Story by Cheryl Bardoe
Published by Candlewick Entertainment on December 6, 2021
ISBN: 1536217638
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Who does not love a panda bear?  Bardoe’s book takes readers from the day Bei Bei was born at the Smithsonian Zoo in DC till  his arrival in China four years later.  Fantastic up-close photographs show how his mother Mei Ziang, scientists  and zoo staff cared for him.   Scientific, behavioral and dietary information is offered making this far more satisfying than an animal picture book.   Panda Facts are presented in data boxes on most pages, each provides additional research worthy material.  Beyond being a story about a loved animal, this book brings in the issues of animal endangerment, scientific research and international relations.

Although in the format of a picture book for ages 6-9 this nonfiction title will enchant readers of all ages.  Many of us were introduced to Bei Bei via the internet and some of us lucky ones visited during his developing years at the Smithsonian Zoo.  All of the photographs enhance the text and are sure to win many hearts. The use of red and green add a serious attitude and strike a perfect balance with the many black and white photographs.

Bei Bei Goes Home will fly off shelves in both public and school libraries.

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

five-stars

DEE and Apostrofee

DEE and ApostrofeeDee and Apostrofee by Judith Henderson, Ohara Hale
Published by Kids Can Press on October 5, 2021
ISBN: 1525303260
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Primary school teachers and their students will laugh throughout this silly concept book.   Dee is guilty of eating the letter E and replacing it with what she/he calls Apostrofee.  The graphic comic layout enhances the behavior of anthropomorphic letters who argue among themselves.    The stick figure art is sure to appeal to the primary grade audience.  Colors used for letters and text make the book bright and cheerful.

While the book reinforces rules of punctuation it will not circulate frequently in the public library.   It is a more appropriate purchase for grade K – 3 school media centers and for classroom collections.  Art teachers would appreciate a gifted copy of DEE and Apostrofee.

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

three-stars

Right Now! Real Kids Speaking Up For Change

Right Now! Real Kids Speaking Up For ChangeRight Now!: Real Kids Speaking Up for Change by Brittany Jackson, Miranda Paul
Published by Clarion Books on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 0358137322
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

A joyful, inspiring picture book that introduces readers to eleven young people from around the world who didn’t wait until they were grown to speak up about things that matter to them and change the world for the better, from an award-winning author and New York Times best-selling illustrator.
From climate activist Greta Thunberg to anti-bullying advocate Jaylen Arnold to peace activist Bana Alabed and more, these short profiles of young people and their causes will inspire readers to think about what matters most to them. An author's note, Actions to Make a Difference, and additional resources are also included, providing a roadmap for any kid who wants to make change and help others too.

Regardless of a person’s age they can and do make an impact on those around them and contribute to major change.  This collection of ten short biographies introduces readers to school age children from around the world who are not afraid to speak up.  The author has selected famous young activist like Greta Thunberg and less known change makers like five-year-old Sophie Cruz.  Each short profile is a snapshot of the compassion, concern and dedication these children have to their causes.  Paul offers a simple text for the younger reader and an informational box for more accomplished readers.   The attractive illustrations were made digitally and offer a view of the change maker in his/her/ their environment.  It is a little disconcerting however that almost all the people are depicted with smiling faces.

There is not enough content for a school assignment within these pages but Right Now! Is an great catapult for those who desire more information about children who speak up.   Add this to public library collections and shelve in primary school media centers.   This book is a wonderful gift as it expresses compassion for people and concern for the world; we need more of both.

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

four-stars

Bake, Make & Learn to Cook: Fun & Healthy Recipes for Young Cooks

by Atherton, David
Published by Candlewick Press Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
five-stars

From the front to the back cover this is an engaging cookbook which realizes it goals to encourage children to cook and to eat new foods. The author is a past winner of the Great British Baking Show who brings his enthusiasm, knowledge and creative ingredients to a cookbook for primary grade children.  The equipment list and cooking terms are placed at the beginning of the book as they should be.   Child chiefs are encouraged to try new ways to prepare old favorites and to experience healthy foods and snacks.

Beyond the encouragement, ingredient list and preparation steps provided by the author; the illustrator adds dimension and frolic to the text.  Her drawings of family members (in all sizes, shades and abilities) are whimsical and appealing.  Even the font is fun.  While the directions are necessary it is the little touches that add to the overall appearance. Color is used sparingly where it adds texture to the pages. Extensive use of white space makes the pages very readable.

This appealing and charming cookbook belongs in public libraries and makes an excellent gift to all families with young children.  Grandmothers are going to learn new healthy recipes while they enjoy cooking with their favorite little ones.

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

five-stars

Eye by Eye: Comparing How Animals See

Eye by Eye: Comparing How Animals SeeEye by Eye: Comparing How Animals See by Sara Levine, T.S. Spookytooth
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 1541538382
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Several children explore various types of eyes in a question and answer format. The book asks a question and the reader must turn the page for the answer and explanation. The conversational tone is welcoming yet informative. A unique fact that sets this book apart from other great  ‘animal eyes’ books for youngsters is the answer to the last question. “What kind of animal would you be if your eyes could read the letters in the WORD?” Answer: ‘Human!” And to take it a step further into true science mode, it explains, “So far, we haven’t discovered another animal that uses its eyes to read human writing in a book. But we will keep looking, of course.”

Add this to your animal shelf, or your Q&A shelf, or your fun-to-read shelf!

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

four-stars

Love in the Library

Love in the LibraryLove in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Yas Imamura
Published by Candlewick Press on January 25, 2022
ISBN: 1536204307
Pages: 40
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and illustrated by Yas Imamura is the love story of two Japanese-Americans who were placed in internment camps during WWII. It is honest in its portrayal of the injustice suffered among our citizens, while also portraying the hope and humanity that allowed these two characters (based on real people) to find love and miracles within one another during a terrible time in our not-so-distant past. The story weaves the words, miracle, human, throughout and reminds us again and again what it is to be truly resilient. The illustrations are warm, emotive, and evocative and add the final layer of beauty to this story, with a muted and tender color palette that helps ground the reader in a 1940’s timeframe.

It’s a hard story, but a necessary one. It leans toward the older picture book readers, but anyone would benefit from this story of the full moral spectrum of humanity. 

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME.

five-stars

The Book of Labyrinths and Mazes

The Book of Labyrinths and MazesLabyrinths and Mazes by Finn Dean, Silke Vry
Published by Prestel Junior on September 14, 2021
ISBN: 3791374745
Pages: 96
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars
This ambitious book lost me immediately. I was so excited to start this because I love labyrinths and mazes (and Minotaurs!), but the entire first section read more like a child’s self help book and I was confused about where it was going and why it was going that way. I think there is a lot of excellent material here; there are interesting ways to think about labyrinths and mazes and apply them to our lives. The scope of it, though, could have benefited from a different organizational structure and maybe some editing. Every page has a new direction and while a lot of the information is useful, it all came across as frantic to me.  This is not a must-have but some kids are fascinated by mazes and it might be worth it to have it for them.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

A Hundred Thousand Welcomes

A Hundred Thousand WelcomesA Hundred Thousand Welcomes by Lian Cho, Mary Lee Donovan
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 12, 2021
ISBN: 9780062877727
Pages: 40
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
Travel to homes around the world in this  book about hospitality and acceptance, which features the word “welcome” from fourteen languages. The illustrations are delightful, especially the 4-page spread of everyone at the same table, but I found the poetic text to be uninspiring and sometimes confusing. I would have liked more information about the holidays and customs. The “A Note about Pronunciation” at the end of the book was most interesting but think it should have been included on the page it was referring to rather than having to go back-and-forth. The expression of diversity is welcome during these times. This book reminded me of a book my own children enjoyed when they were young – Children Just Like Me by Barnabas & Anabel Kindersley (1995).

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

We Are One : How the World Adds Up

We Are One : How the World Adds UpWe Are One: How the World Adds Up by Linda Yan, Susan Hood
Published by Candlewick Press on October 26, 2021
ISBN: 9781536201147
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
This book is a billed as a “mind-expanding look at early math concepts like part/whole relationships, fractions, and addition.” I’d describe it as a thinking person’s counting book. This rhyming book provides examples as varied as three lines craft a haiku to the five acts of Shakespeare’s plays to the nine innings in baseball. At the heart of the narrative is the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Factual tidbits are added at the bottom of each page that enlist more food for thought. Diverse and thought provoking ending with concept that all on this earth are one! Best to share this book one-on-one with a child, reinforcing the concepts that best suit the age and interests. Sources and additional information is at the back.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars