Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

I’m A Virus

I’m A VirusI'm a Virus! by Bridget Heos, Mike Ciccotello
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on April 12, 2022
ISBN: 0593302931
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Using friendly text, the most “common” virus, rhinovirus that causes the common cold, explains how viruses work and spread. It uses fairly scientific language, with the exception of snot, but the cartoonish illustrations do much to illustrate the concepts. It discusses the new coronavirus that NO ONE has ever seen so can get EVERYONE sick. It does support vaccines which could bother some but it is not written strongly. Also included are a glossary of terms, recommendations for further reading, and a bibliography. Good information about illnesses.

Recommend for grades 2-5

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Up Your Nose

Up Your NoseUp Your Nose by Seth Fishman, Isabel Greenberg
Published by Greenwillow Books on June 7, 2022
ISBN: 0062953389
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Fact-based and relatable information about germs that can be found inside and outside the human body. Fishman identifies germs and microbes as five different kinds: bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and helminths. The cartoonish and often hilarious illustrations add a bit of levity to a concerning and complicated subject. The Author’s Note at the end reads, “Even though no one likes getting sick, I hope this book has shown you that germs don’t mean any harm. These simple creatures are following their own simple ways of life, trying to survive in a world filled with giant creatures called humans.” Mission accomplished!

Recommend for grade K-4.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Firsts & Lasts: The Changing Seasons

Firsts & Lasts: The Changing SeasonsFirsts and Lasts: The Changing Seasons by Leda Schubert, Clover Robin
Published by Candlewick Press on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 1536211028
Pages: 48
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

What are the last signs of winter? And what are the first signs of spring? This nonfiction picture book is about transitions using everyday occurrences during the seasons of the year to illustrate the changes throughout the year. Each season, sans calendar months, is introduced with a two-page spread of items on forthcoming pages. The cut-paper collages are stunning and the greens of spring and summer transition to fall colors to muted winter ones. Children will delight in the illustrations and the relatable experiences. The seasons and activities depicted are set in Northeast and definitely familiar to children in Maine.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Whose Bones Are Those?

Whose Bones Are Those?Whose Bones Are Those? by Chihiro Takeuchi
Published by Candlewick Studio on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 1536221457
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A scattering of tiny bones, assemble into an animal skeleton when you turn the page revealing the form of a snake, lion, crocodile, elephant, or flamingo. I was confused by the additional clues, which I thought at first were what the animal eats but does an elephant eat apples? The bold cut-paper illustrations are reminiscent of Byron Barton’s simple, clean design (and who also has a book about bones). Clever concept. Fun facts about animal’s bones at the back. Not an essential purchase.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

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