Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

The Den That Octopus Built

The Den That Octopus BuiltThe Den That Octopus Built (Animal Habitats) by Anne Hunter, Randi Sonenshine
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536226548
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Den That Octopus Built

Written by Randi Sonenshine, Illustrated by Anne Hunter

This non-fiction picture book, written for readers ages 4-8, is the latest in the series preceded by The Nest that Wren Built and The Lodge that Beaver Built and is written in a similar narrative format. The book follows the life cycle of an octopus from building her complex shelter with found materials, avoiding predation, hunting, and finally becoming a mother. The book contains many interesting facts about cephalopods; kids will be amazed to learn that octopuses have more brains than arms!  There is also a short glossary, making this a lovely introduction to non-fiction texts.

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Library, Jay

four-stars

Ice Journey of the Polar Bear

Ice Journey of the Polar BearIce Journey of the Polar Bear by Lou Baker-Smith, Martin Jenkins
ISBN: 1536235717
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Ice Journey of the Polar Bear

Written by Martin Jenkins, Illustrated by Lou Baker-Smith

 

This nonfiction picture book, written by a conservation biologist, follows the journey of an arctic polar bear as she navigates the many challenges of climate change and motherhood. The ending offers an ominous warning, which makes the reader question how (or if) the bears will survive. A few suggestions for families to help the environment are included. While the book avoids being preachy and blameful, it invites discussion about the harmful effects of climate change around the world as well as humans’ responsibility in the warming of the planet.

4 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

four-stars

Clever Crow

Clever CrowClever Crow by Chris Butterworth, Olivia Lomenech Gill
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536235423
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A tribute to the habits and smarts of crows and crow cousins. Gill’s mixed-media illustrations feature individual and group portraits of numerous birds in fine detail. Butterworth’s observations, delivered in multiple sizes of type, are likewise reputable. She writes “Crows are clever birds. Very clever birds.” Then she goes on to describe their intelligence. Children will be interested in the beautiful pictures and to learn more about these birds that are common everywhere. Bird lovers of all ages will enjoy this book!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

five-stars

You and the Universe

You and the UniverseYou and the Universe by Lucy Hawking, Stephen Hawking, Xin Li
ISBN: 0593432118
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Partly an autobiography of Stephen Hawking and partly and inspirational book written by Lucy Hawking (daughter of Stephen Hawking), but the primary author is Stephen Hawking, who died in 2018. The book was adapted from a statement made by the late physicist Stephen Hawking that was broadcast into space on Earth Day. A mouse accompanies him as he explains the questions he’s pondered as a scientist – “What’s inside a black hole?” “Is time travel possible?” “Are there aliens?” – before telling readers he needs their help answering other questions: “How can we take care of each other?” “How can we take care of the planet?” “How can we make the future a place we want to be?” The illustrations are panoramas of the cosmos, as well as racially diverse people. The backmatter has information about black holes, time travel, aliens, and the universe, which will likely interest kids more than the book text. This book could be a nice addition or introduction to an Earth Day celebration.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

How to Sing a Song

How to Sing a SongHow to Sing a Song by Kwame Alexander, Melissa Sweet, Randy Preston
on October 1, 2024
ISBN: 0063060930
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This is the third book by the team that created the New York Times bestselling How to Read a Book and How to Write a Poem. This one  celebrates the magic of listening to the song inside you and letting the music ring out. It begins with noticing the sounds around you and transforming them into toe tapping and finger snapping. Guided by poetic rhythm and humor, eventually you are instructed to ““wail out each wondrous word.” Melissa Sweet (Maine author and illustrator.) does marvelous artwork with her typical collage and intricate drawings, including the text. A real delight! I have often done a Rhythm Story Time theme and this book will be added to the line up. “Those who wish to sing always find a song. – Swedish Proverb”

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Pau: The Last Song of the Kaua’i ‘O’O

Pau: The Last Song of the Kaua’i ‘O’OPau: The Last Song of the Kaua’i ‘o’o by Mackenzie Joy, Tony Piedra
Published by Candlewick Press on September 17, 2024
ISBN: 1536219495
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Pau is an ecological history of the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i focusing on its now extinct songbird, the ‘O’O. We follow through the book with sparse and lyrical text over the course of 5.1 million years. Gorgeous illustrations carry the reader as we discover how the island was created and then became inhabited by animals, including the ‘O’O, and plants over time. As changes came to the island so did effects on the population of the ‘O’O. Scientists studied the bird until there was only one and then none.

Each page is listed with the time period it covers and there is extensive back matter providing information on other animals and how they came to the island. While simple in text this book gives a thorough and beautiful look at a serious topic in a poignant manner.

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian, Lewiston, Maine.

five-stars

Clouds in Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and Us

Clouds in Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and UsClouds in Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and Us by Diana Renzina, Teresa Robeson
on August 20, 2024
ISBN: 1536225371
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Nebula means “cloud” in Latin, but these little-known astronomical phenomena are different from Earth’s clouds. This book compares this astronomical feature with clouds using stunning illustrations, including a variety of photos, and informative text, especially the back matter. However, I was disturbed by the anthropomorphism with nebula taking on human characteristics. Overall, this is a good introduction to a difficult-to-understand concept. Add it to your astronomy section of the library.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Where’s Waldo? The Mighty Magical Mix-Up

Where’s Waldo? The Mighty Magical Mix-UpWhere's Waldo? The Mighty Magical Mix-Up by Martin Handford
Series: Where's Waldo?
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536216860
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

The eighth book in Martin Handford’s series starring the iconic Waldo.  This is the first new one in 15 years. Where’s Waldo was hugely popular with my own children – who are now approaching 40 – and I am seeing a resurgence of interest in young children at my library. Perhaps a bit of nostalgia for their parents? Anyway, in this book Waldo and his friends are on a quest to find the mayhem caused by Wizard Whitebeard’s missing magic staff. Twelve marvelously mixed-up scenes and hundreds to look for, making it a bit more confusing than the original concept of finding the red-striped shirted fellow wearing glasses and a hat. I am sure that the assiduous child will love it!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Before the Seed

Before the SeedBefore the Seed: How Pollen Moves by Gina Triplett, Matt Curtius, Susannah Buhrman-Deever
ISBN: 1536226572
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Bright flowers bloom off the pages of Before the Seed by Dr. Susannah Buhrman-Deever with illustrations by Gina Triplett and Matt Curtius. This picture book is a fantastic addition to the mit Kids Press imprint by Candlewick Press that focuses on children’s books in STEM research. Dr. Buhrman-Deever gives us a breathtaking array of unique examples that plants and animals work together to pollinate plants on Earth. The illustrator team created the illustrations digitally, incorporating scans of ink and acrylic paint, which give it a unique and vibrant appearance.

There is a large font on each page that carries a main narration of the pollination process and then a smaller font that gives more in depth information about specific species that interact to create pollination; and it is these examples that makes the book really shine. However, due to some formatting, there is some lack of harmony and flow on the pages that made me enjoy the book less. Overall, I would recommend this book for libraries looking to add to their pollination sections. I definitely learned a lot. Recommended for ages 6-9.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Find Out About Animal Tools

Find Out About Animal ToolsFind Out About Animal Tools by Jane McGuinness, Martin Jenkins
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536234044
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Martin and McGuinness have teamed up to make a lovely series of illustrated books about animals. This title teaches readers about some of the ways different animals use tools as adaptations.

Cleverly, there are two levels of text on each page. For example: “This one spits water at bugs – it’s got great aim.” is followed by a brief paragraph detailing how archerfish shoot jets of water at their insect prey. This allows the story to be read and enjoyed readers of different ages and abilities.

Illustrations are gentle and charming. The otters that grace the cover are sure to be a favorite with readers. This book is recommended for libraries needing to bulk up nature-themed books in their picture book section.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

three-stars