Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe Horse

Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe HorseAcross the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe Horse by Darcy Whitecrow, Heather M. O'Connor, Natasha Donovan
Published by Candlewick on September 16, 2025
ISBN: 1536229458
Genres: Cultural / First Nations
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Across the Ice: How We Saved The Ojibwe Horse
By Darcy Whitecrow and Heather M. O’Connor; illustrated by Natasha Donovan

This story joins an Ojibwe family on a very special night. This is the night the Ojibwe horses are coming home to First Nations land. The children are so excited they cannot sleep so Nookomis retells the story to them to help them relax and sleep. The story is one of how the four remaining Objibwe horses had been driven across the ice to safety in Minnesota from Lac Le Croix to help begin a breeding program to save the native breed from extinction
This historical picture book is set with a tone of hope, joy, and excitement. Backmatter is provided.

Ages 4-8
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

four-stars

Cassini’s Mission: a spacecraft, a tiny moon, and the search for life beyond Earth

Cassini’s Mission: a spacecraft, a tiny moon, and the search for life beyond EarthCassini's Mission: A Spacecraft, a Tiny Moon, and the Search for Life Beyond Earth by Julia Blattman, Katie Venit
on August 12, 2025
ISBN: 1536232327
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Cassini’s Mission is a narrative non-fiction book from MIT Kids Press that highlights the creation and management of the spacecraft Cassini, Saturn’s moon Enceladus, the three elements needed for life, and the possibility of aliens.

As enticing as the book initially seemed…space, technology, true story…it ultimately lacked focus . Even its intended audience is difficult to pinpoint; its subject and detailed digital art would attract any 5- to 10-year-old, but some of the text would be condescending: And when she was all grown up, she left home (referring to its launch). The author’s choice of she/her pronouns for Cassini was obviously deliberate, then exhaustive. Venit also confuses scientists searching for life with searching for aliens, which is like putting icing on a sundae—the story is sweet enough. None of this is detrimental, just disappointing. Young patrons will still love this book (as mentioned before: space, technology, true story) and considering the lack of children’s books about specific spacecraft, libraries will benefit adding this to their collection.

Reviewed by Becky Cooper, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

three-stars

Ready, Steady, Sloth!

Ready, Steady, Sloth!Ready, Steady, Sloth! by Justin Anderson, Manu Montoya
Published by Candlewick Press on May 27, 2025
ISBN: 1536239623
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Ready, Steady, Sloth! is a narrative non-fiction picture book about a brown-throated sloth and her baby climbing down their tree for their weekly poop.  The story and dust jacket call it a “special mission.”

The pages have full color illustrations, and the colors are bright and flat. Each spread has the storyline in one font and side facts in another. The font of the side facts was a poor choice—it would be hard for early readers to decipher—but its content was excellent. The author compares sloth stats to other animals, including humans, and avoids those quantitative facts that make other non-fiction picture books dense. The final spread gleans over the six other species of sloth and has an unnecessary index for a book of 24 pages. This book is designed to introduce sloths to a young audience, less as a reference for an older kid’s school report.

Reviewed by Becky Cooper, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

three-stars

In the Desert(Paws, Fins, Feathers, Claws)

In the Desert(Paws, Fins, Feathers, Claws)In the Desert (Paws, Fins, Feathers, Claws) by David Elliott, Gordy Wright
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536223387
Genres: Nature
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Sahara Desert is a huge and imposing piece of Africa covering more than 3 million miles. It can look quite sparse and desolate. This book tells the story of many of the animals and insects that call the Sahara home in verse form. The reader will explore the Desert Horned Viper, the Deathstalker Scorpion, the Anubis Baboon, and many more through short poems and more information included in the back matter.

Each subject has a dedicated two page spread in the book with gorgeous illustrations and brief interesting and sometimes funny verse.

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

four-stars

I’m a Photon

I’m a PhotonI'm a Photon (Meet the Universe) by Eve M. Vavagiakis, Mike Malbrough
Published by MIT Kids Press ISBN: 1536228265
Genres: Non-Fiction, STEM
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Follow an exuberant photon as it explains its role in how we see and use light. This has propulsive energy, thanks to bright, sweeping illustrations and rhyming text, so it would be a good one to read out loud in a light unit for younger grades. There is a glossary that helps round out a narrative that is high on momentum but falls a little short on explanations.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle

The True and Lucky Life of a TurtleThe True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Matt Patterson, Sy Montgomery
ISBN: 0063325160
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a remarkable true story of a lucky snapping turtle named Fire Chief. From the time snapping turtle eggs are hatched there are a number of predators and obstacles a young turtle must survive in order to reach adulthood. Born about 60 years ago, Fire Chief found his summer home in a small heart-shaped pond by a fire station, migrating across a nearby road each year to a larger pond for winter. Over time the road grew busier, and one year he was hit by a car. Fire Chief was rescued and rehabilitated by the Turtle Rescue League. Barely able to move his back legs, Fire Chief was given a wheelchair so he could exercise year-round. As time passed, Fire Chief continued to heal, but would he be able to cross the road each winter? Fortunately, Fire Chief’s friends came up with a solution, digging him a new pond far from any road and planting it with his favorite plants. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and rehabilitation.

The illustrations in this story are superb – filled with natural details, emotion, and a sense of scale. The back matter contains real pictures of Fire Chief (who now lives with the illustrator of this book), information about snapping turtles, and resources for what to do if you find an injured turtle. A wonderful and engaging addition to any nonfiction collection. Recommended for ages 5 to 8 (Kindergarten to 2nd grade). Cream of the crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

Light: The Extraordinary Energy That Illuminates Our World

Light: The Extraordinary Energy That Illuminates Our WorldLight: The Extraordinary Energy That Illuminates Our World (Spectacular Science) by Ana Sanfelippo, Dr. Jess Wade
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536243639
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This joyous exploration of all things light is sure to make an impression on anyone interested in learning about the science of both natural and manufactured light. Vibrant illustrations energize a book that is extremely informative but never gets bogged down with too many details. From rainbows to nuclear reactors, Light explains the science of illumination in a concise, accessible manner. An excellent choice for classrooms and readers wanting to learn more about the intricacies of light in its many forms.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

The Lonely Goose

The Lonely GooseThe Lonely Goose by Anne Hunter, Lela Nargi
Published by Random House Studio on March 11, 2025
ISBN: 0593647556
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Nature, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A male Canada goose courts a female. The two become inseparable, making a nest, raising goslings, migrating with their flock, and returning to the same spot to raise their young over the years. But one day, the male goose dies. His mate remains behind, alone, when the rest of the flock flies south for the winter. As the seasons pass, she slowly starts to engage with the world again and finds a new, different mate.

Gorgeous realistic illustrations and simple text ground the information about the habits and behavior of Canada geese. Never anthropomorphizing or becoming overly sentimental. While the death of the male is understated, this book is probably best shared one-on-one with a child, perhaps one who is also experiencing grief. You can also take your time to discuss the geese’s behavior and savor the illustrations. The back matter contains further information on Canada geese. Ages 6-9.

Pair with other books about Canada geese, such as Honk, Honk, Goose! : Canada Geese Start a Family by Sayre, April Pulley (2009) and Goose’s Story by Best, Cari (2002).

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

The Salt Princess

The Salt PrincessThe Salt Princess by Anoosha Syed
Series: Everlasting Tales #2
Published by Harper on April 1, 2025
ISBN: 0063324717
Genres: Folklore
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this retelling of a Pakistani folktale, a spirited princess teaches her father a lesson about love. Four princesses live with their father in the Kingdom of Zammarud. Amal, the youngest marches to her own drummer, but one day her prank caused the king embarrassment so he banished her from the kingdom. In order to get back into her father’s good graces, she disguises herself and invites him to dinner. She plays another prank in order to prove her love for him. 

This is a true princess tale, making it a bit cringe worthy, but I suppose it is true to the original tale. Fans of Disney princesses will enjoy it. The art work is gorgeous, especially the end pages, and the book interestingly reflects the Pakistani culture.

This is the second book in the Everlasting Tales series, a collection of multicultural fairy tales and folktale honoring the stories passed down through oral tradition by refreshing and preserving them for new generations. Back matter includes an author’s note and a condensed tale in Urdu for bilingual readers. A fun addition to library’s fairytale collections and can be used in a compare-and-contrast with more familiar Euro-centric ones.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

The Escape Artist

The Escape ArtistThe Escape Artist: A True Story of Octopus Adventure by Galia Bernstein, Thor Hanson
Published by Greenwillow Books ISBN: 0062676474
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction, Oceans
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Cephalopods couldn’t be more fascinating if they tried; what a majestic group of animals, and none so spectacular as the octopus. The Escape Artist is the true story of Inky, a Māori octopus who was on display at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. While Inky was friendly with aquarium workers, he was driven to explore, resulting in his return to the ocean. A fun,  rhyming story about a wonderful animal and sure to delight anyone who reads it. Back matter includes some additional information about Inky and general facts about octopuses.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars