Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Beneath the Waves

Beneath the WavesBeneath the Waves by Helen Ahpornsiri, Lily Murray
ISBN: 1536210404
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book is simply stunning. The artwork makes the book, no question. Illustrated by Helen Ahpornsiri, each image is a collage of pressed, dried seaweed and flowers. The text of the book is a very general overview of different parts of the ocean. Broken into four main sections: coast, open ocean, tropics, and polar waters, each section has 7-8 pages with a different topic from within that section. It is very much a skimming the surface of the science situation, and it really just presents a handful of interesting facts about specific oceanic creatures.

This was a difficult book to review because the illustrations are so gorgeous, but the setup of the book seems misaligned with the intended audience. Kids will definitely learn things by reading this book, and the illustrations may entice them to read it when they otherwise wouldn’t. It could be a good launching point for further research as well. The information presented is appropriate for readers as young as 6 or 7, but the text size and varying fonts doesn’t lend itself to beginning readers. I’d recommend this book to kids aged 7 and up who have a general interest in science, the ocean, or art.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

I Wish I Was a Llama

I Wish I Was a LlamaRanger Rick: I Wish I Was a Llama by Jennifer Bove
ISBN: 006243229X
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This early reader asks the question — do you want to be a llama, or do you want to be their wild cousins, the guanaco (wah-nah-ko)? Throughout the book, the differences and similarities are pointed out between the wild guanaco and the domesticated llama. The entire premise of the book is for the reader to decide which of the two they’d prefer to be. The book features full color photographs throughout, and they really help illuminate characteristics of the animals. This is a great book for beginning readers, and topic will resonate with young animal lovers. Recomended for kids 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of the Species

Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of the SpeciesCharles Darwin's on the Origin of Species by Sabina Radeva
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on October 29, 2019
ISBN: 1984894919
Pages: 64
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

An interesting attempt to explain a very difficult concept to children. I am not sure if I think it succeeded. Easy to read text and appropriate illustrations add to its appeal. Perhaps more appropriate for middle school ages.

For ages 6-12

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

four-stars

How to Solve a Problem

How to Solve a ProblemHow to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion by Ashima Shiraishi, Yao Xiao
on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 1524773271
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Ashima Shiraishi is a world-class climber, and in the climbing world, boulders are referred to as problems. Shiraishi takes this play on words and runs with it wonderfully. She talks about how she solves problems in rock climbing, and that easily equates to solving problems in life. She takes the reader through her thought processes in bouldering, and she walks through how she learns from mistakes.

This is a great book for kids working through anxiety or who are feeling overwhelmed. It has a similar feel to Kobi Yamada’s What Do You Do With a Problem? but tackles the issue with less metaphor, and thus, may resonate with younger kids more easily. The illustrations are high color and reminiscent of the style found in many graphic novels. This is a great book for one-on-one sharing and would be best for kids 4 and up. Even older kids who are working through some problems of their own will benefit from this book.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Picture book of Alexander Hamilton

Picture book of Alexander HamiltonA Picture Book of Alexander Hamilton by David A. Adler, Matt Collins
Published by Holiday House on December 10, 2019
ISBN: 0823439615
Pages: 32
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Beautifully illustrated biography of the life of Alexander Hamilton, which details all important aspects of his life from birth to death. Included is a time life highlighting important dates in his life. Excellent book to use for child doing a report on his life. I was not happy about how the African Americans were depicted in the book.

For ages 6 to 10

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

three-stars

When Lightning Strikes

When Lightning StrikesWhen Lightning Strikes by Katie Peters
Published by Lerner Publications, Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541558383
Pages: 16
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Dramatic photos and a simple text make this book an easy read for children who are just starting out. A simple weather book that some young readers will enjoy.

Preschoolers to 1st grade

Reviewed by Ginni Nichols, Gardiner Public Library, Gardiner

three-stars

Spring after Spring

Spring after SpringSpring After Spring: How Rachel Carson Inspired the Environmental Movement by Stephanie Roth Sisson
Published by Roaring Brook Press on August 14th 2018
ISBN: 1626728194
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
An interesting biography about Rachel Carson and how she inspired the environmental movement. Spring after spring, year after year, she observed how all living things are connected. And as an adult, Rachel watched and listened as the natural world she loved so much began to fall silent. Spring After Spring traces Rachel’s journey as scientist and writer, courageously speaking truth to an often hostile world through her book, and ultimately paving the way for the modern environmental movement.

Yogi: The Life, Loves, and Language of Baseball Legend Yogi Berra

Yogi: The Life, Loves, and Language of Baseball Legend Yogi BerraYogi: the Life, Loves, and Language of Baseball Legend Yogi Berra by Barb Rosenstock, Terry Widener
Published by Calkins Creek on February 5, 2019
ISBN: 162979824X
Pages: 48
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Yogi Berra was the man who loved baseball, but baseball didn’t love him back – until he persevered and overcame personal, cultural, and sports obstacles.

Mostly two-page, expressionistic spreads, with Yogi quotes relevant to the event described in the text on that page. The rounded lines and full shapes resemble Yogi’s distinct appearance. Interesting, descriptive and well-thought out text in simple black font is well-placed on light background. Soft shading and hues with predominance of blue remind the reader of his life-long team, the Yankees. Each image of Yogi has a white outline, helping it to stand out in the layout, reminding the reader that he is indeed a standout player in the history of baseball. 

Extensive backmatter includes photos, author’s note, “Yogi-isms,” quotes about him, bibliography, the URL to the ‘Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center,’ and source notes. The author explains that Yogi-isms are difficult to prove, thus providing an important reminder that we cannot always prove exactly what was said or done in the past. 

This would be a great book for teachers to use as a mentor text for biographies, to inspire, to spark an interest in baseball legends or for any baseball fans wanting an in-depth look at one of our American heroes.

 

Reviewd by Lynn Mayer, Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town

five-stars

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to ReadThe Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Oge Mora, Rita Lorraine Hubbard
on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 1524768286
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
History, inspiration, and entertainment all in one book! A former slave, Mary Walker never found time to learn to read until she was 116 years old! Although this might be considered more historical fiction than biography (due to the lack of known facts about most of her life) the author weaves her life into a realistic and believable account. 

The book is large with mostly two-page spreads. In the illustrations we see Mary at various points in her life, and her mood of fatigue or hope is evident. End papers hold photos of Mary. 

This is one of those books that the more I read it, the more I like it. I think your middle and upper elementary readers will, too.

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

five-stars