Nature’s Ninjas: Animals with Spectacular Skills

June 30, 2020June 30, 2020

Nature's Ninja: Animals with Spectacular Skills by Rebecca L Johnson
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on October 1, 2019
ISBN: 154154241X
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

I truly wanted to love this book: the organization, the clever comparisons, brilliant photographs, and extensive research had me jumping up and down with excitement. But then I read on page 13: “Other animals shoot out defensive weapons. Think of a porcupine’s quills…”

With all due respect, porcupines DO NOT SHOOT their quills. I even wrote to the author but as of June 30, have had no response. I will gladly update this review if she does respond. I don’t understand how such a book can have such extensive research done then miss a simple detail like this.

I would give this 5 stars but I cannot mislead elementary students about porcupines’ quills. Anyone considering purchasing this book will have to decide for themselves if they can live with that one glaring error.

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

The Roots of Rap

June 23, 2020July 9, 2020

The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford, Frank Morrison
Published by little bee books on January 8, 2019
ISBN: 1499804113
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The Roots of Rap is fun, engaging and informative. The text is almost secondary to the pulsing, bursting-with-color, perfect illustrations and together they outline the beginning of Rap and Hip-Hop. It’s a quick read but for those who would like to know more it includes a glossary, notes by both the author and illustrator and a Who’s Who of Hip-Hop. It’s colorful enough to read to young kids but I think this would be especially good for older kids who are familiar with rap and would enjoy learning about its origins.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World

June 9, 2020

Brave. Black. First.: 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World by Cheryl Hudson, Erin K Robinson
ISBN: 0525645829
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

Written with consultation from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian Institute, Brave. Black. First. is a testament to 50+ African American women who have shaped the course of history. Each eye-catching double spread pairs a page of biographical text with a beautiful portrait illustration of the subject. The text provides enough information for a brief overview of achievements and historical significance, and is a good introduction for further research and exploration. Final pages include additional factual information about each featured woman, a section dedicated to highlighting artifacts held at the National Museum of African American History and Culture along with a brief overview of the museum, a list of media on display at the National Portrait Gallery, and an index. With the current, reinvigorated global spotlight on the Black Lives Matter movement, this book would be a welcome addition to any public or school library. Well-suited for kids ages 8-12.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

The Bug Girl (A True Story)

June 6, 2020

The Bug Girl: A True Story by Margaret McNamara, Sophia Spencer
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 0525645934
Pages: 44
Genres: Animals, Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

An autobiographical narrative, The Bug Girl tells the story of a young girl’s fascination with bugs. The language and writing style is clearly the voice of a child, which may appeal to young readers. A trip to a butterfly sanctuary when Sophia was two and a half years old ignites her interest in arthropods. The story follows Sophia through her young childhood, where her passion for bugs generates both positive and negative reactions from her peers, and ultimately leads her to find a community of scientists who share her enthusiasm. The watercolor illustrations are sweet and enjoyable. The final pages offer additional bug facts, Sophia’s pick of her four favorite bugs, information about the butterfly life cycle, and advice for studying bugs. Intended for children ages 5-8, The Bug Girl is an encouraging story for budding entomologists, and a reminder to be true to oneself, even in the face of adversity.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

My Tiny Pet

June 5, 2020July 9, 2020

My Tiny Pet by Jessie Hartland
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books on August 6, 2019
ISBN: 1524737534
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

When a family decides to simplify a child must say goodbye to her house full of pets and, while they enjoy the peace and quiet of their newly downsized life, they long for just one pet. The parents refuse but the child comes up with the prefect pet for their new lifestyle and after describing the care and size of it, Mom and Dad agree. So they go to the woods and find a tardigrade in some moss and they all live in simplified harmony! Tardigrades are so interesting; I’m so glad there’s a book about them. It’s illustrated nicely and has a lot going on story-wise (I think many kids are probably struggling with wanting things while the family decides to live more simply) and at the end there is an informative section on tardigrades. They are truly some formidable little animals.

Little Libraries, Big Heroes

May 13, 2020May 13, 2020

Little Libraries, Big Heroes by John Parra, Miranda Paul
Published by Clarion Books on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 0544800273
Pages: 36
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Like most children Todd wanted to be a superhero but he was less than heroic as a student. Inspired to love books by his mother Todd built the first Little Free Library and filled it with books. This title tells Todd’s story in a charming way as he enlisted the help of friends to achieve his mission. Readers will learn how and where these Little Free Libraries sprung up all over the world. The illustrations bring imagination and creativity to the non-fiction text. There is an amazing number of things to look at as the pages are perused; all readers will want to locate the hidden ribbon.

A wonderful story that explains the origin of book boxes which are popping up all over. Children will learn about a hero as they identify with those who love books and place little libraries on their property for the community to enjoy. It is recommended that readers go online to see where Little Free Libraries are located in your community. Librarians will want to add this title to public libraries shelves while families might gift to others who would be interested in being Stewards.

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

Migrations; Open Hearts Open Borders

May 6, 2020

Migrations: Open Hearts, Open Borders: The Power of Human Migration and the Way That Walls and Bans Are No Match for Bravery and Hope by International Centre for Picture Book in Society, Shaun Tan, Various
Published by Candlewick Studio on October 8, 2019
ISBN: 1536209619
Pages: 112
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Such a pleasure, turning the pages was an experience full of wonder and brimming with social context. Illustrators from various countries entered a postcard in the 2017 exhibit for the International Centre for Picture Book Society. The theme was human migration but the illustrations featured many species of birds. One can imagine what a bird thinks as it flies at will; if only people could cross borders as easily. Text is short but powerful complementing the illustrated birds. Each 2-page spread is unique, thoughtful and compelling.

I would offer this book to grade 4-6 class teachers, art instructors and to bird lovers of all ages. Primary school media specialist and public librarians may ponder how to shelve but this book should be included in their collections.

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

Great Shark Rescue: Saving the Whale Sharks

May 4, 2020May 4, 2020

The Great Shark Rescue by Sandra Markle
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on October 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541510410
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Sandra Markle has been educating young scientists about animals, fish, and reptiles that are on the endangered or vulnerable list for years. Her series has looked at the perils of penguins, rhinos, golden lion tamarins, and amur leopards to name just a few. Her newest addition to the series is about the largest fish in the ocean- the whale shark! While little is known about this giant,they are considered endangered because of their decreasing population. Author Markle takes the reader with the scientists as they try to uncover the plight of these creatures- why are there so few, where are the females and the mature males? Time is of the essence as commercial fishing and climate change continue to threaten the great shark. Text is straightforward and understandable, and supported by photos, maps, charts, an author’s note,and timeline. This selection should be in every school and public library with her other books. Use In units about fish, sharks, climate change, even units on fishing. Consider it a CREAM selection.

Use with grades 4 and up.

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public library, Gray, Maine.

Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children

April 15, 2020

Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children by Jonah Winter, Nancy Carpenter
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books on February 25, 2020
ISBN: 044981291X
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Mother Jones noticed children working long, hard hours in mills for little pay, and this made her MAD! She harnessed her anger, and led many kids on a 14 day march to protest the unfair treatment of these child laborers. This crusade led to labor law reform and better treatment for workers.

Though this book looks like a picture book, it is definitely for older readers — probably 3rd grade and up. The descriptions of the working conditions for the children describe injuries and imply death at times. The story is well written and gives enough detail to teach children about this revolutionary and to excite budding activists. The illustrations vary from black and white to muted colors to depict the time period. They also give the sense of the dirt and grime experienced by the children working in the mills. This book would be best as a one-on-one share or for an older child to read; a recommended purchase for libraries where biographies are popular or in need of rejuvenation.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

Bones in the White House

April 13, 2020

Bones in the White House: Thomas Jefferson's Mammoth by Candice Ransom, Jamey Christoph
ISBN: 0525646078
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd President of the United States. He was also an avid fossil collector. This picture book sheds light on this often unknown side of Jefferson. Once he learned of large fossils present in the US, he was determined to collect as many bones as possible and to learn as much as possible about the mammals that once (or hopefully still) roamed our country.

This book was very interesting, and will be well received by budding scientists. The text is detailed but not so much as to bog down readers with too much information. The illustrations are colorful and fit well with the time period depicted in the book. There is additional information at the end of the book about Jefferson as well as about the fossils and includes suggestions for further reading. This book is best for 2nd grade and older readers. A recommended purchase for libraries where nonfiction picture books circulate well.