Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Cool Kid Inventions

Cool Kid InventionsCool Kid Inventions by Laura Hamilton Waxman
ISBN: 1541576993
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
one-star

As School Library Journal reviewer described: “Light on details and heavy on the superlatives.” The book begins with a very brief introduction and follows with examples of some familiar inventions, such as the toy truck, braille (Louis Braille was 15-years-old), and fidget spinners. Also included are little-know inventions, such as Boo Boo Goo (painted on bandage), Oasis (senses when bay is left alone in a hot car), and Tethys (an app that shows whether water has lead in it.) There is little explanation as to how these work. Visually appealing use of bright colors, bold layouts, large fonts, and photographs featuring a diverse cast of children. The coolest thing is a reproduction of photograph of the toy truck 5-year-old Robert Patch made with shoeboxes, bottle caps, and nails, making him the youngest American to get a U.S. patent.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

one-star

Canadian Women Now + Then: More than 100 Stories of Fearless Trailblazers

Canadian Women Now + Then: More than 100 Stories of Fearless TrailblazersCanadian Women Now and Then: More than 100 Stories of Fearless Trailblazers by Elizabeth MacLeod, Maia Faddoul
ISBN: 152530061X
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Elizabeth MacLeod presents biographies of more than one hundred remarkable women. Some are famous, such as Margaret Atwood and Joni Mitchell, but most are lesser known. About 50 women are featured with a realistic portrait and brief biography. These highlight important dates, early influences, and struggles as well as contributions to the advancement of society. While an additional 50-plus more are recognized with a smaller portrait and brief description placed after the discussion guide and before the biography and index. I am not sure how she decided whom to feature where. A place to start but students will need to do additional research if they want a more detailed account. I am probably not the best person to review this book as I am not a fan of collected biographies.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library.

three-stars

Snow Birds

Snow BirdsSnow Birds by Jenni Desmond, Kirsten Hall
Published by Harry N. Abrams on November 3, 2020
ISBN: 1419742035
Pages: 40
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Features birds in a northern climate that don’t fly south for the winter. Hall describes behaviors of 17 bird species in mostly rhyming couplets. She begins and ends with the familiar blue jay. Sounds the birds make are featured either in the poems or as part of the illustration, making the poems fun to readaloud. Illustrations vary – some are gorgeous, such as the red cardinals on the cover, but a couple are dark and difficult to see. There is a “Meet the Birds” section in the back with factual information about each bird. A fun addition to both poetry and nature sections of the library. It will be fun to illicit kid’s interpretation of the sounds the  birds make in their backyard during Storytime.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Fly High, John Glen: the story of an American Hero

Fly High, John Glen: the story of an American HeroFly High, John Glenn: The Story of an American Hero by Kathleen Krull, Maurizio A C Quarello
Published by HarperCollins on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 0062747142
Pages: 48
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A well-rounded biography about John Glenn from as a child, his family, military service, life as an astronaut, political career, and as the oldest man to fly in space at the age of 77. Much of the book concentrates on his epic flight of the first astronaut to orbit the earth. Lovely oil painting illustrations are reminiscent of Norman Rockwell and Edward Hopper. I do agree with Kirkus reviewer: “Tales of his less-than-successful endeavors (his failed presidential bid, for example) are not mentioned, which seems a lost opportunity to discuss how setbacks are an inevitable part of success.” Regardless, this larger-than life hero and book will appeal to fans of space exploration. More information about John Glenn, timeline, and bibliography are in the back.

School Library Journal – “Krull’s picture book biography is a patriotic tribute to an American hero. The text and illustrations highlighting Glenn’s orbit are breathtaking. A highly recommended purchase that will have wide appeal for young readers.” (starred review)

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot Girl

Althea Gibson: The Story of Tennis’ Fleet-of-Foot GirlAlthea Gibson: The Story of Tennis' Fleet-of-Foot Girl by Laura Freeman, Megan Reid
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 21, 2020
ISBN: 0062851098
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Before Serena and Venus Williams, in the 1940s there was Althea Gibson, the first black tennis player to win the championship at Wimbledon. Because of segregation, black people weren’t allowed to compete against white people in sports. Althea didn’t care. She just wanted to play tennis against the best athletes in the world. A well researched biography that many students will not have heard about.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Hard Work, but It’s Worth It: The Life of Jimmy Carter

Hard Work, but It’s Worth It: The Life of Jimmy CarterHard Work, but It's Worth It: The Life of Jimmy Carter by Bethany Hegedus, Kyung Eun Han
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 0062643789
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

An outline of President Jimmy Carter’s life—peanut farmer, president, and humanitarian. As a child growing up in the South, Jimmy had an African American friend named Alonzo until they got older and the ways of segregation altered their relationship. This relationship affected how he governed when his political career progressed from local school board member, to the Georgia state Senate, to governor, to president. Although there are no specifics as to what he did to improve racial injustice. I would have also liked to see the complete list of his “Good Mental Habits” to live by. There are author’s note, timeline, bibliography, and online resources at the back.

Kirkus review sums it up quite well: An affectionate, admiring tribute to our 39th president.

Reviewed by Barbara Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

The Nest That Wren Built

The Nest That Wren BuiltThe Nest That Wren Built by Anne Hunter, Randi Sonenshine
ISBN: 1536201537
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This rhyming book takes the form of “The House that Jack Built” and follows the planning, building, and nesting of Carolina Wrens. The text is informative and biologically accurate without being overly detailed or heavy. The illustrations really make the book. The text is good, but the illustrations are gorgeous. The beautiful detail in the line work and the careful use of blended colors really makes this book shine. Recommended for purchase and for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Nature’s Light Spectacular

Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
four-stars

Any science book that inspires you to immediately do further research is a good one. Nature’s Light Spectacular led to a Google search of all sorts of natural light phenomena I had never heard of. Our planet is so amazing. Light pillars?! Yosemite Firefall?! WOW. The book illustrates and describes twelve different natural phenomena. The science is easy to grasp and the drawings are beautiful. A good one for any age group. The only reason I’m not giving this five stars is I think there was a missed opportunity for an appendix with photographs. The illustrations are great but the actual images are awe-inspiring.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Ready to Fly

Ready to FlyReady to Fly: How Sylvia Townsend Became the Bookmobile Ballerina by A. LaFaye, Jessica Gibson, Lea Lyon, Sylvia Townsend
Published by HarperCollins on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 0062888781
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

 

An enchanted family tale staring a little girl who wants to learn ballet.   This is a biography about Sylvia Robertson Townsend who grew up poor in goods and wealthy in family love and support.  Told in rich and distinctive text by first time author Lea Lyon is the story of Sylvia’s childhood desire to dance.  Her personal story is shared with authors Lyon and LaFaye who bring the character to life.   Gibson’s illustrations add sparkle to the storyline.  Period clothing and household technology do not date the book, they add to the richness of the content and help expose the racism of the period. Colors are lavishly used and movement is throughout.

It may have taken a small group to write, illustrate, and produce this book but the completed picture book is a quality product.   All young girls who dream of flying (be it performing arts, sports or academics) will be reassured that they are capable.  All it takes is interest, practice, supportive parents, and a local helpful librarian.   An added plus is the short history of the bookmobile, many children may be hearing about this institution for the first time.  Add to all primary school media centers and to every public library as this book is lovely and faces issues of our past and present.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

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

five-stars

Chowder Rules! The True Story of an Epic Food Fight

Chowder Rules! The True Story of an Epic Food FightChowder Rules!: The True Story of an Epic Food Fight by Anna Crowley Redding, Vita Lane
Published by Islandport Press on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 1944762825
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

Which is better: Manhattan Clam Chowder or New England Clam Chowder? That question has been argued for decades. Mainer Cleveland Sleeper, Jr., thought there was only one way to enjoy the traditional comfort-style  milky broth. But when people from New York City tossed in tomatoes, Cleveland saw red, and called it vegetable soup. He sought to have a law passed, but failing that, he proposed a culinary duel. And the winner was….

Great imagery and prose: “…it was the entire stature of Maine in a single bite…”

Full color illustrations show many of Maine’s famous icons, and perspective is given by including a map of the United States, and having the Statue of Liberty hoisting a tomato atop her torch. These visuals assist younger readers in accessing the locals and history. 

One detail about the debate is how the state of Iowa had a huge tomato industry at the time so some residents were very much against such a law banning tomatoes. This book would be an interesting way to introduce how laws are made, advertising hype, and how to debate an issue. This would also be a fun book for Maine or culinary history for middle elementary students.

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