Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

After Dark: Poems About Nocturnal Animals

After Dark: Poems About Nocturnal AnimalsAfter Dark: Poems about Nocturnal Animals by David L Harrison, Stephanie Laberis
ISBN: 1629797170
Genres: Animals, Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Figurative language seamlessly mixed with facts in free verse describe each of 21 animals. Many of the facts tell it like it is – which may make some readers squirm a bit. The poems often describe mating, physical characteristics, dietary habits and other behaviors. 

Some cute animals (owl, mouse, fox) and some not considered as cute (slugs, tarantula, cockroach) are all illustrated ( by Stephanie Laberis) in realistic one- and two-page spreads. White font is easy to read against the dark night background. The “And Did You Also Know…?” feature gives more details about each animal  using bullets. The raccoon is featured on the back cover.

This book could be used in many elementary lessons: poetry, nocturnal animals, figurative language, or just for the pleasure of reading aloud or silently.

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

five-stars

HOORAY FOR HELPERS!

HOORAY FOR HELPERS!Hooray for Helpers!: First Responders and More Heroes in Action by Mike Austin
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on October 27, 2020
ISBN: 1524765627
Pages: 40
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This very colorful picture book introduces and reminds children of all the helpers and first responders out there, ready to help them and their families, animal friends and neighbors.  In addition to the expected firefighters and police, it includes teachers, National Guard, rescue dogs, ski patrol, lifeguards, Forest Rangers, and more.

Illustrations are very bold, colorful and simple. The end of the book includes a list of emergency supplies, and information to call 911.  This would be a great family read, to help children realize all the helpers out there, and how to try to be prepared for emergencies.

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Library, Castine

four-stars

Chowder Rules!

Chowder Rules!Chowder 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
four-stars

This is a wonderful non-fiction book that tells the story of Maine’s traditional clam chowder, without tomatoes, that is. In 1939, a Maine lawmaker and chef, agreed to a cook-off to determine whether Maine’s traditional chowder, or a Manhattan chowder, which included tomatoes, would rule the day.

This delightful picture book has an easy text, and beautiful illustrations, including some multi-cultural folks! I highly recommend this fun book to all ages!

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Library, Castine

four-stars

Wanted! Criminals of the Animal Kingdom

Wanted! Criminals of the Animal KingdomWanted! Criminals of the Animal Kingdom by Heather Tekavec, Susan Batori
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525300245
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Tekavec takes 13 animals in the animal kingdom and bestows on them the title of criminal in this humorous look at animal behavior, life span, diet and group name.    Detective X , a polar bear in a special officer uniform, must go through the stack of rap sheets and clues to bring these animal criminals to justice.  Each two page spread explains the criminal’s name and shows the notes and evidence in their file.  Some of the animals include a Llama, a Capuchin, and a Naked Mole Rat all makes an appearance.  Batori’s cartoon illustrations provide brightly colored details showing items that might be found in a “police” file.  Evidence photos, coffee rings on file folders, pencils and highlighters scattered on the policeman’s desk all help set the scene.  The humor matches readers of Dog Man in concept, but the packaging of the information in picture book style will limit the audience that will truly appreciate the comic relief.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian

four-stars

How to Find a Bird

How to Find a BirdHow to Find a Bird by Diana Sudyka, Jennifer Ward
ISBN: 1481467050
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

I’m guessing I’m not the only one who has clued in more to local birds over the past year so this book, with its beautifully painted illustrations, would be a welcome read for anyone. The text is pretty minimal but engaging and would be fun to read aloud. I love the main point of this book: the birds are there, all around us, but we have to become more aware with all of our senses to find them. A worthwhile effort, especially in a time that calls for stopping and appreciating what’s wonderful in our lives. Bonus! It includes information on bird watching and citizen scientist opportunities.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Facts VS. Opinions VS. Robots

Facts VS. Opinions VS. RobotsFacts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 1984816268
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a good lower grade book about the difference between facts and opinions. Using endearing robots, Rex demonstrates when something is a fact (for example: this robot has 2 arms) and when it is an opinion (Which robot would you like to be friends with?). Unfortunately, there is no advice given for how to have a conversation with someone who is presented with overwhelming facts and then says “No, you’re still wrong.” But teaching first or second graders about how to process factual information and formulate informed opinions is an important step in us not having to have those conversations someday, right? Great classroom read aloud book as it is interactive and would get the kids involved.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

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