Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

The Supersmart Elephant

Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) ISBN: 9781541519848
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

The Supersmart Elephant by Mari Schuh has what primary teachers seek in informational books – an index, glossary, labels, diagrams, bold chapter headings, and short, factual sentences, It also has colorful photos that children want. The book mentions some of the serious challenges elephants face in their struggle to survive, but it also presents some of the efforts that humans are doing to save them. After being given a brief introduction to the species, readers are presented with examples of elephants’ intelligence, communication skills and cooperative nature within their herds. Recommended by Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, Maine

Rating 4

Hummingbird

HummingbirdHummingbird by Jane Ray, Nicola Davies
Published by Candlewick Press on May 7, 2019
ISBN: 1536205389
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

The hummingbird: a bird so small it fits in the palm of your hand, weighs no more than a nickel, is sometimes mistaken for a large insect and travels more than 2000 miles each year from Mexico and South America to lay their eggs in North America only to travel back to the south in the fall. Author Nicola Davies offers the voyage of the tiny hummingbird in a simple story told through the voices of the people that see them and offer assistance along their  way north. There is a grandmother and her granddaughter watching the tiny bird at grandmother’s hummingbird feeder, a sailboat offering a place to rest , others along the way with their feeders until  it reaches north where nests are made and eggs laid. Simple story told in simple text with bright, delicate illustrations complimenting the story. For the younger reader, a story, for the more experienced reader, small bits of information are offered on several pages. With an author’s note, bibliography and index at the end of the book, this is STEAM at its best. Use in units about birds, migration, and loss of habitat.

This is a cream offering

Submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray

five-stars

Cultivators Go to Work

Cultivators Go to WorkCultivators Go to Work by Jennifer Boothroyd
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2018
ISBN: 154152599X
Pages: 24
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This is a straightforward book that would be great for a kid who loves machines but doesn’t need to know exactly how they work. If they are happy to just look at photos then they’ll enjoy it but the book definitely misses some opportunities to delve a little deeper. The most interesting thing about large machinery (at least to the kids I know) is how it works so some illustrations would have gone a long way in making this book more memorable.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Saving Emma the Pig

Saving Emma the PigSaving Emma the Pig by Jennifer L. Meyer, John Chester
Published by Feiwel & Friends on May 14, 2019
ISBN: 1250187796
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Emma the pig is pregnant and sick. The farmers of Apricot Lane Farms hope she has a small litter but then she gives birth to seventeen piglets! She’s exhausted and feverish and refuses to eat and the piglets have to live with the farmers for a while. While the writing in this book is a little odd (it took me a few pages to figure out that the narrator was a human and not a rooster, which is probably on me) the illustrations more than make up for it. This whole event was clearly nerve wracking for the farmers and the illustrations and text capture the tenderness and love that the farmers obviously have for their animals.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

four-stars

Gymnastics Superstar Simone Biles

Gymnastics Superstar Simone BilesGymnastics Superstar Simone Biles by Jon M. Fishman
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on January 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541538501
Pages: 24
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a simple and concise biography for very young kids.  The photos are great, there’s picture glossary at the end and there are a couple of interactive questions throughout the book. This is the kind of book I really appreciate when reading to small children. The text is informative, minimal and straightforward. I also love that it mentions that Simone Biles jumped on her couch when she was little which might make kids with a lot of energy think differently about themselves.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Crayola Fun Science Crafts

Crayola Fun Science CraftsCrayola (R) Fun Science Crafts by Rebecca Felix
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on January 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541510984
Pages: 32
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
one-star

When my kids were smaller I took out every craft and STEAM book in the library and tore through them thinking “Why isn’t there a book of crafts that kids can do without an adult?!”(I eventually found a few.) This book, unfortunately, is one that I would have immediately returned as it’s essentially just an ad for Crayola products. The projects are either boring or too complicated to be done without a parent present the entire time.  It suggests science themed crafts but has no information to explain them. For example, a moon flip-book craft instructs the kids to research moon phases. Why not include a brief explanation for them?

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

one-star

Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species

Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of 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
five-stars

An adaptation of Charles Darwin’s influential work, Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species is visually engaging, beautifully illustrated, and full of information. Endpapers are comprised of detailed illustrations of butterflies and beetles; the author encourages young readers to become naturalists and to observe these insects in nature, as Darwin did. Radeva highlights relevant quotes from Darwin’s work, and expands upon his ideas in a manner that is clear and understandable to a young audience. The conclusion page at the end of the book summarizes Darwin’s theory into five simplified points. Author’s note, appendix, a page addressing common misconceptions, glossary, and recommended readings all add to the enrichment of this book. Intended for children ages 8-11, this book is a valuable addition to public and school libraries, providing a digestible resource for Darwin’s work.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library

five-stars

The Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the World

The Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the WorldThe Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the World by Robert Ball, The Staff of The Undefeated
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on December 24, 2019
ISBN: 1328940624
Pages: 96
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

An important highlighting of influential Black Americans, The Fierce 44 provides profiles of people throughout our culture: entertainment, sports, science, politics, and the military. The number 44 is a nod to Barack Obama, the 44th president, and the first Black president of the United States. Each double spread includes a compelling painted portrait, which captures the essence of the person and brings the figure to life. A brief phrase in bold text highlights the main reason why the person was included in the book, and a page of informational text provides an overview to the person’s accomplishments. Aside from a table of contents, there is a notable lack of supplemental information. Intended for children ages 10 and up, the Fierce 44 is an inspiring collective biography, and illuminates the valuable contributions of many Black Americans throughout history. This book is a great addition to public and school libraries, and would be recommended for children looking to be inspired.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library

four-stars

Leading the Way: Women in Power

Leading the Way: Women in PowerLeading the Way: Women in Power by Alexandra Bye, Hilary Rodham Clinton, Janet Howell, Kylie Akia, Theresa Howell
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on October 8, 2019
ISBN: 1536208469
Pages: 144
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Profiling 50 women who have helped to shape our political landscape, Leading the Way enlightens children on the roles strong and powerful women have played, and continue to play, in United States politics. Leadership roles highlighted include (but aren’t limited to) Supreme Court Justices, Secretaries of State, First Ladies, Senators, and State Representatives. There is a prominent acknowledgment of diversity, featuring many nonwhite women. A double spread is dedicated to each profile, which includes a painted portrait, quotations, and approximately one page of informational text. Power symbols are also provided alongside each portrait, denoting a strong demonstration of a particular quality: integrity, community, courage, etc. A guide to these power symbols, with a more expansive explanation of the quality, is included at the start of the book. Table of contents, index, source notes for further exploration, a take-action guide, and a list of more leaders to discover that were not highlighted in the book, provide valuable supplemental information for the reader. Intended for readers ages 10-13, this is an informative resource to inspire children, and to remind them of the strength and leadership of women throughout the course of history. Leading the Way would be a terrific addition to any public or school library.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library

five-stars

Planet Earth

Planet EarthPaper World: Planet Earth by Bomboland
Published by Big Picture Press on September 17, 2019
ISBN: 153620854X
Pages: 30
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

An engaging overview of our planet, Planet Earth explores a wide variety of topics (e.g. tectonic plates, glaciers, deserts, weather). The bold colors and graphic design of the book, coupled with sturdy flaps for young readers to lift, provide an engaging format to explore. Page cutouts and visual layering add depth to each double spread, and pull the reader into the text. Information is presented in short, factual text blocks. Planet Earth provides a solid overview to pique a child’s interest, and can provide the foundation for deeper exploration of a given topic. A clear table of contents and glossary are useful for the reader. Intended for children ages 6-8, this book is well suited for tactile and visual learners, and those looking to explore a wide range of geographical and atmospheric features of our planet.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library

five-stars