Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King and the Speech that Inspired a Nation

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King and the Speech that Inspired a NationA Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein, Jerry Pinkney
Published by Neal Porter Books on August 27th 2019
ISBN: 0823443310
Pages: 48
Goodreads

Barry Wittenstein and Jerry Pinkney  has given the reader the story behind Martin Luther King’s  “I Have a Dream” speech in both a conversational  text and classic Pinkney illustrations of watercolor, color pencil and graphite. King was once asked what was the hardest part of writing a speech. His reply was “knowing where to end.” “It’s terrible to be circling up there without a place to land.”  The night before the 1963 March on Washington, King and men he looked to for guidance met to write what would become his greatest sermon ever. The reader meets his inner circle and is invited into that hotel room as these men strategized. Wittenstein’s text is more a conversation and the reader feels like part of the group. Pinkney’s illustrations are large and expressive and take the reader through the night and onto the National Mall. This is a must for all collections  as it gives insight into how one of the greatest speech’s for freedom was written. There is a note from the artist ,short biographies of the men involved nd her voices , who spoke at the March and sources used to write this book.This is not only a visually inspiring book but sheds light into a piece of the Civil Rights Movement. Use in units about the Civil Right movement, Martin Luther King, and American History. Best for grades 4 and up.

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

Fish Everywhere

Fish EverywhereFish Everywhere by Britta Teckentrup
Published by Big Picture Press on May 14th 2019
ISBN: 1536206253
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

The shimmering fish swimming across the cover of this delightful non-fiction picture book lure the young reader to pick it up and glide through its vibrantly colorful pages, which contain introductory information about types of fish, habitats, feeding, raising young, etc. Each two-page spread features a topic and a concise paragraph, which lend well to being read-aloud, while further captions and diagrams offer additional facts. There are also a few “Can You Find It?” challenges that invite the reader to comb through the detailed pages, such as locating the small bristlemouth hiding within the book, which should offer some additional glee.

The gorgeous digital illustrations and creative design layout are what really make this book shine. Recommended for 1st-4th grade readers. Put this one on display and watch it swim right out the door.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library

four-stars

Hawks Kettle, Puffins Wheel: And Other Poems of Birds in Flight

Hawks Kettle, Puffins Wheel: And Other Poems of Birds in FlightHawks Kettle, Puffins Wheel: And Other Poems of Birds in Flight by Susan Vande Griek, Mark Hoffmann
Published by Kids Can Press on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 1771389958
Pages: 36
Goodreads
three-stars

Poetry and science coalesce in this nonfiction picture book for elementary school readers that showcases a dozen unique birds found in North America, ranging from the more ubiquitous, like crows and hummingbirds, to lesser-known varieties like gannets and wood-pewees. Each two-page spread features a poem and a paragraph with a few distinct tidbits about each bird. For example, courting bald eagles will lock talons and cartwheel in the air. The illustrations are dynamic and engaging, with sweeping brush strokes and lettering that help bring the birds to life. While not deeply profound, the poetry is straight-forward and evokes a bit of each bird’s essence, such as puffins circling or a hummingbird hovering in flight. Some of the poems also feature creative text layout, like a V-formation for the Canadian goose, or a swooping angle to capture the drama of a peregrine falcon in descent. 

Additional information can be found at the end of the book, including further descriptions of each bird, a glossary of terms, and a feather identification guide that might appeal to the young collector, but overall, the information presented is introductory and brief. This book would likely roost best in an elementary classroom or school library, as this science and poetry crossover could work its way into either curriculum as a creative supplement.

Reviewed by Kat Luedke, Long Island Community Library

three-stars

When Birds had Teeth – a Dino Sphere book

five-stars

This simple hardcover book explains very precisely and simply how birds evolved from dinosaurs.  Using limited large font text, it speaks intelligently about dinosaurs, using wonderful illustrations and simple pictures of their fossils to help explain the similarities and differences of modern birds with their prehistoric cousins.

The amazing illustrations are simply labeled, with pronunciation guides as needed.  The fossil prints have wonderful detail, showing what the birds ate, their tail feathers, wings, toes, etc. There is a simple glossary, index, and more sites and books to read in the back of the book.

I would highly recommend this dinosaur book to libraries and parents.  Readers will be able to quickly grasp the connection between our birds today and of the birds of 150 million years ago!

Reviewed By Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Public Library, Castine

five-stars

The Woolly Monkey Mysteries: The Quest to Save a Rain Forest Species

The Woolly Monkey Mysteries: The Quest to Save a Rain Forest SpeciesThe Woolly Monkey Mysteries: The Quest to Save a Rain Forest Species by Sandra Markle
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1512458686
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Sandra Markle is a whiz with an animal story and this book is no exception. Upon learning about a project in Peru where camera traps were being set high up in rainforest trees, she had to know more. Her curiosity led to a scientist who was using the camera traps to study a seldom-seen, but necessary rainforest creature, the woolly monkey. Considered the rain forest’s gardeners, these animals are central to the spreading of seeds throughout the rainforest. Markle loves to find out why scientists study animals and how these animals fit into the ecosphere they inhabit and she conveys that intellectual curiosity and passion through her storytelling. This book explains the function of camera traps and delves into the information gathered about the woolly monkey from these devices. Readers will learn about the ecosystem of a rain forest and will hopefully be inspired to continue to learn more about keystone species and the need to fight for and protect the natural resources on Earth before it is too late. Plenty of beautiful photographs accompany Markle’s clearly written text and a few QR codes are included in the book so readers can further explore this topic and see/hear the woolly monkeys in their natural habitat. A glossary, index, and list of sources for further reading are all included. This book would be appropriate for school libraries with students in grades 3-6 but could also be put in public libraries and given to readers interested in the scientific process and/or fascinating animal stories.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Homes Past and Present

Homes Past and PresentHomes Past and Present by Kerry Dinmont
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541503341
Pages: 24
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
two-stars

I’m not sure who this book is for. The text is so narrow and simple that it seems like it must be for toddlers or young children but I don’t think the photographs would engage this group at all. There isn’t enough information to make it useful for, say, learning about the differences between past and present housing and what information it does contain is just kind of strange. For example, there is a page that says “Long ago, many people used logs to build a house. Others wrapped animal skins around a wooden frame.” This is paired with a photo of a log cabin but no picture of an animal skin-wrapped wooden frame which could lead to kids to imagine some bizarre and historically very inaccurate homes. I do like non-fiction books that engage young readers with questions so it gets an extra star for including some.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

two-stars

Cats are a Liquid

Cats are a LiquidCats Are a Liquid by Rebecca Donnelly, Misa Saburi
Published by Henry Holt and Company on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1250206596
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

The playful and adorable illustrated cats in this book attempt to decipher whether a cat is a liquid, a solid, or…oobleck?!  Simple, rhyming text walks us through all that cats can do, from fitting in everything, to shredding things, to napping on our stuff.  However, many of the cat similes are confusing, and the types of descriptions are not consistent. Back matter talks about the scientific joke that cats are liquid and shares resources for learning more about states of matter, the scientific paper about cats being liquid, and directions on making oobleck. Recommended for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

three-stars

The Astronaut who Painted the Moon: The true story of Alan Bean

The Astronaut who Painted the Moon: The true story of Alan BeanThe Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean by Dean Robbins, Sean Rubin
Published by Orchard Books on May 28th 2019
ISBN: 1338259539
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

Alan Bean was the 4th person in history to walk on the moon.  His experience touched him so, he decided to paint the feeling of being in space.  His impressionist takes on actual experiences and photos became well-known and have been featured in galleries.  The author worked directly with Bean before his passing on this book. The colors used in the illustrations mirrors Bean’s art.  Detailed back matter includes a brief biography of Bean, examples of his paintings, a brief history of space exploration, and a bibliography.  Recommended for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

five-stars

Nature All Around: Bugs

Nature All Around: BugsNature All Around: Bugs by Pamela Hickman, Carolyn Gavin
Series: Nature All Around #2
Published by Kids Can Press on September 3rd 2019
ISBN: 177138820X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

From the same author/illustrator team that created Trees, Bugs is the second book in the Nature All Around series. Bugs is filled to the brim with information, and a joy to behold visually. Beauty abounds in the depictions of even the most homely bugs, encouraging readers to view these oftentimes underappreciated creatures in a new light. The table of contents, glossary, and index are all easy to navigate. Pamela Hickman utilizes clear and concise text to explain each topic, making the information easily digestible. Paired with Carolyn Gavin’s beautiful watercolor and gouache illustrations, scientific concepts come to life with vibrancy. Pages include eye-catching text headings to draw the reader into the page, and allow for children to choose whether they would prefer to read the book cover-to-cover, or pick and choose topics of interest. Hickman not only provides readers with a wealth of information about bugs, she also encourages children to actively engage with and observe these creatures in nature. Chapters titled Beginner Bug-Watching, Make an Insect Feeder, and Endangered Bugs all encourage children to participate in hands-on learning and conservation. Recommended for kids 7 – 10, this book would be a valuable resource to teachers, parents, and budding entomologists alike.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

five-stars

It Began With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

It Began With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the WayIt Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear, Julie Morstad
Published by HarperCollins on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 0062447629
Pages: 48
Goodreads
five-stars

Telling the story of artist Gyo Fujikawa, It Began with a Page is a beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told picture book biography. With a propensity for art beginning at a very young age, the story follows Fujikawa’s success as an artist, and the immensely painful separation from her family who were detained in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Fujikawa published her first groundbreaking children’s book Babies in 1963, depicting children of all races playing together, representing racial diversity that was virtually nonexistent in children’s books prior to that time. Julie Morstad’s exquisite artwork perfectly illustrates the difficult and triumphant story of Fujikawa’s life. Balancing both color and black and white imagery, Morstad is skillful in conveying emotion and richly enhancing Kyo Maclear’s direct and concise text. Endnotes include a timeline of Fujikawa’s life, including photographs, as well as notes from the author and illustrator. While recommended for children ages 5-8, this heartfelt biography could easily engage children older than 8, and adults alike.

Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

five-stars