Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Deadly Frogs!

Deadly Frogs! Published by Bearport Publishing on 2019
ISBN: 9781684026586
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This book really sticks to its topic: venomous frogs. It starts out with the story of a painful discovery by a scientist in Brazil which led to the discovery of frog venom that is delivered through microscopic spikes on a frog’s head. Yikes. It goes on to describe other species, general terms regarding venom, the difference between venom and poison and uses for frog venom. The writing is clear and there are plenty of photos of brightly colored and highly venomous frogs. Sensitive amphibian lovers might be disturbed by a photo of a dissected frog but otherwise it would be a good choice for young science/nature fans. This book would be helpful in classroom discussions about both frogs and animal defenses.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

JUST LIKE US! CROCS

JUST LIKE US! CROCSJust Like Us! Crocs by Bridget Heos, David Clark
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on July 23rd 2019
ISBN: 1328791920
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

This colorful picture book compares crocodilians to humans; their family habits, eating habits, communication, parenting styles and general lifestyles.  Pen-and-ink and watercolor drawings are mixed with actual photos of the beasts in a humorous attempt at lighthearted comedy.

This book is marketed to K – 3rd graders, intended as a read along experience with an adult.  Language and terminology are too difficult for most 3rd graders.  Also, some of the text is hand lettered that an average 3rd grade student might find problematic.

I found the jumping from species to species confusing as there is only a brief sentence on the first page identifying the different crocodilians.  There is a glossary in the back of the book, but I would have preferred to have those terms being introduced on the page they appeared, in a bubble format perhaps?

The illustrations are aimed at a young audience, but the content and information seem to be more appropriate for an older child.  I would welcome this book in my library if I needed books on this topic, as it might be helpful to teachers doing a class project.

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Public Library, Castine

four-stars

Healthy Eating Habits

two-stars

This informational book aims to help the youngest of readers understand the basics of healthy eating. In spite of being a primer, Healthy Eating Habits uses vocabulary like “protein” but doesn’t define it or give examples. There is a picture glossary in the back of the book where I expected to find terms like “protein” and “fat”. Instead, it strangely includes “habits” and “balanced meal,” among other terms. On the plus side, the colorful design and photographs help reinforce the message about healthy eating; variety and balance are key! In addition, throughout the book, Reinke includes critical thinking questions which are paired nicely with the images and the text. This book is best suited for PreK-Grade 1.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, SAD 17 Elementary Librarian, Oxford Hills.

two-stars

The Shortest Day

The Shortest DayThe Shortest Day by Susan Cooper, Carson Ellis
Published by Candlewick Press on October 22nd 2019
ISBN: 0763686980
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Winter solstice is beautifully captured in this lovely picture book rendition of Susan Cooper’s poem, written for the theatrical Yuletide celebration known at Christmas Revels. The poem’s simple words, written in spare verse, belie the warmth and significance of the message. Death gives way to memory, gives way to history, gives way to life, gives way to death, and around it goes again. The cycle is celebrated in words, and it is carried through with lovely illustrations that depict solstice celebrations through the ages and across cultures.

End notes by the author give a bit of history about the solstice and Christmas Revels. For grades K and up. A great addition to the seasonal book shelf.

Reviewed by Kelly Greenlee, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

 

five-stars

Love and the Rocking Chair

five-stars

Leo and Diane Dillon’s art is still as strong as ever. There is a lovely storytellers’ note about the traditions and history of families. The story itself is about three generations who used the same rocking chair from the young couple who first purchased the chair to the third generation who was ready to use it again. It is the story of Diane and Leo. Including losing Leo in this life, but not losing his love. This reader cried reading the simple powerful text.

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick GNGMS Gray. Recommended for cream.

 

five-stars

Ninita’s Big World

Ninita’s Big WorldNinita's Big World: The True Story of a Deaf Pygmy Marmoset by Sarah Glenn Marsh
Published by Clarion Books on April 30th 2019
ISBN: 132877001X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

“Ninita’s Big World” is the true story of a deaf pygmy marmoset who was born at the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Florida. Written by Sarah Glenn Marsh and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman, the book shows how Ninita was cared for at RSCF and how she became friends with Mr. Big. The illustrations are beautiful, colorful, and extremely cute. The story itself is basic, but kids will enjoy the pictures and Ninita getting brushed and cared for. The theme of kindness and happiness is reinforced throughout the book. At the back of the book there are facts about pygmy marmosets, which are pretty interesting. I wish there were more photographs of the animals included at the back of the book. Aimed at ages 4-7, this book would be an additional purchase if you have a large collection of animal picture books that go out often.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

three-stars

Beyoncé: Shine Your Life

Beyoncé: Shine Your LifeBeyoncé: Shine Your Light by Sarah Warren
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on June 4th 2019
ISBN: 1328585166
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

This eye-catching picture book with its glittery cover and distinct size will appeal to many young readers on sight. The story inside is appealing as well. The book humanizes superstar Beyoncé showing how she was once a quiet little girl until she found her voice and made her way onstage; there she was a star. The book emphasizes that she had the support of her family and that she failed at times, but that she never gave up and therefore found success and happiness and that, with that success, she gives back to her community and the world. This is a book in which little girls can see themselves and they can dream that they, too, may find their voice or their passion and use it to make the world a better place. The artwork is rendered digitally so it’s not the sharpest and on a few pages looks cartoonish but it is bright and colorful and captures the joy of movement and performance that is a huge part of Beyoncé’s life. Includes a bibliography and media sites for further information. A lovely book to add to your biography collection or  as an example of a person using a growth mindset to find fulfillment in life.

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

four-stars

And the Bullfrogs Sing: A Life Cycle Begins

And the Bullfrogs Sing: A Life Cycle Begins by David L Harrison, Kate Cosgrove
Published by Holiday House on May 21st 2019
ISBN: 0823438341
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Beyond adequate for preschool story programs this book offers information and a beautiful presentation to young readers/listeners.   Facts are presented in story form accompanied by attractive two-page illustrated spreads.  While table manners are not fully developed by frogs, they know how to live life in the pond.  Children may be surprised by both good and negative relationships with other animals as life in the pond can be dangerous.

Illustrations are descriptive and attractive in shape and color.  The almost circular drawings complete with white space are welcome breaks from all the dark backgrounds. A page of bullfrog facts and references is helpful but this is not a book for school projects.  Recommended for preschools and public libraries who collect science picture books.

 

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

four-stars

Ranger Rick: I Wish I Was a Wolf

Ranger Rick: I Wish I Was a WolfRanger Rick: I Wish I Was a Wolf by Jennifer Bove
Published by HarperCollins on December 31st 2018
ISBN: 0062432206
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

I Wish I Was a Wolf is an informational early reader book that aims to give young readers facts about wolves. Each page is a full color picture of wolves with a white box giving information on a certain aspect of wolves’ lives. Bové structures the book to encourage children to compare aspects of their own lives with those of wolves. Unfortunately, this means that Bové then ends the book with an odd page that asks kids if they really want to “live outdoors? Lick [themselves] clean? Eat thrown-up meat?” and then tells them that luckily they don’t have to because they’re themselves. Structuring the book like this takes away from the informational aspects and adds nothing in return. Additionally, some of the facts are simplified to the point of misinformation.

Included in the backmatter are a “Did you know?” section,  a “Fun Zone” with activities based on wolf sounds, a short glossary, and a link to more information. There is no table of contents. Vocabulary seems to best first a first or second-grade reader.

A secondary purchase where animal books for readers are very popular.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

two-stars

Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains

Snow Leopard: Ghost of the MountainsSnow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains by Justin Anderson, Patrick Benson
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536205400
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Justin Anderson is a zoologist and filmmaker who spent months in India tracking and filming the very rare and very illusive Snow Leopard. He has offered his findings in this picture book for young zoologists. These  cats live very high in the Himalayas where oxygen is half of what it is at sea level, they have the longest tail of all the cats, their eyes are blue at birth and turn green or gray as they age- all other cats have gold or yellow eyes , they are extremely well  camouflaged, and they are in danger, with less than 4,000 in the wild. Anderson invites the reader along with him as he tracks this rarest of wild cats. Patrick Benson adds illustrations to this journey that are large, quiet and done in shades of browns. The author has included facts about the leopard at the bottom of each page , an authors note, an index, and websites to visit for more information. Add to collections on endangered species. This book is worth reading to readers who will one day be responsible for the fate of this beautiful and mysterious cat.

submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library

consider for Cream

five-stars