Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Sembrando historias: Pura Belpré: bibliotecaria y narradora de cuentos

Sembrando historias: Pura Belpré: bibliotecaria y narradora de cuentosSembrando historias: Pura Belpré: bibliotecaria y narradora de cuentos by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Published by HarperCollins Espanol on January 15th 2019
ISBN: 1400212642
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

This enchanting and beautiful Spanish language picture book tells the story of Pura Belpré, librarian, puppeteer, and storyteller. After emigrating from Puerto Rico to her new island home of Manhattan, Pura was hired as a bilingual library aid at her local public library. She loved story time, but realized she wanted to pass on the special Puerto Rican folktales her grandfather had told her with New York’s children. Initially, she simply told the stories orally. Then, she decided she would sew puppets to embellish story time. Of course, a pioneer like Pura was still not satisfied. She wanted to plant the seeds for these stories to live on beyond her time at the library. So Pura kept going until the stories were written down and published. This picture biography is poetically written, elucidating Pura’s captivating and industrious nature. Sembrando historias is a love letter to libraries and librarians everywhere who sew and nurture the seeds of storytelling, a love of reading, and carrying on tradition. Readers who love adventure or who appreciate elegant illustrations will love this book. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Spectacular Space Stations

Spectacular Space StationsSpectacular Space Stations by Elsie Olson
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1st 2019
ISBN: 154155597X
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Have you heard about the chef on the International Space Station? His food is out of this world! This book seeks to answer many of your burning questions about life in Earth’s orbit. What do astronauts eat up there? And what is a day in the life of an ISS resident like? How have space stations changed since their inception? And what does the future hold for space stations? This book is well organized and easy to navigate. Each page is loaded with real photographs  illustrating each of the topics covered. Any student looking to do a report on life in space would likely find what they were looking for within its pages. And with Maine’s own Jessica Meir currently living aboard the ISS, this book would make a great addition to any Maine library collection! Recommended for students in grades 3-6. 

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

four-stars

Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter

Harriet Tubman: Freedom FighterHarriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter by Nadia L. Hohn, Gustavo Mazali
Series: I Can Read
Published by HarperCollins on December 31st 2018
ISBN: 0062432850
Pages: 32
Goodreads

This “I Can Read!” (Level 2) biography of Harriet Tubman is concise and includes two sections. The first is a beautifully illustrated narrative of her brave and adventurous life. The second, significantly shorter section, includes a timeline and primary source material as well as more in-depth information about her life and experiences. The coverage of Tubman’s life in this book is realistic and acknowledges how badly enslaved people were treated, while remaining appropriate for the intended audience (kids ages 4-8). There are some claims that seem to come out of nowhere (“She also had a disability.”) and the title lacks a bibliography for a curious reader who would like to find out more. A younger student hoping to learn about significant events in and the basic biographical information of Harriet Tubman’s life would certainly find this book useful. It is an accessible and honest account of the amazing risks Tubman took in order to help improve the lives of many, many enslaved people. 

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

 

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