Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry)

Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry)Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) by Gary Golio, Ed Young
Published by Candlewick Press on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 0763697613
Pages: 48
Goodreads
four-stars

Featuring hazy, dream-like collage and ink illustrations, “Smile” tells the tale of Charlie Chaplin’s youth and rise to fame.  The title page looks like a silent movie screen, which sets the scene.  Chaplin grew up in London to parents who were both performers.  From a young age, he loved the spotlight, and the book tells us of joining his first theater group at age 9 and moving on to America where he started making silent movies.  We learn how he ended up creating the Little Tramp character by chance and went on to make 80 movies.  The book also includes quotes from Chaplin’s autobiography; a list of facts; and a resource list that includes books, movies, and a website.  This is a good addition to picture book biography collections.  Best for ages 8-12.

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

four-stars

Lurid London

Lurid LondonLurid London by E. Merwin
Published by Not Avail on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1684026709
Pages: 24
Goodreads
five-stars

Creepy pictures and scary text will send chills through young readers looking for a ‘scary’ book. They might not even care what ‘lurid’ means, but that’s OK. The text is minimal but descriptive, and the photos and drawings will invite younger and middle elementary readers to look for the grossest image to share with their friends.

This slight book provides the necessary non-fiction access features, including a map of London identifying the locations mentioned with a United Kingdom map inset on top of a world map.

Librarians looking for books to add to their ‘scary’ shelves for young readers should consider this and/or one of the seven other titles in this “Tiptoe Into Scary Cities” series.

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

five-stars

Earth-Friendly Earth Day Crafts

Earth-Friendly Earth Day CraftsEarth-Friendly Earth Day Crafts by Veronica Thompson
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541524209
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

 What better way to recognize Earth Day than using repurposed items for crafts and learning how to revamp everyday objects? This slim craft book (only 9 crafts are offered) starts with how to choose and clean reused materials, and a reminder to stay safe. The use of a blender, hot glue gun, and oven and several other tasks instruct the crafter to have adult assistance. The book also suggests using a little creativity to repurpose common items, such as plastic jugs, bags, and egg cartons. 

Each craft is described on a two or three-page spread with bright full-color photos for each step. Most have 3-7 steps.QR codes are included for each craft. These offer a few better photos for each craft but no additional instruction or ideas.

This “Green STEAM” book could be used in an Earth Day discussion to help describe the difference between repurposing, reusing, recycling and reducing materials.

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

three-stars

Slime Sleepers: Parrotfish

Slime Sleepers: ParrotfishSlime Sleepers: Parrotfish by Ellen Lawrence
Published by Not Avail on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1684026970
Pages: 24
Goodreads
four-stars

“Slime” in the title will attract early and middle elementary readers, but they’ll stay for the vibrantly colorful and clear photographs which include labels and fact-bubbles. The most striking feature of this book is the close-up images of various parrotfish. Who knew there were so many different kinds of parrotfish?

Simple format lends well to use as research or entertainment. Each colorful double-page spread has a heading in large letters and black text is in easy-to-read font that adequately explains but doesn’t overwhelm the reader. Backmatter includes Science Words, index, books and online sites to read, plus a Science Lab activity where youngsters can make and explore slime bubbles.

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

four-stars

My Happy Year

My Happy YearMy Happy Year by E. Bluebird by Paul Meisel
Published by Holiday House on March 12th 2019
ISBN: 0823438376
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

My Happy Year by E. Bluebird written by Paul Meisel is a narrative nonfiction told in the chirpy voice of the young bluebird. Part of  A Nature Diary series, this book is highly recommended as a read aloud to children and classrooms who are open to nonfiction that is illustrated with acrylic  paintings. With just a sentence or two entry for each of the 19 days scattered throughout the year June 1 egg cracking to the following June 4 next generation of eggs, the book combines facts with colorful, large paintings. Children will ask, “Is it real?” Yes, this is what a bluebird’s first year is like. No, a bluebird does not speak English. But oh what a fun way to be introduced to this colorful bird. The voice of this happy little bird will draw readers and listeners into her world and into science. Many additional facts and glossary are tucked onto the back and on the endpapers. Highly recommended by Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School Brunswick, Maine

five-stars

Undefeated

UndefeatedThe Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
Published by Versify on April 2nd 2019
ISBN: 1328780961
Pages: 40
Goodreads
five-stars

An oversize picture book that offers readers an experience from cover to cover. Stunning artwork from Kadir Nelson paired with the earnest, lyrical poetry of Alexander tells the story of the many black Americans who have contributed to the story and glory of this country. Alexander shared the poem on ESPN’s The Undefeated. He wrote the ode after his second daughter was born so that she would see heroes who looked like her, but this book can resonate with any audience and should be read widely. Mention of the slave trade, the bombing in Birmingham that killed four girls, and the police shootings of unarmed black citizens like Sandra Bland and Trayvon Martin make this a book for an older audience in terms of discussion, but it is not only a tool for conversations. It should be read with all children because it is necessary for our continued humanity for kids to see heroes of all skin colors.  Recommend for Cream of the Crop and for all library collections, public and school, elementary through high school.

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

five-stars

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-To Poems

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-To PoemsThe Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-To Poems by Paul B. Janeczko
Published by Candlewick Press on February 25th 2019
ISBN: 0763681687
Pages: 48
Goodreads
four-stars

A collection of how-to poems that provide instruction on the very best parts of childhood, some practical, some fantastic: how to toast a marshmallow, how to make pancakes, how to be a snowflake. Each page of this slightly over-sized book contains 1 or 2 poems from poets old and new, from Christina Rosetti and Robert Louis Stevenson to Nikki Grimes and Kwame Alexander, and is richly illustrated by Richard Jones in earth tones. Janeczko is a master of gathering poems into collections that can be used in units on poetry or in themed story times or just browsed through to tantalize and inspire a new generation of poetry readers. This collection speaks to the joy of childhood and of the life well-lived and would be a delightful addition to any elementary library or classroom.

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

four-stars

Borrowing Bunnies

Borrowing BunniesBorrowing Bunnies: A Surprising True Tale of Fostering Rabbits by Cynthia Lord
on February 12th 2019
ISBN: 0374308411
Pages: 40
Goodreads
four-stars

Gorgeous photographs  accompany clear text of the story of how Peggotty and Benjamin, two bunnies saved by Maine’s Cottontail Cottage Rabbit Rescue, came to live with and be fostered by author Lord and her husband John Bald (of the gorgeous photographs). An intimate, warm look at the story of caring for creatures who needed to learn to feel safe again after living through abusive conditions.  Hazel Mitchell’s illustrations, which are dropped into the pages, provide a whimsical touch giving this informational book the feel of a picture book. This lovely book will make anyone want a bunny of their own and though the author’s note provides a word of caution and mentions the work that should be done before making the decision to take on these high-maintenance animals, a few resources could have been included for those interested in fostering or caring for rabbits. The book will be a magnet for animal lovers and will circulate well.

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

four-stars

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura BelprePlanting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise, Paola Escobar
Published by HarperCollins on January 15th 2019
ISBN: 0062748688
Pages: 32
Goodreads
five-stars

Such a lovely presentation of a significant American librarian, Denise and Escobar combined their talents to create a winner.  As a biography, Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre sets the bar for other picture book biographies.  Those in the library world know somethings about her life story but this book goes beyond listing Pura’s talents and achievement, it makes her come alive for adults and children.  Storytellers are special people especially when their craft fills a need; in her case Belpre brings Puerto Rican stories to the children of New York City and beyond.

Both the author and illustrator have treated Pura Belpre with love, readers feel like they know her and they want more stories.   Escobar’s digital illustrations add joy and hope to the storyline. To the delight of readers the flowers jump off the pages as well as off the cover and dustjacket.  From Manhattan to rural communities Belpre has planted her seeds of storytelling in her culture while offering the love of reading to children everywhere.   She is a role model for us all in the library field.  I encourage librarians in primary school media centers and in public libraries to add this title to their picture book biography shelves. Grade one to three teachers may want a copy in their classroom.

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

five-stars

Peg + Cat Math in the Bath

Peg + Cat Math in the BathPeg + Cat: Math in the Bath: A Level 1 Reader by Jennifer Oxley, Billy Aronson
Published by Candlewick Press on March 26th 2019
ISBN: 1536206997
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

Peg and Cat make early math concepts such as counting and simple addition, subtraction, and concepts of weight and bouyancy easy to understand. How many rocks will sink their boat? Lots of chances for discussion as well.

This book will make a splash with the earliest of readers.

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan- retired Youth Services Librarian

three-stars