Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Brothers in Arms: A True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear and the Soldiers Who Loved Him

Brothers in Arms: A True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear and the Soldiers Who Loved HimBrothers in Arms: A True World War II Story of Wojtek the Bear and the Soldiers Who Loved Him by Jamie Green, Susan Hood
on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 0063064766
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Hood tells the story of Anders Army (a group of Polish POW evacuees from Soviet labor camps) and how they embrace Wojtek the bear, showing him kindness, compassion, and devotion. An author’s note in the front matter sets up the story by briefly telling the history of how Poland was caught between the Germans and Soviets during WWII, and the plight of the Polish people sent to slave labor camps in Siberia. This author’s note allows the reader to jump into the story at the point when Wojtek makes his appearance.

Anders Army adopts Wojtek, bringing him along for training, guard assignments, and eventually into active duty, to capture a German artillery post in Italy. The author explains that after the desperate and cruel circumstances of the Soviet labor camps, the appearance of Wojtek as a bear cub lifts the morale of the Polish soldiers; Wojtek provides an opportunity for them to coddle and care for someone (like an emotional support bear!).

The illustrations are appealing and charming, despite some of the scary moments in the story, and for children interested in history, this is a fine book. The publisher recommended for ages 4 and up; I disagree. The illustrations will engage younger children but the text works better for older (ages 7 and up) children.

The back matter in this nonfiction picture book contains nine separate resources (maps, photos, timeline, etc.) and would have been more effective if rendered more graphically, combining data into fewer, more dynamic resources.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

three-stars

Michael Rosen’s Sticky McStickstick: The Friend Who Helped Me Walk Again

Michael Rosen’s Sticky McStickstick: The Friend Who Helped Me Walk AgainMichael Rosen's Sticky McStickstick: The Friend Who Helped Me Walk Again by Michael Rosen, Tony Ross
Published by Candlewick Press on November 8, 2022
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

I did not want to like this book. I found the title off-putting and wondered how engaging a personal account of Rosen’s physical recovery from a medically-induced coma could be for children. Those more familiar with Michael Rosen (author and British Children’s Laureate) would not be surprised to find that the story of his slow but steady recovery of mobility is thoughtful and relatable to children.

The writing and watercolor/ink illustrations are simple, humorous without ridicule, and empathetic. Both the language and artwork underscore the emotions and physical challenges faced by Rosen during his rehabilitation. Readers will work through his long but successful journey with him, from infirmity to walker to Sticky McStickstick (Rosen’s anthropomorphized walking cane) to independent movement.

An encouraging story about perseverance and patience with oneself and the rewards that come with it, with supporting roles of medical staff that want him to get well. For children whose adults may be working their way back to health, this is a hopeful and welcome title.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco

four-stars

Jack Knight’s Brave Flight: How One Gutsy Piot Saved the U.S. Mail Service

Jack Knight’s Brave Flight: How One Gutsy Piot Saved the U.S. Mail ServiceJack Knight's Brave Flight by Jill Esbaum, Stacy Innerst
Published by Astra Publishing House on March 29, 2022
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In 1921, due to the costs and dangers of plane transportation following several crashes, the U.S. Congress decided to defund the U.S. Air Mail system. As a result, fourteen pilots and their support crews decided to prove Air Mail could be much faster than other delivery systems. Pilot Jack Knight set off from North Platte, NE on Feb. 22, 1921 at 10:44p.m. in his open-cockpit biplane. He was only supposed to fly to Omaha, NE, his normal mail route, but a blizzard hit preventing his replacement from arriving and downing the other two planes in Chicago, IL. Jack, exhausted and freezing, still took off again to fly into the night, into the storm, and into unfamiliar territory. He had a compass, but none of the other technology that makes night flights possible and safe today. After making a perilous stop to refuel in Iowa City, IA, Jack set off once again, finally landing in Chicago just after dawn. He had to be cut out of his flight suit because it had frozen to the seat! Two other pilots were able to finish the relay to New York City. In total, they flew 2,629 miles in 23 hours, 20 minutes, beating the old plane-train record by nearly 39 hours. Within a few days, Congress approved the funding to continue the U.S. Air Mail system.

An author’s note at the end of the book describes the need for a reliable mail system in the United States and includes some historical photographs, a chronology and a bibliography. This picture book is creatively illustrated with watercolors, ink, pencil, rubber stamps and digital images. The harrowing tale should appeal to readers interested in the history of flight, the history of the U.S. Mail, and in true-life adventures.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

four-stars

The Yawn Book

The Yawn BookThe Yawn Book by Diana Kim
Published by HarperCollins US on April 5, 2023
ISBN: 0358525934
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Yawn Book by Diana Kim is an entertaining non-fiction picture book about why people and animals yawn. Did you know that bugs don’t yawn? The colorful illustrations and interesting facts make it a fun read. Recommended for grades K-4 this book will leave you yawning in the best possible way! This is a fun addition to your non-fiction section.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75 Woodside

four-stars

Counting in Dog Years and Other Sassy Math Poems

Counting in Dog Years and Other Sassy Math PoemsCounting in Dog Years and Other Sassy Math Poems by Betsy Franco, Priscilla Tey
Published by Candlewick Press on October 11, 2022
Pages: 40
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Illustrated with whimsical, full-color artwork throughout, this book of fun and educational poems about math ranges from everyday topics, such as age and days of the week, to more advanced concepts, such as palindromes and tessellation. This very creative collection includes a poem for two voices and a poem that is a puzzle (with answers included at the end of the book). The illustrations are fanciful and inclusive, and follow the themes of the poetry well.

Overall, this fun collection introduces readers to many ways math touches our lives, oftentimes without our awareness. I think this book might be an excellent way to entice “math atheists” (to borrow a term from Calvin & Hobbes) to consider mathematical word problems an enjoyable challenge. It could also serve to show the more analytically minded child that wordplay can contribute to the joy of numbers. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

five-stars

The Capitol

The CapitolThe Capitol: A Meet the Nation's Capitol Book by Lindsay Ward
Published by HarperCollins US on November 30, 2022
ISBN: 0063203804
Pages: 40
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

The Capitol: A Meet the Nation’s Capitol Book is a non-fiction picture book about the capitol building in Washington DC and the many people who work there. The book starts by introducing readers to three kids who are visiting family members who work at the capitol in different capacities. These children team up to find a missing cat that is loose on the Capitol grounds. Readers follow their search for the cat as they travel to different parts of the building, reading about the Capitol and its employees along the way. The text is presented in a variety of styles to keep the readers’ interest. Some pages have pictures of people with captions, while others pages include maps and diagrams of the building itself. Pages that are more text driven include highlighted interesting facts and questions that make this book interactive. The backstory of the missing cat and the dialog in word bubbles will also keep readers entertained. The pictures of the capitol employees and politicians show diverse representation and are not gender stereotyped.

This book would be great for elementary students beginning to learn about the United States government or for a unit on different types of occupations. There is a lot of great basic information that teachers or parents can add to. There is no table of contents, but there is a glossary that defines the bolded words found in the text. Sources and other notable facts are also included at the end of the book.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Concrete: From the Ground Up

Concrete: From the Ground UpConcrete: From the Ground Up by Larissa Theule, Steve Light
Published by Candlewick Press on September 13, 2022
ISBN: 1536212504
Pages: 48
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

In the suggested subtitle category: “Everything You Should Know About Concrete but Didn’t Know to Ask”. This nonfiction picture book is an homage to concrete’s fascinating history and its ability to outlast its creators by millennia. Strong, declarative sentences accompanied by similarly expressive pen and ink drawings carry the story. “By now, people are getting pretty good at using concrete. They’re even having fun with it.” The cartoonish illustrations with speech bubbles, side bars, and asides are reminiscent of The Way Things Work by David Macaulay.

Theule does a very good job of defining unfamiliar words within the text . . . . “Romans used pozzolana in their cement. Pozzolana is a volcanic ash.” The story gets a little sidetracked with the introduction of Roman emperors and Hadrian. The back matter contains a bibliography of the author’s many interesting sources of information. A timeline would have been helpful here but overall, this is a great example of nonfiction writing that captures the reader’s attention with the right balance of fact and whimsy, a wonderful combination of fact and narrative. Highly recommended for libraries with curious builders (and readers).

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

Tree hole homes:

Tree hole homes:Tree Hole Homes: And the Animals That Live in Them by Amy Hevron, Melissa Stewart
Published by Random House on September 1, 2022
ISBN: 0593373308
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A raccoon peeks out invitingly at us from its tree hole home on the cover of this illustrated nonfiction picture book, making us eager to see and learn more.

Stewart has created a nonfiction book that elegantly works on two levels: each page contains simple text describing tree hole homes aligned with brief factual details about their denizens. “(A tree hole home can be) calm and quiet” in larger, colorful type accompanies “A fisher spends most of its life alone . . . “ in smaller, white type on a two-page spread of a fisher in its solitary home. The overall organization of the book juxtaposes the multiple personalities of tree hole homes: “A tree hole home can be big or small” with examples of each. Back matter contains selected sources, including other recommended books and tree hole dweller stats that include scientific names, size, habitat, etc.

Acrylic and charcoal illustrations on wood by Amy Hevron captivate the reader and beautifully enhance the text. This book is recommended for children in grades 2-3, according to the publisher. However, its clear, simple language and engaging illustrations make it a great read-aloud for children ages 4-8. Highly recommended for all collections.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
Young School Librarian, Saco

five-stars

Mama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib’s Journey to Washington

Mama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib’s Journey to WashingtonMama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib's Journey to Washington by Miranda Paul, Rashida Tlaib
Published by HarperCollins US on January 4, 2023
ISBN: 0358683432
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Rashida Tlaib (pronounced Ta-LEEB) has written a picture book with her son Adam and Miranda Paul, describing how Tlaib, daughter of Palestinian immigrants to Detroit, became the first Muslim woman to represent Michigan’s 12th congressional district in the US House. Told from the perspective of Tlaib’s school-age children, Adam and Yousif, this first person narrative makes the story, and government accessible.

It starts with the brief background of Tlaib’s immigrant parents and growing up the oldest of 14 children. Adam relates his mother’s experiences — feeling unwelcome as a first-generation American raised in poverty and environmental factors that impacted the quality of life in their poor neighborhood — to her reasons for becoming involved in politics. The illustrations are engaging and take care to be inclusive of the people whom Tlaib represents and advocates for. There are accounts of her failures, her successes, and difficulties along the way. The back matter contains a visual representation of the three branches of the US government and their responsibilities as well as a glossary of cultural and political words readers may not be familiar with. A timeline connecting Tlaib’s experience to the history taking place around her would have been helpful.

A recommended title for any school library where government organization is part of the curriculum and any public library looking for books that help readers relate to the government elected to serve them. School children might know about their government representatives but seeing these individuals as persons with families and backgrounds like their own will open their eyes to why government representatives should see them, too.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
Young School Librarian, Saco

four-stars

The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story

The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True StoryThe Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story by Emma Bland Smith, Jenn Ely
Published by Charlesbridge Publishing on March 15, 2022
ISBN: 1623541603
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Smith’s nonfiction picture book addresses the reader directly on the first page: “The boat chugged out of San Francisco and into the bay. Sounds nice? It wasn’t.” The illustration of a bleak, forbidding scene and its accompanying text immediately invest the reader in this snapshot of a time, place, person and system: Elliott Michener, convicted counterfeiter, is sent to Alcatraz in the 1940s, where he becomes a gardener and thrives, evolving into a person worthy of trust and responsibility. Becoming a gardener transforms Michener, and his passion for his purpose transforms Alcatraz, or at least its environs.

The Gardener of Alcatraz looks at the penitentiary system through the lens of Michener’s experience at Alcatraz, and to a lesser extent, Leavenworth. Based on extensive reviews of primary sources, the story is meant for audiences between the ages of 7-10. The back matter includes a timeline bibliography of Michener and Alcatraz, as well as a brief history of the island, its gardens, and the federal penitentiary there.

The gouache illustrations by Jenn Ely show Michener’s affect on Alcatraz, changing from a gray palette to one infused with color from the plants and flowers that Michener grows on the island. The illustrations in the story and the historic photos in the text reflect what prisons would have looked like at the time; readers will find the images telling but explicit.

While it is unusual for picture books to look at former felons, it is important and needed: approximately half of all persons in state and federal prisons are the parents of minor children. A story where the reader is allowed to empathize with the subject, is needed and important.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
Young School Librarian, Saco

five-stars