Spooky Little Halloween

Spooky Little HalloweenSpooky Little Halloween: A Finger Wiggle Book (Finger Wiggle Books) by Nick Sharratt, Sally Symes
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536231479
Genres: board book
Format: Board Book
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A “Finger Wiggle Book”  that kids can poke their fingers through the holes of a witch, wolf, spider, ghost, pumpkin, bat, black cat, and monster/vampire. The bright, high-contrast illustrations and suggested sound effects, along with the finger-poking, will delight toddlers and introduce them to Halloween characters. Best read one-on-one for 1-3 year olds.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Tig and Lily: Up Late

Tig and Lily: Up LateTig and Lily: Up Late!: (A Graphic Novel) by Dan Thompson
Series: Tig and Lily #2
Published by Random House Children's Books on 7/16/24
ISBN: 059348634X
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Tig and Lily are back in this fun graphic novel for new readers.  In this installment, Tig wakes up from a bad dream and decides that he never wants to sleep again.  To help keep him awake, he convinces his best friend Lily to help him throw a slumber party with all of their friends. The party is a fun time complete with snacks and scary stories, but Tig faces danger when he sleepwalks and must be rescued. This graphic novel is ideal for first and second graders.  The language is fairly simple and there isn’t too much text on each panel.  The illustrations definitely carry this book.  They are bright and colorful and convey the humor of the story, especially through the facial expressions of the characters.  Libraries that have the first Tig and Lily will want to add this one to the collection, though it does also work as a stand alone.  Kids will enjoy the humor and will also learn a little bit about friendship, too.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

You Can Be an Activist

You Can Be an ActivistYou Can Be an Activist: How to Use Your Strengths and Passions to Make a Difference (CitizenKid, 27) by Charlene Rocha, Drew Shannon, Mary Beth Leatherdale
Series: Citizen Kid #27
Published by Kids Can Press on 9/3/24
ISBN: 1525308408
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this latest Citizen Kid installment, young adult readers are given a comprehensive guide for how to become an activist.  There are helpful quizzes, templates, and lists that address topics such as fundraising, leading a meeting, and deciding the most appropriate form of action to take.  The book is divided into chapters and each chapter ends with three primary takeaways from the material.  There are sidebars, charts, and lists that help to break down a large amount of information into digestible chunks.  Readers are encouraged to examine their own bias and privilege and are offered suggestions on how to be an ally.  The graphics are engaging and show diverse representation.  Throughout the book there are also short descriptions of young activists who have tackled big issues world-wide.  In addition to the nitty gritty steps young activists should take, another strength of this book is the focus on safety and self care.  The authors remind readers to be aware when using the Internet and social media and are encouraged at various points to reach out to an adult for support.  There is an entire section on burn out warning signs, self care steps to take, and self affirmations readers can use.  This book would be a great addition to a high school library and would be perfect for high school aged and young adult readers who have a passion for making a positive difference in the world.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin MayhemSuper Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem: (A Graphic Novel) by Abhi Alwar, Megan Wagner Lloyd
ISBN: 0593378482
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

It is spring break for Peggy Pancake! Unfortunately, her mom signed her up to babysit all week, and she needs to finish her overdue “how to” homework. Her mom suggests that she write about “how to be responsible”. Peggy will need her super powers and her best friends to survive babysitting the 5 troublesome mini muffins all week. Meanwhile, Professor Egg has succeeded in making a mega/mini laser of doom, and has requested Peggy stop by the lab to study her powers. In a moment of desperation, Peggy decides to bring the mini muffins to the lab, resulting in one of the mini muffins turned mega muffin. Can she fix the mess she made, shrink mini muffin back to her regular size, and return mini muffin to her mom? Yes, she can, while also learning some valuable lessons about being responsible, making mistakes, and trying again. This fun graphic novel is just as good as the original and especially recommended for breakfast lovers. Illustrations are a bright and colorful representation of Breakfast Town and its’ inhabitants. Recommended for ages 6-8 (1st to 3rd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly

Scaredy Squirrel Scared SillyScaredy Squirrel Scared Silly: (A Graphic Novel) (Scaredy's Nutty Adventures) by Mélanie Watt
ISBN: 059330764X
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Scaredy Squirrel is back and ready for Halloween! He is fully prepared to make sure Halloween is cute and fun, and NOT scary. And just in case – he’s thought of everything: fans to ward of ghosts, garlic for vampires, and pepperoni for werewolves. Scaredy is begrudgingly convinced to go trick-or-treating with his friends (if it weren’t for the caramel apples – he would not go). On their outing, they are chased by a pepperoni loving cat throughout the neighborhood. And Scaredy finds out that much of what he was afraid of, isn’t so scary after all. This seasonal sequel is just as fun as the original, and would make a great addition to any graphic novel collection. This series in general could be a good tool for caregivers working through child fears and anxieties. The illustrations are simple, cute, and fitting of the story. Recommended for ages 6-8 (1st to 3rd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Joyful Song: A Naming Story

Joyful Song: A Naming StoryJoyful Song: A Naming Story by Lesléa Newman, Susan Gal
ISBN: 1646143701
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Zachary can hardly contain his excitement; today is his baby sister’s naming ceremony. A tradition in the Jewish faith, Zachary’s family will stand before their community and share their child’s name for the first time. On the way to the ceremony, they pass a myriad of friends. Everyone is excited to meet the baby, and it seems challenging for Zachary to keep the secret for just a little longer (though he manages to!).

With lots of repetitive text and bright illustrations, this book will draw younger readers in. Diverse characters are represented throughout; a wide variety of skin tones can be seen and the main character’s parents are two women.

Recommended for libraries looking to add more Jewish representation to their picture bookshelves.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

 

 

three-stars

Nana in the Country

Nana in the CountryNana in the Country by Lauren Castillo
ISBN: 0544102177
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A young child is eager to show their visiting city grandmother around the country, but it seems that Grandma already knows everything about it. Later that night a crack of thunder startles a sheep, who then gets loose. Grandma doesn’t know what to do, but the child remembers a special trick. The two spend the following day exploring and enjoying the beauty and wildness of the country.

A lovely blend of beautiful illustrations and sweet storytelling, this charming book is recommended for libraries looking to add more picture books about families to their collection.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

four-stars

Tales from Cabin 23: The Boo Hag Flex

Tales from Cabin 23: The Boo Hag FlexThe Boo Hag Flex (Tales From Cabin 23 #1) by Justina Ireland
Series: Tales from Cabin 23 #1
Published by Balzer + Bray on May 14, 2024
ISBN: 006328782X
Pages: 199
Genres: Horror, Supernatural, Suspense
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Despite a cartoonish, younger-looking cover, the first book in this new series is quite spooky and offers a complexity of plot and level of gore that might turn off younger elementary readers. Elaina is unhappy to be at summer camp; so unhappy that she skips the first night of dinner, opting instead to sulk in her cabin, #16 of 20. When a strange fog rolls into her cabin, she investigates and is enticed outside only to find that her cabin has disappeared and in its place is Cabin 23. A woman in Cabin 23 offers to tell Elaina a story in exchange for what Elaina hopes is safe passage out of this strange alternative world in which she finds herself. The story “The Boo Hag Flex” is macabre and suspenseful. The story takes up most of the book; in fact, a reader might forget that it is not the plot of the book, but only a story trade for the protagonist, briefly introduced in chapter one. The story wraps up neatly, but then the Epilogue reminds the reader that they have only been caught up in the story – Elaina is still in trouble. The ending is open-ended and a bit jarring though fans of horror will enjoy it. This is the first in a series and with under 200 pages per book, it will appeal to upper elementary and early middle school readers. Hopefully, future titles will have more accurate, appealing covers.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School.

four-stars

The Mighty Pollinators

The Mighty PollinatorsThe Mighty Pollinators (Step Gently, Look Closely) by Helen Frost, Rick Lieder
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536229105
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The Mighty Pollinators by Helen Frost, and macrophotography by Rick Lieder, is an exploration of all our well-known, but also lesser-known, pollinators that help our plants on Earth grow. This is the seventh book Frost and Lieder have collaborated on, and fans of science-based poetry will enjoy their new collection of poems and up-close shots of insects collecting pollen.

The rhymes are delightful and informative, celebrating butterflies, moths, wasps, and even houseflies. The poems are short enough to be a bedtime story, or a storytime book. The back pages have further information on what pollen is–in all its colors!–and why it’s important.

The colorful, detailed images is where this book really shines since it gives the reader’s eyes access to witnessing the insects covered in pollen dust up close. For those who are looking to add more to their nature poetry collection, or are doing a unit on pollinators or poetry this informational picture book is a great addition. Recommended for ages 3-7

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Tryouts

TryoutsTryouts (The Brinkley Yearbooks #2) by Sarah Sax
Published by Random House Graphic on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 0593306929
Pages: 277
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A solid realistic fiction graphic novel from the author of Picture Day. Using yearbook-like interludes to offer additional back story, this title follows Al, a female pitcher who would like to tryout for the boys baseball team. She is encouraged to by her friends, who are also trying out new things like joining a new club and bringing back a forgotten middle school mascot. The illustrations are clear, bright, and lively. The story offers interesting points of discussion: about Title IX sports, about school traditions, and about being a good teammate. A book for this age group, grades 3 through 7, would always benefit from chapter breaks. Sax does use interludes that mimic a yearbook page and these offer additional voices and background, but they are spread out throughout the book and they are not entirely obvious breaks in the plot. There are many diverse characters. Fans of realistic graphic novels like Click by Kayla Miller, Fifth Quarter by Mike Dawson, and anything Raina Telgemeier will appreciate this title.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School

four-stars