Source: MSL Book Review

Beanie the bansheenie

Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer, Steve McCarthy
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536240664
Genres: Family, Supernatural
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Eoin Colfer turns Irish legend on its head in this long-form picture book about kindness and caring. Beanie the Bansheenie (a baby banshee named by atom fish) is destined to warn the small human girl named Rose when she is about to die (that is, after all, a banshee’s job). Circumstances collide, as seen in the graphic illustrations by Steve McCarthy, and Beanie is unable to bind with Rose in the way traditional to banshees. Instead, Beanie spends important developmental time in the company of the atom fish who name her and sustain her through storytelling and song. When Beanie is ready to learn of Rose (so she can do her Banshee job), she watches Rose (a creative and joyful human) and this observation, along with all the other non-traditional circumstances of Bansheenie’s existence, change the path of their destined relationship. 

The story and accompanying illustrations are entertaining and clever. Older readers will enjoy Colfer’s signature wry humor and McCarthy’s bold, graphic illustrations embellished with Celtic ornamentation and the depiction of Rose and Bansheenie as nonconforming (Rose is a brown-skinned girl with dark brown hair streaked with pink; Bansheenie looks like a punk rocker with her biker jacket, motorcycle boots and wallet chain). 

In an author’s note below the dedication, Colfer explains how and what inspired him to turn an Irish legend into a delightful story with an important message about unexpected opportunities to do good, be kind, and make a lifetime friend.The long form (64 p.) lends itself to a more complex plot, making this a good fit for older readers. Recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

five-stars

Box of Dreams

Box of DreamsBox of Dreams by Christine Almeda, Faith Kazmi
on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 0063251361
Genres: Family, Immigrants
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The title refers to a balikbayan box, and the young Filipino-American girl narrating the story learns from her mother that balikbayan means “return to home”. Through the gifts and practical items (school supplies, jeans, swim goggles) packed in the large cardboard box, the narrator learns more about her relatives’ way of life in the Philippines. The prose is simple; Filipino words are used in context to connect the reader with the narrator and her story of immigration and connection to Filipino culture.

The colorful illustrations connect the young girl to her family in the Philippines and the reader to the main character through everyday objects (slippers, baby photos displayed on the wall) and happenings.

This story culminates in a trip to the Philippines with the accompanying balikbayan box, and family reunion is beautifully expressed through the illustration. Box of Dreams offers the Filipino perspective on the immigration story, and the family that remains in the Philippines. This story could be used as a springboard to discuss what readers would put in a box for a family far away and lead to finding similarities to other immigration stories about leaving one’s homeland for opportunity, and sharing with those who stayed behind. 

The author’s note explains reasons for Filipino emigration to escape economic hardship, as well as her own family’s emigration story. Meant as a read-aloud for children ages 4-8. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

five-stars

Eight sweet nights: A festival of lights

Eight sweet nights: A festival of lightsEight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights: A Hanukkah Story by Charlotte Offsay, Menahem Halberstadt
ISBN: 059380872X
Genres: Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Sweet traditions (old and new) of Hanukkah are celebrated in brief, poetic prose. Every page features an inset containing brief explanations for those unfamiliar with Hanukkah and its customs. This picture book’s focus is on the desserts eaten during Hanukkah, and the illustrations expand on the text, telling the story of a multi-generational family gathering to observe the beginning of the holiday as they make and eat latkes, sufganiyots (fried doughnuts filled with jam), and other sweet treats while spinning the dreidel. The characters present with diverse skin tones. Families looking for a light story to read around Hanukkah will enjoy this. 

Recommended as a supplemental purchase for library collections where Hanukkah picture books with diverse characters are needed.

 Deanna Contrino, K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough

three-stars

Love is hard work: The art and heart of Corita Kent

Love is hard work: The art and heart of Corita KentLove Is Hard Work: The Art and Heart of Corita Kent by Dan Paley, Victoria Tentler-Krylov
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536220329
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this picture book biography, the reader is immersed in the Pop Art movement through the life of Corita Kent, known familiarly as Sister Corita. The narrative starts at the beginning, with Frances Elizabeth Kent’s interest in art as a young girl in 1930, and follows her through her studies, her life in the Order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, her evolution as a nun, artist and teacher seeking to make social change in the world through her audacious serigraphs and watercolors, to her dispensation of her vows in 1968, to leave behind the restrictions placed upon her as a religious woman by the Roman Catholic Church.

Paley’s book emphasizes how Kent used the power of the written word within her visual art to open viewers’ minds to the injustices in the world. Paley is particularly successful at giving Kent’s life context within the historic events happening all around her. Kent is seen as a product of and a revolutionary against this backdrop. The text within the book incorporates striking elements, such as bold, capital letters in red, that mirror her style. The illustrations (created with watercolors and digital tools) are vibrant, and graphic – much like Kent’s art. Her work and life after 1968 are encapsulated in a couple of pages.

Audiences in New England may know Sister Corita through “Rainbow Swash”, the common name of the multi-colored design painted on the side of the Boston Gas tank in 1972, that instantly became a landmark for anyone driving through Boston. (This artwork is not referenced in Paley’s book.)

Love is Hard Work could serve as a middle school text demonstrating the importance of Pop Art on culture and the influence of historic events on Pop Art, through the lens of Corita Kent. The story and illustrations are captivating. As a nonfiction narrative, it would benefit from thumbnails of her art works in the back matter to provide more information about the specific pieces of art referenced in the text and illustrations in the body of the book.

Recommended for public libraries and school libraries where picture book biographies are popular.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MILS
Scarborough K-2 School Librarian

four-stars

The Kite Collector

The Kite CollectorThe Kite Collector by Zoey Abbott
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525312529
Genres: Babies/Infants, Emotions & Feelings, Family, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

James loves kites. He has a collection of them in his closet, and after earning enough money from walking his neighbors’ dogs, he goes to the store and buys another one to add to his collection. His baby sister GG discovers the closet of pristine, unused kites and has other ideas of how they should be played with. After a moment of panic and anger, James remembers that his sister is learning all kinds of new things and repairs their relationship. As a gift, James buys GG her very own pirate kite. He panics again when she asks to fly it. It could be tangled! Torn! Lost in the wind! But after watching his new octopus kite flutter a bit in the wind, he chooses to be courageous enough to open his mind.

Together, James and GG enjoy an afternoon in the park, flying GG’s pirate kite and James learns to be brave. This one’s a special story about sibling bonding and repair, and how to navigate a new baby in the house.

Review by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

four-stars

Sloth and Squirrel on Vacation (Sloth and Squirrel, 2)

Sloth and Squirrel on Vacation (Sloth and Squirrel, 2)Sloth and Squirrel on Vacation (Sloth and Squirrel, 2) by Cathy Ballou Mealey, Kelly Collier
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525312561
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In the second in a series of Sloth and Squirrel, the friends are now boarding up their pickle stand and deciding to take a much needed vacation. After much deliberation, they decide to book a trip to Paradise Park Resort where there is, “something for everyone.”

Sloth wants to relax, whereas Squirrel wants to try every single activity they offer. Squirrel’s attention is humorously derailed at every turn. He starts by rock-climbing and then spies people on kayaks. “OOH Paragliding!” he exclaims. While Sloth is napping on the beach, Squirrel remembers to find his friend. Although they are different, they share a treat together on the beach and remember why they love spending time together. A great read for kids who are learning how to navigate friendship. Great for fans of Duck and Goose and the like.

Ages 4-7

Review by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

School Dance

School DanceSchool Dance (The Brinkley Yearbooks, #3) by Sarah Sax
Published by Random House Graphic on August 26, 2025
ISBN: 0593306961
Pages: 288
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The third book in the Brinkley Yearbook series does not disappoint. Sax masterfully embodies the fears and awkwardness of the middle school years. In this third installment, Milo gets his book as he looks to conquer the dreaded school dance. He is convinced that anytime he dances, bad things happen; thus, he and his dancing are cursed. He has some anecdotal evidence, but like most young people, he believes that his actions, alone, cause something to happen. When his abuela moves in with him, he is happy because she knows him better than anyone. However, she also loves dancing and feels a natural inclination toward it. With his very supportive friend group, and his very sassy and persuasive abuela, Milo finally is able to let go of the judge in his head and let the music find his feet. Sax’s illustrations are crisp and bright, and her prose is not overwhelming. Fans of realistic graphic novels will eat this up and look forward to book 4 in the series.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School

five-stars

Dear Manny

Dear MannyDear Manny by Nic Stone
Series: Dear Martin #3
Published by Penguin Random House on 2025
ISBN: 9780593308011
Pages: 199
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Dear Manny is the third installment in the Dear Martin series, following Yale student Jared Peter Christiansen as he reckons with his privilege as a wealthy, white, male running for Junior Council President on a platform of equity and inclusion.

The minute Jared encounters John Preston LePlante IV, a multi-generation legacy student who “doesn’t believe in DEI because they didn’t earn it”, Jared knows he must run against him for Council President to better represent the whole student body. When a surprise third candidate enters the race ready to question how committed Jared is to his beliefs (while simultaneously stealing his heart), Jared starts to worry. Though he considers himself quite socially aware after LOTS of unlearning, he is increasingly unsettled by how similar his background and outward appearance are to John Preston. To cope, Jared starts to write letters to his deceased best friend Manny (a black boy killed by an off duty white cop) but only more questions arise: What’s the best way to bring about change? How do you get ahead while acknowledging you have a significant head start?

Of the three books in the Dear Martin series, I think this is one that would appeal best to Maine student demographics. It examines privileges that some students may take for granted with real time counterarguments, while also showing that there can still be love and growth in our current political climate. The writing style will also have high appeal with its multiple formats (texts, play-style conversations, etc.), short chapters and humor sprinkled amidst the hard conversations. I’d recommend this to 9th graders and up, especially in classes where current events and lively discussions are encouraged.

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

five-stars

Sweet Valley Twins Sneaking Out

Sweet Valley Twins Sneaking OutSweet Valley Twins: Sneaking Out: (A Graphic Novel) by Claudia Aguirre, Francine Pascal, Nicole Andelfinger
ISBN: 0593807219
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship, Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

The twins are back! In this latest graphic novel, one of the hottest bands is coming to Sweet Valley. It seems as though everyone is going to see the concert, except for Elizabeth and Jessica (whose parents won’t let them go). But Jess is determined to go to the concert anyway. Throughout this story Jess goes to extraordinary lengths to: 1) come up with the money (she hates dogs, but that doesn’t mean she can’t dog-sit, right?), 2) get to the concert (a well-timed sleep over with a friend who is going should do the trick), and 3) have the perfect outfit so that Johnny Buck notices her at the show (her sister wouldn’t mind letting her borrow that new dress, right?). In all of her scrambling to make it come together, Jess neglects her relationships and her responsibilities. Can she make it up to everyone that she hurts along the way? This story was full of good lessons about following through with your promises – though reading it was a little like watching a train wreck. The illustrations were colorful, fun, and accurately depicted the emotions of the characters/drama of the story. Overall, it was a quick read that’s sure to circulate with younger graphic novel readers. Recommended for ages 8 to 10 (Grades 3 to 5).

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

three-stars

Outspoken Paul Robeson Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford & Eric Velasquez

Outspoken Paul Robeson Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford & Eric VelasquezOutspoken: Paul Robeson, Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford, Eric Velásquez
Published by Candlewick Press on 2024
ISBN: 1536212970
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In this first person narration, biographical, picture book in verse, Newbery Honor Winner Carole Boston Weatherford steps into the shoes of the multitalented Paul Robeson.  Those talents expand to All-American Football, baseball, and basketball player, valedictorian of Rutger class of 1919, Columbian Law Degree recipient, actor, singer, and activist.  His impact reached far and wide as he traveled around the world, using his amazing voice and strong influence to, “…speak out against the injustices against the Negro people of this land… fighting for the rights of my people, who are still second-class sitizens in this United States.”  There are so many things to say about this remarkable man, but you just have to read the book to learn more.  

While this is a “picture book,” it is written for a middle grade and older audience.  The verse is layered with lyrics from spirituals and folk songs.  The illustrations by Eric Valasquez are exquisite and add a lot to understanding the wonderful and tragic events of Robeson’s life.  The back of the book contains a timeline of Robeson’s life as well as a bibliography for further reading.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.

five-stars