Source: MSL Book Review

I Built A Rocket Ship

I Built A Rocket ShipI Built a Rocket Ship by Anna Lazowski, Jennica Lounsbury
Published by Kids Can Press on June 2, 2026
ISBN: 152531131X
Pages: 32
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Family Life, Grief
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

I Built A Rocket Ship is a simple yet powerful book about what it feels like from a child’s perspective after the passing of her mother. The child’s words to her mother are somewhat epistolary: “You…said when you were gone, I’d still feel you near me. But I don’t. Not really. So I’m building a rocket ship out in the backyard.” The child is very tenacious in her quest to build a giant rocket ship out of cardboard and she brings in her special items, including her cat. As she stares at the constellations, she imagines her mother up there, and it’s clear how much she is grieving the loss of her. The illustrations and muted colors are very soft and comforting for readers. This is a lovely addition to any picture book collection, but especially sections about grief and loss. Recommended for ages 4+.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

 

four-stars

Melodies of the Weary Blues

Melodies of the Weary BluesMelodies of The Weary Blues: Classic Poems Illustrated for Young People by Langston Hughes, Various
ISBN: 0063327058
Genres: Cultural / African American, Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This poetry picture book is a stunning anthology of Langston Hughes’ poems collected by the editor, Shamar Knight-Justice. Each page is a different illustrator’s work, working with different moods and themes all the way to the end. A total of 23 poems, and 23 of the most talented Black artists in the industry. Highlights include: “The Negro Speaks of Rivers (To W.E.B. DuBois)” and “Aunt Sue’s Stories” which speak so powerfully of the African American experience. Knight-Justice’s Author’s Note at the beginning of the compilation is a great explanation of why the picture book was created, as well as Hughes’s small biography in the back with additional timeline. Surprisingly, one of his most popular poems, “Harlem,” was absent.

Highly recommended for all poetry collections and Black history curriculum. Ages 6-10.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Lulu and the Others

Lulu and the OthersLulu and the Others: A True Story―A Charming Picture Book about a Bonobo Monkey for Kids (Ages 4-8) by A.G. Ford, Eliot Schrefer
ISBN: 0063205378
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

We are introduced to Lulu, a bonobo who lives very similarly to her human family members. Lulu can look at comic books, play with her “sister,” get food out of the refrigerator, and use the bathroom just like her family. But after some time, Lulu seems sad and uninterested in life. The parents realize it’s time for Lulu to meet the apes on the island where she came from.

Based on a true story of bonobo rehabilitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the apes are raised in safe places until they’re ready to go to the island Lola ya Bonobo (Paradise for Bonobos). When the apes are reintroduced back into the wild, there is always a unique transitioning period to where the bonobos learn who they actually are. Lulu’s story is one of those stories and shows readers how bonobo rehabilitation can be done.

A sweet and educational story about our close relatives, the bonobos.

Recommended for ages 2-6.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Dinosaur Day

Dinosaur DayDinosaur Day (Beginner Books) by Edward Miller
Published by Random House on 6/2/26
ISBN: 0593377281
Genres: dinosaurs
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Dinosaur Day is an early reader book that introduces young readers to different types of dinosaurs and what they do during the day.  The text is made up of simple sentences that rhyme.  There are a variety of punctuation marks, so children can practice reading with expression.  The illustrations are vibrant and colorful, sure to engage dinosaur lovers.  There are also labels by the different dinosaur species with pronunciation keys, which the kids will no doubt find interesting, but require adult support.  This book will be a popular addition to early reader collections.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum,  Orono Public Library

three-stars

I Am Kylian: The True Story of an International Soccer Champion

I Am Kylian: The True Story of an International Soccer ChampionI Am Kylian: The True Story of an International Soccer Champion by Faro, Kylian Mbappé
Published by Rodale Kids on 6/9/26
ISBN: 9798217445844
Genres: Sports
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this graphic memoir, readers will learn how Kylian Mbappé became one of the world’s greatest soccer players.  This memoir starts with Mbappé as a young child obsessed with soccer, dreaming of becoming a great soccer star.  Although gifted, Mbappé struggled in school and his parents had to work hard to help him become successful.  Mbappé also had to learn some hard lessons in soccer as he rose through the ranks, but he could always rely on his amazing speed and intelligence.  His humor, drive, and strong family relationships run throughout this graphic novel, both in the text and the graphics.

This graphic novel is best suited for upper elementary or middle school readers.  Most of the layouts contain a lot of text and illustrations, so readers will need to be able to process large amounts of information.  Readers who love soccer, or sports in general, will enjoy this graphic novel, because it really captures Mbappé’s full journey to becoming a soccer superstar.  Libraries looking to capitalize on the recent World Cup frenzy or want a quality nonfiction sports option should consider adding this book to the collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Can I Do It?

Can I Do It?Little Critter: Can I Do It? (I Can Read Phonics): A Heartwarming Phonics Story about Friendship and Teamwork for Beginning Readers by Mercer Mayer
Published by HarperCollins on 6/2/26
ISBN: 0063473143
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Can I Do It? By Mercer Mayer is a Level 1 Phonics early reader featuring Little Critter, Frog, and Dog.  The story starts with the main character falling off his bike and being sad that he can’t ride his bike.  Dog is sad that he can’t play with his toy like he would like too, but then Dog is able to and is happy!  Similarly, Frog has a hard time hopping up the stairs and his sadness turns to happiness when he is successful.  At the end, Dog and Frog encourage Little Critter to try again and Little Critter is successful, too!

This is a great yet simple story of friendship and perseverance that new readers will be able to relate to.  Additionally, the illustrations are fun and colorful and will be appealing to that age group.  Caregivers will also appreciate this book because at the beginning, before the text even starts, there is a list of short vowel words, consonant blends, and high frequency words found in the story, with explanations of what those terms mean.  Adults can review these words with children before reading, building on skills they are working on or introducing them to new words.  This will help young readers build confidence and fluency while reading this story.   This would be an excellent addition to any library serving young children or new readers.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Styx and Stones

Styx and StonesStyx and Stones by Gary D. Schmidt, Ron Koertge
Published by Clarion Books on 5/5/26
ISBN: 0063380978
Genres: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Simon has been in the Underworld for thousands of years, despite frequent attempts to escape.  When he finally does escape, he finds himself naked in a middle school bathroom in St. Paul, MN.  Luckily for Simon, Zeke discovers him and helps him become acclimated.  Zeke is bullied often and Simon becomes his first real friend. Zeke and the other kids (and a teacher) at school quickly realize that Simon is different- kinder and wiser than other kids his age.

Meanwhile, Hades is furious that Simon escaped and his wife, Persephone, is trying to figure out how he escaped.  Hades sends someone to capture Simon, wreaking havoc on the weather and putting Simon’s friendship with Zeke to the test. There is a battle and Simon does end up leaving St. Paul, saving Zeke and Zeke’s biggest bully in the process.  After Simon returns to the Underworld, Cerberus, the dog he was able to tame, ate the evil Hades. Suddenly the landscape was restored, and a new world was ready to be created.  In St. Paul, Zeke grieved Simon’s absence, but he grieved with his new friends who also missed Simon.  Zeke and Simon were forever changed by their brief friendship.

Readers who enjoy fantasy and mythology will enjoy this middle grade novel.  There is a touch of humor and plenty of action to keep readers hooked, especially when demons from the Underworld arrive in Minnesota.  Readers will relate to the drama and bullying in this story and will appreciate the growth and friendship between the main characters.  This story of grief, friendship, courage, and kindness will stick with readers long after they turn the last page.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Pete the Cat and the Family Tree

Pete the Cat and the Family TreePete the Cat and the Family Tree (I Can Read Phonics): Learn to Read with Pete the Cat in a Phonics-Based Story for Beginning Readers (Ages 4-8) by James Dean, Kimberly Dean
Published by Harper ISBN: 0063350491
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Designated by the publisher as a Level 2 early reader focusing on long vowels and consonant digraphs, this decodable Pete the Cat title prioritizes phonetic pattern practice over complex plot.

The straightforward storyline follows Pete as he builds a family tree, learning about his relatives’ hobbies and connecting them to his own through his imagination. While the narrative serves strictly as a vehicle for decoding practice, emerging readers will benefit from the highly controlled vocabulary, short sentence structures, and predictable text patterns.

Dean’s signature bright, cheerful art style remains highly appealing and provides  visual scaffolding for decoding unfamiliar words. Because the confidence boost of independent reading successfully offsets the minimal narrative action, this title is an excellent tool for families seeking high-interest, familiar characters to extend at-home practice. A valuable addition to school and public libraries building out structured literacy and decodable text collections.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough School District

four-stars

RV There Yet?

RV There Yet?RV There Yet? by Suzanne Nelson
on May 12, 2026
ISBN: 0593567056
Genres: Adventure, Family
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Cricket, Flossie, Parker, Newt, and Darwin are new step-siblings preparing for summer vacation when their newly-wed parents show up with a rundown RV and plans for a familymoon – a honeymoon for the whole family.  Along with their dog, Archimedes, and a stow-away snake, the family heads to Yellowstone National Park to explore the park.  As with any road trip, things don’t always go as planned.  Cricket, the oldest sibling, is upset about missing her writing camp and resents having to look after the other four mischievous children.  When Flossie runs away and a bear shows up, everyone must learn to bend and compromise for this new family to work together.  

This book will appeal to upper elementary students who like humorous, cozy stories.  While all of the events fit together, many of the events are shorter which might help students who are building their reading stamina for longer story arcs.  

It also tackles issues about blending a family, without being too serious.  There are some nice geography and travel connections for teachers looking to make content connections to ELA and social studies.

Reviewed by Jaime Beal, RSU 40, Waldoboro

three-stars

I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea

I Hear the Snow, I Smell the SeaI Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea by Chris Raschka, Jan Milusich, Janice Milusich
Published by Random House Children's Books on October 7, 2025
ISBN: 0593308174
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This extraordinarily rich picture book is a sensory feast told from the perspective of Nevaeh, a young, blind girl with light brown hair and blue eyes. Drawing on her experience as a teacher of the blind and visually impaired, Milusich takes readers on a journey through the seasons. Nevaeh serves as an expert guide, illustrating how the year smells, feels, sounds, and tastes: spring smells like hyacinths, summer feels like floating in the ocean, fall sounds like the “Honk, honk, honk” of migrating birds, and winter tastes like fresh snow.
Nevaeh lives a rich, full life, enjoying the same seasonal milestones as her sighted peers. Her mindful awareness and joy are perfectly captured as she jumps into leaf piles, smells spring blossoms, and builds a snowman. Raschka’s watercolor and oil pastel illustrations strike a beautiful balance between representation and abstraction, giving sighted readers a luscious understanding of the world experienced through non-visual senses.
This title serves as an excellent mentor text for discussing how a character’s unique perspective shapes a narrative. Highly recommended for public and school library collections.

 

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

five-stars