Source: MSL Book Review

Buffalo Fluffalo

Buffalo FluffaloBuffalo Fluffalo (A Buffalo Fluffalo Story) by Bess Kalb, Erub Kraan
Published by Random House on January 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593564537
Genres: Animals, Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Buffalo Fluffalo has had Enuffalo! This is a fantastic story about learning to be vulnerable, written by Bess Kalb with illustrations by Erin Kraan. We start our story learning about our rough and tough buffalo character – anytime a friend comes by to offer him friendship, he repeats a rhyming mantra that scares them away. Kalb’s rhymes are comedic and enticing for kids to hear and read. At the crux of our story, a rain shower comes by to drench Buffalo Fluffalo’s “puffalo,”, and the animals see that he’s actually a small little guy. The friends, who saw through his big tough act, circle him with comfort and assure him, “you’re great how you are, no matter your size!”

A great message for all children, but especially for boys who are often bombarded with masculine ideals. Highly recommend for storytimes, since the rhyming and repetition is so engaging! Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Everyone Starts Small

Everyone Starts SmallEveryone Starts Small by Dominique Ramsey, Liz Garton Scanlon
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536226157
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

“Everyone Starts Small” is a poetic celebration of the interconnectedness of nature, and the growth of all things, from seedlings and bugs to large trees and clouds. Even when stressed by climate extremes, plants and animals may retreat or rest, but will grow and flourish again. The illustrations are stunning and colorful, full of movement, patterns, and a sense of scale. This book would make a good starting point for lessons or conversations about ecosystems, climate change, and environmental stewardship. A lovely book for any picture book collection. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 1st Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library

five-stars

The World Is Ours To Cherish

The World Is Ours To CherishThe World Is Ours to Cherish: A Letter to a Child by Mary Annaïse Heglar, Vivian Mineker
ISBN: 059356801X
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a letter from a caretaker or adult figure to a child of today. The message is clear – cherish all of the miracles of nature because climate change is here, but you can make a difference and help shape positive change in the world. The verse is lovely, and overall, the message is positive. Illustrations are colorful and celebrate nature, though also depict climate change effects (floods, fires, etc.). This book could be a good tool to start a discussion about climate change, however could also be perceived to put pressure on our youngest generation to repair climate change. While the future is hopeful in the story, it also offers vague and optimistic promises. More concrete actionable steps are available for caregivers at the end of the book. Caregiver discretion advised for children suffering from climate anxiety. Appropriate for ages 5-6 (Kindergarten).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library

four-stars

Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool

Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting PreschoolOlu's Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool by Jamel C. Campbell, Lydia Mba
Published by Candlewick Press on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 1536231460
Genres: Cultural / African American, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Olu’s Teacher” is a story about anxiety, new beginnings, belonging, and representation. As Olu gets ready for his first day of preschool his imagination runs wild – could his teacher have teeth like a T-Rex? Or breathe fire like a dragon? He is stomach is churning, his legs are wobbly. But, with some encouragement from his parents, he embarks on his first day. Once at school, Olu sees his friends in class, and enjoys music, building, soccer, and story time. Before he even realizes it – it’s already time to go home. The best part of his first day? Olu feels represented – his teacher looks just like him! This book is very relatable for any child getting ready for their first day, and showcases diversity in a classroom setting. Illustrations are colorful and playful. The book includes recommended tips for parents to help their child get excited for preschool. Recommended for ages 4-6 (Pre-K to 1st Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library

four-stars

The Area 51 Files: Friend or UFO

The Area 51 Files: Friend or UFOFriend or UFO (The Area 51 Files) by Julie Buxbaum, Lavanya Naidu
Series: Area 51 Files, #3, #3
Published by Delacorte Press on April 16, 2024
ISBN: 0593429540
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Sky’s exciting and unusual life in Area 51 continues in the third book in this series.  In this novel, Sky and her friends (alien and human) must work together to find and rescue Sky’s grandmother, an FBAI agent, who has been kidnapped.  Together they put together clues and codes and determine she is stuck in Area 52, an alien portal almost impossible to reach. Meanwhile, Sky is excitedly preparing for her first Drop Day (when items from earth fall from the sky), but can’t shake the feeling she is being watched.  Upper elementary readers who have read the other two books in this series will enjoy this one as well, though readers do not need to have read those to appreciate this one.  Buxbaum’s fast pace and humorous style will continue to engage readers. Black and white cartoonish drawings are found throughout the novel, adding to its humor and suspense.  This is a fun book in a fun series for a school or public library.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Blue Stars: the Vice Principal Problem

Blue Stars: the Vice Principal ProblemMission One: The Vice Principal Problem by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kekla Magoon, Molly Murakami
Series: Blue Starts #1
Published by Candlewick Press on March 5, 2024
ISBN: 1536204994
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

6th grade cousins Maya and Riley move in with their grandmother right before starting 6th grade.  They haven’t seen each other for years and have a hard time sharing a room.  They struggle to connect, but when they realize their detention-loving vice principal wants to take away their after-school clubs, they tap into their inner superhero and work together to expose him.  Kids in grades 4-6 will enjoy reading this fast-paced graphic novel where good overcomes evil in creative and unexpected ways.  Although race and culture don’t play a major role in the plot, there is a lot of representation found in this graphic novel.  The main characters are biracial, with Maya looking more like her Black father and Riley looking more like her Native American mother. Background characters are also diverse with illustrations depicting people of different races, religions, and physical abilities.  This looks to be the first book in a series and readers will no doubt want to see what this dynamic duo is up to next!

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

The Fastest Drummer: Clap your hands for Viola Smith

The Fastest Drummer: Clap your hands for Viola SmithThe Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith! by Dean Robbins, Susanna Chapman
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536224863
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

In the 1930s most people didn’t believe that women could play instruments as well as men. Viola Smith proved them all wrong, playing the drums in bands all over the world. Starting as a teen, Smith did not stop playing professionally until well after her 100th birthday. Although many people alive today may not be familiar with Viola Smith, this book covers her start in her family band composed of herself and her sisters through her break onto the national stage during World War II and beyond. Viola Smith designed drum kit staging in such a way that it allowed her to be one of the fastest drummers of the Jazz and Big Swing Band eras. This warm toned and fondly written biography of an American musical icon comes to life with vivid illustrations filled with sound and movement. The author and illustrators’ love of the subject matter is clear. The illustrations use a mid century color scheme and aesthetic that is extremely visually pleasing and brings the time period to life.  The inclusion of a glossary and other resources for students to learn more about female musicians and Jazz music make this book a fantastic resource for school libraries or for classroom teachers looking to grow a picture book biography section.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette – Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

five-stars

Down the Sleepy River

Down the Sleepy RiverDown the Sleepy River: A Mindful Bedtime Book by Carmen Saldaña, Emma Drage
ISBN: 1536234974
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This beautifully illustrated bedtime book follows a journey down a jungle river, using gentle language to encourage very young children to fall asleep. The book includes an introduction for adults discussing the importance of mindfulness for children and giving suggestions for how to read the book with your child. While the repetitive text is very similar to many other books in the “time for bed” genre, Carmen Salaña’s illustrations set this book apart. The colors are rich and vibrant and the jungle theme is clear throughout. As the reader travels down the river each African animal they visit is beautifully illustrated and paired with a breathing activity. The breathing activities are repetitive, however some families and children may find this soothing. This book would be a good choice for children ages pre-k and under or for children who are particularly interested in African animals.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette – Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

three-stars

Dawn of a Goddess

Dawn of a GoddessStorm: Dawn of a Goddess by Tiffany D. Jackson
Published by Random House on June 4, 2024
ISBN: 0593308859
Genres: Fantasy, Supernatural
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This young adult novel is an exciting and cinematic entry into the Marvel canon. Those familiar with the X-Men and Black Panther will enjoy reading this origin story that fleshes out Storm’s teenage years. The novel includes mild romantic elements and plenty of action. The overarching plot is somewhat predictable to those who are familiar with Marvel movies and comics, but the characterization of the main characters makes up for the common superhero tropes used in the plot.

Ororo Munroe is an orphan working in a Cairo street gang when everything changes. With no knowledge of where her unusual white hair and blue eyes came from, or why she can always predict the weather, Ororo is just trying to survive. One day everything changes when the Shadow King, a powerful villain, threatens everything she has ever known. Ororo must flee across Africa, following her instincts to uncover the truth about her heritage in the company of a young man named T’Challa. Can Ororo gain control of her mysterious weather powers and become who she was meant to be?

Rebecca Duquette – Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

four-stars

Mermaid Lullaby

Mermaid LullabyMermaid Lullaby by Kenneth Kraegel
Published by Candlewick Press on April 19, 2024
ISBN: 1536204668
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

From the author & illustrator of “Mushroom Lullaby” comes this cozy underwater sequel. Kraegel’s writing here is a little inconsistent, with some bursts of genius and some lackluster lines, but ultimately this slack is picked up by the nature of the story and the transporting illustrations that are chock full of life & magic. Mermaid Lullaby takes the reader on a wonderful, peaceful journey through a few mermaid friends’ day as they explore the wonder of the ocean & wider world around them. Large, simple text on each page is easy for little eyes to follow and the timeless style of the illustrations feels sure to spark sweet dreams. This simple concept was executed very well and makes a phenomenal read through and through, definitely worthy of a place amongst the bedtime-story classics. For ages 2 and up.

Reviewed by Paiten Price – Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, ME 

four-stars