Source: MSL Book Review

Creep, Leap, Crunch!: A Food Chain Story

Creep, Leap, Crunch!: A Food Chain StoryCreep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story by Christopher Silas Neal, Jody Jensen Shaffer
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 2023
ISBN: 9780593565520
Genres: Animals, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Soft, full-color illustrations accompany fun, rhyming text that builds the steps of a temperate deciduous forest food chain in a style similar to “The House that Jack Built”, starting with the rising sun and leading all the way up to the black bear. Along the way, all the animals appear to succeed in their food acquisitions, but then the book takes a fun twist and turns the tables. All the food gets away! The book concludes with a glossary. This book would be excellent for story times, and makes for a simple, exciting introduction to natural food chains. It is recommended for 4-8 year olds.

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

five-stars

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World: The Story of Two Groundbreaking Environmental Artists

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World: The Story of Two Groundbreaking Environmental ArtistsChristo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World: The Story of Two Groundbreaking Environmental Artists by Elizabeth Haidle, G. Neri
Published by Candlewick Press on April 18, 2023
ISBN: 1536216615
Pages: 48
Genres: Arts, Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

This is the story of how controversial artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude met, married, and started creating their art together. Their philosophy was that “Art [was] supposed to make you see things differently” therefore, much of their early art involved wrapping objects of varying sizes to obscure what was inside.  After moving to the United States, the couple created The Wall of Oil Barrels (1962), a wrapped Medieval Tower (1968), and even wrapped the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago (1969). They started wrapping natural objects, adding an Ocean Front (1974) and Wrapped Trees (1998) to their accomplishments. One of their best-known projects was The Gates (2005) that consisted of a park full of flowing fabric gates. Full color illustrations throughout the book add life to the text. A note at the end of the text explains that the artists never accepted public money to create their works. They also never charged anyone to experience their works. Because all their installations were temporary, they were each treated as an event.  The author  includes a list of Fun Facts and a Bibliography at the end of the book. Intended for ages 6-9 years old.

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

three-stars

Caught in a Bad Fauxmance

Caught in a Bad FauxmanceCaught in a Bad Fauxmance (Joy Revolution) by Elle Gonzalez Rose
ISBN: 0593645790
Genres: Romance, Science Fiction
Format: Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

For years, Devin Baez’s family and Julian Seo-Cooke’s clan have hated each other with a mutual loathing that peaks during the annual Winter Games at their Florida camp compound.  They earnestly compete – and audaciously cheat – to win the top prize and bragging rights. But it has been four years since Devin and his papi, twin sister, step-mother and step-brother have been to camp, four years since Devin’s mom died. Facing that loss is hard enough without having to deal with the smarmy, ultra-rich Seo-Cookes and their despicable father who stole papi’s invention and made millions off it without so much as a share to the Baez’s. So when Julian asks Devin to pretend to be his boyfriend in order to snub an ex, Devin shockingly says yes, if secretly only to get the inside scoop on how to defeat the insufferable family once and for all. The stakes are high, shenanigans ensue, and a romantic happy ending satisfies. This is a fun and clean romance that sometimes splashes into more serious moments of grief and familial discord. The secondary characters, especially the touching relationship between Devin and his twin sister Maya, bring weight to what could be a trope-filled enemies to lovers story. Instead this fauxmance to romance rises to the top with its mix of sweet emotions, funny pranks, and a fabulous comeuppance.   Reviewed by Melissa M. Orth, Richmond Middle/High School, Richmond, ME

five-stars

The Wilderness

The WildernessThe Wilderness by Steve McCarthy
Published by Candlewick Press on 10/3/23
ISBN: 1536231371
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Oktober isn’t like the rest of his large family.  While they love the outdoors and the possibility of adventure, he prefers staying inside with his books where he is safe, dry, and warm.  His parents validate his feelings while gently encouraging him to be brave and face the unknown.  One day he gets lost in the wilderness.  This experience helps him overcome his fears as he changes his perspective and makes an unexpected friend.  The illustrations carry this picture book, though the voice used by the narrator who speaks directly to the reader, will also be appealing.  Children will like the somewhat cartoonish drawings and the colors evoke a strong feeling of fall that readers can almost feel.  This book would be great for children to check out and take home so they can take time to explore the beautiful and detailed illustrations.  Children will notice something different each time they hear this story.  

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

I am Stuck

I am StuckI Am Stuck by Julia Mills
Published by Clarion Books on September 26, 2023
ISBN: 0358695333
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Poor Turtle is stuck on his back.  His friends offer suggestions to help get him unstuck, but they don’t work.  Finally Possum comes around and just lays with him and they talk.  Even through a big rain storm, Possum doesn’t leave.  Possum eventually says something Turtle finds funny and they both laugh so hard Turtle flips over.  Turtle realizes being stuck isn’t so bad if you aren’t alone.  Backmatter includes three kid-friendly suggestions to try when they are feeling stuck.  Kids will enjoy the simple, amusing illustrations.  Most pages have a white background, which allows the few pages with a darker background to have a big impact.  The message in this book is similar to Rabbit Listened and Grumpy Monkey, but this book has a lot less text and would be appropriate for younger audiences.

 

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Gather

GatherGather by Kenneth M. Cadow
Published by Candlewick Press on October 3, 2023
ISBN: 1536231118
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Ian is a resourceful, hardworking teenager who helps keep him and his mom afloat after she is injured at work.  Although their house is falling down around them, Ian is motivated to stay by a deep connection with their Vermont land.  Life at home for Ian is a roller coaster as his mom deals with addiction and poverty, but Ian has neighbors and people at school who rally around him and support him however they can.  Ian also has the love of his adopted dog Gather, his best friend and companion.  When life takes an unexpected turn, Ian and Gather must survive for a time on their own together.  The story is narrated by Ian and his voice is unique and compelling.  He uses foreshadowing in his storytelling, which helps the book maintain its pace.  Ian is such a likable character who readers can’t help but root for. He faces his hardships head on and his story is ultimately one of hope and the importance of a community gathering around people who need support.  Highly recommended for libraries with YA patrons.

 

reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Plan A

Plan APlan A by Deb Caletti
Published by Labyrinth Road on October 3, 2023
ISBN: 0593485548
Pages: 368
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Plan A” by Deb Caletti is a young adult novel about Ivy, a teen who becomes pregnant through sexual assault and the road trip that she and her boyfriend take out of Texas in order for her to be able to get an abortion. The characters call it their “abortion road trip love story” and it is that, but also showcases the realities for women living in red states with extremely restrictive abortion laws. Ivy and Lorenzo are well-developed characters and readers will empathize with them as they go on their journey. Despite the difficult subject matter, there is a lot of humor that keeps the novel from being too heavy for readers. Recommended for young adult fiction collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

The Concrete Garden

The Concrete GardenThe Concrete Garden by Bob Graham
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536233803
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
This beautifully illustrated picture book addresses the Covid 19 pandemic in a gentle, reaffirming way. After the long winter, children in a large apartment building work together to create a masterpiece on the outdoor basketball court using colorful chalk.  Each child contributes to what will become a beautiful concrete garden.  Meanwhile, inside the building, a lonely woman takes a picture of this garden and sends it to her mother in Iran.  Her mother sends the picture to everyone she knows, connecting people across the globe by sharing the joy of children’s artwork.  When the rain comes and washes away the garden, the children are not upset.  They demonstrate their resilience by finding a different creative way to play together.  Children will enjoy the fun illustrations that really look like kids drawings created by a diverse group of children. This book also creates an opening for children who are ready to talk about the pandemic, but this does not need to be the focus of the book. In fact, the only direct reference to the pandemic is through the illustrations that show some people wearing masks. Some readers will relate to the feeling of the kids spilling out of the building after being cooped up inside, though lockdowns aren’t specifically mentioned.  Others will see the residents of the apartment building cheering for the kids and remember the way people cheered for essential workers.  This book is also great for children who don’t need to process the pandemic as it shows the beauty of a community working together.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Wishing Season

Wishing SeasonWishing Season by Anica Mrose Rissi
ISBN: 0063258900
Genres: Magical Realism
Format: Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Eleven-year-old Lily struggles to accept the death of her twin brother, Anders. She is ambivalent about summer vacation at her home on Deer Isle, Maine, an island acessible by bridge. Her single mother is deeply depressed following Anders’ death from cancer four months earlier. Lily discovers she can go to a space in the field behind her house that she calls the overlap, and Anders shows up. The two talk together, and this lessens Lily’s grief. But as the weeks go by, Anders appears less frequently which causes Lily to panic. Meanwhile, Lily makes new friends like Ms. Turner and her chickens and Quinn, a high schooler.  Her mother becomes more functional. This is a deeply moving story and the island setting is authentically described. This book belongs in every Maine library but not sure every reader will enjoy it. However, the reader who needs it will find it comforting. The author, Anica Mrose Rissi grew up in Deer Isle, Maine.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Masala Chai Fast and Slow

Masala Chai Fast and SlowMasala Chai, Fast and Slow by Neha Rawat, Rajani LaRocca
Published by Candlewick Press on 9/5/23
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
Masala Chai Fast and Slow is an intergenerational picture book that captures the love between Aarav and his grandfather.  Aarav wants to do everything quickly, from getting dressed to running on the sidewalk.  He even wants to make their favorite, masala chai tea, quickly.  Aarav’s grandfather tries to show him the importance of being deliberate and centered, especially when making their tea.  When Aarav’s grandfather hurts himself and can’t make the masala chai, Aarav tries to make it himself.  He learns through trial and error that some things, like making the perfect chai, are worth slowing down for.  Young children will enjoy the illustrations of this picture book, especially Aarav’s facial expressions. Many of the illustrations are large and detailed, but the muted color palette prevents them from being overwhelming.  Backmatter includes a note from the author and a recipe for masala chai.  This book would be a great addition for libraries seeking to include representation of Indian culture and/or multigenerational families living together.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

 

three-stars