Source: MSL Book Review

My Dad THINKS He’s a Pirate

My Dad THINKS He’s a PirateMy Dad Thinks He's a Pirate by Katrina Germein, Tom Jellett
Published by Candlewick Press on August 23, 2023
ISBN: 1536225029
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

An homage to the dad joke, pirate-style. As a family prepares to head to the beach, a young child informs the reader that their dad thinks he is funny, and when the joke that follows is told, we learn that it is a pirate joke and that, in fact, the dad thinks he’s more than funny, he think he’s a pirate. Jokes, puns, and wordplay follow, all pirate-themed and mostly cringe-worthy but in a fun dad-joke way. The illustrations are large and bright and include an entire red-headed family with dad sporting a beard worthy of any pirate. Not necessarily a first purchase, but if pirates are popular and appreciated, this will circulate and would be a good read aloud (in one’s best pirate voice, of course).

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

three-stars

Black Girls: A Celebration of You!

Black Girls: A Celebration of You!Black Girls: A celebration of you! by Dominique Furukawa, Erika Lynne Jones
Published by Harper on September 26, 2023
ISBN: 0063205319
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

An oversized picture book filled with exuberance from its cover to the last page. Depicting Black girls with all skin tones and body types, this is a celebration of all that a child, a Black child, a Black girl can be. It would be nice to get away from heavily-gendered picture books, but since there are a plethora of books about “wonderful you” and “special child”, it is not a bad thing to center all of the talents and paths that a Black girl, one of the most marginalized of all demographics, can exhibit and take. And there are situations depicted in the book that don’t show up in a lot of picture books like a Black girl living with foster parents or shredding at the skate park. The rhyme scheme is often imperfect and a bit forced in places, but with a careful reading, it would make a decent read aloud. There was a missed opportunity to not include a page of back matter listing the Black female history-makers on the last few pages; all of them were recognizable to an adult, but since this is aimed at future innovators and influencers, it would have been a helpful and, perhaps, inspiring inclusion.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

three-stars

Cantora: Mercedes Sosa, the Voice of Latin America

Cantora: Mercedes Sosa, the Voice of Latin AmericaCantora: Mercedes Sosa, the Voice of Latin America by Melisa Fernández Nitsche
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on 9/12/2023
ISBN: 0593645979
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A solid picture book biography of Argentinian singer Mercedes Sosa for readers in grades 1-3. The book starts with her childhood when she first discovers the power of her voice and moves readers through her escalating fame and her increasing influence with the people of Argentina who were protesting a tyrannical regime. As the book is written for children, the book does not get into any detail about the political climate but makes it clear that the government did not approve of her music and even put her in jail. The book avoids the word exile at first explaining that Sosa had to “flee to Europe” but then does mention that “Three years in exile felt endless…”. The book focuses on the power of Sosa’s songs and the emotions evoked by her presence and her voice. The palette of reds and browns, purple, grey, and ochre is subdued and peaceful, even when dealing with the strife happening throughout Argentina. The author’s note explains the influence Sosa’s music had on her childhood and offers back matter with an extensive timeline, glossary of Spanish phrases, a playlist, and bibliography. A photo of Sosa would have been a welcome addition to that back matter. A thoughtful biography about a lesser-known Latinx icon for an American audience.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

four-stars

Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals

Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary AnimalsChampion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals by Aparna Varma, Linda Ashman
on June 6, 2023
ISBN: 1525303503
Genres: Animals, Humor, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems is a collection of poems celebrating the extraordinary features of different animals. The format of this book is fantastic; and it will keep the reader turning pages until the end. The poems about the animals are located on one page and the reader must turn the page to learn what the name of the animal is and what their extraordinary skill is. Examples of the extraordinary skills include: Fastest Flyer, Best Engineer, Most Well-Traveled, Deepest-Dwelling Fish, Stinkiest Animal, etc.

The penciled illustrations are beautiful and eye-catching, giving the reader just a hint of who the animal is on the page with the poem, so when you turn the page you get the full illustration of the animal in their habitat and what their skill is. Very educational with the delight of rhyming poetry, and an added informational paragraph for older readers. Highly recommend this for any library’s poetry collection. Recommended for ages anywhere from 4-10. Five Stars!

five-stars

Where I Live: Poems about My Home, My Street, and My Town

Where I Live: Poems about My Home, My Street, and My TownWhere I Live: Poems About My Home, My Street, and My Town by Hyewon Yum, Paul B. Janeczko
Published by Candlewick on March 14, 2023
ISBN: 1536200948
Pages: 48
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Where I Live is an anthology of children’s poems about everyday life in different homes and communities.  The poems are from a diverse group of poets and the watercolor illustrations reflect the diversity found in different places. Some of the topics most children will be familiar with, like shoes, cats, and school.  Others highlight a more urban or rural experience, like a block party or playing in the sprinkler.  Kids might enjoy checking this out as an introduction to poetry. Teachers could also use this anthology to show what happens in different types of communities or to teach literary elements, as many are utilized in these poems.  This would be a great addition to any children’s poetry collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other StoriesBear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories by Jarvis
Published by Candlewick ISBN: 1536234575
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The second installment in the “Bear and Bird” series, Jarvis hits the mark once again with his knack for blending whimsical, lively illustrations with equally witty stories. Bear and Bird are best friends, on the fast track to being up there with the greats, a la Frog & Toad. This irreverently funny collection of short stories starts with Bear and Bird in the middle of a mutual silent treatment, and though neither of them can remember exactly why they’re fighting, they DO know they both need a new best friend. As they separately set out to find a new bestie, Bear & Bird are drawn back together in an unlikely way & this theme of unwavering support and friendship is woven through each story and each goof-up and misunderstanding along the way.

Short story collection for newly independent readers, this series has the feel of an instant classic. The illustrations will capture prospective readers’ eyes and Bear & Bird’s flawlessly flawed dynamic will keep kiddos coming back for installments yet to come. 

 

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

four-stars

A Spider Named Itsy

A Spider Named ItsyA Spider Named Itsy by Steve Light
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536225290
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“A Spider Named Itsy” is a retelling of the Itsy-Bitsy Spider rhyme, written and illustrated by Steve Light. Itsy starts out in their web all alone when suddenly their web is destroyed by a branch and the wind. Time to find a new home. In the process of climbing the waterspout to make a new home, Itsy meets and helps other insects along the way. The artwork is fun and colorful and full of little details to enjoy. Itsy helps others and by the end has made friends. Written for ages 3 to 5, but can be enjoyed by all ages. A cute book about friendship and helping, this is a suggested purchase for picture book collections.

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

four-stars

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