Source: MSL Book Review

A Letter for Bob

A Letter for BobA Letter for Bob by Jonathan Nelson, Kim Rogers
ISBN: 0063044552
Genres: Fiction in Verse/Poetry, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“A Letter for Bob” is a picture book in verse written by Kim Rogers (an enrolled member of Wichita and Affiliated Tribes) and illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Diné). It tells the story of the family car, Bob, and all the places and activites he took them to, including Yellowstone, the Witchita Annual Dance, the library, the playground, and other family gatherings. The family has grown too big for Bob, so now they are saying goodbye, but will never forget him. Nelson’s images are colorful and highlight the parts of the image that you should pay close attention to, like at the end when the family is driving away from Bob at the dealership, but a new family is already looking to buy Bob. For ages 4 to 8, this is a recommended picture book purchase for all library collections.

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

four-stars

Chubby Bunny

Chubby BunnyChubby Bunny by Julie Murphy, Sarah Winifred Searle
ISBN: 0063011182
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars

“Chubby Bunny” is bestselling author Julie Murphy’s first picture book. The book is illustrated by Sarah Winifred Searle. Barbara “Bunny” Binks is a grade school student with a mother and grandmother who are both named Barbara. Bunny is excited about field day at school, but when teachers have the kids take part in the “chubby bunny” marshmallow challenge, Bunny is teased about her body and repeatedly called “Chubby Bunny.” There is an excellent conversation in the book between Bunny and her grandmother about how it’s okay for people to have different shaped bodies and that chubby is not a bad thing to be called.

The illustrations are beautiful and fun. I feel like the fact that the “chubby bunny challenge” can be a choking hazard makes this book a bit uncomfortable for adult readers. There is a note on the back cover that “chubby bunny” should not be attempted without adult supervision. Unfortunately the positive message of this book is muddled by the marshmallow challenge and the lack of apologies from the bullies in the end. Written for ages 4 – 8. An additional purchase for library picture book collections.

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

two-stars

Pete the Kitty’s Outdoor Art Project

Pete the Kitty’s Outdoor Art ProjectPete the Kitty's Outdoor Art Project by James Dean, Kimberly Dean
Series: My First I Can Read
Published by HarperCollins on March 14, 2023
ISBN: 0062974327
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

An “I Can Read” book featuring everyone’s favorite groovy kitty. Aimed at the Pre-K set, Pete the Kitty is tasked with finding pieces of nature for an art project. Usually one to use paints and paper, Pete is not so sure that art can come from objects in nature. As he walks around, he sees his classmates using objects to create interesting things like a flower crown and a pinecone turtle. Feeling inspired, Pete finds a way to create his own art with the items he finds. A nice exploration of the different ways we can define and create art for young readers. The text makes good use of repetition and sight words, and even throws in some new vocabulary like “nifty” and “awesome”, and the illustrations are clear and support the text. Get for collections with Pete fans or for those readers who always seem to have a few sticks and rocks in their pocket.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School Library

three-stars

Gnome and Rat

Gnome and RatGnome and Rat: (A Graphic Novel) by Lauren Stohler
Series: Gnome and Rat, #1, #1
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on June 13, 2023
ISBN: 0593487826
Pages: 66
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

From its adorable cover to its delightful endpapers, this elementary graphic novel focuses on friendship and the importance of the right hat. Short chapters celebrate the fabulous hat of Gnome, question whether hat is necessary or if hair will do (it will not), and ponder whether a new hat is necessary (it is not). Rat is a supportive friend, recognizing how important the hat is to Gnome. There are a lot of word bubbles on some pages, so it might feel overwhelming to emerging readers, but the pictures do a wonderful job of supporting story, so they could flip through and enjoy the bright, engaging illustrations. Stohler has created a delightful duo; fortunately, the end of the book promises future adventures.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School Library

four-stars

The Deep End: Real Facts About the Ocean

The Deep End: Real Facts About the OceanThe Deep End: Real Facts About the Ocean by Drew Sheneman
on July 11, 2023
ISBN: 0063224550
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Reminiscent of the “Magic School Bus” series, but in this instance Miss Frizzle is replaced by an unnamed, dark-skinned scientist in a lab coat who pops up on Brownbeard’s pirate ship. The scientist introduces oceanic inhabitants, such as sea pigs, giant squid, and unusual bioluminescent creatures, but also about ancient undersea explorers. It ends with warnings about the dangers of climate change and overfishing. This book is informative and comical. Text is mostly in the speech bubbles from the scientist, Brownbeard the pirate, and his sidekick Alan, a parrot. Graphic comic-book style illustrations.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?: And Other Questions About Moths & Butterflies

What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?: And Other Questions About Moths & ButterfliesWhat's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?: And Other Questions About Moths & Butterflies by Rachel Ignotofsky
Published by Random House Children's Books on July 20, 2023
ISBN: 059317657X
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

A companion book to What’s Inside a Flower?, which I believe was a Cream of the Crop book in 2022. This book is equally engaging, answering readers’ questions about caterpillars, moths, and butterflies. Unlike other books about lepidoptera, this one imparts much more information about what occurs inside the cocoon or chrysalis stage. It goes on to compare butterflies and moths, the differences between cocoons and chrysalis, and the importance of these insects are as pollinators. Particularly attractive are Ignotofsky’s signature graphics, stylized illustrations with flat colors and intricate details. Many pages could easily be stand-alone posters. Varied page design helps with the organization and makes the whole more absorbing. Different species pictured are labeled with the common name in tiny but legible uppercase lettering. A beautiful informational book that every library will want to have a copy.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Super Magic Boy: I am a Dinosaur

Super Magic Boy: I am a DinosaurSuper Magic Boy: I Am a Dinosaur: (A Graphic Novel) by Jarod Roselló
ISBN: 0593427785
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

“I am a Dinosaur” is the first book in the “Super Magic Boy” graphic novel series by Jarod Roselló. Hugo, a kid with magic powers turns his dinosaur toy to life and they have adventures. Hugo teaches his dinosaur friend words like “rampage,” “transform,” and “defeat” while destroying his house, digging up a cursed skeleton king, and finding a treasure. Bright and humorous illustrations and a limited amount of text make the story move quickly. Readers will enjoy the funny situations and hilarious art style. Written for ages 4 to 8, this is an excellent addition to your middle grade graphic novel collection.

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

three-stars

When the Fog Rolls In

When the Fog Rolls InWhen the Fog Rolls In by Pam Fong
on October 10, 2023
ISBN: 0063136546
Genres: Mental Health
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

I thought this was going to be a book about weather but it is a metaphorical picture book about navigating uncertainty, opening your mind, and finding your way back to your flock. An adorable puffin separated from its colony finds itself alone and directionless as a dense fog rolls in. Given the foggy setting, the palette is necessarily muted, but despite this, the pictures are the preeminent feature of the book. The idea of fog as a metaphor for depression will likely go over the heads of younger readers.  But the puffins sure are cute!

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Parker’s Place

Parker’s PlaceParker's Place by Russ Willms
Published by Clarion Books on August 1, 2023
ISBN: 0358683394
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Parker the T-Rex tries to fit in on a friendly farm, but there are no jobs that seem suitable for a dinosaur. A forlorn Parker is about to leave when the chickens propose a great idea – Parker becomes a much needed daycare provider. Kids who are not sure what they are good at will empathize with to Parker. The colorful digital illustrations are bold, and kids will giggle at Parker’s attempts to do various farm chores. This cute book is perfect for preschool interactive storytimes.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

three-stars

Totally Random Facts, Vol. 2

Totally Random Facts, Vol. 2Totally Random Facts Volume 2: 3,219 Surprising, Strange, and Striking Things About the World by Melina Gerosa Bellows
Series: Totally Random Facts #2
Published by Bright Matter Books on 07/04/2023
ISBN: 059351646X
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Totally Random Facts is exactly what the title says it will be!  This nonfiction book is filled with unusual and surprising facts about any topic you can think of.  There truly is something for everyone in this book- facts about history, sports, animals, dinosaurs, technology etc.  There is a table of contents and an index that can help guide readers, but it would also be fun to flip to any page in the book to see what topic they will learn about next.  Each two page spread covers its own topic.  The information provided isn’t meant to be in depth, but rather fun facts that kids will no doubt enjoy sharing with others.  Each layout has colorful and interesting graphics and photographs and the text alternates between black and a color to help separate each fact from the next.  This book would be a great addition to any children’s collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars