Bizzy Bear's Big Building Book

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick , Choose Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2014

Review

Bizzy Bear, a big book for little paws, is building a project along with his friends. This is a well illustrated board book that is appealing and age appropriate. The digitally created illustrations go well with the text, there are many interesting things to see beyond what the text is describing. It is fairly sturdy, however, the moving parts are hard to move by the preschoolers I reviewed the book with. An adult or older child can move the parts easier. The lift the flaps are very popular, but a small flap that says "Tweet!" ripped off the first time and excited preschooler lifted it. This is very appealing, but has a few flaws.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763673956

Price: 14.99

Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2014

Review

This is novel written in verse about the building of the Panama Canal in 1906. It follows fourteen year-old Mateo, from Cuba, who is starving and searching for work, lies about his age, and then is recruited with the promise of work and money. Once on he steamship, things are not as promised,no food, poor conditions, and, once in Panama, they are lined up by country of origin and color, then measured for coffins. The work is hard and many die. Next we meet Anita, abandoned as a baby, adopted by a healer, she sells herbs that she gathers in the forest. Henry,a Jamaican on digging crew, performs backbreaking labor, sleeps eighty men to a room, and must eat standing up. Augusto, an American geological engineer who draws birds, teaches Mateo how to draw. Written in verse, back and forth between each character's story, as well as the story of the forest, animals, trees, and other parts of the Panama forest, as the Canal is dug, the workers struggle with dangerous conditions, racism, sickness, death and threats, and the animals lose habitat, the rain forest being destroyed. The words are few but well chosen and powerful. They flow easily and well describe place, people and conditions. This is well written, easy and quick to read, but very informative and satisfying. Included are an epilogue and historical note. Well written historical fiction.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Engle , Margarita

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction, fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978-0-544-10941-4

Price: 17.99

Drop it, Rocket!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2014

Review

This Rocket book is in a beginner reader format with the little yellow bird teaching Rocket new words. Rocket finds items, picks them up, drops them, and gets another item, until he finds a red boot and does not want to drop it. The word for each item is named, the word is on a card, and placed on the word tree. Rocket finally drops the boot for a book. This is written with short sentences, repetitive text, large font, plenty of white space, and colorful illustrations that go well with the text for clues to the words. A good addition to a beginner reader collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hills, Tad

Illustrator: Hills, Tad

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385372473 2014

Price: 12.99

Baby Animal Farm

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2014

Review

A sweet board book that follows five toddlers on a visit to a baby animal farm. The soft illustrations done in lithographic crayon and watercolor go well with the text. Short sentences, animals are identified, then the animal sounds. "Follow the ducklings. Quack, quack, quack" are age appropriate for the target audience. Well done.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Blair, Karen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763670696

Price: 6.99

Demolicion

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2014

Review

This is the Spanish edition of Demolition. Although the rhyme doesn't translate, it still has great use of action words and sounds. This is set on a construction site to follow a building being demolished, the site cleaned and turned into a playground. Illustrations go well with the text. Prepare to read it many times as it will become a favorite.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sutton, Sally

Illustrator: Lovelock, Brian

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763670313

Price: 6.99

Demolition

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2014

Review

Written with rhyming text, this board book is set on a construction site to follow a building being demolished, and the site cleared and turned into a playground. Great use of action words and sounds. Illustrations go well with the text. Prepare to read it many times as it will become a favorite!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sutton, Sally

Illustrator: Lovelock, Brian

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763664930

Price: 6.99

A Bunny in the Ballet

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2014

Review

An inspiring story of Desiree Rabbit who has a dream to be a ballerina. Desiree narrates her story of how there were NO BUNNIES in the ballet, until she arrived. "When I was a little bunny, I absolutely loved to...ping! twit! jump! and whoosh!...all around my bedroom! (And I could do splits, too!)" So she went to a ballet school in Paris, was told NO BUNNIES in ballet. The instructor saw "something" and allowed her to take classes. At first she didn't really fit in, but with trying her hardest, learning, practice, practice, practice, she mastered skills, took a non-dancing part in The Nutcracker, and saved the show. A delightful story of passion and hard work, the illustrations are created using ink and watercolor and go well with the text to set the place and mood. Appropriate for K-3, inspiring, delightful.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Beck, Robert

Illustrator: Beck, Robert

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545429306

Price: 17.99

Wedding Belles

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

Amy's mother will finally marry Dave on Amy's fourteenth birthday.Clover, Amy's aunt, is helping with the wedding plans so life is very hectic. Meanwhile, Mills (Amy's best friend) asks Amy to help out on the cheerleading squad while one of the members heals from an injury so they can practice for Nationals, but that means dealing with the popular and mean D4s. Amy has to deal with boyfriend issues, family problems, and many changes that all seem to happen quickly. This is a solid continuation of the series, but also the last of the series, so all storylines are neatly tied up, Her mother gets married, her father and his new wife come to the wedding, Clover may move to New York where here musician boyfriend is going, and Amy may continue writing the advice column for Clover. A good addition to the Ask Amy Green series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Webb , Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763655846

Price: 16.99

Sammy Keyes and the Kiss Goodbye

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

This opens with a warning from the author in her own voice to explain that Sammy isn't here (as she was in the rest of the series)and then goes on with the story to explain what happened to Sammy, girl detective. This is the final book in the Sammy Keyes series, Sammy has been hurt and is in a coma. Characters from previous books come back to help solve the mystery of who, why, and how Sammy was hurt. This book will make sense as long as the reader have read at least some of the series but is not meant to stand alone. Loose ends from the series are tied up and the humor of the characters come through. Fans will enjoy this satisfying ending to the series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Van Draanen , Wendelin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375870552

Price: 16.99

Maybe One Day

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

Longtime best friends Olivia and Zoe are about to begin their junior year of high school and are adjusting to life after being told by their NYC ballet company that there is no longer room for them. All their dreams and plans for the future must be changed. Olivia is now teaching ballet at a community center while Zoe is still pretty lost when Olivia is diagnosed with leukemia. Olivia has always been the positive one, but now Zoe is called upon to be supportive and positive. This is well written about a very difficult time that includes normal teenage issues such as Zoe beginning to like the boy that Olivia had a crush on, lies to spare her feelings, and well articulates the emotions and feelings around the leukemia. Zoe must deal with Olivia's mother, dreams must be thought about, navigating school without her best friend at her side, and dealing with the cheerleaders who use Olivia as a cause. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kantor , Melissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780062279200

Price: 17.99

The Mayflower

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

This is a non-fiction picture book for K-2 to introduce the subject of the pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving to young children. The text is brief and factual, easy to understand, goes well with the illustrations which are created with Winsor & Newton goache on Arches paper. Also included are a Time Line, Resources and Journals, Publications, & Educational Materials. Useful for classroom or for families to read together before Thanksgiving.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Greenwood, Mark

Illustrator: Lessac, Frane

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823429431

Price: 16.95

Roger Duvoisin's The Night Before Christmas

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

This a reissue in a new special size perfect to be a stocking stuffer, tall and narrow, originally published in 1954, renewed in 1984 by Louise Duvoisin. The classic poem is illustrated with the original color pallet of red, blue, green, yellow, black and white.The small details on each page help to keep the interest of even a toddler. Nicely done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Clement C.

Illustrator: Duvoisin, Roger

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385754590

Price: 16.99

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer the classic story based on the original television classic 1964-2014 Deluxe 50th Anniversary Edition is retold by Thea Feldman. This is a rewritten short version of the classic reindeer story. The illustrations are based on the television program. Children who know the program will like this short version as it looks like the television show. The cover is nicely done. I would have liked Robert L. May and Montgomery Ward to have a mention somewhere in this "classic".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Feldman, Thea

Illustrator: Madrid , Erwin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Square Fish

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250047601

Price: 12.99

Maisy's Christmas Tree

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

Maisy and her friends decorate a Christmas tree in board book format for young children. The book is shaped like a tree on one side which makes the pages easy to turn. The basics of tree decorating are shown ending with carols sung around the tree with friends. Nicely done, especially for little ones who will enjoy the simple text and brightly colored illustrations.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674571

Price: 6.99

The Story of Passover

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

David Adler retells the Passover story for young children in an age appropriate way that is true to the bible story, simply told in a factual way, not leaving out the killing or violence, just stating what happened, but then goes on. The artwork by Jill Weber is brightly painted with acrylics, goes very well with the text, is detailed and colorful. Children will enjoy the many details, being able to retell the story using the illustrations. Rabbi Frank A. Tamburello is thanked for his expert reading of the text and art. Very well done, a good addition to library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Adler, David A.

Illustrator: Weber, Jill

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823429028

Price: 15.95

Earthquake

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

An introduction of earthquakes for very young children. Short sentences, very brief information, simple facts.Illustrated with photographs and accompanied by a fact box on each double page spread. Includes four Earthquake Facts, Glossary, Index, Read More, Learn More Online and About the Author sections.This book has very little real information, and does not say that people can be killed by an earthquake, only that "After an earthquake, workers look for survivors." Suitable for preschoolers.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Markovics, Joyce

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627241281

Price: 23.93

The Man who Invented the Electric Guitar: The Genius of Les Paul

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

A nonfiction book illustrated with photographs for grades 3-4 with a focus of how Les Paul became interested in music, who encouraged him, his music career and how he began inventing to create a sound he loved. Included are his successes as well as failure and how trial and error and a will to keep trying, finally resulted in an instrument he loved. He also experimented with using sound-on-sound and created a new sound with layers of sound. Many photographs are used, they are well placed and labeled. His family life is briefly mentioned, keeping the focus on his music, guitars and inventing. Very interesting and informative. Includes a Timeline, You Want to be an Inventor! Words to Know, Books, Internet Addresses and Index.

Note: On page 36 Typo storng should be strong, and the paragraph above that has "He came up with hear new ways of changing..." incorrect wording?

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wyckoff, Edwin Brit

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Enslow Elementary

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780766041370

Price: 23.93/ School & Library 17.95

A Creature of Moonlight

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

This is a debut novel by Hahn, about a girl who lives with her Grandfather in a shack surrounded by woods. She raises and sells flowers to support them, but hears voices calling her to come into the woods. We find out her Grandfather was the King, her mother a runaway princess, her unknown father a dragon who is feared by the kingdom and her mother was murdered by her uncle who became King when her Grandfather gave up everything to spare her life. Quite a plot, wonderful descriptions of another mythical world and it's creatures. An imaginative plot about a young girl struggling to find her place in the world and about her choices. On the surface it is interesting, but lacks real depth and leaves some questions of why characters made the choices they did. A very good first novel, imaginative with detailed setting of place.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Hahn, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544109353

Price: 17.99

Lives of the Explorers

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

A collective biography of explorers, presented chronologically, some well known, some obscure, each with a brief background of their life and what and why they explored. A good introduction for children, but very uneven, as some have maps, some cover the more violent, cruel aspects of the explorers, other just the basics. Included are: Leif Ericson, Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, Zheng He, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, Henry Hudson, James Cook, Daniel Boone, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacajawea, Richard Francis Burton, Isabella Bird, Mary Kingsley, Matthew Henson, Richard E. Byrd, Auguste and Jacques Piccard and Sally Ride. Included is a For Further Reading page, which will be needed as the information given is very brief.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Kroll, Kathleen

Illustrator: Hewitt, Kathryn

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780152059101

Price: 20.99

Illusions of Fate

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

This is a novel about Jessamin, an illegitimate teenage girl from an island colony, who has moved to the country of Albion by blackmailing her father to attend a prestigious school. She is looked down on because of her dark skin and island heritage, but she is determined to become educated and have a better life. She is rescued by a stranger on a street, a gentleman who falls in love with her. She is attracted to him, but strange, magical things begin to happen, she finds herself mixed up in a mysterious political battle between the evil Lord Downpike, and her rescuer, Lord Ackerly. Set in a Victorian setting, this is a quick moving story that includes dark magic, cards, romance, friendship, alliances, a murder mystery, being framed for a crime, and books that turn into birds. An enjoyable quick read that is all in one book. Note, the cover illustration does not look like the character, and perhaps should have cards to read rather the tea that drugged Jessamin.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

White, Kiersten

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062135896

Price: 17.99

The First Christmas: The King James Version

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

This is a reissue, original c.1984,the first Christmas, combining the books of Luke and Matthew, it is beautifully illustrated. The language is well suited for the intended audience of grades 3-6.It seems to have a more secular look with holly and reindeer. In a few places the text seem to run over to the next page when there seems to be room on the preceding page. This edition does not have a dust jacket. If you need to update your copy, this is beautiful.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pienkowski, Jan

Illustrator: Pienkowski, Jan

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755184

Price: 15.99

Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

This is based on a true story about an elephant seal in Christchurch, New Zealand, who swam up a river to a town to live. After a car almost hit her as she basked in the sun in the middle of a road, townspeople moved her to a colony of elephant seals, but she swam back up the the river to her chosen spot. She was moved again, further away, returned again, was then moved hundreds of miles away. It took three months, but she again returned. This time, because the people of the town loved to see Elizabeth,they put up a sign on the road where she liked to sleep that said "SLOW. ELEPHANT SEAL CROSSING". Included is a page of Some Facts about Southern Elephant Seals like Elizabeth,a photograph of the real Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas sleeping at the edge of the road, and two good websites for further information. Very well done, illustrations go well with the text - delightful and informational.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cox , Lynne

Illustrator: Floca, Brian

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375858888

Price: 17.99

Basketball is Fun!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 10, 2015

Review

An introduction to the sport of basketball for very young children. Illustrated with photographs, showing both girls and boys, the briefest basics are explained. Includes Table of Contents, Fun Facts, Glossary, Index, The book lists Go beyond the printed book - download free educational resources at www.lernersource.com The book is appropriate for exploring what the game of basketball is to preschoolers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nelson, Robin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780467711029

Price: 23.93

Let's Celebrate Presidents' Day: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

Originally published in 1992, this is a 2014 revised edition. This is a well written, age appropriate book that is informative and well illustrated with photographs and illustrations. There is a one page introduction to Presidents' Day, then 12 pages on the life of George Washington, 14 pages on the life of Abraham Lincoln. Then 3 pages explaining that we honor all the presidents who have served our country as well as American voters who "try to choose good leaders, and by voting, they help to protect our country's freedom." (page 32) Articulate, clear language, beautiful illustrations. A good choice to update your collection. For grades 1-4.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

deRubertis, Barbara

Illustrator: Sperling, Thomas

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: The Kane Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781575657264

Price: 25.26

Endangered and Extinct Birds (Animals in Danger)

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

This is an introduction for K-3 that has an appealing format with age appropriate information, good photographs and illustrations that are labeled. I would have liked the definitions to be more complete, example, Endangered - a risk of dying out; could be expanded for young children to know it does not refer to one bird, but all, and there will never be another one. Included is section Helping Endangered Birds; What You Can Do; A Remarkable Recovery, the story of the bald eagle. Includes glossary, Further reading and Index.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd , Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467713306

Price: 26.60

Animal Actors

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

This is an age appropriate introduction to animal actors for young children. How an animal acts is explained with short, easy to understand sentences. How animals have trainers that work with them and that the animals are trained, not acting, are explained well and use simple examples. Included are wranglers, who handle and control animals that cannot follow commands, such as snakes, are included. The photographs are of actual animal actors on set and training, that go well with the text and are labeled. Includes Table of Contents, Glossary,Index, Read more, Read more online, and, Meet the Author sections. Very well done. This one is worth the price.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Clark , Katie

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 97781617728976

Price: 21.32

Chik Chak Shabbat

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library , South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 11, 2015

Review

This is a delightful story about Goldie Simcha, who lives in a large apartment building and every Friday she cooks cholent as a way of remembering her Grandmother. Every Friday, she helped her Grandmother get ready for Shabbat, always hurrying to be ready before the sun went down. She describes the preparation and family traditions, and how it was done as a family, together. Now, every Friday, she cooks, making the whole building smell delicious, then all the neighbors gather and eat together. The neighbors come from different ethnic backgrounds, all enjoy a meal together but can never agree what ingredient makes the cholent so delicious. Then, one Friday, everything is wrong, they sniffed, and "couldn't catch the faintest whiff." She was sick, so all the neighbors bring food to still share their meal. Illustrated with oil paint and collage, this is a warm story of an ethnically diverse neighborhood who come together to share a meal each week and are a caring community. Includes a recipe. The text is lyrical, goes well with the illustrations, just a wonderful story about diversity and community.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rockliff , Mara

Illustrator: Brooker , Kyrsten

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763655280

Price: 15.99

The Nutcracker

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Bertwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Written by the author in 1991, this is newly illustrated edition by Sheila Beckett. A nice introduction to the classic ballet as a magical Christmas story for young children. This story is just right for young children, shortened and simplified, but nicely done. The illustrations go well with the text and preschool princess fans will enjoy this. It is also short enough to be read often and a good introduction of the story to be read before going to the ballet.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Balducci, Rita

Illustrator: Beckett, Sheila

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Golden Book/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385369930

Price: 3.99

The Navy's Night Before Christmas

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

Written by Trish Holland and Christine Ford The classic Night Before Christmas retold with a humorous spin about the navy. Set on Christmas Eve on an aircraft carrier when a sailor standing watch reached his post and ..."what to my wandering eyes should appear. But a Seahawk that hovered. I gave the all clear." Well written with rhyming text that is all navy. It follows the original poem but everything is military. An enjoyable read for those in the military and those who appreciate our military. A well done Christmas tale with a modern spin. Great fun.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holland, Trish

Illustrator: Manders, John

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Golden Book/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978-0-385-36998-5

Price: 10.99

The Brave Servant; A Tale from China

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

This folk tale is retold by Suzanne I. Barchers is part of the Tales of Honors series that presents traditional folk tales, myths and legends from around the world (from back cover). This tale is written for young children, K-3, is age appropriate and easy to follow. The illustrations go well with the text, show the time, culture and place well. Includes Words to know, and What do you think? sections with four questions for classroom discussion. Also a paragraph about China, about the author, and about the illustrators.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barchers , Suzanne I.

Illustrator: Han Red, Yu-mei

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Red Chair Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781937529734

Price: 26.60

The Last Days of Jesus: His Life and Times

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 12, 2015

Review

A special Illustrated edition based on the 2014 book Killing Jesus. This is an illustrated version of the book that is written as a history book, rather than a religious or spiritual text. It explains the cast of characters, the family of Jesus, writers of the bible, patriarchs of the Jewish people, Roman rulers, temple priests and religious groups and others and much more. O'Reilly does a good job of setting and explaining time and place during the life of Jesus. The culture is well explained and is good background material for those reading or studying a bible or biblical times. The illustrations are very well done and really add to the text. The photographs and illustrations are well placed in the text, are identified and says where they are from on that page. This is good background to help readers to understand the life of Jesus. It completely leaves out religion as the purpose is historical facts. It does not explain why Jesus' age of death is listed at 36, rather than the accepted age of 33. Also the last words of Jesus are left out. Useful to learn about time and place in historical context of subject. Includes Note to Readers about Jesus being one of the most influential men who ever lived, Prologue, Glossary, Time Line of Jesus's Life, The Author Recommends, Bibliography and Index.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

O'Reilly , Bill

Illustrator: Low, William

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805098778

Price: 19.99

Krakens and Lies

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

A well written conclusion to The Menagerie trilogy. Krakens and Lies follows The Menagerie (Book 1) and Dragon on Trial (book 2) and takes up where the last left off. These must by read in order. This is a satisfactory conclusion where the mystery of what happened to Logan's mother and who has been sabotaging the Menagerie is solved. The basilisk has escaped and the Merfolk go on strike so someone has to care for the kraken. The Menagerie is still at risk of being exposed and closed. This is exciting with all the mythical creatures for an exciting contemporary fantasy adventure for children in grades 3 and up. A good choice for younger children looking to transition into appropriate longer chapter books.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sutherland, Tui T. and Kari

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780060780678

Price: 16.99

Hop! Hop!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This is an Easter board book for babies and toddlers about all the activities small children look forward to. It begins with excitement "The Easter bunny is coming!" with Patricelli's baby character clothed in the diaper surrounded by spring flowers. Then Mom, Dad and baby dye eggs, mix colors, do an art project, pretend to be Easter bunnies, put out baskets, try to stay awake to see the Easter Bunny. In the morning the baby finds all the Easter surprises and goes on an Easter egg hunt. Ends with a Happy Easter! with baby surrounded with eggs that child can find a adult reads pink, dots, stripes, etc... Well done with a good variety of activities about the holiday to prepare children for the holiday and good ideas for parents. Children will enjoy the age appropriate illustrations that are outlined with thick black lines. Prepare to read again and again.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Patricelli, Leslie

Illustrator: Patricelli, Leslie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763663193

Price: 6.99

Bizzy Bear Knights' Castle

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

In this addition to the Bizzy Bear series, Bizzy Bear is a knight in a castle and learns about being a knight. This is a sturdy board book with four double page spreads with moving parts. The illustrations are colorful and detailed and preschoolers will enjoy looking for details and moving the parts. The movable sections are stiff at first and need to be worked several times to loosen enough for small hands to operate themselves. All characters are portrayed as animals and two short, rhyming sentences per double page spread. CBR

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676025

Price: 6.99

Oh No, George!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 13, 2015

Review

Harry is going out and asks his dog, "Will you be good. George?" He says yes, but then he keeps being tempted. The format is repeated, with George seeing something tempting, a cake in the kitchen, then thinks that he said he would be good, but loves cake. Then the question "What will George do?" This lets the child predict, then turn the page to see what happens, then, "Oh no, George!" This is repeated until Harry comes home and finds that George has ruined the place. George apologizes, Harry cleans up, then they go out for a walk and George continues to be tempted, but learns to think and makes better choices. Told with humor, lots of repetition, lots of places for interaction by children and predictions. Very well done, age appropriate, thoughtful and fun! Recommended!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Haughton, Chris

Illustrator: Haughton, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Canndlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763676520

Price: 7.99

When My Heart Was Wicked

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

Sixteen-year-old Lacy is living with her step-mother after her father dies when her mother decides to take custody. Lacy does not want to leave, but is forced to. Lacy feels that when she is with her mother, she is pulled toward being a person she does not want to be. Her mother is self-centered, neglectful, and uses magic spells to get what she wants. Soon after moving, her mother's life falls apart, Lacy has to care for herself, and begins to fall under her mother's spell. After a bad experience with a boy, Lacy wonders if she is as confused and damaged as her mother. This book is a coming-of-age story about magic, but the reader is not sure what is real and what is imagined. Ultimately Lacy must make hard choices, find out who she is, get help to get away from her mother who is psychologically damaged and not capable of caring for her daughter. This is a first novel, good, but sometimes a little hard to follow.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Stirling, Tricia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545695732

Price: 17.99

Chips and Cheese and Nana's Knees; What is Alliteration?

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This is a well written non-fiction picture book that defines alliteration. There are many humorous examples they go well with the illustrations to both teach and entertain. The concept is made into fun. It is easy to follow by the use of colored text to show what words are being used in the alliteration. There are two pages showing lists of alliteration examples with one, two or more letters, or by sounds. followed by words to go with the letter. Useful as writing prompts. Recommended, age appropriate and easy to understand this grammar concept.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cleary, Brian P.

Illustrator: Goneau, Martin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467726498

Price: 17.95

Bizzy Bear Zookeeper

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 16, 2015

Review

Bizzy Bear, Perfect for little paws!, is a sturdy board book with sliding tabs and movable parts. In this addition to the series, Bizzy Bear is a zookeeper caring for the animals in a zoo. This is well illustrated, appealing to the intended audience of children ages 3 & under. The digitally created illustrations go well with the text, there are many interesting things to see beyond what the text is describing. Some of the moving parts are a little hard to move at first but do loosen up after a few times. They are fun to operate and children enjoy moving them over and over again while studying all that is going on. Fun to explore and lots of animals to name.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763676032

Price: 6.99

Fowl Chicken Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 16, 2015

Review

This is part of the Funniest Bone Animal Jokes series for children in grades 3-4. This is a joke book that includes limericks, tongue twisters and knock-knock jokes. The book is illustrated in black and white, consisting of clipart, stock photos, etc., illustrations are in many styles, the only consistency is in the black and white colors. There is a note "Every effort has been made to locate all copyright holders of material used in this book..." seems to cover art only. I can only assume the listed author wrote the text, although some jokes are very familiar. There is a mix of material on each page, as well as Did You Know? blurbs, What is a Joke? Fun Facts, and other information of every page or two. What is a joke? on page 7; What is a limerick on page 8; What is a riddle? is on page 15; What is a tongue twister? on page 19, and what is a knock-knock joke? Limericks are labeled, but not others. The limericks are fun. The overall format is a bit confusing - tongue twisters are not explained until later, the book could have been pulled together more to be useful. Activity included is a flipbook that doesn't really go with the subject.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

LaRoche, Amelia

Illustrator: , various

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780766059634

Price: 14.95/11.21 discounted

A Bird is a Bird

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This is a well done non-fiction picture book for young children that explains why a bird is a bird. The information is simple, factual and makes the concepts clear. The illustrations are gouache, watercolor, and colored pencil on Fabriano hot press watercolor paper, are colorful, detailed, and accurate. Each bird is labeled and includes a wide variety of birds. Age appropriate for the intended audience. Well done and recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rockwell, Lizzy

Illustrator: Rockwell, Lizzy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823430420

Price: 16.95

The Fruit We Eat

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Libraru, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This is a non-fiction picture book for K-3. It has good basic information that is well presented for the intended audience. There is one simple sentence per page, with labeled illustrations and information as needed on each page. For example, when the word botanist is used, above is "A botanist is a scientist who studies plants." Parts of the fruits are illustrated and clearly labeled. Included are what fruits are, why we eat them, how they grow, parts of various fruits, where they grow, home grown and large farms, harvesting and bringing to market. Colorful, informative, and fun to read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gibbons, Gail

Illustrator: Gibbons, Gail

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432042

Price: 17.95

Growing Your Money

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

Basic information about investing money. Includes chapters on investments, growing money with interest, stocks and bonds, and other investments. Also Top ten things to know, glossary, learn more about money and index. This has good basic information in an age appropriate manner, however, it leaves out mutual funds which are much safer. Stressed are single stocks which are very risky. Also missing is the concept of buy and hold. It doesn't talk about stocks going up and down over time,and sometimes if you sell in panic when it goes down, you also lose the profit or taking into account the time frame of when you will need the money and can you afford to take risk. Illustrated with photographs and charts that are well labeled. An appealing format, but more explanations that seem to steer toward single stocks and makes purchasing gold look appealing rather than risky. Good for definitions.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Kemper, Bitsy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467752305

Price: 27.99

Teddy Mars Almost A World Record Breaker

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This is a well written first novel for ages 8-12. Teddy is ten, has five older sisters and a younger brother. Teddy wants to break a record to get into The Guinness Book of World Records so there are many attempts and plans to break records,family dramas,friendships and a first job taking care of Grumpy Pigeon Man's pigeons. The author, a former elementary school teacher, knows her intended audience well and makes the characters realistic and full of humor. Each character has quirks and this story flows well, is realistic, and lots of fun. The black and white illustrations are well done, humorous, and further the overall fun and appeal of the book. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Burnham, Molly B.

Illustrator: Spencer, Trevor

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062278104

Price: 16.99

Count with Maisy, Cheep, Cheep, Cheep!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

In this addition to the series, this is an oversized lift-the -flaps board book. In Cousins usual style with bright colors and bold black outlines, Maisy helps the Mother Hen find all off her ten chicks before bedtime. Simple text, but lots of things to see and friends to meet as preschoolers lift the flaps in search of the chicks all around the farm. An enjoyable first concept book for counting from one to ten with clearly labeled numerals accompany each found chick. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97807663676438

Price: 15.99

Everything that Makes You

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2016

Review

A well written first novel for young adults that follows the same teenage girl in two stories. What if...the accident that scared the face of Fiona Doyle as a child had never happened? In the other, Fi is a top lacrosse player in the state who has a severe injury during her senior year who meets a boy with a terminal illness. In alternating chapters there are two parallel stories, the same characters, schools, but different perspectives, interests and choices. A coming of age story with family dynamics, friendships, tragedy, romance, loss and choices. The alternative plots are well woven together, each realistic, with enough teen angst and growth of the character to be satisfying. This makes the reader think about the "what if" in life, who are we, is it a matter of choice or fate that makes each of us who we are.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McStay, Moriah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062295484

Price: 17.99

My Heart and Other Black Holes

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2016

Review

This is a first novel for the author about a sixteen-year-old Aysel, who is suffering from depression and obsessed with ending her life to escape the pain of the "black slug" inside her. She is an outcast, child of divorced parents, her father, a Turkish immigrant, who murdered the town's star athlete and Olympic hopeful three years ago and a mother and step-family who barely tolerates her. Afraid she will not be able to go through with the suicide, she discovers a website for suicide partners, meets and makes a pact with Roman, a teenage boy who blames himself for his sisters death. Together they plan their deaths, but get to know each other, she has feelings for him and begins to question her decision. Ultimately Aysel must decide if she wants to live or die, and then will she betray Roman and reach out for help or let him decide for himself. The feelings of depression are well articulated and Aysel is well presented. The other characters are not as well developed, but the message comes through clearly and the message of hope and needing to get help are well done. A list of resources are included. A good book for discussion.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Warga, Jasmine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062324672

Price: 17.99

Insect Pollinators

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2016

Review

This is one of a five set of non-fiction books on the topic of pollination. This is listed as having 24 pages, which includes the verso, Table of contents, Glossary, Index, and 19 pages of a stock photograph accompanied with a very brief sentence or two. There is little or no labels identifying images in the photographs. For example, page 4 has a bee on a flower, the text "This bee is busy, It is gathering food." Is all the information given. What kind of bee? What kind of flower? What kind of food? The reader is left with more questions than answers. The photographs are colorful, but not enough information even for a very young child. The glossary does have useful information. Not recommended.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467757386

Price: 23.99 (17.99 library)

Is a Bald Eagle Really Bald?

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2016

Review

This is a non-fiction picture book that is age appropriate for the intended audience. It is well written with good information that is well articulated with examples where needed, such as what is a mascot. It is set in a classroom with a teacher explaining why a bald eagle is an American mascot. A live eagle visits the classroom as part of the lesson. Nice illustrations that go well with the text and add to the information. Additional information is included where needed on purple flag shaped sidebars. There are three chapters, a Table of Contents, an activity, Glossary, To Learn More section and an Index. Good information on the topic in 24 pages.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rustad, Martha E. H.

Illustrator: Conger, Holli

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467721387

Price: 23.93

The Truth About My Success

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2016

Review

A sixteen year-old TV star has been acting out and is at risk of having her show canceled. Her mother is her controlling manager, her father is mostly absent, her slick agent fixes everything, then spots a waitress who could be her double and plots to have the actress, Paloma Rose, sent to a ranch for brats. The waitress, Oona Ginness, reluctantly agrees to the switch in exchange for money to help her family and to pay for her dreams of being a vet. The story is told by a narrator in third person, is light and fun. Oona learns that being a star is lonely and stressful, being constantly told what to do, on and off the set. Meanwhile Paloma learns at the ranch is not a 5 star resort, tantrums don't work, learns to cook, clean, take care of animals, camp, ride a horse, sleep under the stars, attend therapy sessions and make friends. Meanwhile Oona becomes well-liked and restores popularity to the actress she is impersonating. Paloma escapes from the ranch, meets Oona, and together they out smart the over controlling adults who are using them to make a lot of money, and plot to switch back to there own lives. This is like a fairy tale for teens, fun, and a happy ending, for most. Enjoyable.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sheldon, Dyan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763672720

Price: 16.99

Grizzly Bears: Huge Hibernating Mammals

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2016

Review

A nonfiction picture book is part of a series about comparing animal traits and has a very narrow focus but does what it set out to do. The grizzly bear is highlighted, traits are compared to wolverines, three-banded armadillos, wild boars, black-footed ferrets, striped skunks, American bison, jaguars and titi monkeys. Illustrated with stock photos and charts for each animal to compare each to the grizzly bear, and maps. All are appropriately labeled. Children will learn all about the grizzly bear, formatted in four chapters, includes table of contents, glossary, selected bibliography, further information, index and complementary educational resources from the publisher's website.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hirsch, Rebecca E.

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467755788

Price: 26.65

Frogs: All About Their Life Cycle, Five Senses, Habitat, And More!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2016

Review

An appealing and informative book all about frogs. The text is well written, age appropriate, and interesting and goes well with the colorful photographs that are well placed and further the text. The life cycle of the frog is explained, behaviors, habitats, sounds, senses, unique adaptations, hibernation and foods are all covered. Different groups of amphibians are introduced. Common frogs of temperate regions are identified accompanied by photographs including Leopard frogs, Bullfrogs, Wood frogs, Darwin frogs, Poison dart frogs and Amazon horned frogs. Some toads include American toads, Midwife toad and Fire-bellied toads. Ecological changes that threaten frog populations are introduced as well as the roles frog play in the balance of nature. Includes author's note, glossary, index and read more about it. Very readable, useful for reports or just to enjoy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Seymour

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062289124

Price: 17.99

The Boston Tea Party: Would You Join the Revolution?

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2016

Review

Part of a series that focuses on the turning points in American history for grades 3-4. Explains the background of how things were in the early 1700's, followed by the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party. Presented in short chapters of 3-4 pages, with large font, bordered with blue and green, includes maps, illustrations, woodcuts, photographs, maps, historic cartoons and notices that go well with and expand the text. The last page of each chapter is a What Would You Do? section with questions placing the student in the situation described in the chapter and asking for opinions and discussion of the situation. This is age appropriate with clear information and facts that are well presented for the intended audience. Included are Contents page, Timeline, Words to Know, Learn More and index.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Landau, Elaine

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Enslow Elementary

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780766042230

Price: 25.27/library discount $18.95

Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

Originally published in 2013, this is a new format for 2015. A brief illustrated biography to introduce children to Nikola Tesla. The illustration were done in graphite, gouache, acrylic, and ink on paper go well with the text and help set the time and place of the subject as no dates are given in the seven chapters about Tesla's life. On each double page spread, much is covered with illustrations, the text brief and focuses on Tesla in relation to electricity. Almost no other facts about his life are given. More information is given in the last 18 pages that include Ahead of his time; Tesla v s. Edison: the rivalry; Scientific notes; Important dates, Source notes; Select bibliography & further reading; Many thanks; Index; Author and illustrator biographies. This is more the history of electricity and Tesla's contributions, which is well done, but I still know very little about the life of this amazing man.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Rusch, Elizabeth

Illustrator: Dominguez, Oliver

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679781

Price: 14.99

Connect the Stars

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Written by Marisa de los Santos and David Teague, this middle school novel is about Audrey Alcott who knows when someone is lying and Aaron Archer who remembers everything he has read or heard. Written in alternating voices, both teens have social issues because on their unique abilities and feel like they don't fit in. They both are going to a summer survival wilderness camp to deal with their issues that prevent them from having friendships. In camp, they are in a small group together, along with two others with similar circumstances and must face challenges in a brutal environment. They learn to depend on each other and turn the defects to assets, begin to feel good about themselves, trust and,finally, become friends. The camp begins as quite ordinary with youth that all have their own issues. They compete, learn to survive, and then a girl they all dislike goes missing. They work together to find her, and along the way, begin to fit in and find themselves. Very well done, however many characters are not well developed and the circumstances of the search and rescue are forced and not entirely believable but still well worth reading.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

de los Santos, Marisa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062274656

Price: 16.99

Until I Find Julian

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

This is a well written novel on the topic of illegal immigration from Mexico. Mateo is a twelve year-old boy from a loving family who lives in poverty with his widowed mother, grandmother and younger brother and leaves to search for his older brother, Julian, who works illegally in the United States to help support his family. When Julian goes missing during a raid on the construction site he works at, Mateo leaves to find his brother. During the dangerous journey, Mateo meets Angel, a girl who helps him cross the Rio Grande and becomes his companion on the journey. Mateo does have the address of a cousin in Texas who helps him travel to Arkansas to the address where Julian previously lived. Angel is street smart, but illiterate, and together they search for Julian. This is age appropriate for the intended audience of grades 3-6, the problem is articulated well without going into the politics of it and puts a face to the problem without being to graphic.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Reilly Giff, Patricia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385744829

Price: 16.99

Proof of Forever

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

This is a young adult novel about four 17-year-old girls who attend a summer camp reunion. Former best friends, when in a photo booth are sent back in time 2 years to have a second chance at their lost friendships. The story goes back and forth between the girls and is sometimes hard to keep track of who is who. This is a coming of age story, learning about themselves as they are 2 years older, exploring relationships, drinking, sexuality and motives. They have a week to "fix" the friendship and to get back to the present and be "changed" by this experience. There seemed to be more of a focus on romantic relationships than the friendship between the girls. The plot seemed a bit forced and did not quite come together as believable. A good light read for summertime. This should appeal to Sarah Dessen fans.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hillyer, Lexa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062330376

Price: 17.99

The Reconstruction of the South after the Civil War in United States History

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

Originally published in 1999 as "Reconstruction following the Civil War in American History". The is age appropriate for grades 5 & up, written in 9 chapters, includes a Timeline, Chapter notes, Further reading, and Index. It is well written and articulated so children will understand. A complex subject,this focuses on the historical highlights to be a good introduction of the subject and also can be used to explain the origins of the current race issues and some of the things that have caused them to continue including "Jim Crow". The timeline ends with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but text includes the 1998 murder of James Byrd, Jr., in Jasper, Texas to show that the violence has not stopped. Useful to begin a discussion on race in the United States. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ziff, Marsha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Enslow Publishers

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780766060630

Price: 27.94/20.95

I'll Meet You There

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 15, 2015

Review

A well written coming of age YA novel about a girl from a trailer park in a small town who is trying to get away by going to art school on a scholarship. She starts to have feelings for a marine, home to recover from losing his leg in Afghanistan and suffering from PTSD. Both have family problems but also want to escape from the town. Chapters alternate between Skylar and Josh. The issues are very contemporary, and the California setting could be any small town USA. The relationship is believable as are the friends, family, and the small town nuances. Josh's story is well done, as the story unfolds, more is revealed about what he went through in the war, the hospital, and why he feels the way he does. The story flows well and is very readable. Those who enjoy a romance novel will enjoy this.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Demetrios, Heather

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805097955

Price: 17.99

This Is All Your Fault, Cassie Parker

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

This is a companion book to Drive Me Crazy which was told from friend Cassie's point of view. This is from friend Fiona's point of view and begins with the friendship intact, then her diary is stolen and read out loud on a school bus where Cassie hears some unkind things Fiona has written about her. Cassie is hurt and embarrassed and the friendship seems to have ended. With summer vacation about to begin,she is left without her best friend and struggles with loneliness and teasing at school while dealing with the aftermath of her parents divorce, her father's new girlfriend, trying to make new friends, a crush, learning how she is changing, going to a writing camp, and dealing with relationships and learns the importance of communication. A well written story of growth, maturing, self discovery, the difficulties of navigating middle school, dealing with both popular and mean classmates, new friendships, and changing family life are realistically portrayed. I also liked how the parents are portrayed with thoughtful discussions, suggestions and support while allowing the character to learn to solve her own problems but also to look at her own part in the problems. Very well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McVoy, Terra Elan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen/imprint of Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062414496

Price: 16.99

Bears Big Breakfast

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

A tale of a bear cub who is searching for a breakfast that begins with the letter B. A series of B's bunny, bumblebee, boa, etc. until the craved for breakfast is discovered. A good story to read out loud, illustrations go well with the text and this would work well in a story time. The bear is joined on the hunt for breakfast with each critter as it is deemed not "breakfast". Humorous and room for children to interact as to what the bear should have for breakfast.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reed, Lynn Rowe

Illustrator: Helquist, Brett

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062264558

Price: 17.99

Toby

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

After moving into a new house, a boy asks his father if they can adopt a dog from a shelter. The boy selects Toby, brings him home, but the dog needs time to adjust, bond and needs to be trained. Time,frustration and mishaps make the father suggest that maybe Toby wasn't the dog for them, but boy and dog work hard for a happy ending. Illustrated with graphite and watercolor wash and colored digitally are well done and extend the text. Based on Mitchell's own adoption of the "real" Toby this is a realistic look at adopting a dog and the work that goes into training a new dog.I did wonder why the author used a family moving as a time to ad a dog to the household, as a stable, settled time is best to bring a new pet home. This is the first book written by Maine illustrator Mitchell. Useful to read to a child before bringing a dog home for realistic expectations.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mitchell, Hazel

Illustrator: Mitchell, Hazel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680930

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator

What are the Branches of Government

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

An introduction to government for young children describing the three branches of government: congress,the president and the cabinet, and the courts. A very brief explanation is given of what each does. A major flaw is that no where in the book does it explain that this is about the government of the United States of America, and that each country has it's own form of government. On the final page it states "The government runs well when the branches work together. A good message for all. Includes a table of contents, glossary and index.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467785730

Price: 23.99

What are the Branches of Government

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

An introduction to government for young children describing the three branches of government: congress,the president and the cabinet, and the courts. A very brief explanation is given of what each does. A major flaw is that no where in the book does it explain that this is about the government of the United States of America, and that each country has it's own form of government. On the final page it states "The government runs well when the branches work together. A good message for all. Includes a table of contents, glossary and index.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467785730

Price: 23.99

The Boy at the Top of the Mountain

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Set in Paris in 1936, seven year-old Pierrot Fischer is orphaned. He had a French mother and a German father who suffered from the effects of WWI, now known as PTSD. He briefly lives with his best friend and his widowed mother, both Jewish. He is then sent to an orphanage, and then to live with his aunt, the housekeeper for Hitler in the Austrian mountains. She changes his name to the German Pieter and encourages him to only speak German. Over time, going against his aunt's wishes, he begins to crave the power and is influenced and corrupted by Hitler. Often he doesn't think or realize, because of his youth, the horrible outcomes caused by his actions while just wanting to please Hitler with his loyalty. The consequences are brutal and painful and leave lifelong trauma. Well written, shows how people can be coerced and prejudiced to do the unthinkable. This is very thought provoking and, while historic fiction, it is a good starting point for discussions about how people can be led and manipulated by extremists and why it is so important to remember and face what happened, not to deny reality even if it is painful. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Boyne, John

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9781627790307

Price: 16.99

Big Friends

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Liibrary, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

Two boys, Birt and Etho, are best friends, they play outside in cardboard boxes with their two-by-two rhythm and pretend. Then one day, another boy, Shu, brings a box and wants to join them. One says "sure", the other feels strange. Will they find a way for the two friends to become three? It takes time, a little bit of willingness, but, at last, they do. Beautiful illustrations that go very well with text. A satisfying book about the power of imagination and friendship. Good for children who have a hard time with change and new situations.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sarah, Linda

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781627793308

Price: 16.99

Feathered

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Liibrary, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2016

Review

A middle school novel about eleven year-old Finch, set in the 1980's. Finch wants a family like the show Little House on the Prairie, but her father died of cancer, her mother is depressed, her older brother is hanging around with Matt, who is a bully and sexually harasses her, she doesn't have any friends, her teacher calls her dumb, and the little girl next door can't come outside. Despite many problems, Finch learns to cope, stand up for those she cares for and grows. Issues are solved, maybe too quickly. For a quick read, many issues are included that can be discussed, sexual harassment, grief, bullying both from students and from the teacher, harassment of neighbors from India, and finally an attempted abduction by the father who wants to take his daughters back to India. The writing is very descriptive and flows well and compels you to read on and to want Finch to be happy. I don't feel the issues about the teacher was handled well, maybe too many problems were packed into one book. The scene with the bully knocking the nest out of a tree and killing the chicks was perhaps too graphic for the intended audience.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kerber, Deborah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771383417

Price: 15.95

Paris for Two

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Petunia, after having a rough year in seventh grade with the embarrassment of a first crush, is relieved to be going with the family for a year in Paris, France while Dad is on sabbatical. The setting and the differences in culture are well described. The character of Petunia is a twelve-year-old who has relationship troubles with her older half sister and struggles with self-esteem. She has a passion for designing and sewing clothing, which her sister makes fun of, but when she finds a doll dress locked in a secret door of her armoire, she explores the mystery behind it with an elderly neighbor who encourages and teaches her sewing skills as well as sharing her own sister struggles. The angst of a twelve-year-old is well done, the crush and embarrassment of navigating a relationship is right on, and learning to right a bad decision, make this a realistic story of growth.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stone, Phoebe

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545443623

Price: 16.99

Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion

Reviewed by: Ann marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

A retelling of a classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. This version is set in Africa with a Lion who plans to gobble up Little Red when she goes on a safari like walk to bring her Auntie Rosie spot medicine. Told with humor, and brightly illustrated to further the story, Little Red is full of spunk, turns the tables on the Very Hungry Lion, for a satisfying and humorous conclusion. A good read aloud that will evoke a "read it again!" response.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Smith, Alex T.

Illustrator: Smith, Alex T.

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545914383

Price: 17.99

Charlotte's Very Own Dress

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Charlotte, the youngest of six sisters, is used to wearing hand-me-downs. Charlotte enjoys the hand-me-down dolls and toys, but by the time the dresses get to her they have been well worn and mended. When her parents announce a fancy dress-up party, Charlotte is ready to be shown all of her sisters old dresses, but then begins to sob and then "drifted into fretful slumber..." which made her sisters decide to make Charlotte her very own, not a hand-me-down, dress. An endearing story of sisterly love that will be especially enjoyed by young girls who love to dress-up. The text is extended by the illustrations that compliment each other for a visually appealing story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krauss, Trisha

Illustrator: Krauss, Trisha

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553520958

Price: 16.99

Bizzy Bear Deep-Sea Diver

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This is a sturdy board book with moving parts. Bizzy Bear is in a submarine with friends exploring the sea, with one sentence per page and rhyming text. There is one moving part per double page spread, that operate well and are fairly sturdy. The pages are brightly colored with lots of items to find and children will enjoy the moving parts.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Benji

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763686475

Price: 6.99

Babies Don't Walk, They Ride!

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

An enjoyable look at the many ways babies get around. They are strapped, wrapped, pulled, pushed, wheeled and held. The sparse rhyming text goes very well with busy illustrations where there are many babies and modes of baby transport to explore and find. Well done and a good book to help children prepare for a new sibling or children who are still riding. Children will enjoy following the same babies, and their families, as they go through the day. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Henderson, Kathy

Illustrator: Tobia, Lauren

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763681821

Price: 15.99

1 2 3 Dream

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This is a simple counting book, illustrated with pen and ink washed with watercolor. It begins with the number "1" with an illustration of both a moon and an owl. As you turn the pages, you will realize that the author/illustrator is using alliteration such as 1 is one and the item to count is an owl, 2 is turtle, up to the number twenty. On the last two pages there is a "Before you go, can you find..." and items to look-and-find in the illustrations. The illustrations are beautiful, items are easy to count, it is thoughtful and enjoyable, well done and useful.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Krans, Kim

Illustrator: Krans, Kim

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553539325

Price: 16.99

A B C Dream

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

A simple wordless A B C picture book at first glance, but the more you look, the more you see. Clever, thoughtful and lots of fun that really gets the brain working as you realize the author/illustrator uses alliteration and cleverness for each letter. Illustrated with pen and watercolors, a wonderful book for adults and children to share. Included on the last two pages are a list of items for each letter, in case you missed anything. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Krans, Kim

Illustrator: Krans, Kim

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553539295

Price: 16.99

Puffer Fish

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This is a 24 page nonfiction picture book. The illustrations are stock photographs which are appealing. The information is very limited, such as "Some puffers are very tiny. Others are as big as basketballs." How tiny? Is the basketball sized fish normal or when puffed up? I learned there are 120 kinds of puffer fish, They do not have scales, instead they have smooth skin. Some have spikes. Why? Each kind has a different skin pattern and can change their skin color. When and why would they do this? They have four large teeth and eat tiny animals and water plants called algae. They can double in size when a larger animal tries to eat them. They swallow lots of water or air to blow up like a balloon. How do they do this? They can swim up, down, forward and backward. Where do they live? How do they reproduce? How long do they live? There is also a photograph of someone holding a puffer fish in bare hands and then being told that their bodies contain poison and one fish can kill 30 people. So is it dangerous to hold this fish? Too little information even for a very young child.

Overall Book Score: poor

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About the Book

Author:

Markovics, Joyce

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 978627248501

Price: 23.93

My Car/Mi Carro

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

This is a new bilingual edition of the classic My Car c2001. Translated by Andrea Montejo, each sentence in English is followed by the translated sentence in Spanish. The colorful artwork extends the text. This new edition is a useful book to update a classic and introduce the concept of another language as we follow Sam and his car through their day to preschoolers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Byron

Illustrator: Barton, Byron

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062455451

Price: 17.99

Are You Sure, Mother Bear?

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

A warm and reassuring story about a little bear that does not want to go to sleep on the first night of winter. She is just not sleepy, and has lots of questions about why winter is for sleeping. Mother is patient, loving, and reassuring, and, by the end, Little Miss Bear and her mother are sound asleep. Author and illustrator are well matched and go well together, the illustrations are done in pencil ans ink and assembled digitally and go well with the text making this an excellent bed time story. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hest, Amy

Illustrator: Tobia, Lauren

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763672072

Price: 15.99

The Goblin's Puzzle Being the Adventures of a Boy With No Name and Two...

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwickk public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

This first novel, The Goblin's Puzzle being the the adventures of a boy with no name and two girls called Alice, begins as tree separate stories that entwine as pieces of a puzzle as they come together. A well written fantasy adventure that begins slowly but the pace quickens as you meet the characters including the boy, a nameless slave, a goblin, a princess, another Alice, just plain, meaning not the princess but studying to be a sage, an ogre, a dragon, (who kidnaps the wrong Alice), politicians, a king, an evil man who wants to be king and others. This has a great adventure but includes humor, logic, moral issues, honor, brains over brawn, and slavery. The three main characters all grow, are likable, there is excitement, reasoning,and an examination of honor and truth. The boy, who is a nameless slave, evolves with thinking through the morality of slavery clearly evolving from a worthless, nameless boy to a person with self-esteem becoming a hero because of his sense of honor clearly being superior to the slave master, and has saved a kingdom from evil. There is a violent murder in the beginning, but is a catalyst as to why the boy must go on. This book is much more then an adventure, good for a middle grade book group discussion, and one that can be reread because there is so much to discover and think about.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Chilton, Andrew S.

Illustrator: Eckwall, Jensine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553520705

Price: 16.95

Judy Moody and the Bucket List

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

A well written transitional chapter book that is appropriate and enjoyable for the intended audience. A good addition to the series with familiar characters, children will enjoy Judy discovering Grandma Lou's Bucket List, and Judy creating her own. Judy's attempts to accomplish the items on her list will appeal to readers who can relate to her trying to do a cartwheel, failing, but not giving up. A book that will make you smile, this is a good choice to those just transiting into chapter books as it closing follows the recommended large font, 16 lines per page, illustrations that go well with the text, and short chapters. Well done!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Reynolds, Peter H.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679958

Price: 15.99

Stink and the Attack of the Slime Mold

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

A good addition to the Stink series of transitional chapter books. Age appropriate with large font, no more than 16 lines of text, plenty of white space and lots of humor. The illustrations are well done and add the the appeal, especially the pages of Stink drawn comics about the slime. The story line of Stink growing slime mold from the Saturday Science Club is well written, very appropriate for the character and a perfect device for lots of laughs with Stink's wonderful imagination. Recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Reynolds, Peter H.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763655549

Price: 12.99

Who Wants A Tortoise?

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

A little girl asks for only one thing for her birthday - a puppy, "but the present with the holes in the top..." is a tortoise. The beginning of the book shows a young girl clearly obsessed with puppies reading about them, practicing training a puppy, laying on a bone shaped carpet, wearing a shirt with a paw print, making list of dog names, dreaming about her puppy, so her disappointment in her new pet is clear. Written with a lot a humor, comparing a puppy with a tortoise, and gradually beginning to know and like her tortoise as her expectations change and she learns what a tortoise can do. A very sweet story where the illustrations compliment the text and expand the story are created using watercolor and colored pencil on watercolor paper. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Keane, Dave

Illustrator: Campbell, K. G.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385754170

Price: 17.99

Love Monster and the Scary Something

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

Another sweet Love Monster story for preschoolers. This time Love Monster cannot fall asleep and listens to all of the night noises. As he does the size of the font changes as should the voice reading to emphasize the sounds as the imagination creates the scary thoughts of Love Monster. Very well done, text, font and illustration work very well together to show the Monster being afraid of the dark. Good use of language will help young children who are afraid of the dark to see a humorous outcome and a reason (and word) for each unknown noise heard at night in the dark. Very reassuring!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bright, Rachel

Illustrator: Bright, Rachel

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780374346911

Price: 17.99

Christmas in the Barn

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

Originally published in 1952 with illustrations by Barbara Cooney, reissued with new illustrations in 2004 by Diane Goods,and now reissued with illustrations by Anna Dewdney, this classic Christmas story is updated for a new generation. The illustrations are done with oil paint, pastel, pencil, and marker to be bright and colorful and very appealing with many details for a child to enjoy while listening to the tale. The setting and clothing are changed to be more original time and place. The text is still simple leaving the details for parents to explain according to their beliefs. This colorful new edition is well done, a nice addition to the holiday collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Margaret Wise

Illustrator: Dewdney, Anna

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062379863

Price: 17.99

There's a Giraffe in my SOup

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

A well done picture book where the author illustrator has created a silly, humorous story about a boy going to a restaurant in his big wheel. When the formally dressed waiter brings him his soup, he says "Excuse me, waiter?" then explains there is a giraffe in his soup, the waiter says that cannot be, but then is smiled at by the giraffe, and with a shocked reaction, agrees and brings him a new bowl. Each new bowl has a different animal, frog, alligator, elephant, yak, whale, and lion. He then decides to skip the soup, the waiter offered a free dessert and the mousse turns out to be, of course, a moose. They then go to the zoo to eat. The illustrations are expressive, humorous, and the waiter becomes increasingly bandaged from dealing with all the wild animals. The illustrations are pencil and acrylic paints digitally created. A very silly book, good to read out loud.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barach, Ross

Illustrator: Barach, Ross

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062360144

Price: 17.99

My Name is James Madison Hemings

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick , Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

A biography told in first-person narrative about the life of James Madison Hemimgs, born 1805 and died 1877. Son and slave of Thomas Jefferson and slave Sally Hemings, this begins "SLAVERY: when one human being owns another human being." the definition continues in a way to evoke thoughtful consideration of the story that follows. This is written in a thoughtful, articulate manner that is age appropriate to introduce young children to an uncomfortable part of American history. Hemings life and confusion over being a son and a slave is told and goes so well with the artwork done in acrylic on bristol board by Terry Widener that sets time and place and is just beautiful. There is just enough information for a child followed by an Author Note that is well done to give background and further information to expand on the topic for an adult to begin a discussion that this book will spark. Each word is carefully selected to make this an excellent picture book. Recommended for both teachers and students interested in race and history of our country.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Winter, Jonah

Illustrator: Widener, Terry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385383424

Price: 17.99

Timmy Failure the Book You're Not Supposed to Have

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

A good addition to the series. Fans and new readers will enjoy the humor well done in layers so whether a child or parent reading out loud there is humor for all. It is hard not to laugh while reading, while feeling sympathy at times for both Timmy and his mother - and teacher, and piano teacher, and all others who deal with Timmy who has a wonderful imagination. The illustrations are simple yet add so much to the humor, in case your imagination needs a little something extra. Good for reluctant readers and all others.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pastis, Stephan

Illustrator: Pastis, Stephan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763690045

Price: 14.99

Squirrel in the house

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

An illustrated chapter book intended for grades 2-4, but does not follow the transitional chapter book format with number of lines per page or size of text. The story is narrated by the squirrel, of course from the squirrel's perspective, telling of being invited into the house by the dog and the humans on a cold, blustery day. Chaos follows, a child gets the blame, then when not believed by the family, stomps off mad into the snowy day. The squirrel, who knows small children need someone with them, then goes back into the house to alert the humans of the situation and the child is found. Humorously written this is well told by someone who understands the self-centered squirrel.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Vande Velde, Vivian

Illustrator: Bjorkman, Steve

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436330

Price: 15.95

Panda Pants

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A father and child panda walk along having a conversation with the child trying to convince the father as to why "I want pants". The child gives lots of reasons why. In the background the reader can see glimpses of something following them, the young panda then finds a scarecrow and tries on the pants, then creatively uses them against the leopard, and by the time the father is almost convinced about the pants, the child no longer wants pants, but shoes. Nicely illustrated that extend the text in telling the story. Cute story with something for both the child and the adult who will recognize the child's behavior of wanting something then losing interest.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Jacqueline

Illustrator: Hanson, Sydney

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553535761

Price: 17.99

Snuggle Puppy Looks for the Perfect Hug

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A board book with moving tiny tabs that are fairly sturdy and easy to slide in and out to reveal further illustrations. Very appealing to young children to slide and look. A cute, brief, story of a puppy looking for a perfect hug and considers a hedgehog, cat, rabbit, duck, owl, worm, and then Mom and Dad, who give the perfect hug. Nicely illustrated.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Crow (publisher), Nosy

Illustrator: Ho, Jannie

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763689377

Price: 7.99

The Lion Inside

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A small, very meek mouse, is so tiny that nobody ever notices him. He wants to be like the lion that is always the center of attention and is always noticed. Set in Africa, a place with many large animals, the tiny mouse sets out to learn how to be noticed by reading a book titled "How to Roar". He then had to be strong, step out of his comfort zone, and try out what he had learned in his book. This has a surprise ending - the lion is afraid of mice, so the mouse suddenly doesn't feel small, finds his voice, and speaks out to become friends. A positive message, illustrations that go well with the text, this is very satisfying, useful for feelings, perspective, learning from books, making positive changes and has rhyming text. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bright, Rachel

Illustrator: Field, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545873505

Price: 16.99

The Princess and the Frogs

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A new spin on the Princess and Frog fairy tale. The Princess, who has everything, but wants a pet to be her best friend, searches for a frog who won't turn into a prince when she kisses him on the head good night. Told with humor, the illustrations extent the text with many things going on in the background that add to the humor, are nicely done. The princess finally finds a prince who likes being a frog and a friend. It is nice to see a princess looking for a friend, not just a husband. An enjoyable read for the many princess fans.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bartles, Veronica

Illustrator: Palacios, Sara

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062365910

Price: 17.99

The Secrets of Hexbridge Castle

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

This is a first novel, set in modern day England about an average boy who gets a strange letter about an inheritance of a castle. This is a quick paced story that involves magic, time travel, and fighting unknown evil and solving mysteries of a castle created to hide magic and keep it safe from those who want the power. The Prologue at the beginning pulls you into the story with a mysterious event and then begins with the ordinary Alfie Bloom whose life suddenly changes. The story gives just enough depth but moves at a fast pace to keep you turning pages, though some things are never quite explained with depth so there are questions that aren't quite explained. Though in the exciting end, good triumphs over evil.Young fantasy fans will like this fast paced story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kent, Gabrielle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545869294

Price: 16.99

Investigating Seasons

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A good introduction to the topic seasons.Included are chapters on What is a Season?; What causes the seasons?;Wet and dry seasons; and, What the seasons do. Also includes Science and the seasons, glossary, Learn more about seasons, and, Glossary. Appealing format, colorful photographs and graphics that are well places within the text and each are explained in a green text box.Good basic information that is clear and easy to read and include activities to do on your own or in a classroom. Good addition to the seasons section.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Richard, Orlin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467780599

Price: 30.65

Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

The true story of Sachiko Yasui, at the age of six survived the 1945 bombing of Nagasaki. This is a well written true story based on extensive interviews by Caren Stelson that begins with an ordinary day of a child with her family and what happened beginning that day and the lifelong consequences. A very moving story, often painful to read about the horrors of war and the need for peace. This is a well written and researched book that includes a personal narrative along with historic facts, photographs, and maps that tell a well rounded story of time and place in history and the aftermath of the bombings on the Japanese people. I was surprised by the spirit of this book that includes how Sachiko was influenced by Mohandas K. Gandhi, Helen Keller,and Martin Luther King, Jr., to make peace the theme of her life rather than hate and resentment. Excellent book that includes background of World War II, prejudices, Japanese internment, effects of radiation, life and survival following the bombing, the thought process leading to the bombing and the alternatives that leaders considered. Thought provoking, powerful addition to World War II resources. Includes Author's Note; Family Tree; Glossary of Japanese Words; Notes; Acknowledgments; Bibliography; Resources; Websites; Index; and, Photo Acknowledgments. For grades 5-8 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Stelson, Caren

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: CarolRhoda Books

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467789035

Price: 19.99

Bridge to the Wild: Behind the Scenes at the Zoo

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Libray, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

Five days of behind the scenes of the Zoo Atlanta with scientist and researcher Caitlin O'Connell. This is well written and presented narrative nonfiction that goes beyond the feeding and care taking of the animals but also understanding the challenges of wild animals in captivity, from stress, health, reproduction, the hierarchy of animal relationships and how to problem solve. Also included are information on endangered species, conservation, sources and references, bibliography, ignorance and extinction, acknowledgments, index and sample data sheets. Various sections of the zoo are visited and curators share unique stories, information, care and challenges of each species. Accompanied by photos taken during the visit to make this informative and appealing. Well done.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connell, Caitlin

Illustrator: Timothy Rodwell

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544277397

Price: 18.99

Your Digestive System

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

An introduction for young children about the digestive system. Very basic information, set in colorful backgrounds, both photographs and diagrams are well done following the food journey from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver and blood, large intestine and then solid waste is eliminated "your body gets rid of feces through an opening called the anus." On the previous page we are told "While your food is in your large intestine, the last of the nutrients and most of the water are taken into your body." Note: no mention of a bladder, kidneys, urine, or how liquid waste leaves the body as that is technically the Urinary system. Different book?

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Hewitt, Sally

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Quarto Library/QEB Pub.

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781609928780

Price: 25.32

Nothing But Trouble

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A well written middle school novel about Maggie, setting off for her first day of sixth grade in a run down school closing after this year. On her own most of the time, wanting to follow in her late father's footsteps of going to MIT to become an engineer, she takes things apart, such as the vacuum cleaner to learn how they work, then puts them back together again.The child of a mother who works then retreats to her room to drink, a grumpy, disabled grandfather, she is strong, creative, and lives by her late father's hacker bible. Hacking was planning and carrying out pranks, not causing damage. Her pranks broke rules, but gave her school spirit. To finance her hacks, she created a website to sell vintage auto parts taken from a pile of parts in the basement belonging to her grandfather. Maggie's new best friend, Lena, a free-spirited photographer, is her new partner-in-crime. This is humorous, full of spirit, scientific, about friendships and a strong female character. A good read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Jacqueline

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062369888

Price: 16.99

He Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

Originally published in 2006, this tenth year anniversary edition is illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. An added introduction by Boyne to this anniversary edition tells how the story for this fable began "I started with a very simple image of two boys sitting on either side of a fence, talking to each other, and was immediately interested in the journey that would bring them there, the conversations they would have and the necessary end that I felt their story would reach." A story about childhood, war, the naive and optimism outlook from a childhood prospective that Boyne so well articulates, a book to be read, and even though you know the ending, you'll think, wow! A powerful book for readers grades 5 and up to read, then think and talk about what war does to children. The illustrations are spare, black, a little blue, red where needed. They pick up the tone of the story and magnify the feelings. Highly recommended!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Boyne, John

Illustrator: Jeffers, Oliver

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399559310

Price: 18.99