Just Grace Gets Crafty

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Grace is back in the eighth entry in the Just Grace series. A substitute teacher begins a creative writing project that gets the children's imaginations running. Grace and her best friend Mimi are preparing for a craft fair and scheming to make friends for their crossing guard who is new in town. Captions done in what is supposed to be hand drawn letters keep the reader aware of what Grace is thinking throughout the story. It almost feels like a stream of conscience. Graces's many drawings throughout illustrate what is happening. This all makes this book approachable and appealing to young readers. Friendship, and the need to work at it and give it space are another theme. Told with humor and insight, this will appeal to children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mericle Harper, Charise

Illustrator: Mericle Harper, Charise

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544080232

Price: 15.99

A Pet for Fly Guy

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

In this first picture book spinoff of the popular Fly Guy series, Fly Guy and Buzz go on a picnic in the park where they watch other people playing with their pets. Fly Guy decides he needs a pet, too. After unsuccessfully trying out several different possibilities, they settle on a good solution for both of them. The colorful illustrations will give children lots to look at--and to giggle at. The themes of pets and friendship will resonate with children. This can be enjoyed as read aloud at story time, but is also approachable to young readers as a book they can read themselves. A nice story of friendship and fun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arnold, Tedd

Illustrator: Arnold, Tedd

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545316156

Price: 16.99

Hello, Moon

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

A cheerful, bright, round faced little boy has some bedtime questions for the moon. Does it bounce on the bed, go to the park, play pretend in many different ways? The moon seems important to the little boy, but, with the exception of donning an eye patch when asked about playing pirates, it never seems to be an integral part of the story. Children will be attracted to the cheerful, colorful drawings and will enjoy studying all of the faces at the windows in the city and details in the other illustrations. Overall, especially with so many wonderful bedtime stories available, this one feels a little flat.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Francesca

Illustrator: Cort, Ben

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545647953

Price: 16.99

Where's Waldo: The Wonder Book Deluxe Edition

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

This is another entry in the always wildly popular Where's Waldo series. There is even a list of things to find on the book jacket. The reader is also told on the front flap that there is a poster of Odlaw on the inside of the jacket. That will be a problem for libraries. Each page has a flap that opens revealing the list of things to be found and giving the reader even more space to search. Children will love it, but my eyes hurt just looking at the colorful pages!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Handford, Martin

Illustrator: Handford, Martin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763645304

Price: 11.99

My Nose is Long and Fuzzy What Am I?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

This series introduces children to animals with which they might not be familiar in a fun way. Each book focuses on one animal. Jigsaw puzzle pieces reveal different parts of the animal for children to inspect while reading simple, large print sentences about the picture. A fact box at the end gives more information. Particularly helpful to children is a silhouette of the animal next to those of an adult and a child to give them more perspective on the animal's size. A highlighted map of the animals range is also included. The concept of the book is simple but fun. It will give children something to think and talk about. Emergent readers will have fun with these!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Markovics, Joyce

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627241113

Price: 18

Crazy Buildings

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2014

Review

Cartoon drawings accompany photographs of strange dwellings around the world. Readers will learn about a crooked house, a dancing house, rock houses, a huge tree house, a dog-shaped house and more. While there is not a lot to learn, it will be fun to look at the photographs and think about what it would be like to live in such a dwelling. The tone of the text is lighthearted and almost jokey in some places. This book could give children food for thought about designing fantastical places where they would like to live. Other titles in the series are Bizarre Vehicles, Strange Foods, Wacky Sports, Odd Medical Cures and WEird Jobs. Not necessary purchases, but books kids which kids would probably have fun perusing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael

Illustrator: Jones, Doug

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Millbrook

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780761389866

Price: 15

Monkey Me and the New Neighbor

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Clyde and his twin sister Claudia are off on the fourth adventure in this series. Early in the series, they visit a science museum where Clyde eats a banana that has been infused with gamma rays. It enables him to turn into a monkey when he gets excited. That ability allows him to solve problems. In this story, the dreaded principal moves in next door to Clyde and Claudia and they discover she is not so bad after all. When Clyde turns into a monkey, the story switches to graphic novel format. The rest of the story has a lot of illustrations as well. These two things, combined with short chapters, makes the book approachable and appealing to new readers who need to boost their reading confidence. While not great literature, it does fill a nice niche.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roland, Timothy

Illustrator: Roland, Timothy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545559867

Price: 15.99

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2014

Review

This is a 50th year anniversary edition of this book. I had never read the story, and really enjoyed it. It is a fun read about a very implausible adventure. Young readers will want to be part of the adventure as the car soars through the sky and sails over the ocean. They will be be cheering the Pott family on as they find a gangster stash, blow it up, and flee from the gang. Occasional English words may need to be explained, but overall, this adventure is a great one for children to take. John Burningham's color illustrations from the original edition add even more fun!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Fleming, Ian

Illustrator: Burningham, John

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763666781

Price: 22.00

The Ostrich Conspiracy

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2014

Review

In this second book in the series, the Platypus detectives are out to solve a crime. The ostrich Mayor has promoted the building of a new theme park in town. Opening night is a disaster, setting the detectives into action. There is lots going on as they try to solve the crime. There are lots of TV type effects, a popular movie star, a dramatic chase up a steep roller coaster, and lots more happening before the crook is captured. The first book was popular, so this one will probably be as well. Lots of illustrations add to the fun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustrator: Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, science fiction, mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062071668

Price: 12.99

Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa's Fastest Cats

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Dept., Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2014

Review

This is another book in the excellent "Scientists in the Field" series. Bishop's amazing photographs immediately draw readers into the story of the Cheetah Conservation Fund and scientist Laurie Maker and her team of scientists and students who are fighting to save cheetahs from extinction in Namibia. The Center also raises goats and dogs. The dogs will protect livestock from predators such as cheetahs so farmers will not need to shoot predatory cheetahs. The goats are there to train the dogs. Readers will be captivated by the illustrations. The text does a good job of conveying the importance of the task and all that is being done to insure success. This is the kind of book that can evoke passion in a young reader and lead them to learn more. Another excellent entry in this already excellent series. Starred in Hornbook.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Montgomery, Sy

Illustrator: Bishop, Nic

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 97805478015497

Price: 18.99

The Magic Box

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

When his father must spend a lot of time traveling, Max is sent to live with his grandfather in a spooky, run down old house. Max loves the house and soon discovers that Uncle Larry lives there also. Uncle Larry died long ago and is a ghost who never realized his ambition to become a detective. While Max is visiting Uncle Larry in his house, the phone rings for the first time in 20 years and Larry is off to solve a mystery with Max at his side. The story continues at a fast pace that will keep young readers' interest. Those children who like silliness will especially enjoy the antics that ensue until finally the mystery is solved.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Falcone, L.M.

Illustrator: Smith, Kim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97811771381536

Price: 12.99

Magic in the Park

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

Jennifer is new in town. While spending time in a nearby park, she notices an old man feeding the birds. He seems to be able to appear and disappear. There is also an old hollow tree that moves around. She makes friends with a young boy named Mike and together they are off on the adventure of a lifetime as they try to solve the mystery. The characters are engaging in this almost believable fantasy. Nondangerous supernatural powers bring fun and engage readers as they wait for the mystery to be solved. This is a republication of the original book published in 1972. The original cover art done by Ruth Shew is under the dust jacket.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Chew, Ruth

Illustrator: Chew, Ruth

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type:

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780449813751

Price: 15.99

What's New at the Zoo

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2014

Review

Beginning 4400 years ago in the Sumerian city of Ur, Krull takes readers on a whirlwind tour of zoos through time and through the world. From the menageries of ancient kings and queens through the first public zoos in Victorian times to modern zoos working to save the lives of all kinds of creatures, the readers learns the many reasons and places zoos have been found. The book appears well reserached and includes a lengthy source list at the end. In addition to learning about animals and zoos, the book would be good to use as an example of a timeline as it follows the development of zoos chronologically, making it a good teaching resource. Perhaps the inclusion of a timeline somewhere in the book would help. Illustrations are somewhat cartoony but would attract the interest of young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Krull, Kathleen

Illustrator: Hall, Marcellus

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545135719

Price: 13.99

Born in the Wild

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2014

Review

Children will immediately be drawn to the tender illustrations of baby animals and their parents. The giraffe baby and mom on the cover will make any reader want to open the book. Throughout the book, a double page spread with a simple statement tells of an animal's need or life event; "a baby is born," "a baby is hungry," "a baby needs protection" etc., then another double page spread tells how various animals meet that need. There are interesting facts for young readers to learn throughout the text and in a paragraph at the end about each of the twenty six animals mentioned. It also includes a glossary, sources, adn web sites for more information. A great example of a nonfiction book for young children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Judge, Lita

Illustrator: Judge, Lita

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97815696439252

Price: 18.99

Big Pigs

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2014

Review

When Mama Pig tells her three children to be "good little pigs" they set off to prove they are not little anymore, but are BIG PIGS. Onomatopoeic verse follows the three pigs through rollicking high jinx to prove who is the biggest pig. When Mama finds them at the end of the day dirty and worn, she shoos them into the barn, closes the door, and tells them how proud she is of them for being big in their own way, but still her little pigs giving her lots of goodnight kisses. The large, colorful illustrations are amusing and engaging for young children. The sometimes alliteration (...they gobbled and gulped, slip, slop, slurp) make listening fun. A good book to share at story hour.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hewlakoski, Leslie

Illustrator: Helakoski, Leslie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781620910238

Price: 16.95

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2014

Review

This version of what may originally been a campfire hand rhyme comes with a sound board down the side to enhance the story telling. The wonderful pastel color pages alternate with pages of charcoal drawn illustrations. The expressions on the four children and presumably their father are wonderful throughout. The alliterative text on the color pages is enclosed in a box which also includes a small image of the button the reader is to press to hear the appropriate sound. Children will need to search the buttons for the correct one to press. At the end, they all end up safe in bed vowing never to go on a bear hunt again. This book would not do well in library circulation due to the sounds and also the relatively poor binding.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael

Illustrator: Oxenbury, Helen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763677022

Price: 17.99

The Great Big Dinosaur Treasury; Tales of Adventure and Discovery

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

This book is a bonanza for dinosaur lovers! It is a compilation of eight dinosaur picture books, Patrick's Dinosaurs, Curious George's Dinosaur Discovery, If the Dinosaurs Came Back, Tadpole Rex, Ridin' Dinos with Buck Bronco, Gus, the Dinosaur bus, Dinosailors, and Good Night, Dinosaurs. They were written at different times and in very different styles, but all are fun and should keep young dinosaur enthusiasts quite happy for a long time. In seeing the ways writing is now being taught, it could also be used for comparing and contrasting different writing styles on the same topic.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Various, Various

Illustrator: Various, Various

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy, science fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544325258

Price: 18.99

Beautiful Yetta's Hannukkah Kitten

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

In this followup to Yetta, the Yiddish Chicken, Yetta is a surrogate mother to a flock of Spanish speaking parrots. One cold night, she finds a small kitten and tells the parrots she will care for it. The parrots are afraid it the kitten is dangerous and no one knows what to feed it. Yetta decides, since it is Hannukkah when people are in a good mood, to take the kitten to the old grandmother to care for it. Grandmother does, indeed care for the kitten and feeds Yetta and the parrots latkes. The picture on the cover of this book, with a huge Yetta cradling a tiny kitten in her wings, is enough to draw in almost any reader. A lot of the story is told through speech bubbles, with Yiddish accompanying the English for Yetta and the grandmother, and Spanish accompanying the English for the parrots. Pronunciation is given for both. The illustrations are comical, and really wonderful. Vibrant colors really pop off of white backgrounds. Readers will not learn a lot about Hannukkah, but it is a good book to have to read at that time of year.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pinkwater, Daniel

Illustrator: Pinkwater, Jill

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780312621346

Price: 17.99

The Snowman and the Snowdog

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

Raymond Brigg's wonderful snowman is brought back to life in this book. Billy moves to a new home and finds a photograph there of a young boy standing next to a snowman. He decides to build a snowman of his own and also creates a snowdog. AS in the original story, the snowman, and, in this story, the snowdog come to life and set off flying through the sky on a great adventure that eventually ends at the North Pole where Santa gives Billy a special present. It turns out to be a dog collar which Billy puts on the snowdog when they return. The dog magically comes alive while the snowman sadly melts away. There is some confusion as Billy finds the box with the picture under a floorboard, the snowman and dog spring abruptly alive, and they all race off. The sudden appearance of a live dog in the house on what may or may not be Christmas is also a little strange. All in all, though, young children will probably be enchanted. One other note, it is not really clear who did the illustrations. Kirkus calls this book a "travesty."

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Audus, Hillary

Illustrator: Briggs??, Raymond

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385387149

Price: 17.99

If You Were a Dog

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2015

Review

Young readers are asked to imagine themselves as a dog, cat, bug, fish, dinosaur, and other animals and are asked which of the animal's qualities they would like. The text is somewhat rhyming and very sing song, making it a good choice to read to young children. In just a few brush strokes, Raschka captures the animals as they act out the characteristics, making the illustrations very appealing to children. In the end, readers are told they are NOT any of those things, but they are a kid who can GIGGLE, GIGGLE, GIGGLE and that is the very best thing to be. A fun, appealing book to add to storytimes for young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Swenson, Jamie

Illustrator: Raschka, Chris

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Strauss and Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 978-0-374-33530-4

Price: 17.99

Wild about Bears

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2015

Review

There are only eight types of bears in the world. This nonfiction picture book tells about each of them, taking the reader to the habitat of each. In addition to the text, captions next to most of the drawings add additional information about the bears. Useful additions at the end of the book include a globe with each bear's habitat indicated, a habitat glossary, and a nice list of places to get additional information. Illustrations are nicely done. The text is approachable by young researchers. This would be a good addition to your nonfiction collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brett, Jeannie

Illustrator: Brett, Jeannie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978-1-58089-418-0

Price: 17.95

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

Guess How Much I Love You Guess What I Can Do

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

This is a concept book, featuring colors, nature, weather, actions, shapes, numbers, and sounds. As in previous books, the warm nature of the parent and child relationship shines through, making this a nice book to share from that aspect. As a concept book, it is not as effective. Small flaps on the colors page could be hard for little fingers to grasp. The shapes page is much less clear than the other pages. The numbers page is the most effective. This book would not survive library circulation, but would be better used for laptime sharing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McBratney, Sam

Illustrator: Jeram, Anita

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763670641

Price: 9.99

Little Blue Truck's Christmas

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2015

Review

It is December and Little Blue Truck has a delivery job to do. He picks up Christmas trees and delivers them to his friends. Counting is emphasized as each tree has a numbered tag and Little Truck Delivers them one, two, three, four, five. Colorful illustrations are cute and engaging. The twinkling tree at the end will be particularly captivating to young children. Good for laptime sharing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schertle, Alice

Illustrator: McElmurry, Jill

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544320413

Price: 14.99

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

This nonfiction picture book tells the story of the gorilla on whom the author also based her book The One and Only Ivan. Ivan starts out with an idyllic life in the jungle with his family, swinging from the trees, playing with other gorillas, and generally just enjoying life. When he was around six months old, he was captured by poachers and taken with a baby girl gorilla to a shopping center in Tacoma, Washington to be put on display. For a few years he lives with a human family, during which time the tone of the story remains upbeat. When he gets too big to live in their house, he is forced to live on display in a cage in the mall. He lived there for twenty seven years. This part of the story is sad and clearly a lonely, unhappy time for Ivan. Gradually, his plight became known as people became more aware of the needs of animals held in captivity. Ivan was eventually moved to Zoo Atlanta where he lived out his days with other gorillas in an enclosure made especially for them. Applegate's text lets the reader slowly realize Ivan's plight, while Karas' illustrations beautifully convey the story. They truly portray Ivan's feelings to the reader making this a poignant read. A great book to add to your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Applegate, Katherine

Illustrator: Karas, G. Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544252301

Price: 17.99

Alice-Miranda at Sea

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Alice-Miranda sets sail on Auntie Gee's (the Queen) luxurious yacht for the wedding of Aunt Charlotte and Lawrence Ridley. Wild weather and a jewel thief on board throw the passengers into turmoil. Alice-Miranda and her friends, including a young stowaway help solve the mystery and everything ends happily. Some of the airs of the rich and famous passengers will be unfamiliar to readers, though others may find them intriguing. The length of the book may put off some readers, but fans of the previous Alice-Miranda books will enjoy this new adventure.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harvey, Jacqueline

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385743754

Price: 14.99

Bug on a Bike

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

A ladybug on a bike picks up it's pie baking lizard friend and starts off on a lengthy ride to an unknown destination. Along the way they pick up many friends who keep asking where they are going and when they will get there. The lengthy procession finally arrives at their destination, Bug's birthday party, complete with Karaoke, a bounce house, and food all over. The illustrations are reminiscent of Richard Scarry. The pace is fast and the story is silly. All characters are some kind of living creature except for a pickle and a nickel which seem out of place. The text is silly and told in rhyme, on some pages speech bubbles rhyming with text. The craziness of the trip and details of the illustrations might be enough to grab some young readers, but really just an OK offering.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Monroe, Chris

Illustrator: Monroe, Chris

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Carolrhoda

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781467721547

Price: 16.95

The Loch Mess Monster

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 22, 2015

Review

Contrary to popular legend, there are actually three monsters in Loch Ness, Nessie, her husband, and their young son Angus.AS Angus grows, his parents teach him the Five Basic Monster Rules, including picking up after yourself and NEVER rising above the surface of the loch. As Angus grew bigger, so did his messes. He loved the action as his parents skidded across the floor and tripped on things he left lying around. His parents finally banish him to his room until he can pick up after himself. There the mess continued to grow until he had to use the top of his bed. AS that pile grew, he climbed higher and higher each night to sleep on the top until finally, one day, he broke the surface of the loch. There he was seen by three "monsters,"a cow, a goat, and a duck that scared him so badly that he went down and cleaned up his mess.The illustrations are full of detail, wit, and energy. The story will strike a chord with some children, and especially their parents. They will laugh as the mess grows and grows and as Angus is so frightened by the "monsters." This will be a fun addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lester, Helen

Illustrator: Munsinger, Lynn

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97802544099906

Price: 16.99

I Know a Bear

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

A young girl sits pondering in her bed. Drawn with wild yellow hair, but otherwise subdued illustration and in a gentle voice, she tells the reader of the bear she knows. He comes from the Land of Bears and tells her about all that is good in that land. Then on a mostly black page, she says he cannot go back home. The next page shows him caged in a zoo. The girl thinks some more then goes home and lets her pet bird go free from its cage. This book was originally published in French by an Argentinian author. The subject matter is meant to provoke thought and conversation about the idea of freedom. There is not much to the story. The reader must add a lot. For young children, there may not be enough story about something they have not yet begun to consider.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ruiz Johnson, Mariana

Illustrator: Ruiz Johnson, Mariana

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385386140

Price: 16.99

Benny Goodman & Teddy Wilson Taking the Stage as the First Black-and-White Jazz Band in History

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2015

Review

The true story of Benny Goodman and Teddy Wilson becoming (with Gene Krupa) the Benny Goodman trio is told in this book. The unlikely meeting of Benny, a poor Jewish boy and Teddy Wilson, the son of professors at Tuskegee Institute at a party in New York leads to their playing together and developing swing music. Blue and yellow tones punched with red create illustrations that draw the reader into the story. Text is told almost in punches, reminiscent of the swing music Teddy and Benny played. Pictures of the dancers and the crowd really show the fun people had with their music. They went on to become the first racially mixed group to play in public and to great renown. Good background information and a timeline are included at the back of the book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cline-Ransome, Lesa

Illustrator: Ransome, James E.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823423620

Price: 16.95

Sequoia

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2015

Review

Through poetry and beautiful paintings, the reader is taken through the year of a giant sequoia tree.The reader sees the wildlife and the weather that surround the tree at various times of the year. One picture showing the tree in a forest fire makes the reader wonder how it could survive. The illustrations are done from some interesting perspectives including two sideways double page spreads which gives more perspective of how big these trees actually are. Credit is given at the end to photographers who allowed their "upper story photographs" to be used by the illustrator. Notes about sequoias and giant redwood trees and a bibliography are also included. This would make a lovely addition to a study on ecosystems.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johnston, Tony

Illustrator: Minor, Wendell

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781596437272

Price: 17.99

Albie's First Word a Tale Inspired by Albert Einstein's Childhood

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2015

Review

Albert Einstein was an unusual child in many ways. One of those ways was that he was very late speaking his first word. This book chronicles his parent's attempts to get him to speak. When he did not speak at the age of three, their doctor encouraged various ways to get Albert to speak his first word. None of them worked. One day, his mother found him staring into the nighttime sky watching shooting stars dart across the sky. He turned to her and asked "why?" Notes in the back tell the reader that it really is not known exactly how old Albert was when he first spoke, but definitely older than three, and tell about his being an unusual child.The story is told with humor and shows the parent's concern and perseverance well. Illustrations do a very good job of capturing the era. This book could be a reassurance for those late bloomers among us.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tourville, Jacqueline

Illustrator: Evans, Wynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780307978936

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 30, 2015

Review

What a great book for a child who is fascinated with stars and our universe. The reader meets Carl Sagan as a young boy who lives "In a neighborhood of stars...On the third planet from our sun...In a big city...In a small apartment..." Speech bubbles and graphic novel type picture boxes will help to draw readers into the dreamlike text telling of Carl's deep interest in the universe that leads him to intense curiosity and study. His passion and his ability to share that passion is evident and will make an impact on young readers. Picture details, (including plaid pants and the furniture style television) are true to the time. Overall, an excellent addition to your collection. Starred in School Library Journal

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Roth Sisson, Stephanie

Illustrator: Roth Sisson, Stephanie

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439603

Price: 17.99

Escape to California

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

In the fiftieth year since the publication of the first Flat Stanley,and in his twelfth worldwide adventure, he is off with his family to explore San Francisco. He saves a girl in a wheelchair from careening down one of San Francisco's famous hills, only to find she is looking for him to help her perform a trick that has never been done. She wants him to help her escape from Alcatraz prison. Using his flatness to great advantage, they are off on a preposterous adventure. A lot of children enjoy reading Flat Stanley books. They are really chapter book length, but not too long, so a lot of more reluctant readers will pick them up. The publisher's information touts them as meeting several Common Core Standards. I would not go that far, but would promote this to the Flat Stanley crowd in my school.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Greenhut, Jeff

Illustrator: Pamintuan, Macky

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062189912

Price: 15.99

On Impact!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

In this fourth installment in the Alien in My Pocket series, Zack crashes his bicycle because his four inch alien, Amp, took the brake cables to fix the landing system on his spaceship. As in the previous books, science is woven throughout the story, this time trying to make an egg drop without breaking it. Zack's younger brother continues to be annoying, as does Amp. The story is really pretty silly but with lots of illustrations and larger font, it will appeal to reluctant readers. The book jacket directs teachers to a website where Common Core tie ins can be found. At that site, the book can be brought up and there are questions about the book and the Common Core standards the questions address. This is not a book I would use for that, but I would direct reluctant readers its way.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ball, Nate

Illustrator: Pamintuan, Macky

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062314925

Price: 15.99

Jasper John Dooley NOT in Love

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

Jasper and Ori, young elementary school classmates and neighbors, are best friends. Isabel, another classmates, makes Jasper's life very complicated. While the boys like to play knights, the girls want to play babies. Isabel has decided she loves Jasper and is going to marry him. She does everything she can to be with him, including inviting him to her house for a play date. She has a trampoline which Jasper loves, but has to decide if the fun he has on the trampoline is worth spending time with Isabel. While the dialog seems right on for children of their age, their exploits are odd. They seem a bit young for such intense boy/girl interest. Several times, Isabel licks Jasper. In order to get Isabel to stop liking him, Jasper dumps jelly on her head. These things might make young readers laugh and keep them reading, but they are not very believable. Ample white space, multiple illustrations, and large font will appeal to young readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Adderson, Caroline

Illustrator: Clanton, Ben

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781554538034

Price: 15.95

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Over the Moon

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

The Tooting family is stranded in 1966, having lost both Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Tiny Jack as well as the soccer World Cup. Raucous adventure ensues as they have to go to the moon to save Chitty. This book is fast paced with a lot going on throughout the story. At times, it becomes hard to follow, but readers will be breathless as they follow the preposterous adventures of the family and the car.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cottrell Boyce, Frank

Illustrator: Berger, Joe

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763659837

Price: 15.99

Saltater Crocodile

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 16, 2015

Review

This book has enough information to satisfy curious young readers seeking information about this animal. Presentation, including controlled vocabulary, page layout, and sentence structure keep the information presented accessible to new researchers. Text features include a table of contents, bold faced words, maps, captions,fact bubbles, a table of contents, and additional resources add nonfiction features taught as part of Common Core lessons making it a good choice. Overall, a good addition to your younger elementary nonfiction collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jackson, Tom

Illustrator: , Various Photographers

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781617729232

Price: 18

More about Paddington

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2015

Review

First published in 1958, the classic tale tells of Paddington's arrival at Paddington Station in London and his adoption by the Brown family. This book picks up where the first one leaves off, telling the story of the bubbly but bumbling, ever polite young bear always trying to help his family. The illustrations add a great deal to the story. While totally improbable, the story is fun and will make young readers laugh. With a movie based on the books just out in January, there should be interest in this story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bond, Michael

Illustrator: Fortnum, Peggy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062312204

Price: 9.99

Pokie Pop Plays Hide-and-Seek

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 27, 2015

Review

Pookie Pop, a cat, and the other anthropomorphous animals in this chunky board book play the familiar game of hide and seek. Young children will quickly catch on and chime in with "found you" as each tab is pulled. Tabs are thick and rounded rather than squared off, so should hold up better than thinner square tabs. Some animals are familiar, while some are not quite so familiar, so children will learn vocabulary as well as enjoy a cute little story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Listed, None

Illustrator: Ho, Jannie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Noisy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676001

Price: 7.99

Hide-and-Seek Pout-Pout Fish

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 27, 2015

Review

Pout Pout Fish is playing hide and seek under the ocean and asks young readers to help him. There is a tab on each page that makes the reader think that animal will be on the page somewhere. In most cases, the animal is one of those that Pout Pout Fish is seeking. However, that is not always the case. Some of the animals he finds are not named, such as the octopus who is just "Mr. Eight" and some sort of spidery creature who has no name at all. One tab and "discovery" is a clam shown with a prominent pearl inside, something that does not happen very often. The flaps are fairly flimsy so will most likely tear easily. This book will not stand up to many toddler readings. There are better board book and lift the flap books out there.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Diesen, Deborah

Illustrator: Hanna, Dan

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Square Fish

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250060112

Price: 7.99

Pop-Up Dinosaurs

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 9, 2015

Review

This is a charming dinosaur book for young children! While outwardly plain and very simple, it gives an interesting fact about each dinosaur from a to z, and there is, indeed, a dinosaur for each letter. Each white page has three colored flaps with an upper and lower case letter. The flaps are opened to reveal the pop-up dinosaur and a fact about it. Young dinosaur lovers will love it! The facts make it appropriate for older children as well. The last page has black silhouettes of all the dinosaurs with man in bright yellow right in the middle to give size comparisons. It will give children and adults pause to see the comparisons! There is also a short glossary and a list of the eras in which dinosaurs lived. It is a lap sitting/discussion book that cannot be circulated because the illustrations are very delicate, but still should be considered for purchase to share with your young dinosaur loving patrons.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Crowther, Robert

Illustrator: Crowther, Robert

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763672966

Price: 17.99

The New Small Person

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 9, 2015

Review

Elmore Green started off life as an only child. He loved it! However, things changed when a small person--also referred to as "it"-- came along. Elmore did NOT like having to change the channel on his TV, share his toys and jelly beans and put up with this small person always following him around and even eventually sharing his bedroom. Things change when Elmore has a very scary dream and is comforted by he small person. It became fun to laugh together and to understand each other. There is lots to see in the colorful illustrations which are mostly done on pages with lots of white space. Children are drawn almost bigger than life with brown skin, and large expressive eyes, while the adults are only seen from the waist or shoulders down. Clearly this book is meant to be seen from the child's point of view. It will be a good one to had to a child dealing with a new sibling.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Child, Lauren

Illustrator: Child, Lauren

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678104

Price: 17.99

A Pig Called Heather

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2015

Review

Heather the pig lives on a Scottish farm. Due to the recent death of her mother, Isla, the farmer's daughter turns to Heather for comfort. While Heather does not speak, she understands what Isla says and indicates her understanding with gestures. When a fire forces Isla's father to sell the farm, they move to London. Through a series of comic events, Heather manages to get to London and find Isla, setting off more comical events in their attempt to keep Heather from being caught by the pest control man. While the whole story is rather preposterous, children will be charmed by the kind characters in the story. There are a couple of villains who are charmingly outsmarted through a series of unlikely twists and narrow escapes, leaving young readers cheering. Overall, a pleasant read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Oulton, Harry

Illustrator: , None

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432905

Price: 16.95

Cinderella's Stepsister and the Big Bad Wolf

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2015

Review

In this fractured fairy tale mashup, Cinderella actually has a third stepsister. Gertie is very unlike her lazy sisters and, in this story Cinderella as well. Gertie is kind and hardworking, making her family ashamed of her and hiding her away. When the invitation to the ball arrives, the family decides in order for Gertie to go, she needs to learn to be mean. She is sent off to various fairy tale meanies for lessons, but manages to spoil all of their plans. In the end, she teams up with the Big Bad Wolf to get ready for the ball, while Cinderella is made into a mouse. Illustrations are colorful, with a French feel--see the building where they live and the beret perched on Gertie's head. Facial expressions are very dramatic in all characters. The wolf's ball gown is hilarious. Given that teachers are asking more and more for fractured fairy tales, this would be a good book to add to your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carey, Lorraine

Illustrator: Blanco, Migy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763680053

Price: 15.99

Bee Dance

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 14, 2015

Review

This story follows a foraging honeybee as it follows a scent to a brightly colored prairie filled with flowers full of nectar. The story follows the bee as it sips the nectar then returns to the hive and does its dance to show the other bees where the treasure lies. The information is clearly told on a very simple, but clear level that young children will be able to understand. Though it is a nonfiction text, the large, colorful cut paper illustrations and clear text will make it a good read aloud in young classrooms.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Chrustowski, Rick

Illustrator: Chrustowski, Rick

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805099195

Price: 17.99

Fancy Nancy

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2015

Review

This is a 10th anniversary version of Fancy Nancy. Nancy loves fancy things, and thinks her family is too plain--they do not even ask for sprinkles on their ice cream. After she gives them lessons on how to be fancy, the family goes out for dinner all "fancied up." A disaster at the restaurant show Nancy how much her family loves her anyway. Girlie girls love Fancy Nancy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, Jane

Illustrator: Preiss Glasser, Robin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062352149

Price: 17.99

Flip Flap Safari

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2015

Review

Young readers are off to see lots of animals on quite a jungle safari. In each double page spread, the left hand page has rhyming text that tells about the animal. The animal is depicted on the right hand page along with the noise it makes. Each page is split horizontally so children can create their own mixed up creatures by flipping only half of one page. The animals are drawn proportionally, so they "fit" onto each other, even though they are not the same animal. Illustrations are colorful. The animals all have beady eyed expressions which children will enjoy. Despite the fact that this is a spiral bound board book, it seems quite sturdy. The pages are made of heavy enough cardboard that it should hold together for repeated readings.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scheffler, Alex

Illustrator: Scheffler, Alex

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676056

Price: 11.99

Just a Teacher's Pet

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2015

Review

This is the 40th anniversary of Mercer Mayer's Little Critter books. In this new title, despite their initial excitement over getting a new student at school, students are quickly dismayed to see the student become the teacher's pet. However they realize she is a team player when, at the end of the book, she hits a grand slam homerun to win the game so they all want her on the team. This story follows the formula of past titles. There is lots going on in the illustrations, making them fun to look at. Mouse and spider are back expressing their disdain along with the rest of the class. Children still seem to like Little Critter, so should pick this one up to enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mayer, Mercer

Illustrator: Mayer, Mercer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062071996

Price: 16.99

Bad Kitty

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2015

Review

This is the tenth anniversary of the publication of this book. When Kitty hears that the family is out of cat food, but that they have an A to Z array of vegetables for her, she decides to be a very bad kitty and sets on an alphabetic romp of destruction. When the family returns, Kitty discovers they have brought her an alphabetic array of treats so Kitty becomes a good Kitty and does a alphabet of good deeds. Kitty steals the show with her animated expressions and her many antics. Older children will "get" the alphabet part of the story. Younger ones will just laugh and enjoy it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bruel, Nick

Illustrator: Bruel, Nick

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626722453

Price: 16.99

The Pirate Pig

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

Stout Sam and his deckhand Pip live a peaceful and fairly successful life ferrying supplies from one island to another. Their peaceful life changes when they find a barrel washed ashore and, upon opening it, find a pig. They take Julie, the pig, with them on their deliveries and discover she can sniff out treasure under the water. Soon the pirate who sent Julie overboard in the barrel (she did not do well enough treasure hunting for him) hears about her success and kidnaps her. Stout Sam and Pip vow to get her back and adventure ensues. Text is good for younger chapter book readers. Ample color illustrations on every page help explain the story to the readers. They actually are pretty amusing. One drawback for younger readers is that there are no chapter breaks, but overall, this would be a good book to add to your beginning reader collection right alongside Mercy Watson!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Funke, Cornelia

Illustrator: Meyer, Kerstin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385375443

Price: 9.99

Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 2, 2015

Review

Francine Poulet proudly carries on her family tradition of being animal control officers. She is the best, and has forty seven trophies for her work to prove it. She is brave and unstoppable until heavily bejeweled Mrs. Bissinger asks Francine to capture the ghost raccoon who screams her name. When faced with the raccoon on Mrs. Bissinger's roof, Francine is fearful for the first time, falls off the roof, and ends up in the hospital. She feels she has lost her confidence and resigns her position. It takes a wise little boy to help Francine regain her confidence and finally capture the raccoon. The story itself is funny, and the ample black and white illustrations ramp up the humor. Some of them are hilarious. Characters from Mercy Watson are in the book. Ample white space and large type make this very approachable to young readers. A great choice for you collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

DiCamillo, Kate

Illustrator: VanDusen, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763668860

Price: 12.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

More Caps for Sale

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

Esphyr Slobodkina died in 2002. Ann Marie Mulhearn Sayre began working with Slobodkina in 1994 and became her personal assistant as well as a good friend. Slobodkina gave permission for Sayre to work on this sequel to caps for sale after Slobodkina's death. The book tells what happens at the end of the day that Caps for Sale ends. The peddler has sold no hats and is tired and worried. The monkeys are all following him.Eventually, the monkeys begin doing what they see the peddler doing, causing the towns people to take notice and making a happy ending for all. Over the years, Sayre came to have deep knowledge about Slobodkina's art and illustrations. Using that mental archive, she went through the works scanning details which she used as the illustrations in this book. Everything was taken from the original works of art and put together to create the illustrations in this book. It is all very effective and makes for a very effective and fun sequel to a childhood classic.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Slobodkina, Esphyr

Illustrator: Mulhearn Sayer, Ann Marie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062405456

Price: 18.99

The Sea Tiger

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 1, 2015

Review

This is the story of a very unusual friendship between a merboy named Oscar and a sea tiger. The tiger is Oscar's best friend. Large illustrations in muted colors follow the pair to "extraordinary places" as they explore under the sea. There is lots to look at in their underwater world. They finally settle down to sleep on a page that is otherwise black. The sea tiger protects Oscar from lurking monsters during the night. The illustrations exude the warmth of their friendship.They finally find a large group of singing sea turtles and a friend for each of them. The hand of friendship leads them off on new adventures. While the theme of friendship is strong, I wonder how children will react to this nice, though unusual story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Turnbull, Victoria

Illustrator: Turnbull, Victoria

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679866

Price: 16.99

Jumping Off Library Shelves a Book of Poems

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

This book should draw in any book lover. Poems by fifteen different authors celebrate the joy of books, reading, and the library. The poems are written in different styles, from haiku to shape poems. One is a tribute to storyteller Augusta Baker. Jane Yolen has written of the enchantment of books. Another proclaims, though a library card may look plain, it is more powerful than the smartest phone or one hundred apps as it unlocks the world and more with a single scan. Illustrations done in gouache and pencil exuberantly convey the messages of the poems. A wonderful addition to your poetry collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bennett Hopkins, Lee

Illustrator: Manning, Jane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Word Song

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781590789247

Price: 16.95

Where's Walrus and Penguin?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Walrus is back this time with penguin as his sidekick. They escape from the zoo one rainy day and manage to stay one step ahead of the zookeeper as they change disguises to fit in with their current situation throughout the day. No one seems to notice them as they drive a taxi, sit in the park, conduct an orchestra and take part in a play, and other adventures. An accident during one of their activities lands walrus in the hospital where he meets a special nurse, leading to the story ending happily ever after. This is a good "search and find" book for very young children. They will laugh at the adventures of walrus and penguin and want to look through the book again and again.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Savage, Stephen

Illustrator: Savage, Stephen

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545402958

Price: 16.99

The Big Book of Animals of the World

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

This oversize board book depicts animals from around the world. The animals, pictured on pages with lots of white space, all appear rather expressionless. The bottom of each page shows they habitat and sometimes the kind of place (ie. a farm) where the animals on the page will be found. All animals and some parts of the landscape and a few other things are identified with a single word. Small mice are seen throughout, ride in a hot air balloon seemingly observing the scene. The final page is a map of the continents with a few animals on them. The book would benefit from more identification of exactly where each page is in the world and more expressive animals. Children tired of simple animal books with a few familiar animals might enjoy looking at this, but it is not a great offering.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Konnecke, Ole

Illustrator: Konnecke, Ole

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Gecko Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781776570126

Price: 14.99

Good Night Grizzle Grump

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

It is fall, and Grizzle Grump is looking for a place to sleep for the winter. He finds several places that look very good, but noise at each place--from a woodpecker, a beaver, frogs--keeps him awake, making his anger grow. He finally climbs a snowy peak, enters a cave and SLAMS the door until spring. He falls asleep and disturbs all of the creatures that disturbed him with his huge snores. The illustrations are hilarious. Repetitive text will encourage young children's participation in telling the story. They will get the irony. They will love this book!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Blecha, Aaron

Illustrator: Blecha, Aaron

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Gecko Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062297464

Price: 17.99

Snow

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

A small boy awakes to a snowy day. He wants to be the first one out in the snow and to go to the park but must get Grandad to accompany him. Panic sets in as Granddad very slowly goes about his morning routines, so all of the boy's friends, dogs and cats, and even the animals from the zoo (his stuffed animals come alive??) are at the park by the time they arrive. They all have a wonderful time, especially playing with the zoo animals and decided when they got home that some things really are worth waiting for. The reader can feel the boys increasing angst as Granddad takes so much time getting ready. Illustrations are fun to look at. This will be a fun addition to snowy wintertime story times, though the binding is so poor, it will not hold up for long.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Usher, Sam

Illustrator: Usher, Sam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780763679583

Price: 16.99

Mythology of the Iliad and the Odyssey

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

This new series includes books on the mythology of King Arthur and his knights, American Indians, Egyptians, Inuit, and Romans in addition to this title. The nonfiction features all teachers look for are well done in these books. In addition to the usual index, table of contents, and glossary, extensive chapter notes are included at the end. After each myth, there are questions and commentary by "experts" though it is unclear who these experts are. This book seems heavy and dry. There are no illustrations, so it will not be particularly appealing to many children. They may be useful for teachers.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bornemann Spies, Karen

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Enslow

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780766061729

Price: 21.01

Runaway Train: Saved by Belle of the Mines and Mountains

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

This book is a play, part of a series of historical fiction books. Bella and her family move from Ohio to the south so her father could get work. She finds it difficult fitting in with Southern girls and ends up helping on the railroad where she becomes a hero. The story is told from the perspective of the young Bella and also from the now elderly Bella looking back on her life. That may be confusing to children. These books would encourage group reading and could help bring history to life for children acting out the plays. It would be a good--and different--addition to your history shelves.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wim, Coleman

Illustrator: Joanne, Renaud

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Red Chair Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781939656711

Price: 21.04

When Sophie's Feelings are Really, Really Hurt

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

In this new story about Sophie, her teacher asks the class to study their favorite tree, then to paint it from memory at school the next day. Sophie paints her favorite beech tree, the one seen in another Sophie book, but decides the gray color is dull so paints the trunk blue instead. Children make fun of that, but the teacher helps her explain that the color expresses how Sophie feels about the tree. Bright colors used for childlike illustrations draw interest. Handwritten font style adds to that feel. The teacher's support of Sophie will be comforting to children. Children are multicultural, wear glasses, and look very much like the children readers will see in their classrooms. A good addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bang, Molly

Illustrator: Bang, Molly

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545788311

Price: 17.99

The Skunk

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

A skunk appears on a man's door one morning. The man quickly realizes the skunk is following him everywhere, as they travel down city streets, through a graveyard, a taxi ride, the opera, and a carnival. The short sentences express the man's frustration as the skunk continues to follow him. This part of the story is told through black, white and peach illustrations with the skunk standing out by his red nose and the man by his red bow tie. He finally loses the skunk by climbing down into the city sewer. He comes up in a new part of town and starts a new life with a party, shown with brightly colored illustrations. The man begins to think about the skunk and finally leaves the party to find him. When he does, he begins following the skunk. This story has a kind of neurotic feel about it, starting with the look on the man's face on the cover. The skunk, then the man, are quite intent on following each other. No reason is ever given for why they are doing so, perhaps leaving readers unsatisfied. It is cleverly done though.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barnett, Mac

Illustrator: McDonnell, Patrick

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: RB

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439665

Price: 17.99

Small Elephant's Bathtime

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

Small Elephant likes water as long as it is not in the bathtub. His mommy tries toys and bubbles to entice him into the bathtub, but he got madder and madder and finally hid. Mommy's final tactic is to have Daddy take over. Once Small Elephant sees Daddy crammed into the tub, he declares it is "mine" and then refuses to get out. Spare illustrations done in only blue, red, and gray with ample white space make the illustrations pop. Red text stands out as well. The whole thing feels like a two year old's temper tantrum. The reader can almost hear Small Elephant's "NO!" as Mommy tries to coax him into the tub. Children with toddler siblings and parents and grandparents who have lived through two year old tantrums will all identify with this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Feeney, Tatyana

Illustrator: Feeney, Tatyana

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553497212

Price: 16.99

The Friendly Witch

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

It is Little Witch's birthday. She is sad because she does not have any cards, presents, or visitors. She decides to conjure up a spell to have a party. All kinds of fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters come to visit and cram the house full of people. Little Witch gets tired of the crowd and the noise, so she uses another spell to end the party. She did not like the quiet either, so conjures up another spell to bring them back. This book is busy with lots and lots going on on most pages. Children will enjoy searching for the many storybook characters as they hear about them in the story. Teachers could do a writing take off on this, creating a spell to overcome something they would like to change.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, Rachel

Illustrator: Broadley, Leo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Hutton Grove

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781857337266

Price: 19.99

Bear and Bunny

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

Bear and Bunny met each other in Bear in Love. Now they are back in a charming story that will make a wonderful read aloud for young children. They wander through the woods collecting pinecones, picking flowers, singing little ditties, and searching for a pet. They do not even notice that they are different animals. As they look around, they wonder if a pinecone and a caterpillar would make good pets. They finally spy a small frog in a tree and decide that this "kitty" would make a good pet. The frog croaks that he loves them, one of their requirements for a pet. While the text has a quiet, gentle feel, the illustrations really captivate the reader/listener. The forest is almost in silhouette on some pages, making the two characters really stand out. Their friendship can truly be felt. Facial expressions are great. Children will love Bear and Bunny!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pinkwater, Daniel

Illustrator: Hillenbrand, Will

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763671532

Price: 15.99

Slug Needs a Hug!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Poor Slug is longing for a hug. When he does not get one from his mother, he goes to various animals asking why. They all tell him he needs to look more like them. He looks more and more bizarre as he adds a hat, cape, feathers, trotters, a goatee, horns, and more until he can hardly move. He finally arrives home to find Mother does not even recognize him. When he sheds all of his disguises, she tells him how sweet he is and how much he has been missed. Since she has no arms, they kissed! The fun and vibrant illustrations that accompany the rhyming, bouncy text will make this a fun story to share. The text also speaks to self concept and self esteem, so will be a good one to share with young children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Willis, Jeanne

Illustrator: Ross, Tony

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Andersen Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467793094

Price: 17.99

Triple Trouble

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

Judy knows a sick pet when she sees one. Nothing can stand in the way of her curing her sick Venus Flytrap plant, not even a misbehaving toad or a mind-reading cat. Judy's efforts are helped by her friend Stink and her father. The three chapters are almost a story of their own, and combine to make a book that will likely tempt new young chapter book readers. While the whole thing seems far fetched to an adult, it may just interest those young readers. Ample colorful illustrations add to the fun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Madrid, Erwin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674434

Price: 12.99

Firebears Rescue Team

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2016

Review

The very cute Firebears are off to the rescue! The reader sees them in the firehouse resting and relaxing then off to the fire. Children will love the little bears and lovers of trucks and firemen will like looking through the book and hearing the rhyming story read. The old fashioned fire truck gives a feeling of the past. A cute book for a little book lover.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Gowler Green, Rhonda

Illustrator: Andreasen, Dan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627792400

Price: 8.99

All for a Dime

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Bear, Mole, and Skunk are all friends, portrayed in large, colorful images in this exuberant story. To get ready for market, Bear picks blueberries, Mole digs worms, and Skunk bottles her own potent perfume. At the market, Bear's blueberries sell very well, but Mole and Skunk have no customers. They decide to switch positions and become their own best customers, passing a dime between them as they buy each other's product and disrupt all of the people at the market with Skunk's perfume. In the end, Bear has enough money to treat them all to ice cream topped with the last of his fresh blueberries. The characters are adorable, facial expressions fun and funny, and the story is comical. Children will enjoy it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hillenbrand, Will

Illustrator: Hillenbrand, Will

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823429462

Price: 16.95

It's Tough to Lose Your Balloon

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Everyday problems sometimes make young children sad and upset. In this book, the bright side of an otherwise sad situation is shared with the reader. Dropping your sandwich in the sand is sad, but a seagull will be very happy, losing your balloon is sad, but it will make Grandma smile from her airplane window. Not all problems will ring true with all children, but enough of them will to make them enjoy the story. Each problem is described in a color soaked page, then pictured on the next page, then a two page spread illustrates the upbeat solution. Illustrations are colorful and fun. This book will be a reassurance to some children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustrator: Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97480385754798

Price: 16.99

Mousetropolis

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

In this updated version of Aesop's Country Mouse and City Mouse, City Mouse grows tired of his noisy apartment and accepts an invitation to visit Country Mouse. He does not like the food he is offered or what he feels is a dangerous journey through the woods. He does like the jamboree at the end of the journey but finds the way back frightening. The two mice, each shown as a full page head with popping eyes, decide to go back to the City where Country Mouse is uncomfortable so he goes back home. The tale is much the same as the original, but the illustrations make this book. The adorable mice, the large somber owl, and especially the two large mice faces are all wonderful and will capture young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Christie, Gregory

Illustrator: Christie, Gregory

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823423192

Price: 16.95

Shivers

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Shivers the Pirate is afraid of everything, so much so that his ship is tied up on a New Jersey beach next to the snack shack. When he gets a message from a carrier pigeon that he must save his parents and his brother, he knows he must be brave and sets off with his best friend Margo and a fish named Albee who is kept in a plastic bag. Adventure and hijinks on the high seas ensue as they follow clues to get to Shivers' family. Ample cartoonish black and white drawings appear throughout the book. The whole thing is preposterous and zany with lots of action, sometimes laugh out loud funny. This will be appreciated by fans of Captain Underpants and Wimpy Kid.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bonder-Stone, Annabeth

Illustrator: White, Connor

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062313874

Price: 12.99

Sock Monkey Takes a Bath

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Famous actor Sock Monkey receives an nomination for an award at the Oswald Awards. The only caveat is that nominees must be clean. Sock Monkey has not had a bath in years and cannot even think about taking one. His friends step in to help make the bath a much better experience than Monkey expected so he is off to the awards show where something very unexpected happens. This book is a reissue of the original adventure. Pictures are cute, but there is really nothing compelling to draw young readers to the book unless, by chance, they have their own sock monkey. The inside of the book jacket has ideas and recipes to host your own Oswald party. This is advertised on the cover, so children will want to see it, but will make it hard to cover and circulate.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Cece

Illustrator: Bell, Cece

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763677596

Price: 14

Elmer and the Flood

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

There is a torrential rain storm in the jungle. While most animals are finding places to safely wait out the storm, Elmer the patchwork elephant saunters along through the jungle, ignoring his friends invitations to come and stay safe with them. He encounters alligators in the middle of the jungle, ducks, and others as he goes, eventually helping the elephant herd find a baby elephant who is lost. Elmer finds the baby on an island and plans a rescue. However, the rescue leaves Elmer stranded on the island, something he may find not so bad. Elmer is likeable and a resourceful protagonist. He shows young readers what it is like to be a helpful friend. Illustrations are the same as the other books in the series. Children who like Elmer will like this story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McKee, David

Illustrator: McKee, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Andersen Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781467793124

Price: 17.99

Cakes in Space

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Astra and her family are moving to the planet Nova Mundi. The journey will take ninety nine years, so they will be frozen in pods on the spaceship for the journey. Astra is hungry before she goes to sleep, so she asks the ship's computer to make her frighteningly good cakes. The computer misunderstands and produces hundreds of dreadfully frightening cakes that attack things around them. Nova and her robot friend Pilbeam fight the cakes to save the ship. Space pirates, a slithery, slimy creature and rollicking adventure fill this rather preposterous story. Through it all, readers can see lessons in friendship and not judging by appearances. Lots of black and white illustrations add to the fun.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reeve, Philip

Illustrator: McIntyre, Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385387927

Price: 12.99

Inside Biosphere 2: Earth Science Under Glass

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

This book is another excellent entry in the Scientists in the Field series.Inside the Biosphere 2 structure are an ocean, a rainforest, a savannah, and giant hillsides of new soil. Inside, there are many scientists who can control the atmosphere and do experiments they could not do anywhere else with the goal of learning more about climate change, weather, water, and much more. Wonderful photographs are clearly explained. Diagrams and maps help further some explanations. One of the best things about the book is the extensive "Find Out More" and "Quotes and Bibliography" sections at the end that will steer interested young researchers to more solid information. There is also a glossary and extensive index. An excellent book to add to your science collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Karson, Mary Kay

Illustrator: Uhlman, Tom

Illustration Quality: excellent

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: 9780544416642

Price: 18.99

Pugs of the Frozen North

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

During a "once in a lifetime winter" in the frozen North, friends Shen and Shika and their sixty six pugs enter a sled dog race to the North Pole to meet Snow Father (not to be confused with Santa Claus) and to have their fondest wish granted. Competition is fierce, with robot pulled sleds, polar bear pulled sleds, and more. The race proves to be wild, but in the end, after harrowing adventures and rescues, several sleds make it. Sika's wish, to save her dying grandfather, is met in a surprising ending. The book is full of enough action, much of it pretty far fetched and fun, to keep young readers turning the pages. Lots of drawings throughout the book help to make it more approachable for readers. Humor adds to the package.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reeve, Philip

Illustrator: McIntyre, Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385387965

Price: 12.99

Help! The Wolf is Coming!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Young readers are exhorted to help keep the wolf at bay in this board book story. As they turn the pages, they are asked to turn, tilt, tip, and shake the pages to keep the wolf away as he looms ever larger on each subsequent page. Finally, when it seems nothing will work, the reader is told to shut the book and the wolf is gone! Children will delight in frantically following the directions as they read along. The bright yellow and green pallet makes the wolf stand out as he comes ever closer. The text in the book is done is script which may keep young readers from recognizing the words. Otherwise, this is a clever and fun book for them.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ramadier, Cedric

Illustrator: Bourgeau, Vincent

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Gecko Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781927271841

Price: 14.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Haggis and Tank Unleashed - All Paws on Deck

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Haggis, a bored Scottish terrier and Tank, a Great Dane who is always up for adventure star in this entertaining comic/graphic style chapter book. They turn Tank's wagon into a pirate ship and launch off to adventure. Told with authentic voice, emergent readers will enjoy reading the tale and laugh at the antics of the two spirited and comical dogs. Speech bubbles are color coordinated for each dog. As with other titles in Scholastic's Branches series, this is a good title to add to your early chapter book shelf.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Young, Jessica

Illustrator: Burks, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Sxcholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545818872

Price: 15.99

Eat, Leo! Eat!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Leo's Grandmother takes care of her family by serving a "delizioso" lunch to her whole family every Sunday. Leo is not impressed and would rather spend his time playing with his toys under the table. Nona begins luring him out with stories of the pasta shapes she cooks each Sunday. He begins to get interested in the story of how the shapes came to be and eventually comes to the table eagerly to hear the next part of the story. The bright smiling faces of the closely grouped family exude warmth and the importance of family. On alternate pages, the ongoing story of how the pasta shapes came to be is interesting on its own. The picture of Leo and Nona hugging is a wonderful end to the story. There is a picture glossary of pasta shapes at the very end. Unfortunately, the pasta shapes that were part of the story are not included in the glossary.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Adderson, Caloline

Illustrator: Bisaillon, Josee

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771380133

Price: 16.95

Elvis; The Story of the Rock and Roll King

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

This book is an intimate and enchanting look into the life of a beloved icon, providing insight that the public rarely sees. Elvis' life from birth to his break through release of "That's All Right" is covered in the book. Oil paintings clearly show the dingy, poor, and depressed areas where Elvis grew up, making a real emotional feel for the shy only child of a poor mother and a father who was in and out of jail. As Elvis gets closer and closer to success, the illustrations convey the real feeling that things are getting better. An author's note and time line at the back add more specific details.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Christensen, Bonnie

Illustrator: Christensen, Bonnie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780805094473

Price: 17.99

The Buk Buk Buk Festival

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 18, 2016

Review

Henrietta the chicken is very eggs-cited that her new picture book has been published. She has a problem in that she has not revealed to her publisher that she is a chicken and has been invited to a book festival. Mayhem ensues when the other authors in attendance see Henrietta. As in previous Henrietta books, puns abound. While children may enjoy listening to the story, they may not get the puns, though this could be used for an English Language Arts lesson. Digitally rendered illustrations include what seem to be some photographs as well. If children like the previous Henrietta books, they may like this one, but it is not a must purchase title.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Auch, Mary Jane

Illustrator: Auch, Herm

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823432011

Price: 16.95

Charlie the Ranch Dog Rock Star

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 23, 2016

Review

Charlie the Ranch Dog sets out to live the good life as a rock star. While enjoying it very much at first, he slowly realizes that ranch life is really the life for him. Being a rock star, with all of its trappings, is just too hard. A rather large type font, short sentences, and not too many sentences on a page make this a good choice for beginning chapter book readers. The length is just right for them as well. Clear, colorful illustrations show just what Charlie is doing as he lives his life as a rock star and as a ranch dog. A good choice for beginning reader shelves.CBRsmld316

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Drummond, Ree

Illustrator: deGroat, Diane

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062347787

Price: 16.99

Lunch, or What's That?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 23, 2016

Review

Freckleface Strawberry and her friend Windy Pants are back as budding food critics. They love to eat hot dogs, noodles, grilled cheese, and more. They do NOT love to eat cafeteria food. When Freckleface Strawberry brings her cafeteria food to the lunch table one day, Windy Pants and a growing collection of children want to know what she is eating. She tells them it is her lunch, and with great trepidation, finally tries it and decides she likes it. Expressions on the children's faces tell the story well. Strawberries freckles are particularly notable. Bright colors and lots of white space for clear text are effective. Short sentences and large type font make this very approachable for beginning chapter book readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Moore, Julianne

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Doubleday

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385391924

Price: 12.99

How to Babysit a Leopard

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

This travelogue tells of the exciting adventures of this author/illustrator team as they traveled the globe over a forty year period. Their travel includes many extreme adventures that leave the reader shaking their heads and asking why anyone would want to go to such a place or do such a thing. The book is arranged by continent. Each section includes a number of very short (1 to 3 pages) descriptions of their adventures on that continent, making it easy to pick up and read a few excerpts. Captivating photos, illustrations, and drawings further engage the reader. This book will appeal to young adventurers, biologists, and anyone who would like to be an armchair traveler.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lewin, Ted and Betsy

Illustrator: Lewin, Ted and Betsy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596436169

Price: 22.99

Colors

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 23, 2016

Review

This simple concept book will catch the eye of very young children. Colorful photographs illustrate colors of various animals in their natural habitats. The very colorful tree toad on the cover will immediately capture the reader's eye and draw them into the book. Colors throughout are vibrant. The photographs will lead to further discussion. The board book binding will make it hard to circulate, but it is a good choice for lap sharing.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Vendittelli, Marie

Illustrator: , Various

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544512641

Price: 7.99

Numbers

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 23, 2016

Review

Very colorful, close up photographs of animals, mostly in family groups will catch the eye of young readers. The numbers are shown very large and clear, with an interesting fact about the animal or its family underneath. The pictures and facts are such that they will encourage conversation and questions from its young readers. A fun way to practice numbers with young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nouvion, Judith

Illustrator: , Various photographers

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544512658

Price: 7.99

The Three Little Pigs

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 31, 2016

Review

This is a by the book retelling of the familiar fairy tale. The very colorful, digitally rendered illustrations with a few slight twists on the original make this version. The wolf is seen driving around in a food truck wearing a chef's hat and carrying a fork. One of the pigs is a girl. Teachers using Lucy Calkins to teach reading and writing are asking for multiple versions of fairy tales, particularly The Three Little Pigs. This will be a good addition to your collection for them.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

None given, None given

Illustrator: Bryan, Ed

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: folklore

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763686550

Price: 9.99

Superhero Dad

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

From Super Snoring to Super Breakfast to Super Funny to much more, Dad is a hero in the eyes of his young blond son. Vibrant illustrations will attract readers who will laugh at the boy's antics. Even the boy's bedroom is decorated with superheros. The dog who appears on every page reacting to what is happening adds to the fun. Text is mostly rhyming, and a bit forced in places. Overall, a fun book for young boy's to share with their dads.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Knapman, Timothy

Illustrator: Berger, Joe

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763686574

Price: 15.99

Lady Liberty's Holiday

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 31, 2016

Review

Lady Liberty's arms ache, she has a stiff neck, and has had a cramp in her leg for a decade. She is tired of looking at the same view. She feels blue despite being green. At the urging of her pigeon friend, Moe, she walks off her pedestal and sets off on a lighthearted romp to see the sights around the United States. Visual humor abounds as she is shown traveling the country. The photobomb at Mount Rushmore is particularly funny. Readers will see many famous sights and get a feeling for their grandeur and size when compared to Lady Liberty. Meanwhile, back in New York, the mayor is considering canceling the Fourth of July because Lady Liberty is gone. Moe comes to the rescue, she returns, and the holiday goes on as planned. This would be a fun book to use as an introduction to state and region studies.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Arena, Jen

Illustrator: Hunt, Matt

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553520675

Price: 17.99

Beachy and Me

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Pixie Picklespeare lives alone in a lighthouse on an island. She is BORED of the same old thing every day until a huge, very blue whale washes ashore. He manages to return to the sea on the next high tide, and he and Pixie have rollicking good adventures in the sea. Text is rhyming, adding a bouncy feel to the romp. Colorful digital illustrations are eye catching. There is a good feeling of friendship. Cute and catchy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Staake, Bob

Illustrator: Staake, Bob

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385373142

Price: 16.99

A New Arrival

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

The animals who live in an apartment building at 24 Sprout Street are excited when a new neighbor. That she is from Hawaii makes it even more exciting. Mililani settles in slowly, getting to know her new neighbors, all of whom have their own dilemmas and personalities that shine through as friendships are made. It is a nice story of friendship, and a good transitional chapter book, given its small size and ample illustrations. A quiet and charming story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alter, Anna

Illustrator: Alter, Anna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755627

Price: 12.9

Fairy Tales for Mr. Barker a Peek-Through Story

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

The story opens with Lucy reading to her dog, Mr. Barker in her fairy tale themed bedroom. Mr. Barker gets bored, so he jumps through a cutout window. Lucy follows him into the Three Little Bears House where Goldilocks is enjoying a bowl of porridge. Lucy warns her that the bears are coming and tells her to come along. They leave through a cutout door, ending up in the Three Little Pigs straw straw house. They go along through more fairy tales, collecting more familiar characters until they all end up safely in Lucy's bedroom. At each stop, Lucy asks "Where are we?" Children's knowledge of the tales represented will enhance their enjoyment of the story. Pages are very thick paper. Visual humor abounds, making the illustrations great fun. At the Three Bears' House, burner knobs are marked "too hot" and "too cold" and a wall plaque reads "Home is Where the Porridge Is." A fun read that young children will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ahlberg, Jessica

Illustrator: Ahlberg, Jessica

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763681241

Price: 15.99

The Hid-and-Scare Bear

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

There was once a bear who did not behave as he should. In addition to bad manners in almost everything he did, he loved to sneak up behind others, count to three, and roar a huge roar to scare them. The animals did not like it and decided someone needed to do something to stop Bear. A soft little rabbit stepped up to the job and stood up to bear. The rhyming story is a lesson in how to be kind and considerate told by adorable forest animals. Their great facial expressions will catch the eye of young readers as will Bear's huge hugs as he makes friends with them all.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bates, Ivan

Illustrator: Bates, Ivan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: templar books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763681814

Price: 16.99

Shrunken Treasures

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Scott Nash has put nine classic novels, myths, and epic poems into the "versifier" to transform them into much shorter versions suitable for children. Some rhyme, and some are to be sung to familiar tunes. They all give a short taste of the original work. Illustrations add much fun. Some puns are aimed more at adults. such as Hamlet being shown as a Great Dane dog. This might be a fun way for a teacher of older students to introduce a particular work their students will be reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nash, Scott

Illustrator: Nash, Scott

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763669720

Price: 15.99

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

Never Say Narwhal

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Things are not right once again in Kalamazoo City. Everyone is celebrating except Zengo, O'Malley, and Cooper, Platypus Police Squad officers who cannot seem to solve a case. A mysterious hulking shadow has been seen in the harbor. Mayor Pandini seems to be involved in corruption. Lots of action and excitement ensue as the Platypus Police Squad attempts to solve the mysteries and bring order back to the city they love. There is a large number of illustrations, making the book appeal to some of those lower level readers who may be intimidated by other chapter books. Fans of the series will enjoy this new addition.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustrator: Krosoczka, Jarrett

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 97800620711705

Price: 15.99

Peck, Peck, Peck

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Little Woodpecker's daddy tells him it is time he learned to peck a tree. He learns quickly and is so thrilled with his new skill, that he pecks everything he can see. He manages to peck his way through a door and get into a house where he pecks holes in furniture, artwork, clothing, and just about everything else. On each page, everything that has been pecked has a perfectly round hole through it. Text is somewhat rhyming. At the end, Little Woodpecker returns home with a crinkled beak from all of the pecking, and is happily tucked into bed. This will be a good lap share book with a very young child. There are so many household items in the illustrations, that it will be good to use for identifying objects. Little Woodpecker's pride and determination, even though his actions are misdirected, will shine through.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763689469

Price: 8.99

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

This new addition to the How Do Dinosaurs? series is a good lesson in how to be a friend. It starts with a dinosaur fight and all of the wrong things to do to make up. Halfway through, it turns to how to be a friend. As in the other books in the series, dinosaurs are all identified. The illustrations are colorful and attractive. The expressions on the dinosaurs faces are funny and wonderful. The examples of how not to be, then how to be a friend can spark conversation with young children about how their relationships with their own friends. Fans of the series will enjoy this new addition.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Teague, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545829342

Price: 16.99

The Airport Book

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 27, 2016

Review

This is a perfect book to give to a young child who is going on their first airplane trip. Everything about the trip is told in detail enough for children to get a clear picture of what will happen. A family with two children is leaving their apartment in the city to go to visit grandparents. The taxi ride to the airport is quite calm, but once the family gets to the airport, chaos reigns. Each detail of the trip is outlined as the family makes their way from the ticket line, through security, to the gate, and onto the plane. Readers who look carefully can pick out various travelers in each scene as they go through the process. All through the journey, the toddler in the family asks for her monkey. Observant readers will notice the monkey's tail sticking out of her suitcase as they follow the story along. A great addition for young travelers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Lisa

Illustrator: Brown, Lisa

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720916

Price: 17.99

Rocks Minerals and Gems

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2016

Review

This book is a treasure trove for young rock hounds. Looking through more than 1000 examples, readers will learn about rocks, minerals, crystals, and gems that were formed by powerful forces of nature. They will learn what raw specimens look like and how they are used. Multitudes of beautiful color illustrations will enable rock hunters to identify what they find. This book is beautiful to look at and very informative for anyone wanting to learn about rocks and minerals.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Calelry, Sean

Illustrator: Ombler, Gary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545947190

Price: 19.99

Full of Beans

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Beans Curry and his friends are members of the Keepsies, the best marble playing gang in Key West, Florida during the Depression in this prequel to Turtle in Paradise. His family, like most families, has little money. Mom takes in laundry and Dad is mostly away trying to find work. Beans is part of a number of schemes to make money, while "New Dealers" move in to clean up Key West and turn it into a tourist destination. One of Beans' schemes ends badly. His reaction shows his true character as he enlists his gang to help clean up Key West. The story is written with humor, and with good period detail (including keeping the Sears Roebuck catalog in the outhouse, not for reading). It provides a good look at this difficult period in American history and will be enjoyed by young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Holm, Jennifer

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510362

Price: 16.99

The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 7, 2016

Review

The Fletchers are back again, on summer vacation on their beloved Rock Island. Seeing the lighthouse that has always been such a part of their summer vacation surrounded by a fence causes great sadness and disappointment. Mystery surrounds why that is the case, and solving that mystery is part of their summer adventure. The story is gently told with humor and compassion. Issues arise around race and two dads om the family, but they are dealt with well and resolved. Lots of family adventures and fun make a good, comfortable, and enjoyable story for middle grade readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Levy, Dana Alison

Illustrator: Ashdown, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521306

Price: 16.99

Cody Harmon, King of Pets

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 19, 2016

Review

Cody Harmon lives on a farm. He hates most things about school. He loves animals, and has nine pets. They include dogs, cats, chickens and a rooster, and a pig. When a school pet show is announced, he knows he and his pets will be the stars of the show. The only problem is there is a $10 entry fee for each pet. Friendship and kindness flow through Cody's solutions. Humor flows as well, as Cody negotiates with his friends to share his animals for the show. This is a good book to hand to those somewhat lower level middle grade readers who want a satisfying story. It is part of a series, so children in that group who like the story can have other books to look to as well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mills, Claudia

Illustrator: Shepperson, Rob

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Strauss and Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374302238

Price: 15.99

Rex

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Once there lived a terrifying tyrannosaurus. He lived in a cave, and came out to scare all of the other dinosaurs. In a sweet case of mistaken identity, as he slept in an abandoned cage, a dinosaur egg hatched in the cave. As the baby stumbled around the cave, it encountered the big, frightening dinosaur and called him "Dad." The baby, Rex, is in awe of all the frightening things Dad can do, but Dad is not impressed with the little one. Rex decides to set off by himself. He gets himself into a frightening situation and is rescued by Dad who decides he is all right after all. Illustrations make the story fun. Little Rex is very sweet and captivating. Children will be rooting for him. Lots of other frightening dinosaurs may make readers shiver, but young readers will feel the genuine warmth of family as the two reunite.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

James, Simon

Illustrator: James, Simon

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763672942

Price: 16.99

A Mysterious Egg

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2016

Review

Frank's grandma is a paleontologist living in Wyoming. Frank stays with her during the summer. One day, Grandma uncovers an intact dinosaur egg. She puts it in her Dinosaur Education Center. Frank and his cousin sneak in during the night to look at the egg, and witness it hatching. They hide the dinosaur while trying to decide what to do. While the situation is unrealistic, the characters seem realistic. Decisions must be made by both the children and by adults when they discover the dinosaur. Frank's charming and witty talk make him a convincing character. This book could be accessible to some lower level middle grade readers. This is the first book in a new series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McAnulty, Stacy

Illustrator: Boldt, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521917

Price: 9.99

Carry and Learn Opposites

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

Barnyard animals illustrate various concepts of opposites. Some of the animals feel furry. Some pages have slides or flaps. It will take an adult sitting with a child to explain the concept being illustrated. The animals are cute and the pictures are colorful. The last page shows all of the animals on flaps, each one reiterating the concept they showed in the book. One of those flaps is already coming off. A basic book to sit and talk about with a toddler, but nothing special.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Tice-Gilbert, Jess

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545797894

Price: 7.99

10 Reasons Why I'm NOT Taking a Bath

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 2, 2015

Review

A young boy lists all of the reasons he will NOT take a bath. Everyone and everything is dirtier than he is. The soap is the wrong color. He is allergic to water. The moon might fall down. The list goes on and on until he finally gets into the tub and has 102 reasons why he will NOT get out. Illustrations are colorful and fun. Children will enjoy watching the young boy go through his excuses--and counting them all. Many of them may even identify with his dislike of baths. All in all, not a spectacular offering, but really an enjoyable hoot to read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McAnulty, Stacy

Illustrator: Ang, Joy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385391894

Price: 17.99

What's on My Plate? Choosing from the Five Food Groups

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This book will help children understand the five food groups and the importance of eating a healthy diet. Colorful photographs draw the reader's attention. Word bubbles give facts about the pictures. Foods that are not as good for us, such as fats and sugars, are discussed in a chapter titled "Sometimes Foods." A few Fun Facts, a glossary, and a list of books and web sites for further reading are included. The information presented is fairly simple, but the format is engaging, making this a good starting place when looking at nutrition and healthy eating.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Boothroyd, Jennifer

Illustrator: , Various

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467794701

Price: 20.95

Whose Eye Am I?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This is a fascinating look at animal eyes. Various pages show an eye, almost the size of the page, and the question "Who am I?" The next page shows the animal and gives interesting facts about that animal, and sometimes related animals. Lobster eyes are particularly unusual. Great, colorful nature photography really catches the reader's eye. An addendum about human sight may answer questions children have about their own sight. An index makes topics accessible.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rotner, Shelley

Illustrator: Rotner, Shelley

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823435586

Price: 16.95

My Very First Mother Goose

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This is the twentieth anniversary edition of this wonderful collaboration between Iona Opie and Rosemary Wells. Many of the rhymes are less familiar, but some of the more familiar Mother Goose rhymes are included as well. The anthropomorphic animals are winsome and wonderful. A few humans are included as well. There are so many details to capture the reader's attention. Various page arrangements, from small vignettes to large, double page spreads add to the interest and complement the text nicely. Text is large. This is such fun and will be a great pleasure to share with young readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Opie (editor), Iona

Illustrator: Wells, Rosemary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763688912

Price: 24.99

Best Frints in the Whole Universe

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 28, 2016

Review

Yelfred and Omek have been best friends since they were little blobbies. Through a variety of activities, such as eating and playing, we see the extent of their friendship. They get into a disagreement, and the reader is shown how they resolve it. Their actions are often compared to what might happen in a similar situation on earth. The illustrations are digitally colored and mainly consist of geometric shapes colored very simply. Overall, there is a kind of zany feel to the book which does, in the end, shows some important lessons about friendship.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Portis, Antoionette

Illustrator: Portis, Antoinette

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721364

Price: 16.99

Best Frints in the Whole Universe

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 28, 2016

Review

Yelfred and Omek have been best friends since they were little blobbies. Through a variety of activities, such as eating and playing, we see the extent of their friendship. They get into a disagreement, and the reader is shown how they resolve it. Their actions are often compared to what might happen in a similar situation on earth. The illustrations are digitally colored and mainly consist of geometric shapes colored very simply. Overall, there is a kind of zany feel to the book which does, in the end, shows some important lessons about friendship.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Portis, Antoionette

Illustrator: Portis, Antoinette

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721364

Price: 16.99

Dog on Board, the True Story of Eclipse, the Bus-Riding Dog

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 28, 2016

Review

Eclipse is a Mastador, half Labrador Retriever and half Mastiff. He lives with his owner, Jeff, in Seattle. Every day, Jeff and Eclipse rode the bus to the dog park. One day, Eclipse got on the bus, but Jeff missed it. Eclipse knew enough to get off at the stop for the park where he played until Jeff arrived on the next bus. After that, when Jeff was busy, Eclipse would ride the bus to the park himself. After a news report about him, Eclipse became very well known in Seattle. There really is not much to this story. The photographs have some interest and pretty much tell the story. At the back, there is a very brief mention that Eclipse is a registered service dog. Adding that to the story would add more substance. Children who like dogs may be interested in the book and in the online videos listed at the end.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hinshaw-Patent, Dorothy

Illustrator: Munoz, William

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399549885

Price: 16.99

Rookie of the Year

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Rip and Red are good fifth grade friends. A new girl, Tiki, joins their class from Egypt. They become friends, but that friendship is tested when Tiki's basketball skills get her chosen for the first string team, while Rip is put on the second string team. Characters come from a variety of backgrounds and disabilities. Red is on the autism spectrum, Rip is African American, complete with dreadlocks, their friend Avery is in a wheelchair,and their teacher has family in the Dominican Republic. The pace of the story is rapid and humorous. Tiki's habit of making up words gets annoying...it feels overdone. Overall, a good story of school and friendship.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bildner, Phil

Illustrator: Probert, Tim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Strauss and Giroux

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301347

Price: 15.99

The Mixed-Up Truck

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

The little cement truck wants to make a good impression on his first day on the job. The other trucks tell him to mix up powdery white cement and water. Instead, he mixes powdery white flour and water and ends up with a cake. He mixes up white sugar and water and ends up with frosting. He finally mixes up powdery white cement and ends up with a building. When it comes time to clean up, he mixes powdery white soap powder and ends up with a city full of suds. All of the trucks are simply drawn with anthropomorphized expressions that make them quite whimsical and show how they are feeling quite clearly. The little truck's tenacity in getting the job done is a good lesson for young readers to hear. Text is simple and straight forward. This will be a cute read aloud for young children.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Savage, Stephen

Illustrator: Savage, Stephen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press/Neal Porter

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721531

Price: 16.99

The Most Perfect Snowman

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Drift was a lonely snowman. He had 5 pieces of coal for a face and bare branches for his arms. He dreamed of wearing a hat, scarf, and mittens, and of having a pointy carrot nose like the other snowmen.They all made fun of him and would not let him play because he was so plain. One day, three young children find him and dress him up with their hat, mittens, and scarves and give him a carrot nose. He had never been so happy as he played all day. A blizzard comes up and blows his new hat and mittens away. He finds a small, cold rabbit in the blizzard and wraps it in his new scarf to keep it warm. The rabbit is hungry, so Drift gives him his carrot nose to eat, becoming the most perfect snowman of all. The illustrations in this story are wonderful, very distinctive watercolors. Children will be enchanted by these active and adorable snowmen. The story can be a good starting point to discussions on empathy, compassion, friendship, and differences. A great winter book to add to your collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Britt, Chris

Illustrator: Britt, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062377043

Price: 11.99

Bears in the Snow

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 29, 2016

Review

This tale of sweet young bears is about a sledding outing. Four small bears and a big brown bear go sledding with their one small sled. Only two can slide at a time. They get tired of sharing the sled, so big bear becomes the sled for the four small bears. The story is told in rhyming verse. It is a great example of sharing and problem solving. Illustrations are clear, with lots of white space on the page. Preschoolers and kindergarten children will be enchanted by the bears. A great story time choice.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parenteau, Shirley

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681487

Price: 14.99

McDonald's the Business Behind the Golden Arches

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This book presents the background of the company, key people in its history, and its operations. There are a lot of photographs, and biographies of company leaders, statistics, and even a few trade secrets. There really is a lot going on in this book, to the point of being distracting. Other books in the series focus on Amazon, Minecraft, and Samsung.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Senker, Cath

Illustrator: , Various Photographers

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512405903

Price: 20.04

What's Up Chuck

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2016

Review

Chuck Wood, a beaver, lives in the forest where he creates intricate wood sculptures that have won Best of the Forest art competition for three years in a row. Scooter Possum, also an artist, moves into the forest and wins the competition. Readers will relate to Chuck's feelings of disappointment and anger when he only wins second place. With thought and reflection, he comes to realize the importance of the artistic process and friendship so all is well. This story moves right along and will be a good transitional chapter book. The somewhat primitive style illustrations and interest and humor to the story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Landry, Leo

Illustrator: Landry, Leo

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781580896986

Price: 12.95

Bramble and Maggie Snow Day

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2016

Review

Maggie and her parents are getting ready for a large approaching snowstorm. Part of the preparation is getting Bramble, Maggie's horse, ready to weather the storm. When the storm arrives, Bramble gets out of an unlatched barn door and helps Maggie's family get through their blocked door. This will be a very good book for young chapter book readers. There is great camaraderie and caring. The family carefully prepares Bramble for the storm. After the storm, neighbors help neighbors recover. Plentiful colored illustrations add interest and help tell the story. A good book to add to your young chapter book sections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Haas, Jessie

Illustrator: Friend, Alison

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763673642

Price: 14.99

Home at Last

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This is the story of young Lester being adopted by two dads after his parents died in a car accident. All three of them and the dog, Wincka, are excited about becoming a family, though Lester still has fears of what might happen to him. He cannot sleep at night and makes a nightly journey to his dads' bedroom for comfort. Wincka finally helps by moving to Lester's room at night. The story is told tenderly and well. Vera Williams asked Chris Raschka to illustrate it asked him to draw action figures, and told him what the dads would be like. She died before the book was finished, so Raschka finished it alone. He says "Vera wrote it, Vera and I drew it, and I painted it."

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Vera, Williams

Illustrator: Chris, Raschka

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780061349737

Price: 16.99

Will You be My Friend?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Shy little mouse is having a hard time finding a friend in this rhyming text. He goes from animal to animal, all photographed, and many brilliantly colored. For one reason or another, he rejects them all. One grumpy bird tells him he does have a friend and gives him clues to find the friend. It turns out to be the grumpy bird. The photographs may attract children. The animals seem to come from all over and to have no real relation to each other. The photographs are really the star of this so so book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lurie, Susan

Illustrator: Head, Murray

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250046437

Price: 16.99

Will You be My Friend?

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Shy little mouse is having a hard time finding a friend in this rhyming text. He goes from animal to animal, all photographed, and many brilliantly colored. For one reason or another, he rejects them all. One grumpy bird tells him he does have a friend and gives him clues to find the friend. It turns out to be the grumpy bird. The photographs may attract children. The animals seem to come from all over and to have no real relation to each other. The photographs are really the star of this so so book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lurie, Susan

Illustrator: Head, Murray

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250046437

Price: 16.99

Duck on a Tractor

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Duck invites all of the farmyard animals to join him for a tractor ride. They all pile on and drive down Main Street in front of the diner where everyone is having lunch. No one can believe their eyes, especially Farmer when he realizes it is his tractor going down the street. Characters, both human and animal are wonderfully depicted, colorful, and very amusing. Folksy repeating text adds to the fun. This will be a storytime hit.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Shannon, David

Illustrator: Shannon, David

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545619417

Price: 16.99

Our Food A Healthy Serving of Science and Poems

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Part poetry, part information, this book will be a welcome addition to nutrition sections in most libraries. The five food groups are all discussed, with several pages on each, each page of information introduced by a haiku poem. Colorful illustrations of multicultural children, cute animals, and bright food items draw the reader's attention. Facts are presented in a way children will be able to understand. Overall, a great package to talk about diet and nutrition with children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lin, Grace

Illustrator: Zong, Grace

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781580895903

Price: 16.95

No Fair! No Fair! and Other Jolly Poems of Childhood

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

The author and illustrator of this book are long time New Yorker contributors. The poems are inspired by some of Trillin's real life experiences. Poems are mostly about things children might experience such as favorite foods, going to school, and riding the bus. Rhyming is forced at times, interrupting the flow of the poems. Illustrations are colorful and comical. Overall, just an OK package that may or may not catch children's attention.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Trillin, Calvin

Illustrator: Chast, Roz

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545825788

Price: 17.99

Touch and Feel Dinos

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

There really is very little to this small board book. Eleven species of dinosaurs, one per page, with their pronunciations below their names, are shown. Each dinosaur has some sort of cutout on part of its body with something to feel. There is no explanation as to why the touchable parts are there, and some do not seem to fit...several have just a smooth piece of felt-like material under them. True dinosaur loving children may enjoy this book. Other than that, it may not have much of an audience.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Unknown, Unknown

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545903370

Price: 5.99

Mistakes that Worked the World's familiar Inventions and How They Came to be

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This book is full of fun vignettes about how things came to be invented that will make good dinner time conversation for young readers and their families. Most are just one to two pages and often include a few fun facts about the invention listed in a related, fun form. Readers will learn that sandwiches were created by an earl too busy gambling to eat with two hands, that potato chips were invented by an angry chef whose customer wanted thinner and thinner potatoes, and lots more fun and interesting stories about things they use every day. This would be a good book to pick up and read just a few pages at the end of a busy day.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Charlotte

Illustrator: O'Brien, John

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399552021

Price: 12.99

Dog Man

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - s, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Dog Man is a policeman who sniffs out crime and battles his nemesis, Petey the Cat. He became Dog Man when a bomb exploded and his cop companion's head and the dog's body were killed. Life saving surgery transplanted the dog's head onto the cop's body to create the star of this book. Pilkey tells the reader in the author's note that Dog Man is based on a character he created in second grade. He wanted silly books. His hope is that this book will help children associate reading with fun and perhaps encourage them to create their own silly stories. Children do love these books, so this should be a welcome addition to any Pilkey collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: Pilkey, Dav

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545581608

Price: 9.99

Agatha Parrot and the Odd Street School Ghost

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

Agatha Parrot has an exuberant personality and a wild nest of red hair. When the bell in the school tower begins ringing at night, Agatha and her friends set out to discover if the mysterious ringing is caused by a ghost. Full of shenanigans, hi jinx, and various parents, teachers, and other adults, the plot is humorous though a bit slight. Characters are funny but not well developed. Good for children who might not be strong readers who need a mystery to read.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Poskitt, Kjartan

Illustrator: Hargis, Wes

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544506725

Price: 16.99

Journey to the Center of Town

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Ever wonder what class pets do when everyone goes home at night? This gang will show you. A student has left his beloved animal toy at school. Pet squad knows he will not sleep without it, so sets out to return it to him before he goes to bed. The squad, a hamster, a chameleon, a turtle, a rabbit and three mice, with help from a big, scary dog, some cockroaches and a rat carry out their dangerous mission and get the animal back just as the child is going to bed. Pen and ink drawings are clean and cartoon like. They fill a lot of space, making the book feel approachable to newer chapter book readers. The story has a lot of humor that younger readers will appreciate. A decent addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yaccarino, Dan

Illustrator: Yaccarino, Dan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250024626

Price: 13.99

On the First Day of Kindergarten

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This story is basically "The Twelve Days of Kindergarten," making the reader want to sing it out. A very cute little girl goes through the days painting, laughing, sliding, singing, sorting shapes, eating lunch, and doing other things that typically happen during a kindergarten day. Characters are colorful and multicultural. There is lots of activity and lots to look at in the illustrations. This is a serviceable addition to your collection of kindergarten stories.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rabe, Tish

Illustrator: Hughes, Laura

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062348340

Price: 9.99

Very Little Sleeping Beauty

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 1, 2017

Review

It was bedtime but VERY little Sleeping Beauty was NOT sleepy. Daddy wanted her to sleep so she would be ready for her birthday party tomorrow. Songs, tickles, stories, bears, blankets, and a drink all did not work to get her to sleep. Finally Aunty Fairy gets her to sleep and she manages to sleep through her party which then becomes a pajama party. The rhythm of the text encourages readers to predict what will happen next. Different fonts emphasize some words. A fractured fairy tale that children will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Heapy, Teresa

Illustrator: Heap, Sue

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,folklore

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544282797

Price: 16.99

Platypus

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

This book offers a quiet, gentle look into the life of "one of the world's most puzzling animals." The information is offered in prose and through facts listed on every page. Additional information and an index are at the back of the book. Illustrations have a dreamy, almost surreal, feel to them and add nicely to the text. A lot of facts are given, including things I had never heard such as a male platypus has venomous spurs behind their back legs making them one of the few venomous mammals in the world. We are being asked more and more for informational texts for children. This will be a good one to give to children to fill that need and to pique their curiosity as well.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Whiting, Sue

Illustrator: Jackson, Mark

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763680985

Price: 16.99

Winner Takes All

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 4, 2017

Review

Kate is a likeable, upbeat 10 year old girl. She lives with her parents and a sister and brother. She has the typical events and ups and downs of most 10 year old girls, and tells her story through words and many doodle type drawings, very reminiscent of Big Nate. At times, there is so much back and forth dialog that it gets somewhat confusing. Also, at times, the drawings give details not necessarily mentioned in the text. Overall, though, a good read for many middle age readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Becker, Suzy

Illustrator: Becker, Suzy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385388801

Price: 12.99

Words

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

The author writes that his aim for this book is to "make the discovery of words equally fun and inspiring" as reading and writing. To this end, each page of the book has one of 300 of the most common words depicted in some way with thick black marker on a white background. Many of them are very clever. This is a good book for young children to look at to identify the pictures and sound out the words. It is equally fun to think about the process the author used to come up with some of the drawings. Some are stand alone, while on some pages opposites or words that are somewhat related are depicted. Some are just fun, like three birds with "OUR" piece of spaghetti going through all of their beaks. This would be a fun book to just sit and look through with a young child or with older children to talk about the author's thought processes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Niemann, Christoph

Illustrator: Niemann, Christoph

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062455505

Price: 18.99

Touch and Lift First 100 Animals

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

On each two page spread, there is a photograph of one large animal with something textural to feel on it and six or seven windows, each with a photograph of an animal on the outside and another on the inside. The pages are formed so there is a handle at the top. While the photographs are very clear, there really is a lot going on on each page. In some cases, less is better for younger children. The flaps are also small enough that they may be hard for small hands to open. For the most part, the animals on the inside of the flap do not relate to the animal on the outside. They are all just pictures of different animals. The inside animals are also shown as very tiny images around the curve of the handle at the top. This is colorful and has a lot of things to look at, but may be too busy and too frustrating for very young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Unknown, Unknown

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978054590342

Price: 6.99

Touch and Lift First 100 Animals

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

On each two page spread, there is a photograph of one large animal with something textural to feel on it and six or seven windows, each with a photograph of an animal on the outside and another on the inside. The pages are formed so there is a handle at the top. While the photographs are very clear, there really is a lot going on on each page. In some cases, less is better for younger children. The flaps are also small enough that they may be hard for small hands to open. For the most part, the animals on the inside of the flap do not relate to the animal on the outside. They are all just pictures of different animals. The inside animals are also shown as very tiny images around the curve of the handle at the top. This is colorful and has a lot of things to look at, but may be too busy and too frustrating for very young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Unknown, Unknown

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978054590342

Price: 6.99

Stickmen's Guide to Gigantic Machines

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This book provides a history of machines and how they work. There are sections on different kinds of machines. Cartoon type drawings are supplemented by occasional photographs. A table of contents, glossary, and index are included, making this a possible choice for young researchers. Paragraphs spread around each illustration have arrows pointing to what is being discussed, making clear to young readers just what is being described. This would be a good book for budding engineers or those young machine lovers we all know.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Farndon, John

Illustrator: deQuay, John Paul

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Hungry Tomato/Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467793612

Price: 20.04

88 instruments

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

A young, bespeckled boy is in the music shop with this mom and dad who have told him that he may choose just one instrument of the 88 that are there. After trying out instruments that are honky and squonky, squeezy and wheezy, he comes to the piano and chooses that. His parents remind him that the piano has 88 keys which he will need to learn. He accepts that saying he will learn one key at a time. Illustrations are great. It is fun to watch the boy's overwhelmed parents follow him through the store s he tries all of the instruments. The author's playful onomatopoeic add to the fun of this book!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Chris

Illustrator: Thomas, Louis

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553538144

Price: 17.99

A Timeline History of the Trail of Tears

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

This is a very approachable book for children studying Westward Expansion. Strong text is paired with clear visuals resulting in a well thought out text. Each chapter begins with a large, clear timeline. Headings within paragraphs are done in large colored text so they stand out clearly. A combination of photographs and drawings add a great deal to the text as do sidebars throughout. An extensive index makes the information easily accessible. Good documentation of the illustrations is provided. There is also a table of contents, source notes, and even suggested writing activities. Overall, a good addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Behnke, Alison

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467785822

Price: 23.04

Raisin the Littlest Cow

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Because Raisin is the youngest cow in the herd, the other cows pay a lot of attention to her, adoring her, nuzzling her, and telling her how cute she is. That all changes when her baby brother is born and he gets all of the attention. Raisin hates that and acts out, planning to run away. Then during a thunderstorm, she realizes her brother is even more afraid of thunder than she is, so she decides to help him not to be so afraid. The illustrations in this book are very cute and appealing. The story will be a good one to share with young children who have a new baby in their family. It will also be good for young children who have a hard time dealing with change. The binding is not good, a drawback for library collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

busch, Miriam

Illustrator: Day, Larry

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Blazer + Bray

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062427632

Price: 17.99

The Hidden Life of a Toad

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School District, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 30, 2017

Review

This is a very nice book to share with young children who are curious about toads. The author, a trained biologist has always been curious about toads, and wrote this book to learn more about them. Close up photographs start on day 1 when the eggs are laid and follows development with photos taken daily. The speed of development is remarkable and will fascinate young readers. The photos continue for three years, to day 1098 when the toad mates for the first time and the cycle starts again. There is a glossary complete with photos, a page of interesting facts, information about saving toads, information about how the photos were taken, and a page of websites and additional resources. All together, a very nice package for curious young toad lovers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wechsler, Doug

Illustrator: Wechsler, Doug

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781580897389

Price: 17.99

Peppa Pig and the Backyard Circus

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2016

Review

Peppa Pig and her friends are visiting Grandpa and Granny Pig. Grandpa is putting up a tent for Granny's garden party. Peppa and her friends decide it looks like a circus tent and decide to put on a circus at the party. They all find parts to play and the circus goes on with Peppa as ringmaster. Young children who enjoy watching Peppa the pig on television will enjoy looking at this book. They will enjoy the typical Peppa antics and enjoy reading this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Entertainment, Candlewick

Illustrator: , Candlewick Entertainment

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763694371

Price: 12.99

Nobody is Perfick

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: June 5, 2017

Review

This reissue from Bernard Waber includes eight vignettes of childhood dilemmas and issues. It is written as a graphic novel, though there is only one scene on each page. Illustrations feel more like sketches, with, at times, an almost pointillist feel to them. Issue in the stories include focusing on homework, waiting for rain so new rainboots can be worn, whether or not to share a diary, and more. They are issues with which children will identify. Childlike logic and humor are right on target. Not a Wimpy Kid, but a book children will pick up and read.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Waber, Bernard

Illustrator: Waber, Bernard

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544842144

Price: 9.99

Hey Diddle Diddle

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 5, 2017

Review

This is a colorful version of the Mother Goose poem with slider mechanisms on each page. Unfortunately, one of the sliders does not work. Illustrations burst with energy and pop with bright colors and are full of very cute animals. There is a QR code on the first page that can be downloaded so a song version of the poem can be heard as well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Goose, Mother

Illustrator: Huang, Yu-hsuan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693206

Price: 8.99

Farmer Duck

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

Farmer Duck is weary. The farmer stays in bed all day, eating bonbons while Farmer Duck does all of the farm work and house work. He finally cannot take it anymore, so his animal friends decide to rescue him. They do, and the farmer runs away, leaving all of the animals to run the farm. This is a reissue of the story first published twenty five years ago. At that time, it was on the inaugural list of books published by brand new publisher Candlewick. Illustrations are soft and lovely. The animals' expressions are very good. Text and illustrations support each other well. Martin Waddell describes his books as "written for that special island of time at the end of the day. They are for parents and children to share." This book certainly fits that.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Waddell, Martin

Illustrator: Oxenbury, Helen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763689186

Price: 16.99

Reach for the Moon Little Lion

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

Little Lion, who is quite small for a lion, is mercilessly teased by leopard, hippopotamus, and crocodile. The bully goes on and on and makes Little Lion feel very insignificant and frightened from the look of the illustrations. The bullies tell Little Lion that lions are so big, they can touch the moon. Raven sees him looking at the moon and hears Little Lion's story. Raven comes up with a plan that makes it look like Little Lion is touching the moon in front of all of the jungle animals. He walks away roaring his little roar and feeling good, and his tormentors get their comeuppance. This is a good book to share with children to discuss bullying, how it affects people, and what others can do to help. Computer generated illustrations are sweet.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Muller, Hildegard

Illustrator: Muller, Hildegard

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823437771

Price: 16.95

Rain

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

This story about a rainy day is told with simplicity and has lovely illustrations making it a good choice for very young children. A small boy is seen longingly looking out the window, hoping to go out. Granddad is caring for the boy and tells him time after time it is time to stay indoors. The boy longs to catch raindrops, splash in puddles, and look at everything upside down (reflections in puddles). Illustrations do a good job of showing the street as the water gets deeper and deeper. Finally Granddad takes the boy out. The book supports children's use of imagination and shows the bond of close family relationships nicely.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Usher, Sam

Illustrator: Usher, Sam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: templar books

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763692964

Price: 16.99

Hattie and Hudson

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

Young Hattie is at camp with her family. She sets out in the morning to take a canoe while singing a song. The song is heard by a mysterious creature who lives in an underwater cave. He emerges from the water and becomes friends with Hattie. Other people who see the monster are alarmed and try to decide what to do about it. Hattie names him Hudson, and, with Hudson's help, comes up with a plan to show how friendly the Hudson really is. He becomes a popular attraction on the lake. Told with gentleness and compassion, this story will attract young readers. Illustrations are done from many perspectives and are wonderful. The overhead views and the closeup of Hudson at the dock are particularly good. A great read aloud.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Van Dusen, Chris

Illustrator: Van Dusen, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665456

Price: 16.99

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

Cuddly Cow

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Dept., Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 7, 2017

Review

Cuddly Cow is looking for a quiet place to sleep somewhere in the barnyard. Most of the other animals prove too noisy. Cow finally settles down surrounded by sheep, counts them, and falls asleep. There is a button to push to hear the cow moo. The story is written in quatrain, making it easy to read and to hear. Cute animal pictures will be attractive to young readers. The mooing button will probably be a distraction.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Scheffler, Alex

Illustrator: Scheffler, Alex

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: nosy crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763693251

Price: 8.54

Things to Do with Dad

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2017

Review

As the story opens, a happy young boy and his father are making what seems to turn out to be wonderful, magical pancakes which they are then seen happily eating and enjoying. As they finish the meal, they both unhappily notice the "Things To Do" list on the refrigerator. As they begin to do the list of chores, the boy manages to turn each one into a fun project or adventure. He becomes a block builder while Dad builds a bookcase. He is knight fighting the vacuum. Finally he becomes a pirate and the bed sheets become the sail on his ship and hanging out laundry becomes a trip to the circus. Illustrations are colorful and capture the emotions of both the dad and young boy so well. The boys flights of fancy and his father's willingness to play along make this book fun. This is a good book to share with young children, while adults could learn something about the fun of playing along with a young child's imagination.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zuppardi, Sam

Illustrator: Zuppardi, Sam

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681463

Price: 15.99

The Rooster Who Would Not be Quiet

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2017

Review

A colorful and very saucy rooster struts across the first pages of this book followed by a hen and ten small chicks. In a small village, there is so much noise, people have a hard time sleeping. No one knew what to do about the noise, so they fired the mayor. He eventually made a law saying there is to be no noise in the village so it becomes silent and stays that way for seven years. Then the rooster, the hen and the chicks strutted in. They roosted in a tree outside the mayor's window where the rooster's crowing made the mayor very angry. No matter what he did, the rooster kept crowing. This is a classic story of "be careful what you wish for." The wonderful, vibrant illustrations show a happy town where everyone seems to be having fun. Once it becomes quiet, no one is happy. Happy faces reign again as the townspeople sing with the rooster, showing the results of speaking up and speaking out. A fun story to read and to look at.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Agra Deedy, Carmen

Illustrator: Yelchin, Eugene

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780545722889

Price: 17.99

Agatha Parrot and the Thirteenth Chicken

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 27, 2017

Review

In this third book in the series, Agatha and her friends are so excited to be watching thirteen newly hatched chickens. Four of the girls agree to take chickens home for a weekend. When they have a chicken soccer game, they discover they are missing a chick. Mayhem ensues as they try to figure out what happened to the thirteenth chick. This is a high energy story with lots of action. Black and white drawings help readers envision what is happening and make the book more approachable. Full of unusual characters and events, this may appeal to readers of Clementine and Ivy and Bean.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Poskitt, Kjartan

Illustrator: Hargis, Wes

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544509092

Price: 16.99

Mr. Benjamin's Suitcase of Secrets

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 27, 2017

Review

This is a very odd book based on a true incident. The author read about it and was fascinated so wrote the story. Mr. Benjamin was a philosopher who had extraordinary ideas. He apparently lived in France (the book does not say that, but signs on stores are in French). When people began to get punished for having different thoughts (at the beginning of WWII, though only the presence of soldiers with vague swastikas on their sleeve indicate that) he decided he must leave. By then, as shown in frightening illustrations, enemy soldiers pointing guns are all over. He enlists the help of Mrs. Fittko to take a secret journey to escape. He comes carrying a heavy red suitcase, the contents of which he refuses to divulge. When he gets to the border, he is turned back. Mr. Benjamin and the suitcase then disappeared and were never found. No one ever discovered what was in the suitcase. Illustrations are collages done in black, gray, and red so are somber. People are all very serious. In the back are historical notes about Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Fittko who really did lead refuges to escape. I cannot figure out the intended audience for this book. The story is not one that would be of interest to younger children. It is just odd.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Chang, Pei-Yu

Illustrator: Chang, Pei-Yu

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: North South

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780735842809

Price: 18.95

Round

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 29, 2017

Review

This lovely ode to nature will captivate young readers. It is told in the quiet, calm voice of a young girl as she explores round things, mostly in nature. She loves to feel their smoothness, watch them grow, and when they move. Illustrations are lovely, with a textural feel to them. There is back matter on why things are round. I would love to read this one on one with a small child to talk with them about "round." I think they would love it!

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sidman, Joyce

Illustrator: Yoo, Taeeun

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544387614

Price: 17.99

Droughts

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 29, 2017

Review

This book provides a look at droughts appropriate for the intended audience. As the drought progresses, illustrations show its effects through the eyes of young children. Side bars provide added information. Activities designed to increase understanding are included as well as back matter including ways to save water and a glossary and a "Find Out More" section. A good addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stewart, Melissa

Illustrator: Ceolin, Andre

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062386663

Price: 17.99

Thunder Underground

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough Schools, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2017

Review

This book is a series of poems about what is under the house, the city, and the ground. Through various poetic forms, readers will meet moles, bugs, and rabbits and see and learn about roots, volcanoes, subways, and buried treasure. Perhaps the best part of the book is the wonderful illustrations which show in great detail all that happens in a place usually not seen. A fun book for children to look at and from which to learn.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yolen, Jane

Illustrator: Masse, Josee

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: WordSong

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781590789360

Price: 17.95

Imagine That! How Dr. Seuss Wrote the Cat in the Hat

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

1954 was a great year to be a child, except if you were learning to read. Children's beginner books were boring and were not teaching them to read. It was decided that Dr. Seuss would be the perfect author to write a funny children's book using only words selected from a predetermined word list. He went into the project thinking it would take a week or two, but in the end it took more than a year. When he did his hard thinking and work, he wore hats from a collection in his closet to help him think. Knowing the Cat in the Hat, children will enjoy reading about its creation. Teachers will be able to use this book for writing activities and lessons, as well as pointing out how long the writing process takes, and how patience pays off. Great Kevin Hawkes illustrations complete this fun book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sierra, Judy

Illustrator: Hawkes, Kevin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375974298

Price: 15.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Stinker

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

Stinker is a young, boisterous dog who has always lived in the pound and has a problem in that he "often made little smells." The story seems to be told by a marmalade cat who talks about the various families who try to adopt him, but are always turned away by his "little smells." Finally, an older man who can't "see worth a hill of beans" or "hear worth a hoot" smells the little dog and takes him in making for the very happy ending that was promised at the beginning of the book. Illustrations are cute. Potential adoptees include a family of color and a boy in a wheelchair. The portrayal of the elderly man who adopts Stinky is not good. He is seemingly derided for his poor eyesight and hearing difficulties. This does not show kindness and respect and is not what we would want our young children to think of elderly people.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Zeltser, David

Illustrator: Patton, Julia

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Carolrhoda

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512417920

Price: 14.99

Caterpillar Dreams

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

Henri, a very cute little caterpillar has a dream. He wants to fly so he can go on amazing adventures.His friends, slug and worm discourage him, but frog tells him to chase his dreams.With the help of a bird, a mole, and a fish, Henri does get away from his garden to begin to see the world. He discovers a hot air balloon and begins to climb the ropes, but soon a cocoon forms around him. When he emerges, he realizes he can fly and flies back home. The illustrations in this book will be very appealing to young children with their bright colors and adorable characters. Gardens, transformation, friendship, and dreams are all themes. The message that while following your dreams is good, there is no place like home is an important one for children. A charming offering.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McFarland, Clive

Illustrator: McFarland, Clive

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978006238636

Price: 17.99

Caterpillar Dreams

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

Henri, a very cute little caterpillar has a dream. He wants to fly so he can go on amazing adventures.His friends, slug and worm discourage him, but frog tells him to chase his dreams.With the help of a bird, a mole, and a fish, Henri does get away from his garden to begin to see the world. He discovers a hot air balloon and begins to climb the ropes, but soon a cocoon forms around him. When he emerges, he realizes he can fly and flies back home. The illustrations in this book will be very appealing to young children with their bright colors and adorable characters. Gardens, transformation, friendship, and dreams are all themes. The message that while following your dreams is good, there is no place like home is an important one for children. A charming offering.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McFarland, Clive

Illustrator: McFarland, Clive

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 978006238636

Price: 17.99

See Fred Run

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

Ed and Fred are two blobby creatures in this story that the author implies is written using fifty nine sight words, half of which are in the front of the book, and half of which are in the back. That alone could be confusing to beginning readers. Additional words are included that will need to be figured out from context clues, including bike, chicken, cowboy, and more. Ed seems to be directing things, while Fred is being made fun of at every turn. In the end, he is left standing in only his heart covered boxer shorts. This attempt at creating an easy reader book is only marginally successful.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bolger, Kevin

Illustrator: Hodson, Ben

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062286024

Price: 7.99

Just an Adventure at Sea

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

Little Critter and his dad, accompanied by the mouse and spider found in many of the Little Critter books, set off for a day of fishing in their new fishing boat. Adventures and mishaps occur, but the day is a good one, with just enough adventure for Little Critter and his dad. This is a typical book from the series. Newer readers will be able to read it with just a bit of help. They will have fun looking for spider and mouse. Fans of the series will be happy to see this new title.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mayer, Mercer

Illustrator: Mayer, Mercer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062431417

Price: 16.99

Charlotte the Scientist is Squished

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 21, 2017

Review

Charlotte is a young bunny scientist who knows all about the scientific method and uses it in all of her experiments. She has a big problem, though. With thirteen siblings, she is always squished--at the dinner table, in the bathroom, and in the living room where she does her experiments and where her things get broken by the siblings. Using scientific method, she determines that the solution to her problem is to go into space alone. She blasts off in a carrot rocket and enjoys the freedom and space for awhile. However, she is soon lonely and again uses scientific method to solve the problem. She rockets back to earth and uses the carrot rocket, parked next to the family's home, as her lab. The scientific method is repeated at the end for reinforcement. There is a lot of charm in the illustrations. The adventure is fun. This would be a good book to give budding young scientists.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Andros, Camille

Illustrator: Farley, Brianne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544785830

Price: 16.99

Newton's Rainbowe

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 27, 2017

Review

While the facts of Newton's life are covered in this book, they are done in a simplified manner appropriate for the intended office. Newton's life from his birth as a very tiny baby who was not expected to live, to a respected college professor is covered. Kevin Hawkes' illustrations do a good job helping young readers to understand the material. This would be a good choice for budding young scientists and researchers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Merritt, Barbara

Illustrator: Hawkes, Kevin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Strauss Giroux

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374355135

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Amelia Bedelia Makes a Splash

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2017

Review

This is the 11th entry in this series. It features a young Amelia Bedelia going off to camp for the first time. She is reluctant to give up her summer plans to spend eight weeks at the camp her mother attended as a child. As the summer goes on, Amelia makes friends, learns a lot, and has a wonderful time. As in the other Amelia Bedelia books, she is quite literal, much to the amusement of her fellow campers. Illustrations scattered throughout the pages make the book feel more approachable to young readers. The size of the book feels like a real chapter book, making it appealing to those children who want to try something longer just to see if they can read it.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parrish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062658401

Price: 15.99

My Magical Life

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2017

Review

Everyone in Zach King's family has a magical power, but Zach has not found his yet. He has been home schooled. When his parents decide to send him to public school, he fears he will not get magical powers. At school, he learns about friends, what it is like to be normal, and about bullying. It is told with humor, and filled with full color illustrations and in some places graphic novel like places. Kids will probably be attracted by the cover illustration and pick up this book. The author is "one of the hottest names in digital media" and has included an app to accompany this book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

King, Zach

Illustrator: King, Zach

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062677181

Price: 18.99

Everything's Changed

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2017

Review

Change is not easy for Celie, who has moved to a new school far from her friends, is making new friends, learning to live with her ill Granny and the nurse who takes care of her, and trying to fix things between her sister Jo and Jo's boyfriend. The story is told in diary form, complete with lined pages and lots of illustrations throughout. Celie is a plucky and delightful young girl who is able to make astute observations about herself and those around her. Despite a minor disaster, all turns out well in the end.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sternberg, Julie

Illustrator: Wright, Johanna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Boyd's Mill Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629796727

Price: 16.95

Go Go Gorillas

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 19, 2017

Review

Young zoo visitors are disappointed that the apes in the jungle are so lethargic and not fun to see. They do not know that they are tired because of all the dancing and romping they do at night. They feast on bananas and marshmallows then launch into lively dancing and fun. Jungle Jed comes twice to get them to quiet down, but eventually joins the fun. In the morning, everyone is tired from all of the activity and goes to sleep. Illustrations are bright and full of activity and fun. There is lots to look at and will make children laugh. Rhyming text will also attract them. It is a very active book for bedtime, but a fun read.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Wensink, Patrick

Illustrator: Wragg, Nate

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062381187

Price: 17.99

Mrs. Master is a Disaster

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 21, 2017

Review

It is Grandparent's Day at Ella Mentary School. When Alexia's grandmother, Mrs. Master, talks to the class about her inventions, they decide to come up with an invention of their own and hope to make a "bazillion dollars." Mrs. Master agrees to help them and guides them through the process of coming up with and invention and creating a company to manufacture and sell it. They come up with a heated, glowing, scented, talking toilet seat. Their attempts to sell it door to door fail, but once a rapper creates a rap about it and puts it on YouTube, sales skyrocket until the electric connections on one of the seats fails and starts a fire. I know these books are wildly popular with children, at least in my libraries. There is so much silliness and repetitiveness in them, and in this one, a lot of bathroom humor. Young readers know these books are silly, which is probably part of the appeal. They can also feel satisfied reading a book of 100+ pages when they are done. As literature, they are not great, but if they get children reading, a purpose is served.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Gutman, Dan

Illustrator: Paillot, Jim

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062429346

Price: 16.89

Chicken in Mittens

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 21, 2017

Review

Zoe the pig and her friend Sam the chicken decide to go exploring in the snow. Clara the horse reminds them to wear their mittens as they set off for the North Pole, mittens perched on their heads. They wiggle under fences and discover what they believe to be Yeti, only to find out it is a scarecrow covered in snow. Their adventure is humorous, so young readers will be amused. Some of the words seem advanced for level 1 readers...probably, yeti, explorer...but this should be enjoyed just the same.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lehrhaupt, Adam

Illustrator: Kober, Shahar

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062364155

Price: 16.99

Amelia Bedelia on the Move

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 21, 2017

Review

Amelia Bedelia's parents have decided they need to move to a bigger house, so she joins them in their hunt for a new house. She wonders where all the people are at an Open House, looks for the horses when they look at a ranch house, and envisions "square feet" when talking about the size of a house. Amelia Bedelia can make children giggle. That alone will keep them reading. If they are familiar with Amelia Bedelia, they will want to read another of her adventures.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parish, Herman

Illustrator: Avril, Lynne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062658869

Price: 16.99

The Gingerbread Man

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 3, 2018

Review

This is a very cute version of this story. Illustrations are large, colorful, and very cute. In this version, the fox does eat the whole Gingerbread Man, with the double spread picture on the final page showing just how pleased the fox is. A number of helpful extension activities at the end give good ideas for using this book with children.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pirotta, Saviour

Illustrator: Newson, Karl

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Quarto

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781682971697

Price: 15

Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

June and her dog Sammy who talks to her, though only she can hear him, are looking for a new friend. They find one when new neighbor Mae moves into the neighborhood. June's grandmother sends her a Wonder Wheel game which the girls enjoy playing. There are other friendships as well, making this a good book about friendship for emerging readers. Chapters are short and liberally illustrated, making this an accessible book for emerging readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Harper, Charise Mericle

Illustrator: Spires, Ashley

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544630635

Price: 15.99

Willy and the Cloud

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

Willy sets off for the park on a lovely sunny day, only to realize he is being followed by a cloud. When he gets to the park, everyone is enjoying a beautiful, sunny day except Willy who has the cloud parked above his head. He becomes very worried about the cloud so calls the police to ask what to do, but gets no help. He finally gets very angry staying in the hot house to avoid the cloud. He goes outside and yells at the cloud. A thunderstorm ensues, and after that the cloud leaves him. Illustrations are typical Browne and good. The page showing his anger in the house is particularly good, really giving the reader the feeling of anger. This is a good book about facing worries and problems head on and feeling good when they are resolved.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Browne, Anthony

Illustrator: Browne, Anthony

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763694982

Price: 16.99

I'm Afraid Your Teddy is in Trouble Today

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

Stuffed animals can get in trouble when their owner is in school. In this book, a teddy bear called all of his friends and invited them over to his house for a party. It was a very wild and raucous party leading to much destruction and mess in the house. It got so loud that the neighbors called the police. In the end, teddy softens the heart of one of the police women who responded. The story, while very improbable, is FUN! The situations the animals get into and the fun they have will make children laugh. The bright colored, action filled illustrations will draw their attention. There is a lot to see! The surprise ending will warm their hearts. This will be a fun read aloud!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dunn, jancee

Illustrator: Nash, Scott

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675370

Price: 15.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Toad on the Road

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

This is a bouncy, busy story that will make a good read aloud for young children. Toad is sitting in the road playing with his friend fly. Along comes a bear on a bike, at first shown only in silhouette. "Toad on the road Toad on the roan, Oh no! Oh no!" the bear is warned. Toad just sits there until bear approaches and crashes his bike, "Skid, Screech, Bam!" The same text is used as Toad is approached by Croc in a Car and Vole in a Van. Vole, dressed as a hippie and driving a flower power van is particularly amusing. Finally, Mama Toad approaches in her tow truck and gets Toad to move. The illustrations are big, colorful, and eye catching. The repetitive text will allow young listeners to participate in telling the story. The antics will make them giggle. All together, a cute and fun story for preschool storytimes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Shaskan, Stephan

Illustrator: Shaskan, Stephen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393470

Price: 17.99

Toad on the Road

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

This is a bouncy, busy story that will make a good read aloud for young children. Toad is sitting in the road playing with his friend fly. Along comes a bear on a bike, at first shown only in silhouette. "Toad on the road Toad on the roan, Oh no! Oh no!" the bear is warned. Toad just sits there until bear approaches and crashes his bike, "Skid, Screech, Bam!" The same text is used as Toad is approached by Croc in a Car and Vole in a Van. Vole, dressed as a hippie and driving a flower power van is particularly amusing. Finally, Mama Toad approaches in her tow truck and gets Toad to move. The illustrations are big, colorful, and eye catching. The repetitive text will allow young listeners to participate in telling the story. The antics will make them giggle. All together, a cute and fun story for preschool storytimes.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Shaskan, Stephan

Illustrator: Shaskan, Stephen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393470

Price: 17.99

Water

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

This is a typical Seymour Simon photo essay science book. Gorgeous photographs accompany the text. These books have always been popular, but have always seemed hard to use for research. Dense text, filling up a page of each double page spread, gives a lot of information, but is not broken up by typical nonfiction details such as subheadings or chapters. This one does have an index which will be of help to young researchers. There is also a glossary and a list to "Read More about It."

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Simon, Seymour

Illustrator: , Various photographers

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper Collins

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062470553

Price: 16.99

Charlotte's Web

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

This is a new edition of the beloved children's classic, published on the 65th anniversary of it's original publication. Garth William's illustrations only enhance the beautifully told story. This is a story every child needs to know.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

White, E.B.

Illustrator: Williams, Garth

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: all ages

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062658753

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Koala

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2018

Review

An Australian author and illustrator present this book detailing the life of a koala bear for young children. The book is narrative nonfiction, with Koala's story being told in one font, and related facts given in a second font. It works very well. Interesting facts are presented such as koalas eat only limited types of eucalyptus leaves, males mark "their" trees with a scent gland on their chest, and males have loud, sometimes violent fights for a mate. The illustrations nicely enhance the text. There is an index at the end to aid young researchers. All in all, a very nice book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Saxby, Claire

Illustrator: Vivas, Julie

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763694814

Price: 16.99

How to be a Bigger Bunny

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 18, 2018

Review

Tickles the bunny wakes up one morning to discover that her family has left on an adventure without her AGAIN so she decides to read instead. The first book she reads teaches her the lesson to "never give up." The next book teaches her to talk and act boldly like a pirate. Then she read a book about finding your way out of tricky places. Meanwhile, her family becomes trapped in a hollow log. Tickles uses all that she learned from her reading that day to rescue them. After that, they always made sure she was part of their adventures. Books play a prominent role in this story. From the books scattered across the bed and floor of Tickles home on the first page, to the reading Tickles clearly enjoys, to the lessons she learned from that reading, it is clear books are important to her...and this is an important lesson for young readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Minor, Florence

Illustrator: Minor, Wendell

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062352552

Price: 14.99

On the Go with Mother Goose

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 18, 2018

Review

This is a collection of Mother Goose nursery rhymes featuring various types of transportation. Some are well known and some are unfamiliar. All seem to be shortened versions of the original. Illustrations are typical Wells. They are cute and very kid friendly. Readers may even think they spy characters from other Well's books. Some are reminiscent of Richard Scarry. This is a nice introduction to Mother Goose for the very young child.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Opie, Iona

Illustrator: Wells, Rosemary

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763692148

Price: 7.75

The Cat Stole My Pants

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 24, 2018

Review

Timmy is in Key West with his mother and Doorman Dave who may or may not be married but are on their honeymoon, and Dave's nephew Emilio. As usual, mysteries flock to Timmy. He enlists Emilio to help him and also has a lazy polar bear assistant. Chapter titles are riffs on Hemingway titles and old songs. Timmy is pretty clueless about a lot of things. Lots of black and white drawings accompany the text. Fans of the series will like this new addition and look for more to come.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pastis, Stephan

Illustrator: Pastis, Stephan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763697334

Price: 14.99

Valley of the Golden Mummies A Giant Cemetary

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - s, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

This photographic journey through an archeological find will pique the interest of young readers interested in Egyptology. A map pinpoints the dig's location. The book is filled with many color photographs detailing what is happening. The tools used are discussed. Sidebars add more details. Readers learn that class played a role in burial. The chief archeologist tells about a curse that followed him when a mummy was moved. All together, a fascinating look at his topic presented at a level younger readers can understand.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Owen, Ruth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearcroft

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781684020249

Price: 21.99

Mummy Dogs and Other Horrifying Snacks

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 25, 2018

Review

Kids love to cook. This new cookbook will add even more fun as they make eyeball cake, mummy hot dogs, and more. The book starts with safety and sanitation reminders and tools that will be needed. For the most part, the recipes do not include a lot of junk food. Photos do a good job of supplementing the text. Some recipes will require grown up help, and grown up supervision will be needed as well. This book is part of a 6 series set of kitchen horrors.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Vega, Ali

Illustrator: Alvarez, Axel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781512425758

Price: 20

Joe and Sparky, Party Animals!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 26, 2018

Review

With four short chapters and mostly easy sight works, this book is a good choice for early chapter book readers. The story will keep them amused, though some references (Vegas) may go over their heads. Joe the giraffe and his turtle friend Sparky live in a famous cageless zoo where they come across "noisy short people" having a birthday party. The party looks like a lot of fun, especially the conga dance. Joe manages to ruin the birthday cake then decides to have a party for his worm friend Wiggy. The party is fun, especially the conga dance, the birthday cake gets ruined, but Wiggy is nowhere to be seen. He finally makes an appearance escaping in a hot air balloon. The story is amusing, and will keep young readers' interest.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Michalak, Jamie

Illustrator: Remkiewicz, Frank

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763682064

Price: 15.99

A World of Programming

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 29, 2018

Review

While this is a basic introduction to coding, it presents some sophisticated and complicated ideas. At first glance, cartoon-like illustrations make it seem younger. "Data Duck," a rubber duckie is found adding information through thought bubbles throughout the book. Activities, including some done with paper and pencil are found throughout the book. There is also an index, glossary, and extension activities at the end of the book. Overall, a satisfactory introduction to coding for younger children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lyons, Heather

Illustrator: Tweedale, Elizabeth

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512413625

Price: 20

How to Find an Elephant

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 15, 2018

Review

The first page of this book shows a bored, contemplative little boy trying to think up something to do. Since it is a gray day, it is a good day to go into the wild to find an elephant. He packs food, binoculars, a flute, and a colorful blanket and sets off on his quest. Illustrations are wonderful and full of fun as the boy and his animal friends continue their search. Careful examination shows that there is an elephant hidden in some way on every page until the end when the ground that the little boy has landed on starts shaking, stands up, and he realizes he is being hugged by an elephant. This is a very fun read for young children, a book they will study carefully and really enjoy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Banks, Kate

Illustrator: Kulikov, Boris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Farrar Strauss Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374335083

Price: 16.99

Audacity Jones Steals the Show

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - s, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 28, 2018

Review

Audacity Jones and her friend Bimmy leave Miss Maisie's School for Wayward Girls for New York City. There they meet Harry Houdini as he prepares to make an elephant disappear. They discover a plot that could make the trick fail. Multiple viewpoints come together to propel the story. Historical story elements give the book the feel of the time, though the picture on the cover does not look like girls from the 1910s. There is an element of animal cruelty and protecting animals involving the element. Overall, a good mystery for middle grade readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Larson, Kirby

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545840651

Price: 16.99

Mary McScary

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

Mary McScary takes great pleasure in frightening everyone and everything. That is, until her cousin Harry comes to visit. Despite numerous tactics, he is just not frightened, but rather, embraces the spiders, snakes, and everything else Mary presents to him. However, one last try does, indeed make Harry run away screaming. Large illustrations that fill the pages are wonderful. The children and animals are very expressive. There is lots going on that is fun to look at. This will give young children a laugh for sure.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stine, R.L.

Illustrator: Brown, Marc

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338038569

Price: 16.99

Winter Dance

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - s, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

A very sweet looking fox does not know what to do when the first snowflakes begin to fall. He goes around the forest asking all of his animal friends what to do. They all tell him what they do, but nothing seems right for the fox. He finally gives up and lies down in the forest where he is found by another fox who invites him to dance like the snowflakes. The story is very gentle and informative, as each animal tells what they do in the winter. Illustrations are soft and really wonderful, particularly of the animals. A nice book for sharing as winter approaches.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dane Bauer, Marion

Illustrator: Jones, Richard

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544313347

Price: 16.99

The Three Little Pigs

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 5, 2018

Review

This is the typical Three Little Pigs story until the end, when the wolf is invited into the brick house after promising not to eat the pigs. The cover of the book has finger puppets of the pigs and the wolf, while the back cover is a stage with an opening cut into it. Children can use the puppets and the stage to act out the story. Retelling a story is good for children, and often fun for them, so some children may be drawn to this. A concern would be keeping track of the puppets once the plastic they are sealed in is opened.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

None Given, None Given

Illustrator: Robertson, Michael

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Cartwheel Books/Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338151626

Price: 14.99

Bugs from Head to Tail

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - s, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

This is a fun book for young entomologists. A double page spread shows a close up of a particular feature of a bug. Children are asked what bug it might be. The next pages show the bug in its habitat and give interesting facts about it. Illustrations are reminiscent of Steve Jenkins. The final two pages show small pictures and one or two facts about other "awesome bugs." Children who like bugs will enjoy learning more about various species. The colorful illustrations will attract them. This is a good introduction for any young bug lover.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roderick, Stacey

Illustrator: Moriya, Kwanchai

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771387293

Price: 16.99

Al Roker's Extreme Weather; Tornadoes, Typhoons, and Other Weather Phenomena

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

This book covers a lot of weather. Double page spreads with lots of photographs cover the extreme storms we usually think of, but also some that are not familiar, such as derechos, or wind storms. Side Boxes add more facts. Photographs do a good job of illustrating just what is being discussed. At the back, there is a section devoted to the aftermath of such things as wild fires, landslides, and floods. The last page lists "biggest, deadliest, and most extreme" storm related records. Al Roker is certainly identified with being a weather reporter, but also with entertainment. He does not appear to have any formal training in weather forecasting.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roker, Al

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062484994

Price: 16.99

Lifehacks for Kids

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Choose Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

Sunny Keller is the 14 year old host of a You Tube show where she gives the viewers tips and tricks to navigate through their lives. This book is a compilation of some of those tips, and includes instructions for an indoor soccer game, emoji beanbag toss, how to make one handed pancakes, and more. Photos throughout show Sunny creating everything and playing with it. Some of the things look like they would not work very well. Some need adult help. That said, kids do like crafts, and this book contains some that are different, so it will have some interest for those children.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Keller, Sunny

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328742131

Price: 14.99

Fall Friends

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 29, 2018

Review

Tiny, polka, dot, city dwelling Eliot Elephant and his mouse friend decide the city is too dirty, too loud, and too busy. They decide to go on a vacation to the country where they seem to enjoy everything. They get separated when they decide to play hide and seek in a corn field, and reunited when elephants smells the pie mouse made to entice him back. When he finds the pie, he finds the barnyard friends mouse has made. The painterly illustrations are lovely, and truly give the feel of the big city and the beauty of the country in fall. The story, while a nice one of friendship, seems slight and feels like it ends abruptly. Nevertheless, the sweet little elephant will attract young children.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Curato, Mike

Illustrator: Curato, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781627796408

Price: 17.99

The Only Fish in the Sea

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 2, 2018

Review

This story starts immediately on the first page with a prologue telling about Little Amy Scott getting a goldfish for her birthday. She announces very loudly that "Goldfish are boring" and marches to the town dock where she throws the goldfish into the water, plastic bag and all. The title page comes next, then the adventure begins. Sadie and Sherman, accompanied by a troop of zany monkeys sets off to find Ellsworth, the goldfish. Sadie knows right where to go to find him and brings him back to live happily ever after in the town water fountain. Illustrations, reminiscent of Quentin Blake, are funny. Monkeys and bananas abound. Facial expressions add a lot to the humor. This would be fun to read one on one so the hilarity of the illustrations can be carefully studied.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stead, Philip

Illustrator: Cordell, Matthew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626722828

Price: 17.99

I can Run

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 4, 2018

Review

Clear, full page photographs clearly show a squirrel doing all kinds of things a squirrel would typically do during the day including running, sitting, hopping, and eating. At one point, a hungry hawk is threatening the squirrel, who then shows how well they can hide. The picture of the squirrel peeking out of the tree is particularly cute. Each photograph is accompanied by a white page with a simple three word "I can" statement telling what the squirrel is doing in the photo. Young children love looking at animals. They also get excited when they begin to be able to read. This book will allow the very beginning reader to read it and enjoy the very active photos as well. A good choice for those beginning readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Head, Murray

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823438310

Price: 13.99

Marge in Charge

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 5, 2018

Review

Jake and Jemima Button do not know what to make of their new babysitter, Marge when she first arrives at their home. With her tiny stature, big belly, and rainbow colored hair, she is different than any other babysitter they have ever had, and is sometimes mistaken for a child. The children soon love Marge's mantra of "Why follow the rules when you can make your own." In three adventures, the children shoot apple juice out of water pistols, eat pancakes off the ceiling, and throw music concerts. Marge is very reminiscent of older, beloved nannies like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and Mary Poppins. Despite the zaniness, the things mother requested get done. Jake's hair is finally washed and he eats broccoli, not minding it at all. Children will love the humor and laugh at the antics of this very amusing, take charge babysitter.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fisher, Isla

Illustrator: Ceulemans, Eglantine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062662187

Price: 15.99

Marge in Charge

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 5, 2018

Review

Jake and Jemima Button do not know what to make of their new babysitter, Marge when she first arrives at their home. With her tiny stature, big belly, and rainbow colored hair, she is different than any other babysitter they have ever had, and is sometimes mistaken for a child. The children soon love Marge's mantra of "Why follow the rules when you can make your own." In three adventures, the children shoot apple juice out of water pistols, eat pancakes off the ceiling, and throw music concerts. Marge is very reminiscent of older, beloved nannies like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and Mary Poppins. Despite the zaniness, the things mother requested get done. Jake's hair is finally washed and he eats broccoli, not minding it at all. Children will love the humor and laugh at the antics of this very amusing, take charge babysitter.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fisher, Isla

Illustrator: Ceulemans, Eglantine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062662187

Price: 15.99

Marge in Charge

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 5, 2018

Review

Jake and Jemima Button do not know what to make of their new babysitter, Marge when she first arrives at their home. With her tiny stature, big belly, and rainbow colored hair, she is different than any other babysitter they have ever had, and is sometimes mistaken for a child. The children soon love Marge's mantra of "Why follow the rules when you can make your own." In three adventures, the children shoot apple juice out of water pistols, eat pancakes off the ceiling, and throw music concerts. Marge is very reminiscent of older, beloved nannies like Mrs. Piggle Wiggle and Mary Poppins. Despite the zaniness, the things mother requested get done. Jake's hair is finally washed and he eats broccoli, not minding it at all. Children will love the humor and laugh at the antics of this very amusing, take charge babysitter.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fisher, Isla

Illustrator: Ceulemans, Eglantine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062662187

Price: 15.99

A Friend for Bo

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

Bo is lonesome, so he goes off in search of a friend. After searching awhile, he finds something he thinks will be a friend. It does not move much, and does not make any sounds, so he carries it around entertaining it. One night it cracks open, and out comes a duckling who does make a good friend for Bo. The illustrations in this book are sweet and cozy, and provide glimpses of other animal friendships. White space is use effectively. Short, easy sentences make this a good choice for preschool children. A sweet story to add to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zuniga, Elisabeth

Illustrator: Zuniga, Elisabeth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553509884

Price: 16.99

See What we Eat! A First Book of Healthy Eating

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 4, 2018

Review

This narrative nonfiction tells the story of a group of five young children who want to make apple crisp to bring to a community meal, while giving facts about nutrition and how food grows at the bottom of most pages as well. The multicultural group of children go to Aunt Sara's farm where they learn about growing wheat, chicken, cows, growing and picking apples, and composting. On the way home, they stop at the grocery store to collect the rest of the needed ingredients, make the apple crisp, and bring it to the dinner. The idea of purchasing local ingredients is a highlighted. This facts presented are good, though not extensive. A table of contents, words to know, and the apple crisp recipe are included.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ritchie, Scot

Illustrator: Ritchie, Scot

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771386180

Price: 16.99

I Got It!

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 15, 2018

Review

A seemingly lonely young boy stands alone in front of a chain link fence watching a baseball game. He joins the group and is sent to the outfield where he trips on a root and misses the ball coming at him. Obstacles then seem to arise every time the ball heads his way. Finally in the end, he does manage to catch the ball and become part of the group. Weisner's wonderful illustrations capture the emotions of both the boy, and his fellow players. The illustrations are somewhat soft, but become brighter and clearer once the catch is made, again conveying depth of feeling. This is a book that could have a different interpretation with each reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Weisner, David

Illustrator: Weisner, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544309029

Price: 17.99

The World Famous Book of Counting

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2018

Review

This is a counting book for young magicians. Very clever flaps reveal various numbered objects related to magic tricks and magicians. There is everything from doves fluttering out of a hat, to cups and balls, rabbits, scarves, and more. With all of the flaps, the book would not do well in a circulating collection, but would be a fun lap top with a young child.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Goodreau, Sarah

Illustrator: Goodreau, Sarah

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: The Templar Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763698942

Price: 18.99

Little Mouse's Big Breakfast

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2018

Review

Little Mouse is hungry and knows JUST where to go to find something to eat. He slips into the kitchen next door and finds all kinds of good things to eat. As he is leaving with a tall pile of food, he spies his favorite thing to eat, a lone sunflower seed. He lets all of the food go, and picks up the seed just as the shadow of a cat looms over him. He escapes and decides to go to the next house. The text is straightforward and will hold the attention of young children. Young mouse with his big ears and wide open eyes stands out on each page to draw in young readers. Older children will like the alliterative foods Mouse finds along the way. A cute, appealing addition to your collection.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pym, Christine

Illustrator: Pym, Christine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: nosy crow

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763696269

Price: 15.99

Cody and the Heart of a Champion

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 30, 2018

Review

This is a nice story about friendship and change. Cody is a young girl navigating friendships, school, and family. As in the past three Cody books, navigating change is the theme. Cody's friendships change, her interests change, as she joins a soccer team with her friends, and her best friend moves further away. This is a warm story that younger readers will enjoy reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Springstubb, Tricia

Illustrator: Wheeler, Eliza

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679217

Price: 14.99