Are You My Mommy?

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

An inquisitive puppy wanders the barnyard looking for its mother. The pup encounters six animals and asks "Are you my mommy?" Each double page spread shows the wide-eyed cute pup questioning the adult animal. The adult animal answers who they are and each reveals their baby hidden behind a fairly sturdy flap. (For example the sheep says "No, I'm a sheep and ... here's my lamb.") Finally on the final spread the pup finds his mother. The text is simple for its audience. Children will learn the names of several animals and their young. No new ground is covered here but it is a comforting, simple book with friendly, sweet illustrations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy, Mary

Illustrator: Murphy, Mary

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673727

Price: 6.99

My Dog Bob

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Jeff introduces his dog named Bob. Bob is a mid-sized floppy-eared mutt who is able to cook, golf, drive a car ... and talk. The boy's next-door neighbor, Mimi, arrives with her poodle, Truffles and claims her dog is better than Bob. She has her dog do a number of run of the mill dog tricks (fetch a stick, sit, speak) - Truffles excels, Bob watches. Mimi claims that she and Truffles have won and leaves. Bob apologizes and goes home with the young boy and makes pizza for the family. Who really won? The cartoon-like illustrations illuminate the humor of what is really happening. The short text will make this a great read for emerging readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Torrey, Richard

Illustrator: Torrey, Rich

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823433865

Price: 16.95

Counting Lions

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

10 double-page spreads introduce the numbers 1-10 - and animals that are vulnerable and endangered. Each spread includes an illustration of animals in the accompanying number and has a short free verse poem about the species. The book is hard to categorize: it doesn't totally work as a counting book because the numbers are spelled out only; the information about the animals really targets school aged children and not preschoolers; the subtle hint that counting the species is a reminder of dwindling numbers targets adult readers; the impassioned foreword by Virginia McKenna (animal activist and actress from Born Free) is definitely written for the adult reader. Still it is an important book - but where will it go in the collection?

The illustrations are exquisite. They are charcoal drawings that are photo-realistic. The cover drawing of the lion is as rich and detailed as any photo. The book is over-sized which will make shelving difficult. It is like a coffee-table book for the younger reader. It is a beautiful tribute to endangered species and worth looking for a place on your shelves to host it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cotton, Katie

Illustrator: Walton, Stephen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763682071

Price: 22.00

Who's hungry?

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

The creators of Tuck Me In! (Dean Hacohen & Sherry Scharschmidt) return with another interactive book for toddlers. In this title on each two page spread an animal announces that it is hungry. The animal is on one page and the food attractive to that animal is opposite. The reader is able to turn a flap/half page to reveal the food with a bite or disappearing. The narrator keeps the reader moving until the final spread where the dish is prepared for the reader. The illustrations are not too busy and show the animal and the food clearly. The book could start conversations around healthy eating. This should be a great addition to toddler story times. (One caveat - be prepared to tape the flaps back in - little hands will be turning the flaps a lot!)

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hacohen, Dean

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665869

Price: 9.99

I Can Roar

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

This large interactive board book has a circular die cut at the center. On each page of the book a simply drawn animal body with a hole for the face is accompanied by a simple statement ("I can snap like a turtle."; "I can maa like a goat.") The simplicity of the statement and art against nothing but a blue sky and green grass is perfect for the audience. The child can place their face in the hole and become the face of the animal and make the sound or do the action. There are 17 animal shapes and a final illustration of a flower (with die-cut) that has the empowering statement - "I can be anything!" This is a fun, playful, imaginative title that children and their adults should enjoy over and over.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Asch, Frank

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771385473

Price: 14.95

My Dog Is the Best

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2016

Review

Familiar tale of a boy and his dog - and the boy's belief that HIS dog is the best. This is a very simple story of friendship. The young narrator's statements of his dog's many virtues (all prefaced by "My dog is the best") are belied by the illustrations of the dog sleeping. The simple illustrations with lots of white space capture the exuberance of the narrator and the sleepiness of the dog. In the end the tables are turned and the dog is ready to play as his very young owner is down for a nap.

This is a very sweet story - simply told and illustrated.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Thompson, Laurie Ann

Illustrator: Schmid, Paul

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374300517

Price: 17.99

Boston Marathon

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2016

Review

Overview of a famous and long-lasting sports event. The brief text is accompanied by full color photos and graphics. It is hard to compact over 100 years of marathon history into 31 pages - so it is a bit simplified and choices of info highlighted is random. Some of the photos used to illustrate things were odd. There is a glossary but no index.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Petersen, Justin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scobre Educational

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781629201573

Price: 26.65

A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 20, 2016

Review

A collection of 35 short poems which are excellent for very young children. The poems have a beat which will create movement for the listener. The subjects of the poems range from movement to feelings. Some are funny, some full of nonsense words - and some challenging to read aloud. The book has a gorgeous layout and design. Font sizes are different from poem to poem - and sometimes change with a poem. Text color is different throughout. The water color and pencil illustrations are large, colorful and playful.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosen, Michael

Illustrator: Riddell, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681166

Price: 19.99

Sad, the Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 20, 2016

Review

Mr and Mrs Cripps are mean to their unwanted puppy given to them as a gift. They feed the dog and bathe him - but don't bother to give him a name. They yell at him for typical puppy behavior digging, eating the paper and barking - instead of training him with a kind hand. The poor thing gives himself a name - Sad. One day the Cripps pack up all of their belongings (except the dog) and move. The poor thing wonders what will become of him - who will feed him. Sad is even sadder! But he is only alone overnight - when a family moves right into the house the next day. Jack, the young boy of the family, is delighted to see a pup comes with the house. Slowly Jack works to get the trust of the dog - through praise, biscuits, water and a bed. The dog thrives on this positive attention - and gets a real name - Lucky. The illustrations show a black and white terrier mix grow from a very sad dog to a very happy and loved pet. The gray autumn landscape extends the feeling of loneliness and sadness. The book hints at the issue of animal abuse/abandonment - but even the youngest reader will recognize the best way to treat a dog.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fussell, Sandy

Illustrator: Suwannakit, Tull

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678265

Price: 15.99

Space Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2016

Review

It is the year 3043 and our intrepid Space Dog is heading home. But along the way he solves the problems on many planets - from Bottleopolis drowning in milk to Cornflake 5 drying up. Space Dogs, Astro Cats and Moustronauts have been sworn enemies for centuries. As this story unfolds Space Dog flying solo on the SS Kennel playing Dogopoly alone - soon finds an Astro Cat in distress. He doesn't have time to think about enemies - he saves the day - and off the duo fly. Soon dog and cat are saving Moustronaut - and sworn friends have been united ---playing Dogopoly together. Fans of Traction Man will enjoy the tale of this trio. The design of the book is in a comic book style. The pages are very busy (from the end pages) and will be poured over for hours to catch all the details. Fun is in store for all readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Grey, Mini

Illustrator: Grey, Mini

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510584

Price: 17.99

Migloo's Day

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2016

Review

Search and find book featuring a friendly dog, Migloo - as he spends the day traveling through town visiting the Town Square, the factory, the Fire Station and other sites. He enjoys the sights, sounds and tastes and is assisted in getting around through various methods (motorbike, wagon etc.) The illustrations fill the pages from margin to margin in a Richard Scarry style. Readers can pour over the illustrations looking for the nearly 70 characters introduced in the opening pages. William Bee is featured throughout carrying placards asking the reader to look for more things. The book ends with even more games and quizzes. Readers who thrive on search and find books like Waldo and Eye Spy will have another title to fill their need to "find".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bee, William

Illustrator: Bee, William

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673741

Price: 14.99

Hot Diggity Dogs

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2016

Review

This is the third title in the Ready, Set, Dogs! series written by Stephanie Calmenson and Joanna Cole. Kate and Lucie are the dog obsessed friends who cannot have dogs in their apartment complex. However they still have the necklaces found at the thrift shop in the first book - the necklaces that when they high five make them morph into dogs. In this book the plot is predictable as in the others - the annoying boys try to catch them (and succeed briefly), they find the two dachshunds missing from the hot dog stand and they win the obedience trials (as dogs). The characters are thinly developed. But these are humorous, fun, quick reads that pet lovers will enjoy.

Back matter includes jokes, some facts about dachshunds and stories about the authors' dogs.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Calmenson (& Joanna Cole), Stephanie

Illustrator: Ross, Heather

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Henry Holt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805096491

Price: 14.99

A Lucky Author Has A Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2016

Review

This title features a day in the life of an author working at home. The unnamed author couldn't get by without her dog - she wakes to his kisses, has him beside her while working, and uses walks and feeding as distractions. The dog is always there except when she does a school visit (she needs to train him as a therapy dog to take along to school!) It isn't really a story - who is the audience? This title might be useful as a classroom read before an author visit.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Ray, Mary Lyn

Illustrator: Henry, Steven

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545518765

Price: 16.99

A Dog Wearing Shoes

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 22, 2016

Review

Mini and her mom find a lost dog while driving home one day. The dog is wearing yellow shoes. Mini's mother points out that it probably means that someone is looking for her. Mini is in denial. When she takes the dog to the park and is showing off the dog's tricks - the dog runs away when off lead. Mini and her mom go to the animal shelter and find the little runaway. Mini realizes what must have happened originally and how the owner must feel so she puts up lost dog signs - and the dog's owner gratefully finds her pup. But all ends well as Mini and her mom return to the shelter to adopt a dog. The pencil illustrations with splashes of red (leash) and yellow (shoes) are full of wit and humor- the energy of the little dog is palpable. This is a sweet, funny tale of a lost dog - which starts by looking pretty bleak and moves to a positive resolution. A real feel good story! Ends with info on adopting a dog.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Ko, Sangmi

Illustrator: Ko, Sangmi

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385383967

Price: 16.99

Digby O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 3, 2016

Review

Digby O'Day and his sidekick, Percy, who first appeared in DIGBY O'DAY IN THE FAST LANE (2014) are off on another adventure. Digby has decided to go on a little trip with Percy to the seaside and stay at the Hotel Splendide. Before they know it they are dealing with cat burglars, a feline starlet, missing jewels and a secret passageway to the sea. There is an old fashioned feel to the story (like and old British movie). The action moves along briskly. The illustrations provide clues - and much humor. Of course - all works out! The book includes a map, author notes, a quiz and the first chapter of Digby and Percy's next adventure. The mother - daughter team have created a very enjoyable story for emergent readers. The sentences are short - and some vocabulary may stretch them. The action is mild, the main characters lovable, the illustrations humorous - a sweet package that will captivate some readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hughes, Shirley

Illustrator: Vulliamy, Clara

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763674458

Price: 12.99

Among a Thousand Fireflies

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 1, 2016

Review

A beautiful tale of two fireflies seeking each other in the dark among thousands of other fireflies. (An end-note explains how the male and female fireflies are seeking flashes that are in sync.) It is the simplicity of the tale and the brief but captivating poem that make this book so alluring. The team of Frost and Lieder (creators of STEP GENTLY OUT and SWEEP UP THE SUN)have again exquisitely explored the natural world and the small creatures that live around us - and are often taken for granted. The photos are stunning - and the harmony of words and photos is absolute. The design of the book also adds so much.

The end-note is very informative.

As Lieder says on the book jacket flap:"Watching fireflies, we see sparks of magic come to life." Readers will long for a summer's night to go out and gaze at the fireflies.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Frost, Helen

Illustrator: Lieder, Rick

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763676421

Price: 15.99

The Perfect Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 29, 2016

Review

A young girl has been told that she can get a dog. Now she knows exactly what to look for so she will get the perfect dog. She goes through a litany of superlatives from size to hair and speed to snuggliness. The pages are a joy to young dog lovers as dogs in all shapes and sizes are illustrated - pulis, poodles, pugs and more. The pages are bare except for the girl and the dogs - making the dogs the center of attention. The adjectives are illustrated with different fonts, types, and text sizes. This is not a new idea but it is sweet and charming. And ultimately the dog chooses the girl!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Malley, Kevin

Illustrator: O'Malley, Kevin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Crown

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781101934418

Price: 17.99

A Hole in the Wall

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 29, 2016

Review

Four African animals see things very differently in this story loosely based on a Mark Twain fable (included at the end of the book.) The wild dog looks inside a hole in a wall and sees another wild dog. He runs to tell his friends lion, warthog and elephant. Each of the animals take turns looking in the hole - returning to state the others were wrong each sees its own species. Finally they return to the hole together and find that they were all correct as they are looking in a mirror. The illustrations are cartoon-like and the feelings of the animals are clearly shown in their facial expressions (anger,surprise, happiness.) The text is large and clear for reading aloud - and some words are in different colors to highlight them. This would probably be a fun story to have the children act out.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wilhelm, Hans

Illustrator: Wilhelm, Hans

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823435357

Price: 16.95

Treat

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 29, 2016

Review

A smell wafting over a sleeping dog awakens him and sends him on a search for a "treat." He finds a young child eating cereal and watches hopefully until the last piece is popped into the child's mouth. The dog moves onto another child with a hotdog - but again fails to get a "treat." At this point the canine is determined to get a treat by some means but only finds a boy drawing, a woman sleeping and a man brushing his teeth. The baby's bottle might be a possibility but it is out of reach. Then he hears a voice calling the word he cherishes: TREAT - but it is a false alarm there are only toys in his dish. Sadly he goes to his bed and dreams of elusive treats until they take a nightmarish turn. He awakens to voices calling treat and he investigates to find that the two girls have created a treat just for him. The cartoon-like illustrations are so expressive - and move the action along at a perfect speed. The text is a repetition of the one word - "TREAT" Fonts, type size, word bubble shapes and punctuation perfectly create the humor, energy and imagination that moves this tale of desire to its tasty end.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sullivan, Mary

Illustrator: Sullivan, Mary

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544472709

Price: 14.99

One Hundred Bones

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 30, 2016

Review

Scruff loves to dig - and he does it all of the time. But unlike the other dogs - he didn't have a color, never got brushed and had no human to care for him. Because everyone gets after him about his digging - he takes off for the countryside and digs to his heart's content. There he makes a huge find BONES - too many to dig up alone. He gets the help of his non-digging friends by mentioning "bones" - and they dig up 100 bones. Of course the bones are the skeleton of a dinosaur - the dogs bring the bones to the Natural History Museum where they soon are the basis of a new display "the most ferocious dinosaur ever found." All ends happily as Scruff now has a human (the professor at the museum!) and can still go off on big digs. The illustrations show the very expressive dogs - humans are only legs. There are clues that the story takes place in London in the illustrations - lion, double-decker bus, Natural History Museum, the Queen and her corgis (or dorgis)- but most of that will be lost on the young readers. But it doesn't matter as they will care most about Scruff.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zommer, Yuval

Illustrator: Zommer, Yuval

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Templar Books/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681838

Price: 16.99

Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2017

Review

Penny is very excited to receive an invitation to a star party/slumber party at the rec center - until she realizes pets are not welcome. She hates to leave her pal at home - so she devises a plan to take his likeness with her. With a lot of imagination she creates likenesses of Jelly in a number of mediums from paper and glue to shaving cream.None were right. She gets ready to leave for the party takes one look at dejected Jelly - and hatches the perfect solution. She throws her own slumber party outside under the stars and all pets are welcome. The friendship between dog and mistress is very sweet and loving. Her creative solutions are a good conversation starter about other possible solutions. This story would work in storytime. Here's hoping this lovable duo will have other adventures

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gianferrari, Maria

Illustrator: Heder, Thyra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544280052

Price: 16.99

Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2017

Review

Penny is very excited to receive an invitation to a star party/slumber party at the rec center - until she realizes pets are not welcome. She hates to leave her pal at home - so she devises a plan to take his likeness with her. With a lot of imagination she creates likenesses of Jelly in a number of mediums from paper and glue to shaving cream.None were right. She gets ready to leave for the party takes one look at dejected Jelly - and hatches the perfect solution. She throws her own slumber party outside under the stars and all pets are welcome. The friendship between dog and mistress is very sweet and loving. Her creative solutions are a good conversation starter about other possible solutions. This story would work in storytime. Here's hoping this lovable duo will have other adventures

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gianferrari, Maria

Illustrator: Heder, Thyra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544280052

Price: 16.99

Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2017

Review

Penny is very excited to receive an invitation to a star party/slumber party at the rec center - until she realizes pets are not welcome. She hates to leave her pal at home - so she devises a plan to take his likeness with her. With a lot of imagination she creates likenesses of Jelly in a number of mediums from paper and glue to shaving cream.None were right. She gets ready to leave for the party takes one look at dejected Jelly - and hatches the perfect solution. She throws her own slumber party outside under the stars and all pets are welcome. The friendship between dog and mistress is very sweet and loving. Her creative solutions are a good conversation starter about other possible solutions. This story would work in storytime. Here's hoping this lovable duo will have other adventures

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gianferrari, Maria

Illustrator: Heder, Thyra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544280052

Price: 16.99

Penny & Jelly Slumber Under the Stars

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2017

Review

Penny is very excited to receive an invitation to a star party/slumber party at the rec center - until she realizes pets are not welcome. She hates to leave her pal at home - so she devises a plan to take his likeness with her. With a lot of imagination she creates likenesses of Jelly in a number of mediums from paper and glue to shaving cream.None were right. She gets ready to leave for the party takes one look at dejected Jelly - and hatches the perfect solution. She throws her own slumber party outside under the stars and all pets are welcome. The friendship between dog and mistress is very sweet and loving. Her creative solutions are a good conversation starter about other possible solutions. This story would work in storytime. Here's hoping this lovable duo will have other adventures

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gianferrari, Maria

Illustrator: Heder, Thyra

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544280052

Price: 16.99

Unbound: a novel in verse

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 4, 2017

Review

Burg (Serafina's Promise and All The Broken Pieces) tells this verse novel through the voice of Grace. Grace, a light-skinned & blue -eyed nine year old, is called up to the "Big House" to work in the kitchen. She is light enough to pass which makes her desirable. Mama, Uncle Jim and Aunt Sara warn her how to behave and what will befall if she crosses the Master and Missus. Grace cannot control her sense of fairness and she talks back to the Missus. In retribution the Missus gets her husband to sell Mama and her two little brothers at the auction block. Getting wind of the plan Grace alerts her family and they take flight. They go deep into the swamp to seek safety in the Great Dismal Swamp. An author's note provides historical context and background. Written in verse the author has captured the southern lilt of a slave child determined to find freedom. As the author states on her webpage: "Some words are beautiful. Some are not. Some sparkle like glittering fireflies. Others are heavy and hurtful as rocks. I've collected them all. Words shape my world." And words shape this story of Grace and her determination to find freedom and justice. Beautifully done.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Burg, Ann E.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545934275

Price: 16.99

Dog Rules

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2017

Review

(Title page has title of Bird Rules with the word Bird crossed out and Dog written over it)

Two dogs find an egg in a nest with a note. The note instructs them to sit on the nest, hatch the egg and teach the baby to be a good dog. Readers are in on the trick as they have seen a devilish black cat leave the egg, nest and note. The dogs fall for the set-up hook, line and sinker. Through all types of weather the dogs watch out for the egg with one dog sitting on the nest. The egg hatches and the baby bluebird imprints on the "bulldogish" canine. The dogs begin training the bird to be a good puppy - but the bird follows his own instincts. The canines finally cotton on to the fact that the baby is a bird - and they accept the baby with unconditional love and open arms. The cat arrives to gloat and laugh at the dogs being caught in her trick - but the baby bird turns the tables with a big "woof" - and scares the cat away. The illustrations use primary colors and have a comic-strip look. Good for reading aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Czekaj, Jef

Illustrator: Czekaj, Jef

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray (Harper Collins Publishers)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062280183

Price: 17.99

Frank and Lucky Get Schooled

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 17, 2017

Review

Frank has a bad day until he meets Lucky at the shelter and rescues him. This is the story of a boy and his dog and their loving relationship. Together they learn a lot - Lucky went to school 10 times and Frank went to school thousands of times. But their learning doesn't stop at school. Lucky loves science and enjoys the natural world immensely - he sees a squirrel ("can I catch it"), a bee ("can I eat it") and a mud puddle ("does it feel good"). Lucky even helps Frank learn about science - botany and entomology from the burrs and ticks he needs to pick off his dog, chemistry as he searches for the best way to get rid of skunk odor, astronomy as they are forced outside because of the odor, math - infinity the number of biscuits that Lucky could eat and percentages to figure bed requirements for boy and dog. They look at reading, history, art and geography - but best of all they share the whole world with each other. The watercolor illustrations are expressive and the thought bubbles are perfectly placed. This book is funny, entertaining, clever and informative. It is a positive treat!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Perkins, Lynne Rae

Illustrator: Perkins, Lynne Ray

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (Harper Collins)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062373458

Price: 17.99

A Squiggly Story

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 18, 2017

Review

The imagination and creativity of the pre-literate protagonist assists him in developing his own story. He knows his letters and makes many squiggles on a page - but his older sister who loves words and reading is writing her own stories. He knows letters but cannot make words with them. But his sister becomes his coach and prods him along to a story - beginning, middle and end. This is pretty message driven and his sister provides all of the right prompts. Also, his friends start stretching their imaginations by seeing the young boy's story emerge. Hard to see this as a popular story time book - but should be popular with kindergarten teachers and others.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Larsen, Andrew

Illustrator: Lowery, Mike

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771380164

Price: 16.95

Look Up!

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 18, 2017

Review

The reader needs to study the opening scene of this book and figure out what they are looking at. It appears to be a view of a sidewalk from above with a line of trees to the left and people walking. Turning the page a wheelchair begins to edge into the scene from the right - another turn shows a head peering over a balcony to watch below. The scene is always the same except for the changing bodies - dog walkers, bicyclists, walkers, children playing games, kite flier,umbrellas in the rain and so on. The monotony and loneliness of the girl are palpable by the sameness and the lack of color. In this scantily worded book - the girl calls out to those below to "look up" - she wants to be noticed and a part of the scene. Finally, a boy looks up and notices her. He lies on the ground so she can see more than the top of his head. A woman joins him and soon there are nine people and a dog on the ground looking up. Then the girl looks up at the reader and smiles. The turn of the page shows the same scene with color - the world is now different and kinder. If you look carefully you will see an empty wheelchair with a smiling girl and boy standing next to it. The interesting perspective of this book delivers its power. It is a tale of friendship, warmth and grace. In its simplicity it packs a wallop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jin-Ho, Jung

Illustrator: Jin-Ho, Jung

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823436521

Price: 16.95

Digby O'Day Up, Up, and Away

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2017

Review

In this third installment of the Digby O'Day series, mother-daughter team (Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy) send Digby and his best friend Percy on yet another adventure. In this story Digby and Percy try to help a pet parrot belonging to their nemesis (Lou Ella) have a day out. They attend the Didsworth Air Show and end end up on an adventurous balloon ride. The parrot, Ariel, finds his voice and refuses to return to Lou Ella and sets out for freedom with a flock of parakeets. The story and the illustrations have a lot of humor. This has a distinctly British setting - but it is easy to follow. This is a good book for readers just moving on from early readers. The book includes short interviews with Digby and Percy as well as the author and illustrator. There are games and activities at the end - and a sneak peek at the next installment. Fans of Digby and Percy will not be disappointed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hughes, Shirley

Illustrator: Vulliamy, Clara

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674441

Price: 12.99

Emerson Barks

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2017

Review

Not unlike many a small dog Emerson is a barker. He has a wonderful life and is loved by his owner, Eva. But he is well known in the neighborhood as a noisy, barking dog. One day he barks and scares the neighbor's cat. The cat runs and despite efforts to find her remains missing. This action is too much for the neighbor - she blames Emerson. Eva is distraught and tells him he cannot bark anymore. The poor pooch sees that his mistress is upset and so he stops barking - he gulps, his collar feels tighter, his tummy aches - but he does not bark. He needs to feel better - so he needs to find Kissy the cat. No one will pay attention when he is quiet - so he lets loose all the barks he is able - because he found the cat. The cat is hidden in the bushes and has a surprise - kittens! Emerson is praised and all returns to normal - except for the addition of many meows. The illustrations and story are good for reading aloud or in small groups. There are many humorous touches in the illustrations - including a taunting squirrel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Woodruff, Liza

Illustrator: Woodruff, Liza

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books (Henry Holt and co.)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627791670

Price: 16.99

Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2017

Review

Sutcliffe presents a brief look at Shakespeare's influence on the English language while providing a short, concise history of theatre in Elizabethan London. On each two page spread there are small blocks of text on both pages - the verso has a description of London, its people and its theatre with certain phrases in bold; the recto gives more info on these phrases - all of which were coined by or made popular by Shakespeare. It is a novel look at the man's poetic genius and quite bare. Choosing the words and phrases must have been difficult - but those in the book provide a taste for Shakespeare's influence on what we say even today. The illustrations are a treat to pore over - they are as busy as dirty, bustling Elizabethan London. They provide a great addition to the text. The book ends with a time line and a bibliography. This is a good introduction to Shakespeare and his works.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sutcliffe, Jane

Illustrator: Shelley, John

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781580896382

Price: 17.95

Excellent Ed

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2017

Review

All of the children in the Ellis family (Elaine, Edith, Emily, Elmer and Ernie) are excellent at something - except the family dog, Ed. Ed wants to be allowed to do everything that the children do - eat at the table, ride in the van, sit on the couch and use the indoor bathroom. While the children all excel at things like soccer, math, cooking and ballet - Ed just can't find his place. He attempts to excel at less than excellent behaviors like breaking things, losing things, and forgetting. The poor dog begins to believe that he isn't good enough for the Ellis family. But the family loves their dog and they see what he is good at. They remind him that he is excellent at cleaning the floor of crumbs, welcoming the family back home and keeping feet warm.

The illustrations perfectly depict a warm and loving family. They are mixed media with a lot of warm yellows. Ed shown with tail in constant motion.

Ed shows that everyone can be excellent at something! This book is an excellent addition to most collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McAnulty, Stacy

Illustrator: Sarcone-Roach, Julia

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Borzoi Book - Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553510232

Price: 16.99

Real Cowboys

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2017

Review

This is an ode to today's cowboys. It is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who ride the plains and watch their herds. These are not the rough, fighting cowboys of old westerns - but real people who cry, think of others, listen and are patient. It is a hard but rewarding life. The illustrations have a dreamy feel - and the quiet nature of this tribute will not be to all tastes.

"The illustrations are hand-stenciled shapes and textures layered with the computer and printed in four Pantone colors." (from back of title page)

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hoefler, Kate

Illustrator: Bean, Jonathan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544148925

Price: 16.99

Real Cowboys

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2017

Review

This is an ode to today's cowboys. It is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who ride the plains and watch their herds. These are not the rough, fighting cowboys of old westerns - but real people who cry, think of others, listen and are patient. It is a hard but rewarding life. The illustrations have a dreamy feel - and the quiet nature of this tribute will not be to all tastes.

"The illustrations are hand-stenciled shapes and textures layered with the computer and printed in four Pantone colors." (from back of title page)

Overall Book Score: good

---

About the Book

Author:

Hoefler, Kate

Illustrator: Bean, Jonathan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544148925

Price: 16.99

Real Cowboys

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2017

Review

This is an ode to today's cowboys. It is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who ride the plains and watch their herds. These are not the rough, fighting cowboys of old westerns - but real people who cry, think of others, listen and are patient. It is a hard but rewarding life. The illustrations have a dreamy feel - and the quiet nature of this tribute will not be to all tastes.

"The illustrations are hand-stenciled shapes and textures layered with the computer and printed in four Pantone colors." (from back of title page)

Overall Book Score: good

---

About the Book

Author:

Hoefler, Kate

Illustrator: Bean, Jonathan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544148925

Price: 16.99

Arf

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2017

Review

Birdie Gaux and her faithful canine sidekick, Bowser, are back. In this sequel to WOOF, Birdie and Bowser find themselves unexpectedly in the middle of a cold case, the murder of Birdie's police detective dad. Suspicious happenings and characters give Birdie pause - two house burglaries on the same day, the arrival of a young woman with green hair and a man that is a little too interested in the Gaux home. The novel is written from the dog's point of view - and Bowser is quite hilarious. But the humor does not throw the reader off the scent nor does it distract the reader from the serious events. Bowser proves himself a hero - and Birdie proves herself a fine detective. This dialogue driven novel will entertain mystery lovers and dog lovers alike. Here's hoping for installment #3. Spencer Quinn is the author of the bestselling Chet and Bernie mystery books for adults.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Quinn, Spencer

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545643344

Price: 16.99

Don't Call Me Choochie Pooh!

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2017

Review

This is a funny story about a very small dog who is spoiled rotten. He eats all the best food, is bathed often, carried in a handbag and dressed in many outfits. Yet - he wants to be a dog and play with the dogs at the park. In an adventure to the park he has an AWESOME time - until his owner calls his pet name - Choochie Pooh. But this small pooch finds that all of the dogs have silly names - big and small. They all realize that their owners really love them. The story is amusing and the illustrations capture the dogs in all of their antics. Preschoolers should enjoy the story - but it probably will hit home more with the adult dog owners.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Taylor, Sean

Illustrator: Hindley, Kate

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763681197

Price: 16.99

Anna and the Swallow Man

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 22, 2017

Review

This is a World War II novel that is wrought in some of the most beautiful language found in a YA novel. But it is also a disturbing and difficult novel due to the content around the horrors of war and the difficulties of survival. It is written in the third-person. Anna living in Krakow in 1939 with her professor father suddenly finds herself on her own in war torn Poland. Her father has been taken by the Nazis and she has no where to turn. She sees a mysterious, tall stranger on the street and follows him. Thus begins for the two of them years of survival in a war-torn land while always staying on the move. They wander and forage until the war begins to close in around them. Knowing who to trust and where to turn is a constant dilemma. The book is very philosophical and thought-provoking. It can at times be very uncomfortable. Readers who like tidy endings that reveal all - will be disappointed. But war is not tidy and conclusive -

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Savit, Gavriel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553513349

Price: 17.99

Groovy Joe Ice cream & Dinosaurs

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 23, 2017

Review

The author of the first titles in the popular Pete the Cat series now brings readers Groovy Joe (the dog). Groovy Joe is so excited by his ice cream he bursts into song attracting the attention of others - first a small dinosaur, then a big dinosaur and finally a huge dinosaur. The dinosaurs arrive with spoons in hand, bibs and an appetite for ice cream. Of course, Groovy Joe announces that "it's awesome to share"! Alas, all ice cream containers empty - as does Groovy Joe's. Groovy Joe is never at a loss for what to do - and everyone ends up happy - singing and dancing. The story is very repetitive (but not annoying) and the song is catchy (and can be found online.) The illustrations are bold and fun. This picture book is perfect for story time. Here's hoping Groovy Joe has many more tunes to play on his guitar.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Litwin, Eric

Illustrator: Lichtenheld, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books (imprint of Scholastic)

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545883788

Price: 17.99

Nobody likes a Goblin

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 23, 2017

Review

Goblin lives in a subterranean dungeon with the rats and bats. He lights the torches, feeds the rats and has a mundane existence. Other than the rats and bats his only companion is Skeleton - and they are the best of friends. But one day the adventurers descend upon the dungeon and Goblin hides under his bed. When the marauders are gone he comes out of his hiding place to find that they took everything - including Skeleton. Without hesitation Goblin ventures out into the world to find his friend. He tells his neighbor, Troll, that he is off to find Skeleton. And the Troll says "be careful, nobody likes a goblin." It is soon clear how right Troll was - his first encounter with a farmer leads to a chase by all and sundry. During the chase Goblin finds Skeleton - and runs for his life with his friend. Hiding in a cave he is fortunate to meet a slew of goblins who believe they have found the Goblin King (Goblin is wearing the crown borrowed from Skeleton.) There is a happy ending - and Goblin even returns Troll's goose. Goblin is a terrific friend. He is kind and thoughtful. He is loyal and lovable. The subtle point that Goblin isn't liked because he looks different should lead to good discussion. The illustrations are charming and convey the story-line perfectly.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hatke, Ben

Illustrator: Hatke, Ben

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: First Second

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720817

Price: 17.99

Frida and Bear Play the Shape Game

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 4, 2017

Review

Frida,the elephant,loves to draw. Her friend, Bear,enjoys drawing as well. But one day Bear could not think of anything to draw. Frida draws a shape and tells Bear to turn the shape into something. And so begins their creative and imaginative day. They each take turns making shapes, squiggles and bits of collage - and the other turns each shape, squiggle and bit into a drawing. Frida and Bear love this game - and play it every day. The reader is invited to look at their drawings - and then play the game. This title should spur some imaginative play at home, at storytime and in the classroom.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Browne, Anthony

Illustrator: Bartholin, Hanne

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763678371

Price: 15.99

Mercy: The incredible story of Henry Bergh

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 23, 2017

Review

Henry Bergh was the privileged son of a shipyard owner in 19th century New York. He was born in 1813. Because of his wealth he was able to dabble at writing and spend years finding his true calling without worrying about holding down a job. In 1863 he was appointed to a diplomatic post in Russia. One day, while posted in Russia, he saw a horse being beaten by his driver. No one knows why this particular day Bergh was moved to stop and speak up. Bergh ordered the man to stop - and suddenly realized his words had power - the power to put an end to cruelty to animals. He resigned his post and took a detour to England on his journey back to America. There he met with the president of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Henry Bergh had found his passion. He returned to New York and started the ASPCA. In 19th century New York animals worked themselves to death, fought to the death as entertainment and were poisoned by their feed - and Bergh fought tirelessly to pass anti-cruelty laws and help enforce them. Bergh also founded the first child protection agency. The book has photos, drawings, a bibliography and timeline.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Furstinger, Nancy

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544650312

Price: 16.99

Our Very Own Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2018

Review

The young narrator and her family adopt a dog from the shelter. With a nice blend of fiction and nonfiction the reader is shown that owning a dog is hard work - and persistence, kindness and calmness are essential. This family is well prepared for Sophie's arrival and spend plenty of time with her to get her acclimated to her new surroundings. It doesn't take Sophie long before she knows that she is part of the family. The illustrations match the text. The dogs appear to be walking and scampering across the page energetically with simple strokes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCardie, Amanda

Illustrator: Rubbino, Salvatore

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763689483

Price: 15.99

Animals by the Numbers: a book of animal infographics

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2018

Review

Jenkins is known for his paper collage artwork and creating books with engaging animal facts. This book is composed of a series of infographics. Each spread spotlights a different topic, such as size, speed, tongue lengths, temperature and horn lengths (to name a few.) The graphics highlight the accompanying text that defines terms and topics and collage illustrations of some creatures. There's an abundance of information and readers can spend many hours looking over the graphics and absorbing many facts. Much of the information is presented through graphs and illustrations which makes this a good choice for those who learn visually.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Steve

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544630925

Price: 17.99

Animals by the Numbers: a book of animal infographics

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2018

Review

Jenkins is known for his paper collage artwork and creating books with engaging animal facts. This book is composed of a series of infographics. Each spread spotlights a different topic, such as size, speed, tongue lengths, temperature and horn lengths (to name a few.) The graphics highlight the accompanying text that defines terms and topics and collage illustrations of some creatures. There's an abundance of information and readers can spend many hours looking over the graphics and absorbing many facts. Much of the information is presented through graphs and illustrations which makes this a good choice for those who learn visually.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Steve

Illustrator: Jenkins, Steve

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780544630925

Price: 17.99

Percy Dog of Destiny

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2018

Review

Percy, a Jack Russell type, sees the leash and knows it means dog park. Percy cannot go without his favorite toy - a red ball. On the way to the park he meets up with his 3 canine pals - Molly (a poodle), Oatmeal Raisin Cookie (a dachshund) and Fluffy (a mastiff). At the park they run and romp until a squirrel arrives to taunt Percy. The squirrel steals the ball and a distraught Percy calls for help from his friends. Ultimately the ball is retrieved and the dogs head home. The story is told through Percy's eyes in short declarative sentences. The illustrations are amusing and show the personalities of the 4 dogs very well.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McGhee, Alison

Illustrator: Mann, Jennifer K.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781590789841

Price: 16.95

The Great American Foot Race: Ballyhoo for the Bunion Derby

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2018

Review

An historical account of a footrace across America from California to New York in 1928. 199 men started out from Los Angeles (women were not allowed) - only 55 finished the race. This is a detailed account of how the race went - the poor conditions the runners had, medical issues, car accidents, discrimination against the black runners and a look at the organizers. C.C. Pyle (a P.T.Barnum wannabe in the realm of sports) was the man behind the race - but he offered more than he could actually come though with. The actual name of the race was so long (C.C.Pyle's First Annual International Transcontinental Foot Race) that the press came to call it The Bunion Derby. The 1920's were a time when many were attempting feats to challenge the human body and spirit - dance marathons, challenging the English Channel in a swim, flying across the Atlantic and more. This atmosphere made the race possible - additionally across the country many states were trying to promote the new highway system that was in its infancy (Route 66). The story is interesting but the book would need to be hand sold to readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Speno, Andrew

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek/Highlights

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781629796024

Price: 17.95

Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 21, 2018

Review

This is an interesting book about the use of design in painting English merchant and war ships (some American ships were painted) in order to confuse the German U-boats that were frequently torpedoing vessels. It was a creative way to look at the challenge - but it has never been proven that it worked. The story is a fascinating look at a little known aspect of the war. The illustrations are "dazzling" (and include a possible seek and find game as a reader looks for the small seal included on each painting.) Who is this book for? It is a picture book format - but not for the picture book set. World War I is often forgotten by readers. It is a book that would need to be placed in readers' hands - and finding the right reader might be difficult.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Barton, Chris

Illustrator: Ngai, Victo

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512410143

Price: 19.99

Bob

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 2, 2018

Review

Ten year old Livy from Massachusetts is visiting her grandmother in drought ridden Australia. This is her first visit in five years. She has the sensation that she is missing something or looking for something but has no memory what it could be. When she gets to her bedroom at her grandmother's house she starts searching and in the closet finds a "small zombie wearing a chicken suit" standing on a dictionary. This is Bob - and he needs to find his family but needs Livy's assistance. Bob sees Livy after 5 years and says: "You're back. Took you long enough." Five year old Livy befriended Bob and promised to help him find his way home - but who, or better, what is he and where could he possibly be from. Bob has waited all that time in the closet, passing time reading the dictionary and making a Lego pirate ship over and over. Through alternating chapters Bob and Livy reveal and remember more and more. They succeed in their search by working together. The bond between them grows ever stronger - and the power of friendship and believing anything is possible carries them forward.

This is a charming read with two very memorable characters - Livy and Bob. This is a title that most collections will want on their shelves.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Mass and Stead, Wendy and Rebecca

Illustrator: Gannon, Nicholas

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250166623

Price: 16.99

Detective Dog

Reviewed by: MARY PEVERADA - Portland Public Library, PORTLAND, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 5, 2018

Review

Nell is an excellent sniffer and uses her nose to solve crimes. In this rhyming story by Julia Donaldson (The Gruffalo) - Nell helps her person, Peter, with a classroom disaster. All the books are stolen one day. Unflappable Nell uses her nose to sniff out the culprit - and helps the thief find a way to free books - a library card! The story is told with humor - and the illustrations are full of humor as well. There is much to pore over on each page. This story would work in story time or one on one. Nell is a great new canine character - and may she have more adventures.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Donaldson, Julia

Illustrator: Ogilvie, Sara

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Godwin Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781250156761

Price: 17.99