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The Princess and the Presents
The Princess and the Presents
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Merrill Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 25, 2014
Review
This is the second book from Caryl Hart and Sarah Warburton, whose first, The Princess and the Peas, is equally enjoyable. The Princess and the Presents is very well illustrated with big, colorful pages, and great rhyming text. The story bounces along at a good pace, teaching the reader that there are more important things in life than presents, like family. A sound moral told in a delightful manner.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Hart, Caryl
Illustrator: Warburton, Sarah
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Nosy Crow/Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool, grades k-3
Binding Type: other
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780763673987
Price: 16.99
The Islands at the End of the World
The Islands at the End of the World
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial LIbrary, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 30, 2014
Review
The story takes place on HI at a time when several disasters have taken place around the world sending not only HI, but the rest of world back to a time before modern electronics and technology. The apocalyptic story brings to light the ecology of HI and it's mythology. Lots of adventure and mystery. An interesting read.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Aslan, Austin
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,science fiction
Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780385744027
Price: 17.99
Nancy Clancy: Secret of the Silver Key
Nancy Clancy: Secret of the Silver Key
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 30, 2014
Review
The Nancy Clancy series is the ever popular picture book character Fancy Nancy as a middle grade student and a detective! This series does a great job of conveying a sense of positivity and how never giving up on a task or yourself can give you a great feeling. Lots of fun and adventure in every story. This series is very popular with my 2nd and 3rd grade readers!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
O'Connor, Jane
Illustrator: Preiss Glasser, Robin
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Harper / Haroer Collins
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062082992
Price: 9.99
Amelia Bedelia Goes Wild
Amelia Bedelia Goes Wild
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 8, 2015
Review
This series of Amelia Bedelia books features a young Amelia Bedelia, and this Amelia is just as literal as the older one, leading to many funny and confusing moments! In this edition Amelia and her friends go on several adventures around the neighborhood - she freezes a gecko, a monkey from the zoo finds his way to their garage... These books are great for young readers just getting into chapter books, there is a familiar character, fun story line, lots of white space and illustrations. These books also do a great job of illustrating how using your imagination can lead to a lot of fun!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Parish, Herman
Illustrator: Avril, Lynne
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Greenwillow Books / Harper Collins Publishers
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 978062095028
Price: 15.99
Too Good to be True
Too Good to be True
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 13, 2015
Review
This diary style narrative tells of April Sinclairs life as an 8th grader. Seventh grade ended on a high note, she had a boyfriend and a BFF. Eighth grade seemed like it would be just as great - that is until another boy comes into the picture, leading to jealousy and other typical Jr. High pressures and emotional upheavals that impact Aprils life. This engaging story will surely connect with young adolescents.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Friedman, Laurie
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: darbycreek
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: realistic fiction
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781467709262
Price: 17.95
The History of Money
The History of Money
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 9, 2015
Review
This well illustrated book takes the reader from the when there was no money at all to present day currency - the reader learns about the barter system, to how the Romans first kept track of things they owned, to the concept of the IOU to the development of coins and the concept of buying things and even inflation! I found this book to be quite an interesting read that kids of all ages will enjoy!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Jenkins, Martin
Illustrator: Kitamura, Satoshi
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780763667634
Price: 16.99
Curiosity's Mission on Mars
Curiosity's Mission on Mars
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Lbrary, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 9, 2015
Review
What life on Mars??! In this well illustrated book about the Mars rover named Curiosity the reader learns how it was named, previous missions (failures), the launching and landing of Curiosity and most importantly what it found once on the surface of the planet. So can we ever build a colony there? Was there once life there? Read this book and find out!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Miller, Ron
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781467710879
Price: 29.95
Frederick
Frederick
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 22, 2015
Review
This is a re packaging of Leo Lionni's classic tale, Frederick, in Easy Reader format. The Easy Reader format is exactly as the original picture book, with all of Leo Lionni's text and images. The collage and water color pictures are excellent and the text is bold and easy to read for new readers. It is a step 3 book for grades 1-3 and it fits that target well. Paperback binding seems secure and durable.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Lionni, Leo
Illustrator: Lionni, Leo
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780385755498
Price: 3.99
Mamoko
Mamoko
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 22, 2015
Review
Mamoko in the Time of Dragons is a wordless picture book. The illustrations are excellent and fill the entire 2 pages with interesting imagery and story. The reader can follow the main picture story and also find new and interesting events occuring on the page. So a new story can be seen each time the reader opens the book. Made of strong reinforced trade binding with thick almost board like pages. A big enjoyable book.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Mizielinska, Aleksandra
Illustrator: Mizielinska, Daniel
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Big Pictue Press/Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy
Audience: preschool,grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780763675189
Price: 17.99
The Pout Pout Fish Goes to School
The Pout Pout Fish Goes to School
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 22, 2015
Review
Pout Pout Fish is heading to school and he finds it scary and new. But thanks to his teacher he finds his way and realizes school isn't so bad once you give yourself a chance. This is a great book to help children just entering school see that it can be hard but you will find your way. A good moral lesson told through rhyming text and colorful illustrations. The binding is strong and it is fun to read. The pictures are large and go well with the text. A great book for boys and girls starting out at school.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Diesen, Deborah
Illustrator: Hanna, Dan
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: library binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780374360955
Price: 16.99
Those Magnificent Sheep in Their Flying Machine
Those Magnificent Sheep in Their Flying Machine
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 22, 2015
Review
Those Magnificent Sheep is a great rhyming adventure for young listeners. The sheep happen upon a new flying machine and accidently take it for a spin around the world. The large two page illustrations completment the rhyming text very well. The pictures are bright and fun. The story moves along quickly with lots of laughs. A great hardcover book for boys and girls. Would be a great addition to any story time.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Bently, Peter
Illustrator: Roberts, David
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Andersen Press USA / Andersen Press Ltd
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: Choose Binding Type
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781467749350
Price: 16.95
Edgar's Second Word
Edgar's Second Word
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 22, 2015
Review
The picture book 'Edward's Second Word' by Audrey Vernick is a sweet story about a new sibling and how his older sister copes. Hazel is hoping to read to her new baby brother but soon finds he isn't capable of much until he starts to talk. Once he starts talking though it is not what Hazel expects and she patiently waits to enjoy her brother while reading to him. A happy ending for all as Edgar seems enthusiastic for Hazel to read to him. A well bound hardcover with pretty, bright illustrations. Although told mainly from a girls point of view, this book would appeal to boys as well, or really anyone with a new member of the family.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Vernick, Audrey
Illustrator: Burris, Priscilla
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: library binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780547684628
Price: 16.99
A Tale About Tails
A Tale About Tails
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 22, 2015
Review
The Story in 'A Tale About Tails' is taken from a script for the TV show on PBS of The Cat in the Hat. The story is told in the regular Dr.Seuss rhyming format but the story itself lacks in information. The story centers around the adventure of two main characters and the Cat in the Hat trying to find facts about animal tails. They only encounter a couple of different tails and there is very little actual information about the animal. Fun to read but disappointing in learning anything about animal tails. A good book for boys and girls bound in a paperback format easy reader aimed at grade level 1-3.
Overall Book Score: fair
About the Book
Author:
Rabe, Tish
Illustrator: Brannon, Tom
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Random House Children's Books / Random House
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure,fiction in verse / poetry
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780385371179
Price: 3.99
Dinosaur Babies
Dinosaur Babies
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 22, 2015
Review
Dinosaur Babies is a non-fiction easy reader about many different types of dinosaurs and how they cared for their young. The pictures are very clear and show all the dinosaurs in different habitats with their young. The illustrations really help show what the text is explaining which is great to help new readers figure the story out. A great book for boys and girls who love learning, especially about dinosaurs.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Penner, Lucille
Illustrator: Barrett, Peter
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Random House Children's Books / Random House
Book Type: picture book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780679812074
Price: 3.99
Fly Guy Presents: Dinosaurs
Fly Guy Presents: Dinosaurs
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 29, 2015
Review
Fly Guy Presents Dinosaurs is a non-fiction easy reader about dinosaurs. Fly Guy uses a lot of facts and great illustrations to tell the story of the dinosaurs. Most of the story is told through the pictures both hand drawn and photographs. Fly Guy is a very popular beginner reader series and he does a great job of telling the stories of the dinosaurs. Lots of facts and a great book for boys and girls who love dinosaurs.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Arnold, Tedd
Illustrator: Arnold, Tedd
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: picture book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780545631594
Price: 3.99
The Rookie Blue Jay
The Rookie Blue Jay
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: June 30, 2015
Review
This is book 10 in the Ballpark Mystery series. this series started in 2014 and ever since then they have been a huge hit with the kids in my library. the combination of baseball and light mystery really seems to have hit the spot with my 3rd and 4th grade boys and girls.The two main characters are Mike and his cousin Kate. They get to travel around to different ballfields because Kate's mom is a sports reporter and she takes the kids to all the games she is covering. How much fun would that be??!!! At each ballpark the kids come upon some kind of mystery that they end up sleuthing out. this series is a fun read with lots of intrigue.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Kelly, David
Illustrator: Meyers, Mark
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Stepping Stone/Random House
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,mystery
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780385378758
Price: 4.99
Mythology of the American Indians
Mythology of the American Indians
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: July 7, 2015
Review
This is a book with long lost tales passed down thru time by various Indian tribes from the southwest to the northeast. Many are very fascinating stories that you have to wonder "could this be true"? I think the kids will enjoy the tales, though they would be much more enticing if the book was illustrated. I really appreciate the questions at the end - they are really helpful to use with a book group as a discussion starter. I also liked that each section contained and expert commentary.
Overall Book Score: fair
About the Book
Author:
Wolfson, Evelyn
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780766061620
Price: 20.95
Nelly Nitpick Kid Food Critic
Nelly Nitpick Kid Food Critic
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: July 7, 2015
Review
In this funny romp thru a Lunch Lab we see how Professor Fizzy takes the challenge of changing Nelly Nitpicks mind about what making better food choices for her meals would look like. Thru fun illustrations that compare good food to bad food Nelly begins to understand the difference and how eating the healthy foods is the better choice. I especially like the recipes that are in the second half of the book, they are so appealing that kids are sure to want to try them out!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
PBS, PBS
Illustrator: PBS, PBS
Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780763672805
Price: 14.99
Market Maze
Market Maze
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: July 7, 2015
Review
In this book of adventure the kids need to look for items. Each page has a different theme, and based on that theme the child has to look for items that listed on the page that are related to the theme. As the child follows 8 trucks through the various mazes the kids will find surprises along the way. My grandchildren loved this book - each time thru it they found new things!
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Munroe, Roxie
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: preschool
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780823430925
Price: 16.95
Growing Up Pedro
Growing Up Pedro
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: July 21, 2015
Review
What can I say - Matt Tavares does it again! In this latest book of wonderful verse and beautiful illustrations we are told the story of Pedro and Ramon Martinez growing up in the Dominican Republic and how they both got to play for the Redsox. We get to see what it took for Pedro to become the great success he has, winning the World Series in 2004, 3 Cy Young Awards and recently he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame! This is a story of baseball greatness, brotherly love and team work.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Tavares, Matt
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure,historical fiction,biography / autobiography
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780763668242
Price: 16.99
This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator
Weather Math
Weather Math
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 31, 2016
Review
Each chapter presents a new problem that is based on various weather conditions. For instance in the real life situation of a you girl who is out on the lacrosse field is wondering if her team will get their game in that afternoon. With questions, situation statements and an explanation of Flash to Bang the reader learns how to figure out how far away an approaching storm is. Each chapter has the answer explained in the back of the book. I think kids - especially 3rd and 4th graders will find this an interesting book.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Marsico, Katie
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Lerner Publications
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781467718868
Price: 26.99
Why is Seawater Salty?
Why is Seawater Salty?
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 31, 2016
Review
Clearly and simply written and illustrated so that kids can easily understand why our oceans are salty. Each example / explanation has great information, is well illustrated and is easy to follow. This is a great book for that young inquisitive mind!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Lawrence, Ellen
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Bearport Publishing
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781943553228
Price: 23.93
Junk Re-Thunk
Junk Re-Thunk
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 31, 2016
Review
This is a great book with great ideas for use in programming in the library to using at home on a snowy / rainy day. From recycling milk cartons into tractors, or dinosaurs. There are all kinds of uses for old TP rolls from creating a cycle racing car to making an Octopus! Many hours of fun for all ages! Plus a great way to show kids how to recycle an assortment of materials they would normally throw away, and have fun doing it!
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Yanish, Brian
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Christ Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt & Company
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781627791335
Price: 12.99
My Brother is a Robot Book 1 - The Experiment
My Brother is a Robot Book 1 - The Experiment
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 31, 2016
Review
So at first glance I thought this would be a great early reader book. That is until I got in to reading it and discovered numerous mis use of wording, and poor story writing. For example the character Shawn is saying to himself "One on hand, I could....",(should say "On the one hand" the next sentence says "One the other hand....." and should say "On the other hand". How can I give this book to child who is developing their reading skills? So although the lesson presented in the story of not cheating in school and friendships, and siblings is a good one, I not sure that this book will make it on our bookshelves.
Overall Book Score: poor
About the Book
Author:
Ronan, Amanda
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Scobre Educational
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: science fiction,realistic fiction
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: Choose Binding Type
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781629204956
Price: 27.99
Haggis and Tank Unleashed - Digging for Dinos
Haggis and Tank Unleashed - Digging for Dinos
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 1, 2016
Review
This is the story of 2 friends who happen to be dogs. Tank is reading a book and decides that she would like to go on a dinosaur hunt. Haggis try's to explain that dinosaurs no longer roam the earth, but in the end agrees to go on the adventure. This is a well illustrated story - works a bit like a graphic novel because of the word bubbles for Haggis and Tank's dialog, but also has a story line to it. It's a nice early reader story, though some children may struggle with the dialog boxes.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Young, Jessica
Illustrator: Burks, James
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Branches / Scholastic Inc.
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780545818896
Price: 15.99
The Notebook of Doom: Rumble of the Coaster Ghost
The Notebook of Doom: Rumble of the Coaster Ghost
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 1, 2016
Review
This silly wild series is about Alexander Bopp and his friends Rip and Nikki and the adventures and mysteries they work to solve. In previous stories they have all created the SSMP (super secret monster patrol). In this story the kids go on a field trip to an amusement park where they seem to run into ghosts & monsters and work to fight them off. These are amusing stories that are great for the early reader and the reluctant reader.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Cummings, Troy
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Branches / Scholastic Inc.
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,mystery
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780545864985
Price: 15.99
The 52 Story Treehouse
The 52 Story Treehouse
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 9, 2016
Review
This is the 4th book in the Treehouse series. Andy & Terry are friends and the live in a gigantic, ever growing, convoluted treehouse. The series started with 13 stories, and with each subsequent book 13 stories have been added so that now there are 52 stories of craziness! I this story the boys work to solve a mystery. Each chapter introduces the new rooms/floors added with all kinds of wild and wacky goings on. All the line drawings, wacky dialog and story plots keep the reader looking for more. A great book series for the kid looking for funny stories and the reluctant reader.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Griffiths, Andy
Illustrator: Denton, Terry
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781250026934
Price: 13.99
This is Not the Abby Show
This is Not the Abby Show
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 9, 2016
Review
Abby has ADHD a topic many kids can relate to. In this humorous and lively story Abby talks about how she is different and how she has a hard time sitting still and paying attention in class. While she is very good in math and science she has a great deal of difficulty in English class to the point where she fails it. Because she is angry at her teacher who gave her the failing grade she decides to get revenge. This of course gets her grounded for the summer (no summer camp) and lands her in summer school. Summer school ends up being a good thing for Abby. She has an understanding teacher who helps Abby find ways to manage her behaviors and make new friends, and of course pass English! This is a great read for those suffering from ADHD as well as those who could use some insight into the condition.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Reed Fischer, Debbie
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: realistic fiction
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780553536348
Price: 16.99
The Infamous Ratsons
The Infamous Ratsons
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 9, 2016
Review
In this humor filled book we meet Louie and Ralphie Ratso - the Ratso brothers want to make trouble - they seek ways to cause it (they believe it will make them look tough). But some how they always end up doing a good deed. There's a big snow storm and their plan is to shovel all the snow on the sidewalks to bury the entrance of the local grocery store - but instead shovel the path to Mr. O'Hare's store clear. He is so thankful he tells all the neighbors what a great deed the brothers did. Each chapter is a story of another deed gone "wrong" in the eyes of the brothers.
This is a fun book for the early chapter reader as well and the reluctant reader.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Lareau, Kara
Illustrator: Myers, Matt
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780763676360
Price: 14.99
The Slowest Book Ever
The Slowest Book Ever
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 9, 2016
Review
Did you know that garden snail speed is 0.1 inches per second? That some things, like glass bottles may never decay. You can find many facts about things that are slow in this wonderfully written and illustrated book. Kids of all ages will have a great time learning obscure facts about a variety of animals, vegetables, motions and things to do, even dark matter and other things in space!
This will be a great addition to any library.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Pulley Sayre, April
Illustrator: Murphy, Kelly
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Boyds Mills Press / Highlights
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781620917831
Price: 16.95
Applesauce Weather
Applesauce Weather
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 16, 2016
Review
This is a great bridging book that young and old can share and enjoy together. This is a story of an autumn tradition, a beloved family member and healing from a great loss. Told in prose, each character tells their view of the story in separate poems, but they all link together to make up this wonderful story and family. It is well illustrated - bringing life and feeling to the poems and overall story.
Readers young and old will enjoy this lovely book.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Frost, Helen
Illustrator: Bates, Any June
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre: fiction in verse / poetry
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780763675769
Price: 14.99
What This Story Needs is a Munch and Crunch
What This Story Needs is a Munch and Crunch
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 19, 2016
Review
Simply precious! I read this for both a toddler and preschool story time, and each age group seemed to appreciate the colorful illustrations, humorous story-line, and rhyming prose (with just a dash of onomatopoeia). The book features a familiar series of woodland creatures, with the exception of the unconventional main character - a pig wearing a bright red, poufy wig. The group embarks on a lovely picnic outing only to discover soon after that the weather is about to take a turn for the worse, forcing them to abandon their original plans. Working together, the friends learn to find a silver lining in their predicament, showing the reader that it's not where you are, but who you are with that really matters. Sweet message and fun for readers of all ages!
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Virjan, Emma J.
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Harper/Harper Collins
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780062415295
Price: 9.99
Little Blue Truck's Halloween
Little Blue Truck's Halloween
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 19, 2016
Review
As a children's librarian, I have grown quite familiar with and fond of the Little Blue Truck series. With short, rhyming verse, and charming and engaging illustrations, they appear frequently on my reading queue for both baby and toddler story times. At 14 pages, I thought this particular installment was more appropriate for the older end of that age group, though some of the younger babies did enjoy lifting the flaps to see who was hiding underneath. Generally speaking, lift-the-flap style books are fun and engaging for young readers, and can be especially beneficial to children who may lose interest in non-interactive text. This one was no different - it's perfect for independent, 1:1, or story time reading. Great addition to the series!
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Schertle, Alice
Illustrator: McElmurry, Jill
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool
Binding Type: other
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780544772533
Price: 12.99
The Teeny-Tiny Woman
The Teeny-Tiny Woman
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 19, 2016
Review
This book is a retelling of an Old English folktale/ghost story, which explains a bit why it is so... strange. I chose not to read it aloud during my story times, though I can see that the bold, repetitive print may be appealing to some beginning readers. I think this story may be more appropriate for a younger elementary school class (preferably around Halloween-time when spookiness is more enticing) instead of preschool or younger. The story itself is a bit scary, as it deals with some sort of phantom presence in an overwhelmingly solemn, foreboding setting. I, myself, was not a fan of the book as a whole. However, for fans of folklore and other "classic" tales, along with the demographic stated above, the book may be more popular with a different audience.
Overall Book Score: fair
About the Book
Author:
Galdone, Paul
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: fair
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: folklore
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780544641051
Price: 8.99
Monkey and Elephant and the Babysitting Adventure
Monkey and Elephant and the Babysitting Adventure
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 19, 2016
Review
The latest installment in the "Monkey and Elephant" early reader series, this book is a charming tale of friendship that also examines manners, social skills, and responsibility. The "Babysitting Adventure" follows the lead characters as they demonstrate the balance between fun and positive conduct while looking after Monkey's three energetic nieces and nephews. Written in short paragraph form and divided into three chapters, the book spans a total of 48 illustrated pages, making it an ideal choice for beginning readers as they make the transition to more textually-based books.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Schaefer, Carole Lexa
Illustrator: Bernstein, Galia
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780763665357
Price: 14.99
Secret Tree Fort
Secret Tree Fort
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 19, 2016
Review
This beautifully illustrated story comes from the perspective of one imaginative little girl as she tries to captivate her preoccupied older sister with tales of an increasingly fantastical tree fort. A rope ladder and water-balloon launcher in case of a pirate attack? Check. A trap door to gaze up at the stars? Check. A secret storage compartment for marshmallows AND chocolate? Check and check. Despite the girl's fanciful anecdotes, her big sister remains engulfed in her book. What on earth will it take for her to look up? The story ends with a brief rumpus and a subsequent, sweet reconciliation between the two siblings, and is relatable to anyone who has had a squabble with either family or friends. The exquisite details of the pictures are worthy of the close examination of a lap-sit/1:1 story time, yet the story itself is engaging enough to fare well for a read-aloud telling.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Farley, Brianne
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 978076366297
Price: 16.99
Dr. Suess: The Great Doodler
Dr. Suess: The Great Doodler
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 19, 2016
Review
This book is a biography and a "Level 3" Early Reader (categorized by engaging characters, easy-to-follow plots, and exciting stories), geared towards children who are ready to read on their own. The text is large and well-spaced, and the illustrations are beautifully rendered by two different painters who do a wonderful job capturing the life and art of this beloved children's author. Great early experience for children who are interested in reading non-fiction text.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Klimo, Kate
Illustrator: Johnson / Fancher, Steve / Lou
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Random House New York
Book Type: picture book nonfiction
Genre: biography / autobiography
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9781101935514
Price: 12.99
Otters Love to Play
Otters Love to Play
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 19, 2016
Review
"Otters Love to Play" is both educational and entertaining for readers of all ages. I feel that this book is most appropriate for a small-group or 1:1 reading, since it is fairly text-heavy. The language is certainly attainable to younger children, however, and adults can also delight in learning a few new facts while reading along. Great introduction to non-fiction for early readers.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
London, Jonathan
Illustrator: So, Meilo
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780763669133
Price: 16.99
Jack and the Snackstalk
Jack and the Snackstalk
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 30, 2016
Review
When I saw the author was Noah Jones I was very excited because I've had Noah to my library to do a program with my 3rd & 4th grade after school kids. He was a great hit. He is now writing and illustrating this new early reader series called Branches published by Scholastic. The stories take well known fairytales and rewrite them with a bit of zany antics and silliness. While the plot line is easy to follow - especially if you know the fairytale already - the text of the story can be a bit hard to follow for the beginning reader because it is a mix of graphic novel style language boxes and regular text. I do think the kids will enjoy the stories and they will be great way to practice their reading skills.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Jones, Noah Z.
Illustrator: Jones, Noah Z.
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780545848626
Price: 15.99
This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine illustrator
Pod vs. Pod
Pod vs. Pod
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 30, 2016
Review
This is book 8 in this very popular series. All the stories are based around these amoeba creatures who have zany adventures. In this story one of the amoeba goes thru mitosis so the book also includes an explanation of what mitosis is, as well as other scientific facts that apply to some of the action in the book. These are fun, and easy to read beginner graphic novels. The kids really like these, I can't keep them on the shelf!
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Holm, Jennifer & Matthew
Illustrator: , Same as above
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Random House Kids / Random House
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780307983084
Price: 6.99
Secret of the Time Tablets
Secret of the Time Tablets
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 3, 2016
Review
This is the third book in the Cleopatra in Space graphic novel series. The stories are based on the premiss that a young Cleopatra (yes THAT Cleopatra) gets transported to the future where she learns that she is to save the galaxy from the evil Xaius Octavian. In this episode Cleo and her friends come upon Octavian . The kids fight him and his army with rocks a slingshots. Octavian forces Cleo into a cave where there is a special tablet that she is some how connected to. In touching the tablet is gets rid of Octavian (at least for now), and Cleopatra wakes up in a hospital after having been unconscious for 3 weeks. Cleo then discovers another tablet and realizes that they are all connected and she could travel back to her real home and time. She also realizes that her true destiny is to die. Will she leave or will she stay?
This is a very popular series with the kids at my library.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Maihack, Mike
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy,graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780545838672
Price: 12.99
The Secret of GoldenRod
The Secret of GoldenRod
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorail Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 7, 2016
Review
Trina and her dad move to an abandoned mansion known as Goldenrod. Trina hopes they can put down roots, and that maybe she'll even have a best friend. In the beginning the kids at school make fun of her. But then Trina finds Augustine, a talking antique doll. This event seems to bring her luck and possibly the life she has been looking for. The beginning is a bit of a slow read, but if the reader sticks with it they will enjoy the ending. I feel that the length of this book and the slow start maybe this books downfall.
Overall Book Score: fair
About the Book
Author:
O'Reilly, Jane
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books / Lerner Publishing
Book Type: Choose Book Type
Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781512401356
Price: 17.99
The Trouble with Twins
The Trouble with Twins
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 30, 2016
Review
This debut novel is about Arabella and Henrietta who are identical twins. Though like many twins they are not alike. Arabella is outgoing, good looking and popular. Henrietta is very quiet and shy, and not as well groomed. Because of these differences Arabella gets all the attention while Henrietta is pushed aside. This leads to greatly hurt feelings on the part of Henrietta. So Henrietta seeks revenge on her sister and as punishment is sent to live with an eccentric great-aunt. After a time the girls start to miss each other and Arabella hatches a plan to reunite them - let the adventure begin! A fun read with lots of twists and turns.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Siebel, Kathryn
Illustrator: Sarda, Julia
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781101932735
Price: 16.99
The King of Kazoo
The King of Kazoo
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 30, 2016
Review
This is the first graphic novel of cartoon artist Norm Feuti, and it's a great beginning! In this story Feuti has created comical bunny like characters. There is Cornelius the narcissistic King, his daughter Princess Bing, and his mechanic Torq. Both Bing and Torq get very little credit form the King for all their talents and contributions to the kingdom. In this fast paced humorous fantasy the King and his entourage must take action to keep the kingdom safe from the evil Quaf. There are a few great lessons to be learned from this humorous read! I think it will be a popular addition to our graphic novel collection.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Feuti, Norm
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780545770897
Price: 12.99
Skip to the Loo, My Darling!
Skip to the Loo, My Darling!
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth , Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 11, 2016
Review
Though the illustrations are soft and appealing, the overall text and theme of the book is quite off-putting. This is a "potty book," however, the length would be a bit long for the average age of children who are potty training. There is also, within the text, the word "poo," several times which - and I understand rhymes with "loo" - is depicted by a series of cartoon animals all sitting on various chamber pots. I feel that this book should have left out the entire second half and it would have been considerably better and more appropriate.
Overall Book Score: poor
About the Book
Author:
Lloyd-Jones, Sally
Illustrator: Jeram, Anita
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780763672348
Price: 11.99
Samanthasaurus Rex
Samanthasaurus Rex
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 11, 2016
Review
With colorful and visually appealing illustrations, this book is a clever, age-appropriate portrayal of issues surrounding the various expectations of young girls. Coming at a pivotal time in our history, the story is befitting for a generation that recognizes the importance of gender equality for all ages.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Mandell, B.B.
Illustrator: Kaufman, Suzanne
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Harper Collins
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780062348739
Price: 17.99
Macbeth #killingit
Macbeth #killingit
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 11, 2016
Review
This book takes William Shakespeare's Macbeth and tells it thru emogi's, text blocks, texting shortcuts, and thought bubbles. I thought this would be a fun way for the kids to read a classic - or not. Now I may have not read this play in many years but I do still know it fairly well, yet I had a difficult time figuring out what they were saying /talking about throughout the book. I'll be interested to see our circulation stats on it once we get it in the collection.
Overall Book Score: fair
About the Book
Author:
Courtney Carbone, William Shakespeare
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: randomhouseteens.com/Random House
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: fiction in verse / poetry,graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780553538809
Price: 12.99
How to Track a Truck
How to Track a Truck
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 11, 2016
Review
"How to Track a Truck" is a bit reminiscent of Chris Van Dusen's wildly popular books, with careful attention to detail in the illustrations and a fun, off-beat, and creative storyline. Early school-aged children will appreciate the humorous mixture of anthropomorphic vehicular characters and the whimsical, imaginative narrative.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Eaton, Jason Carter
Illustrator: Rocco, John
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780763680657
Price: 16.99
Curious George Discovers the Stars
Curious George Discovers the Stars
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 11, 2016
Review
This book is an adaptation of the TV series Teleplay "Curious George" by Raye Lankford. The illustrations reflect the television-based format, though the original character from the Curious George books is still as endearing as he is recognizable. The format of this book would be best with a very small group or 1:1 setting (rather than an out-loud storytime) since there are sidenotes on nearly every page. Though the story is fiction, it serves as a non-fiction learning tool for basic astronomy, including day and night skies, stars and constellations, and the fundamentals of electricity.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Freitas, Bethany
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: realistic fiction
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780544651647
Price: 6.99
Tiger and Badger
Tiger and Badger
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 11, 2016
Review
This whimsically illustrated book would be appropriate for both a read-aloud story time and a 1:1, lap-sit reading. Beautifully illustrated with large, easy-to-follow text, the story follows the ups and (several) downs of adorable main characters, Tiger and Badger. The story conveys the message that even the best of friends may sometimes run into disagreements (or just flat-out fight!), but with a little compassion, understanding, and maybe even an exchange of silly faces, friendship really is worth fighting for.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Jenkins, Emily
Illustrator: Gay, Marie-Louise
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: Choose Book Type
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: Choose Binding Type
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780763666040
Price: 15.99
Ninja! Attack of the Clan
Ninja! Attack of the Clan
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 11, 2016
Review
This is a great book for children and adults alike. With eye-catching illustrations in the stylistic format of a graphic novel (one tailored to young readers), the story itself is a heartwarming and important reminder to slow down and pay attention to the things that really matter in our lives.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Chung, Arree
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, LLC
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780805099164
Price: 16.99
Mrs. Moody in the Birthday Jinx
Mrs. Moody in the Birthday Jinx
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 26, 2016
Review
This appears to be the 6th book in a new Judy Moody series that is written for the beginning reader. In this story it's mom's birthday and Judy is determined that her mom has a great birthday. Unfortunately her brother Stink manages to mess things up. They are all off heading for a nice outing when Stink suddenly remembers that his state project is due the next day and he needs a costume for it! It's a fun read with many antics - ones that you could see actually happening in real life!
I like this new level of Judy Moody books.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
McDonald, Megan
Illustrator: Madrid, Erwin
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: realistic fiction
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780763681982
Price: 12.99
Stick Dog Slurps Spaghetti
Stick Dog Slurps Spaghetti
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 28, 2016
Review
This edition of Stick Dog is book number 6. In this well established , well loved book series Stick Dog is off on another adventure. Stick Dog and his friends discover spaghetti, and they like it! So much so that they are willing to risk everything to get more of the yummy stuff! Kids have laugh out loud fun reading these books. Great for all readers from earliest to the reluctant, to the well established.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Watson, Tom
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Harper / Harpercollins
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062458575
Price: -42.01
The Secret Destiny of Pixie Piper
The Secret Destiny of Pixie Piper
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: November 1, 2016
Review
In this debut novel we hear the story of Pixie Piper and her struggles with being an adolescent. The hard ups and downs of middle school friendships and fitting in. This is especially difficult when you have a special gift because you are a descendant of Mother Goose! Throw in a sweet gosling, an evil villain, lots of reference to Mother Goose stories and you have a very engaging tale!
When the story begins Pixie has only one friend - her pal Gray. As the story progresses she makes friends with other characters who add diversity to the story. It is nice to see the friendships develop and they give middle schoolers some positive feelings about friendships, family, dealing with difficult situations and growing up. Throw in a sweet gosling, a villain, lots of references to Mother Goose stories and and you have a very good tale to tell!
The conclusion will surprise you! A great read for middle schoolers.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Fisher, Annabelle
Illustrator: Andrewson, Natalie
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Greenwillow Books/ Harper Collins
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062393777
Price: 16.99
How to Dress a Dragon
How to Dress a Dragon
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: November 8, 2016
Review
This book is perfect for a shared read-aloud with an adult, as some of the words (especially; instead; between) are a bit more advanced than a book considered to be an easy reader. Charming, bright illustrations and large text make it easy for beginning readers to follow along. Kids will also enjoy the silliness factor of this book, as the dragon character tries on a multitude of giant printed underwear.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Godin, Thelma Lynne
Illustrator: Barclay, Eric
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780545678469
Price: 16.99
Hank's Big Day: The Story of a Bug
Hank's Big Day: The Story of a Bug
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: November 8, 2016
Review
A wonderful story of friendship and adventure, this book is perfect for children and adults to read together. There are several "footnotes" within the illustrations that an accompanying adult may help children point out, as well as some multi-syllabic words that may be difficult for a beginning reader. Really lovely illustrations with a multitude of cool, natural hues. Overall a really great quality book, sure to become a favorite.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Kuhlman, Evan
Illustrator: Groenink, Chuck
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: excellent
ISBN: 9780553511505
Price: 16.99
this ORQ (he #1)
this ORQ (he #1)
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: November 8, 2016
Review
Very unique style of text - the story is "narrated" by "Cave Boy" who speaks in abbreviated sentences and omits conjunctions (i.e. "Sleep lots. Eat tons. Love plenty.") Print is small and there are quite a few multi-syllabic words so probably best for school-aged readers or beginning readers to enjoy with an accompanying adult. Fun, engaging illustrations and great story overall.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Elliot, David
Illustrator: Nichols, Lori
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Boyds Mill Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781629793368
Price: 16.95
Have No Fear! Halloween is Here!
Have No Fear! Halloween is Here!
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: November 8, 2016
Review
This Cat in the Hat science reader is a Step 2 "Step Into Reading" book, perfect for children who are reading with help and can recognize basic vocabulary, short sentences, and simple stories. Good choice for reading 1:1 with an adult who can help sound out new words. A high interest topic and familiar main character make this an overall enjoyable read for beginning readers.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Rabe, Tish
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781101934920
Price: 4.99
One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote
One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: November 8, 2016
Review
This educational book has colorful, detailed illustrations and is a good way to introduce younger school-aged children to non-fiction. It is text-heavy and the concepts may require a fair bit of explaining, so it's best for 1:1 reading where children and adults can explore the more complex themes and ideas together. However, the story is engaging and relatable even for younger children. Entertaining overall.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Worth, Bonnie
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: picture book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780399555985
Price: 9.99
Chris Grimly's Tales from the Brothers Grimm
Chris Grimly's Tales from the Brothers Grimm
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 16, 2011
Review
Just when you thought Grimm's Fairytales couldn't get better - they did! Chris Grimly took the original tales and created wonderful illustrations to accompany each tale, making them that much more gruesome and grim. While I have fond memories of reading these tales from a young age, I find the illustrations greatly enhance the stories. This will be a great addition to any collection - even if you already have a copy of Grimm's Fairy Tales on the shelf.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Grimm, Jacob & Wilhelm
Illustrator: Grimly, Chris
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore
Audience: all ages
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780062352330
Price: 17.99
Hillary Rodham Clinton - Some Girls are born to Lead
Hillary Rodham Clinton - Some Girls are born to Lead
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: February 16, 2012
Review
In this well illustrated biography about Hillary Clinton we get to meet Hillary as a young girl. We see events that depict how she she grew up, and life experiences that influenced her and impacted her life to be the strong woman she is today. I feel this book will be a great resource for girls of all ages. I can help them get inspired to be a leader, to do something that makes a difference in the world. I really liked this book, and if I were still teaching history I would have it in my classroom!
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Markel, Michelle
Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Balzer & Bray / HarperCollins
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre: biography / autobiography
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780062381224
Price: 17.99
Milestones of Flight
Milestones of Flight
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 2, 2016
Review
You know that child who comes in looking for books on planes and flying? But they also want a something about space flight? Well this is the book for them! In this beautifully illustrated book you are taken from early development of flight and planes, through space flight, the special computer chips invented just for the apollo missions and everything in between and beyond! There are pictures of the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, early passenger planes, Robert Goddard and his early rockets, and so much more! This is a great reference book for any library!
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Grove, Tim
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781419720031
Price: 21.95
Life On Mars
Life On Mars
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 19, 2016
Review
This book discusses and explores the possibility of life on Mars and is appropriate for one-on-one or independent reading. The length and reading level make it a good introduction to non-fiction for children who are beginning to independently read longer text and are learning new, multi-syllabic vocabulary words. In the same style as a school text book, there is a table of contents at the beginning and a glossary at the end for easy referencing. The book does a good job of sequencing each topic, by first describing the precursors needed for life (and comparing them to living things on Earth) and then exploring whether or not Mars has the capability of sustaining it. Each section contains critical details for understanding the given topic, yet is easy to follow for early elementary school readers.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Carson, Mary Kay
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: picture book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780545935487
Price: 3.99
Sky High: George's Big Ferris Wheel
Sky High: George's Big Ferris Wheel
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 8, 2016
Review
Sky High is the true story of George Ferris, the inventor of the very first Ferris Wheel. It begins with his childhood in Nevada in 1867, where he was continually fascinated with and (years later) inspired by a waterwheel on the Carson River near his home. The next few pages briefly outline several major milestones throughout his life, from college graduation to being offered his dream job as an engineer and subsequently opening his own business. The bulk of the book, however, focuses on his goals of building the wheel for the 1893 Chicago World Fair, where he enters a competition to design and build something extraordinary. The story does a nice job detailing both his perseverance and setbacks during this undertaking. The illustrations show, piece by piece, the initial design of the project as well as it's eventual construction, ending with the ultimately successful World Fair premier. Interesting topic and history lesson for children and adults alike; appropriate for independent readers who are comfortable tackling new words and longer sentences/paragraphs. Good story overall.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Kulling, Monica
Illustrator: Baretta, Gene
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: picture book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780545935487
Price: 3.99
Come Over to My House
Come Over to My House
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 8, 2016
Review
This Cat in the Hat Beginner Book "Come Over to My House" has the same classic 1966 Dr. Seuss text with new illustrations from 2016. The story follows a little boy as he is invited into the homes of children all over the world from a multitude of different countries and regions. Not only does the book introduce a variety of house structures (from straw huts to mansions, to tin lodgings and houseboats), it also includes a look into the surrounding cultures, meals, climate and customs. The boy milks goats on a farm, rides an ostrich, and looks up a the Northern Lights. He reads books, herds sheep, and rides a gondola down a river street. The soft, charming illustrations incite a feeling of wanderlust, giving children a feeling of excitement and making foreign places seem a little less foreign. Good blend of words and pictures & easy for children to read alone. Great story overall.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Seuss, Dr.
Illustrator: Kath, Katie
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780553536652
Price: 9.99
Pirate's Perfect Pet
Pirate's Perfect Pet
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 12, 2016
Review
Pirate's Perfect Pet is a humorous tale of a pirate captain in search of his ideal animal companion after receiving a message in a bottle from his mother while at sea. In the letter, she includes a checklist for her son to "be the best pirate he can be," including owning a ship (check), having a chest full of treasure (check), an eye patch (check), a hook (check), and a peg leg (not yet, but read on). Last but not least is a pet - which the pirate has even yet to consider - and thus begins the central adventure of the book. The pirate and his crew first search (with no luck) on the beach as they land on shore - passing on a crab, an octopus, and a clam for a variety of reasons (too cranky, too clingy, too quiet, respectively) before moving on to a farm, a zoo (where a hungry lion provides him with his much needed peg leg - a bit of subtle, dark humor), and finally, a pet emporium. After surveying the inventory of potential pets, he meets his match in a brazen parrot who unabashedly poops on his hat. This "ick" factor will probably make it appealing to early elementary aged kids. Bright and colorful illustrations (reminiscent of the No, David series by David Shannon) and a fun/silly story line make it appealing for an out-loud read, length is most appropriate for K-3. Good addition to any home, school, or library.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Ferry, Beth
Illustrator: Myers, Matt
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: Choose Book Type
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780763672881
Price: 15.99
Royal Wedding Disaster
Royal Wedding Disaster
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 13, 2016
Review
Remember the Nation of Genovia and Princess Mia? Well this is book 2 of a spin-off series that introduces Olivia (Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison) as half sister to Mia. The story is written as diary entries, and revolves around Mia's up coming wedding and the "big" plans Grandmere has for it. And to complicate things more Mia's mother is marrying Olivia's father! Olivia finds the move to Genovia, all the wedding excitement and planning plus the added new relatives, one of who is her snobby cousin Luisa, (who cause all kinds of difficulties for Olivia) and starting a new school to be a bit overwhelming. There and many antics and goings on that create plenty of turmoil and chaos. Things are looking a bit disastrous on several fronts - from iguanas, to wedding cakes to paw prints on a bridesmaid dress! But, a wedding disaster is avoided by the color purple!
This is a great series for the young readers who are out growing books like the Nancy Clancey and Stella Batts series. A fun read!
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Cabot, Meg
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,romance
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781250066046
Price: 16.99
How do Video Games Work?
How do Video Games Work?
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 23, 2016
Review
Have a young patron wondering how video games work? How are they created? This is a great book to get them going on finding those answers! In easy to read font, easy to understand text and great illustrations this book takes the kids through the steps of concept, design, & programming on to how to play video games. The hardwear and softwear needed to make gaming possible. A great selection for the child developing their reading skills who enjoys non-fiction books. This is a definite buy for my 7 year old grandson who has all these questions!
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
L.E., Carmichael
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Lerner
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: library binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781467780797
Price: 25.99
School Freezes Over!
School Freezes Over!
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 3, 2017
Review
This is book 5 of the Eerie Elementary series. In this episode the three best friends Sam, Antonio & Lucy along with the rest of their classmates and teachers find themselves trapped in the school by a big blizzard. Windows are flying open, snow and ice are getting into the building the school boiler system breaks down and pipes begin to burst. Things are looking pretty grim for the kids. Fortunately the three friends know the secret of the school from and old notebook that belonged to Orson Eerie (he designed the school) and in reading it are able to figure out a way to save the school! A great early chapter book - lots of adventure, a bit of mystery and plenty of action.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Chabert, Jack
Illustrator: Ricks, Sam
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,science fiction,mystery
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780545873734
Price: 4.99
Lost in the Pacific, 1942
Lost in the Pacific, 1942
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 13, 2016
Review
The date is October 21, 1942 - the setting a B-17 carrying a WW 1 flying ace hero ( Col. Eddie Rickenbacker), and 7 other men crash lands in the Pacific Ocean. All survive the crash and now must survive in rafts hardly large enough for 1 man, let alone 2-3 floating in a shark infest ocean with no idea where they were. Are they near Japan? Are there any friendly islands near by? They have few rations, lose their flare gun when one raft flips over, and suffer an enduring threat from sharks, malnutrition and dehydration. They are in dyer straights. The author does a great job with the narrative about the physical and mental misery the men suffered. The black and white photos add much to the impact of the story. This is a great historical fiction that not only gives the reader a great image of what it was like to endure such a situation, but also great lessons on leadership, how to help others as you work together to survive the ordeal, and a great adventure story to read! However - there is one historical fact that is wrongly stated - it says the President declared war and actually it's Congress who declares war.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Olson, Tod
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre: adventure,historical fiction
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780545928113
Price: 12.99
John Lincoln Clem - Civil War Drummer Boy
John Lincoln Clem - Civil War Drummer Boy
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: May 2, 2017
Review
One of four books in the Based on a True Story historical fiction series.This edition takes place during the Civil War, and we meet John Lincoln Clem, a nine year old who is determined to fight for his country. John runs away from home and sneaks onto a train carrying soldiers from the Third Ohio Union Regiment. The men take him in and help him become a drummer boy. John eventually takes up a gun and starts fighting too when he is captured by the Confederates. In the end he is sent home where he is hailed as a hero.There is lots of adventure and suspense. This book gives a great eyewitness account of how it was to be fighting in the civil war.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Abbott, E.F.
Illustrator: Noble, Steven
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,historical fiction
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781250068378
Price: 15.99
Around America to Win the Vote
Around America to Win the Vote
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: May 2, 2017
Review
The story of two brave suffragists on a trek across America to spread the word: Votes for Women! Nell Richardson and Alice Burke were friends fighting for a good cause - the right for women to vote! So on April 6, 1916 they packed up their little yellow car, (yellow stood for Votes for Women) and took off to drive all the way around America! They figured that if they could do that, then it would prove that women can do anything! The newspapers around America followed their trip - 2 women driving 10,000 miles to win the right to vote was very big news! The events in this book were taken from those newspaper accounts of their trip. A fun, informative lively read that children will enjoy. This could be a great addition to American studies for the very young!
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Rockliff, Mara
Illustrator: Hooper, Hadley
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book nonfiction
Genre: adventure,historical fiction
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780763678937
Price: 16.99
Planets - A Lego adventure
Planets - A Lego adventure
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 13, 2016
Review
Lego mini figures take you on a tour of our solar system. There are plenty of actual facts and pictures from space. Lego fans will enjoy this book. Not a must have.
Overall Book Score: fair
About the Book
Author:
Arion, Penolope
Illustrator: Gordon-Harris, Tory
Illustration Quality: fair
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre: adventure,graphic novel
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780545947657
Price: 8.99
Swan Lake
Swan Lake
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorail Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: May 2, 2017
Review
This is a stunningly beautifully illustrated version of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. Children and adults alike will enjoy reading this story over and over.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Lee, Tchaikovsky - retold by Ji-yeong
Illustrator: Pacheco, Gabriel
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: big & small
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre: fantasy
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781925247374
Price: 25.99
Dogman Unleashed
Dogman Unleashed
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: May 2, 2017
Review
In this second book of the Dogman series, the reader will enjoy great plot twists and turns with lots of humor! Dogman is the result of medical surgery that fused a canine with a policeman. Much high jinks ensues in the story which Dog man must put to rights. Be ready for a wild and crazy ride! The author does a great job of getting the reader caught up with the story in the introduction if they happen to pick this book before the first one. This a good choice for the reluctant reader as well as the emergent reader.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Pilkey, Dav
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780545935203
Price: 17.99
Third Grade Mermain
Third Grade Mermain
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yamouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: June 13, 2017
Review
Cora is a mermaid in the third grade and she wants to be a member of the Singing Sirens, but she is failing spelling so she can't be a part of the team until she improves that grade. To encourage Cora to work on these things her mom buys her a diary, in hopes that it will help improve Cora's language skills. Through her writings Cora learns about the nasty side of some of her friends. I found a lot of the story to be flat and focusing too much attention on good looks and who appears conventionally "beautiful". Not a great choice.
Overall Book Score: fair
About the Book
Author:
Raymundo, Peter
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: fair
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780545918169
Price: 12.99
Bird and Squirrel on Fire
Bird and Squirrel on Fire
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: June 13, 2017
Review
This is great first graphic novel - bright colors, full of action, easy to read and very funny! A great choice for summer reading and the reluctant reader. Bird and Squirrel are BFF's who just arrived back home after a long trip that took them around the world. Bird really wants to party and squirrel wants to clean, but before they can do either they must convince beaver to break up his dam. If they can't do that the backed up water will put those critters who live down stream from it in great danger. There is much drama and laughs as the two friends try to save the community. A wonderful choice for the early graphic novel reader as well as the well versed.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Burks, James
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780545804295
Price: 18.99
Stick Cat Cats in the City
Stick Cat Cats in the City
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: June 13, 2017
Review
Stick Cat is headed off on a new adventure. He is going to his friend Edith's house, and he is very excited about it because Stick Cat feels it is the ultimate place - she has everything! There are crumbs in the sink, a window and a fire escape! What could be better for a cat?! While he and Edith are just lazing around Stick Cat notices that the little girl Hazel from the bakery across the way is in trouble. Seems that she had slipped and fallen into the bagel batter pot. Now it is up to Stick and Edith to figure out a way to rescue Hazel from the big pot of batter!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Watson, Tom
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Harper
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062411020
Price: 12.99
The Width of the World
The Width of the World
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: June 13, 2017
Review
This is book three in the David Baldacci series. Vega Jane (actually nobody) has ever left Wormwood, now it is Jane's turn to do just that. In doing so Jane enters a world where things are even worse. There are deadly beasts, torture, forked-tongued demons and other sources of killing. But Jane and her friends push on to fight their foe's savagery. It is unfortunate that this book tried too hard to being diversity into the story and failed. Teens will still read it but may not be all that impressed with it.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Baldacci, David
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: fantasy,science fiction
Audience: grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 0780545831963
Price: 17.99
Beach Party Surf Monkey
Beach Party Surf Monkey
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: July 11, 2017
Review
Book 2 of Welcome to Wonderland series. Wonderland is a Florida beach motel run by P.T. Wilkie's grandfather Walt. In this episode, the new high rise hotel that was built next door to the charming Wonderland Motel wants to expand, and they want to buy the Wonderland to do it! P.T. and his friend Gloria hear about a movie that is to filmed in the neighborhood. So to help save the Wonderland from destruction they pitch the Wonderland as the perfect place to shoot the movie! A fast read full of high jinks, laughs and many shenanigans! A great summer read!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Grabenstein, Chris
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780553536102
Price: 13.99
The 65 Story Treehouse
The 65 Story Treehouse
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: July 11, 2017
Review
This is book 5, and now Andy and Terry live in a 65 Story Treehouse! It started out as a 13 story treehouse but it keeps expanding! In this expansion a birthday room where it is always your birthday, a lollipop shop, an ant farm and a time machine are all added (plus several more rooms) on so that the treehouse has grown from 56 stories to now 65! Apparently the time machine proves to be a great addition since the treehouse expansion failed its safety inspection so we find Terry traveling back in time to get things straightened out. Many fun adventures!
This series is very popular - you rarely find them on the shelf!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Griffiths, Andy
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781250102461
Price: 13.99
Botanicum
Botanicum
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: July 25, 2017
Review
This is a beautifully illustrated history of plants. As the reader tours through the seven “galleries" of detailed illustrations they bring to mind antique botanical prints. Starting with Gallery 1 right through Gallery 7 the author identifies each plant and provides vivid descriptions of some of the weird and varied shapes of the flowers, reproductive cycles, environmental characteristics, and adaptations to particular environmental niches. Though the images are not drawn to scale, the visual impact is astounding page after page.
This is an amazing book!
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Willis, Kathy
Illustrator: Scott, Katie
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Big Picture Press / Candlewick Press
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12,adult / professional
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780763689230
Price: 35.00
Grandpa's Great Escape
Grandpa's Great Escape
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: July 25, 2017
Review
A great story and wonderful adventure! Jack is 12 and his very most favorite person in the world is his Grandpa! Now Grandpa may have a few eccentricities - like wearing his slippers to the supermarket, serving Spam with custard for dinner, or thinking it's 1940 when he was an RAF pilot serving in WW II when it's actually 1983! More and more Jack is noticing that he is having trouble being in the present rather than the past. But Jack adores him anyway! His parents however have other ideas for the fate of Grandpa - they decide he needs to be in an old folks home. Too bad the one they choose has a VERY crooked director! So what else is Grandpa to do but bust outta the place! And that's when the real adventure gets going! A great read and fun adventure!
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Williams, David
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Harper / Harper Collins
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,mystery
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062560896
Price: 16.99
Fizzopolis
Fizzopolis
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 11, 2017
Review
Harold Fuzzwonker is a regular kid who lives in Fizzopolis, the home of the world's greatest soda pop - which his inventor dad created. Apparently it's supposed make the longest burps ever! But there are 2 secrets which Harold must keep. 1- he must keep his friend Floyd (a extraordinary fizzy friend) and 2-the recipe for the Fuzzwonker Fizz a secret - especially from the evil Snood Candy Factory! The fast pace and humorous illustrations will keep readers engaged.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Carmen, Partick
Illustrator: Sheesley, Brian
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books / Harper Collins
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: fantasy
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062393944
Price: 12.99
How Do Circuits Work?
How Do Circuits Work?
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 11, 2017
Review
If you have young elementary school children interested in learning about and building their own circuits then this is a good book for that. It is well illustrated with good, easy to understand explanations of the various types of circuits, and how they work. Great book to pair with circuit activities you might be doing with kids in after school programs or classroom work.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Roland, James
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Lerner Publications
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 19781512407785
Price: 15.99
Payback
Payback
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 25, 2017
Review
This is book 3 of the series. I started it 2x - I found it hard to get into, though once I did I could see how the kids would enjoy it - especially middle school boys! It is pretty faced paced, and can get a bit intense at times, but overall a good read. I haven't read the first 2 in the series, but I really didn't need to have, as you get the story of what happened previously to lead the characters to this point in the story. The story (series) is about a genetic experiment, a secret town and betrayal. There are 11 kids who are cloned using the DNA from master criminals. The children are then raised in a town where they have the "perfect life" with nothing to want for. They are also closed off from the outside world. That is until one boy figures out what they are and what was done to them. Payback is the story of their escape into reality.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Korman, Gordon
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,science fiction,mystery
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062300058
Price: 16.99
The Inexplicable Logic of my Life
The Inexplicable Logic of my Life
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: September 15, 2017
Review
This is the authors second teen novel - he wrote Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe which won a number of awards - this book should be headed in the same direction. This is an outstanding story of life, death, friendship, families and all that goes with that. Seventeen year old Sal lives with his adoptive gay father and everything is going along great. He is secure in who he is and his place in the world. But then everything changes and Sal is no longer so sure of who he is or where he's headed. His best friend is Samantha, and her life gets turned upside down when her mom (with whom she has a very contentious relationship) is suddenly killed in a car crash. And then there's Fito, the survivor despite his difficult family life. This story has warmth and compassion for each of the kids as they figure things out and deal with their losses. This book will be a great addition to any YA collection.
Should be considered for Cream
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Saenz, Benjamin Alire
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Clarion Books / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: realistic fiction
Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780544586505
Price: 17.99
20 Games to create with Scratch
20 Games to create with Scratch
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 6, 2017
Review
In this well illustrated book on learning to code games using SCRATCH the reader will not only learn how to write the code and produce a fun game, they will also learn great tips on how to design a game. What makes a great game? Is scoring important to have as part of your game? How do you add sound effects and movement? The level of learning increases with each chapter and challenge. The book also has a helpful glossary. By the time the reader is done working through all the challenges they will be able to design and code their own games.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Wainewright, Max
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: QEB Publishing
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781682970843
Price: 33.00
Heros & Villians
Heros & Villians
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 6, 2017
Review
This is book 7 of the Guys Read Library of Great Reading. In the 10 new original stories there is much adventure, well illustrated comics, and some non-fiction too! The included writers are: Laura Halse Anderson, Cathy Camper and Raul Gonzalez, Sharon Creech, Jack Gantos, Christopher Healy, Deborah Hopkinson, Ingrid Law, Pam Munoz Ryan, Lemony Snicket, and Eugene Yelchin. There are stories of a Mexican family trying to cross into the US but get caught, a couple of girls being middle school warriors at the ready to help where they can, and a scary graphic story! All the stories are great reads with lots of variation, yet keeps with the general theme. A great addition to any library.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Scieszka, Jon
Illustrator: Stokely, Jeff
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: HarperCollins
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780062385611
Price: 16.99
Banana Muffins and Other Stories
Banana Muffins and Other Stories
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 6, 2017
Review
In this third book of the series sister Annie and brother Simon once again get into some sibling disagreements. The book starts with them baking muffins and disagreeing on whether or not there needs to be chocolate chips in the batter. As they try to entertain the baby from next door, Annie comes across some of her old baby things and decides she wants to play with them too - Simon tries to tell Annie that she is way too old for a pacifier, or a rattle! This too leads to a disagreement. In the end though they have enjoyed the muffins together gotten baby Theo to take a nap and Annie comes to see that she really doesn't need her baby things any more and that she has a pretty great big brother!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
O'Neill, Catherine
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780763674984
Price: 15.99
Pixie Piper and the Matter of Batter
Pixie Piper and the Matter of Batter
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 6, 2017
Review
Can you imagine being a descendant of Mother Goose? Well that's what Pixie Piper is! And on this summer vacation she gets to spend it at Chuckling Goose Farm. Pixie is looking forward to meeting some of the other girls who are also descendants and learning how to bake special cakes! There are sad stories, stories of great friendship and many adventures and mysteries to solve. There is even an evil character Raveneece who causes much trouble, but Pixie and her new friends are able to work their way out of it. All and all a full of adventure tale with a great assortment of characters, wonderful insight to school friendships, and family situations.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Fisher, Annabelle
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062393807
Price: 16.99
First Day of Spring
First Day of Spring
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 6, 2017
Review
Pig and Goose meet for the first time when Pig say Goose come flying in on a wonderful spring day. Pig admired Goose' ability to fly and asked him to teach her. They became fast friends as Goose instructs Pig how to go about learning to fly.They both soon realize that a pig cannot fly! They did however realize that a pig and goose can still be good friends and enjoy a yummy picnic! This a great book for the emergent reader.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Bond, Rebecca
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: Choose Binding Type
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781580895941
Price: 12.99
Get Coding!
Get Coding!
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 11, 2017
Review
This book was written by a group of techy kids from around the world known as Young Rewired State. It is written in a way that is very engaging and challenging, and appropriate for kids grade 4 and up. As the reader works their way through various "missions" they learn to write code in HTML, CSS and JavaScript these being the most important programming languages to know for building websites, building programs and apps and games. The goal of each mission is for the learn to continue to develop their programming skills as they work to complete each mission. In the beginning you are given a brief history of computer programming, the different parts of computer programming, and information on some of the leaders in the field. They explain how to use the book, key skills you need to know written out in detail. I feel this book will be a great learning tool and resource for anyone wanting to learn how to write code.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Rewired State, Young
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780763692766
Price: 12.99
Hockey an Introduction to Being a Good Sport
Hockey an Introduction to Being a Good Sport
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 16, 2017
Review
A good book for the young child who is getting started in the sport. There are many tips and tricks for the player along with a story to move them through the book. The reader will learn about rules, some fun facts, and skills needed to play the game. Most importantly good sportsmanship and team play are well addressed.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Derr, Aaron
Illustrator: Kelly, Jim
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Red Chair Press
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781634401319
Price: 26.99
Older Than Dirt
Older Than Dirt
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - m, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 16, 2017
Review
An interesting, informative story about the formation of earth told by a very knowledgeable ground hog and a clever and very smart earth worm! The reader learns how the earth was the result of a Big Bang that left a cloud of dust and and gases. Formation of continents and oceans and rivers are all described in easy to understand terms with simple graphics and explanations. Humor is sprinkled throughout and the story moves right along. I found this to be a wonderfully informative book and a great way to get the reluctant reader turned on to science and reading! I hope there are more books like this!
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Dr. Mike Perfit, Dan Brown &
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780544805033
Price: 18.99
The Golden Compass - Graphic Novel
The Golden Compass - Graphic Novel
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 16, 2017
Review
A well known, well loved story is now in graphic novel form. Having read the book with an all boys book group I have to say the graphic version is MUCH easier and more enjoyable to read. I think that group of boys would have liked the book WAY better if this version had been available back then. The whole story is here - all the daemons, armored polar bears and the alethiometer are here and in force! This volume has the full journey of Lyra to the far north, her rescue of kidnapped children and her escape by a hot-air balloon. And Lord Asriel's drive to build a bridge to another world. This will be a great addition to any collection.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Pullman, Philip
Illustrator: Melchior, adapted by Stephane
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Alfred A.Knopf
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,mystery,graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: Choose Binding Type
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780553535167
Price: 21.99
Explorers, Presidents, and Toilets
Explorers, Presidents, and Toilets
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 20, 2017
Review
In this third book of the series, Arlo and Andrea (from the My Weird School" series) have a conversation on a number of different historical topics. For instance - did you know that neither Thomas Jefferson nor John Adams actually signed the Constitution or that Baseball was invented before the Civil War, but then the civil war brought about it's wide spread popularity? You will learn these and many other interesting facts about American History in this fun read. This book could be used in the classroom for some fun fact finding our independent reading. The kids will get some good information but also a laugh or two while they are reading it.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Gutman, Dan
Illustrator: Paillot, Jim
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062306241
Price: 16.99
Poison - Deadly Deeds and Perilous Professions
Poison - Deadly Deeds and Perilous Professions
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 24, 2017
Review
Take some history, throw in some chemistry and ask the question whodunit and you have a great read that will keep the attention of even the most reluctant of readers. The book starts with an introduction to poisons - did you know that in the early 20th century Coca-Cola had a jolt of cocaine in it? Doctors use to use poisons to try and heal their patients? Each chapter contains a Tox Box that highlights a single poison and it's properties. Did you know that Fowler's Solution (a combination of arsenic trioxide, alcohol, and lavender water) that was introduced by Dr. Thomas Fowler in the 1780's was prescribed for a host of aliments by many a doctor. In the short term it may have been effective, but in the long term it could give the patient cancer. It remained on pharmacy shelves into the 1950"s! A very entertaining narrative of the history of poisons, and their applications.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Albee, Sarah
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Crown Books
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781101932230
Price: 17.99
Lights, Camera, COOK!
Lights, Camera, COOK!
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 27, 2017
Review
I have been known to watch more than a few episodes of the reality show Top Chef Junior. And it could very well be that behind the scenes on that show is much as it is depicted in this book, but I don't know.... The story takes place around 4 kids who are chosen to be contestants on a TV cooking show for kids. There's confident Caroline, hyper Tate, nervous Rae and wow over the top Oliver. Who do you think gets eliminated first? These foodie kids get put through the paces of being on a cooking show and all that entails. Besides testing their cooking skills and food knowledge, the producer also puts them through interview challenges, and tries to get Rae and Oliver to get "into it" on camera to create "good TV". Not very nice! This is an easy to read book with plenty of illustrations. I think the real foodie kid will keep with the series to find out who wins it all.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Harper, Charise Mericle
Illustrator: Blard-Quintard, Aurelie
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: realistic fiction
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: Choose Binding Type
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780544912601
Price: 12.99
Genevieve's War
Genevieve's War
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: November 6, 2017
Review
Thirteen year old Genevieve was always told to "do the right thing" - "think of others" well the one time she does just that it's really the wrong time to do that! It's 1939 and she is in Alscae, France where she and her brother Albert spent the summer with their grandmother (whom they do not like). It is time for them to go home to America just as WWII is about to break out. But neither actually returns to the US as planned. Genevieve stays because she feels bad for her elderly grandmother and worries about how she will manage the farm on her own. So out of a sense of duty and (doing the right thing) Genevieve makes her way back to the farm house. Albert as it turns out didn't leave either, he stayed to help the resistance smuggle people (Jews) out of France to keep then safe from the Germans. This is a wonderfully told story of WWII and life in a small town in France. Even the most reluctant of readers will devour this book!
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Reilly Giff, Patricia
Illustrator: ,
Publisher: Holiday House
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: historical fiction
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780823438006
Price: 16.95
The Song of Glory and Ghost
The Song of Glory and Ghost
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 8, 2017
Review
A fantasy adventure with lots of action full of plot twists and fun. In fact so many plot twists I found them all a bit hard to follow! Sam is a "misfit" kid - he is a foster child who has arms that do not function well and he seems to spend a lot of his time in the dream world. He likes it there because sometimes he's the hero and his arms are fully functional. The story takes Sam into that dream world where he meets Glory who quickly becomes his best friend, and 2 snakes that help him make his way through the past and back into the present and able to have a good future. Fans of the 100 Cupboards series will really enjoy this series. This is book 2.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Wilson, N.D.
Illustrator: Dickison, Forrest
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books / Harper Collins Books
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062327291
Price: 16.99
Staying A Hive
Staying A Hive
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 8, 2017
Review
When the Queen Bee opens her hive for a honey business the bears are very excited - after all they do love their honey! But - other residents of town are not so happy. Grumpy Woods has turned into a noisy sticky situation! On top of that, the bears become so sugared up that they all go into hibernation early! Leaving the town with an over abundance of honey and no one to consume it! What ever will they do? Can you come up with a solution? This is a fun and silly book for the early chapter book and reluctant reader. This is book 3 of the Super Happy Party Bears series.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Colleen, Marcie
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Imprint
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781250100474
Price: 5.99
A Mermaids Tale
A Mermaids Tale
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 8, 2017
Review
Lilly and Fin are just kids. (mermaid kids more specifically) Kids who love adventure - they love to explore new places. Even though they have had many warnings to stay clear of the 2 legged creatures (humans) and sea monsters - they are young and question the truth about these things. But the humans do exist and they are on a hunt for mermaids! Lilly and Fin were looking forward to a great adventure that day - Lilly had food and drink to share - she was really looking forward to hanging out in their secret cave. But Fin was having a feeling that something bad was going to happen - and sure enough it did! But in the end they were saved by a giant octopus and learned a valuable lesson. The illustrations a wonderful! Full of color and details that the kids will love to look at over and over! A wonderful book for the early reader!
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Funke, Cornelia
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781524701017
Price: 9.99
Going Nuts
Going Nuts
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 12, 2017
Review
This is book 4 of the series. In this story the bears have raided the squirrels nut collection. Which then leads to the squirrels trying to steal the acorns from the chipmunks! This if course leads to an all out war between the chipmunks and the squirrels - Can the bears fix this? The easy to read dialog, humor and quick pace of the book will hold the interest of even the most reluctant of readers! This is a fun series for the early chapter book reader.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Colleen, Marcie
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Imprint
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781250100498
Price: 5.99
Baseball
Baseball
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 12, 2017
Review
These non- fiction editions of Magic Tree House books are outstanding! There are so many of them now on so many different subjects it's hard to keep track of them all. This is book number 29 and it's Baseball! The book covers the beginning of baseball, some of the top players with all kinds of interesting facts about them and their lives both professional and home. Did you know that in 1999 Orlando Hernandez was pitching and when he caught the hit ball and tried to throw it to first base the ball was stuck in his mitt! So he whipped off his glove and threw the ball, glove and all, to the first baseman and got the runner out! I highly recommend these books to all my junior readers.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Pope Osborne, Mary
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre: biography / autobiography
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781101936429
Price: 6.99
Swing It, Sunny
Swing It, Sunny
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 20, 2017
Review
This is Book 2 of the Sunny series and it is time for Sunny to start Middle School - an experience Sunny is finding to be most confusing and hard. Sunny is not having a very good time at all! But, she is working very hard at keeping a positive attitude. Even when her brother who is sent away to boarding school comes home a changed person - he smokes, he is very grumpy and he snaps at Sunny all the time.Eventually things smooth out and Sunny seems to be on the road to a sunnier out look on life! This is a very popular graphic novel series among middle schoolers.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Matthew Holm, Jennifer L. Holm
Illustrator: Pien, Lark
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780545741729
Price: 12.99
Paddington's Finest Hour
Paddington's Finest Hour
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 29, 2017
Review
This is the 11th Paddington book written by Michael Bond who died this past summer at the age of 91. He wrote up to his death. Paddignton is well known for his misadventures that he somehow always lands on his feet from. In the "Finest Hour" Paddington finds himself making an appearance on a cooking show, performing tricks that perhaps he shouldn't be doing, creating an entry for a flower display! I find it amusing that cell phones and taking "selfies" have now managed to make it into Paddington books and artwork. The many Paddington stories throughout the years have delighted children around the world. Michael Bond will be sadly missed.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Bond, Michael
Illustrator: Fortnum, Peggy
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: harpercollinschildrens
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062669728
Price: 9.99
Remy Sneakers vs. the Robo-Rats
Remy Sneakers vs. the Robo-Rats
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 2, 2018
Review
Remy Sneakers is one crafty raccoon who has a large collection of some of the coolest stuff. But because of this wonderful collection he is wrongly accused of the rampant thefts that are happening all over town. Remy needs to put his crafty brain to work and to some serious detective work to find just who is behind the thefts. He soon discovers that there is an evil toy maker who has an army of evil robots and he's looking to set up spy cameras everywhere and take over the city! So Remington Raccoon turns to his friends of mice, rats and eventually pigeons to put a stop to the take over. Remy and his friends succeed, but then discover that all of Remy's treasures have vanished! Definitely a lead in to a second book! I think the reluctant reader will really enjoy these and well as most 3rd and 4th graders!
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Sherry, Kevin
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,science fiction,graphic novel
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781338034608
Price: 9.99
The Wolf Hour
The Wolf Hour
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: January 5, 2018
Review
The setting: a dark treacherous forest known as the Puszcza located in Poland. The Characters: a wolf named Martin who likes to read; a wood cutters daughter named Magia who's not afraid to walk alone in the woods and dreams of becoming a woodcutter some day; a carefully disguised witch and 3 pigs who miss their momma. A mash up of Folklore and Fantasy seems like it would be an awesome read. But to follow the many twists and turns and complicated story lines it was hard to get into and I feel this could be a bit challenging for the younger middle school reader.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
h, S
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Scholastic / Arthur Levine Books
Book Type: Choose Book Type
Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780545107976
Price: 16.99
Marco Polo - Dangers and Visions
Marco Polo - Dangers and Visions
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: February 8, 2018
Review
We all remember learning about Marco Polo and his journey's to the Far East. This graphic novel tries to do this in an illustrated way. But there are so many theme's in the story (destruction by war, the role of religion and importance of family and most of all the meaning of life) that it is difficult to understand all the complexities of the story.I use to teach ancient history and even Marco Polo and I found I needed to keep re-reading much of the story and I still had problems following the story line. This puzzle of a story would be too difficult for the average youth reader to understand.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Tabilio, Marco
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Graphic Universe
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,historical fiction,graphic novel
Audience: grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781512411829
Price: 11.99
Carnival in a FIx
Carnival in a FIx
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: April 25, 2018
Review
Emily is an extraterrestrial girl living an outer space amusement park. Emily dreams of one day becoming a repairwoman for the park. But first she must help the solve the mystery of what is happening at the park on the day they get a surprise inspection. Everything is malfunctioning threatening to put the parks future in question. This is a good choice for the emergent reader, it's full of humor and action with lots of illustrations.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Reeve, Philip
Illustrator: McIntyre, Sarah
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,mystery
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780385388009
Price: 12.99
Brave Red, Smart Frog - A New Book of Old Tales
Brave Red, Smart Frog - A New Book of Old Tales
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: April 25, 2018
Review
In this sparsely illustrated, retelling of seven well know fairy tales the author has all the tales take place in the same frozen forest. As the reader moves thru the forest they also move from one tale to another. The tales are written with humor and keeping relatively close to the original telling of the tale. A fun read that kids and adults will enjoy.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Jenkins, Emily
Illustrator: Eason, Rohan Daniel
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy,folklore
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780763665586
Price: 17.99
Ordinary mishaps and inevitable catastropies
Ordinary mishaps and inevitable catastropies
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: April 25, 2018
Review
Abbie Wu seems to always be in crisis mode. In this second adventure Abbie has a plan - well she thought she had a plan. Her plan was to have her own locker this year, her plan was to be successful at her endevors this year, her plan was to have a fun year. But to Abbie it just seemed like the system was against her. How was she to know that lockers are assigned alphabetically by last name, and that they would run out before getting to Wu! Or that her science project that worked great on all the trial runs would fail on the most important day. This is a well illustrated fun read on surviving middle school and all it's trials and tribulations.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Vivat, Booki
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: harpercollinschildrens
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780062398819
Price: 12.99
Pig Has a Plan
Pig Has a Plan
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date:
Review
In this beginning reader book the child reads what the different barnyard animals want to do that day, all of which are disturbing pig from taking his nap. The repetition of words is great for the beginning reader, though I'm not too sure they'll get the ending. The art work is very basic, not that impressive.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Long, Ethan
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: fair
Publisher: Holiday House
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: preschool
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780823438808
Price: 3.99
I See a Cat
I See a Cat
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: May 3, 2018
Review
In this beginning reader each page is the dog "saying" what he sees out the window and shows his reaction to each creature he sees. From wild barking at the squirrel and the boy to just looking at the mice. Once the boy gets home and they go outside they run around the yard and see the squirrel and the dog chases after it. The repetition of words is great for the beginning reader, and the action in the story can lead to some discussion.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Meisel, Paul
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Holiday House
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: preschool
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780823438495
Price: 3.99
Woof & Quack in Winter
Woof & Quack in Winter
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: May 3, 2018
Review
This early reader is a fun story of two friends, a dog and a duck, and how they end up spending the winter together. Colorful illustrations help the early reader understand the story. I would put this one in my granddaughters hands to read.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Swenson, Jamie
Illustrator: Sias, Ryan
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: preschool
Binding Type: paperback
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780544959026
Price: 3.99
Vincent Can't Sleep
Vincent Can't Sleep
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: May 3, 2018
Review
What a lovely book! The beautiful illustrations carry you through the story of the life of Vincent Van Gogh. The story begins when he is an infant and goes all the way through the various stages of his life. The main focus is on Vincent finding the many colors of night and what he does with that in his art. The final picture is of Starry Starry Night and tells how this painting illustrates the inner Vincent. There is a wonderful Author's note at the end as well as a page full of sources for further research on Van Gogh. This is a great book for not only the very young but also as a starting place for an older child's research. I highly recommend this for any collection.
Overall Book Score: excellent
About the Book
Author:
Rosenstock, Brab
Illustrator: Grandpre', Mary
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Alfred A.Knopf
Book Type: picture book nonfiction
Genre: biography / autobiography
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: reinforced trade binding
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781101937105
Price: 17.99
Cici's Journal - The Adventures of A Writer in Training
Cici's Journal - The Adventures of A Writer in Training
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: May 4, 2018
Review
Translated from French, this charming graphic novel is based on the story of Cici as she maneuvers her way through life. Cici's biggest desire is to become a writer. She particularly likes to write about adults, and she spends time watching them and taking notes on her observations. Through these observations Cici has noticed that everybody has a secret. This is a lovey, well thought out book. I highly recommend for all libraries.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Chamblain, Joris
Illustrator: Neyret, Aurelie
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: First Second
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781626722484
Price: 17.99
Lucy and the Rocket Dog
Lucy and the Rocket Dog
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: May 23, 2018
Review
This would have been the perfect book for my oldest daughter when she was in 1st grade. This is the story of a young girl who loves astronomy, space travel and everything about it. In fact Lucy loves it so much that she builds a Prototype of a spaceship. One designed to travel at the speed of light! One night however her dog Laika went looking for Lucy, and in the process went into the spaceship, and through a series of mishaps managed to launch the rocket! As the gardens are destroyed around Lucy's home, Laika is freaking out about the idea of being launched into apace! This is a wonderful story of friendship and interstellar travel.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Buckingham, Will
Illustrator: Arnaldo, Monica
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Alfred A.Knopf
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,science fiction
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780399554322
Price: 116.99
Great Butterfly Battle
Great Butterfly Battle
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 17, 2018
Review
Think Graphic Novel mashed up with a craft book and you'll have book 3 of the Crafty Cat series. The story begins with Crafty Cat (aka Birdie) putting some finishing touches on her latest project which she hopes will convince her teacher that she is the right person for the part of the butterfly in the up coming play. You may wonder, as I have, why is that Birdies secret identity is a cat, and does she really turn into a cat or is just her imagination. I never found the answer to this, and I found the book quite underwhelming. Not a series I would spend money on.
Overall Book Score: fair
About the Book
Author:
Harper, Charise Mericle
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: By Art We Live
Book Type: Choose Book Type
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781626724877
Price: 13.99
The Cobalt Prince
The Cobalt Prince
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 17, 2018
Review
This is the story of Oona who must save 5 worlds of another solar system. The main goal is to light 5 beacons, one in each of the worlds. In this, the second book, her goal is to light the 2nd beacon. But before she can do that she must first face her sister Jessa, who left her on the 1st planet. As she travels the 2nd world in search of the beacon, all whom she meets tell her something different, making the task that much harder. Fans of Star Wars and Avatar will really enjoy this series. It is best to start at book 1 for the most enjoyment of future books.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Siegel, Mark & Alexis
Illustrator: Bouma, Rockefeller, Sun, Xanthe, Matt, Boya
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781101935897
Price: 20.99
Bad Guy is a Two - Word Word
Bad Guy is a Two - Word Word
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date:
Review
In this sequel to Recess Warriors: Hero is a Four-Letter Word the recess drama continues. There is a large cast of characters, plot twists, a scheming fourth grader who is determined to rule the entire playground and cliff hangers. You will also find complicated backstories, and lots of adventure in the manga like art work. One of the best features I liked about the book is that lack of technology involoved in the story line. It's kids on the playground as they should be - playing! This is a good recommendation for fans of Doug TenNapel and Kazu Kibuisko.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Emerson, Marcus
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Roarinng Brook Press
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: Choose Binding Type
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781626727090
Price: 12.99
The Forgotten Book
The Forgotten Book
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island Library, Orr's Island, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 20, 2018
Review
Imagine Jane Austin meeting up with some magic, mystery and a touch of folklore. In this tale 16year old Emma, discovers an old book when exploring an unused part of the boarding school. What she uncovers next is hard to believe - apparently anything she writes in the book comes true! However, as Emma soon discovers this book isn't with out consequences, and she isn't the only one interested in what magic the book holds. Along comes a new student, Darcy de Winter, who also has great interest in the book and wants desperately to get his hands on it. Will the mystery be solved?
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Glaser, Mechthild
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery
Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781250146793
Price: 17.99
Potions & Parameters
Potions & Parameters
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: August 24, 2018
Review
This is the 5th volume in a series that combines logic puzzles and coding instruction, with a mystery plot thrown in for good measure! Professor One-Zero creates a poisonous potion called Green Pop, and he'll stop at nothing to get the whole world taking it. Hopper, Eni, and Josh put their coding skills to the test in order to get through a portal that will take them to another dimension where they can access a way to stop the professor from ruining the world. I found this to be a fun and interesting way for kids to learn coding, & maybe be introduced to Sci-Fi genre. There are as many twists and turns to this story as there are lines of code. A great introduction to Sci-Fi and coding!
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Mike Holmes, Gene Luen Yang
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: First Second
Book Type: chapter book fiction
Genre: science fiction,graphic novel
Audience: grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781626726079
Price: 10.99
Creating Titanic - The Ship of Dreams
Creating Titanic - The Ship of Dreams
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island Library, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 9, 2018
Review
A great book for the Titanic enthusiast. Great detailed illustrations/pictures and indepth explanations of all that went into building the ship, from creating a space to build such a large ship to how the pieces were put together to all the high class finishing touches. I highly recommend this book.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Blake, Kevin
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Bearport
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781684024308
Price: 28.50
Stick
Stick
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 9, 2018
Review
The charm of this story and it's illustrations are only topped by the simplistic text that is great for the very early reader. My 4 year old granddaughter loved this book. It was an easy one for her to learn new words and practice her reading skills. The story itself illustrates many uses of a simple stick giving a young child many creative ideas for it's uses.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Dickson, Irene
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: Nosy Crow / Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: preschool
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781536200164
Price: 14.99
The Pirates of Scurvy Sands
The Pirates of Scurvy Sands
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 9, 2018
Review
I thought this would be a fun book for preschoolers - but I found the story line a bit difficult to follow especially for a young child. It seemed to jump from one place and story to another without an easy connection. Then move from text on the page to text in speak bubbles and graphic novel style, with difficult font for a young child to read.
Overall Book Score: fair
About the Book
Author:
Duddle, Jonny
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: fair
Publisher: Templar Books
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: adventure
Audience: preschool
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9780763692933
Price: 16.99
Rockets Defying Gravity
Rockets Defying Gravity
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: October 9, 2018
Review
This is the 11th book in this very popular science series. There is always an interesting story combined with interesting science facts. In this edition kids learn about early flight and the development of rockets. How they moved from entertainment to being seen for their uses in the scientific community. For instance on July 17, 1929 Robert Goddard launched the first rocket with a scientific payload. The people in town complained about the noise, but with the help of Charles Lindbergh and a grant, Robert Goddard was able to build on his research, and you know the rest of the story.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Drozd, Anne & Jerzy
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: very good
Publisher: First Second
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre: adventure,graphic novel
Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9781626728264
Price: 19.99
Brave Jane Austen
Brave Jane Austen
Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Orr's Island, Harpswell, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date:
Review
This is a wonderful, well illustrated story of Jane Austen made for the primary reader. It has the many details of her life, and how female writers were looked upon in that time period, and yet she persisted! I found it to be a very inspiring story that I hope will help young writers and others to also be inspired to follow their passion. This book is well worth the purchase.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Pliscou, Lisa
Illustrator: ,
Illustration Quality: good
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books / Henry Holt
Book Type: picture book fiction
Genre: biography / autobiography
Audience: preschool,grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: good
ISBN: 9781627796439
Price: 17.99
