The Riverman

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 18, 2014

Review

This unnerving Mystery/Fantasy is told by two main characters, unreliable Fiona Loomis and naive, loyal Alistair Cleary, over the period of about 40 days in Oct./Nov. The reader is never on firm footing with what truly happened, what is innocently imagined and what is a lie. Fiona contacts classmate Alistair and asks him, with a sense of urgency, to write her biography. Alistair is reluctant, intrigued and infatuated in equal parts. As Fiona's story unfold the suspense and foreboding increase keeping the reader engaged in the mystery despite not quite trusting her narrative. Thought provoking with much material for discussion. Questions about loyalty, keeping secrets, lies, responsibility in friendships and false accusations would make this a good book club choice.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Starmer, Aaron

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux/Macmillan Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, mystery

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374363090

Price: 15.99

The Secret Box

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2014

Review

This road trip adventure/family mystery engages readers right form the start with crisp writing and lively characters. The story begins when 12 year old Jax is given a box for her birthday by an Aunt she didn't know she had. Her Mother and only parent, immediately forbids her to open it and intends to return it to the sender. Jax enlists the help of her two male cousins to retrieve the box and solve its mystery. Told in short chapters, alternating between the voice of strong willed Jax, the birthday girl, and her extremely but shy capable cousin, Ethan. Action, humor and suspense move the story along to a satisfying conclusion. Readers will want to spend more time with these characters who, despite their differences manage to work together and gain respect for each other. The story's ending leaves an opening for more, but this first book is not solely set up for a sequel, it is an appealing story in its own right.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ringwald, Whitaker

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062216144

Price: 16.99

The Lion Who Stole My Arm

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Choose Library District

Review Date: August 18, 2014

Review

The story gets off to an attention getting start with Pedru being dragged into the long grass by a lion. The description is real, but not gory shocking as the reader is prepared for the event by the book's title. Pedru is blessed with a strong, wise father and loving family. Still, he struggles with adjusting to his new circumstances and desire for revenge. A second lion attack in the village leads to a hunt and the introduction of lion researchers, smoothly exposing the reader to all points of view regarding the prediction of large/top predators. The outcome of all the characters is wrapped up a little too perfectly, but doesn't take away from the enjoyment or value of the book. The publisher recommends this for 7-10 year old readers. I would also give it to the 6th or 7th grade struggling reader due to the books undaunting size, cliff hanging chapter endings and high interest topic.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Nicola

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763666200

Price: 14.99

West of the Moon

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 16, 2014

Review

This story of 13 year old Astri and her younger sister, Greta, takes the reader on their journey from an unloving Aunt's home in Norway toward their dream of reuniting with their father in America. The author integrates dark Norwegian Folktales and superstitions into Astri's thought and actions giving the story a magical tone. The action is not fast paced, but the suprises in the sisters epic journey keep the reader on the edge of their seats. The two main characters are unforgettable. Astri has a youthful optimism coupled with grit and determination all of which serve to get her through some harsh circumstances. Her younger sister, at first glance, seems meek and naïve but in fact has steel core. This unusual, remarkable book gives us characters who lie, steal, even kill out of desperation, but are also self reflective and regretful. Themes of forgiveness, right and wrong, motivation, and justification. This one has loads of material for discussion.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Preus, Margi

Publisher: Amulet Books/Abrams

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, realistic fiction, folklore

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781419708961

Price: 16.95

Andrew Draws

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2014

Review

Andrew finds a crayon under the sofa and begins an adventure in drawing. He starts with barely recognizable pictures and progresses to images that are so lifelike they fly off the pages and are able to solve the world's big problems. Persistence and patience, helping others and following your passion are all themes included in this beautifully illustrated book for the K to Grade 2 reader. Similar to Harold and the Purple crayon, it would be good paired with that title and/or as an intro to an art project.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McPhail, David

Illustrator: McPhail, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823430635

Price: 16.95

Wild Animal Neighbors: Sharing our Urban World

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2014

Review

This is a good introduction for middle grade readers to the topic of urban wildlife. The book examines seven species, touching on how these animals move in to urban settings, how they survive and the problems they often cause and encounter. The diverse conflicts and sometimes surprising solutions to protecting and co-existing with different species is clearly presented using engaging photographs and concise chapters. Abundant backwater includes an index, bibliography, source notes and lists of books and websites for further information. The Epilogue gives the authors insight into why this is an important issue and examples of what some cities have done to improve their design to accommodate wildlife.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Downer, Ann

Illustrator: Various Photographs,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner Publishing

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780761390213

Price: 29.95

Sniffer Dogs: How Dogs (and their noses) Save the World

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

The power of a dog's sense of smell is celebrated here in all its glory. From the familiar bloodhounds and bomb sniffing dogs to the less well known medical alert service or biodetection dogs the common thread is the trainer's dedication and the dogs unfailing willingness to work. Early chapters explain the science behind a dog's keen sense of smell and some history of peoples reliance on working dogs. Later chapters focus on individual human/canine teams to illustrate the varied and heroic ways these dogs improve our health, safety and peace of mind. The book is chock full of information that is well written and organized including many engaging, poignant photographs. This inspiring book leaves readers with the sense that a dog's sniffing ability is a powerful tool that can be used in countless ways, some yet to be discovered.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Castaldo, Nancy F.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544088931

Price: 16.99

The Great Thanksgiving Escape

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2014

Review

Single child, Gavin, along with his parents arrive at Grandma's house for another family Thanksgiving. The house is full of Aunts, Uncles, and multiple cousins, including the adventurous Rhonda. Gavin and Rhonda team up to break out of the kids room in search of their own fun. Along the way they encounter vicious guard dogs, over zealous Aunts, zombies and a kitchen trap. Subtle humor and expressive colorful illustrations celebrate the pitfalls, tedium, traditions and love that make up many family holiday gatherings. This one is a hit for read-aloud story time. The bold, colorful illustrations are essential to the humor of the story adding to the listener's fun when they "get it".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fearing, Mark

Illustrator: Fearing, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763663063

Price: 15.99

Animalium

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 4, 2014

Review

This oversized volume is designed to mimic a visit to a Natural History museum, taking the reader/visitor through an introduction the tree of animal life then on through exhibits of increasingly complex life forms. The text gives a good concise description of each gallery of the museum representing different classes of animal life. Readers will be tempted to flip right to the large, striking artwork, but as with brick and mortar museums, it is helpful to the overall enjoyment if a bit of time is spent on the preface and "Welcome" pages. Intricate scientific drawings, digitally colored, are beautifully played out on the page. As mentioned in the preface of the book, this book is an overview of diversity meant to fascinate and inspire. The backwater includes a few helpful websites for further browsing and an index that unfortunately includes all the latin names but not all the common ones. This is a wonderful browsing book that mimics a casual visit to a Natural History museum, but should not be expected to be used as a resource for academic reports.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Broom, Jenny

Illustrator: Scott, Kate

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: BIG PICTURE PRESS/Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763675080

Price: 35.00

Edward Hopper, Paints his World

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 20, 2014

Review

Clearly written text introduces young readers to a young boy whose pencil case is labeled, Edward Hopper Would be Artist. Edward's goal was to make a living drawing and painting subjects that moved him deeply. The author conveys the hard work and dedication it took for Hopper to ultimately achieve that goal. The illustrations are a combination of sepia toned drawings and colorful paintings that capture the time period of Hopper's life and beautifully evoke his style without mimicking it. Extensive backwater includes the usual source notes, but also expands the reader's understanding of how Hopper thought about art. Reproductions of and comments on four famous Hopper paintings are particularly interesting.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Burleigh, Robert

Illustrator: Minor, Wendell

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/ Henry Holt and Co

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805087529

Price: 17.99

Neighborhood Sharks, Hunting with the Great Whites of California's Farallon Islands

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 9, 2014

Review

The neighborhood sharks referred to in this book are a group of Great White sharks that spend 4 months in the Fall near the Farallon Islands off San Fransisco. The author/illustrator spent time there with a shark research team learning about the ecosystem and this thrilling predator/prey relationship. In recounting the act of one shark hunting one seal the author covers the science of the shark's body design, vision, teeth, and social interaction all integral to their success. Even the biology of their perfect meal, the elephant seal is covered. The watercolor illustrations, predominantly done in blue,gray and blood red, are just realistic enough without being sensational. Perfectly paced to convey the science, but also capture the thrill and drama of hunting with the largest predatory fish in the ocean. I'm recommending this for "Cream of the Crop"

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Roy, Katherine

Illustrator: Roy, Katherine

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: David Macaulay Studio/ Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3, grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9781596438743

Price: 17.99

The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

This epic tale of Sweetie Pie the hamster's journey from a lonely pet store cage to life in the great outdoors is a cautionary tale with a melancholy feel despite the happy ending. Sweetie Pie is given his name by the first in a series of well intentioned young owners. One after another, the owners lose interest in the small caged pet until he ends up in the relatively comfortable position of class pet. He spends many hours gazing out the school window watching squirrels perch on the sill and run through the trees. On his way home with one student for school vacation, Sweetie Pie is left in a snowy park. The next day, thecae is found deep in the snow with the door open. Sweetie Pie survives to live among the squirrels, but readers are left with a sense of mournful regret. The author's stated goal is to inspire young pet owners to provide the best possible environment for their animals. With that in mind, this book could be used as a conversation starter for parents of hopeful future pet owners.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Van Allsburg, Chris

Illustrator: Van Allsburg, Chris

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547315829

Price: 18.99

The Orchestra Pit

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

A confused snake wanders(slithers) into an orchestra pit instead of he's familiar snake pit. Undeterred, he explores the various sections and instruments of the orchestra, developing an appreciation for music along the way. As the full orchestra begins to play, the snake heads back to his proper pit bringing a bit of his new found musical knowledge with him. This book gives only the briefest introduction to some common instruments, but does it with an enjoyable story. This could be paired with a picture book or video of Saint-Saens "Carnival of the Animals".

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wright, Johanna

Illustrator: Wright, Johanna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Neal Porter Book/ Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: -19781596437692

Price: 16.99

The Next Wave: The Quest to Harness the Power of the Oceans

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

This title in the Scientist in the Field series focuses on a group of engineers who have had success in the development of wave to energy devices. These individual scientists built on their early interests and talents to contribute at the cutting edge of the renewable energy field. The author introduces these scientists as teenagers and follows the course of their research to the present day. Along the way the engineering challenges and years of trial and error experiments are clearly presented in text and photographs, giving the reader insight into both how these scientists work and the joy they get from their projects. Extensive back matter includes a broad range of websites, source notes, index and a recent update on two of the projects. Another solid addition to this series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rusch, Elizabeth

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544099999

Price: 18.99

Before After

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2015

Review

Coupled images wordlessly tell multiple stories in either two page spreads or up to four sets of paired illustrations. Some paired images are simple, i.e. a cow next to a bottle of milk, while others are more unusual. The four pages picturing egg-chicken-chicken-egg depicts an age old question for young readers to ponder. Illustrated in flat pastel digital images, the illustrator's wit, humor and thoughtfulness add life and numerous storytelling possibilities. This will hold the interest of both children and adults through many readings.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ramstein, Anne-Margot

Illustrator: Aregui, Matthias

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,all ages

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676216

Price: 19.99

Frozen in Time: Clarence Birdseyes's Outrageous Idea About Frozen Food

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

This biography of Clarence Birdseye was adapted from the Author's original work"Birdseye: The Adventures of a Curious Man" for a middle school audience. The result has a stilted, abbreviated feel. The first chapter reads like a list of comparable inventors in narrative form. Later chapters get bogged down in tangents involving Birdseye family members, scientists of the 1600's and business men of the early 1900's. The final three chapters focus on Birdseye's exploits after he has made his fortune. This is where Clarence Birdseye's character and personality are brought to life. I would recommend readers interested in this subject go to the authors original biography"Birdseye: The Adventures of a Curious Man" which is only about 130 pages longer than this young audience adaptation.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Kurlansky, Mark

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacourt Press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385743884

Price: 15.99

Nest

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 19, 2015

Review

Set on Cape Cod in the 1970s. 11yr old Chirp loves bird watching, Trick or Treating and making her spirited dancer Mother smile. When Mom is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Chirp, her older sister, Rachel, and their Psychiatrist Dad each strive to keep the household running smoothly. The Mother's serious struggle with depression leads to a long stay in a psychiatric hospital. Each changing seasons or approaching holiday brings new challenges to Chirp, Rachel and Dad as they gradually realize their lives will never return to pre-diagnosis normal. The author has written a realistic representation of sisters who love each other but don't always get along. She has also created a Father who doesn't always get thing right, but is doing his best and a Mother who is simply overwhelmed. The minor characters as well as the main ones will stay with readers long after the last heart wrenching chapter. This is beautifully written realistic fiction that explores some tough situations i.e. depression, suicide and abuse. The author stays true to the 11/12 yr old voice and point of view throughout. Recommend for "Cream of the Crop".

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ehrlich, Ester

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385386074

Price: 16.99

Eliza Bing is (Not) a Big Fat Quitter

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

Eliza Bing's story is one 10-12 yr olds will relate to whether they have ADHD, as Eliza does, or not. The Bing family is struggling financially with one parent working long hours and the other going to school in hopes of a new career. Eliza desperately wants to take a baking class given by a celebrity chef, but the expense and her track record of quitting things causes her parents to say no. Eliza makes a deal with them to take over a spot in Taekwondo class from her Brother, prove she can stick with something and be enrolled in the next baking class. Eliza rises to so many challenges. She learns a new sport, learns to control her impulses, navigates new and old friendships and most of all gains confidence. Written entirely from Eliza'a point of view, readers get a glimpse int the day to day struggles of someone coping with ADHD. The author has written a main character that is easy to identify with, in a fast paced story with warmth, humor and a believable, satisfying ending. I would recommend this to a broad range of readers, for example, sports fans, reluctant readers or anyone who has ADHD or knows someone living with it.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Van Vleet, Carmella

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823429448

Price: 16.95

Strongheart: The World's First Movie Star Dog

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

This picture book biography is the story of a hard working German military police dog who was sent to America at the end of WW1 to be sold. A Hollywood animal trainer and his wife adopted him and taught him to play and perform in the first movie to star a dog. The police dog, Etzel, became the famous actor, Strongheart, who stared in many movies, fathered a line of acting dogs and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Readers will enjoy meeting this little known star and learning about dog training techniques in the early days of movie making. Colorful illustrations help set the story in the early 1900's and show the range of emotions of both the humans and animals. Author's note at the end fills readers in with more details about Strongheart's movie career and life.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustrator: McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt/ MacMillan

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805094480

Price: 17.99

Mr. Putter & Tabby, Turn the Page

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2015

Review

#23 in this series celebrates the compatibility of Mr. Putter and his cat, Tabby, and their shared enjoyment of books. Neighbors Mrs. Teaberry and her enthusiastic dog, Zeke, are up for any new adventure including reading stories together at the library Story Time. Readers learn from these familiar characters that there are different ways to enjoy books, stories, reading and the library. Short chapters, colorful and expressive illustrations and a well paced story make for an excellent addition to this early reader series. The library setting and final "Book Swap" chapter with the implied message to accept a book recommendation from a friend will make this a favorite with the adults that young readers live with.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rylant, Cynthis

Illustrator: Howard, Arthur

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780152060633

Price: 14.99

Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 24, 2015

Review

Frances Dean, wearing her red coat and purple sneakers dances with abandon as long as no one is watching. Her audience of birds leads her to a lone girl singing in the park. This inspires Frances to share her dances, eventually with a whole park full of joyful students. Readers will benefit from the example of Frances Dean gaining the courage to share her talent for and joy of dancing. The message that anyone can make the world a little better in their own individual way is subtly delivered by a nimble dancer in purple sneakers. Lively illustrations portray the joy of dancing in nature. The palette and use of long shadows evoke the Author's Northern European surroundings. A great story to read aloud to draw out a shy reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sif, Birgitta

Illustrator: Sif, Birgitta

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763673062

Price: 15.99

Dare The Wind: The Record-Breaking Voyage of Eleanor Prentiss and the Flying Cloud

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2015

Review

Eleanor Prentiss grew up in a seaport Massachusetts town in the mid 1800's with a sea captain father who taught her about ships, navigation and a love of sailing. She married a sea captain who shared her love of adventure and recognized her ability as a navigator. As a team, they raced the clipper ship, Flying Cloud, from NYC harbor around Cape Horn to San Francisco to deliver miners and supplies to the Gold Rush. The excitement, setbacks and challenges of the voyage are presented with just the right amount of detail in the text to give readers an understanding of the high stakes and scope of their accomplishment. Outlined watercolor illustrations evoke the period and atmosphere of this exciting, record breaking trip. The endpapers depict a compass and map of the Flying Cloud voyage, a necessary and appreciated addition. A brief glossary and extensive author's note add interesting background and detail to Ellen Prentiss story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fern, Tracey

Illustrator: McCully, Emily Arnold

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374316990

Price: 17.99

I Don't Want to be a Frog

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This lively Frog Father with Frog Son conversation runs through all the animals that the young frog wishes to be. As the young frog hopefully announces each possibility, cat, rabbit, owl, pig, the Father Frog patiently and practically points out the reasons these choices just won't work. The colorful uncluttered illustrations allow the story to be told using conversation bubbles without confusing the flow or getting bogged down. This humorous story's message,"You can't fight nature. We are what we are." is a light, fun conversation starter.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Petty, Dev

Illustrator: Boldt, Mike

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Doubleday books for young readers/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375973345

Price: 16.99

In Mary's Garden

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This picture book biography introduces young readers to Wisconsin Folk artist, Mary Nohl. As a young schoolgirl in the 1920s, Mary wasn't interested in traditional girl's classes. She explored woodworking and enjoyed construction, drawing and creating. The details of Mary noel's life are absent from this book, but the reader gets a good understanding of the techniques and materials she uses to create her sculptures. Her drive to create and the joy she got from living with her art shines through. The pastel watercolor and digital illustrations will inspire young readers to collect and create their own artwork from found objects. Author's note fills in some details of Ms. Nohl's art and the tenuous state of her sculpture garden today. Inspiring.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kugler, Tina & Carson

Illustrator: Kugler, Tina & Carson

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: biography / autobiography

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544272200

Price: 16.99

The Girl with the Glass Bird

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This Girl's Boarding School mystery is the first in this author's Knight's Haddon series. Main character, Edith Wilson(Edie), jumps at the chance to be enrolled in a posh boarding school in order to escape her uncaring Aunt and cruel cousins. Her boarding school enrollment comes with a catch. Russian Prince Stolonov, who is paying her tuition, charges Edie with befriending his daughter, Anastasia, and finding out why her possessions keep disappearing and her mental state is being questioned. The book is full of shifting friendships, unreliable adults and family mystery. Readers will struggle with keeping track of all the secondary characters. The adults are addressed by their last names or nicknames by the students but when talking to or about each other first names are used. This practice and inadequate character development cause some confusion. The complicated plot line will hold reader's interest and the happy ending is satisfying yet open for a sequel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kerr, Esme

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545699846

Price: 16.99

Half a Man

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

This brief compelling story deals with the aftermath of war and its effect on the returning warrior and their loved ones. Told by a disfigured soldier's Grandson, this concise, poignant story reveals both his fear and curiosity about his Grandfather as a person and his lifelong post war struggle. The illustrations are artistic, tonal screen prints that help tell the story and add to the atmosphere. This is a valuable volume to add to literature about engaging with disfigured or disabled individuals. a good choice for older reluctant readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Morpurgo, Michael

Illustrator: O'Callaghan, Gemma

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763677473

Price: 16.99

When Lunch Fights Back, Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2015

Review

The items on the lunch menu in this engaging middle grade non-fiction book include fish, reptiles, birds, invertebrates and plants. Each chapter opens with dramatic predator/prey interactions presented with compelling text and riveting photographs. This is followed by a section titled, "The Science Behind the Story" that describes each prey item's unique defense mechanism. Clear engaging text will hold the reader's interest as firmly as the impressive photographs and microscopic images used to illustrate each chapter. Even the photograph captions are well written and provide additional fascinating facts. The backmatter provides ample resource options for further exploration. This is an excellent choice for both non-fiction lovers who read cover to cover or for browsers interested in collecting amazing facts.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Johnson, Rebecca L

Illustrator: , various photographs

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Hillbrook Press/ Lerner Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467721097

Price: 24.00

Won Ton and Chopstick, A Cat and Dog Tale Told in Haiku

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This Cat vs. Puppy tale told in Haiku is the second book by this author/illustrator team featuring Won Ton the cat. In this volume, the family, particularly Won Ton's boy, adopts an adorable puppy which results in Won Ton's daily routine being shattered. The usual dog vs. cat conflicts are explored in short bursts of creative senryu poems. Most of the poems wouldn't stand alone, but together they form a satisfying story of change, adjustment and friendship. The quality of the artwork is superb and integral to the story, providing meaning to many of the poems. The illustrations also give the characters personality and enhances the emotion of the story.This would be useful for families welcoming a new baby or pet, or in a classroom as part of a poetry lesson.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ward, Lee

Illustrator: Yelchin, Eugene

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805099874

Price: 17.99

Yard Sale

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

Yard Sale is a melancholy story about a family moving from a comfortable neighborhood house to a small city apartment. The child, Callie, is understandably bothered by the yard sale that has strangers examining and driving off with most of their possessions. This talented author/ illustrator team have collaborated to tackle the hard topic of a family dealing with a financial downturn and a change in living circumstances. The text is ambiguous about the reason for the family's move but it clearly portrays the child's emotions and the parent's supportive response. The warm, muted illustrations capture the sad tone but also the strong bond of the family. The book leaves the reader with the message that it is the people in the family and their bond that matter, not the things they had to get rid of. An admirable sentiment and a useful book. The book is targeted for readers 3-7 yrs old, but could be useful for an older audience or as a writing prompt. I'm recommending this one for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bunting, Eve

Illustrator: Castillo, Lauren

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665425

Price: 15.99

Whale Trails, Before and Now

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This whale watching story is told by a young girl who is her father's first mate on his excursion boat, the Cuffee. Each event in the present day pleasure cruise, from passing out pamphlets at the start of the trip to cleaning the boat at its dusk return, is compared to a distant past's whaling voyage with the whales hunted as a valuable commodity. Each page shows a current day, colorful dock or boat scene with its description of the day's journey. The corresponding, facing page is done in sepia tones, evoking the past, and describes some similar aspect of life in the 1800's and the whaling industry. This makes the story easy to follow and enjoyable for present day readers to compare and contrast current and past harbor town lifestyles. Back matter includes a note about the Whaling Industry and the conservation status of whales. Also a glossary and further reading suggestions are included. This will hold interest for a variety of readers and the direct present/past illustrations will encourage multiple readings.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cline-Ransome, Lesa

Illustrator: Karas, G. Brian

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/ Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805096422

Price: 17.99

Game Time Mallory

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This is the 23rd book in this young reader series featuring fourth grader Mallory McDonald and her friends. As with the other titles, Mallory encounters a problem or personal challenge and overcomes it with the support of her friends and the help of some kind, wise adults. Malory and her friends are likable individuals that the author has written with authentic actions and emotions. The plot in this one revolves around Mallory joining a basketball team and struggling with nerves. The story moves along at a good pace and the resolution is believable and satisfying. This is a good series for 7-10 yr olds who enjoy spending time with the same characters for multiple volumes. The illustrator of this volume, #23, started drawing these characters in volume #10 of the series and does a nice job enhancing the story and moving it along with good, economical sketches.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Friedman, Laurie

Illustrator: Kalis, Jennifer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books/ Lerner Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467709231

Price: 15.99

Special Delivery

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This whimsical picture book is a delight from the cover illustration and the publisher's page to the resolution page and beyond. Sadie's mission is to deliver an elephant to her Great-Aunt Josephine,"who lives almost completely alone". Planes, trains and ice cream trucks are some of the methods used to transport the cooperative elephant. When Sadie, the elephant and three mice who appear in every scene arrive at Great'Aunt Josephine's house the reader discovers the special relationship this Great Aunt and niece share. The colorful, scribbly illustrations capture the fast moving pace of the journey, but contain wonderful details to be discovered with multiple readings.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stead, Philip

Illustrator: Cordell, Matthew

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: A Neal Porter Book/ Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596439313

Price: 17.99

Where's the Pair? A Spotting Book

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This activity picture book provides the reader with a clue in poetry to help spot the two identical individuals from within the wallpaper like illustrations. Similar to the author's' previous book, "The Odd One Out", but slightly harder. Very appealing collage type illustrations of animal groups often with the unusual group name included in the rhyme. For instance, a sloth of bears, a romp of otters, a scurry of squirrels and more. This book is best shared with small groups or for one on one reading.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Teckentrup, Britta

Illustrator: Teckentrup, Britta

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Big Picture Press/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763677725

Price: 14.99

Can We Help? Kids Volunteering to Help their Communities

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

The book starts with an encouraging, short introduction that presents possible ways children can help others in their community. The author proceeds with a more in-depth presentation of ongoing projects involving knitting hats for homeless shelter clients,various food pantry tasks, working with assistance dogs, mentorship and environmental community service. Each project is clearly described and amply photographed. The photographs show children of various ages working on actual organized projects, which will make it easy for young readers to imagine themselves doing similar things. This book serves as a good, broad introduction to the concept of community service. The lack of back matter, listing further print or web resources limits the book's usefulness

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ancona, George

Illustrator: Ancona, George

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673673

Price: 16.99

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree grabs the reader from the first two pages. Maine island life, a bug eating younger brother, a caring older brother and a fairy tree are rapidly introduced in this two page first chapter. Piper Green is entering second grade with firm expectations about her teacher and her classmates that don't pan out. The author does a great job with the island setting, capturing the atmosphere of a close knit community and the portrayal of a strong willed second grader. At least one full page illustration per chapter helps the reader imagine the setting and action. Realistic dialogue and an impulsive, self-confident main character are two elements that make this an enjoyable first book in a series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, Ellen

Illustrator: Leng, Qin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: A Borzoi Book/ Alfred A Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780553499230

Price: 14.99

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

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree, Too Much Good Luck

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

Piper Green, second grader, is back, riding a lobster boat to school and again dealing with plans that don't quite pan out the way she expects. in this second title of the Piper Green and the Fairy Tree series, Piper knows about the fairy tree in her yard and its unusual ability to surprise and provide her with something useful. Piper's day starts out with three lucky events( in her opinion) but with the addition of a fourth lucky event, everything begins to unravel. This second book of the series doesn't disappoint. It has the same authentic, smart dialogue, fast paced story telling and satisfying ending as the first book. Again the full page pen and ink illustrations add to the action and atmosphere of the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, Ellen

Illustrator: Leng, Qin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: A Borzoi Book/ Alfred a Knopf

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553499278

Price: 14.99

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

The Most Amazing Creatures in the Sea

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

This non-fiction presentation of a variety of large and small awe inspiring sea creatures is interactive and attention getting. The first double page spread begins with the query "Who is the most amazing creature in the sea?" What follows is a parade of candidates introduced with a name and short, superlative packed description running at the bottom 20% of the double page spread. The accompanying illustrations of these remarkable creatures will illicit ahhs and ewwes from readers. The illustrator has used a wide variety of muted colors to evoke the undersea habitat, while also capturing the drama of these animal's lives. The final page again asks the reader to decide which animal is the most amazing. This will naturally lead to a second reading. The back matter includes a thoughtful author's note, bibliography and list of online resources. A bit more additional information on each individual animal in the style of the author's previous book "Frog Song" included in the back matter would have elevated this to an excellent rating in this reviewer's opinion.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Guiberson, Brenda

Illustrator: Spirin, Gennady

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: poor

ISBN: 9780805099614

Price: 17.99

Look Both Ways in the Barrio Blanco

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Libry, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2015

Review

Twelve year old Jacinta's family lives a tenuous life in a Colorado city. Jacinta and her siblings were born in the United States, but their parents and Aunt are undocumented immigrants from Mexico. The book illustrates the dilemma of living half hidden to protect the family and the complicated effects that has on everyone involved. Jacinta spends much of her time after school at a neighborhood youth center. A chance meeting there with a local semi-celebrity newswoman gives her a glimpse into another lifestyle. Jacinta's actions, while understandable for a 12 yr. old, endanger the family and jeopardize Kate, the newswoman's career. None of the characters are strictly black/white, good/bad, but neither is this currently topical situation. A well written, suspenseful road trip ending make this a satisfying read. Good opportunity for discussion of immigration and it's gray areas.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Rose, Judith

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763672355

Price: 16.99

The Forget-Me-Not Summer

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

The Silver sisters, Marigold, Zinnia and Lily live in L.A. with their parents who are involved in the entertainment industry. Encouraged by her interest in acting and a small TV show part, Marigold(12yr) vigorously pursues an agent and a role in a book to movie project. Middle sister, Zinnia(11yr), try to emulate her talented older sister which frustrates Zinnia and annoys Marigold. The Silver parents jobs require them to work out of town for three weeks in July which results in the three sisters spending time on Cape Cod with a little known aunt in a town next to a "different" ocean. The day to day details of the sister's new normal provide opportunities for each of them to face challenges, mature and become aware of the other sister's point of view. All three sisters have likable and distasteful aspects of their personalities, but this helps the reader to stay interested in their journey. Great Aunt Sunny is a font of wisdom, but also has a blind side which the girls help her to overcome. This is good escapist entertainment for middle grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction, sibling rivalry and a well written, feel good ending.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Howland, Leila

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062318695

Price: 16.99

How the Sun Got to Coco's House

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This picture book story of the Sun's daily appearances as the earth rotates through one dry will leave readers viewing the Sun in a whole new light. The author/illustrator has chosen wonderful action words to bring the sun to life and paired the text with soft colored illustrations touched by sunlight in ordinary and extraordinary ways. The sun is such a welcome presence on a Winter day. The reader is given a glimpse into the dawning of the day in countries from East to West, ending with Coco's house. This quiet book will help awaken awareness in young readers of just how big the world is. Great as a calming story time read aloud or for a cozy bedtime read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Graham, Bob

Illustrator: Graham, Bob

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763681098

Price: 17.99

Job Wanted

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

A hungry, stray dog wanders onto a farm and asks the no nonsense farmer if he needs a dog. No, the farmer is only willing to take on cows or chickens or animals who will earn their keep. Dog tries to help with the cows, the plowing and the chickens but he can never be anything but a dog. Each rejection by the farmer is followed by the line, "The dog was disappointed but not discouraged". A great opportunity for young listeners to learn these two words and their meaning. Ultimately the farmer is convinced that his farm really needs a good dog and the dog is rewarded with a hug, a job, and a home. Beautifully illustrated with soft colors and each page is flooded with sunlight and shadows. This is a good choice for a thought provoking read aloud.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bateman, Teresa

Illustrator: Sheban, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823433919

Price: 16.95

Remaking the John, The Invention and Reinvention of the Toilet

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

In just 55 pages, the author covers the evolution of how people eliminate their waste, the history, terminology and innovation of toilets and the management of human waste products in a variety of ancient and present day cultures. The topic will draw in many readers ready to giggle over a subject not often mentioned in polite society. These same readers will come away with ample facts about the role toilets, or lack of them, have played in human history and in current health and natural resource crises. The text is written in short, fact filled declarative sentences so the resulting narrative is somewhat stilted. There is abundant use of photographs, historical illustrations and diagrams but the placement of these often don't match up well with the text. Still, this high interest topic is presented in a way that readers will acquire entertaining facts to share with others and gain an understanding of the crucial role that clean, safe toilets play in all of our lives. Back matter includes an index, source notes, bibliography and suggestions for further reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dipiazza, Francesca

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467726450

Price: 24.00

The Improbable Theory of Ana & Zak

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

Circumstances bring A+ student Ana, her wiz kid younger brother Clayton and sci-fi enthusiast Zak together on a school trip to Seattle for a Quiz bowl competition. Zak would rather be spending his weekend at a sci-fi convention across town and talks up the event to the extent that 13 yr old Clayton sneaks off to the con after the team wins their first round of quiz bowl. Ana is forced to enlist Zak's help to find her brother at the enormous convention. Along the way we learn why Ana is compelled to be perfect academically and socially as well as why Zak has created his own family from among his sci-fi gaming friends. The race against time to locate Clayton and return unnoticed give Ana and Zak one wild night among countless zany characters and surreal situations. By morning they have launched a friendship and gained valuable insight about themselves. Fast moving scenes full of humor, interesting secondary characters and plot twists propel the story to a satisfying ending. This will appeal to a broad range of readers, male or female, and fans of both science fiction and realistic fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Katcher, Brian

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/ Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062272775

Price: 17.99

I'm New Here

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

The author has given readers a clear, concise presentation of the newcomer's experience of joining a new school, community and/or country and all that has to be learned and adapted to. The economic yet creative use of words paired with the bold colored illustrations result in a book that gives us insight the frustrations and challenges of entering a classroom with no English language skills. Examples of three children from different cultures, Maria from Guatemala, Jin from Korea and Fatima from Somalia show them enjoying friends and pastimes in their native countries and the initial struggles to function and fit in to a new foreign environment. The illustrations adeptly portray feelings like alone, confused and sad as well as the satisfaction of new beginnings and a new home. All three classrooms shown here model how important schools and peers are in being accepting and supportive of newcomers. All school library should have a copy of this book. I'm recommending this one for the Cream of the Crop list.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

O'Brien, Anne Sibley

Illustrator: O'Brien, Anne Sibley

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781580896122

Price: 16.95

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

Frog on a Log?

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

This thoroughly enjoyable rhyming book features a know it all cat and a frog who doesn't want to sit on his appointed seat, a log. In thoughtful, rapid succession, cat supplies the answers to all of frog's questions about who in the animal kingdom sits where. Some of the rhyming paired sitters and seats make sense, as in, cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs and mules sit on stools. Other pairs are a bit of a stretch but delightfully ridiculous...gorillas sit on pillars, gophers on sofas and lions on irons. Readers will quickly catch on to the convention that the animal and its seat have to rhyme and will begin making up their own pairs. The humorous ending will provoke questions and more rhyming. This is a good early introduction for a poetry class but would also be a just for fun story time choice.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gray, Kes

Illustrator: Field, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545687911

Price: 16.99

My Family Tree and Me

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

Reading front to middle and then back to middle, the reader is introduced to four generations of the little red haired boy narrator's family. Starting with his father's side we first meet his great-great grandparents illustrated with sepia tones and in vaguely european setting. As the pages turn, the next generation is shown as adults with wives or husbands, each picture incorporating a bit more color. Beginning with the final page and moving toward the middle of the book, the young narrator's mother's ancestral line is presented in the same style culminating in a multigenerational, all inclusive centerfold family portrait. This portrait is full of color and includes literally everyone an their dog. This book is a good introduction to how family relationships work regarding Aunts, Uncles and cousins. None of the extended family is divorced so there is no discussion of star parents, half siblings and the like. Still a good beginning concept book that is suited to one on one reading. The illustrations are lovely and valuable for picking out similar physical characteristics among the family groups.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Petricic, Dusan

Illustrator: Petricic, Dusan

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771380492

Price: 16.95

Beyond the Pond

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

This beautifully illustrated picture book follows young Ernest D. and his dog as they explore the bottomless pond behind their small, ordinary house. Ernest D. does all his prep work then dives in, head first, to see where his exploration will lead. Ernest D. and his dog's journey is a tribute to exercising the imagination, embracing new places and being open to new experiences. Ernest D's reaction on returning to his backyard pond is captured in an Oliver Wendell Holmes quote. "A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions". The author/ illustrator's digital artwork conveys the drama and arc of the story through the use of dark, light and unique perspective. Some unusual word choices are used that will expand young listener's vocabulary. This one is probably best shared in a small group or one on one, rather than a large lively story hour group.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kuefler, Joseph

Illustrator: Kuefler, Joseph

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062364272

Price: 17.99

I See a Pattern Here

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

This title follows the author's previous books about estimation and probability. This book explores patterns and heightens the reader's ability to identify them in math, nature and art. Starting with the simple definition, "A pattern is something that repeats" and accompanied by photographs of familiar objects that feature basic patterns, the stage is set to build on the reader's new found knowledge. Each new, increasingly complex, concept is introduced with clear text and helpful diagram/photographs. Text bubbles labeled "MathSpeak" are also attached to each new idea to give readers the authentic math term for each new topic. This colorful, interactive concept book is useful for a broad age range. It is a basic introduction to recognizing patterns for young readers, but the book also challenges more advanced readers to predict sequences and grasp more complex aspects of patterns such as symmetry, rotation, tessellation and more. This book could also be used in a variety of art lessons.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Goldstone, Bruce

Illustrator: Goldstone, Bruce

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805092097

Price: 17.99

Ace Dragon Ltd

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Ace, the sewer dwelling dragon meets young John, who typically walks busy streets with a sword lashed to his belt. In a very civilized conversation, through an Ace Dragon LTD sewer manhole cover, Ace and John arrange to meet and do battle in an empty lot. John wins the battles and is treated to a soaring ride as the dragon skywriters and eventually lands on a golden moon. Clever problem solving and Ace's special talent allow the two to land safely back on earth, all in time for supper. The story starts and ends with a discussion of what Ltd stands for and the meaning of the word. This "limited" word play will be lost on younger readers, but the story stands on its own in spite of that. This is a slightly longer format than most picture books, but would work well for any story hour, especially if there are dragon fans. This is a whimsical, absurd, delightful story of friendship and adventure by a well known and loved author and illustrator team. Originally published in Great Britain in 1980.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hoban, Russell

Illustrator: Blake, Quentin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674823

Price: 16.99

The Plan

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

This is a rich story of a little girl's dream told in spare, one word picture captions. Each word changes in one letter progressions to relate the tale. For example, plan becomes plane, then planet, plant and so on. In the story, a young girl and her dog live on a farm with her Dad and an abandoned biplane next to the chicken coop. The girl dreams of flying in the plane one day and draws out her plan in a notebook. When she finds her Dad's old album of his flying days she shares her plan with him and the two, plus the dog, begin making her dream come true. The story is full of love, emotions, well developed characters and a very enjoyable ending. The author used only 20 words to tell the story. Each word begins with the letter "p" and changes by one letter from frame to frame. The illustrations perfectly express the setting and emotions of the story. They depict the one word captions and provide the reader with all they need to get lost in this heartwarming tale. I am recommending this for "Cream of the Crop".

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Paul, Alison

Illustrator: Lehman, Barbara

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544283336

Price: 17.99

Ragweeds's Farm Dog Handbook

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

Ragweed , the farm dog, is very accomplished in all aspects of his occupation and is willing to share his knowledge with his readers. This tongue-in-cheek handbook delivers guidelines and advice on what a farm dog's responsibilities are as well as some common mistakes and consequences. This will be a big hit for story time. The story proceeds with a predictable pattern involving expected behavior, failure, consequence and always a desirable outcome. For example Ragweed advises, don't wake the farmer, that is the rooster's job. If you do wake the farmer, you will kicked outside, but you will also get a biscuit. The loose colorful illustrations depict iconic farm scenes and animals. The main character is endearingly drawn as a scruffy, googly-eyed dog who is full of energy, mischief and wisdom. This book would be a good choice for young readers preparation for a farm field trip or a career day activity.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kennedy, Anne Vittur

Illustrator: Kennedy, Anne Vittur

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763674175

Price: 15.99

Manatee Rescue

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 8, 2016

Review

This title in the "Heroes of the Wild" series tells the story of a young girl, Manuela, and her cousin who nurse a baby manatee back to health and release it into its Amazon River habitat. The story begins with young Manuela canoe fishing with her father. Fish are scarce, but they eventually come upon a mother manatee and calf, a prize catch that will benefit the whole village. The experience changes Manuela's thinking about hunting for manatees and with the help of her cousin she is able to sway the attitudes of the village fishermen toward conserving manatees and managing their fishery. Based on a true story and peopled with an eccentric Grandmother, a supportive community and a truly unlikable villain, readers will want to spend more time in this village than the 100 pages the author uses to effectively draw us in. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, with the perfect balance of emotion, suspense and education. This book as well as others in this series are a good choice for older reluctant readers. Readers from grade 3 and up who enjoy a well told story with environmental themes will enjoy this book and this series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Davies, Nicola

Illustrator: Wright, Annabel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763678302

Price: 14.99