Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: Oakley the Squirrel: the search for Z. A nutty alphabet book by Nancy Rose

 I have temporarily set aside my enmity with the plethora of local squirrels to do battle with the chipmunks. They are adorable, but when they reproduce they are EVERYWHERE. I currently have 5 little rodents zipping across my tiny garden like ping-pong balls, giving me dirty looks when I squirt them with the water pistol, digging holes, and devouring all deterrents (they especially like pepper-flavored plants). So this seemed like a good time to reconcile with the squirrels and review Nancy Rose's latest miniature masterpiece.

Rose has been delighting readers for quite a few years with her exquisitely crafted and photographed scenes of squirrels in miniature settings. Now she's going even smaller, taking her picture book format down to board books and the inevitable alphabet book.

The new hero is Oakley, although it's not clear if this is just one squirrel taken at multiple different times of year (in one picture they are clearly molting) or a series of squirrels. The smaller ears and lack of ear-tufts make me think this is a juvenile red squirrel (or succession of same). Rose's real genius lies in the creation of her miniature landscapes and the patience to wait for just the perfect pose.

Oakley is shown in an alphabetical adventure, searching for the letter Z in 26 different scenes, from "Foraging in the fireplace" (which turns out to be "fruitless) to perching on a toy tractor and scaling a small twig swingset. There are tiny polymer clay foods, mini umbrellas and shoes, and even tiny sweaters hung next to a squirrel-sized washing machine and ironing board.

Oakley finishes the day unsuccessful in finding the Z - except in his dreams. The tiny details of the intricate photographs are not really aimed at the typical audience for a board book - babies and toddlers - who are unlikely to be able to distinguish the details, although they will enjoy finding the squirrel in each picture. However, older children (and adults) will be endlessly entertained by Oakley's antics and possibly even inspired to a little creation of their own by Rose's delightful miniatures.

Verdict: This is the best kind of novelty book, sure to attract readers of a variety of ages despite its board book format, and just right for making childhood memories.

ISBN: 9781523510412; Published June 2021 by Workman; Purchased for the library; Review copy provided by the publisher.

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Squish Squash Squished by Rebecca Kraft Rector, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

 This fresh take on the "noisy house" folktale motif is full of fun and even some gentle lessons.

From a little cottage in the woods, a jeans-clad mom calls her kids, Max and Molly, to "jiggety-jog" into town in their "gracious-spacious" automobile. The family appears Asian. Max and Molly, of course, promptly start bickering and complaining the minute they start that they are "squished" and "squashed."

But Mom has the solution! She invites Peter Jeeter (a pig in a stylish hat) and his piglet, Dolly Waddle and her ducklings, Inch Pinch and her puppies... with each new addition, Max and Molly complain that they are squished and squashed as the new riders oink, meow, and climb all over them. Finally, when they can't get any more "SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED" the two get the hint and when mom slows down to say hi to a family of cows they "hush-mush" and as the various animals are dropped off at their destination discover that the car is, indeed, a "gracious-spacious" automobile.

Muted colors and clean lines show a little red car zipping through the countryside and picking up smartly-dressed animals along the way. The backseat chaos is a humorous contrast to the peaceful landscape and Mom's serene smile will appeal to any parent who's every had squabblers in the back.

The wordplay and sing-song rhythm make this a perfect storytime choice, but it's also a good book for families to read before taking a drive in the car!

Verdict: A fun additional purchase. Recommended.

ISBN: 9780525516835; Published February 2021 by Nancy Paulsen; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

Sunday, June 27, 2021

This week at the library; or, The summer continues


 This week was so complicated I've written out at least three detailed lists of instructions for staff (and myself) on what goes where and when.

Programs

  • Family storytime (2 programs) (Pattie)
  • Grow a story (Terri)
  • Teen outdoor challenge (Jess)
  • Summer school pre-kindergarten field trip (4 sessions)
Projects
  • Early literacy and STEAM activity calendars for July/August
  • Facebook posts for July
  • Summer reading preparations for July
  • Additional programs and updates to calendars

Thursday, June 24, 2021

J. D. and the great barber battle by J. Dillard, illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts

 This is totally different than any other early chapter series I've seen - the closest thing would be Sharon Draper's Clubhouse Mysteries.

J.D. lives with his mom, grandparents, and older sister and younger brother and it's the night before he starts third grade. According to family tradition, he gets his first haircut tonight and he desperately wants it to be a cool one, although he knows the odds aren't good, especially when his mom cuts it. But he never thought it would be so bad! After two weeks of utter humiliation at school, church, and home and a failed attempt to straighten his hair, he bites the bullet, gets his mom's clippers, and fixes his haircut himself (after practicing on his little brother first!) And... he's good. Really good.

In fact, with his artistic talent and a spare set of clippers he's good enough to get other kids interested and start making some money. This is important, because there's not a lot of money in his crowded house. Unlike his best friend Jordan, he doesn't have the latest clothes, video games, or toys. He doesn't even have a Marvel characters lunch box, just a plain brown bag. It turns out he can make quite a bit of money since there aren't many barbering choices in town - it's either your parents or Mr. Henry, the traditional (and boring) family barbershop in town.

And Mr. Henry isn't happy. When he gets J.D. into trouble, and then shuts him down, J.D. has to figure out a plan to keep his business going, keep the money coming in, and spread cool haircuts to all his friends. What about a competition? But what will happen if J.D. loses - or, possibly even worse - wins?

Black and white illustrations are a perfect fit with this peppy narrative, showing a predominantly Black community in a small southern town, and a wide range of families. The theme of family and church is a strong one, but Dillard doesn't shy away from the economic differences and realities of a small town. Although the solution to the competition may not be especially realistic, it's a satisfying one and J.D. is a real kid, aware of his family's financial struggles, sometimes jealous of his best friend's wealthier lifestyle, and frustrated with not being able to fit in.

Verdict: For the readers in my small, midwestern town, this is another world, from the focus on haircuts and styles, the behavior of kids in school, to the slang and the general culture of the South. J.D. is a relatable character in many ways, despite how unfamiliar his life may be to my audience. It's great to see something that introduces kids to a different part of American life with humor and a fun plot. This might not be for everyone, but I think it's worth taking a chance that your kids will be into it.

ISBN: 9780593111529; Published February 2021 by Kokila; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: ABC cats, 123 cats by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Isabella Kung


 For readers who love fluffy, furry, purring kitties, these two new board books are just right for a cozy evening storytime.

Each uses simple sentences to walk readers through the alphabet and numbers from one to twelve. For the alphabet, each page features a different letter, entwined with a cat, and an alphabetical list of adjectives. Grouchy cat is a calico with twitching tail, flattened ears, and narrowed eyes, peering through a capital G. Rowdy cat is another calico, but much fluffier, with black ears and smoke gray tail. They stretch up through a bright orange R, mouth wide open in a loud yowl. Sadly, although there are several gray or black and white cats, there are no black cats pictured.

The counting book features a growing collection of cats, starting with a bored gray cat, who is joined by a small black and white kitten. More cats, purring, pouncing, creepy, and napping appear until they number twelve, the round dozen completed with a small white, green-eyed kitten. The final spread shows the cats playfully pouncing, sleeping, or playing with the numbers from one to twelve.

Kung's illustrations show a variety of sizes, shapes, and fur colors, although sadly no black cats are pictured. Most are fluffy and their fur tends to be in soft, smudged colors without clear stripes or spots.

Verdict: These simple but sweet board books are just right for the little kitty-lover in your life. Purchase them for your library collection to balance out the preponderance of dogs in children's literature or give as a gift to a friend or their toddler who can't get enough of cats and kittens.

123 Cats
ISBN: 9781536209952

ABC Cats
ISBN: 9781536209945

Published April 2021 by Candlewick; Review copies provided by publisher; Donated to the library


Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Someone builds the dream by Lisa Wheeler and Loren Long

 I don't really care for rhyming picture books and I've never been a fan of Loren Long's art, but for this particular topic I will take both and like them!

The scene opens with a winding river outside a city and a number of derelict structures. Advancing on the scene are three figures in safety gear and hard hats and their machines. "All across this great big world/jobs are getting done/by many hands in many lands./It takes much more than one."

This is the theme throughout the book; the importance, dignity, and beauty of labor. A diverse collection of race and gender is shown in the architects, planners, and artists who design things, and is echoed in the workers who build their dreams and make them reality. Working together, they build a house, a bridge, a playful fountain in a park, windmills for energy, an amusement park, and finally, a book. While a range of skin tones and implied genders is shown in the working crews and office jobs, only one person with a visible disability is shown (a man in a wheelchair working the printing press) and all the workers are shown as slim and fit, with muscled arms.

Long has a recognizable, classic style that has been used to re-illustrate a number of classic stories as well as popular series, usually showing idealized visions of small-town or rural America. Although this is certainly in that idealized mode, and Wheeler's rhyming text is rather heavy-handed, the combination is sure to attract parents and teachers who enjoy this type of book. The draw for me is the recognition of the labor force without creating boundaries between them and the readers. The neutral presentation allows kids to identify themselves and their families with either the dreamers or the builders. I keep thinking of Brian Floca's Keeping the city going which was beautiful but written from a viewpoint of privilege, assuming the readers were all staying home while "they" kept the city going. Here, all labor is celebrated and kids can be proud of their parents' contributions, whether they are the hands that build or the mind that dreams, as well as dreaming themselves of how they want to be part of the process in their own future.

Verdict: A timely and important book, which will work well as a read-aloud and encourage children to appreciate and value all labor. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781984814333; Published March 2021 by Dial; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

Sunday, June 20, 2021

This week at the library; or, If I wanted to live in a burning wasteland I would have stayed in Texas

at least the portulaca is enjoying itself


 Ahem. It is an unusually hot and dry start to summer here in Wisconsin and I am frankly miserable. I thoroughly empathize with all the people who don't even have the small, partial a/c that I do. I am thankful that I only booked myself to do a monthly outdoor program and the other staff doing outdoor stuff have a much higher heat tolerance than I do.

Programs

  • Dungeons & Dragons (Jess)
  • Family Storytime (2 sessions) (Pattie)
  • Kite days in Tasch Park (me, reluctantly, although the heat wasn't bad but I did get burned)
  • We Explore Art: Julie Paschkis (me, at least it wasn't outdoors, not that the community room is much cooler)

Friday, June 18, 2021

The outdoor scientist by Temple Grandin

 I have many young readers who are interested in Temple Grandin and liked her book about invention, so I automatically purchased this new title when it came out. However, I didn't expect to fall in love with it myself.

In a conversational tone, Grandin wanders through her own childhood and outdoor experiences exploring the discoveries just waiting to be made in the night sky, at the beach, and in studying animals. Although it may appear to some to be rambling, it seemed like a perfectly natural connection of ideas to me and very similar to the way I've observed children explore interests. For example, in talking about the woods Grandin starts with a story from her childhood, explaining how much being able to play outside meant to her as she struggled with both academic and social challenges. She talks about all the things she and the other kids did after school and outdoors, then pauses for a quick tutorial on making your own sheet tent. Her story continues, branching into climbing trees, an adult encounter with a woman who hosts camps for kids to "detox" from electronics, then taking another break for a reminiscence about reading Swiss Family Robinson as a child and watching The Martian as an adult, then a guide to building your own treehouse. This moves naturally to identifying different types of trees, then a craft on making pinecone animals, then back to identifying trees which leads to the composition of leaves, which leads to a discussion of chlorophyll, and then to an outdoor artist, Andy Goldsworthy.

This isn't really a book to be used in research (Kirkus says there are factual errors, although it doesn't say what they are) and it isn't a craft book - it's an homage to the joy of exploring and observing nature, inspiring both children and adults to get outside and appreciate the natural world.

Verdict: I'm glad to have bought this and I know many families, especially our homeschooling and charter school families, who will appreciate it as well as young readers who are tired of screens and want to try something else.

ISBN: 9780593115558; Published April 2021 by Philomel; Purchased for the library

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Branching into chapters: Jeanie & Genie: The first wish by Trish Granted, illustrated by Manuela Lopez

  Jeanie Bell, a brown-skinned girl with voluminous curly hair, likes everything organized and ordinary. But when a pink-hued Willow arrives at her school, she disrupts Jeanie Bell's ordinary life. Everything about Willow sparkles, glitters, and tinkles. Even though she doesn't seem to understand how school works, Jeanie Bell does her best to be kind and welcome the new girl and eventually she becomes the first and only person to be trusted with Willow's secret - she is a genie in training and can grant wishes. Sort of.

This is another title from Little Simon that seems to be turned out to fit a specific mold - sparkly girl stories in this case. There is a little more diversity than I've seen in previous books from this imprint - Willow has brown skin and some reviews say she and her family present as Latinx, after getting deeper into the series. Most of the teachers have names that read as non-white - Ms. Patel, Ms. Martinez. Black and white illustrations are present on most pages and it's a quick, easy reader for intermediate chapter readers.

I've had a lot of requests for Little Simon titles this year, as the teachers I work with are struggling to fill the gaps for readers who have fallen behind. Little Simon can churn out seemingly endless books in these series and kids devour them quickly. However, I often find aspects that are disappointing in them. This book switched back and forth between Jeanie Bell and Willow's perspective in a way that I think an intermediate reader would find confusing. I think making Jeanie Bell white - and a genie with a little lamp to work her magic - is sticky. There are a lot of complex histories and stereotypes wound up in "Arabian Nights" tropes. I also don't like that the Jeanie Bell is positioned as the listener and the person who experiences Willow's magic, rather than having more agency of her own.

This may be overthinking what is basically filler chapter books, but if all kids want is a quick story with a little magic, they can check out Heidi Heckelbeck, which I already have. Admittedly it is not as diverse, at least on the cover, but it's less problematic. I'd go for one of their other series like Mia Mayhem if I was going to invest in another lengthy chapter series. Incidentally, I'm curious as to who actually writes these or if they're group-written (is that a word?) which may account for some of the anodyne qualities.

Verdict: If you just need to fill your shelves - and the kids' hands - with intermediate chapter books, pile this one in. If you're able to be more choosy, I'd go for Zoey and Sassafras, Mia Mayhem, Princess Truly, or one of the Capstone series like Astrid and Apollo.

ISBN: 9781534474659; Published January 2021 by Little Simon; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: What do you want, little friend? by Marianne Dubuc


 I love Marianne Dubuc, and Princeton Architectural Press produces some amazing and unique books, but it always gives me pause when there are no copies of a book in my whole consortium, which is quite large. So I went ahead and bought this one myself, to take a look at it.

It is adorable, but I can see why it isn't more widely owned, as it's rather odd. A kitten runs across the page, stepping on a fly. There is an "ouch!" written on the page, but it's not clear if it's an exclamation from the fly or a comment from the narrator. The rest of the book consists of the kitten trying to coax the (possibly dead) fly to get up and move. Meanwhile, as this drama carries on, another little story is happening as a group of ants quietly remove the kitten's kite. Once the kitten figures out what the fly does want (a kiss) both continue on their way, with the kite flying solo across the back page.

Dubuc's simple and enigmatic style is well-suited to this quirky little board book, and fans of her art will enjoy the story and mull over the possible meanings and the ending, although it is less likely to appeal to babies or toddlers.

Verdict: As much as I enjoy Dubuc, I can't say I'd recommend this for the average library board book collection. It's just a little too odd.

ISBN: 9781616899448; Published 2020 by Princeton Architectural Press; Purchased personally

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Duck Duck Moose by Mary Sullivan

 I have to admit that I often find picture books that double as early readers to be annoying. They're the wrong format to be shelved in the early reader section, but how will kids find them in the picture books, which are generally meant to be read aloud? However, sometimes they're just so fun that you have to get them and just hope they will be found - and early readers will pick up on reading together with the adult reader.

Mary Sullivan has written and illustrated several books with minimal or no text that combine humor and comic-style speech bubbles and panels. This one opens with a white child, wearing a scarf around their head, a stubby ponytail, and big glasses running frantically across a grassy hill and yelling "Duck, Duck, Moose! Duck, Duck, Moose!" Turn the page and find said moose and two ducks playing cards at a table with a polka-dot table-cloth. Startled, they ask, "What? WHAT? WHAT?and the child asks "Where is Goose?" The rest of the story continues along these lines as the friends frantically repeat their queries, searching the farmyard, get attacked by wasps, and finally settle into bed. But the next morning... guess who shows up? It's Goose! Dance party for everyone, except perhaps Goose, who appears to have gone on a little vacation!

The simple rhyming text is repeated to add humor and strengthen the rhymes, as well as assist kids in building their vocabulary. Sullivan's goofy pictures show farm animals in various states of dress, splashing in the mud, in the bathtub, and bouncing around in Big Moe, the tractor.

Verdict: This works both as a read-aloud and a read-together and makes a fun addition to any library collection.

ISBN: 9780358313496; Published March 2021 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Purchased for the library

Monday, June 14, 2021

The wisdom of trees: How trees work together to form a natural kingdom by Lita Judge

 Lita Judge has written a number of excellent picture books and elementary nonfiction titles about a variety of nature and science subjects and this latest book combines some of her more familiar styles with a new format.

Each spread includes a page and a half illustration, shown in Judge's signature soft, fuzzy pastel style. Roots twist and turn underground, green puffs out from trees in blurry shapes, and natural but cute-looking animals move about. A poem is included on this page, set against the background of earth or in a clearing around which the trees bend. The remaining third of the page includes a lengthy paragraph addressing different aspects of trees from their effect on the environment to new discoveries in how they communicate and grow.

Back matter includes notes for each poem and nonfiction section, giving more information and context. There is also information about forest fires, about the future and importance of forests, suggestions for readers to become active in saving forests, and a note from the publisher on their process for sustainably sourcing paper. The final page includes a glossary, sources, and websites for more information.

Verdict: A good choice for classrooms studying the science of trees, Earth Day, or for kids interested in nature and the outdoors. The combination of poetry and nonfiction text makes this accessible to a wide range of ages and interests and the art is attractive. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781250237071; Published March 2021 by Roaring Brook; Purchased for the library

Sunday, June 13, 2021

This week at the library; or, First official week of summer

2nd storytime this week - 40 people ended up
coming. This room is hot and humid but
people didn't seem to mind too much. I am
glad we're using this room and not my small 
programming room though.

 Programs

  • Family storytime with Pattie (two programs)
  • 4 3rd grade school visits (booktalking)
  • Planting with Pattie (two programs)
  • Colossal Fossils
  • Summer reading
Projects
  • See list above. I also worked on getting through a backlog of new books, trying to catch up on webinars, book and plan programs for the fall, staff were off sick or had emergencies, and I need to put together all the materials I bought for circulating travel kits.

Friday, June 11, 2021

Escape from... The Titanic by Mary Kay Carson, illustrated by Nigel Chilvers

 Once the I Survived series took off, there was an immediate burst of similar titles. Some are, in my opinion, far superior (Girls Survive!) and some are just good read-alikes. I would put this latest series, Escape from... into that category.

Written by nonfiction author Mary Kay Carson (at least, that's what she primarily writes in my mind), this is the story of a young Irish girl named Sarah who is returning to America on the Titanic. She's middle class, uncomfortable around her grumpy and prejudiced uncle, and awed by the size and majesty of the ship, not to mention the fabulously wealthy people aboard it. She makes friends with Patrick, an Irish bellboy, and gets to know his family in the third class levels of the ship. Sarah is coming to terms with her own prejudice against her Irish relatives, seen in the light of her uncle's even more antagonistic attitude and her experiences with Patrick's friendly family, when a birthday celebration for herself and Patrick in third class is interrupted by the collision.

Sarah manages to survive in a lifeboat, with the last-minute help of Patrick, but she is traumatized by the horror she has undergone. Miraculously, Patrick and some, but not all, of his family survive. The story is told in alternating viewpoints, both those of Sarah and Patrick, although Patrick's sections are mostly action and a little reflection on his family and their lives. There are "reality checks" at the end of each chapter, which tell readers about whether the events in the story are true or not - was there really a cat who refused to travel on the Titanic? Were crewmembers as young as twelve? Was there prejudice against the Irish in America? Black and white illustrations are also scattered throughout the book and there are additional facts and information about the Titanic at the back.

Sarah's abrupt realization of her own bias and that of others sounds a little too good to be true and the narrative overall is a little choppy and the dialogue often feels forced. However, for readers who have devoured all the I Survived books and will take anything similar or for those who prefer more factual and less emotional and dramatic accounts, this is a good choice.

Verdict: There are at least three titles projected in this series so far; if you already have I Survived and Girls Survive, this is a good additional purchase to offer to younger kids who want historical fiction along those lines.

ISBN: 9781499811667; Published May 2021 by little bee; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Branching into chapters: The treasure troop: Mr. Summerling's secret code by Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Tim Budgen

 Marly is contemplating a long, boring summer. Her best friend Aubrey has moved to Chicago and it's hard to make new friends when she's still wearing a patch for her amblyopia, even though she's going to be a fourth grader next year! Assuming anyone could replace Aubrey, her best-ever friend. Still, she's intrigued when she finds out their elderly neighbor, Mr. Summerling, has died and left her - and two other kids - a mysterious treasure. But before they can split it up, they'll have to follow the clues!

As Marly, Sai, and Isla crack the codes and discover the clues, they learn more about each other and discover that Mr. Summerling is right - sometimes the best treasure isn't silver or gold. The story ends with a satisfying conclusion, a hint of more adventures to come, and a solid friendship between the three. Marly and Isla appear white, Sai is southeast Asian and the two girls enjoy discovering new foods at his house. Isla reveals a serious bee allergy later in the story and Sai is a little stereotyped as the one boy in their group, since he's always moving and active. There's a little reflection from each of the characters - Marly is worried how other kids will respond to her eye patch, Sai is worried what they'll think about his family's tiny house at the back of their store.

Simple black and white illustrations are a cheerful accompaniment to the story and draw readers along. Butler is an excellent mystery writer for young readers and this is a fun choice to add to her previous series. I only wish I had discovered it earlier, since I've bought all my paperback chapters for the year. It does look like it might be only a quartet, since the title published in October is "The final treasure."

Verdict: Whether you are looking to update your beginning chapter mysteries or add to them, this is a solid addition with a nice touch of diversity.

ISBN: 9780593094822; Published January 2021 by Penguin Workshop; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Rescuing Mrs. Birdley by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Emma Reynolds

 Miranda, an adorably round-faced girl with light brown skin and an explosion of brown curls, loves nature shows. She especially likes the Nature Joe Animal Show, starring a brown-skinned man with curly black hair, and eagerly watches him helping animals and returning them to their natural habitats, where they will be safe and happy.

So, naturally, when she sees her beloved teacher Mrs. Birdley has escaped from her natural habitat, school, to wander the wilds of the grocery store, she knows just what to do... Hilarity ensues as Miranda lays traps with low-cal yoghurt, lurks by the lobster tank, and pounces from high shelves. Mrs. Birdley, a white woman with a brown bun and cheery yellow coat, may be quick and clever, but she's no match for Miranda, who has practiced for just this moment. Having safely returned (and locked in) Mrs. Birdley to her natural habitat, Miranda is ready for her next challenge... Principal Canklestout!

The simple backgrounds of the grocery store are goofily transmuted into jungle and wild forest backgrounds, so Mrs. Birdley examines alfalfa sprouts in a green corridor or steps over Miranda's traps while Miranda hides in an indoor shrubbery.

Verdict: A hilarious take on the old shock of kids' seeing their teachers outside of school, this is sure to raise giggles in storytime and from adults as well.

ISBN: 9781534427044; Published 2020 by Simon and Schuster; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

Monday, June 7, 2021

Zee grows a tree by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

  This sweet picture book follows the growth of a young girl - and her birthday tree, a Douglas fir on her family's Christmas tree farm. Sometimes the tree is a little shorter, or suffers from drought or insects, but Zee is always there to care for it, just as her parents care for her. After an especially challenging year, during which the tree almost dies in a drought and heat wave and Zee turns eight, her loving care keeps the tree going until it slowly begins to recover. That winter, it's just the right size to decorate, and Zee is tall enough to do it by herself, as her parents watch, her mother pregnant with another baby.

Elizabeth Rusch is an excellent nonfiction author and the gentle narrative is accompanied by insets explaining the life cycle and other facts about evergreens. Like other Candlewick informational picture books, there is a brief index and in-depth information about the topic in the back.

Hillenbrand's pastels are the perfect accompaniment to this gentle and satisfying story, and it would make a good choice for a read-aloud or to go along with a science lesson on trees. There are tree farms in my area so this is extra interest to my young patrons.

Verdict: A sweet, simple, and informative story. Use for a neutral holiday story, to learn about evergreens, or for storytimes about growing up and caring for our friends, whether they are humans, pets, or trees.

ISBN: 9780763697549; Published March 2021 by Candlewick; Purchased for the library

Sunday, June 6, 2021

This week at the library


 Programs

  • 5th grade field trip to the library
  • 3 1st grade outreach programs (mish-mash monster)
  • 3 kindergarten outreach programs (super readers)
  • 3 2nd grade outreach programs (plant a seed)
  • Bookaneers
  • 4 kindergarten outreach programs (super readers)
  • 3 kindergarten outreach at the library programs (super readers)
Projects
  • Meeting to rehearse storytime
  • last OPtions board meeting
  • Managers meeting
It has been an exhausting and frustrating week. I'm glad it's over, although it was nice to see lots of kids at school and my Bookaneers attendees had fun making very creative ears. I worked really long days and it's hot and I'm just tired.

Friday, June 4, 2021

Everything awesome about sharks and other underwater creatures by Mike Lowery

  My patrons loved Lowery's first illustrated nonfiction title, Everything about dinosaurs, so much that I bought multiple copies. I am covered in shame that I missed his next book in the series, which came out in 2020!

While this is not, strictly speaking, a comic, rather it's a heavily-illustrated nonfiction title, the inclusion of speech bubbles, the comic-style layout, and the cartoon-style illustrations make it count as a comic in my book. The eye-catching cover promises sharks, but first readers get to learn about where they live in Part One - Our Amazing Oceans! Lowery devotes a section to each of the world's oceans, talking about their location and unique features, then addresses the evolution of oceans and their zones from the surface to the deep abyssal zone. Then it's time for sharks! Lowery's trademark illustrations take readers through the characteristics, species, and habits of sharks. He doesn't forget the prehistoric sharks, which I appreciate (do you know how hard it is to find nonfiction about megalodon??)

More interesting ocean facts follow, including a chapter on extreme habitats from coral reefs to hydrothermal vents, the obligatory weird ocean animals, and ending with more fun shark information. Readers will learn how to draw sharks, ways they can help in their conservation, and then use their new drawing skills in examining a field guide to sharks. Ending with corny undersea jokes, Lowery includes a bibliography, described as a list of books he read while working on this book, and a promo for his upcoming book on space.

Verdict: These are just so fun, giving kids information about popular topics while also entertaining them. They also fit in well with the current trend in graphic nonfiction. Perfect for young readers who love to learn, recommended.

ISBN: 9781338359732; Published 2020 by Orchard/Scholastic; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Branching into Chapters: How to promenade with a python (and not get eaten) by Rachel Poliquin, illustrated by Kathryn Durst

 It's hard to classify this book. It's illustrated, but not, strictly speaking, a graphic novel. It's both fiction and nonfiction, with a narrative interspersed with facts. It's formatted like an early reader, but it's too challenging for that level of reading. It's too long for a picture book and too short for a chapter book. In short, I have decided it is an illustrated, intermediate chapter book and, when I purchase it will put it in fiction with a graphic novel sticker. Because no matter where you put it, it's funny!

Celeste, a Madagascar hissing cockroach, is here to tell YOU, the reader, how to survive. And not just survive, but survive in a classy, stylish way, especially with those predators that try to lure you into tea on the terrace or a moonlight promenade!

So, you (shown as a pudgy, brown-skinned boy), have been asked for a promenade with a python. Now it's true that they have a bad reputation and are probably trying to eat you, but who can turn down a fancy promenade? With Celeste's help, you'll be zipping around in style with your python in no time, hopefully not in its belly. Maybe. Of course, should your predator friend try to eat you, Celeste will prepare you for that too, with a full complement of facts, stats, and information about the habits and behavior of this stylish python.

Packed with interesting information, hilarious jokes, plenty of cartoons, and a brisk narrative style, this unique combination of genres is sure to please fans of Elise Gravel's Disgusting Creatures series and Mike Lowery's Everything Awesome collections.

Verdict: If you can figure out the right place for it, I'm sure it will appeal to a wide range of kids and entertain - and inform - them.

ISBN: 9780735266582; Published February 2021 by Tundra; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library


Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Early Readers: Spring Cakes by Miranda Harmon

Holiday House is expanding its I Like To Read imprint to include simple comics. Their layout is more of a traditional early reader and there is no reading level included.

In this somewhat cluttered story, three kittens named Ginger, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg, awake on the first day of spring excited for their spring tradition - making magical spring cakes. Following their mother's instructions, they collect flour, silver honey, blue eggs, wild strawberries, and magical roses. These last they need to get from a witch, who initially frightens them until they find out she and their mother are old friends. The story ends with all their friends gathered to eat the delicious cakes.

Harmon's art is colorful, with lots of pinks, purples, and sparkles. The pages are divided into panels, showing the kittens on their expedition to collect ingredients. Outdoor scenes tend to be less crowded, with a few flowers, trees, and a cloud, but indoor scenes show a bewildering collection of pictures, rugs, patterns, furniture, and knick-knacks crowded into the small panels.

While likely to please small fans of sparkly stories like the Rainbow Magic series, this will have limited appeal to children in general and the crowded illustrations make it less useful as an early reader.

Verdict: This was an automatic pick for me, as I constantly have little kids wanting early readers with sparkly magic, unicorns, and fairies and most of them are strong enough readers to handle the more cluttered illustrations, but if you're looking for something more along the lines of Elephant and Piggie, this isn't for you.

ISBN: 9780823447534; Published April 2021 by Holiday House; Purchased for the library

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Chickens on the loose by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by John Joseph


There are some things that reliably make good picture book subjects and chickens are one of them. In this title, a raucous crew of colorful chickens make a break for it and spread chaos throughout the city.

They race through a yoga studio, snatch food from the customers eating at foodcarts, and zip through a thrift store briefly decking them out in clothes and scarves. Finally, after a collision involving dog walkers, a police officer, skateboards, and more, the chickens trek home and relax, dreaming of their next adventure... but it's their chicks who are inspired for a little creative escape!

Kurtz finishes with some tips on keeping urban chickens and a few chicken facts.

The illustrations are colorful and splashy, with lots of bold lines and flying feathers. They show a diverse city, with a range of clothing styles and skin colors shown. The city shown is clean and prosperous, with a dark-skinned, female officer with time to chase chickens, people doing yoga, and lots of people playing in the park. The chickens escape from a neighborhood of small, colorful houses.

The brisk rhymes are fun to say and this makes a good read-aloud, while the pictures show well at a distance. The resolution is rather sudden, as there's no sequence showing the chickens returning home, and some of the rhymes are a little awkward, while the back matter doesn't seem to really match the cartoon chickens jaunting around the city.

Verdict: If you're looking for a fun storytime read-aloud and your town enjoys chickens, urban or rural, this is a silly and enjoyable choice.

ISBN: 9781513267241; Published May by West Margin Press; Review copy provided by publicist; Donated to the library