The Remember Balloons

The Remember Balloons
Author: Jessie Oliveros
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: James has a bunch of balloons, each of which holds a special memory, but as his grandfather ages and loses his own balloons, James discovers that he is gaining new ones. 

Review: The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros has a little bit of everything. A sweet message about memories using balloons as a concept children can understand, a way to explain Alzheimer's/dementia to kids, and connecting all of that to colors and moods.  Also, a real tear-jerker with a perfect tie-in ending. This book is definitely sad and beautiful at the same time. This is a perfect book to use to explain how an elderly family member is forgetful. The ending really got to me because it brings a sense of hope to a sorrowful situation. The illustrations done by Dana Wulfekotte also support this picture book's message by making only the balloons colorful and using symbolism that what colors life is our memories. Ages 5-9.

When Aidan Became A Brother

When Aidan Became A Brother
Author: Kyle Lukoff
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: Adian is another type of boy who will become a big brother very soon! Aidan went through changes as a transgender boy and he wants to make sure the new baby doesn’t feel that same way he did when he was younger. He helps decorate the baby’s room and even gets to choose a name for the new baby. Before the baby is born, Adian is worried that he chose all the wrong things! OH NO! His Mom said “When you were born, we didn’t know you were going to be our son. We made some mistakes, but you helped us fix them.” Aiden knew then that all the new baby needed was love from his big brother.

Review: This books is such a beautiful book. The illustrations tie in with the book and really get you took look at the details. Kyle Lukoff did an incredible job writing this book and he made this relatable to every child. The story is not trans-centric, but a beautiful story about a big brother getting ready to welcome a new baby into their family. One of my favorites of 2019.

Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea

Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea
Author: Lynn Rae Perkins
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Kelly

Summary: Alix and her sister, Jools, have never seen the ocean. When their parents pack them up for a week at the shore, Alix is nervous about leaving home, but excited, too. At the beach, the girls make friends, go exploring, and have adventures both big and small. They pick periwinkles, spot crabs, and discover that the beach is full of endless possibilities. As the week comes to an end, Alix is surprised to find she doesn’t want to leave!

Review: I listened to the audiobook format of this title. It was recommended to me as a nice, summer read and now I will recommend it to someone else. I also chose it for my June, Books and Bites title for families to enjoy together.

Brittany Pressley is the narrator for this audiobook and I am giving her five stars. She has a great, smooth and happy voice and kept me interested to listen, the entire time. I plan on looking further into other books that she has narrated because sometimes it is hard to find a good reader.

I enjoyed the story very much. The entire time that I was listening, I felt as if I was transported to a beach and I was on vacation with the family for the entire week. After I listened to the audio, I pulled a copy of the book from our shelves at the library and there was a nice surprise that I found! At the end of the book, there are step by step instructions on how to make a sea glass necklace. I did not have any families show up for my book club, so I am thinking to use this title again, next summer for a program. Instead of advertising it as a book club though, I will advertise making the sea glass necklace and then throw the book into the program as an added bonus for any child that might be interested.

All in all, I will definitely be recommending this book to patrons in the future!

Hats Off to Mr. Pockles!

Hats Off to Mr. Pockles!
Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones and David Litchfield
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Gloria

Summary: The book is about Mr. Pockles who happens to have many different hats for every occasion which makes him very happy, until he realizes that he has no friends and actually feels a little lonely. So one day he decides to go out for a treat and to his surprise he makes a very special panda friend who happens to belong to a special panda hat club. Mr. Pockles saves the day and ends up having all the friends he could ever hope for.

Review: I really enjoyed this book, the story was very creative. The different types of hats were great to see great for kids and their imagination. I liked how towards the end he ended up saving his most special hat for his new special friend. Great book overall.

I Have a Balloon

I Have A Balloon
Author: Ariel Bernstein and Scott Magoon
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Gloria

Summary: The book was about an owl with a balloon, a shiny, big red balloon and the monkey would really like to play with the balloon but owl does not want to share his balloon. Monkey then decides that maybe if he trades with owl then he would be able to have the balloon. But monkey tries to trade with owl on many occasions but owl is set on having the balloon to himself until he sees how much fun monkey is having with all of the different things he has. And all owl can do is hold the balloon, but that is what he likes. Finally they are both content with what they each have.

Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. The book was repetitive and fun. The illustration was also very good and really caught my attention. The book teaches you to share as well as to be happy and content with what you already have.

Bob

Bob
Author: Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Reviewer: Kelly

Summary: Livy is back, visiting Australia, after five years and is having trouble remembering much of her first visit. Slowly, things start to come back to here and then she finds Bob in a closet. Bob is a short, greenish creature wearing a chicken suit and he remembers EVERYTHING about Livy. He has been waiting five years for her to come back and he has waited in the closet, just as Livy told him to.
Livy promised to help Bob find his way home. After all this time, will she keep her promise? Clue by clue, the two will discover and unravel Bob’s story and hopefully, help find his way home.

Review: Bob was chosen as the Books and Bites, book club pick for the month of May. I chose the title after hearing about it at a seminar, featuring the best books of 2018. I enjoyed the audiobook version on this title but I was a little disappointed.

The story tackled themes like friendship, family and love. I thought that the authors could have done a better job in general. The story is told from Bob’s point of view and then alternates to Livy’s point of view. I felt that the story was lost a bit or slightly repetitive and I wonder if it would have been better, with only one author. The idea behind the story is fantastic and I think kids could get lost in its magic.

Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert

Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert
Author: Stacy McAnulty and Deborah Hocking
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie B.

Summary: After playing soccer for three weeks, Max is an expert. He shares what to wear, how to warm up, play and tips about staying entertained.

Review: I enjoyed reading about Max’s soccer experience. From putting on shin guards, to picking dandelions, McAnulty makes the story humorous and full of giggles. This story shows playing soccer is not so intimidating. The illustrations are simple and helps to tell this funny story.