Vamos! Let's Go to the Market

Vamos! Let's Go to the Market
Author: Raul the Third
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: Little Lobo and Bernabé show us their morning routine starting with Kooky Dooky waking them up. They eat huevos and make their way to their warehouse to gather up deliveries they need to take to the Mercado. They show how everyone has a job at La Placita or at the Mercado. They stop to watch performers and to say hi to friends. They also make stops to make deliveries to Chiva’s Zonkey, Yerbería Azteca, Mr. Mosca’s Dulcería, Sombrero Stacks, and many more. Little Lobo and Bernabé explore the Mercados many booths and shops!


Review: This book is very busy with images and words. There are many Spanish words all around, but are translated in English for everyone to understand. The storyline is very cute and shows how a fox and his dog go to work and hangout with their many friends throughout the market. This is a very cute book, but very busy to look at. It feels like an Ispy book with a storyline.

All American Muslim Girl
Author: Nadine Jolie Courtney
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Summary: Allie Abraham has it all going for her—she's a straight-A student, with good friends and a close-knit family, and she's dating cute, popular, and sweet Wells Henderson. One problem: Wells's father is Jack Henderson, America's most famous conservative shock jock...and Allie hasn't told Wells that her family is Muslim. It's not like Allie's religion is a secret, exactly. It's just that her parents don't practice and raised her to keep her Islamic heritage to herself. But as Allie witnesses ever-growing Islamophobia in her small town and across the nation, she begins to embrace her faith—studying it, practicing it, and facing hatred and misunderstanding for it. Who is Allie, if she sheds the façade of the "perfect" all-American girl? What does it mean to be a "Good Muslim?" And can a Muslim girl in America ever truly fit in? ALL-AMERICAN MUSLIM GIRL is a relevant, relatable story of being caught between two worlds, and the struggles and hard-won joys of finding your place.

Review: All American Muslim Girl, rounded out my year in audiobooks. I originally had this on my list to read, after reading reviews of the title in SLJ. I knew that I would never have enough time to read it, so I decided to request the audiobook. Come to find out, Priya Ayyar is the narrator and she is one of my favorites. It did not disappoint!

This story hit pretty close to home for me, so it was a joy to listen to. We learn about Allie Abraham, coming of age, in a world full of hatred for the Islamic religion. She learns a little more about herself on every page of the book. She battles love, hate, friendship, religion, and family. She grows up in a mixed race family and a non-religious one at that. She was never taught her father’s mother tongue and is struggling with every part of herself when she turns 16. A time to reflect and find out who she truly is and who she wants to be. Allie secretly starts to join in the religion, learn a language that is so close to home for her, stand up for herself and speak out, all while newly dating a classmate who she comes to find out, she should not be dating for multiple reasons.


This book was beautifully written and beautifully read. I would highly recommend the story and would be interested in listening to it again when my daughter is older.

Tucky Jo and Little Heart

Tucky Jo and Little Heart
Author: Patricia Polacco
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary: A fifteen-year-old soldier in World War II meets a sweet young girl in the Philippines who helps him remember what he is fighting for as he helps her and others of her village avoid starvation, and many years later she returns his kindness. 

Review:  Get out the Kleenex. This story will inspire you to always keep your heart open because sometimes the smallest thing will remind you why you’re here. The author did an amazing job of telling one soldiers story.  Johnnie is a 15 year old boy from Kentucky that’s fighting in World War II in the jungle. As he fights to not let the despair of that get to him he has to deal with the day to day troubles- like the fact that the ground is damp and mushy and the soldiers feet are never dry, he’s exhausted, and worst of all is the bugs (the size of your hand) stinging him and covering him in welts. One day he turns around and finds a little girl staring at him. Johnnie drank her in because looking at that innocent tiny girl gave him a peace he hadn’t felt in a long time. She picked a plant and showed him how to help his bug bites with the goo from the plant. He tried to tell her his name “Kentucky Jo” that’s what the other soldiers called him. She couldn’t speak his language so when he saw the heart shaped birthmark on her arm he named her “Little Heart”. When she finally tried to say his name it came out like “Tucky Jo”. He whittled her a doll and tried brighten up her and his life by watching her smile. He would bring her food for her village from his k rations. He even helped her village get food from the river. Eventually it was time to go home and for years he wondered about Little Heart. As he got older his eyesight and hearing were almost gone and he couldn’t afford to fix it. One day at the Veterans hospital he came across a new nurse. She told him that she’d had a meeting with specialist and they would take his case for free and get him the expensive medicine he needed. When he asked why are doing this for me she showed him her little heart birthmark and said I’m going to take care of you like you did for me so long ago. She had looked for him too for years in hope she could thank him for his kindness.  This would be a great read aloud to a class learning about the war or even as a gift to a military family. A must read! 

Creepy Chicago

Creepy Chicago

Author: Krystyna Poray Goddu

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Christi

Summary: A dark street curves around Lake Michigan to a cemetery. A cold wind blows. Mist rises from the lake. Suddenly, you feel you are not alone. Is somebody? or something? hiding in the mist? Get ready to read four chilling tales about Chicago's spookiest spots.

Review: I really enjoyed this nonfiction ghost book. It isn’t a big book so it’s great to grab and skim and is filled with very interesting facts. It’s almost as much a history book as a ghost book. I found out things about the Linkin Park Zoo I was completely unaware and I have read quite a few haunted Chicago books. There was also interesting (and heartbreaking) history of the Chicago River. This fall why not grab a ghost book that won’t keep you up at night.

Where Oliver Fits

Where Oliver Fits
Author: Cale Atkinson
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: Oliver is a puzzle. As he looks around other puzzle pieces have found a group of friends they fit in with. Oliver tries to be part of a pirate puzzle, but doesn’t quite fit in. He attempts a variety of other pictures with no luck. He eventually he is so frustrated he decides to tape and glue himself up in attempt to change who he is. That still doesn’t help. Will he ever find a place he belongs?

Review: This book is one of my favorites because of its theme, acceptance. Not only acceptance within a group, but within yourself. Oliver tries his hardest to fit in, but all he had to do was be patient and wait to find where he truly belonged. Once he finds it, the pure joy of the realization makes the whole story so beautiful. The illustrations are also beautiful and make it so fun to read.

This Book of Mine

This Book of Mine
Author: Sarah Stewart
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Illustrations and easy-to-read text celebrate the connection between diverse readers of all ages and the books they enjoy.

Review: Sarah Stewart’s picture book is an ode to books and all they provide. This would be a great book to read to a child who adores books and to children who need to understand the power of books. I really liked how it was shown how all the ways books help us along the way in life and how it encourages reading and all the things that can be inspired through books.

Nope. Never. Not for Me!

Nope. Never. Not for Me!
Author: Samantha Cotterill
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie B.

Summary: A little girl is hesitant to eat her broccoli. After her mom makes it fun, the girl learns to try new things.

Review: This book is one of the “Little Senses” series. It is written in simple text and very light hearted. Cotterill does a nice job using humor in both the story and illustrations. I was attracted to picture on the cover of the book as it reminded me of my daughter at that age poking at the “strange” (mushrooms) food on her plate. Many meet resistance when trying to encourage their child to try a new food. I loved reading this book and will read the others in the series.

The Unwanted

The Unwanted
Author: Don Brown
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: This book is very realistic. There is a different story on every page. This depicts the real and harsh reality that many Syrian refugees are going through. This book puts you in the shoes of many different Syrian refugees’ looks to escape the horrors that are happening in Syria. The characters are men, women, and children. There are stories of how refugees seek help from many countries including the United States. There is a crisis that has been going on for years and this book is an eye opener to the lives that are living it currently.

Review: This book is a heavy one to read. It really pulls your heart strings and makes you feel all sorts of emotion. The reality in this book is very scary, but puts it all in perspective. This graphic novel really helps you start to understand the crisis that is plaguing people’s lives overseas. I really recommend one reads this book and gets a better understanding of what the Syrian refugees are going through and have been through.

The Okay Witch

The Okay Witch
Author: Emma Steinkellner
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Kelly

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush loves all things witchy. But she’s about to discover that witches aren’t just the stuff of movies, books, and spooky stories. When some eighth-grade bullies try to ruin her Halloween, something really strange happens. It turns out that Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts, has a centuries-old history of witch drama. And, surprise: Moth’s family is at the center of it all! When Moth’s new powers show up, things get totally out-of-control. She meets a talking cat, falls into an enchanted diary, and unlocks a hidden witch world. Secrets surface from generations past as Moth unravels the complicated legacy at the heart of her town, her family, and herself.

Review: A perfect read to kick off the fall season. I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of this book and it DID NOT disappoint. Moth is a quirky and unique girl who does not feel like she fits in, in her world, and I just adored her. With this graphic novel, you get a mix of friendship, modern families, fall, witches, past and present.

This is sure to be a best books of the year candidate. I have already added it to my list for our presentation to parents, caregivers and educators. I am very excited to recommend this book to other readers of graphic novels.

Here and Now

Here and Now
Author: Julia Denos
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Illustrations and easy-to-read text celebrate mindfulness and the connectedness of everything on Earth.

Review: “Right here, right now you are becoming.” This book is a perfect children’s book for teaching mindfulness and the pictures are so beautiful and tranquil.

Fitting for a storytime or a book that would calm your child before bed and explain how so many things are happening and growing around us while we sit still and observe.

It’s also a great conversation starter with your kids about the present moment, all what’s going on around us, and how we are all part of it.

I used this book in storytime and the kids liked talking about the things that were around us and observing the present, becoming quite engaging for them.

Edmond: The Moonlit Party

Edmond: The Moonlit Party
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary: Edmond the squirrel shares a tree with George, an owl who loves costumes, and Harry the bear, who throws wonderful parties that turn out even better when Edmond overcomes his shyness and joins in.

Review: A touching story of a squirrel who is so shy he is lonely. When the rest of the tree residents decided to have a party he doesn’t go because he’s so shy. Once he hears them all having a great time he becomes sad. But when owl shows up at his door and urges him to go he decide it’s time. Once he’s there he realize how much fun everyone’s having and easily makes new friends. As he and owl leave he dreams of fun parties with his new friends in the future. This book will be great for and upcoming “emotions” themed program.

Elvis is King

Elvis is King
Author: Jonah Winter
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

Summary: Elvis Presley--the King of Rock 'n' Roll, still beloved by millions of Americans--comes to vibrant, gyrating life in this extraordinary picture-book biography.

Review: A remarkably illustrated picture book biography on Elvis Presley. Elvis is King is an informative, easy to read, astonishingly detailed and creative book. So much to look at and enjoy on every page. A true rags to riches story. His life could inspire anyone to reach for your dreams. Check out his story today!

Dear Boy

Dear Boy

Author: Jason Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal 

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Reviewer: Yolanda

Summary: For a boy who is many amazing things, but maybe sometimes forgets. This book reminds every little boy that they are one of kind and that the person who either gifted this book to them, recommended this book, or even just read them this book loves them dearly. This is a companion to the book Dear Girl. 

Review: Being a huge fan of Dear Girl, already I had high expectations for this book. It is beautifully illustrated by Holly Hatam, and written in a loving way by Jason and Paris Rosenthal. This book is amazing to read aloud to that special little boy in your life that you want to make sure remembers just how special and loved they are. A very beautiful book.  

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.