The Prickletrims Go Wild by Marie Dorléans

The Prickletrims Go Wild by Marie Dorléans. Floris Books, c2022, 2024. 9781782508830

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Format: Hardcover picture book

What did you like about the book?  In this tall, narrow picture book, readers meet the precise Prickletrims, who keep their garden clipped and tamed into submission. Their slim two-story house (drawn in meticulously ruled pen-and-ink) faces a formal French garden with evenly distributed flowers and mercilessly espaliered trees. The Prickletrims’ neat, geometrically-patterned clothing further emphasizes their love of order. Their gardener Florian aims to please his demanding employers (who are shown measuring each blade of grass and verifying the pruned angle of their shrubs), but finally quits in a huff.  Once the yard is left to its own devices, riotous growth impedes the doorways and the fearful Prickletrims are shown clinging to patio umbrellas and peering tremulously through the windows. Of course, they eventually come to love their shaggy yard, filled with animals, flowers, and insects. When the summer is over (“a change of season was coming…soon it would be time to go back to school and to work”), they sadly call in a bulldozer to wrestle the wilderness into submission. But there’s a twist at the end when we turn the final page; “the precious patch they had protected” bursts forth in all its green lushness. “The Prickletrims were still a little bit wild.” I loved the sly endpapers, which show us a grid of tidy red tulips at the front of the book, but bulging multi-hued flowers at the back.

Anything you didn’t like about it? No

To whom would you recommend this book?  This would be a fun read aloud to pair with Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown (2013). Or as a novel twist on earnest Earth Day read alouds. The illustrations reminded me of the masterful works of Betty Fraser, whose work you can see in such classics as A House Is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman or Armitage, Armitage Fly Away Home by Joan Aiken.

Who should buy this book? Elementary schools and public libraries

Where would you shelve it? Picture books

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes

Reviewer: Susan Harari, Keefe Library, Boston Latin School, Boston, MA

Date of review: April 24, 2024

Little Chick’s Springtime by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Judi Abbot

Little Chick’s Springtime by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Judi Abbot. Tiger Tales, 2024. 9781664351028

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 3

Format: Board book

What did you like about the book? Die-cut pages encircle a squishy, glittery yellow chick as she meets other springtime friends.  Little ones will enjoy the bright, colorful illustrations of springtime harbingers, including lambs, butterflies, tulips, and more.  The rhyming texts pairs perfectly with the spring scenes for a sweet read aloud, and babies will love squishing the chick.   This is a fun introduction to spring for very young readers.  

Anything you didn’t like about it? No

To whom would you recommend this book?  This is the perfect book to introduce springtime to little ones.

Who should buy this book? Public libraries, preschools,  day-cares

Where would you shelve it? Board Books

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles?  No

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State:  Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, MA

Date of review: April 25, 2024

How It Works: Shark by Molly Littleboy, illustrated by David Semple

How It Works: Shark  by Molly Littleboy, illustrated by David Semple. Tiger Tales, 2024. 9781664351011

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 3.5

Format: Board book

What did you like about the book? Colorful die-cut pages allow young scientists to explore the biology of a shark.  Readers will learn interesting facts, such as how dorsal fins aid balance, that sharks can sense movement a mile away, and that they have two types of muscle.  Each turn of the page reveals more parts of the shark such as gills, teeth, internal organs, and the skeleton.  A little scuba-attired mouse offers more tidbits of shark information on each page.  The illustrations are simple, bright and full of color  and all the parts of the shark are labeled.  Hand this to young readers interested in sharks. 

Anything you didn’t like about it? No

To whom would you recommend this book?  This is a nice introduction to the science of sharks for very young children.  

Who should buy this book? Public libraries, elementary schools, preschools, day-cares

Where would you shelve it? Board books

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State:  Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, MA

Date of review: April 24, 2024

How to Help a Hare and Protect a Polar Bear by Jess French; illustrated by Angela Keoghan

How to Help a Hare and Protect a Polar Bear by Jess French; illustrated by Angela Keoghan. Nosy Crow, 2024. 9798887770574

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 3

Format: Hardcover picture book

What did you like about the book:   How to Help a Hare and Protect a Polar Bear is a beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book about habitats and conservation. This book introduces 9 different habitats, 4 – 5 of example animals that live in each of those habitats, and ways kids can help protect the habitat and animals. Each habitat is first introduced with a two-page spread that shows species existing together. The habitat is described clearly in one paragraph with a second paragraph detailing the challenges that human existence has posed for that habitat and how humans are harming the species in that ecosystem through pollution, development, and invasive species. The third and fourth page for each habitat introduces sample animals and a few examples of ways that children can help the animals in that habitat. The illustrations are colorful and include friendly looking animals with descriptions of their size and weight. At the end of the book, there are a few extra pages with more information about endangered species, as well as other ideas for ways that kids can help. 

This book gives a lot of good ideas for ways that kids can personally make a difference for the planet. The book shines most when the “how you can help” aligns with the habitat such as “take part in online dragonfly counts to find out which species live in your local wetland” or “ask your grown-up not to use chemical pesticides and fertilizers in the garden”. This would make a great book to read for Earth Day as long as the class extended the discussion to discuss corporate and government responsibilities, as well. 

Includes a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.

Anything you didn’t like about it? The “simple things you can do” listed after each habitat are presumably supposed to be directly linked to ways to protect that habitat, but often they are more general ways to help the planet like “eat locally sourced foods,” use the car less, don’t leave the tap running, and wear extra layers. Due to this, organizing the entire book around habitats and ways to help those habitats feels a little false. More important, though, like most environmental books for children, the book posits that the power to fix environmental problems “is in YOUR hands” without explaining the role that government and corporations play in environmental degradation. Kids can handle the truth that most plastic isn’t actually recycled, lack of regulation is a huge issue, and governmental inaction is largely to blame. Presenting the problem of deforestation and endangered species and then suggesting children can help save those species without naming the real culprits and solutions is irresponsible. 

To whom would you recommend this book?  Recommended to students studying habitats and conservation. 

Who should buy this book?  Some elementary school libraries and public libraries, especially those that study habitats in Science.  

Where would you shelve it ?  577

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Laura Gardner, Dartmouth Middle School, Dartmouth, MA

Date of review:  April 22, 2024

Animal Albums from A to Z by Cece Bell

Animal Albums from A to Z by Cece Bell. Walker Books, 2024. 9781536226249

Rating:  1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4

Format: Hardcover picture book

What did you like about the book?  This alphabet book consists of album cover art, song lyrics, and “delightful bits of treasured memorabilia” featuring a wide array of creatures and musical genres.  From the Tex-Mex flavor of Arnie Dillow’s Accordion Americana to the sleepy stylings of The Zydeco Zebras’ Zigzag Zinnia, readers are in for a silly songfest.  Each page spread includes, on the left, the full text of one song that is featured on an album, the cover of which is depicted on the right.  The album covers include a complete list of songs and a stylistically appropriate illustration. Each musical act, album name, and song title corresponds to the letter in the alphabet; even the names of the record companies fit the alliterative bill. 

Close (and multiple) readings are required for this hilarious romp.  The varied art styles of the album covers will draw readers in, but taking the time to focus in on the lyrics is the real reward. What could be funnier than a song about a clogged toilet? Obviously, a trippy song about a clogged toilet that “oozes out rainbows and unicorns hot and cold,” from the song “Philip, Phone the Plumber (It’s Time to Pump the Pot)” by the Psychedelic Piano Pals!  

Cece Bell is well known for her humorous writing and sense of absurdity, and it is on full display in each of these lyrics.  She describes the art as “a hodgepodge of hand-painted papers and collage, hand-painted lettering and cut-paper lettering … even some embroidery,” and it is truly a joy to pore over every page (and even the end papers which feature patches, bubble gum cards, and bumper stickers for the musical acts).  Back matter includes “About the Artists” biographies of all of the artists and groups.  The fun rolls on via a QR code on the copyright page linking to a YouTube Channel called “CeCe TeeVee” which includes music videos for the songs, introduced by VJs like fellow kidlit superstars like Victoria Jamieson, LeUyen Pham, and Bell’s husband Tom Angleberger.

Anything you did not like about the book?  Most of the humor, both visual and lyrical, is really aimed at an adult audience, but pop-culture inclined nostalgic grownups will love sharing it with the youngsters in their lives.

To whom would you recommend this book? Mildly reminiscent of some of Sandra Boynton’s musical collections such as Philadelphia Chickens, it’s really in a class by itself.  It will appeal to upper elementary readers with a sophisticated sense of humor and a solid bank of musical knowledge.  Elementary music teachers might love it as an inspiration for a creative project in the upper grades too.

Who should buy this book? Public and elementary school libraries

Where would you shelve it?  Picture books

Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles?  no

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City:  Leigh Russell King, Lincoln Street School, Northborough, Massachusetts.

Date of review: April 25, 2024

Dragonfruit by Makii Lucier

Dragonfruit by Makii Lucier. Clarion Books, 2024. 9780358272106 

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Format: Hardcover

Genre:  Fantasy

What did you like about the book? A new addition to the growing number of books by AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) authors, this book features Pacific Island characters, magical tattoos, a strong heroine, and seadragons. What’s not to love?

Tamarind is a matriarchal island in the Nominomi Sea but the queen is getting old and the princess has been in a coma since being poisoned ten years ago. The only thing that may save her is dragonfruit, the egg of a seadragon. But a dragonfruit is nearly impossible to find since seadragons hide them once they are laid.

When Princess Oliana was poisoned she wasn’t alone; her young page Hanalei was also poisoned. Hanalei’s father stole the last dragonfruit that had been located and used it to save her life, but because of what he did, they left Tamarind and lived in exile. Sadly Hanalei lost her father shortly after their escape and she ended up alone and had to survive on her own at only eight years old. Now, 10 years later, she is back on Tamarind.

This is an exciting and highly appealing story featuring a strong heroine and hero, showing the value of home and family, and as with the best stories, has surrounding characters that are key to the plot. There is danger and sorrow, breathtaking action, and piratical seadragon hunters. It’s a stand-alone, but it will leave you wanting more of Hanalei and Sam.

Anything you didn’t like about it? No

To whom would you recommend this book?  Fans of Tahereh Mafi and Sabaa Tahir, and all kinds of fantasy, and mythology will enjoy this novel. 

Who should buy this book? Middle and High schools, and public libraries, 

Where would you shelve it? MG/YA Fantasy

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Maria Touet, Malden Catholic High School, Malden MA

Date of review: April 23, 2024

As the Seas Rise by Angela Quezada Padron

As the Seas Rise: Nicole Hernandez Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice by Angela Quezada Padron. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2024. 9781665913942

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Format: Hardcover picture book

Genre:  Biography

What did you like about the book:   This excellent picture book biography presents the life of Nicole Hernandez Hammer, a scientist and Guatemalan American climate activist. The book appropriately centers her experience growing up in frontline communities of color and then dedicating her life to educating others about the disproportionate impact climate change has on those communities. The book starts in Nicole’s childhood in Guatemala and then moves to the United States; along the way we see how Nicole’s life intersected with nature – and how nature is powerful, wondrous, beautiful, yet destructive (she experienced an earthquake in Guatemala and Hurricane Andrew in Florida). Nicole studied climate science in college and then became a climate change researcher and activist who focuses on community based solutions. She was honored in 2015 by First Lady Michelle Obama and invited to attend the State of the Union address.

The greatest strength of this book is the simple, straightforward language and clear example of climate justice activism. Multiracial communities are depicted. The text is sparse, but powerful. Highly recommended!

Includes a page of climate change facts with bolded keywords such as “heat island effect,” “frontline communities,” and “sunny-day flooding.” Also includes a section titled “What You Can Do?” with ideas such as learning about climate change, taking action in your community, contacting government officials, asking your parents to power the family home with renewable energy, and more. There is also a list of websites for more information. 

Anything you didn’t like about it? No! This book is wonderful.  

To whom would you recommend this book?  Recommended for all readers, but especially for students studying or interested in conservation, climate change, environmental justice, and/or activism. 

Who should buy this book?  All elementary school libraries and public libraries.  

Where would you shelve it ?  Biography

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Laura Gardner, Dartmouth Middle School, Dartmouth, MA

Date of review:  April 22, 2024 EARTH DAY

A Place for Vanishing by Ann Fraistat

A Place for Vanishing by Ann Fraistat. Delacorte Press, 2024. 9780593382219

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Format: Hardcover

Genre:  Young Adult Horror/Sci Fi Fantasy

What did you like about the book? After her failed suicide attempt, Libby and her family try to make a fresh start in a mysterious house that’s been abandoned for decades. But while the family struggles to cope with their trauma, they must also face the secrets of the house, which include a history of séances, rumored disappearances, and creepy bugs – so many creepy bugs. The author deftly balances a story about a shattered family and mental illness with a thrilling tale of hauntings and the supernatural. Libby, her younger sister, their mom, and a quirky boy next door are well developed and relatable. The supernatural elements will make readers’ skin crawl and the ending is fast-paced, tense, and thrilling. 

Anything you didn’t like about it? The bugs may turn off some readers. The themes of suicide and self-harm may be too heavy for some, but the author includes a content warning.

To whom would you recommend this book? Teen readers who like haunted house/horror stories and don’t mind being creeped out. Also fans of social horror like White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson and The Getaway by Lamar Giles.

Who should buy this book? High schools or public library young adult sections

Where would you shelve it? Young adult/teen fiction

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Sue McHugh, Hanover High School, Hanover, MA

Date of review: April 22, 2024

The Souls of Flowers by Pavlína Kourková and Klára Mandausová, illustrated by Pavlína Kourková

The Souls of Flowers: the Loveliest Flowers in Our Meadows and Gardens by Pavlína Kourková and Klára Mandausová, illustrated by Pavlína Kourková and translated by Andrew Oakland. Albatros Media, 2024. 9788000071008

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Format: Hardcover

What did you like about the book? So many words come to mind after reading this book—stunning, breathtaking, wonderful…This book is not only about these beautiful flowers, it’s also about the artist herself. 

Along with the astonishing artwork, we learn about legends, myths, stories, and botany for each flower. Even though most of these flowers are of European or Asian origin, they will be familiar to American readers. Each flower has a section entitled “Through the painter’s eye” about how and why she chose these flowers.

Not only is this a big, beautiful book full of life-like paintings, but it also contains information about each plant and their families, for example, lilacs are from the olive family and hyacinths are related to asparagus. A must-have for gardeners and flower lovers alike.

Anything you didn’t like about it? No

Who should buy this book? Public libraries will surely want to add this lovely book to their shelves. High schools that offer botany will also want to add this book to their collections.

Where would you shelve it? 581 

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Absolutely l!

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Maria Touet, Malden Catholic High School, Malden MA

Date of review: April 22, 2024

Escaping Mr. Rochester by L. L. McKinney

Escaping Mr. Rochester by L. L. McKinney.  HarperTeen, 2024. 9780062986269 

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Format: Hardcover

Genre: Historical/ Romance/ Mystery/ LGBTQIA

What did you like about the book? Jane Eyre is a 19-year-old orphan living at Lowood school when she becomes governess to Adele, Edward Rochester’s ward, living at Thornfield Hall.  She develops an immediate rapport with the lonely Adele and with the cook, Emma.  Mr. Rochester is decidedly erratic, angry at one moment, ingratiating at another and mostly aloof, spending most of his time in his study.  Sometimes he appears to be courting her!  Once trust is gained, Adele takes Jane up to the attic where Rochester hid his wife, Bertha, away as soon as they arrived at Thornfield Hall a year previous.  Jane is appalled and angry, becoming determined to rescue Bertha from her imprisonment.  She learns of the plots Rochester has constructed to steal money from others in order to pay off his gambling debts.

The pace is quick and tense, particularly in the last quarter of the book.  It is impossible not to become immersed in the story though the time period is never stated.  Jane, Bertha and Adele are Black; others are not clearly defined as to color.

Anything you did not like about the book? No, however, I was perplexed as to what happened to Jane’s friend, Helen.

To whom would you recommend this book? Those who like re-tellings of classics such as Jane Eyre will decidedly appreciate this one. I think fans of Bridgerton might also enjoy the time period.

Who should buy this book? Public and high school libraries

Where would you shelve it? YA fiction

Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes.

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Contributor, Youth Services Book Review

Date of Review:  April 25, 2024