Picture Book Review: I'm a Neutrino: Tiny Particles in a Big Universe by Dr. Eve M. Vavagiaki, illustrated by Ilze Lemesis (3/22/2022)

Quick Booktalk 

In first-person rhyming text a neutrino introduces itself and its role in the universe.

About the Illustrations

The illustrations are really eye-catching, and they do a nice job of highlighting the mysterious nature of neutrinos as well as the work of the scientists who study them. 

Story Time Possibilities

The rhyme in this book is really rough to read aloud. Rhyme is too cutesy for an informational book to beign with; to have the rhyme feel so awkward is an even bigger disappointment. I'm not sure I'd read a book about neutrinos at story time in any case, but I definitely would not read this one. 

Readers Advisory

If you really need a book about the neutrino, the information in this one does seem sound despite the poorly executed attempt at poetry. After reading Ada and the Galaxies by Alan Lightman, published by MIT Kids Press in 2021, I had extremely high hopes for this book. Since these are the only two books out so far from this imprint, I can only hope that future titles will be more like the first book and less like this second one. 

Disclosure

I received a finished review copy of I'm a Neutrino from MIT Kids Press/Candlewick in exchange for an honest review. 

Picture Book Review: John's Turn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Kate Berube (2/24/2022)

 

Quick Booktalk 

John is a boy who dances ballet. He is a bit shy about performing his talent in front of his classmates, but he finds the courage and it pays off.

About the Illustrations

Kids who dance or enjoy watching dancing will like the portrayal of dance moves in this book. The diverse faces and facial expressions of the kids in John's school are also fun and appealing.

Story Time Possibilities

This book is not a story time book for me. Maybe a book like this - about a boy learning it's okay to dance ballet - wouldn't have been out of place when I was in elementary school, but it's just ridiculous to think that kids in 2022 don't realize there are men involved in ballet. Anyone who has seen The Nutcracker knows ballet is not just for girls. I am planning a dance-themed story time, and I had high hopes for this one based on the cover, but alas, it's too preachy about a topic on which no one needs a sermon in this day and age. 

Readers Advisory

For Mac Barnett, this seems like a departure. His books are usually more quirky or funny than this one is, and I don't recall ever feeling preached to by any of his past titles. The combination of an extremely straightforward, almost boring narrative and a completely unnecessary Very Special Lesson are sending this book straight to the donation pile.

Disclosure 

I received a finished copy of John's Turn from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: Hat Cat by Troy Wilson, illustrated by Eve Coy (2/22/2022)

Quick Booktalk 

An elderly man who lives alone is feeding the squirrels when a cat crawls into his hat and becomes his new friend, sticking around even when the man disappears for a little while. 

About the Illustrations 

The cool, light colors in this book give it a gentle, spring-time feel. The man's affectionate looks at the cat beautifully portray the joy the animal brings to his life. By contrast, when the man seems to be missing, the cat's face and posture help emphasize the cat's feelings of uncertain sadness. 

Story Time Possibilities

This is such a sweet story, not just about a man and his cat, but also about neighbors who step up to care for the cat during the man's apparent time of illness. It would be a great addition to a story time about pets, friendship, hats, or cats. 

Readers Advisory

This book gave me strong Mr. Putter and Tabby vibes, but with a touch more sentimentality. No one dies in the book, but really sensitive kids might worry about that and get upset, so it's probably a good idea to be aware of that. I really like the way this book respects the dignity of older people and allows the man to return to his own home rather than taking the cliche route and relegating him to a nursing home. For that reason, I'm keeping it for our home library. 

Disclosure 

I received a finished review copy of Hat Cat in exchange for an honest review.

Picture Book Review: Somewhere by Robie H. Harris, illustrated by Armando Marino (2/22/2022)

Quick Booktalk

A young girl and her dad walk to the park, where she is given the freedom to explore independently and discover somewhere new. 

About the Illustrations

The pictures in this book depict nature as colorful and inviting and as a result, the little girl's foray to "somewhere" feels like a great cheerful adventure. The images of the girl with her dad are also very warm and sweet, depicting a strong loving relationship. 

Story Time Possibilities

I like this book for story time because it doesn't have many words per page and the illustrations are very eye-catching and engaging. It would be good for a father/daughter theme, or for themes such as nature, adventures, independence, trying new things, etc.

Readers Advisory

I love that this book depicts a child being allowed to explore without an adult being directly with her. This free-range approach to parenting is rare in my world, but it's what I aspire to with my kids, and I so appreciate having a book that celebrates kids' capabilities and doesn't try to scare them into staying home with unlikely what-ifs. 

Disclosure 

I received a finished copy of Somewhere from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.