Tag Archives: juvenile

Sep28

Jadie in Five Dimensions by Dianne K. Salerni

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<em>Jadie in Five Dimensions</em> by Dianne K. Salerni

Salerni, Dianne K. Jadie in Five Dimensions. Holiday House, 2021. 288 pp. ISBN‎ 978-0823449095 $17.99

****

I was shocked that my 10-year-old daughter selected a science fiction novel to read at the local library, but the cover was horrifically compelling, so away we went. Thirteen-year-old Jadie grew up believing she was abandoned as a baby and placed into a loving home with people who are part of a secret operation to duck in and out of space/time to make small alterations to set history back on it’s most desirable path. Up until now, she hasn’t questioned much about the missions or her origin story… until one day, something triggers a memory, and leads her down the path of investigating her past and identity, making her question everything she believes in, especially the motives of the Seers who direct her actions. A coming-of-age tale with a science fiction setting and diverse characters, the novel blends fast paced action, adventure, mystery, science, and teen girl concerns into a neatly wrapped package. Jadie is gutsy and likeable.

We both really enjoyed the alternating voices, mystery and suspense, and setting, so much, we went on to read another book about tesseracts, A Wrinkle in Time.

Feb25

History Comics: The National Parks by Falynn Koch

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History Comics: The National Parks by Falynn Koch

Koch, Falynn. History Comics: The National Parks. First Second, 2022. ISBN 978-1250265876 128 pp. $19.99

****

This comic panel format history is a fascinating look at the personalities (and egos) behind the creation of the National Park Service. An introduction from William Gwaitney, retired assistant regional director of the National Park Service, sets a passionate tone for the NPS in his introduction.

The book uses two characters, Bigfoot and a bald eagle, to represent the parks and the United States and frame the narrative. They introduce presidents and naturalists, legislators and business tycoons, and famous properties. They also define preservation versus conservation, where they are at odds and where they align.

The system evolved from a single park that straddled two states (Yellowstone) to include all federal parks: national monuments, recreation areas, military sites, urban parks, historic sites and natural wonders. The book also briefs on funding and management, environment and wildlife issues, and Mission 66 in 1966 to address visitor services (entrance fees, parking, and visitor centers).

Missing is coverage of the National Park System going rogue and actively resisting President Trump, the creation of @AltUSNatParkService and it’s 72.9K followers, and the government seeking to overturn laws and protections that keep the parks and their environments clean. Koch does not shy away from the reality of lands being stolen from indigenous peoples, or from dark and tragic parts of our history.

The art is cartoony with a subdued color palette. The characters are slightly caricatured which matches the fun and informal tone of the book. As each park is established, a name and date appear in the panel, culminating with a timeline that covers the establishments of all the parks, from 1851 to 2019. The book concludes with resources for further research (title and author, monographs only).

Informative and enjoyable, this just might inspire junior ranges or at least a road trip to visit your closest park!

Dec27

Harriet Spies Again by Louise Fitzhugh

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Harriet Spies Again by Louise Fitzhugh

Fitzhugh, Louise. Harriet Spies Again. Yearling, 2003 (reprint). $7.99

Harriet is missing her no-nonsense nanny, Ole Golly, and delighted at her return for three months while her parents are in France, but Ole Golly is sad, and depressed and… innocent (according to a overheard conversation)? The sleuth is determined to get to the bottom of why Ole Golly’s marriage failed with the help of Sport. A mysterious new neighbor is a nice foil to Harriet.

The dated feel, old New York setting, and delightful protagonist are a wonderful reminder of enjoying these books as a ten-year-old that didn’t fit in, and my neuro-atypical nine-year-old loved them when we read them together.

Jan18

Peanut Butter and Jeremy’s Best Book Ever by James Kochalka

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Peanut Butter and Jeremy’s Best Book Ever by James Kochalka

James Kochalka. Peanut Butter and Jeremy’s Best Book Ever. Alternative Comics, 2003. ISBN 978-1891867460 280 pp. $

*****

Peanut Butter and Jeremy’s Best Book Ever is a whimsical collection of the adventures of a naive workaholic cat (who thinks he is an office employee) named Peanut Butter and a sarcastic trickster crow named Jeremy. Peanut Butter, who takes himself much too seriously, needs a nemesis-pal like Jeremy around to bring him back down to earth. Character development here is excellent–the two epitomize their species and display charmingly human affectations as well. The art is smooth, featuring simple lines and velvety black backgrounds.

Appropriate for children in that the themes, dialogue and artwork are easily comprehended, some of the plots and jokes may go over their heads. Saavy teens and collegiate intern-types will probably get the most out of Peanut Butter’s career track and Jeremy’s meanness. Some parents of young children may object to the name-calling and threats of violence throughout, but they are true to Jeremy’s character and should be taken lightly.

Jun19

Beneath the Lion’s Gaze by Maaza Mengiste

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Beneath the Lion’s Gaze by Maaza Mengiste

Mengiste, Maaza. Beneath the Lion’s Gaze. W.W. Norton, 2010. ISBN 978-0393071764 320 pp. $

***

Beneath the Lion’s Gaze is the story of the Ethiopian Revolution in the mid 1970s, from the point of view of multiple characters. It opens with a doctor operating on another gunshot victim, while reflecting on his youngest son’s involvement in the war, and his wife, dying of cancer in the same hospital. The son gets caught up in the resistance, and the doctor euthanizes a torture victim of the regime.

It took me a long time to get into this book; I picked it up and read about 20 pages of and put down, and tried to go back to it, twice, before slogging through it. I did think Mengiste was able to convey the political situation without a lot of long involved history, and there were certainly many exciting moments, but on the whole I was bored. And then, about halfway through, I was very worried for the characters and found myself genuinely caring for Dawit. The torture scenes were hard to read. I liked the twist on the significance of the girl Hailu euthanizes (this is defined as a key plot point on the book jacket, so I don’t think it’s a spoiler). In fact, I was surprised that this even, foreshadowed on the jacket, took so long to get to (2/3 of the book!).

The writing in Beneath the Lion’s Gaze is superb but it’s not an easily accessible novel. I especially loved the transitions in early chapters that introduced the characters, and again around chapter 20, when chapter 19 ends with a mention of pebbles, and chapter 20 opens with pebbles. The motifs (pebbles are only one; the heart, old tough trees, and themes of family and fluidity/flexibility are others) and the symbolism are masterful. Beneath the Lion’s Gaze is not consistently engaging, although the characters are relatable, specifically, the young person who is caught up in fighting for what he believes, and the friendship between two boys, one who goes to soldier and another who joins the resistance.

Certainly, the issue of euthanasia is a meaty topic for discussion; Beneath the Lion’s Gaze has potential for book club discussion.

Aug19

Fur-tastrophe Avoided: Southern Sea Otters by Jeanette Leardi

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Leardi, Jeanette. Southern Sea Otters: Fur-tastrophe Avoided. Bear Claw, 2021 (reprint). ISBN ‎ 978-1636910550. 24 pp. $10

***

Written in an engaging narrative, Leardi draws the reader in with a scientist’s account of discovering this thought-to-be-extinct species. She backtracks to provide a little history, discussing the hunting of otter for fur that made southern sea otters believed to be gone forever. An explanation of subsequent efforts to such up a refuge along the California coast and the passing of laws enacted to protect sea otters from hunting and fishing, follows. Leardi brings the reader up to present day, when the largest threat to marine life is pollution, especially oil contamination. The final pages include a fact sheet on southern sea otters, and a page or two on other endangered sea animals. The narrative is uncommonly well written for an animal nonfiction book designed for school reports, with appeal for browsing readers as well.

Full color photos–at least two in each two page spread–catch sea otters at play, researchers checking the animals, and images of beach cleanups and sea otter predators. An excellent map shows the habitat of the species in the past and present. 

Words that may be unfamiliar appear in boldface and are defined, with pronunciations, in a glossary. The index is complete in scope, photo credits are listed, and there is a  brief bibliography and list of further reading. Recommended for large collections, or where reports on endangered species are de rigueur.

Jun3

The Fairy Chronicles by J.H Sweet: Marigold and the Feather of Hope & Dragonfly and the Web of Dreams

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Sweet, J.H. Marigold and the Feather of Hope (Fairy Chronicles #1). Independently published, 2007. ISBN 978-1520640099 116 pp. $6.99

Sweet, J.H. Dragonfly and the Web of Dreams. (Fairy Chronicles #2)Sweet, J.H. Marigold and the Feather of Hope (Fairy Chronicles #1). Independently published, 2007. ISBN  978-1520640280. 112 pp. $6.99

**

This new fantasy series with appeal to early elementary school age girls concerns four nine year olds who discover they are fairies, each with a special power. They become fast friends, taking seriously their charge to be “problem solvers, helpers, fixers, and protectors of nature.”

In Marigold and the Feather of Hope, the Journey Begins, Sweet sets up the premise and explains the rules of the fairy world that Marigold/Beth and her three new friends have been inducted into; thus, there is a lot of telling and explaining. In Dragonfly and the Web of Dreams, much of the first chapter is taken up with backstory, making for a stand alone novel with a long intro.  Each episodic story presents a problem to solve, and the resourceful girls come to the rescue, first in reclaiming the feather of Hope that belongs to the Brownies, and then stopping a proliferation of nightmares.

Some of the conventions are very clever: a personalized fairy handbook that ages with it’s owner acts as a moral compass, to some degree. The nut messaging system, with notes tucked inside nuts and delivered by birds, brings Harry Potter to mind. Instead of relying on traditional mythologies and meanings of trees and flowers, Sweet develops her own. Willow trees, for example, facilitate communication, gremlins fear vacuum cleaners, and dachshunds; and drommelaks cause nightmares.

The writing is sometimes wooden – adult characters speak in proper sentences without conjunctions. The shift in point of view to a dog near the end of book one disrupts the flow of the narrative. The full color illustrations are detailed and charming, but on at least one occasion complicate or detract from the text, such as a depiction of a foaming mug of root beer, when the text clearly states the characters are drinking out of bottles.

Each book in the series concludes with some extras: a craft or recipe, some background about a plant or animal, and additional information about something fairy related, such as the Cottingley Fairie fraud, or Morgan Le Fey. The background material adds a nice little something extra, although no sources are cited.

Although the overall idea is charming, the point of the books is so obviously to build character in girls that it detracts from the charm of the concept. The mentors, fairy books, and even a journal impart lessons rather than gently guiding. Because of the didacticism of the books, they are recommended only as a secondary purchase for large collections.

Apr5

Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere! by Bob Barner

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Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere! by Bob Barner

Barner, Bob. Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere! Chronicle Books, 2010 (reprint). ISBN 978-0811877244. $6.99 24 pp.

*****

In January in libraries across America, the penguin storytime is obligatory; this week we are experience April snowstorms in New England, so it’s the perfect time to revisit those funny little tuxedoed birds. Penguins, Penguins Everywhere is a bright cut-paper collage picture book that delivers penguin facts in a rollicking rhyme. Both Arctic and Equator dwelling penguins are covered, and the vibrant blues of the North contrast appealingly with the yellow and orange heat of the South.

Regardless of locale, all penguins swim, eat fish and care for their young, and these feats are acrobatically and charmingly demonstrated. The sparse text concludes with a two page spread on penguin facts, and two more pages detailing all seventeen penguin species, with incredible attention to detail; each type is distinctively portrayed. Beautifully done, and sure to be popular on the heels of such films as Happy Feet and March of the Penguins.

Review by Beth Gallaway

Aug16

National Geographic Our World, Updated Edition: A Child’s First Picture Atlas by National Geographic Kids

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National Geographic Our World, Updated Edition: A Child’s First Picture Atlas by National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids. National Geographic Our World, Updated Edition: A Child’s First Picture Atlas. ISBN 978-0792255314 32 pp.

*****

This introduction to continents and countries begins with an orientation session to the concept of a globe, a map, and land characteristics, which is a transition for how to recognize boundaries and landforms on a map. The United States is featured first, then the seven continents. Each oversized two-page spread is peppered DK-style with a mix of images that connote the location, such as bananas, carnival, cowboys and rainforests to represent South America, and rice, bamboo and pandas representing Asia. Every entry is accompanied by the continent, shown in position on a world map; a large political map with country boundaries marked; and a mix of photos and illustrations that show native peoples, a common animals, landmark and attractions, the biome, and some cultural aspect.

The text is simple and straightforward, with a large font. Vocabulary words marked in red and accompanied by a graphic. The layout is lively, with a color coded index, busy pages, and bright clear shapes.

The book concludes with geography projects, such as dialogical reading prompts, for parents to share with children. A “Guess what I am?” activity will have young readers flipping pages to go back and find more icons on the maps. A glossary and pronunciation guide are appended.

Aug16

Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Craig & Isabella Hatkoff

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Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Craig & Isabella Hatkoff

Hatkoff, Craig & Isabella Hatkoff. Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. Scholastic, 2006. ISBN 978-0439851138 332 pp. $17.99

*****

 A year and a half after the deadly 2004 tsunami leveled Indian Ocean coastal communities and destroyed wildlife habitats, this picture book recounts an episode following the disaster. Owen & Mzee is billed as the “complete authorized story of two devoted companions,” and allows readers (through extensive photojournalism) to observe the efforts of dedicated relief workers to rescue a baby hippo they later named Owen.

Relying on news reports and interviews, Craig Hatkoff and his six-year-old daughter Isabella continue the saga of the months-old orphaned animal, chronicling his arrival at an animal sanctuary in Kenya and the surprising bond he forms with one of its long-time residents, Mzee, a 130-year-old male tortoise. Extensive notes and maps explore the areas affected by the tsunami and help define key concepts (underwater earthquakes, tsunamis, animal sanctuaries) for 8- to 10-year-old readers who might find some of the material overwhelming or difficult to grasp. However, the rare bonding of young Owen and elderly Mzee, an occurrence that has baffled animal care experts, marks the beginning of life for a new family in a new home, a concept that children can readily embrace.

Color photographs of the distressed baby hippo reflect  the aggressive and physical nature of the animal during his journey to a new home, while later images illustrate his loving and playful personality as he embraces his new family.