Book Review: What If...

WHAT IF… by Samantha Berger is a picture book exploring the power of imagination and determination.

Using lyrical prose and bright colored collages, the author and illustrator tell the story of a young girl who imagines how she would express herself if her traditional art tools disappeared.

Librarians will find this picture book to be useful in jumpstarting a discussion of creativity and imagination. It could also be applied in a lesson about invention and persistence. Use it in a display featuring other books about creativity.

Published on April 3, 2018 by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Nightmare Escape

NIGHTMARE ESCAPE by Greg Grunberg and Lucas Turnbloom is the first book in the exciting new Dream Jumper graphic novel for middle grades.

Like all kids, Ben has nightmares. What makes Ben unique is that his nightmares are real and he’s able to jump into the dreams of others. When his girlfriend is caught in an endless nightmare, Ben must defeat the nightmare monster with a little help from a talking rabbit. The book’s conclusion is satisfying, but leaves many questions unanswered and ready for the next book in this engaging series.

Librarian will find this graphic novel series popular among children who enjoy fantasy and adventure. The book’s high-quality, full-color illustration will add to the appeal. Build a library display featuring GRAPHIX titles to feature this new addition to the this popular collection. Or ,create a “nightmare” display featuring books connected to dreams and nightmares.

Published by GRAPHIX, an imprint of Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur

I WANNA BE A GREAT BIG DINOSAUR by Heath McKenzie is an adorable picture book featuring a boy and an imaginary T Rex.

A young boy enjoys pretending he’s a dinosaur. When a T Rex shows up, the boy learns all about being a dinosaur. In turn, the boy shares his life as a human. Together they decide they can be whatever they want to be.

Librarians will find a huge audience for this picture book among young dinosaur lovers. Teachers will connect with the “be yourself” themes. The humorous, fast-paced story is perfect for story time and discussions. There are endless opportunities for imaginative play and art activities associated with the story.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.heathmck.com/.

Published by Sourcebook Jabberwocky on May 17, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Be a Friend

BE A FRIEND by Salina Yoon is a heartwarming picture book exploring individuality and friendship.

Dennis expresses himself through mime. While other children talk with friends and play with toys, Dennis uses his imagination for amusement. Over time, Dennis becomes lonely and is thrilled to meet another child who shares his passion for mime.

Yoon’s use of brown paper and the color red are inventive additions to her already appealing illustrations. Children will enjoy the illustrator’s nod to Marcel Marceau woven throughout the book.

Librarians will find this quiet picture book to be an effective tool in talking to children about individual differences, courage, and self-acceptance.

To learn about the author, go to http://www.salinayoon.com/

Published by Bloomsbury on January 5, 2016. ARC Courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Secret Tree Fort

SECRET TREE FORT by Brianne Farley is a charming picture book about two sisters with different ideas about how to spend an afternoon outdoors.

When siblings are told to “go outside and play,” the young girl tried to convince her sister that they should play together. When she’s ignored, the girl uses her imagination to weave an amazing story of a secret fort. Colorful illustrations bring the imaginary fort to life.

Librarians know that forts are always a popular topic. Use this sweet picture book as a read-aloud and encourage children to draw pictures of their own imaginary tree fort.

To learn more about the author, go to http://briannefarley.com/.

Published by Candlewick Press on April 12, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Big Friends

BIG FRIENDS by Linda Sarah is an adorable picture book that tells the story of cardboard boxes, imagination, and friendship.

Birt and Etho share a passion for turning ordinary paper boxes into imaginary worlds featuring pirates and astronauts. However when Shu joins the group, Birt becomes uncomfortable and retreats to his house. Shu and Etho find a way to bring Birt back into the fold by combining their boxes together.

The simple illustrations and pleasing rhythm of the story will appeal to young children. Youth will easily empathize with the friendship themes.

Librarians will find that this authentic story is an excellent resource to jumpstart discussions about friendship, jealousy, change, and working together. Use the book as the centerpiece of a cardboard box themed project with hands-on activities involving groups of two and three working together.

Published by Henry Holt on January 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Violet and Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairy Tale

VIOLET AND VICTOR WRITE THE MOST FABULOUS FAIRY TALE by Alice Kuipers is a beautifully illustrated picture book about twins who write a fairy tale together.

When Violet begins writing a fairytale, her twin Victor joins in with helpful and not-so-helpful ideas and advise. While Violet writes about fictional creatures in a marvelous kingdom, Victor prefers to weave in Australian animals and a wicked witch.

The unusual, mixed media illustrations use rich blues and purples to create a fascinating imaginary world. Different text colors denote the narrator and easy-to-read, handwritten sheets feature the twins’ creative writing.

Librarians will find that the attractive cover and cute storyline will make this a popular picture book. Young readers will enjoy the sibling banter and humorous situations, while teachers will appreciate the author’s nod to the writing process and the twins’ use of vivid vocabulary.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.alicekuipers.com/.

To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.aquapup.com/.

Published by Little, Brown, and Company, an imprint of Hachette on January 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Duncan, the Story Dragon

DUNCAN THE STORY DRAGON by Amanda Driscoll is an adorable picture book exploring the love of books and an unusual friendship.

Written for ages 4-6, Duncan the dragon has a passion for books and a great imagination. Unfortunately, he gets so excited when he reads that he catches the books on fire! Duncan decides he needs to find a buddy who can read to him so he can finally reach “the end” of a book. Children will enjoy his quest and his unusual friend.

Driscoll uses colorful, attractive images to draw attention and spark the imagination of young readers. The short sentences and large, easy-to-read type will encourage pre-readers to follow along with the words.

Librarians will enjoy building story time events around this amazing picture book. In addition to the books and reading theme, the topics of imagination, animals, and friendship provide many additional connections.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.amandadriscoll.com.

Published by Knopf, an imprint of Random House on June 9, 2015.

Website Review: Wonderpolis

WONDEROPOLIS is a website that encourages imagination, creativity, and inquiry. Launched in 2010, this free website is overflowing with ideas that promote creative and critical thinking. The Wonder of the Day section features over 1300 topics asking questions like “How are pickles made?”. These “Wonders” can be searched by grade level and subject area. In addition, they’re aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Educators can share ideas in the Educator Sandbox area.

Teacher librarians can use this website to jumpstart inquiry-based learning projects and get students thinking about questioning. The tagline for the website is “where the wonders of learning never cease”. It’s a wonderful message for people of all ages.

To learn more, go to WONDEROPOLIS at http://wonderopolis.org/