★
REVIEW TEAM FAVORITE
Hello Lighthouse
By: Sophie Blackall
Medal Winner
Reviewed by: Sandy Hall
Also read and recommended by: Christine Kallner, Sherry Early
This book is full of historically-accurate details of the lighthouse. The illustrations are done in Chinese ink and watercolor and beautifully portray the steadiness and stability of the lighthouse in the midst of all the changes in weather and over time. The lighthouse is always in the same location on the two-page spreads to portray that constancy. There are cutaway illustrations that show the interior of the lighthouse with lots of detail. When you think about a lighthouse, you think about the usual circular shape as you are inside looking up. To highlight that, Blackall adds some circle vignette illustrations on various pages. So clever! The front and back inside covers give lots more information in picture and text about lighthouses. At the end, there is a nice surprise of a foldout page which shows the lighthouse from two perspectives on the front and back of the page. The repetition of the first few lines from the beginning to the end bring the book to a satisfying finish. The beams of the lighthouse calling out “hello, hello” beg for an answer. As some reviewers of this book have stated, the lighthouse is a symbol of dependability in a world full of changes, something every child needs.
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Alma and How She Got Her Name
By: Juana Martinez-Neal
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
Recommended age: ages 4-8
Both of our sons have long names too; we wanted to honor each of our families! I loved how this book tells a similar story.
A Big Mooncake for Little Star
By: Grace Lin
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
Recommended age: 4-8
Turn Goodnight Moon into a nature study and you have this luminous picture book that enchants adults and kids—the best kind of book.
The Rough Patch
By: Brian Lies
Honor
Reviewed by: Deanna Knoll
While the loss of a pet is a worthy topic for a child's picture book, The Rough Patch approaches it in a haphazard way, in my opinion. While sadness is certainly an appropriate emotion, anger (and the resultant destruction of property depicted in the book) seems to be the wrong focus here. I think there are many other books that better address this difficult topic.
★
REVIEW TEAM FAVORITE
Thank You, Omu!
By: Oge Mora
Honor
Reviewed by: Sandy Hall
Also read and recommended by: Christine Kallner, Deanna Knoll, Sarah Kim, Sherry Early
The repetition of specific words and lines are a delightful draw to this story that little ones love in picture book stories. “Knock knock,” “Mmmmmm, stew!” “Thank you, Omu!” are all repeated each time a new person comes to the door for a taste of Omu’s stew. The story is sweet, displaying generosity, community, unselfishness, and ultimately the kindness returned to Omu. A wonderful story about sharing!
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