Do You Love Me? by Joost Elffers

Rating: Additional
HarperCollins, 2008, $14.99
ISBN: 9780061667992
Age/Grade Level: Ages 0-4

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While this story sends a very sweet and important message - that a child is loved by its parent no matter what - I have seen similar books deliver this messages with more elegance. The colorful, balloon animal-esque illustrations are eye catching and fun, but make it difficult to connect to the story. With no sense of realism, the full impact of unconditional love cannot be impressed upon a child. Overall, a sweet sentiment that does not match its colorful illustrations.

Reviewer: Monica Barette, Orange Public Library

What Lincoln Said, by Sarah L. Thomson

Illustrated by James E. Ransome

Rating: Recommended
Collins, 2008, $17.99

ISBN: 9780060848194

Age/Grade Level: Ages 4-8

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What Lincoln Said is an excellent addition to the already numerous children's books about the man and his mission. While the pictures are a touch off-putting (they make Lincoln look much like Disney's Ichabod Crane, and other characters are equally distorted), the text is just right. Neither too lengthy or brief, the text does an excellent job of discussing Lincoln's life and explaining the Civil War and slavery in terms a child can comprehend, yet without oversimplifying these issues. The historical timeline of his life and the author's notes serve as icing on the cake, and I recommend this book for the library collection.

Reviewer: Monica Barette, Orange Public Library

Brothers & Sisters: Family Poems, by Eloise Greenfield

Illustrated by Spivey Gilchrist
Rating: Additional

Amistad, 2008, $17.99
ISBN: 9780060562847
Age/Grade Level: Ages 4-8

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Brothers and Sisters is a lovely collection of short poems. Each poem is simply written, easy to understand for all ages and, best of all, highly relatable. There is realism in these poems, not just "child siblings love each other at all times." Poems like "Teen Brother" give a very sad yet true depiction of a younger brother's sense of neglect from his withdrawn teenage brother, while ones like "Grandpa and Great Uncle Paul" ponder the future of sibling relationships. While I am not entirely sure about how well this will circulate at our library, those who read it should certainly enjoy this book.

Reviewer: Monica Barette, Orange Public Library