October 1, 2016
Preschool-K This simply written entry in the My Community: Places series uses short, present-tense sentences ideal for very young children and beginning readers; for example, A library is a special place. It is filled with books! Though the scenes captured in the large photos feel staged, they are appropriate to the subject. They show children, representing a diverse range of skin colors and ages, using various parts of the librarybook stacks, computers, desks, and so on. The pictures work best as illustrations in the back matter. The combination pictorial and written glossary shows abstract words, soft and information, and an At the Library page depicts objects and people commonly found in this community space. The book's gentle, positive tone will help youngsters understand libraries' many uses and leave them itching for a visit.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2017
These titles introduce readers to important places in a community. They use simple, declarative sentences to explain who works there and the activities that occur in each building. However, the inclusion of names for the people featured in the stock photos creates a false expectation for narrative continuity. The sturdy, high-interest books otherwise hit the important notes for library nonfiction collections. Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)