I think that all review sites need to be taken with a grain of salt… Goodreads for example, is one such site that definitely has its value, but relying on it alone as a selection aid has its limitations.
For my consideration, I looked at the reviews for Superworm, by Julia Donaldson. It is currently one of my favourite picture book titles and thoroughly enjoyed by my two boys (3 and 7). It has heroes and villains galore!
On Goodreads, Superworm has been given a 4.13 out of 5, from 2,208 ratings and has 209 reviews. The top review however, I found quite surprising – which was a two-star review. Mostly, the reviewer had concerns about the implications for the worm (whereby small children might dig them up to play with them like in the book – as skipping ropes fishing rod, etc). Also expressed was the disappointment at the stereotyped evil lizard and evil crow, who have been villainised in their portrayal, where this text perpetuates this negative reputation. My first thought was, “That’s an interesting perspective… hadn’t thought of that!”.
I think what I found a bit jarring here, was the disparity between the overall high rating and then this particular first review. If I hadn’t already come to know and love the book on my own, I do believe it would have coloured my own perception and enjoyment of it.
I think mostly reviews on Goodreads are quite simplistic, with most comments of the “I loved it” variety. What is required from the teacher librarian perspective is more of an evaluative stance of the text and potentially even its usefulness across the curriculum, for example. Some of these I have seen spattered throughout my own resource title searches and these generally from teacher reviewers. These reviews I would naturally place more value in, compared to those from your average Joe… (no offence to any Joe’s out there)…