New at the Library

While picking blueberries on a warm summer afternoon, Cammy and her brother see signs of unseen animals and their activities including footprints, a dam, and a floating feather.

Illustrations and brief text describe the habits of certain animals that are active at night.

It's everywhere. It's a solid, a liquid, or a gas. Read more to find out the facts on matter.

What makes a fish a fish? Trout thinks he knows the answer. "That's easy Fish have fins, gills, scales, are shaped like me, and live underwater." "Not so fast," answers Mudskipper. "What about a clingfish? They don't have any scales. Or a hagfish? They don't have any fins. Or what about me? I live in and out of the water " As Trout and Mudskipper explore below and above the world's waters, they are introduced to a multitude of fish in various shapes, colors, and sizes, forcing Trout to rethink his notion of what a fish is. Maybe there is a vast watery world of unimagined possibilities (like a walking fish, or a fish with a transparent head ). And maybe, just maybe, there's not just one way to be a fish--but many, many ways

Reviewed: NYT/BR 19 Feb. 2023 p. 12.
Description: From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South, this is a story of a people’s struggle and strength, horror and hope. This is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be. (publ.)

"Around the world, our ancient ancestors' mysterious art is left behind on cave walls, in rain forests, and with ink made from charcoal and crushed clay. These people told their stories in magnificent drawings that still speak to us today, echoing across generations. In her own stunning artwork that features the deserts of North America to the caves of Papua New Guinea, Hannah Salyer showcases ancient rock paintings, drawings, and etchings and invites us to add to the ongoing story--our ancestory"---Provided by publisher.

Bats have wings, but do cats? No, of course not! In this entertaining book designed to both instruct and delight, young audiences encounter actual animal traits paired with impossible ones. Or what if they're not all far-fetched?

Calmar Campus

Buckley and his Mama live in a cozy cabin by the ocean. He loves to carve boats out of the driftwood he finds on the beach nearby. He makes: big boats long boats short boats and tall boats, each one more beautiful than the last, and sends them out to sea. If they don't come back, he knows they've found their way to his papa, whom he misses very much. In this stunning debut, author/illustrator Jessixa Bagley explores the subtle and deep emotions associated with loss in a heartwarming tale that is sure to stay with the reader long after the book is closed. A Neal Porter Book

Description: Bubbie and Rivka’s new Friday tradition is to bake a loaf challah,
and while each week presents a new challenge, they learn that practice makes
progress and persistence makes for some very special together time and
delicious bread. (publ.)

While on vacation, George and the man with the yellow hat stop to see Mt. Rushmore. There's no time to take a helicopter ride for a close-up view - the hot air balloon races are about to start! Whisked up and away at the races, a surprised George gets a close-up view of the presidents after all. The adventures of Curious George continue in an all-new series beginning in fall 1998 with eight new stories. Written and illustrated in the style of Margret and H. A. Rey, the books will appear in paperback (8 x 8") and hardcover editions and will feature the art of Vipah Interactive, the animators of HMI's Curious George CD-ROMs.

Description: As night falls, a trio of siblings stumble upon some of nature’s
hidden nighttime beauty, including timid fawns, blossoming lavender, silent
owls, and many more wonders of the night. (publ.)

A dazzling wordless picture book celebrates creative problem-solving, teamwork, and the sun-splashed wonder of a day at the beach. The creators of the acclaimed Over the Shop evoke a perfect summer beach day--and themes of creativity, cooperation, flexibility, and persistence--all without a word in this sun-warmed, salt-stained delight of a story. A busload of beachgoers spills out onto the sand for a day of fun and frolic. Three siblings begin work on a castle, patting and shaping the sand as the sun arcs over the sky. Time and again, their progress is halted: a windswept hat topples their creation; a toddler ambles through it; the tide creeps close, and then too close. Meeting each demolition with fresh determination, the builders outdo themselves time and again, until the moment arrives to pile back into the bus for home. An authentic portrait of sibling cooperation--and glorious inspiration for creative people of all ages--A Day for Sandcastles channels the thrill of surrendering expectations on the path to infinite possibility.

Calmar Campus

"A farmhouse where twelve children grow up holds evidence of their stories long after they are gone"---Provided by publisher.

A stunning new picture book from beloved icon Julie Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, that introduces readers to the remarkable story of the development of written music, and speaks to the beauty of music and the power of perseverance.

Calmar Campus

Instead of making friends, seven-year-old Max Midas decides to make millions and spend it on what he loves best, gold, but one day things get lonely inside his shiny castle and Max finally learns that gold is not worth anything without friends and family by your side. The author and illustrator of No, David!, is back with a riotous retelling of the Midas myth that's sure to delight young readers and be read aloud again and again.

Calmar Campus

A friendly little farm breaks into chaos as increasing numbers of farm animals fight over a dropped cookie, until there's trouble overhead! United against a common enemy, the animals learn that friendship and taking care of each other is more important than winning a fight.

Reviewed: PW 29 Nov. 2021 p. 58.

Description: Being the only brown girl in a classroom full of white students can be hard. When the teacher talks about slavery and civil rights, she can feel all the other students’ eyes on her. In those moments she wants to seep into the ground, wondering, is that all you see when you look at me? Having gone through the same experiences, the girl’s mother offers a different, empowering point of view: she is a reflection of the powerful women that have come before her, of the intelligence, resilience, and resourcefulness that have been passed down through the generations. Her history is a source of pride, a reason to sit up straight and recognize everything beautiful and powerful in herself. What really matters is what we see when we look in the mirror, and what we want to become. Inspired by the authors’ experiences in school and as a parent, Adrea Theodore’s debut picture book is a powerful testament to the past as well as a benediction for the future. (publ.)

Fans of the Scientists in the Field series will love discovering ways to save and protect bees through the eyes of a honeybee rescuer. Follow honeybee rescuer Mr. Nelson as he expertly removes a colony of bees from Mr. Connery's barn (with a vacuum!) and helps it relocate back to a hive. Photographs of Mr.Nelson's relocation of the colony help bring the honeybee rescue to life. Nature lovers and scientists-to-be will be abuzz as they learn all the ways to keep honeybees (and our ecosystem) safe.

Some of the world's most amazing animals are camouflaged! Too bad Howard is too full of himself to notice. Howard thinks he's the most exceptional creature in the entire rainforest. That's because no other creature is as fantastically camouflaged as he is! But when Howard learns that other creatures can be camouflaged, too, he doesn't feel so special anymore. In fact, he might just be...GASP...average! Who could ever love a completely unexceptional gecko like Howard? Dip into this vibrantly illustrated and funny tale to find out!

Description: A boy, a dog and a know-it-all narrator are thwarted by a cat who
refuses to learn a trick. … This spoof on an instruction manual features an
increasingly bewildered human, a nonchalant cat, a very good dog and a
know-it-all narrator … who really doesn’t know it all. How do you teach a cat a
trick? (publ.)

Learning to ride a bike is hard. Can I do it? Yes, I can! A fun comic that kindergarteners and first graders can read on their own. Can I do it? I can't do it. I want to do it. I did it! Simple text that new readers can read by themselves, along with delightful pictures in a comic format, show a little creature trying and trying again as they learn to ride a bicycle. All their friends help with supportive words of encouragement. "You did it!" their friends exclaim.

Daryl does not want to share his favorite dinosaur book, so when it is time to bring it back to the library he uses all his dinosaur skills to get it back until a friendly librarian encourages him to share.

Reviewed: PW 18 Apr. 2022 p. 75.

Description: An ambitious toilet plunger expresses his desire to be a vase. (publ.)

A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart.  Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial--a frightening intruder. It's a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.   Full of wordplay and optimism, this surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness (and friendship) can rule over brawn.

Claude Monet is one of the world's most beloved artists--and he became famous during his own lifetime. He rejected a traditional life laid out clean and smooth before him. Instead he chose a life of art. But not just any art: a new way of seeing that came to be called impressionism. Monet loved to paint what he saw around him, particularly the Seine River. He was initially rejected for using bright colors, tangled brushstrokes--condemned for his impressions. But soon art dealers and collectors were lining up each morning to see as Monet saw. Monet, however, waited only for the light. The changing light...each morning he had a dozen canvases on hand to paint a dozen different moments. His brush moved back and forth, chasing sunlight--putting in the arduous work to create an image that seemed to contain no effort at all.

What can smell like bubble gum, glow neon green at night, be poisonous and yet still eaten by humans, and even help create rain? The answer is mushrooms! From their hidden networks underground to the fruiting body above, mushrooms can do incredible things. But don't call them plants--mushrooms are fungi. They're more closely related to animals like you! Through lyrical text and colorful, detailed artwork, the wonderful, mysterious, and sometimes bizarre world of mushrooms is explored. Back matter includes a glossary, additional mushroom facts, and a science activity.

This is no ordinary first journey. The rainy season has come to the Mekong Delta, and An, a young Vietnamese boy, sets out alone in a wooden boat wearing a little backpack and armed only with a single oar. On the way, he is confronted by giant crested waves, heavy rainfall and eerie forests where fear takes hold of him. Although daunted by the dark unknown, An realizes that he is not alone and continues to paddle. He knows it will all be worth it when he reaches his destination--one familiar to children all over the world.

"Rosa, a Korean girl, falls in love with the color blue--the dazzling blue of the sea and sky, and the bold, bright indigo-blue stripe in her traditional hanbok robe. Years later, as an artist living in the United States, Rosa learns the ancient Korean method of indigo dyeing, creates indigo arts and crafts, and even grows her own indigo plants at a Baltimore community garden." -- inside front jacket flap.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 18 Dec. 2022 p. 22.
Description: Every morning, Ms. Marta goes out to check that the world is how it should be: her friends sitting on a terrace playing cards, the beach where it always is, children playing in the playground. (publ.)
Note: Originally published as: Mi Barrio (Mexico City, 2018).

This nonfiction picture book tells the true story of four sisters who used their skills and creativity to bring storybook houses from their childhood fairy tales to life in 1930s Southern California. Mildred, Harriet, Brenda, and Wilma Moody grew up reading classic fairy tales and inventing their own, wishing they could live in the stories. They imagined storybook houses for themselves and slept there in their dreams every night. As adults, the sisters followed separate career paths until Mildred, an artist, needed a place to paint. Harriet, an architect, sketched plans for a studio that looked like the whimsical abodes from their childhood dreams. When people saw the enchanting studio, they began to want fairy tale houses of their own. So, Harriet drew more plans, and Mildred decorated the insides, and Brenda and Wilma joined them to take care of the banking and business. Soon, storybook cottages bloomed throughout their tiny town. And when families moved into their new homes, they could all feel just a little bit of the Moody sisters' fairy tale magic.

From award winning children's writer Niki Daly, author and illustrator of the Lolo early reader series Whether it's jumping in puddles with Tata in the rain, greeting the neighborhood cat on the quiet back streets with Gogo, or holding hands with Mama while rushing to make the bell, walking to school with family is the best. But nothing is better than walking to school with Papa. From high above, resting on Papa's shoulders, all of the town is in perfect view, and Papa always says "I love you" when he says goodbye. A sweet ode to fatherhood and the special relationships children share with each member of their family, On My Papa's Shoulders reminds us that it's not about where we're going, but rather the people who walk with us along the way.

An innovative picture book biography about an unsung hero of early animation Lotte Reiniger (1899-1981) was a German film director and animator best known for The Adventures of Prince Achmed, which was released in 1926 and is the oldest surviving animated movie. (It came out a full 11 years before Disney's Snow White!) As a little kid, Reiniger loved reading fairytales and fell in love with puppetry. At school, she learned about Scherenschnitte, or papercuts, which helped her create her signature style of silhouettes. She grew up to make more than 40 films throughout her long career, most of which were fairytales that used her stop-film animation technique of hand-cut silhouettes. Reiniger is now seen as the foremost pioneer of silhouette animation and the inventor of an early form of the multiplane camera. With art inspired by Reiniger's cut-paper style and a text that uses a fairytale motif that mimics her movies, Out of the Shadows is a sweeping tribute to one of most important figures of animation, whose influence still resonates today.

Pigeon experiences an emotional loop-de-loop as he anticipates his turn to ride the roller coaster.

Even rocks have big dreams in this sweet and wacky picture book for fans of Aaron Reynolds and Mac Barnett about a display rock who longs to explore the great outdoors! Rick is a rock. For as long as he can remember, he's lived on the Nature Finds shelf in Room 214 alongside an acorn, some moss, and a piece of bark. One day, the teacher shows the class what rocks do outdoors, and Rick is captivated. Exploding out of volcanos? Plunging off cliffs? Now Rick's determined to get outside--after all, he's a rock, and rocks are made for adventure. But when Rick does make his way into the great outdoors, he finds it's not quite what he imagined--and that sometimes the greatest adventure of all is being a friend.

Built to explore Mars, Resilience begins to develop human-like feelings as he learns from the NASA scientists who assembled him, and as he blasts off and explores Mars, Resilience must overcome different obstacles as he explores the red planet.

"Legendary photographers Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams all photographed the Japanese American incarceration, but with different approaches--and different results. This nonfiction picture book for middle grade readers examines the Japanese-American incarceration--and the complexity of documenting it--through the work of these three photographers."---Provided by publisher.

Wile E. Coyote wants nothing more than to get hold of Road Runner. Watch as he uses liquids, solids, and gases in clever ways to catch that bird. Will the states of matter help him succeed? Or will his schemes dry up in the hot desert sun? Look inside to find out!

A witch’s favorite treat is frog soup. Luckily, it’s healthy and easy to make. To give it that extra kick and a pop of color, the key ingredient is a spoonful of frogs. But how do you keep the frogs on the spoon? They hop, they leap, they hide . . . and they escape. What is a poor witch to do?

Reviewed: PW 29 Nov. 2021 p. 61.
Description: Novelist Ibi Zoboi illuminates the young life of the visionary storyteller Octavia E. Butler in poems and prose. Born into the Space Race, the Red Scare, and the dawning Civil Rights Movement, Butler experienced an American childhood that shaped her into the groundbreaking science-fiction storyteller whose novels continue to challenge and delight readers fifteen years after her death. (publ.)

On a peculiarly long night, three farm animals set off on a daring quest to bring the sunrise. A mule, A milk cow, A miniature horse, Standing in a barn door, Waiting for the sun to rise. As this trio rests in their comfortable barn, a realization slowly dawns on them. . .; the sun is late to rise. After consulting barn owl (who always knows what to do), they take Rooster and set off on an epic journey further than they've ever gone before; through the acre of tall corn, past the sleeping giant, all the way to the edge of the world. Fans of Erin and Philip C. Stead's books will instantly love this quirky barnyard trio's magical quest to bring the sunrise, in the style of their previous animal books A Sick Day for Amos McGee and Bear Has a Story to Tell. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Description: Preschooler Ayana has thirteen adventures with her family and
her friend Harris including a jelly bean hunt, working in a community garden,
and giving her hamster, Stanley, a bath. (publ.)

Description: A neighborhood comes together to help a kitten without a home.

Once there was a bridge and a terrible and VERY hungry troll lived underneath it. When the three Billy Goats Gruff decide to clip-clop across the bridge to get to the grassy ridge, the troll is already imagining all the way to prepare a delicious goat dinner. But the troll underestimates those seemingly sweet but oh-so-savvy goats!
The book you are holding is called The Three Billy Goats Gruff. The story was first written down in Norway almost 200 years ago. It has been told, over and over again. Here is my version -- Adapted from inside cover.

Wile E. Coyote's main goal is to finally catch Road Runner. Watch as he builds wild vehicles and traps to help him catch that bird. Will his experiments with forces and motion be successful? Or will his inventions blow up in his face? Learn the answers inside!

Award-winning creators Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson tap deep into childhood curiosity with a mind-tickling ode to the open-ended. Not all questions have answers. Some have more than one answer. And others have endless answers, unfolding out to the edges of the world. In this spare yet expansive narrative, acclaimed author Mac Barnett poses twenty questions both playful and profound. Some make us giggle. Others challenge our assumptions. The result is a quirky, wandering exploration of where the best questions lead--to stories. Intriguing, richly interactive, and brought to vivid life by Caldecott Honor recipient Christian Robinson's bright and whimsical illustrations, Twenty Questions is a charming invitation to speculate without limits and know no bounds.

From Ian Falconer, Caldecott Honor winner and #1 New York Times bestselling creator of the Olivia series, comes a dashingly delightful picture book about two unforgettable dachshunds and their search for fun! Dachshund brothers Perry and Augie are home alone and desperately want to get outside and have a good time. Augie is the cautious one, the worrier; Perry is pure joy and excitement. When they finally manage to open the back door, mischievous adventures begin! Soon they're diving into the swimming pool, digging an enormous hole, and more! Will all return to normal before their owners come home? This witty and utterly heartwarming story plays perfectly off the exquisite illustrations. These are Ian Falconer's first all-new characters since Olivia, and Two Dogs is sure to equally capture the hearts of readers everywhere. Perfect for fans of imaginative dog books like Bark, George and A Ball for Daisy!

Description: Walter and Xavier were best friends until they slowly drifted apart, then Walter meets Ollie which could be the start of a new friendship. (publ.)

Branches are all around us: in butterfly wings, on gecko toes, in flowers, frost, and mud. Whether as electricity moving across the sky or rivers flowing to the sea, branches are nature's most efficient way to spread and to connect. They are even found inside our own bodies, helping us reach and grow with each breath and heartbeat. Branches--strong, hopeful, beautiful--are the shape of life. How many can you find?

Reviewed: NYT/BR 19 Feb. 2023 p. 12.
Description: Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, this is a poignant story about Black and brown heritage and community. Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to the author’s New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time. (publ.)

Calmar Campus

Description: The sky may be dark over icy waters, but Mommy Penguin is off to catch some fish for dinner. As Daddy and Little Penguin watch in suspense, Mommy swims, jumps, and climbs up a slippery slope, barely avoiding a plunge back into the sea. Well done! There’s just one more hurdle to overcome, past some grumpy, just-awakened seals, before she returns to her anxiously waiting family. With a nod to the fascinating nature of penguin parenting, this boldly illustrated adventure will have little ones happily on the edge of their seats as they root for Mommy Penguin. (publ.)

What Is a Gas? offers emergent readers a simple explanation of matter, a discription of gases, and examples of how gases can change into different states of matter.

What Is a Solid? offers emergent readers a simple explanation of matter, a description of solids, and examples of how solids can change into different states of matter.

A little girl discovers she has an unusual protector in a modern fairy tale with gorgeously detailed illustrations. One night Sylvie awakens to an incredible sight: a glowing figure tiptoeing across her floor, with enormous feathery wings wafting from his back. He's muttering to himself, trying to remember his orders, for this is his first flight. Could he really be the same angel she made last winter in the snow? Sylvie's angel says she isn't supposed to see him. He has been sent to save her life, and when the danger is past, she won't remember he was there. But she does remember. She thinks of him every day. And when nothing Sylvie does, no matter how risky, can make him reappear, she realizes he'll always be there unseen when she truly needs him.

"Traveling across the Mississippi Delta, Bo Willie searches blues landmarks like Dockery Farms and Beale Street for his missing dog.---Provided by publisher.

Wile E. Coyote's biggest desire is to finally get his hands on Road Runner. Watch as he invents clever traps using energy from fossil fuels, the sun, wind, and more. Will Wile E.'s experiments with energy help him catch that bird? Or will he get zapped by his own plans? Find out more inside!

Calmar Campus

Reviewed: PW 10 May 2021 p. 69.
Description: A highly visual full-color chapter book that uses humor, interactivity, and meta-storytelling to help even the most reluctant reader breeze through reading time, feel successful at reading, and even laugh! You’ll read a book … without really reading! A lonely book makes a deal with its reader: “You keep turning my pages, and I’ll make it FUN!” If you think reading is boring, then you can pretend to read this book! All you have to do is sit here and turn the pages. Everyone will think you’re reading. Are you ready? Let’s get started … The ability to read by third grade is critical to a child’s success in school and beyond. But learning to read can be frustrating. The Book No One Wants to Read by Beth Bacon validates the experience of reluctant readers and rewards them with laughter. (publ.)

Reviewed: NYT/BR 17 Apr. 2022 p. 22; NYT/BR 11 Dec. 2022 p. 26 (Year's Best Children's Books)
Description: This Spanish-English bilingual edition is the first fully illustrated selection of Book of Questions: comprising 70 questions of the original 320, these poems, carefully woven together by theme and accompanying full-page illustrations, invite us to wonder at the natural world and the myriad mysteries it contains. Book of Questions, written by beloved Chilean poet and Nobel Prize winner Neruda, was completed just months before his death in 1973, and is his last great work of poetry. By turns lyrical and cosmic, dreamlike and nonsensical, paradoxical and playful, each of these unanswerable questions asks us to set aside certainty and constraint and to enter into the vastness of the unknown. With riddles like “Where is the center of the sea? / Why don’t waves break there?” and “What do you call a flower / that flits from bird to bird?”, Neruda inspires us to unravel our assumptions and re-envision our relationship to nature. The only answer that is sure to arise from these questions is a closer observation of and reflection on the world in which we live, and a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder at our shared universe (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 12 Apr. 2021 p. 73.
Description: Renata and her father halt work on their new bathroom when a pair of wrens builds a nest over the bathtub, allowing Renata to see their chicks hatch and begin to fly.

Reviewed: PW 10 May 2021 p. 68.
Description: In this story based on the author’s life, a young homeless girl finds a different kind of home in the library.

Reviewed: PW 25 Apr. 2022 p. 62.
Description: A voracious young reader pens a love letter to libraries and books, and powerfully expresses the need for diversity and the importance of representation in stories. (publ.) None of the child’s favorite books feature characters who look like her, and a return trip to the library in search of “characters of the same hue” only yields “books of struggle, hardship, and pain.” And so, in search of “cocoa-colored mer-peple, / honey hued dragon slayers, / and superheroes with locs,” the take-charge reader decides to become a writer. (PW)

Reviewed: PW 10 Jan. 2022 p. 61.
Description: Invites young art lovers and artists to learn about painting through the lives and masterpieces of 24 women from the 16th to the 20th century.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 5 Dec. 2021 p. 33.
Description: It’s time for Grandma’s dog to go for a walk. The eager pooch tugs the boy’s hand, excited to get going. But where will they end up? This is a dog walk like no other, through amazing fairy-tale worlds, paintings come to life, Escher-esque castles, an intricately cluttered antique shop, and past countless delights: walking teapots, miniature steamboats, giant hedgehogs and islands with sails. This fantastical story of a dog and a boy is told simply through weird, whimsical and often hilarious illustrations. Children will pore over each page, delighting in the incredible details. Each reading will bring fresh discoveries and new twists to the tale. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 1 Mar. 2021 p. 68.
Description: When a dog named Dutch hears the gardener going down the stairs each morning, he anticipates her every move. But most of all, he waits for the beautiful words, “Okay, Dutch. Let’s go outside.” It’s a bright summer day. Dutch stands back from the dark, dusty toolshed, but the rest of the day is blissful–rolling in the dewy grass, waiting for a scratch behind his ears, napping on the gardener’s boots at midday and playing in the hose. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 4 Apr. 2022 p. 49.
Description: Murray the puppy worries…about lots of things. He doesn’t want to go out in the rain. He’s scared of the barking dogs at the park. Fireworks make him jump. But gradually he learns that he can put on a raincoat. He can make new friends. He can be brave. From Caldecott Honor-winning artist David Ezra Stein comes a tender and reassuring story about facing our fears, whatever they may be. (publ.)

Reviewed: TLS 5 Mar. 2021 p. 12.
Description: People have been telling fairy tales to their children for hundreds of years. And for almost as long, people have been rewriting those fairy tales–to help their children imagine a world where they are the heroes. Karrie and Jon were reading their child these stories when they hit upon a dilemma, something previous versions of these stories were missing, and so they decided to make one vital change. They haven’t rewritten the stories in this book. They haven’t reimagined endings, or reinvented characters. What they have done is switch all the genders. It might not sound like that much of a change, but you’ll be dazzled by the world this swap creates–and amazed by the new characters you're about to discover.

Description: Starting from the happiness of waking up into a brand-new day, the picture book goes on to explore the kinds of relationships and contrasts that play out between our feelings and experiences every single day. Whether it’s the nervousness of a beginning paired with the happiness of a middle; the indignity of a cut against the happiness of a scab; the boredom of nothing to do contrasted with the happiness of nothing to do; or the divide of mine against the happiness of our, these pages challenge the reader to think about daily activities and experiences and the feelings they conjure. (publ.)
Note: A New York Times Best Children’s Book of 2021.

Reviewed: PW 25 Apr. 2022 p. 65.
Description: Before Kahlil Gibran became the world’s third-best-selling poet of all time, he was Gibran Khalil Gibran, an immigrant child from Lebanon with a secret hope to bring people together despite their many differences. Kahlil’s life highlights the turn of the twentieth century, from the religious conflicts that tore apart his homeland and sent a hundred thousand Arab people to America, to settling in Boston, where the wealthy clashed headlong with the poor. Throughout it all, Kahlil held on to his secret hope, even as his identity grew roots on both sides of the Atlantic. How could he be both Kahlil Gibran, Arab American, and Gibran Khalil Gibran, the Lebanese boy who longed for the mountains of his homeland? Kahlil found the answer in art and poetry. He wrote The Prophet, an arrow of hope as strong as the great cedars of Lebanon and feathered by the spirit of American independence. More than a hundred years later, his words still fly around the world in many languages, bringing people together. (publ.

From their earliest evolution to the invention of the "horseless carriage," this picture book captures how-for much of human history-horses powered the world! For thousands of years, horses and humans lived, worked, and played together, side by side. From the time they were first domesticated to the invention of the wheel, saddle, bit, and bridle; horses brought far-flung lands closer together at the speed of a gallop. Trade, agriculture, transportation, and more were expanded in new ways-all made possible by the power of the horse. Discover how horses evolved and track their migration as they come to live on six continents. See the everyday jobs done by horses for centuries. And consider the profound changes that came about when gasoline-powered engines arrived on the scene. Ages 8-12

Bestselling author-illustrator Mies van Hout employs vivid creatures in a jewel-tone natural setting to explore the longing we all feel at times to be like somebody else. What child has not daydreamed about having wings like a butterfly? But secretly, the flashy butterfly yearns for a stick insect's privacy. And the stick insect wants to swim like a whirligig beetle. One after the other, the denizens of bestselling author-illustrator Mies van Hout's vibrant garden landscape wish to be like somebody else. From the glowing firefly to the capable spider to the adorable ladybugs, each one brings something to be admired. And when the dragonfly wishes to be like a child who can run, play, laugh, and build, a world of possibilities opens up. A gentle but effective story for social emotional learning, If Only... allows children to reach their own conclusions and acknowledge that while it's common to compare ourselves to others, it's best to remember and celebrate what we ourselves can do.

Reviewed: PW 25 Apr. 2022 p. 63.
Description: Daryl does not want to share his favorite dinosaur book, so when it is time to bring it back to the library he uses all his dinosaur skills to get it back until a friendly librarian encourages him to share. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 1 Mar. 2021 p. 67.
Description: An ode to the essential workers keeping the country operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. (publ.)
Note: The New York Times Best Illustrated Books of 2021. (14 Nov. 2021 p. 25.)

Newbery Medalist Lynne Rae Perkins invites readers on an imagination-fueled journey through the living museum that surrounds us all. Luminous, in-the-moment, and full of wonder, The Museum of Everything inspires readers to slow down and appreciate the world.

Reviewed: PW 19 Apr. 2021 p. 45.
Description: When a boy is finally allowed to get a cat, he has no doubts about which one to bring home from the shelter. But Max the cat isn’t quite what the family expected. He shuns the toy mouse, couldn’t care less about the hand-knitted sweater, and spends most of his time facing the wall. One by one, the family gives up on Max, but the boy loves his negative cat so much, he’ll do anything to keep him. Even the thing he dreads most: practicing his reading. Which, as it turns out, makes everything positive! (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 25 Apr. 2022 p. 63.
Description: Forced to take shelter when their Syrian city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin begin to bravely build a secret underground library. (publ.)

Reviewed: NYT/BR 27 Feb. 2022 p. 18.
Description: With no knightly experience but plenty of pluck and an impressive vocabulary, a twelve-year-old peasant, hoping to improve his station in life, volunteers to help a cowardly prince and his not very powerful wizard rescue a princess from an evil, foul-smelling monster. (publ.)

An empowering and necessary picture book about a young girl with Down syndrome who gains confidence and independence through a visit to her grandparents.

Description: The struggle of three brothers to stay together after their parent’s death and their quest for identity among the conflicting values of their adolescent society.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 28 Nov. 2021 p. 22.
Description: Inspired by a true story, this is a tale of a community that banded together to spread light. It’s a holiday season that both Isaac, whose family is Jewish, and Teresa, whose family is Christian, have looked forward to for months! They've been counting the days, playing in the snow, making cookies, drawing (Teresa) and writing poems (Isaac). They enjoy all the things they share, as well as the things that make them different. But when Isaac’s window is smashed in the middle of the night, it seems like maybe not everyone appreciates “difference.” (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 28 Mar. 2022 p. 62.
Description: Dachshund brothers Perry and Augie are home alone and desperately want to get outside and have a good time. Augie is the cautious one, the worrier; Perry is pure joy and excitement. When they finally manage to open the back door, mischievous adventures begin! Soon they’re diving into the swimming pool, digging an enormous hole, and more! Will all return to normal before their owners come home? (publ.)

Reviewed: NYT/BR 5 Dec. 2021 p. 34 (Best Children’s Books of 2021).
Description: On May 31 and June 1, 1921, an armed mob looted homes and businesses as Black families fled. The police did nothing to protect Greenwood, and as many as three hundred African Americans were killed, most buried in unmarked graves. Thousands were left homeless. No official investigation occurred until seventy-five years later. Unspeakable helps young readers understand the events of the Tulsa, Oklahoma race massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in our nation’s history.
Note: The New York Times best illustrated books of 2021 (14 Nov. 2021 p. 24)

Reviewed: PW 10 May 2021 p. 66.
Description: As Emma grieves the loss of her grandfather, she reflects on their shared love of birdwatching. (publ.)

Description: Have you ever lost a beloved pet? Do you ever wonder where they go once they pass away? Stitch loved to run and play and was always up for adventure. Mamaw, Poppa, and all the children would often ask, “Where’s Stitch?” Sometimes she could be found swimming in the pond with the horses, sitting by the fire with Mamaw, or taking a nap on the porch. But then Stitch grew older and became sick. When she passes away, the children wonder where she went. Mamaw and Poppa try to explain. While some people say dogs cross the rainbow bridge or go to doggie heaven, they reassure the children that no matter where Stitch has gone, she left them with memories they will never forget and taught them to be kind, to play, and to always love others. (publ.)

An Instant New York Times Bestseller! If I Stay meets Your Name in Dustin Thao's You've Reached Sam, a heartfelt novel about love and loss and what it means to say goodbye. Seventeen-year-old Julie Clarke has her future all planned out--move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam, attend college in the city; spend a summer in Japan. But then Sam dies. And everything changes. Heartbroken, Julie skips his funeral, throws out his belongings, and tries everything to forget him. But a message Sam left behind in her yearbook forces memories to return. Desperate to hear him one more time, Julie calls Sam's cell phone just to listen to his voice mail recording. And Sam picks up the phone. The connection is temporary. But hearing Sam's voice makes Julie fall for him all over again and with each call, it becomes harder to let him go. What would you do if you had a second chance at goodbye? A 2021 Kids' Indie Next List Selection A Cosmo.com Best YA Book Of 2021 A Buzzfeed Best Book Of November A Goodreads Most Anticipated Book

A baby mouse says their first word, and their second, and then many, many more in this hilarious and relatable parenting moment by Geisel Honoree Anne Hunter. Baby mouse has learned to squeak. And now it's squeak, squeak, squeak all day long. Baby chats with new friends and old friends, big friends and little friends, and sometimes just chats with no one at all. Poor Mama needs a break . . . but when Baby wanders off, Mama knows what to do- follow the squeaks! Little readers will love this chatty baby mouse, and big readers will find Mama's reactions very familiar . . . Anne Hunter's delicate and lovely illustrations highlight the humor in this delightfully funny tale.

An ode to the way memories allow us to be in many places at once, Also is a powerful exploration of being present as well as looking back. Perfect for Mother's Day, birthdays, or graduation, this modern classic is by Ezra Jack Keats Honor-winner E. B. Goodale. A moving story that follows one family through generations of time spent together and shows readers that memories allow us to connect to the past, the present, and also each other. This gorgeously illustrated book explores the power of memory, teaches children subtle lessons about the passing of time, and celebrates the cherished bonds we share with those we love. Perfect for reading together every day, or for giving on occasions like graduation, Mother's Day, and birthdays.

Did you know dinosaurs still roam the earth? A small but mighty bird declares it is a dinosaur! But no one believes that dinosaurs still exist. How can it be a dinosaur when it is so little? Dinosaurs didn't have feathers . . . or did they? This tiny dino is here to explain to its animal friends that birds are, in fact, dinosaurs, and all creatures are connected to one big animal family. With a playful ensemble of animal characters and dynamic bursts of dialogue, celebrated author and illustrator Deborah Freedman has created a spirited and informative picture book for dinosaur lovers of all ages.

Reviewed: PW 25 Apr. 2022 p. 63.
Description: As the two of them walk through the busy town, Grandpa shares the favorite places he and his own grandpa went together ... and Little Jake keeps guessing where they are going. The movies? The baseball park? The beach? “Not this time,” says Grandpa, and has Jake close his eyes before going into ... the library! (publ.)

Reviewed: TLS 5 Mar. 2021 p. 13.
Description: Did you know that a book can take you anywhere? You only need to turn the pages of a story, and in a moment, you and your book could be crossing the waves in a pirate ship … or diving with mermaids … or even snoozing with a dragon. Books really DO make good pets! Why don’t you peep inside this one, and take your mind on an adventure? This delightful original picture book poem is the perfect gift for anyone who delights in the magic of a good book. Agard’s evocative, lyrical style is perfectly complemented with illustrations by Momoko Abe, whose colourful visuals add character, transporting the reader into an enchanting world of imagination. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 22 June 2020 p. 148.
Description: Kai, a merboy, loves to share hugs with his mother, but learns that some friends prefer fin bumps, tail claps, tentacle shakes, or claw pinches. (publ.)

Description: A warm, wonderful picture book that gently reminds us of the importance of respecting our natural world and highlights the joys and rewards of helping others. Join a girl as she helps a mama and papa bird build a nest in her bathroom, hatch their eggs, and teach their babies to fly away. Renata and her Papi are hard at work at renovating their bathroom. Renata can’t wait to build castles of bubbles in the deep, old-fashioned bathtub. But one morning, she finds dried leaves and pine needles heaped on a shelf in the corner. How did they get there? She soon realizes that a bird has built a nest on the shelf, and inside it are four rosy eggs! Weeks pass, and Renata watches as the wrens come and go, building a home in her bathroom … until, one day, with a little help from Renata, the birds are ready to fly. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: It has not been a good day for Chicken. He went to the fair with Farmer, but didn’t win even one ribbon. And on the way home, the road is so bumpy that Farmer’s truck knocks Chicken right out! He’s been left behind! It’s the end for Chicken. Surely, he can’t walk all the way home. Or avoid the hungry fox along the way. Or maybe … he can? This rollicking picture book will have little ones in giggles over Chicken’s misadventures and chiming in on the plucky fowl’s mantra “I am a strong and powerful and nice-looking chicken!” as he achieves more than he thought possible. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: TLS 5 Mar. 2021 p. 12.
Description: On the farm, some eggs are hatching. A flock of sweet ducklings are popping out. But one duckling looks different from all the others. … Cast out and all alone, this odd duckling will need all her bravery and curiosity to survive. Her journey is a search for belonging, but what she finds is the right to be different. (publ.)

The Egg is an imaginative and unusual story about a bird and a child, and how they become a family.

With gentle humor and quirkiness, this sympathetic book demonstrates how to say goodbye to a beloved pet and give it a proper sendoff. Children love their pets very much--and when the animals die, that loss can be hard to process. The End of Something Wonderful helps kids handle their feelings when they're hurting and can't find all the right words. In a warm, understanding, sometimes funny way, it guides children as they plan a backyard funeral to say goodbye, from choosing a box and a burial spot to giving a eulogy and wiping away tears. Most of all, it reassures them that it's not the end of everything . . . and that Something Wonderful can always happen again.

Description: Children will giggle from start to finish as they follow huge, loveable Fergus and see all the silly ways in which he is TERRIBLE at playing hide-and-seek–such as hiding behind a VERY tiny tree (“Found you, Fergus! That was too easy!”) or hiding in a giant crowd of bunnies and squirrels (“Try bears, Fergus. Bears!”). But wait–the game isn’t over yet! The last two pages fold out into a giant panoramic look-and-find scene, where Fergus is well and truly hidden, and young readers can have fun looking for him and lots of other silly details in the the crowd. There’s a ton of play value in this adorable book, and children will want to come back to it again and again. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

It's a big day up in the tree that Mama bird shares with her baby. Mama bird thinks Baby bird is finally ready to leave the nest and learn to fly so he can migrate south with the rest of their flock. But Baby bird isn't so sure. Can't his mother keep bringing him worms in their nest? Can't he migrate in a hot air balloon instead? Or perhaps a car? This silly wordless picture book will keep young readers giggling as Baby bird figures out that he must flap his wings and learn to fly--whether he likes it or not!

Reviewed: TLS 5 Mar. 2021 p. 12.
Description: People have been telling fairy tales to their children for hundreds of years. And for almost as long, people have been rewriting those fairy tales–to help their children imagine a world where they are the he-roes. Karrie and Jon were reading their child these stories when they hit upon a dilemma, something previous versions of these stories were missing, and so they decided to make one vital change. They haven’t rewritten the stories in this book. They haven’t reimagined endings, or reinvented characters. What they have done is switch all the genders. It might not sound like that much of a change, but you’ll be dazzled by the world this swap creates–and amazed by the new characters you're about to discover. (publ.)

Description: Arnie and his pastry pals are excited to meet YOU. But first he has a question: What kind of doughnut are you anyway? Let’s see…
1) You’re not round.
2) You don’t have frosting or sprinkles.
3) You don’t have filling coming out of your head.
4) You’re not glazed with sugar.
5) You don’t have a hole in the middle.
Hmmm, this is harder than Arnie thought. Whoever you are, get ready to say HELLO, ARNIE! This ingenious new picture book breaks the fourth wall as Arnie gets to know his youngest readers–preschoolers–and makes them giggle with every page turn. Perfect for fans of Mo Willems, Bob Shea, and Jory John. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: PW 20 May 2019 p. 80.
Description: One hundred years ago, a little boy watched his family and community come together to build a grand red barn. This barn become his refuge and home-a place to play with friends and farm animals alike. As seasons passed, the barn weathered many storms. The boy left and returned a young man, to help on the farm and to care for the barn again. The barn has stood for one hundred years, and it will stand for a hundred more: a symbol of peace, stability, caring and community. (publ.)

I Am Human affirms that we can make good choices by acting with compassion and having empathy for others and ourselves.

Letting our hearts lead the way can help move us closer to a better world.

Description: Nothing is better than summer, with its joys of swimming every day and eating ice cream. But one little boy’s gloomy sister tells him he’d better make the most of it, because summer is going to end soon. When winter comes, she assures him, it will be cold and dark, and the icy rain will turn to snow. They’ll be stuck on the sofa for days and won’t even dream of eating ice cream … Simona Ciraolo’s expressive illustrations belie the bleak forecast with images of glowing autumn leaves, cozy couch snug-gles, wintry play, and sweet desserts. A celebration of the changing of the seasons, this inviting tale shows howmuch fun can be found around every sunner–or snowy–corner. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: In this picture book, a boy writes a letter to an imagined alien, explaining all the things he will need to know about Earth and the people who live here–and adding a postscript asking what the alien might look like. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Owl has a balloon. Monkey does not. What will happen next? Hint: this is not a book about sharing. Owl has a red balloon. Monkey does not. "That red balloon matches my shiny red tie," says Monkey. "I'd look fancy walking to school with a shiny red balloon. The only thing I've ever wanted, since right now, is a shiny, big red balloon. It would make me SO HAPPY!" But Owl does not want to give it to him. So Monkey tries to find something that Owl wants: a teddy bear, a robot, a picture of TEN balloons. Owl does not want any of these things. But then, Monkey offers him...a sock! Hmmmmm...Owl is intrigued. Will he trade his shiny red balloon with Monkey?

Description: The half room is full of half things. A half chair, a half cat, even half shoes–all just as nice as whole things. When half a knock comes on half a door, who in the world could it be? With inventive flair, Caldecott Honor winner Carson Ellis explores halves and wholes in an ingenious and thought-provoking picture book. Ink and gouache illustrations featuring wry detail and velvety textures conjure a dreamlike mood while leaving space for imagining. A celebration of the surreal and the serendipitous and the beauty of the two together, this brilliant picture book will have readers seeing halves with whole new eyes. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

A fresh and fun graphic novel series spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, featuring Kristy's little stepsister! Karen Brewer lives next door to Mrs. Porter, who wears long robes and has wild gray hair. Mrs. Porter has a black cat named Midnight and always seems to be working in her garden. Karen isn't supposed to spy on her neighbor, but she's determined to prove that Mrs. Porter is a witch named Morbidda Destiny! Mrs. Porter is getting ready to have a special meeting at her house, and Karen is sure the meeting is for witches. Are they going to cast a spell on Karen? Or will she be brave enough to send them away -- once and for all?

Gus Gordon's The Last Peach is the story of two indecisive bugs contemplating eating the last peach of the summer in a hilarious picture book about anticipation and expectation. Summer's almost over, and there's one peach left. There's also one big question in the air: Should someone eat it? What if it's rotten inside? But what if it's juicy? Should the bug who saw it first get to eat it? Should both bugs share it with their friends? Will anyone eat the peach?! EVER?!?

Dex the Little Red Crane and his Very Tall Operater, Pete, are needed for a BIG project far away! What could this BIG project far away want with a little crane like Dex?

Max is a cat. He attacks. From socks to strings to many a fish, attacking, for Max, is most de-lish. But how many of these things can he actually catch?

Unavailable for almost 20 years, a little-known Dr. Seuss book about careers gets a fresh new look! Wildly imaginative and told in rollicking rhyme, this beginning reader about careers could ONLY have been written by Dr. Seuss! Featuring a mix of real jobs (like firefighter, doctor, teacher, farmer, etc.) and Seussian ones (including perfume smeller, fishbone boner, bass-drum banger, and roller coaster owner), it will incite plenty of giggles while planting the seed of a serious idea: that everyone needs to do something in life, and there are LOTS of choices!

Who was Mother Goose? We all love to hear Mother Goose rhymes and riddles. But did you know that there was a real Mother Goose who lived in Boston more than three hundred years ago? In 1692, Elizabeth Foster married a widower with ten children. His name was Isaac Goose, and after they married, Elizabeth became Mother Goose. She and Isaac had four more children together, and to help her care for such a big and boisterous family, Mother Goose sang songs and lullabies and made up rhymes and poems. illustrations and Chris Raschka's rhyming poems tell the little-known story of the Goose children, Isaac, and Elizabeth herself - the Mother Goose of Pudding Lane.

Meet Mr. Nogginbody. Armed with his new hammer he fixes his floor then the wall and the picture on the wall and the shower and the stop sign at the end of the street. . . What else will Mr. Nogginbody "fix"?

she is my best friend i think i never had a best friend so i'm not sure but i think she is a really good best friend because when we were drawing she drew me and i drew her. What is a best friend, if not someone who laughs with you the whole entire day, especially when you pretend to be a pickle? This pitch-perfect picture book is a sweetly earnest, visually stunning celebration of the magic of friendship.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 31 Jan. 2021 p. 18; PW 23 Nov. 2020 p. 110; NYT/BR 5 Dec. 2021 p. 34 (Best Children's Books of 2021).
Description: Caldecott Honoree and Sibert Medalist Peter Sís honors a man who saved hundreds of children from the Nazis. In 1938, twenty-nine-year-old Nicholas Winton saved the lives of almost 700 children trapped in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia–a story he never told and that remained unknown until an unforgettable TV appearance in the 1980s reunited him with some of the children he saved. Czech-American artist, MacArthur Fellow, and Andersen Award winner Peter Sís dramatizes Winton’s story in this distinctive and deeply personal picture book. He intertwines Nicky’s efforts with the story of one of the children he saved–a young girl named Vera, whose family enlisted Nicky’s aid when the Germans occupied their country. As the war passes and Vera grows up, she must find balance in her dual identities–one her birthright, the other her choice. Nicky & Vera is a masterful tribute to a humble man’s courageous efforts to protect Europe’s most vulnerable, and a timely portrayal of the hopes and fears of those forced to leave their homes and create new lives. (publ.)

Penny, stars in an irresistible story about anticipation, disappointment, and a brand-new sled.

In this book about Frank Lloyd Wright for kids, young readers will learn all about America's first world-famous architect. Frank Lloyd Wright loved the Wisconsin prairie where he was born. But as his family moved across the United States, young Frank found his own home in shapes: rectangles, triangles, half-moons, and circles. When he returned to his beloved prairie, Frank pursued a career in architecture, as he didn't think the Victorian-era homes found there fit the prairie landscape. Using his knowledge and love of shapes, Frank created houses more organic to the land. He redesigned the American home inside and out, developing a truly unique architecture style.

Reviewed: PW 16 Sept. 2019 p. 74.
Description: In a magical animal kingdom where oppression and censorship reign, the wolf king decrees that rabbits no longer exist, but the unmentionable furry creatures refuse to be ignored. (publ.)
Note: First published in the UK: London: Doubleday, 2001.

Ellie's a girl who tells it like it is. That surprises some people, who see a kid in a wheelchair and think she's going to be all sunshine and cuddles. The thing is, Ellie has big dreams: She might be eating Stouffer's for dinner, but one day she's going to be a professional baker. If she's not writing fan letters to her favorite celebrity chefs, she's practicing recipes on her well-meaning, if overworked, mother. But when Ellie and her mom move so they can help take care of her ailing grandpa, Ellie has to start all over again in a new town at a new school. Except she's not just the new kid--she's the new kid in the wheelchair who lives in the trailer park on the wrong side of town. It all feels like one challenge too many, until Ellie starts to make her first-ever friends. Now she just has to convince her mom that this town might just be the best thing that ever happened to them!

Meet Ruby--a happy, curious, imaginative girl. But one day, she finds something unexpected: a Worry. It's not such a big Worry, at first. But every day, it grows a little bigger . . . And a little bigger . . . Until eventually, the Worry is ENORMOUS and is all she can think about. But when Ruby befriends a young boy, she discovers that everyone has worries, and not only that, there's a great way to get rid of them too . . .

Reviewed: NYT/BR 12 July 2020 p. 18.
Description: Building a grand sandcastle which attracts visiting royals from fairy-tale worlds, an imaginative young girl is dismayed by the constant sand that gets into everything, from the royal almond strudel and fig milk bath to the crocodile moat and badminton court. (publ.)

Have you ever thought about telling your own story, whether it be true or imagined? Are you interested in writing, drawing or both? If the answer is yes, this fun, colourful and interactive journal is for you! With guidance from Raina herself, brainstorm ideas, make lists, paste in personal photos, and use your imagination like never before to create your own stories. For additional inspiration, behind-the-scenes info from Raina's own comics-making adventures is featured inside.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 27 Dec. 2020 p. 22.
Description: A picture book biography celebrating the life and contributions of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, who sought the Democratic nomination to be the president of the United States. (publ.)

Squeak!, a chain-reaction story set in a beautiful, rolling landscape with animals who are all woken up one by one with the rising of the sun.

Moon is everything Christine isn't. She's confident, impulsive, artistic . . . and though they both grew up in the same Chinese American suburb, Moon is somehow unlike anyone Christine has ever known. But after Moon moves in next door, these unlikely friends are soon best friends, sharing their favorite music videos and painting their toenails when Christine's strict parents aren't around. Moon even tells Christine her deepest secret: that she has visions, sometimes, of celestial beings who speak to her from the stars. Who reassure her that Earth isn't where she really belongs. Moon's visions have an all-too-earthly root, however, and soon Christine's best friend is in the hospital, fighting for her life. Can Christine be the friend Moon needs, now, when the sky is falling?

In this heartwarming, wordless picture book that's perfect for dog lovers, a woman visits a park and discovers a pup hiding under a bench--scruffy, scared, and alone. With gentle coaxing, the woman tries to befriend the animal, but the dog is too scared to let her near. Day after day, the woman tries--and day after day, the dog runs away. With perseverance and patience--and help from an enticing tennis ball--a tentative friendship begins. But it's not until a raging storm forces the two together that a joyous and satisfying friendship takes hold.

A handsome and totally fetching street cat with a penchant for trouble, Stretchy McHandsome is not only good looking with his ginger fur, but he has personality that shines as well.

Reviewed: NYT 7 Sept. 2020 p. C3; LRB 18 Mar. 2021 p. 43; TLS 4 Dec. 2020 p. 23.
Description: A collection of nearly seventy short and surreal stories told by Signor Bianchi, a traveling salesman, to his daughter over the telephone nightly.
Note: Originally published as: Favole al Telefono (Turin: Einaudi, 1962).
Awards: Hans Christian Anderson Award, 1970.

In captivating paintings full of movement and transformation, Tamaki follows a young girl through a year or a day as she examines the colors in the world around her. Egg yolks are sunny orange as expected, yet water cupped in her hands isn't blue like they say. But maybe a blue whale is blue. She doesn't know, she hasn't seen one. Playful and philosophical, They Say Blue is a book about color as well as perspective, about the things we can see and the things we can only wonder at.

A humorous picture book that teaches children about African animals.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 27 Dec. 2020 p. 22.
Description: Civil rights activist Ruby Bridges–who, at the age of six, was the first African American to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans–shares her story through text and historical photographs, offering a powerful call to action. (publ.)

Bob the dog doesn't mind hard work when it means he can reward himself with a nap. But Someone is watching him sleep! Hopefully they will just go away if Bob lies really still. But Someone, who happens to be a cat, has other things in mind.

Reviewed: PW 6 July 2020 p. 76.
Description: A timely picture book that acts as an introduction to civics for young readers. (publ.)

Reviewed: NYT/BR 12 July 2020 p. 18.
Description: Can a seal and a turtle ever become human? Mimbi and Kipo thought that was only a legend. (publ.)

Owl has a balloon. Monkey has a sock with a star and a perfectly shaped hole. But then Owl asks Monkey to hold his balloon, just for a second. What do you think happens? POP! When Owl returns and asks for his balloon, Monkey offers him everything under the sun...except for the balloon. Can their friendship survive this catastrophe?

An ensemble cast of Squirrels, Acorns, and pop-in guests host a page-turning extravaganza. Each book features a funny, furry adventure AND bonus jokes, quirky quizzes, nutty facts, and so, so many Squirrels. In Who is the Mystery Reader?, Zoom Squirrel tries out a new superpower with help from a mysterious Mystery Reader. But will the Squirrel pals ever find out who the real Mystery Reader is? Do you know more about reading than the Squirrels do? You will by the end of this book!

Description: Two aardvarks who lead solitary lives, Aalbert by day and Aalfred by night, sometimes wonder if they would like to be part of a pair but how will they meet? (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: From the time he was a young boy roaming the forests of the unsettled Midwest, Abraham Lincoln knew in his heart that slavery was deeply wrong. A voracious reader, Lincoln spent every spare moment of his days filling his mind with knowledge, from history to literature to mathematics, preparing himself to one day lead the country he loved towards greater equality and prosperity. Despite the obstacles he faced as a self-educated man from the back woods, Lincoln persevered in his political career, and his compassion and honesty gradually earned him the trust of many Americans. As president, he guided the nation through a long and bitter civil war and penned the document that would lead to the end of slavery in the United States. (publ.)

Description: In a tiny log cabin a boy listened with delight to the storytelling of his ma and pa. He traced letters in sand, snow, and dust. He borrowed books and walked miles to bring them back. When he grew up, he became the sixteenth president of the United States. His name was Abraham Lincoln. He loved books. They changed his life. He changed the world. (publ.)

Explains what rivers and streams are, describes the characteristics of these diverse and widespread environments, and shows how various species of animals and plants have adapted to life in these habitats.

Description: President Abraham Lincoln thought slavery was wrong. He fought a war to hold the country together and to make it free for everyone. With simple, lyrical text and bold, kid-friendly illustrations, this book introduces Abraham Lincoln to the youngest readers and inspires them to stand up for what's right. (publ.)

Ember and Ness are best friends, completely inseparable. Ember can't imagine what life would be without Ness. Until Ness dies, in a most sudden and unexpected way. Ember feels completely empty. How can this even be real? Then Ember finds a way into the afterworld-a place where the recently dead reside. She knows there must be a way to bring Ness back, so she decides to find it. Because that's what friends do: rescue each other. But the afterworld holds its own dangers. How far will Ember go to make things the way they were again?

Description: Alfred loves the monsters in his book, and he does not like teatime with his aunt–until he decides to invite three of his favorite monsters to join him for tea. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 10 Nov. 2019 p. 28.
Description: Ethan eagerly anticipates making maple syrup with his father, but it will not be time until the days are warmer, the nights shorter, and Ethan’s loose tooth falls out. (publ.)

Anne Frank's diary telling the story of her years in hiding from the Nazis has affected millions of people. But what was she like as a small girl, at home with her family and friends; at play and at school? And how did an ordinary little girl come to live such an extraordinary and tragically short life?

In this book from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Anne Frank, the writer whose diary captured the hearts of the public. Anne Frank was born in Germany to a loving family. But when World War II broke out, Anne and her family had to hide in a secret annex in Amsterdam. Here, Anne wrote her famous diary, describing her belief in people's goodness and her hopes for peace.

oin a young girl for a walk through the countryside to gather ingredients for a delicious cake: honey from the bees, milk from the cows, and apples from the trees. This simple story teaches little ones to celebrate the natural world and give thanks for nature's gifts.

Reviewed: PW 10 June 2019 p. 115.
Description: Toby, a French bulldog who dreams of being warm all the time, is not pleased when Pinkie arrives and takes his favorite warm spots. (publ.)

Learn about beavers and the many different kinds of animals that depend upon them for survival.

Once there was a river flowing through a forest. The river didn't know it was capable of adventures until a big bear came along. But adventures aren't any fun by yourself, and so enters Froggy, Turtles, Beaver, Racoons, and Duck. These very different animals take off downstream, but they didn't know they needed one another until thankfully, the river came along.

Talking lions, philosophical bears, very hungry caterpillars, wise spiders, altruistic trees, companionable moles, urbane elephants: this is the magnificent menagerie that delights our children at bedtime. Within the entertaining pages of many children's books, however, also lie profound teachings about the natural world that can help children develop an educated and engaged appreciation of the dynamic environment they inhabit.   In Beasts at Bedtime, scientist (and father) Liam Heneghan examines the environmental underpinnings of children's stories. From Beatrix Potter to Harry Potter, Heneghan unearths the universal insights into our inextricable relationship with nature that underlie so many classic children's stories.

Book one of the Beautiful series introduces children and teens to the inner critic. High schooler, Lily, gets a lot of messages about what it means to be a successful and desirable woman in today's world. It seems like the bottom line is, you've got to have gorgeous looks, a winning personality... and a cute boyfriend to prove it. Beautiful: A trip through the looking glass takes us on a poignant and comical journey through the inner and outer voices we all struggle with. And Lily's ultimate discovery about the true nature of life itself. Graphic novel. For ages 9 and up.

Teenage life has so many problems! Supercharged hormones, overnight pimples and social anxiety... to name a few. Sometimes Lily wishes she could get the process of growing up over and done with. Well, be careful what you wish for. One night, Lily borrows a witchy Halloween costume, complete with an antique amulet that's said to have magic powers. And soon discovers that fast-forwarding her life only creates a whole new set of challenges.

Lily soon finds out that going on a school camping trip comes with more than a few challenges. Bunking with an eclectic bunch of girls, hiking chop-busting trails, figuring out her crush's mixed signals... Even the toughest Girl Guide might wish she'd stayed home, doing her toenails and eating cupcakes. To make matters worse, just when Lily thought she'd seen through all its lies once and for all, her tormentor is back with a vengeance. Surely, she thinks, it's time to find a way to get rid of this bully for good.

Lyrics to seventy-five songs from the children's television programs Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and The Children's Corner, collected and presented as an illustrated treasury of poems. Lyrics explore topics such as feelings, new siblings, everyday life, and imagination.

Shannon knows sixth grade is going to be a perfect year. She's got a spot in the in-crowd called The Group, and her best friend is their leader Jen, the most popular girl in school.But the rules are always changing, and Shannon has to scramble to keep up. She never knows which TV shows are cool, what songs to listen to, and, most importantly, which boys you're allowed to talk to. Who makes these rules anyway? And does Shannon have to follow them to stay friends with The Group?

Description: When winter comes, Mommy makes a soft bed for Little Snow to sleep on, but each night he cannot resist jumping on the bed, causing tiny feathers to fly down. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

An irresistible read-aloud picture book, in which a little odd-duck-out discovers her unique strengths When these ducks go to the pond, it is Bim, Bam, Bop . . . and Oona, always last. They're all ducks, but Bim, Bam, and Bop are runners, and Oona's a waddler. "Last is a blot on my life,"she says to her frog friend, Roy. "I don't feel as big as a duck should feel."But she's good with gizmos, Roy reminds her. So Oona tinkers with things, scraps, and strings, and eventually creates just the right gadget to get her to the pond first.Spunky Oona will inspire and delight all who see her final triumphant creation.

As Thomas's parents nap, he goes for a walk and gets lost--until he sees a worn and abandoned book lying on the ground. He picks it up and finds himself in a totally different scene--as is the reader, who has literally opened a different book inside the first. This happens one more time--another book within a book opened, another new world entered--until finally Thomas and his parents are reunited.

Reviewed: PW 13 May 2019 p. 43.
Description: A child, bored by his toys, contemplates the emotion and concept of bore-dom, and whether or not it is boring to be an adult–or a child. (publ.)
Note: Originall published as: つまんないつまんない = Tsumannai Tsumannai (Tokyo: Hakusensha, 2017).

Stacey and Mary Anne are baby-sitting for the Pike family for two weeks at the New Jersey shore. Things are great in Sea City: There's a gorgeous house right on the beach, a boardwalk, plenty of sun and sand... and the cutest boy Stacey has ever seen! Mary Anne thinks that Stacey should leave Scott alone and focus on the Pike kids, but Stacey's in love. Looking for reasons to hang around his lifeguard stand takes up all her time, which means Mary Anne has to do the job of two baby-sitters! How can she tell Stacey that Scott just isn't interested without ruining their friendship and breaking Stacey's heart?

Life is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, eleven-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter--and friendship--on an abandoned bridge. With two homeless boys, Muthi and Arul, the group forms a family of sorts. And while making a living scavenging the city's trash heaps is the pits, the kids find plenty to laugh about and take pride in too. After all, they are now the bosses of themselves and no longer dependent on untrustworthy adults. But when illness strikes, Viji must decide whether to risk seeking help from strangers or to keep holding on to their fragile, hard-fought freedom.

Bruno is an unusual cat who stands on two legs, loves riding his skateboard, and gives great back rubs.

"Mom, if a frog follows me home, can I keep it?" One summer day, a boy ventures into his backyard on a mission to find the perfect pet. When he asks to keep the animals that happened to "follow" him home, his mom points out that birds belong in the sky and frogs belong in the pond. He starts to wonder: is there an animal that belongs right there with him?

When Mouschi the cat goes with his boy, Peter, to a secret annex, he meets a girl named Anne. Bright, kind and loving, Anne dreams of freedom and of becoming a writer whose words change the world. But Mouschi, along with Anne and her family and friends, must stay hidden, hoping for the war to end and for a better future. Told from the perspective of the cat who actually lived with Anne Frank in the famous Amsterdam annex, this poignant book paints a picture of a young girl who wistfully dreams of a better life for herself and her friends, tentatively wonders what mark she might leave on the world, and, above all, adamantly believes in the goodness of people. Accompanied by beautiful, vivid art, this book is a perfect introduction to a serious topic for younger readers, especially at a time when respect and inclusion are so important.

Reviewed: TLS 13 Sept. 2019 p. 13; PW 9 Mar. 2020 p. 61.
Description: Clem is an explorer, a collector, a protector of the seas! Treasure hunting on her beloved beach, she stumbles across Crab, his claw stuck in a plastic bag. Crab will be much safer and happier in the city with Clem, but doesn’t he belong on the beach? A stunningly illustrated timely tale of cleaning up our beaches, with the message that every small action helps. (publ.)

Young Langston Hughes was a dreamer. He dreamed about heroes like Booker T. Washington, who was black just like him. When he heard the clackety-clack of train wheels, he dreamed about the places it had been. But most of all, he dreamed about having a happy home. And so, one day, he began turning those dreams into beautiful prose. As he did, he discovered where his home really was--in the words and rhythms of his poetry that reached people all over the world.

Description: The king searches his kingdom far and wide for the perfect cook. He’s very particular, and none of the cooks can get the job done just right. Until the king meets Wobbly Bob. The king thinks Wobbly Bob might be the perfect fit, but there’s just one small hitch–Wobbly Bob is afraid of everything. He’s afraid that he’ll nick himself with the sharp kitchen knives, and he’s afraid he’ll get dirt from the vegetable garden on his new apron. Wobbly Bob needs a companion to help him feel brave, so the king himself tags along every step of the way. (publ.)
Publication Note: Originally published: London: Macmillan Children's Books, 2018.
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Rap, bap, tap. Late one winter night, a child awakes to peculiar noises in the backyard- a bear! They journey together through the snowy forest as other animals eagerly join in, creating a parade to welcome the spring. This is a perfect seasonal read aloud to bridge Winter and Spring. In this mysterious picture book, sounds build anticipation as the ground thaws, and the icy pond breaks. Trees begin to bud and more animals join the fray, until... CRACK! Spring bursts from a gigantic egg full of gorgeous flowers and birds.

Crunch is a lovely and quiet brontosaurus who has hidden himself in some shubbery and is rather shy. He would like to play, but it will require some gentle coaxing from you! If you are patient and encouraging, you will find yourself with a new friend!

Great for Readers 8 and Up. Elephants can be found in Africa and parts of Asia. There are numerous types of Elephants but they can be grouped into some main categories. Contrary to what many people think, they are a lot like humans and scientists have been proving this time and time again as they test the Elephants to mimic certain things or test them on what they can do. We look at Elephants as beasts of burden to use to do our work but they are thinking, feeling creatures that feel things much like humans do. It is also extremely important that they be protected at all costs. If we are not careful, this wonderful species of ancient animals will be extinct before we know it!

Thirteen-year-old Lucy Eberslee, the Gatekeeper's deputy at the end of the world, teams up with Arthur and Rosemary, who are from other worlds, to investigate why the doors between worlds are stuck.

Discover that earthworms aren't just yucky, but are necessary to keeping soil healthy. Nature Up close series uses beautiful watercolors to depict each creature's world from its unique perspective. Simple text describes the creatures' movements and activities.

Ellie is a very special dog with a very important purpose. From puppyhood, Ellie has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog. She can track down a lost child in a forest or an injured victim under a fallen building. She finds people. She saves them. It's what she was meant to do. But Ellie must do more. Her handlers--widowed Jakob, lonely Maya--need her too. People can be lost in many ways, and to do the job she was born to do, Ellie needs to find a way to save the people she loves best.

What if your neighbor were the reclusive poet Emily Dickinson? And what if one day she sent a letter inviting your mother to pay her a visit? A little girl who lives across the street from the mysterious Emily gets a chance to meet the poet when her mother goes to play the piano for her. There, the girl sneaks a gift up to Emily, who listens from the landing, and in return, Emily gives the girl a precious gift of her own--the gift of poetry.

An illustrated introduction to the poetry of Emily Dickinson.

For every parent tired of telling their kids to PLEASE JUST GET ALONG, this hilarious and imaginative new picture book--from the beloved creators of Babymouse--is here to help. Sort of. Meet the Evil Princess and the Brave Knight. She casts terrible spells, while he fights dragons. He rescues cats in distress, while she makes mischief. No wonder there isn't much peace in this kingdom! But is the Evil Princess really so evil? And is the Brave Knight truly as chivalrous as he seems?

Describes the characteristics of butterflies, including their colors, how they ward off predators, their food habits, and how caterpillars become butterflies.

Our eyes see flies. Our eyes see ants. Sometimes they see pink underpants. Oh, say can you see? Dr. Seuss's hilarious ode to eyes gives little ones a whole new appreciation for all the wonderful things to be seen!

Description: A coming-of-age tale for young adults set in the trenches of the Vietnam War in the late 1960s, this is the story of Perry, a Harlem teenager who volunteers for the service when his dream of attending college falls through. Sent to the front lines, Perry and his platoon come face-to-face with the Vietcong and the real horror of warfare. But violence and death aren’t the only hardships. As Perry struggles to find virtue in himself and his comrades, he questions why black troops are given the most dangerous assignments, and why the U.S. is even there at all. (publ.)
Note: Coretta Scott King Award, 1989.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 10 Nov. 2019 p. 25.
Award: NYT Best Children’s Illustrate Book Award (2019).
Description: Paul works hard on his farm while those in the village are resting, but when drought comes, friends unexpectedly arrive to lend a hand.
Note: Originally published as: Le Potager (Genève: la Joie de Lire, 2017).

Reviewed: NYT/BR 10 Nov. 2019 p. 26.
Description: August Wilson (1945–2005) was a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning play-wright who had a particular talent for capturing the authentic, everyday voice of Black Americans. As a child, he read off soup cans and cereal boxes, and when his mother brought him to the library, his whole world opened up. After facing intense prejudice at school from both students and some teachers, August dropped out. However, he continued reading and educating himself independently. He felt that if he could read about it, then he could teach himself anything and accomplish anything. Like many of his plays, this book is told in two acts, revealing how Wilson grew up to be one of the most influential American playwrights. The book includes an author’s note, a timeline of August Wilson’s life, a list of Wilson’s plays, and a bibliography. (publ.)

When 11-year-old Langston's mother dies in 1946, he and his father leave rural Alabama for Chicago's brown belt as a part of what came to be known as the Great Migration. It's lonely in the small apartment with just the two of them, and at school Langston is bullied. But his new home has one fantastic thing. Unlike the whites-only library in Alabama, the local public library welcomes everyone. There, hiding out after school, Langston discovers another Langston, a poet whom he learns inspired his mother enough to name her only son after him.

Description: Mama bird wants Baby bird to learn to fly so he can migrate with the rest of the flock, but Baby bird would rather go by hot air balloon or car, instead. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Friends is designed to help you learn how to make new friends, and make the most of the friendships you already have. It's full of quizzes, crafts, thoughtful advice, and true stories of friendship shared by real girls like you

Reviewed: PW 27 Nov. 2019 (Chidren’s Review Supplement)
Description: As children help a Native American grandmother make fry bread, delves into the history, social ways, foodways, and politics of America’s 573 recognized Indian tribes.
Award Note: 2020 Robert F. Sibert Award; 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award, Best Picture Book.

When the other eggs in his carton behave badly, the good egg feels like he needs to be perfect. As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect. So, he decides enough is enough! It's time for him to make a change... Dynamic duo Jory John and Pete Oswald hatch a funny and charming story that reminds us of the importance of balance, self-care, and accepting those who we love (even if they are sometimes a bit rotten).

The meanings of "up" are conveyed with merry verse and illustrations in a happy book that celebrates the joy of life.

When the humans head out to go camping, the animals settle in for a relaxing holiday of their own! Teen bear takes over the bathroom with her curling iron, the beavers prepare their fanciest recipes, and the deer kick up their feet for a dance party. What starts as a little unwinding soon escalates to a big mess, just in time for everyone to head home...

Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on? Raina Telgemeier once again brings us a thoughtful, charming, and funny true story about growing up and gathering the courage to face -- and conquer -- her fears.

Description: Meena is excited about the class play, a new and improved version of Red Riding Hood. But when she learns that she must play one of the trees in the forest, Meena’s excitement vanishes. She is just too clumsy to be a quiet, steady tree. One day at the Indian grocery store, Meena sees a yoga class in progress, and the store owner convinces her to try the children’s class. Little does Meena know she is about to find a way to grow from the inside out, just like a tree, and move beyond her feelings of clumsiness and frustration. (publ.)
Publication Note: Originally published as: 나무처럼 = Na Much'ŏrŏm (Sŏul T'ŭkpyŏlsi: Ch'aek Korae, 2016).
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

On the morning of a fresh snowfall, a young girl bounces out of bed, scrambles into warm clothes, grabs her dad, dashes outside, and jumps right into the delights of a snowy day. Whether she's rolling a giant snowball, bumping into a new friend, or tumbling into a pile of white, her spirit and energy are hard to resist.

Mower blades slice through the grass./A new row falls with every pass./Next we spread the grass to dry./The tedder makes those grasses fly! A girl tells the tale of making hay as Mom uses a mower for mowing grass, then a tedder for aerating the grass, and eventually a baler. Told in rhyme and illustrated with fabulous art by JOE CEPEDA, each part of the process is a celebration of summer, farming, and the mother-daughter relationship.

Reviewed: PW 20 Aug. 2018 p. 89.
Description: A girl tells the tale of making hay as Mom uses a mower for mowing grass, then a tedder for aerating the grass, and eventually a baler. Told in rhyme and illustrated with fabulous art by Joe Cepeda, each part of the process is a celebration of summer, farming, and the mother-daughter relationship. Back matter includes a glossary. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 28 Oct. 2019 p. 102.
Description: Iconic American artist Norman Rockwell’s life is told in episodes based in American history of the late 20th century. (publ.)
Description: Please class J NF: 759.13.

Description: A plucky and sweet adventure story about three intrepid young female explorers set out to conquer the outdoors in their local forest. Here is the best and worst of any hike: from picnics to puffing and panting, deer-sighting to detours. This spirited picture book is filled with lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world, coupled with a fun narrative throughout. Features a glossary and scientific backmatter. Includes a sketchbook by one of the characters that highlights aspects of the hike. Abundant labels throughout for scientific learning. The Hike is about how fun it can be to explore nature in your own backyard. This book is a must-have for budding scientists, best friends, and all adventurers in preschool and kindergarten. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Eliza Wheeler's gorgeously illustrated book tells the story of what happens when six-year-old Marvel, her seven siblings, and their mom must start all over again after their father has died. Deep in the woods of Wisconsin they find a tar-paper shack. It doesn't seem like much of a home, but they soon start seeing what it could be. During their first year it's a struggle to maintain the shack and make sure they have enough to eat. But each season also brings its own delights and blessings--and the children always find a way to have fun. Most importantly, the family finds immense joy in being together, surrounded by nature. And slowly, their little shack starts feeling like a true home--warm, bright, and filled up with love.

Step one: fill the bath. Step two: put the cat in the bath. Step three: put shampoo on the cat. Step four: rinse the cat. Step five: dry the cat. Seems simple, right? One problem: the cat has no intention of doing any of these things. Watch as the steps keep changing, the cat keeps escaping, the girl keeps eating cookies, and the mess keeps escalating. Soon it's not just the cat who needs a bath - it's the whole house!

Reviewed: PW 20 May 2019 p. 80.
Description: One hundred years ago, a little boy watched his family and community come together to build a grand red barn. This barn become his refuge and home-a place to play with friends and farm animals alike. As seasons passed, the barn weathered many storms. The boy left and returned a young man, to help on the farm and to care for the barn again. The barn has stood for one hundred years, and it will stand for a hundred more: a symbol of peace, stability, caring and community. (publ.)

Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text show how, throughout autumn, forest animals prepare for winter as shadows lengthen, the ground freezes, and northern lights begin to appear.

Presents the popular poem by one of the central figures in the Harlem Renaissance, highlighting the courage and dignity of the African American Pullman porters in the early twentieth century.

When the world feels chaotic, find peace within through an accessible mindfulness practice from the bestselling picture-book dream team that brought us I Am Yoga.Express emotions through direct speech. Find empathy through imagination. Connect with the earth. Wonder at the beauty of the natural world. Breathe, taste, smell, touch, and be present.

The big bad wolf is hungry and on today's menu is Grandma, with Red Riding Hood for dessert. But no one is home at Grandma's house, only a nightdress lying on the bed. The wolf puts on the nightie and sets off to see what he can catch dressed as Grandma. Here comes Red Riding Hood. She looks clever, but the wolf knows who is smartest . . . Yet this little girl is not so easily duped. And the wolf finds unexpected hazards in wearing a frilly petticoat in the deep dark woods.

Reviewed: PW 10 June 2019 p. 117.
Description: Introduces facts about the Moon, explaining the science behind how candles and balloons behave in the lunar atmosphere, why “moon angels” will last for thousands of years, and how gravity is different on the Moon. (publ.)

What is important about Margaret Wise Brown? In forty-two inspired pages, this biography artfully plays with form and language to vivdly bring to life one of greatest children's book creators who ever lived: Margaret Wise Brown.

Llewellyn, a little rabbit, is a collector. He gathers things in jars--ordinary things like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones. Then he meets another rabbit, Evelyn, and together they begin to collect extraordinary things--like rainbows, the sound of the ocean, and the wind just before snow falls. And, best of all, when they hold the jars and peer inside, they remember all the wonderful things they've seen and done. But one day, Evelyn has sad news- Her family is moving away. How can the two friends continue their magical collection--and their special friendship--from afar?

Six-year-old Ben is very small for his age, and gets along better with animals than people. One June day in 1870, Ben wanders away from his home on Hawk's Hill and disappears into the waving prairie grass. This is the story of how a shy, lonely boy survives for months in the wild and forges a bond with a female badger. ALA Notable Book. Newbery Honor Book.

Description: A girl seeks her perfect pet at an unusual animal shelter.
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 10 Nov. 2019 p. 24.
Description: When a child is too full of questions about the world to go to sleep, her patient father offers up increasingly creative responses to his child's nighttime wonderings.
Award: NYT Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award (2019).

Offers encouragement and supplies, from a snack and a blanket to a map for finding the way home, to a loved one who may be facing a new challenge.

Description: Offers encouragement and supplies, from a snack and a blanket to a map for finding the way home, to a loved one who may be facing a new challenge. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Just Like Beverly follows the life of beloved children's author Beverly Cleary from her early years in Oregon to her career as a successful writer who wrote stories, including the wildly popular Ramona and Henry Huggins series, for kids just like her. As a young girl, Beverly Cleary struggled to learn to read and found most children's books dull and uninteresting. She often wondered if there were any books about kids just like her. With hard work, and the encouragement of her parents and a special teacher, she learned to read and at a young age discovered she had a knack for writing.

Presents stories featuring authors when they were children, including Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling, and Zora Neale Hurston.

Kindness is the single most powerful thing that we can teach our children. Follow Emily through her day with family and friends, where your child will learn how easy it can be to spread kindness! From sharing toys with her little sister to including everyone in the game - this storybook shows that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Follow Maddy through her day at school, where your child will learn how easy it can be to spread kindness! Kindness is the single most powerful thing that we can teach our children. Follow Maddy through her day at school, where your child will learn how easy it can be to spread kindness!

A laugh-out-loud hilarious picture book about the epic tale of the classic game Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Description: A collection of humorous poems and drawings.
Holdings Note: Copy at Calmar Library; call no. 811.54 Sil.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Meet Blue. A muddy country road is no match for this little pick up--that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they're willing to whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road. Filled with truck sounds and animals noises, here is a rollicking homage to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others.

Crocodiles come from far and wide to seek Little Doctor's care. She treats each one with skill and kindness--even the toughest crocs with thick skins and large, powerful jaws. Little Doctor marvels at these fearless beasts, listening to their stories, while she diagnoses and cures what ails them. But when she meets Big Mean, the largest crocodile in the land with jaws clamped tightly shut, Little Doctor can't figure out what's wrong. And she might be just a little bit afraid. When one creative idea lands Little Doctor right inside Big Mean's tremendous jaws, she is sure she'll be munched or crunched--until she sees that Big Mean isn't so horrible, after all. As it turns out, the crocodile is only protecting her hatchlings, all tangled in plastic, inside her mouth.

Mr. Aster, who likes routine, is happy to care for Little Green Girl when she arrives in his garden, but not interested in helping her see the world beyond its walls.

When you're an identical twin, your story always starts with someone else. For Iris, that means her story starts with Lark. Iris has always been the grounded, capable, and rational one; Lark has been inventive, dreamy, and brilliant--and from their first moments in the world together, they've never left each other's side. Everyone around them realized early on what the two sisters already knew: they had better outcomes when they were together. When fifth grade arrives, however, it's decided that Iris and Lark should be split into different classrooms, and something breaks in them both.
Age Range: 8 - 12 years --- Grade Level: 3 - 7

"Love ain't like that." "How is it then?" Peaches asked, turning on her stomach to face me. "It's like sky. If you keep driving and driving, gas will run out, right?" "That's why we gotta go to the gas station." "Yep. But have you ever seen the sky run out? No matter how far we go?" "No, when we look up, there it is." "Well that's the kind of love Daddy and Mama got for us, Peaches--love like sky." "It never ends?" "Never."

Suggests in rhyme a number of ways for Marvin K. Mooney to travel as long as he gets going--now! In merry verse and illustrations, Marvin is asked to leave by every conceivable means of transportation.

Ten-year-old African American boy wants to welcome the circus elephant named Miss Fancy to her new home in a nearby park, but he is disappointed to see a sign: "No Colored Allowed"

Convinced that if she looks like a monster on the outside (a blood tumor covers half of her face), she must be a monster on the inside as well, Sophie tries to find a cure before her mother finds out the truth.

When she moves into Emily Dickinson's bedroom, Emmaline the mouse discovers her own propensity for poetry.

Aspiring Professional Adventurer Mr. Penguin and his colleague, Colin the spider, try to find a treasure rumored to be buried in The Museum of Extraordinary Objects before bandits do.

Description: Everyone knows that owners and their dogs belong together in a unique way. Polly belongs to Molly, Eric belongs to Derek, Berry belongs to Terry. But poor Mr. Scruff, alone in the rescue shelter, doesn’t belong to anyone. Then a boy named Jim walks in, and they seem to get along. Jim and Mr. Scruff don’t look anything alike, and their names certainly don’t rhyme, but they may end up belonging to each other just the same. From author-illustrator Simon James comes a warm, winning story about friendship and finding a home. A sweetly silly story of a little boy and a dog who make an unlikely (but perhaps perfect) pair. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

A girl named Harriet longs to play her cello alone in her room. But when a noisy owl disrupts her solitude, Harriet throws her teacup out the window in frustration, and accidentally knocks the moon out of the sky. Over the course of an evening, Harriet and the moon become fast friends. Worried that he'll catch a chill, Harriet buys the moon a soft woolen hat, then takes him on a boat ride across a glistening lake, something he's only dreamed of. But can she work up the courage to play her music for the moon? In this delicate bedtime story about a shy young cello player who learns to share her music with the moon, the award-winning Philip and Erin Stead deliver another whimsical, visually oriented picture book in their signature style. The duo of Philip and Erin Stead are "one of the most notable names in children's literature" -ABC News A BookPage Best Book of the Year

The school year is over, and it is summer in Atlanta. The sky is blue, the sun is blazing, and the days brim with possibility. But Leah feels. . . lost. She has been this way since one terrible afternoon a year ago, when everything changed. Since that day, her parents have become distant, her friends have fallen away, and Leah's been adrift and alone. Then she meets Jasper, a girl unlike anyone she has ever known. There's something mysterious about Jasper, almost magical. And Jasper, Leah discovers, is also lost. Together, the two girls carve out a place for themselves, a hideaway in the overgrown spaces of Atlanta, away from their parents and their hardships, somewhere only they can find. But as the days of this magical June start to draw to a close, and the darker realities of their lives intrude once more, Leah and Jasper have to decide how real their friendship is, and whether it can be enough to save them both.

Reviewed: PW 21 Oct. 2019 p. 77.
Description: A boy, his father and their dog have a perfect day in a snowy city.

This book covers how advances in science and technology have made it possible for people with physical disabilities to overcome challenges.

An introverted girl who just wanted to be left alone. A talkative little boy with a very important wish. Based on a true story, Noise is the heartwarming tale of finding joy in unexpected places. Short and sweet, a full-color comic book for both children and adults alike.

This charming picture book celebrates all our differences while questioning the idea that there is only one way to be "normal." Pip is a normal pig who does normal stuff: cooking, painting, and dreaming of what she'll be when she grows up. But one day a new pig comes to school and starts pointing out all the ways in which Pip is different. Suddenly she doesn't like any of the same things she used to...the things that made her Pip. A wonderful springboard for conversations with children, at home and in the classroom, about diversity and difference.

Bird is just about to put the finishing touches on her new home when she suddenly finds that her nest is already full--of someone else. So she reluctantly builds another nest. But Fox finds this new nest quite comfy, and Brush Hog loves the view from Bird's next attempt. Soon the Acacia tree is bursting with happily nested animals of all shapes and stripes--everyone except bird! But when Bird finally finds a way to evict her unwelcome guests, the animals realize their mistake and build a nest that's big enough for all of them. Well, almost...

Description: Whitman and Lincoln shared the national stage in Washington, DC, during the Civil War. Though the two men never met, Whitman would often see Lincoln's carriage on the road. The president was never far from the poet's mind, and Lincoln's "grace under pressure" was something Whitman returned to again and again in his poetry. Whitman witnessed Lincoln's second inauguration and mourned along with America as Lincoln's funeral train wound its way across the landscape to his final resting place. (publ.)

Description: A single starling is joined by hundreds more, and together they dance across the sky, finally settling into the trees. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: An illustrated counting book in which one famished fox finds five snug eggs but must face three plump hens to get them. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Follows Papa and his granddaughter as they spend another Thursday together. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: The letter waits in a book, in a box, in an attic, in an old house in Lambert, South Carolina. It’s waiting for Candice Miller. When Candice finds the letter, she isn’t sure she should read it. It’s addressed to her grandmother, after all, who left Lambert in a cloud of shame. But the letter describes a young African American woman named Siobhan Washington. An injustice that happened decades ago. A mystery enfolding the letter writer. And the fortune that awaits the person who solves the puzzle. Grandma tried and failed. But now Candice has another chance. So with the help of Brandon Jones, the quiet boy across the street, she begins to decipher the clues in the letter. The challenge will lead them deep into Lambert’s history–full of ugly deeds, forgotten heroes, and one great love–and deeper in-to their own families, with their own unspoken secrets. Can they find the fortune and fulfill the letter’s promise before the answers slip into the past yet again? (publ.)

"I'm taking you out for Father's Day," Susie tells Dad. "First we'll go for lunch." "Good," Dad says. "May I drive?" "Certainly," Susie says. She chooses the restaurant, and pretty soon Dad can see that she's filled this special day with treats--treats for both of them! When they get back home, Mom's final surprise (that isn't really a surprise at all) is a perfect ending for the perfect day.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 10 Nov. 2019 p. 30.
Description: Eager to read together, a parent and child search for the perfect seat. (publ.)

Description: Mr. Watson and Mrs. Watson live ordinary lives. Sometimes their lives feel a bit too ordinary. Sometimes they wish something different would happen. And one day it does, when someone unpredictable finds her way to their front door. In a delightful origin story for the star of the Mercy Watson series, a tiny piglet brings love (and chaos) to Deckawoo Drive–and the Watsons’ lives will never be the same. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: TLS 13 Sept. 2019 p. 13.
Description: Everything is made of stuff. Some things are made of paper, like this book. And some things are made of PLASTIC. If you look around you, plastic is everywhere. Even in places where it’s not meant to be. If it drops to the ground, it doesn’t rot away–it sticks around for ever. Our world is drowning in plastic, and it’s a big problem. Award-winning author-illustrator Neal Layton is here to explain where plastic comes from, why it doesn’t biodegrade, and why that’s dangerous for animals and humans alike. But he’s also FULL of ideas for how you can help! From giving up straws in juice cartons to recycling all we can and taking part in a beach clean, he will get young readers excited about how they can make a difference to keep Planet Earth happy. This brilliant non-fiction picture book, illustrated in Neal’s trademark collage style, is perfect for readers aged 4-7 who love nature and want to help the environment. (publ.)

Description: A rabbit tries everything he can think of to prevent a hungry bear from eating him, but the bear has something else in mind.
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Showcasing the extraordinary Langston Hughes, it's edited by two leading poetry experts and features gallery-quality art by Benny Andrews that adds rich dimension to the words. Hughes's magnificent, powerful words still resonate today, and the anthologized poems in this splendid volume include his best-loved works: The Negro Speaks of Rivers; My People; Words Like Freedom; Harlem; and I, Too.

A picture book about a magical drum, an emerald forest, and the little frog who dares to make her own music. The biggest mistake Pokko's parents ever made was giving her the drum. When Pokko takes the drum deep into the forest it is so quiet, so very quiet that Pokko decides to play. And before she knows it she is joined by a band of animals --first the raccoon, then the rabbit, then the wolf--and soon the entire forest is following her. Will Pokko hear her father's voice when he calls her home? Pokko and the Drum is a story about art, persistence, and a family of frogs living in a mushroom.

Description: When Pokko plays her drum in the forest she suddenly finds herself surrounded by an entire band of animal musicians. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Note: Donated book.
Description: A prince and a knight in shining armor find true love in each other's embrace after fighting a dragon together. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 18 Nov. 2019 p. 77.
Description: The true story of Sylvia Townsend, an African American girl who falls in love with ballet after seeing Swan Lake on TV. Although there aren’t many ballet schools that will accept a girl like Sylvia in the 1950s, her local bookmobile provides another possibility. A librarian helps Sylvia find a book about ballet and the determined seven-year-old, with the help of her new books, starts teaching herself the basics of classical ballet. Soon Sylvia learns how to fly–how to dance–and how to dare to dream. Includes a note from the author and a brief history of the bookmobile. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 18 Nov. 2019 p. 77.
Description: When Sharon Langley was born, amusement parks were segregated, and African American families were not allowed in. This picture book tells how a community came together–both black and white–to make a change. In the summer of 1963, because of demonstrations and public protests the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Maryland became desegregated and opened to all for the first time. Sharon and her parents were the first African American family to walk into the park, and Sharon was the first African American child to ride the merry-go-round. This was on the same day of Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Sharon’s ride to remember demonstrated the possibilities of King’s dream … The carousel, fully functional, now resides on the National Mall, near the Air and Space Museum. (publ.)

Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in sixth grade. He went on to become a national treasure after single-handedly keeping America competitive in the 2014 World Cup. Stephen Curry was told he was too small, too weak, and too slow to even play for a major college team. He outworked everyone to become MVP of the National Basketball Association. Jim Abbott was born without his right hand, yet he refused to be defined by what he lacked. He went on to pitch a no-hitter in the Major Leagues. Athlete after athlete in this book found discipline, hope, and inspiration on the playing field, rising above their circumstances. Filled with firsthand accounts from superstars who exemplify the idea of enduring at all costs, Rising Above will serve as a source of inspiration and entertainment for kids and sports fans of all ages.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 13 Oct. 2019 p. 22.
Description: A woman in a canoe takes the reader on a journey down the Hudson River, from its source, a lake in the Adirondack Mountains, to the point where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at New York City. Includes a note on the history of the Hudson River. (publ.)

Description: Set in Mississippi at the height of the Depression, it is the story of one family’s struggle to maintain their integrity, pride, and independence. It is a story of physical survival, but more important, it is a story of the survival of the human spirit. And, too, it is Cassie’s story–Cassie Logan, an independent girl raised by a family for whom independence is primary, a family determined not to relinquish their humanity simply because they are Black. Cassie has grown up protected, grown up strong, and so far grown up unaware that any white person could force her to be untrue to herself, could consider her inferior and treat her accordingly. It took the events of one turbulent year–the year of the night riders and the burnings, the year a white girl humiliated Cassie in public simply because she was Black–to show Cassie why the land meant so much, why having a place of their own where they answered to no one permitted the Logans the luxuries of pride and courage their sharecropper neighbors couldn’t afford and their white neighbors couldn't allow. (publ.)
Note:

All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing. He saves the tiny baby crow. Soon a loving bond grows between the two unlikely friends. But is it strong enough to weather the changing of the seasons?

Reviewed: PW 20 May 2019 p. 84.
Description: All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing. He saves the tiny baby crow. Soon a loving bond grows between the two unlikely friends. But is it strong enough to weather the changing of the seasons? (publ.)

Description: Complemented by a mylar mirror for making faces, a picture-book debut by the late-night host depicts a whimsically tongue-in-cheek goose who rediscovers its sense of humor while reminding young readers to take “serious” approaches to silliness. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Even in silhouette, the fun and fanciful art of Dr. Seuss is instantly recognizable in this Bright and Early Book classic: "a bug, a balloon, a bed, a bike. No shapes are ever quite alike." Looking at ordinary shapes is great when seen through the eyes of the remarkable Dr. Seuss, but of course it's the extraordinary shapes that really make an impression.

Shelby doesn't remember much of her early life--only that she was always hungry and cold. Then one day, Shelby is rescued by a kind woman, and things change forever. She soon finds herself on a movie set, and her new life is filled with challenges and rewards. She learns things like to Go Mark, Cut, and Dig. Her rewards include squeaky toys, yummy chicken, and best of all, love and affection from castmates and crew.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 10 Nov. 2019 p. 28
Description: A celebration of the winter solstice and the Yuletide season. As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 10 Nov. 2019 p. 25.
Award: NYT Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award (2019).
Description: A little boy offers advice to his cat, which is lost in the city, from taking shortcuts through safe alleys to finding a friend in the park.

Note: Donated by Calmar Library.
Description: After Smoot the shadow comes unstuck from his boy, he has a wild time that inspires other shadows to live out their dreams. (publ.)

Description: Although warned of the dangers lurking outside their packages, Cookie, Pretzel, and Cheese Doodle venture into the kitchen for fun but soon discover that Monster Kids are real. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: PW 30 Sept. 2019 p. 106.
Description: Determined to make his way to a plump, crisp cabbage across the road, Snail risks speeding cars and hungry crows during a long and slow journey, before getting lost while helping a crew of ants escape a rain-storm. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Math meets metaphor in this eye-opening exploration of spring. Each clever equation is a tiny, perfect poem that prompts readers to look at the ordinary and see the miraculous. Can you look at an egg in a nest and see a jewelry box? How are sunlight and heat like an alarm clock? Engaging sidebars reveal the science behind the signs of spring.

Description: Just when a little bear starts to feel overwhelmed on his first day of school, he meets a new friend, and together they find the courage to overcome their fear. (publ.)
Note Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: In a wordless picture book, Spot the cat goes out the open window and ventures through the city with Dot the dog, seeking her home. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

It's Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren't celebrating. They're still reeling from his older brother's death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lolly's mother's girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything- two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lolly's always loved Legos, and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward. His path isn't clear-and the pressure to join a "crew," as his brother did, is always there.

For the youngest activists among us, a book geared just for them full of facts, stories, and tips on how to change the world. What can I do to help save endangered animals? How can I eat healthy? Why do I need to cover my mouth when I cough? What do I do if I'm being bullied? With information on problems both large and small, Chelsea Clinton breaks down the concepts of health, hunger, climate change, endangered species and bullying, so that readers can understand the world around them, and how they can make a difference in their own lives, as well as in their communities and the world at large. Ages 7-10. Grades 4-6.

"A stone sat still with the water, grass, and dirt and it was as it was where it was in the world." To some creatures it's a pebble, to others a peak, to some a smell. Each animal that encounters the stone knows it to be something unique, but the stone itself is a constant in an ever changing world Brendan Wenzel tells a moving story about how different perspectives and the passage of time can turn a seemingly ordinary stone into a site of infinite possibility.

Stubby was a brave soldier, a loyal friend and a dog. From an army training camp to the trenches in France, this is the incredible true story of Sergeant Stubby, the dog who served bravely in the First World War, sniffing out gas attacks, catching spies and winning the hearts of his fellow soldiers.

From the award-winning duo of Jennifer and Matthew Holm comes the third book in the bestselling Sunny series, Sunny Rolls the Dice -- full of heart, laughs, and adventure! Too cool for school . . . or the least groovy girl in the grade? Sunny's just made it to middle school . . . and it's making her life very confusing.

The endearing poem by Robert Louis Stevenson is brought to life by a charming little boy enjoying the experience of swinging. With his dog by his side, the boy believes he can fly. And in his swing, he just might be right!

Follow one African-American boy through the course of his day as the harsh reality of segregation and racial prejudice comes into vivid focus. But the boy dreams of a different life-one full of freedom, hope, and wild possibility, where he can fling his arms wide in the face of the sun. Hughes's powerful vision, brought joyously to life by Daniel Miyares, is as relevant-and necessary-today as when it was first written.

Toby is a beagle who doesn't seem to have a purpose. While all of his littermates are adopted right away, Toby is left behind because he's not as energetic as they are. But because he is so quiet, he is adopted by a girl named Mona and her mother, who works at a nursing home. As Toby comforts the residents of the home, he discovers that his purpose may be the most important of all!

There are so many different kinds of trees in the world, and each has special qualities that make it unique. This lyrical, fanciful collection of poems celebrates the singular beauty of each tree, from the gnarled old apple tree to the tall and graceful aspen.

Description: When Ultrabot has his first playdate, he is worried and shy but he soon learns that he and Becky have a lot in common. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

What do you do with a curmudgeon that just won't budge? Why, shake off the grumpy 'tude and embrace the fun! Have you ever seen a curmudgeon that looks like your brother, but is in such a bad mood you hardly recognize him? You can try all the peanut butter sandwiches and brownies you have, but he is not moving. Nothing works, especially nudging, and he just makes you so grumpy that eventually you have no choice but to fight back--and then...

Description: The ordinary interactions and everyday routines of the Watsons, an Afri-can American family living in Flint, Michigan, are drastically changed after they go to visit Grandma in Alabama in the summer of 1963. (publ.)
Note: Newberry Honor Book, 1996; Coretta Scott King Author Honor, 1996.

Mo Willems' introductory guide for new arrivals welcomes readers to the world using bold, eye-catching graphics and clever text that is perfect for reading aloud. With a fun and heartwarming message, Welcome playfully interacts with the reader with its meta-humor, while addressing such topics such as injustice, cats, friendship, and family. This one-of-a-kind guide to the world is a must-have for infants and new parents alike.

Reviewed: PW 13 Jan. 2020 p. 60.
Description: Inside the house, a boy prepares for the Passover ritual of welcoming Elijah–meanwhile, outside the house, a kitten lingers in the cold. (publ.)

On Sunday, October 8, 1871, a fire started on the south side of Chicago. A long drought made the neighborhood go up in flames. And practically everything that could go wrong did. Firemen first went to the wrong location. Fierce winds helped the blaze jump the Chicago River twice. The Chicago Waterworks burned down, making it impossible to fight the fire. Finally after two days, Mother Nature took over, with rain smothering the flames. This overview of a stupendous disaster not only covers the fire but explores the whole history of fire fighting.

From a very young age, Sue Hendrickson was meant to find things: lost coins, perfume bottles, even hidden treasure. Her endless curiosity eventually led to her career in diving and paleontology, where she would continue to find things big and small. In 1990, at a dig in South Dakota, Sue made her biggest discovery to date: Sue the T. rex, the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever unearthed. Named in Sue's honor, Sue the T. rex would be placed on permanent exhibition at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

As we delve into the magical realm that is our universe at night, we discover what makes it so extraordinary...from moonbows to shooting stars and from the polar night to the northern lights. Experience how different habitats, from the city to the ocean, come alive when the sun sets. Meet animals that make their own elaborate beds and others that sleep while swimming or flying. And explore the history of human sleep across the globe and dive into a world of dreams.

Description: Papa Fox is looking for Baby Fox, who is just out of his sight ... but not ours! An adorable, interactive read-aloud for fans of Are You My Mother. In this clever introduction to prepositions, a near-sighted Papa is looking for his baby. Is Baby up in the tree? Is Baby under the log? Is Baby around the corner? Where could Baby be? Readers will delight in spotting the little fox on every page as Papa wanders the forest, encountering other animals all along the way, but never quite able to spot his own baby. Anne Hunter’s delicate and lovely illustrations with their limited palette highlight the humor of this adorable hide-and-seek tale. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Holdings Note: Replacement copy for lost book.

Bill Gates, born in Seattle, Washington, in 1955, is an American business magnate, investor, philanthropist, and author. In this Who Was...' biography, children will learn of Gates' childhood passion for computer technology, which led him to revolutionize personal computers. Through the success of his now-world-famous software company, Microsoft, Bill Gates became one of the wealthiest philanthropists in history.This fascinating story of a child technology genius is sure to captivate any audience!

Grab your Js and hit the court with this Who Was? biography about NBA superstar Michael Jordan. Meet the man who changed the game forever. Michael Jordan has always been competitive--even as a young boy, he fought for attention. His need to be the best made him a star player on his college basketball team and helped him become an NBA legend, both for his skills and his endorsements. His Nike contract for Air Jordan basketball shoes set an unmatched precedent for professional athletes.

Asks young readers to identify the occupation of each community helper from the type of tasks they perform and explains how these helpers work together to keep communities clean and safe and people healthy.

The peace and quiet of the forest are shattered by a scream. Someone has stolen the squirrel's three hazelnuts! Who could have committed such a terrible crime? The squirrel begins his investigation, and no one is above suspicion.

As a young boy, Charles Darwin hated school and was often scolded forconducting "useless" experiments. Yet his passion for the natural world was so strong that he suffered through terrible seasickness during his five-year voyage aboard The Beagle. Darwin collected new creatures from the coasts of Africa, South America, and the Galapagos Islands, and expanded his groundbreaking ideas that would change people's understanding of the natural world.

Born in 1860s Missouri, nobody expected George Washington Carver to succeed. Slaves were not allowed to be educated. After the Civil War, Carver enrolled in classes and proved to be a star student. He became the first black student at Iowa State Agricultural College and later its first black professor. He went on to the Tuskegee Institute where he specialized in botany (the study of plants) and developed techniques to grow crops better. His work with vegetables, especially peanuts, made him famous and changed agriculture forever.

Isaac Newton was always a loner, preferring to spend his time contemplating the mysteries of the universe. When the plague broke out in London in 1665 he was forced to return home from college. It was during this period of so much death, that Newton gave life to some of the most important theories in modern science, including gravity and the laws of motion.

Private and bookish, Jackie Kennedy found herself thrust into the world spotlight as the young and glamorous wife of the President John F. Kennedy. As First Lady she restored the once neglected rooms of the White House to their former glory, and through her charm and elegance became a style icon whose influence is still felt even today. Kids will be fascinated to read about a First Family whose youth, intelligence, and good looks captivated America in the early 1960s.

The man who saved the lives of his PT-109 crewmen during WWII and became the 35th president fought-and won-his first battle at the age of two-and-a-half, when he was stricken with scarlet fever. Although his presidency was cut short, our nation's youngest elected leader left an indelible mark on the American consciousness

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only 25 when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was soon organizing black people across the country in support of the right to vote, desegregation, and other basic civil rights. Maintaining nonviolent and peaceful tactics even when his life was threatened, King was also an advocate for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice until his death from an assassin's bullet in 1968. With clearly written text that explains this tumultuous time in history

Learn how Fred Rogers, a minister and musician from Pennsylvania, became one of America's most beloved television personalities and everyone's favorite neighbor. Even though he's best known for his successful PBS series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Fred Rogers never dreamed of working in television. In fact, he hated the very first program that he ever watched! Join author Diane Bailey as she takes readers through the journey that brought Mister Rogers into our living rooms. From his childhood interest in puppet-making and music, to his courageous visit to Russia during the Cold War, this book details Mister Rogers's quest for kindness and his gentle appeal to be more neighborly.

As a child he dreamt of changing South Africa; as a man he changed the world. Nelson Mandela spent his life battling apartheid and championing a peaceful revolution. He spent twenty-seven years in prison and emerged as the inspiring leader of the new South Africa. He became the country's first black president and went on to live his dream of change.

Norman Rockwell often painted what he saw around him in nostalgic and humorous ways. After hearing President Franklin Roosevelt's address to Congress in 1943, he was inspired to create paintings that described the principles for universal rights: four paintings that portray iconic images of the American experience. Over the course of his lifetime, he painted 322 covers for the Saturday Evening Post.

A shy twenty-year-old girl stepped out of a horse-drawn coach and into the world spotlight, capturing the imagination of millions as a real life fairytale princess. Although the storybook marriage didn't have a happy ending, Diana learned to use her fame as a way to champion charitable causes near to her heart. She became the People's Princess by humanizing the image of the royal family and showing care and concern for all people, including the homeless, the sick, and others in need.

Sam Walton used the money he earned in the army, along with some financial help from his family, to open his first store. Then he opened fourteen more. Then Sam had an even bigger idea. He wanted to build large stores in small towns and reduce the price of everything they stocked. Although other businessmen and potential partners laughed at him, this entrepreneur with humble beginnings used his resourcefulness to create Walmart, which would become the largest company in the world

Examines the life and accomplishments of computer industry pioneer Steve Jobs, a founder of Apple Computer, Inc.

William asks his animal friends, one after another, to awake from hibernation and prepare a celebration for a special friend who has been away all winter.

Wonderful Worms encourages an appreciation for the small creatures of the earth by explaining the vital role that earthworms play in the planet's ecosystem. The book also contains informative charts and cross-section illustrations of the worm's underground environment.

Would you rather be a clarinet . . . a trombone . . . or a drum? (How would you like to have someone going boom-boom on your tum?) Beginning readers are asked to ponder these-and a host of other odd choices-in this charming, provocative book by Dr. Seuss that encourages children to let their imaginations fly.

Yogi Berra loved his family, his neighborhood, his friends, and, most of all, baseball. He was crazy for it, ever since he was a young kid playing with friends in an abandoned dump. But baseball didn't love him back--at least not at first. Yogi was different. He didn't have the right look. When he finally made it to the major leagues, Yogi faced pranks and harassment from players, sportswriters, and fans. Their words hurt, but they made Yogi determined to show all that he could do.

Reviewed: TLS 13 Sept. 2019 p. 13.
Description: A mother polar bear answers the questions of her two curious cubs about what lies beyond their cozy winter den as they wait for spring to arrive. (publ.)

Reviewed: NYT/BR 25 Nov. 2018 p. 22; PW 24 Sept. 2018 p. 102.
Description: In 1912 New York, Gertie feels left out while Mama and her four older sisters cook Hanukkah dinner, but Papa comes home and asks her help with an important task. (publ.)
Note: Based on the original book series by Sydney Taylor.

Description: Mo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl's journey to center stage. Illustrator Amber Ren brings Willems' music to life, conducting a stunning picture-book debut.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 10 Feb. 2019 p. 18; PW 19 Nov. 2018 p. 90.
Description: A slave family is distressed when they discover their son Ben has run away. (publ.)

Description: Reimagines the cycles of the moon as a mother bakes a Big Moon Cake and, despite Mama's request to wait, Little Star begins nibbling at it every night.
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 11 Nov. 2018 p. 30 p.
Description: Illustrations and simple, rhyming text celebrate the many shades of blue seen during the relationship of a boy and his dog as the boy grows from a baby to an adult.

Description: When Stanley’s Mom has to go away for work, Stanley decides to take off, too–all the way to Mars. Can the Martian who takes his place on Earth get by in Stanley's family even in Mom's absence?
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Celebrates a diverse community on a Sunday morning at an inclusive church that welcomes all people regardless of age, class, race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 7 Jan. 2019 p. 57.
Description: What child doesn’t love to hold a crayon in their hands? But children didn’t always have such magical boxes of crayons. Before Edwin Binney set out to change things, children couldn't really even draw in color. Here’s the true story of an inventor who so loved nature’s vibrant colors that he found a way to bring the outside world to children–in a bright green box for only a nickel! With experimentation, and a special knack for listening, Edwin Binney and his dynamic team at Crayola created one of the world’s most enduring, best-loved childhood toys–empowering children to dream in COLOR! (publ.)

Description: A little girl can’t find her parakeet–her kitty must have eaten it! Right? Where else would it have gone? It was just here! She shouts, she accuses, and she laments her loss. But her cat might be trying to tell her something. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Min is a microbe. She is small. Very small. In fact, so small that you’d need to look through a microscope to see her. Or you can simply open this book and take Min on an adventure to amazing places she’s never seen before–like the icy glaciers of your tooth or the twisted, tangled jungle of your shirt. The perfect book for anyone who wants to take a closer look at the world. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: After fast-talking Fox leaves him with a large, green egg, Bear spends minutes, hours, days, and weeks lovingly caring for it with the help of his neighbor Hare. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Nancy and Douglas, determined to learn what is on the other side of a fence, try Nancy's plans to launch, vault, and fly Douglas over, then succeed with Douglas's simple idea. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: PW 26 Mar. 2018 p. 118; NYT/BR 24 June 2018 p. 22.
Description: A boy and his grandfather cross a language and cultural barrier using their shared love of art, storytelling, and fantasy.
Note: Text in Thai & English.

Reviewed: PW 17 Sept. 2018 p. 84.
Description: Duck and Hippo are planning a good old-fashioned feast for Thanksgiving Day. Duck also has a big surprise in store for Hippo. (Publ.)

Reviewed: PW 17 Dec. 2018 p. 139.
Description: Long time residents of Mrs. Barrett’s adoption shelter, Felipe (a grumpy cat) and Claudette (a hyperactive dog) seem like they will never find a for-ever home, and Felipe is convinced that it is all Claudette’s fault–but when the dog is finally adopted, Felipe is so depressed that he hides on adoption day, and it turns out that Claudette also misses her friend. (publ.)

Description: Bozzi’s minimal text walks readers through “an enormous, ancient forest” where “explorers” travel an increasingly difficult journey. On alternating spreads, subtly embossed images, faintly visible against white pages, show the maturation of a human face from baby to elder, while die-cut eyes reveal startling glimpses of the wild, bright forest in the scenes that follow. Young children may miss some of the metaphorical links to a life’s passage, extended in astonishing visual details and dramatic gatefolds. But the sheer marvel of the design, together with the inclusive, open-ended mystery of what lies beyond the forest, makes this a wondrous piece of book-making for all ages. Much like a poem, it will evoke new emotions and layers of meaning with repeated readings. (PW)

Reviewed: PW 6 May 2019 p. 60.
Description: When Venetia Burney’s grandfather reads aloud from the newspaper about a new discovery–a “ninth major planet” that has yet to be named–her eleven-year-old mind starts whirring. She is studying the planets in school and loves Roman mythology. “It might be called Pluto,” she says, thinking of the dark underworld. Grandfather loves the idea and contacts his friend at London’s Royal Astronomical Society, who writes to scientists at the Lowell Observatory in Massachusetts, where Pluto was discovered. After a vote, the scientists agree unanimously: Pluto is the perfect name for the dark, cold planet. (publ.)

Description: Illustrations and simple text follow a boy and a dog on an out-of-this-world adventure. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: PW 11 June 2018 p. 64.
Description: When a puppy in need of a friend follows a kind girl into town, he lands himself into all sorts of trouble. He gets lost. He’s nearly run over. And he gets chased out of a bakery for being a “bad dog.” But when the pup and the girl reunite in the park and she leaves behind her favorite doll, the puppy has a chance to prove just what a good dog he really is! (publ.)

Description: As the cold winter approaches, the grumpy hedgehog refuses to share his hedge with the garden animals looking for shelter, but he’s about to learn a valuable lesson about helping others. (publ.)

Description: Young Henry persuades his school principal and his father to let him go on an expedition to find a yeti, provided he brings back proof and does not stay up too late. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Tyrannosaurus Rex enthusiast Sal transforms herself into an uncontrollable T. Rex, partly because her brother said it would be impossible, but soon discovers the downsides of always being fierce. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: In this interactive picture book, the reader must help Bunny as he gathers apples to eat, and uses his red scarf to climb a tree or create a rope bridge. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Teaches the reader to count to ten using worms that have great adventures or everyday experiences, described but not illustrated due to the author/illustrator’s inability to draw anything but worms. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Lovable monster siblings Natalie and Alphonse are back with big plans in a second surprisingly touching tale in which Natalie is ready to learn how to read. Natalie and Alphonse REALLY like books. Picture books with Dad, scary stories with Mom, and especially stories they re-member or make up themselves. So when it's time for Natalie to learn to read, she thinks it will be exciting–she can have all the stories in the world now, and even read them to Alphonse. But when Natalie gets her first reading book, the letters look like squiggles and it isn’t even a good story; it's just about a cat that can sit. “I do not like books anymore!” Natalie declares. But she still wants to make up stories. With Alphonse’s help, can she find a way to turn a love of telling stories into a love of reading stories? … Daisy Hirst captures the familiar frustration of struggling to learn some-thing new–and the particular pride that comes when you finally succeed. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Having eaten his only friend, a monster seeks a new companion but each creature he meets has a good reason not to serve as a replacement. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 16 Sept. 2018 p. 26
Description: When a boy visits an art museum and one of the paintings comes to life, he has an afternoon of adventure and discovery [that] changes how he sees the world ever after. (publ.)

Reviewed: NYT/BR 16 Sept. 2018 p. 26.
Description: When Juan Felipe Herrera was very young, he picked flowers, helped his mama feed the chickens, slept under the starry sky, and learned to say goodbye to his amiguitos each time his migrant family moved on. When he grew up, Juan Felipe Herrera became a poet. His breathtaking poem “Imagine” and Lauren Castillo’s evocative illustrations will speak to every reader and dreamer searching for this place in life. (publ.)

A stray kitten changes the way the watchman sees nighttime in this tender book based on a true story, illustrated by Strictly No Elephants artist Taeeun Yoo. The night watchman hugs his wife and kids and drives to work. All night he is alone. Every hour he makes his rounds. He sees the stars twinkling. He hears the sounds of the night: ki-DEE ki-DEE ki-DEE shhhhheeeeeEEEERRRROOOOooooommmmmm Woof! Woof! Woof! Meeeoooow. When he is joined by a stray kitten, the night suddenly seems different. Has the kitten found a new home?

Reviewed: NYT/BR 2 Sept. 2018 p. 18.
Description: Join a young boy and his father on a daring journey from Mexico to Texas to find a new life. They ll need all the resilience and courage they can muster to safely cross the border–la frontera–and to make a home for themselves in a new land. (publ.)
Note: Text in Spanish & English.

Description: Little Whale is nervous about leaving the shallows of the warm, southern sea but Gray Whale gently guides her new baby as they migrate to the cool, rich waters of the north. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: An adventurous cat named Sam explores her neighborhood at night, and maps of all types reveal her journey, illuminating different points of view and the various spots Sam visits. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: PW 26 Mar. 2018 p. 119; NYT/BR 2 Sept. 2018 p. 18.
Description: Marwan is a young boy on a journey he never intended to take, bound for a place he doesn't know. On his journey, he relies on courage and memories of his faraway homeland to buoy him. With him are hundreds and thousands of other human beings, crossing the deserts and the seas, fleeing war and hunger in search of safety. He must take one step after another--bringing whatever he can carry, holding on to dreams. This is the journey of one boy who longs for a home, and we follow his path, walking hand in hand with him as he looks forward with uncertainty and hopes for a peaceful future. (publ.)
Note: Originally published as: El Camino de Marwan (Santiago, Chile: Editorial Amanuta, 2016).

Reviewed: NYT/BR 25 Nov. 2018 p. 22; PW 24 Sept. 2018 p. 102.
Description: Lucy Latke’s family is a family of potato pancakes. After lighting the menorah and gobbling the gelt, Grandpa Latke tells everyone the Hanukkah story, but it’s up to the Latke family dog to set the record straight. (Publ.)

Description: Each believing that their hue is the best, the three primary colors live in separate parts of the city until Yellow and Blue meet, fall in love, and decide to mix. (publ.)

Description: When Mouse and Monster team up to go camping, they dis-cover Monster’s insatiable appetite is wreaking havoc on their campsite, but nothing can stop these two friends from having fun in the great out-doors. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: When a young child discovers a hole in a sneaker, mother and child embark on a big childhood adventure–a trip to the store to pick out new shoes. From having feet measured and making a selection to finally showing off the new shoes to a friend, this momentous child moment is treated with respect, excitement, and page-turning energy in a wonder-fully age-appropriate picture book. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 21 Oct. 2018 p. 26.
Description: What is it like to work at night, while the rest of the city is asleep? Newbery Medalist Karen Hesse's quietly powerful story of a boy and his father is tenderly brought to life by G. Brian Karas in this luminous tribute to an enduring, everyday sort of love. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 18 Mar. 2019 p. 82.
Description: Pip is a normal pig who does normal stuff: cooking, painting, and dreaming of what she’ll be when she grows up. But one day a new pig comes to school and starts pointing out all the ways in which Pip is different. Suddenly she doesn't like any of the same things she used to ... the things that made her Pip. A wonderful springboard for conversations with children, at home and in the classroom, about diversity and difference. (publ.)

Description: Bird builds the perfect nest, the only problem is everyone else wants to sleep in it!
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: After buying one outrageous hat after another in an attempt to keep up with the latest fashions set by his teasing animal friends, Harbet the dog learns that true happiness comes from being yourself. (publ.)

Description: A brief rain shower does not dampen a Latino family’s enjoyment of their town’s parade and summer celebration, which includes street food, bands, a corn princess, and fireworks. Spanish words, interspersed in the rhyming text, are defined in a glossary. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Penguin and Tiny Shrimp DO NOT have a bedtime story to share with you. There are no soft beds or cozy covers here. There are fireworks! And shark-infested waters!! This book will never make you sleepy! Not at all. Not even a little ... (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 21 Oct. 2018 p. 26
Description: Turning the traditional idea of an alphabet book on its head, P is for Pterodactyl is perfect for anyone who has ever been stumped by silent letters or confused by absurd homophones. This whimsical, unique book takes silent letter entries like “K is for Knight” a step further with “The noble knight’s knife nicked the knave’s knee.” Lively illustrations provide con-text clues, and alliterative words help readers navigate text like “a bright white gnat is gnawing on my gnocchi” with ease. Everyone from early learners to grown-up grammarians will love this wacky book where “A is for Aisle” but “Y is definitely not for Why.” (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 15 Oct. 2018 p. 139.
Description: Biography of storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian, who championed bilingual literature. When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura’s legacy. (publ.)

Description: Not ready to stop playing at bedtime, little Bobo the chimp escapes over and over to play with his jungle friends, but when it finally starts to get dark, he finds himself all alone with no idea how to get home. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: PW 13 Aug. 2018 p. 66.
Description: When an elephant plants himself in the road and refuses to move, the people of Persnickety try all sorts of methods to get him to go–but one thoughtful little girl works up the courage to do what no one else has done: ask him. (publ.)

Description: After their home is swept away in a summer flood, Possum and his children build a new home with the help of the other animals. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: WSJ 9/10 Mar. 2019 p. C11.
Description: Rabbit captures The Dark and keeps it in a cookie tin so that he doesn’t have to go to bed. Now he can stay up as long as he wants! But Rabbit is about to learn that without The Dark, lots of important things can’t hap-pen! (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 8 Oct. 2018 p. 62.
Description: Two dinosaurs whose species are sworn enemies want to become friends. Romeosaurus and Juliet Rex get along perfectly well until they realize that their families should be mortal enemies! … With two families up in arms (very short ones for Juliet Rex) the two friends run away, determined not to let family baggage determine who their friends should be. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 10 Sept. 2018 p. 72.
Description: A picture-book biography on science superstar Neil deGrasse Tyson, the groundbreaking American astrophysicist whose work has inspired a generation of young scientists and astronomers to reach for the stars! (publ.)

Description: Stegothesaurus has little in common with his fellow dinosaurs until he meets an allosaurus that seems as hungry for synonyms as he is. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Gabby convinces Granny to leave Sleepytown and stay up all night in a new place, but before long, a contagious yawn takes control. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: When the aroma of Omu’s homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: When Muffin, a cat, hears a suspicious noise at the Little Bear Bakery, his investigation reveals a hungry bear cub.
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Turns out there’s a whole lot more than just a log on the bot-tom of this lake … a frog and a fly, and eventually a fish! An adaptation of the traditional folk song, “There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea,” with additional repetition and tongue twisters. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: PW 10 Dec. 2018 p. 140.
Description: Tiny T. Rex wants to cheer up his friend, Pointy the stegosaurus who is sad, with a hug, but he is frustrated because even as he gets bigger, his arms remain too small for proper hugging–but he is determined to practice, even when he gets into trouble. (publ.)

Reviewed: NYT/BR 1 July 2018 p. 22
Description: Today is a very nice day. There has never been a day so nice as this, except for maybe yesterday. Join Vernon and his friends Skunk and Porcupine on a series of three enchanting adventures entitled Waiting, Fishing, and Gardening, as they comb the forest floor for trinkets and go fishing in their own unconventional way. (publ.)

Reviewed:NYT/BR 21 Oct. 2018 p. 26.
Description: Elise is scared of everything–spiders, people, even trees. So she never goes out, night or day. One day a strange thing flies in through the window and lands at her feet. And then there comes a knock at her door. Elise has a visitor. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 7 May 2018 p. 68.
Description: Even as a young girl, Jane was an independent thinker with an extraordinary imagination and sense of wonder. She was known to challenge her teacher and was often found playing with her imaginary friends, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Cedric the warrior. Always curious and engaged by her surroundings, Jane grew up to be an exceptional woman who cared deeply about her city. When urban planner Robert Moses pro-posed an expressway to cut across Manhattan, Jane rallied the local community to save the neighbourhood and even got arrested for standing up for her beliefs. Gorgeously illustrated by Valérie Boivin, Walking in the City with Jane offers a glimpse into the mind of one of our greatest urban thinkers whose influence on cities is still felt today. (publ.)

Description: A knight who feels secure on his side of the wall that divides his book discovers that his side is not as safe as he thought, and the other side is not as threatening.
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Owl has a balloon. Monkey has a sock with a star and a perfectly shaped hole. But then Owl asks Monkey to hold his balloon, just for a second. What do you think happens? POP! When Owl returns and asks for his balloon, Monkey offers him everything under the sun...except for the balloon. Can their friendship survive this catastrophe?

Description: William asks his animal friends, one after another, to awake from hibernation and prepare a celebration for a special friend who has been away all winter. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Description: Snow falls, animals burrow, and children prepare for the wonders winter brings. (publ.)
Note: Standing Order; Junior Library Guild.

Reviewed: PW 7 May 2018 p. 69.
Description: Escaping persecution for being Jewish, the Baline family flee Russia and arrive by ship in New York Harbor in September 1893. Little Israel Isidore Baline is only five years old. After arriving at Ellis Island, the first stop for all immigrants, Israel and his family are ready to begin a new life in America. His family settles on the Lower East Side and soon Israel (now nick-named Izzy) starts school. And while he learns English, he is not a very good student. According to his teachers, he daydreams and sings in class. But while these may not be traits that are helpful in the classroom, they are wonderful tools for a budding singer and composer. And by the time Izzy (now known as Irving) is a young man, he is well on his way to becoming one of the most well-known composers in America. This vivid picture-book biography examines the life of Irving Berlin, the distinguished artist whose songs, including “God bless America” and “White Christmas,” continue to be popular today. (publ.)

Note: A Junior Library Guild Selection.
Description:When Lola accidentally knocks over a jug of juice all over her parent's favorite chair, her panic sets off a chain reaction that sends the whole town into chaos. While "sorry" still might be the hardest word, this silly and sincere book will help readers realize that making a mistake isn't a disaster. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 30 Oct. 2017 p. 43 (Best Books of 2017); NYT/BR 12 Nov. 2017 p. 28; TLS 1 Dec. 2017 p. 28.
Description: Dan Santat’s poignant tale follows Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall—that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most. Will he summon the courage to face his fear? (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 17 July 2017 (starred); NYT/BR 10 Sept. 2017 p. 24; PW 30 Oct. 2017 (Best Books of 2017).
Description: Two boring, intellectual sheep meet an illiterate wolf poorly disguised as a sheep and teach him how to read. Friendship blossoms, but the wolf doesn’t like a certain character in the fairy tale he’s learning to read.

Note: Junior Library Guild Selection.

Note: Junior Library Guild Selection.

Note: Junior Library Guild selection.

Reviewed: PW 3 July 2017 p. 76

Reviewed: PW 13 Nov. 2017 p. 66
Description: Paired poems about topics including family dinners, sports, recess, and much more. This relatable collection explores different experiences of race in America. (publ.)

Description: Charlotte learns to love her unusual pet.

Reviewed: PW 5 June 2017 p. 50
Description: Two dinosaur brothers fight over their toys, which prompts their mother to take each item away: “They fought over the bike. Confiscated!” (PW)

Reviewed: PW 12 Mar. 2018 p. 56
Description: When Detective Dog Nell puts her nose to the task, there’s no mystery she can’t solve. Whether she’s tracking the missing shoe of her human, Peter, or locating some lost honeycomb, all Nell has to do is sniff, sniff, sniff and she's hot on the trail. Besides solving mysteries, there’s something else Nell loves—listening to children read. Every Monday, Peter takes her to school where children tell her stories. One day, Nell and Peter arrive to find that all the books are gone. Who could have taken them? And why? There’s only one dog for the job, and Detective Dog Nell is ready to sniff out the thief! (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 5 June 2017 p. 50
Description: The smartest person in this delightfully mischievous story is the reader: he or she will instantly know that Sadie, Ben’s new shelter pet, isn’t a dog but an enormous green Tyrannosaurus rex. (PW)

This interactive book may seem to be on your side, reluctant sleeper -- but it's truly a bedtime book in disguise! Here's how it works: if you can avoid getting to the end of this book, you can avoid bedtime, simple as that. (It's a pretty sweet deal, actually.) But each time you blink, you have to turn a page.

Reviewed: NYT/BR 27 Aug. 2017 p. 27
Description: Benno is really excited for his first day of school, but Mommy wants him to stay at home with her. (publ.)
Note: Originally published in Irish. Transl. of Ná Gabh ar Scoil! (Galway: Futa Fata, 2015).

Reviewed: PW 12 Feb. 2018 p. 77
Description: Helen Ahpornsiri’s intricate artwork transforms leaves, petals, and seeds into bounding hares, swooping swallows, and blossoming trees. Using nothing but pressed plants, this journey through the seasons captures the wonder and magic of the natural world between the pages of a book. This standout title with beautiful nonfiction text will take readers through an extraordinary year in the wild. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 3 July 2017 p. 77
Description: Prosperity (“Prosper”) Redding must rid himself of the ancient demon inhabiting his body and break his family's curse.

Note: Junior Library Guild selection.
Note (2): Originally published as: Nun Schlaft Mal Schön!: Elfeinhalb Gutenachtgeschichten von Fuchs und Hase (Frankfurt am Main, Ger.: Moritz, 2016).

Reviewed: NYT/BR 3 Dec. 2017 p. 32 (Notable Children’s Books of 2017).
Description: Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed. Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr. (publ.)

Reviewed: PW 30 Oct. 2017 (Best Books of 2017).
Description: In this honest look at the literal foundation of our country, Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris investigate a seemingly small trait of America's most emblematic statue. What they find is about more than history, more than art. What they find in the Statue of Liberty’s right foot is the message of acceptance that is essential to an entire country’s creation. (publ.)