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A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!
by Anika Aldamuy Denise; illustrated by Leo Espinosa
What it is: a vibrantly illustrated biography of iconic actress, dancer, and singer Rita Moreno, from her childhood in Puerto Rico to her groundbreaking Oscar win in 1962.
Why kids might like it: Young readers with big dreams are bound to be encouraged by this story of a talented young girl who faced down bullying and racism while channeling her passion and drive into a meaningful career, both in the arts and in activism.
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¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market
by Raúl the Third
Welcome to: the Mercado de Chauhtémoc la Curiosidad, where Little Lobo and his dog Bernabé are busy making deliveries to all the various vendors.
Which languages? Helpful Spanish labels encourage language learners, while lively, bustling market scenes overflow with charming details.
Don't miss: the tiny, cowboy hat-wearing cucaracha who follows Little Lobo on his route.
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Almost Time
by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney; illustrated by G. Brian Karas
What it’s about: When Ethan and his dad run out of maple syrup one chilly winter, Ethan begins the long wait for spring, when the saps runs, the trees are tapped, and sugaring time rolls around again.
Why kids might like it: Ethan’s impatience for the season to change will be relatable to all kinds of kids, and those who aren’t familiar with sugaring may be fascinated by the process.
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3, 2, 1, Go!
by Emily Arnold McCully
After elephant buddies Ann and Bess refuse to play with younger Min, they draw a line around their play area. "You may not step over it," declares Ann to Min. In response, resourceful Min gathers some materials (such as a rock, a rope, and a tube) and starts building something that will allow her to cross the line without taking a single step. Even though 3, 2, 1, Go! is geared toward beginning readers, kids of all ages will recognize the common social problem it depicts, and relish Min's unorthodox solution. Looking for another smart read about an ambitious DIY project? Check out Jon Agee's It's Only Stanley.
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A Big Bed for Little Snow
by Grace Lin
What it's about: As soon as Little Snow's Mommy re-stuffs his fluffy featherbed and tells him it's "for sleeping, not jumping," it's clear that Little Snow won't be able to resist. His every bounce releases a flurry of white feathers; to find out where they fall, you'll have to check out this sweet and simple winter tale.
Kids might also like: the Caldecott Honor-winning companion book, A Big Mooncake for Little Star.
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| When Otis Courted Mama by Kathi Appelt; illustrated by Jill McElmurryWhat it's about: Though his Mama and Daddy live in different parts of the desert, coyote pup Cardell likes his life the way it is. When kind-hearted neighbor Otis comes calling, Mama seems interested, but Cardell is skeptical.
Read it for: the charming, folksy writing and the expressive artwork.
Who it's for: kids who are adjusting to family changes, as well as anyone who enjoys a good yarn. |
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| Cat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family by Nelly Buchet; illustrated by Andrea ZuillWhat it's about: the growing pains of a newly combined household consisting of two humans, two dogs, and one cat.
How it's told: With minimal text -- primarily clever re-arrangements of the words "cat" and "dog" -- the illustrations are what truly sell this story, using actions and expressions to depict the furry stepsiblings' emotions as they learn to cohabitate.
Kids might also like: Jeff Mack's Ah Ha! and Look!, which also feature dynamic artwork, limited vocabulary, and winsome animal characters.
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| The Ring Bearer by Floyd CooperWhat it's about: Jackson's mama is getting married! While Jackson's a bit anxious about how his household will change with the addition of stepdad Bill and little stepsister Sophie, he's mostly nervous about his role as ring bearer. It's a long way down the aisle...
Art alert: Floyd Cooper's soft, lifelike chalk illustrations capture the warmth between family members as a pep talk from Grandpop -- and some surprising inspiration from Sophie -- help Jackson conquer his wedding-day worries. |
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A Family is a Family is a Family
by Sara O'Leary; illustrated by Qin Leng
What it's about: When the teacher asks each student to describe what makes their family special, one girl stays quiet, because her family "is not like everybody else's." It's only after she hears her classmates' honest, wide-ranging stories that she finds the confidence to open up about her caring foster family.
Try this next: Miriam B. Schiffer's Stella Brings the Family, another feel-good story in which a classroom activity reveals the diversity of students' families.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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