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Picture Books January 2020
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| You Loves Ewe! by Cece BellWhat it’s about: When clever, bespectacled Yam introduces new friend Ewe to Donkey, Donkey mistakes the word “ewe” for “you,” kicking off a cascade of zany wordplay and comical misunderstandings.
Why kids might like it: With big, bold cartoon illustrations and silly speech-bubble dialogue, this playful picture book will keep kids giggling (and teach them about homonyms, too).
Series alert: For more of Yam and Donkey’s antics, check out their 1st outing in I Yam a Donkey. |
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| Odd Dog Out by Rob BiddulphIn a world...populated by straitlaced dachshunds who look and act alike, this book’s doggy heroine stands out in her beanie, rainbow scarf, and headphones.
What happens: In search of kindred spirits, the pooch heads off to “Doggywood,” where she fits in with the crowd -- only to realize that fitting in isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Kids might also like: Peter Brown’s Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, another tale of joyful nonconformity starring anthropomorphic animals. |
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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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| Freedom Soup by Tami Charles; illustrated by Jacqueline AlcántaraWhat it’s about: Belle and Ti Gran dance and cook their way through New Year’s Day as Ti Gran tells her granddaughter about the Haitian Revolution, and why they celebrate freedom with a delicious, traditional soup.
Art alert: Bursting with brilliant hues and dynamic lines, the illustrations in Freedom Soup immerse readers in the rhythm of dance, the exhilaration of revolution, and the warmth of a family kitchen.
Don’t miss: the recipe included at the end. |
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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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| Imagine! by Raúl ColónWhat it is: a wordless, vibrantly illustrated celebration of art.
What happens: When a curious boy visits Manhattan's Museum of Modern Art, figures from famous works of art spring from their frames and join the boy on a whirlwind tour of New York City landmarks.
Who it's for: kids (and adults) who love being immersed in pictures, whether in a book or on the walls of a museum. |
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| Flora and the Flamingo by Molly IdleFeaturing: Flora, a short girl in a pink bathing suit and oversized flippers, and a tall pink flamingo whose elegant moves Flora tries to imitate.
What happens: Although at first the flamingo is irked by Flora’s clumsy attempts at copying its graceful poses, bird and girl eventually sync up in a splashy dance duet.
Series alert: This endearing lift-the-flap book is the 1st in an eye-catching series about Flora and her avian friends. |
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| I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by KerascoëtWhat it’s about: On her first day at a new school, Vanessa is bullied by a boy in her class, leaving her feeling hurt and lonely. On her second day, however, Vanessa discovers that her other classmates have come together to make her feel welcome.
Why kids might like it: Kindness speaks for itself in this wordless book, which uses expressive ink-and-watercolor illustrations to show how small actions -- like stepping up for a new friend -- can have a big impact. |
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| Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson; illustrated by Sydney SmithWhat it’s about: As a father and daughter walk through a city hand-in-hand, the girl gathers a bouquet of plucky urban wildflowers, which she shares with the people and animals she meets along the way.
Art alert: Intricate black-and-white illustrations gradually bloom into color as the girl spreads flowers throughout her neighborhood.
Kids might also like: Bernard Waber’s Ask Me, another book about a parent-child walk filled with quiet wonder. |
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| Float by Daniel MiyaresWhat it’s about: After making a newspaper boat with his dad, a little boy dashes outside to play in the rain. But can his new toy stand up to the wet weather?
Why kids might like it: This minimal yet vivid story might inspire kids to try some crafts of their own -- don’t miss the instructions on the book's inside covers!
Try this next: For another stormy-day story starring a raincoat-clad kid, pick up Ezra Jack Keats' classic A Letter to Amy. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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Carrollton Public Library 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton Texas 75006 4220 North Josey Lane, Carrollton Texas 75010 |
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