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Picture Books September 2017
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New and Recently Released |
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| All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle; illustrated by Mike CuratoFixing "Cara Cara" is a family tradition. When the bright blue vintage car breaks down on the way to a birthday party, its owners -- a Cuban boy and his family -- aren't even surprised. The boy and his father simply open up the hood and start tinkering until the car's pitiful "pio pio, pfffft" sound transforms back into a distinctive, rhythmic "cara cara, cluck cluck." And then they're off, zooming and gliding through the countryside and into the colorful bustle of modern Havana. Evocative onomatopoeia and true-to-life visual details make this lyrical journey "as striking as it is unforgettable" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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| This Beautiful Day by Richard Jackson; illustrated by Suzy LeeA single blue note of music is all it takes to rally a glum group of kids into a rainy-day dance party, and that's just the first activity they've got in mind. Told through loose, lighthearted rhymes and joyfully dynamic art, this picture book follows the children outdoors, where no amount of rain can dampen their exuberance. New colors begin to appear as the clouds shift, until finally the children abandon their umbrellas to enjoy a popsicle in the brightly hued sunshine. Kids will relish the way This Beautiful Day's black-and-white illustrations gradually blossom into color. |
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| Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds; illustrated by Peter BrownAmong all of the plain white underpants, the neon green ones with the monster face on them seem to call out to little Jasper Rabbit. He's thrilled when his mom buys them, but his excitement shifts to dread when he sees how eerily they glower and glow in the dark. Determined to prove himself as a "big rabbit," Jasper bravely shoves the glowing underwear into the hamper…only to wake up wearing them again! Increasingly desperate (and hilarious) disposal methods follow in this sequel that reprises the kid-appropriate scares and playful faux-noir style of the award-winning Creepy Carrots. |
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Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished by Camille AndrosCharlotte is a serious scientist. She solves important problems by following the scientific method. She has all the right equipment: protective glasses, a lab coat, a clipboard, and a magnifying glass. What she doesn’t have is space. She has so many brothers and sisters (she is a rabbit, after all) that she is too squished to work on her experiments! Can she use science to solve her problem? This funny, satisfying story is a playful introduction to the scientific method and perfect for sparking an interest in STEM subjects.
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How It Feels To Be a Boat by James KwanSometimes being a boat is full of adventures and it's nothing but smooth sailing on the high seas, but sometimes arguing passengers can take you off course. When you run aground, will their teamwork give you the strength to make it through? Offbeat and imaginative, James Kwan gives us a glimpse of what it’s like to not only be a boat, but what it is to be human in both gentle and rough waters. Perfect for life’s transitions, this book tackles taking on change and indecision with grace, humor, and heart. It’s a reassuring reminder to stay the course through all kinds of stormy weather. Ahoy, ahoy!
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| Open Very Carefully: A Book With Bite by Nick Bromley; illustrated by Nicola O'ByrneThere's a reason that this book's title is a warning -- the story is being devoured from the inside! What was once a cozy rendition of The Ugly Duckling has become an all-you-can-eat buffet for a humongous green crocodile. As the croc greedily gulps down letters, words, and even whole sentences, the fluffy gray duckling pleads with the reader to intervene, beginning with a prompt to rock the book back and forth so that the crocodile might be soothed into sleepiness. Even sillier suggestions follow, providing kids with ample opportunities to join in the telling of this rambunctious tale. |
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| Have You Seen My Monster? by Steve LightA little girl has lost her monster at the county fair, and she needs your help to find him! Can you see the monster riding the Ferris wheel? Is he playing in the funhouse? Or maybe that's him in the marching band… Locating the friendly monster against each spread of black-and-white illustrations presents a satisfying challenge for young readers, as does identifying the brightly colored shapes hidden on each page. Kids who like the busy artwork and math-based interactivity of Have You Seen My Monster? will also enjoy author/illustrator Steve Light's previous book, Have You Seen My Dragon? |
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| Are We There Yet? by Dan SantatAs a family car trip begins to "feel like an eternity," the boy in the backseat gets bored. Really bored. SO BORED that time begins to spiral backwards around him (as do the words on the page, forcing readers to turn the book as they read). Though his parents are surprised to find themselves suddenly racing a steam locomotive, jousting with knights, or cruising past the brand-new Sphinx, the boy remains blasé -- at least until the Tyrannosaurus charges! Readers of all ages will love road-tripping through this "turbocharged adventure" (Publishers Weekly) by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat. |
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| The Happiest Book Ever! by Bob Shea"Whaddya say we make this the happiest book ever?" Assuming an affirmative answer from you, the reader, this book unleashes a barrage of cheer: anyone for dancing cake? A candy parade? A whale with good news?!?! This much boldly colored exuberance is irresistible…almost. Dour and unimpressed, a lone frog refuses to jump on the joy train. But maybe YOU can get him to crack a smile by giving a loud yell? Or telling one of the Sure Fire Frog Jokes from the back of the book? The key to the frog's good graces may not be what you expect... A gentle message of individuality and inclusion underscores this madcap, interactive romp. |
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| Let's Play! by Hervé TulletAs he did in the popular Press Here, creator Hervé Tullet begins this book with a single yellow dot. This particular dot is fairly gregarious, eagerly instructing the reader on how to move it forward: "Just follow the line with your finger." A swoopy, scribbly line extends throughout the book, and the dot never lacks for commentary as it progresses: "Wow! That's really way up high…" "EEEEK! We better leave on tiptoe…" Tullet's uncluttered, minimalist style and primary-colored palette keep the focus on the interactivity of this whimsical read. |
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Tuesday Mornings Baby Play and Learn 11:30 a.m. Babies ages birth-18 months are invited to get ready to read! Each class includes stories, songs and socialization. Afterward babies may stay and play with other children. Limit 10 babies with caregiver. Enroll online or at the library. Fridays After School Chromebook Connection Use the library's Chromebooks to work on your homework, school projects, or play games with your group.
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Fridays After School Chromebook Connection Use the library's Chromebooks to work on your homework, school projects, or play games with your group. Thursday, November 9 Make a Seasonal Centerpiece 11:00 a.m. Adults and children are invited to make a dried centerpiece for your table. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Enroll online or at the library. Tuesday, November 14 Junior Engineers Unite! 12:30 p.m. Design, build, test and redesign just as engineers do! Recommended for ages 8-11. Coming Saturday, December 2: Holiday Light-Up Circuit Cards!
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Cranbury Public Library
23 North Main Street ~
Cranbury, NJ 08512 ~ Phone: 609-655-0555 ~ Contact Us
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