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| Loops by Jashar AwanSolid-colored backdrops and bold, chunky artwork invite readers to focus on the sole character in this story: a child who's determined to tie the laces on his first pair of big-kid shoes. For fans of: Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic's Touch the Sky, another upbeat tale of persistence in the face of frustration. |
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Navigating Night
by Julie Leung
A girl guides her dad on his route delivering Chinese take-out food in this touching picture book, written by an APALA-award winner, that celebrates the unique bond between immigrant parents and their children. Every night, a girl must help her dad, whose English is not as good as hers, make deliveries for their small family restaurant. Sitting next to him in the car, she studies a map and gives him directions in Cantonese. She helps him get to the places he needs to go. She hates doing this, though. Hates carrying grease-stained boxes of Mongolian beef and moo goo gai pan to customers' doors. Hates being different from the kids behind these doors. Why can't her family be normal like everyone else's? But when her dad tells her about how he immigrated, all alone as a teenager, to the United States, she comes to better understand him, and appreciate how he has made her American life possible.
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| The Future Book by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Shawn HarrisIn this picture book from two popular creators, the future is here, and it's goofier than anyone imagined. Oranges are now "bloranges," "Charlie Cheese Face" is a common name, and saying thanks involves…a fish? This "solemnly silly look at social norms" (Publishers Weekly) is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Pizzasaurus
by Tammi Sauer
Pizzasaurus cares about one thing and one thing only: PIZZA! And he's inviting you to a prehistoric pizza party in this hilarious picture book from the beloved author of Wordy Birdy and Mary Had a Little Glam. Meet Pizzasaurus, a dinosaur with a unique twist! While other dinosaurs are famous for their size, strength, or spikes, Pizzasaurus is known for his love of pizza. But what if Pizzasaurus's friends are feeling a bit left out? Luckily, pizza is perfect for sharing, and that makes Pizzasaurus a special dinosaur indeed.
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Tractors in Space
by Ross MacKay
A laugh-out-loud picture book about dreams, friendship, and spectacularly silly space tractors - perfect for kids 3-5. Life on the farm is fun, but Toby the tractor has a much bigger dream... He's going to space! Join Toby in his out-of-this-world adventure as he explores the wonders of our universe, races through asteroids, and discovers unexpected new friends along the way.
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Leo's Lobo
by Melissa Cristina Márquez
Melissa Cristina Márquez pens another story perfect for young readers and pet owners! Leo is on the search for the perfect pet and stumbles upon one in an unexpected place. But in this colorful and quirky picture book, he quickly learns that sometimes raising a pet requires a village. Leo is thrilled when he and his family enter a shelter so he can adopt a new pet, but after searching for a while, Leo doesn't feel the connection he had hoped for and leaves feeling disappointed. On the way home, he and his family see a busy marketplace and find another shelter hidden inside: one for magical creatures! There Leo connects with an alebrije, their bond forming before they can even leave the shelter. But he quickly learns just how much responsibility comes with raising a pet.
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Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers |
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| A Pair of Parrots by David A. Adler; illustrated by Clarice ElliottWhen Ava’s new pet parrot escapes, Ava and her mom pair up to find the missing bird, leading them to discover further dynamic duos (and trios). Starring a clever young wheelchair user, this comic book easy reader introduces simple math concepts while telling an upbeat story. |
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| Snap! Crunch! Munch? by Diana CastilloDinnertime becomes more fun for one little boy as he imagines his family members as different animals, based on their preferred foods. Brightly colored panels, brief text, and plenty of food-based onomatopoeia make this graphic novel a tasty treat for beginning readers.
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| Duckie & Snaps: We Cannot Be Friends by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Tim MillerMeet Snaps (an alligator) and Duckie (a duckling), two curious youngsters in a world that says they should be enemies. With repetitive text and crisp, minimalist artwork, this series opener will build confidence in kids ready to jump from easy readers to comics. Next in the series: We Cannot Be Brave, due out in August 2026.
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| One Smart Cookie by Mika SongPairing soft, sketchy illustrations and sweetly silly humor, this graphic novel follows squirrel pals Norma and Belly as they infiltrate a fortune cookie factory, hoping to reap delicious rewards. Kids who enjoy this 4th Norma and Belly caper may want to go back to the beginning with Donut Feed the Squirrels.
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| Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz WindnessCaterpillar and Worm are BFFs who share a lot in common, but Caterpillar knows those similarities will disappear soon. Will Worm still want to be friends when Butterfly emerges? (Spoiler alert: of course!) Cartoon art brings even more joy to this easy-reading, friendship-focused comic. |
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Need a GOOD READ? Let us create a book list curated just for you or your child! Click on the link below to complete the form and get started. |
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Gail Borden Public Library District
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Main Library - 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 - 847-742-2411
Rakow Branch - 2751 W. Bowes Rd., Elgin, IL 60124 - 847-531-7271
South Elgin Branch - 127 S. McLean Blvd., South Elgin, IL 60177 - 847-931-2090
http://www.gailborden.info/
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If a title in this list is not available in the format you prefer, please request it online.
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