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Welcome 2026 with a New Picture Book! |
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| Whooo Is Still Awake? by Brigette BarragerAs dusk falls over the woods, two little owls wake up and take flight, greeting their nocturnal animal neighbors as they explore. Silhouetted shapes in the illustrations evoke the shadowy nighttime setting of this rhyming bedtime book. Read-alike: Hello, Moon by Julie Downing.
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| Paper Chase by Julia Donaldson; illustrated by Victoria SandøyWhen Ginger's paper airplane collides with James' book under the tallest tree in the forest, it kicks off a friendship full of joyful, imaginative play. This endearing story in verse also depicts how trees become paper, and how natural resources should be used respectfully.
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| Making Art by Diana EjaitaFrom found objects to sidewalk chalk, from homemade instruments to breakdancing, from building with blocks to molding clay, art is natural and healing. Readers will be encouraged by the invitation to create anything, anywhere, with any materials. Inclusive and expansive, Ejaita portrays a wide cast of characters exploring their own feelings and ideas, accompanied by a poignant, yet easily understood, text. This deceptively simple and stunningly composed picture book offers children a sense of what art can be, and the ways in which it adds beauty to our lives. |
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| The Language of Birds by Jon-Erik Lappano; illustrated by Zach ManbeckQuiet, attentive Mira finds it much easier to communicate with birds than with people. And that’s fine with her. But then she meets new classmate Jad, who has a special affinity for trees, and discovers that human connection might be possible after all. This gentle and lyrical friendship story will appeal to fans of Matthew Burgess' Bird Boy. |
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| A Knot Is Not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri; illustrated by Vesper StamperPrecious time spent with his grandparents becomes even more special for one Iranian boy as his grandmother teaches him the ancient art of Persian rug-making. Intricately detailed watercolor art captures their step-by-step process, including the addition of a purposeful flaw as a defense against perfectionism.
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| Meet the Smushkins by Claudia RuedaBig-eyed and endearing, a group of creature-like Smushkins daydream about the perfect house. Each adds to the list of necessities: big windows, an apple tree, easy access to ice cream and library books… Luckily, they all agree about the best quality in a home: that it's full of Smushkins. Kirkus Reviews calls this series opener "aspirational and friendly." |
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Best Buds
by Becky Scharnhorst
When Spencer moves to a new town, his mom is worried he may have a hard time making friends. But it's easy! First, Spencer meets Fred, who is an excellent listener. Then there's Dottie, who's a bit wild, and Eugene, who's a jokester. The only thing is, Fred, Dottie, and Eugene are all... plants. While the adults in Spencer's life question whether he might want friends he doesn't have to water, Spencer knows that friendship can blossom in the most unexpected places--
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Floor It!
by Bex Tobin Fine
Start your engines as Baby zooms around the house like a race car driver, turning an ordinary living room into an exhilarating race course! This whimsical picture book brings the thrill of crawling to life from a baby's unique perspective. While the floor may not be so interesting to parents and big siblings, for Baby, it is an entire world of fascinating things to explore. This bold, fun and original picture book is sure to capture the imagination of car-obsessed little ones, and the bouncy rhyming text kicks the reading experience into high gear. So hold on to your checkered flags, because this race is only just beginning...
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The Gingerbread Monster
by Dan Gemeinhart
A perfect blend of spooky and sweet! In his laboratory high on the hill, Frank N. Stine has a ferocious sweet tooth that snarls to be fed. But when an eerie experiment spills into his Gingerbread batter, a frightening cookie creation comes to life! The Gingerbread Monster is hulking, horrific . . . and hungry. But as Frank is chased by his creepy creation, the young baker begins to wonder what the Monster truly craves. After all, there's no sweeter treat than friendship.
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Glitter Kittens
by William Joyce
The Glitter Kittens and their Best Best Friends' lives are in danger when a glitter-eating monster emerges during a game of hide-and- seek.
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If We Were Dogs
by Sophie Blackall
If we were dogs, what kind would we be? I'd be a big dog! And you'd be little dog. Woof! Join two friends as they bark and growl, woof and howl--and maybe even quack--in a romp that makes room for everybody's ideas. Sophie Blackall unleashes a marvelous game of pretend that explores navigating friendship and celebrates boundless imagination in this wonderful companion for her national bestseller If I Was a Horse .
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Matisse: Magician of Color
by Derek Desierto
Henri Matisse loved color. He dreamed of being an artist. Even after his father pushed him to study for a "serious" job, Henri followed his heart and went to art school. Color was all around him! After a grueling illness, Henri had to reinvent the way he made art. And what he created became even more magical.
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Looking for a special title or topic? Reach out to KidSpace- we're happy to help! We can even provide a list of books tailored specifically to your child's interests- just complete this form: |
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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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