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| The Perfect Place by Matt de la Peña; illustrated by Paola EscobarGetting a perfect grade on his robot report makes Lucas hyper-aware of how his seemingly perfect prep school compares to his family's shabby apartment. Thoughtfully detailed digital art follows Lucas as he begins to understand the benefits of imperfection. |
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| Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing by Amy Hest; illustrated by Erin SteadGently muted watercolor illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Erin Stead boost the cozy, classic charm in this tale of two bears who gather their fishing supplies (poles, a book, fresh-baked scones) and embark on an idyllic, sweetly unproductive expedition. |
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My Baby Sister Is a Diplodocus
by Aurore Petit
A newly-big sibling experiences the up and downs of meeting their baby sister at the hospital, having to learn new baby-centric rules, and missing mom and dad's undivided attention. This gentle, reassuring book is perfect for any expecting sibling.
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The Scariest Kitten in the World
by Kate Messner; illustrated by Mackenzie Haley
On a dark and stormy night, readers are invited into a creepy, creaky old house to "behold the terror" of . . . an adorable lil' kitten? As if that's not terrifying enough, a whole menagerie of bloodcurdlingly cute baby animals await.
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Tiny Barbarian Conquers the Kraken!
by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Ashley Spires
Tiny Barbarian is brave, Tiny is fierce, and Tiny is ready to CONQUER THE KRAKEN! (As soon as he figures out what a kraken is.) Tiny imagines cutting through waves and kicking mightily through the ocean . . . if only he knew how to swim! Step one in Tiny's barbaric plan: conquer swimming lessons.
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| This Beach Is Loud! by Samantha CotterillDuring a much-anticipated beach trip, a young boy is overwhelmed by the noisy, too-stimulating atmosphere until some support from Dad helps him enjoy a day of play. While it's designed specifically for kids who experience sensory processing issues, this own voices book (part of the Little Senses series) may appeal to a wide variety of readers. |
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| Little Houses by Kevin Henkes; illustrated by Laura DronzekQuiet wonder suffuses this story about a child visiting her grandparents at the seaside. Bold, up-close illustrations of the shells the child finds balance her expansive musings about the shells' former inhabitants and the mysteries of the deep ocean. Read-alike: Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse. |
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| Saving American Beach: The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee... by Heidi Tyline King; illustrated by Ekua HolmesIn this fascinating biography, vibrantly textured collage illustrations pay fitting tribute to MaVynee Betsch, the distinctly dressed opera singer turned eco-warrior who fought to preserve public access to American Beach, a piece of Florida coast purchased by her grandfather to combat segregation. |
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| Hot Dog by Doug SalatiWhen a summer's day in the city gets too hot and claustrophobic, the titular dachshund and his human travel to a breezy, beachy island where "a pup can run." Kids will be drawn in by the evocative atmosphere and the winsome dog's expressive body language. Hot Dog is the winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal. |
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| Jules vs. the Ocean by Jessie SimaWith a sunny summer color palette, this playful picture book pits the famously ephemeral nature of sand and waves against one defiant little girl who's determined to impress her big sister with a sandcastle. |
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