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| Fireworks by Matthew Burgess; illustrated by Cátia ChienIn this evocative slice of life, dazzling colors and stirring, detail-rich descriptions conjure up a sultry summer day for two city-dwelling siblings, complete with a rooftop fireworks display. Read-alikes: John Rocco’s Blackout; Jacqueline Woodson’s The World Belonged to Us. |
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Next to Me
by Daniel Salmieri; illustrated by Sophia Haas
A walk home from school is an opportunity to observe all the happy details along the way: puffy clouds next to an airplane, the twisty slide next to swinging swings, a backhoe next to a big hole. When you really take the time to observe, there are so many interesting things to see in every moment of every day. What’s next to you? Read-alike: M. H. Clark's Tiny, Perfect Things.
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| Firefly Season by Cynthia Leitich Smith; illustrated by Kate GardinerREPLACE |
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| Elvis & Romeo by David Soman; illustrated by Jacky DavisCurmudgeonly bulldog Elvis and exuberant mutt Romeo might seem like a mismatch at first, but after a few comical miscommunications at the dog park, the canine odd couple become fast friends. With speech-bubble text and tons of visual verve, this series opener is a charmer.
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| Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. TaborAfter rejecting invitations from Squirrel, Hummingbird, and several other critters with a caustic “KAW!”, big-eyed Crow seems like a loner. But as a dramatic twist reveals Crow’s secret, high-stakes heroism, rapt readers will be reminded that first impressions can be misleading. “Clever pacing, bone-dry humor, and visual surprises distinguish this wildly entertaining picture book,” says Publishers Weekly.
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| Dog vs. Strawberry by Nelly Buchet; illustrated by Andrea ZuillAs soon as chubby, long-nosed Dog is given a strawberry, this book’s narrator begins the sportscast: "Welcome to the greatest race of all time!" Even kids too young for spoofs can delight in the exaggerated illustrations of Dog zooming haphazardly around its inanimate challenger. Read-alike: The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright. |
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Bringing the Outside In
by Mary McKenna Siddals; illustrated by Patrice Barton
A high-energy tribute to the joys of playing outside encourages kids to play in the dirt and puddles and make happy memories while tracking in the elements of the outside world—perfect for hot, sandy-toe days like these. Playful illustrations will delight children, but the magic of this book from a caregiver perspective is that clean-up is seamlessly built into the story: “Bringing the outside in, then… / Wiping it off, / Mopping it up, / Dumping it out again.”
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| Finding Things by Kevin Henkes; illustrated by Laura DronzekThe story begins with a child rescuing a series of abandoned items: a ball, a flower, and a box. Each item is useful, but it’s one final, fuzzy find that brings everything together. This sweet and simple tale celebrates the abundance that can be found by those who are patient enough to look. |
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| Joyful Song: A Naming Story by Leslea Newman; illustrated by Susan GalAs Zachary and his moms walk to the synagogue with their new baby, their neighbors join them, creating an impromptu parade leading to the big moment: the ceremony where Zachary announces his baby sister’s name. Textured, jewel-toned illustrations boost the bright, feel-good vibes of this family story. |
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| Sister Friend by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow; illustrated by Shahrzad MaydaniREPLACE |
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