Picture Books
December 2017
"…before she reached her twilight years, she could walk for miles and see clearly under a sky lit only with stars."
~ from Lesa Cline-Ransome's Before She Was Harriet
 
Recent Releases
Pup and Bear
by Kate Banks

A stranded wolf cub is rescued and raised by a loving polar bear, and years later when he is grown into a wolf and on his own, he comes upon a lost polar bear cub, and the cycle begins again
Before She Was Harriet: The Story of Harriet Tubman
by Lesa Cline-Ransome; illustrated by James E. Ransome

Harriet Tubman is well-known as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, but that's just one of many roles she played in her long, eventful life. Before She Was Harriet walks readers backwards through Tubman's time as a suffragist, general, spy, nurse, conductor, aunt, slave…all the way back to a little girl called Araminta. Lush illustrations enhance this unique, lyrical biography.
Our very own dog
by Amanda McCardie

A human family prepares their home for Sophie, their new dog companion, in a picture book guide for young prospective pet owners that introduces dog-related topics ranging from food and training to walks and dog shows. By the author of A Book of Feelings.
The wolf, the duck & the mouse
by Mac Barnett

When a mouse is swallowed by a wolf, he learns that a duck devoured earlier has set up a table to enjoy the food the gluttonous predator eats
Hey Black Child
by Useni Eugene Perkins; illustrated by Bryan Collier

Written in 1975, the words of this song haven't lost any of their power: "Hey Black Child / Do you know you can be / What you want to be." With bold, rich hues, Bryan Collier's mixed-media artwork expands on those words, depicting an inspiring array of possible futures. Pair this joyful read with Derrick Barnes' Crown for a bookish double feature celebrating the confidence and potential of black children.
Focus on: Sloths
Snoozefest
by Samantha Berger; illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Snuggleford Cuddlebun the sloth is heading off the NuzzleDome for the highlight of her year: SnoozeFest! Snuggleford checks out the pajama fashion show, snacks on milk and honey, and browses the band merch before settling into her hammock as Chamomile Rage takes the stage. This rhyming riff on music festivals will amuse even the most sleep-resistant kid. 
"Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," said the Sloth
by Eric Carle

"I am relaxed and tranquil, and I like to live in peace." The sloth doesn't feel the need to explain himself further, even when the other rainforest animals -- all rendered in Eric Carle's signature colorful collages -- ask him why he's so slow, quiet, and boring. It's not until the jaguar asks him why he's so lazy that the sloth responds…in his own way, and his own time. 
Sparky!
by Jenny Offill; illustrated by Chris Appelhans


After her pet-averse mom agrees to a pet sloth, a little girl welcomes Sparky into her life. Only it turns out that Sparky isn't interested in tricks, or hide-and-seek, or moving much at all. Is there more to companionship than fun and games? Kids who enjoy deadpan humor will love finding out -- though they may think twice before requesting pet sloths of their own.
Kyle Goes Alone
by Jan Thornhill; illustrated by Ashley Barron

Potty-training motivation and animal facts blend in this unusual (yet charming) read. Sloths only have to "go" once a week, and this week is the first time that young sloth Kyle has to make the long, slow, trip to the forest floor without his mom. Crisp cut-paper art depicts not only Kyle's brave descent, but also the encouragement he receives from his animal neighbors along the way. 
Mervin the Sloth is About to Do the Best Thing in the World
by Colleen A.F. Venable; illustrated by Ruth Chan

When the words in the title are plonked down on the page next to Mervin, the other animals take notice, and soon begin bickering about what the "best thing" might be -- flying? inventing a time machine? fighting a shark? Whatever it is, can he do it faster? The suspense builds as speculative speech bubbles crowd the page, but rest assured: there's a sweet (if slow) payoff at the end.
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Contra Costa County Library
777 Arnold Drive, Suite 210 | Martinez, California 94553 | 800-984-4636
ccclib.org