Picture Books
December 2020
 
2021 Winter Reading Program
 
The Winter Reading Program is back Dec. 14-Feb. 28! Kids of all ages can complete reading challenges on BINGO sheets for the chance to win prizes. In addition to the K-5th grade bingo card, we are excited to add the birth to 5 years old bingo card. Make this year a special event for your family and enter our teen and adult Winter Reading Program challenge as a family. Can the kiddos out-BINGO their parents and relatives? We'll see!
 
Recent Releases
Cozy
by Jan Brett

Featuring: Cozy, a huge and furry musk ox who's separated from his herd during an Alaskan winter storm; and an ever-increasing crowd of Arctic creatures who must find ways to get along as they shelter under Cozy's warm coat.

Why kids might like it: the satisfying cumulative storytelling style, and the quarantine-relevant reminder to be kind and mindful when living in close quarters.

Art alert: Veteran picture book creator Jan Brett renders each animal in glorious, meticulous detail.
One earth
by Eileen Spinelli

What are some of the things you love about our planet? Did you know that you can help protect it? This rhyming book celebrates some of the amazing things about our world, counting up from 1-10: "One wide sweeping sky. Two honeybees." Then it counts back down, listing simple steps each of us can take to help care for the planet.
 
Art alert: Come for the rich illustrations that seem to flow through the book. Stay for a message that fosters appreciation and empowerment to take care of our Earth.
 
I Always Wanted One
by Olivier Tallec
 
This is the classic story of a boy and his best friend but with a twist! Told from the perspective of the dog, this book is a hilarious, touching and fresh take on the relationship between a boy and his dog, or in this case, a dog and his boy.
 
Written and illustrated by the wonderfully talented Olivier Tallec, this is book makes the perfect story for a child with a furry best friend.  
Julián at the Wedding
by Jessica Love

The big day: As colorfully clad Julián and his abuela arrive at an outdoor wedding, Julián prepares to walk the brides' dog down the aisle alongside flower girl Marisol, who'd rather wear a ball cap than a dainty flower crown.

Something borrowed: After Marisol's dress is ruined during post-ceremony playtime, an inventive sartorial swap makes both kids ready to party at the reception.

Series alert: Kids who love Julián Is a Mermaid will be thrilled to revisit this imaginative, gender-nonconforming character.
Pugtato finds a thing
by Sophie Corrigan

When Pugtato’s simple, quiet life is disrupted after he digs up a strange object in his garden, he enlists his best “spuddies” to help (they are more clever than he is, after all). Tweetroot is certain it’s a new egg for her nest. Tomatoad is quite sure it’s a toy just for him. And Purrsnip simply won’t stop scratching it! Luckily, Pugtato has another very special spuddy to ask …
 
Why kids might like it: Introducing a hilarious mash-up of pet and vegetable characters and written in delightful, giggle-inducing, rhyming text.
Storytime Standouts
One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree
by Daniel Bernstrom; illustrated by Brendan Wenzel

What it's about: In the leafy shadows of a eucalyptus tree, a little boy is gobbled up whole by a giant yellow snake. Yikes! But it's not the end for the resourceful boy, who encourages the greedy snake to eat more...and more...

Read it for: rhythmic wordplay, big, busy illustrations, and a pleasing conclusion. 
 
For fans of: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly -- either the traditional song or Simms Taback's modern classic picture book.
Leave Me Alone!
by Vera Brosgol

tarring: a harried grandmother who just wants to knit, and who will go to great -- even cosmic -- lengths for some peace and quiet.

Art alert: Combining a traditional Eastern European setting with a crisp, expressive cartoon style, this award-winning picture book will charm readers of all ages.

Reviewers say: it's a "fizzy collision of old-fashioned fairy tale elements with space-age physics" (Publishers Weekly).
Snappsy the Alligator Did Not Ask to Be in This Book!
by Julie Falatko; illustrated by Tim Miller

Starring: mild-mannered Snappsy the alligator, who's simply going about his day when a "rude narrator" begins intruding, misinterpreting Snappsy's feelings (he doesn't need a nap, he's just hungry!) and accusing him of sinister intent (he's not hunting for bunnies, he's just buying groceries!). 

Why kids might like it: Readers will snicker as the interplay between the narration and Snappsy's speech-bubble protests becomes more and more heated. 

Art alert: Deadpan cartoon illustrations balance the off-the-wall humor of this metafictional tale.
Puppy Truck
by Brian Pinkney

What it’s about: When Carter is given a toy truck instead of the puppy he wanted, he literally takes it in stride, leashing up the truck (which comes to life with a “vroom beep bark!”) and heading off for a walk in the park.

Why kids might like it: Swirling, swooping lines and a bright, bold color palette add irresistible verve to this tale of a boy and his unusual pet.

Kids might also like: Chris Raschka’s A Ball for Daisy.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
 
Warm up with a new digital experience
 
Use our new apps to get new titles from wherever you are most cozy
eBooks and eAudio books are now in OverDrive! 

Why the change?
RBdigital merged with OverDrive and we moved all CloudLibrary titles to combine the two collections into one easy to use app. 
 
What do I do now?
Download the Libby or OverDrive app to your mobile device to start reading right away. You can also access titles through the OverDrive website.

 
To learn more about Libby and OverDrive, click here, or call us at 367-8700. 
 
 
  
 
 
Looking for something else? Try Hoopla
Borrow up to 6 items per month, and choose from eBooks, comics, eAudiobooks, movies, music, and T.V. episodes.
Siouxland Libraries
200 North Dakota Avenue
P.O. Box 7403
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57117
605-367-8700

www.siouxlandlib.org