Picture Books
January 2021
 
There is still time left for the 2021 Winter Reading Program
 
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. Customers have said they have found things they never would have read and loved it and that it is an inclusive experience. Find out about fun services such as, Book Butler, and receive suggestions hand picked by staff just for you.
 
 
Recent releases
The squirrels who squabbled
by Rachel Bright and Jim Field

"It's mine!" shouted Cyril.
"No, mine!" hollered Bruce.
"You don't stand a chance!
Give up! It's no use!"

Greedy squirrels Cyril and Bruce both have their sights on a very special prize: the last pinecone of the season. Uh-oh! The race is on!

A laugh-out-loud tale about friendship and sharing by the bestselling duo behind The Lion Inside, Rachel Bright and Jim Field!
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: Families who love Julián Is a Mermaid will be thrilled to revisit this imaginative character.
Find Fergus
by Mike Boldt

What it is: a chronicle of brown bear Fergus' many lessons in the art of hiding.

Why kids might like it: Along with the narrator, kids can directly address the bespectacled bear when he's too easy to find (such as when he ducks behind a tiny tree, or tries to blend in with polar bears). 

Don't miss: the meticulously detailed gatefold at the end, in which Fergus practically disappears amidst a huge crowd of animals, creating an absorbing seek-and-find activity.
How to read to a grandma or grandpa
by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish

Now that you know how to babysit your grandma and grandpa, it’s time to teach them how to read with you! In this hilarious new addition to Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish’s bestselling How to… series, the kids are in charge! Kids can show their grandparents how to choose a great book, find the perfect spot to read together, and use their best reading-out-loud voices. Even after the book is done, there are lots of activities that kids and their grandparents can do together!
Helga makes a name for herself
by Megan Maynor

Helga is a small but MIGHTY (and loud) Viking. More than anything she wants to be a WARRIOR, just like her hero, Ingrid the Axe. So when word comes that Ingrid is looking for new recruits, Helga jumps at the chance with Wolvie, her pet wolverine, to try out. The competition is FIERCE, but then again, so is Helga! 
 
This clever picture book about perseverance and following your dreams is filled with hilarity and heart.  
Focus on: African American Illustrators
Hair Love: A Celebration of Daddies and Daughters Everywhere
by Matthew A. Cherry; illustrated by Vashti Harrison

What it's about: From beaded braids to perky puffs, Zuri loves expressing herself through her curly, natural hair. And today, she's going for an extra-special style with some help from her devoted dad.

Media alert: This book is based on author Matthew A. Cherry's Oscar-winning animated short, which you can stream on YouTube.

Kids might also like: Nancy Redd's Bedtime Bonnet or Derrick Barnes' Crown, two other sweet and joyful picture books celebrating Black hair.
Black is a Rainbow Color
by Angela Joy; illustrated by Ekua Holmes

What it is: one girl's lyrical musings on the color black and the rich diversity of Black culture in the United States.

Read it for: powerful mixed-media illustrations and a final section packed with notes, poems, and a playlist to deepen readers' understanding.

Try this next: Samara Cole Doyon's Magnificent Homespun Brown, another upbeat book affirming Black beauty; and Kwame Alexander's The Undefeated, another sumptuously illustrated look at African American history.
Going Down Home with Daddy
by Kelly Starling Lyons; illustrated by Daniel Minter

What it's about: At a big family reunion, Lil' Alan worries that he doesn't have a tribute to share like the other kids. Inspiration finally strikes, however, after he sees the family's deep connection to Granny's farm.

Art alert: Textured, color-washed illustrations add depth and a palpable atmosphere of warmth to this story, making it relatable and reassuring for many kids.

Reviewers say: it's a "necessary reminder of the power in families coming together" (Read the whole Kirkus Reviews article, here).
Saturday
by Oge Mora

What it’s about: Ava looks forward to Saturdays all week long, because it’s the one day she gets to spend with her hardworking mom. This Saturday, however, none of their cherished, eagerly anticipated activities are going as planned. 

Read it for: a touching and realistic parent-child relationship, as well as a practical example of how to move on from disappointment. 

Art alert: Lively cut-paper collages distinguish this reassuring read by Caldecott honoree Oge Mora.
The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop
by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Frank Morrison

What it is: a rhythmic, free-flowing, free verse tribute to the origins of hip-hop, accompanied by smooth yet striking illustrations filled with famous faces.

Who it’s for: young fans who might not know the history of their favorite music, as well as caregivers eager to share their love of classic hip-hop.

Further reading: For a deeper dive into the life of a hip-hop innovator, pick up Laban Carrick Hill’s When the Beat Was Born.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
 
Just back from sledding or skating? Snuggle up with a warm eAudiobook or eBook.
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 Libby and OverDrive websites.

 
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