| Toad on the Go by Jashar AwanWe all make mistakes, and we can all work to repair them -- just like tow truck driver Toad does after his overeager driving leads to a fender-bender. This sequel to Towed by Toad offers further rambunctious, read-aloud rhymes paired with a relatable message. |
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| Turtle with a Toolbox by Beth Ferry; illustrated by DudolfUsing his handy toolbox shell, adorably round-headed Turtle is building something, and each of his animal friends has a unique skill to contribute. Filled with fun-to-say construction sounds and soft, sweet illustrations, this teamwork-focused series opener is "just what the toddler ordered" (Kirkus Reviews).
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| Bear Hair by Jeff MackA large brown bear, a fuzzy pink hare, and the shaggy blue wig they both covet set the stage for laugh-out-loud funny riffs on bear/bare and hair/hare. Plain backgrounds emphasize the meticulously detailed character illustrations which accompany creator Jeff Mack's distinctive wordplay. This riotous, tongue-twisting exploration of homophones is color-coded for emerging readers. Try these next: Cece Bell's Yam and Donkey books. |
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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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Summer's Magic
by Kaitlin B. Curtice
Bo, a Potawatomi boy, invites new friends to share in beloved traditions as he celebrates the joy of summer and his love for Earth and Creator.
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Marianne the Maker by Kelly CorriganFrom bestselling author Kelly Corrigan and her daughter debut author Claire Corrigan Lichty comes a new picture book about a determined young inventor Marianne's days are filled with schedules, structure, and soccer. There's just one problem: Marianne is a maker. Told in delightful rhyme that bounces across George Sweetland's gorgeous collage-style illustrations (chock full of hidden gems,) Marianne the Maker is sure to kindle the creative spark that lives inside all of us.
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Me & Lavender by Melody C. PeughWhen Lavender the elephant drops into Ella's bedroom to play, Ella explains that Mommy needs them to stay tidy for an afternoon tea party. But that's a big ask for a little kid. Quiet activities soon escalate to exciting ones--ending in a magnificent mud-pie mess! Will the playful pair get clean in time for tea?
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| Welcome to Our Classroom! by Alexandra Penfold; illustrated by Suzanne KaufmanTold from the perspective of a kind, supportive teacher, this affirming book follows a diverse class through the discoveries and challenges of a school year. Simple rhymes and an upbeat tone make this a reassuring read for kids who feel anxious about starting (or returning to) school. |
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| The Big One by Dashka Slater; illustrated by Myo YimDuring the search for the elusive "Big One," no one bets on Marina and Nana, the fishing village's smallest and oldest residents, respectively. But the unorthodox duo is determined, and what they find is greater than any legendary catch. Detailed, atmospheric illustrations enhance this exciting and (literally) immersive sea story. |
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A Book of Maps for You
by Lourdes Heuer; illustrated by Maxwell Eaton III
Depicting everything from the school cafeteria to the art store, from the best swing in the park to the house with the coolest Halloween decorations, this collection of hand-drawn maps from an unnamed narrator provides an introduction for their small town’s newest resident. The panoramic, lovingly annotated illustrations encourage lingering attention, and may even inspire kids to try mapping their own favorite places.
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The Bigfoot Field Guide to Campers: And Other Mysterious Creatures by Jami GigotWhile there are many dangerous creatures in the forest, there's one species that Bigfoot fears most: campers! They're smelly and noisy, and they make a mess of everything. Thankfully, Bigfoot has ten simple guidelines sure to keep anyone safe from these interlopers. Only, when he slips up on Guideline #2 ('Never, EVER allow yourself to be seen by a camper'), Bigfoot's surprised to find himself ignoring his own advice to help one who's lost. Could it be he's had the wrong idea about campers all along?
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