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| Stuffed by Liz BraswellWhat it’s about: Have you ever felt like your favorite toys could protect you from darkness and monsters? That’s how it feels for bullied 11-year-old Clark -- only in his case, it’s true.
What happens: Clark and his new friend, a handmade sock toy named Foon, must rescue Clark’s dad from the sinister shadow monster that stalks him.
Don’t miss: the chapters told from Foon’s unique point of view, as well as the patterns for making your own stuffed toys. |
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| Allies by Alan GratzThe date: June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, when one of the most important battles of World War II was fought.
The characters: young Americans Dee and Sid, both fighting on the front lines; French-Algerian Resistance spy Samira; Canadian paratrooper James; African American medic Henry; and many others who help to turn the tide of the war.
For fans of: serious, dramatic war stories like Projekt 1065 and Grenade, also by popular author Alan Gratz. |
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Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat
by Johnny Marciano
The premise: Exiled to Earth far from the planet where he was once the high commander, Klawde the ferocious alien war cat arrives in the home of reluctant Oregon newcomer Raj, in a debut installment in a laugh-out-loud story told from the alternating perspectives of the two main characters.
Series alert: This is the first installment of the Evil Alien Warlord Cat series. It's followed by Enemies and The Spacedog Cometh.
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Reading Beauty
by Deborah Underwood
What it's about: A lively fairy tale set in the universe of Interstellar Cinderella finds space princess Lex embarking on a quest to break a curse that has removed all the books from her kingdom.
Why you might like it: The story shares a positive message about reading, helping others, and redemption.
Reviewers say: "Great one-on-one read for caregivers, and perfect for group sharing in a library or classroom setting" (School Library Journal).
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| Naked Mole Rat Saves the World by Karen RiversWhat it’s about: Twelve-year-old kit (spelled with a small k, for “keep it together”) and her best friend Clem are both hiding secrets: Clem hasn’t told anyone the real reason she fell during a performance with her acrobat family, and kit isn’t sure how to explain that stress transforms her into a small, wrinkly naked mole rat.
Is it for you? If you enjoy the offbeat combination of fantasy and reality, don’t miss this serious story told with a light touch. |
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| Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro; illustrated by Marion LindsayIntroducing: smart, curious Zoey and her cat Sassafras, who’ve just discovered that Zoey can see magical animals, just like her scientist mom can.
What happens: While her mom is away, Zoey has to use her own science know-how to help a sick baby dragon.
Why you might like it: Short chapters, cute artwork, and a can-do attitude make this series starter a winning choice. |
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The Story of Diva and Flea
by Mo Willems
The premise: A small yet brave dog and a curious streetwise cat meet in Paris and forge an unlikely friendship that bridges gaps between their disparate backgrounds.
Why you might like it: Winning characters, expressive and vintage-style illustrations, humor and sincerity make this simple chapter book a must-read.
Key themes: exploration, bravery, and making friends.
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Fergus and Zeke
by Kate Messner
What it is: A debut entry in an early reader series starring a loveable classroom mouse and his streetwise buddy finds Fergus the class pet stowing away in a backpack when the human kids in Miss Maxwell's classroom leave for a field trip to the museum without him.
Why you might like it: text is approachable with accessible vocabulary while also being creative and building suspense.
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| Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Ghosts by Katie and Kevin Tsang; illustrated by Nathan ReedWhat it’s about: After an embarrassing pants-wetting incident earns him the nickname Scaredy-Cat Sam, Sam Wu decides to prove his bravery by adopting a pet snake (no, he doesn’t need to hold it) and hunting the ghost that haunts his closet.
Series alert: This is the 1st book in a funny, eye-catching series, followed by Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of Sharks and Sam Wu Is Not Afraid of the Dark.
You might also like: Lenore Look’s Alvin Ho series. |
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The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate
by Shannon Hale
What it's about: When a pet-eating monster interrupts Princess Magnolia's playdate with Princess Sneezewort, a rescue effort by the Princess in Black is challenged by a masked stranger.
Why you might like it: successful blending of traditional masculine and feminine pursuits in stories that promote active, imaginative play for all genders.
Series alert: If you enjoy this tale, check out two more titles in the series: The Hungry Bunny Horde and Takes a Vacation.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for kids! |
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