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New Kids Books December 2020
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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.
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Starcrossed
by Julia Denos
What it's about: Earthbound astronomer Eridani, a human girl made of "blood and bones," is best friends with celestial Acamar, a boy made of "space and stars," and each longs to know what it's like to be the other. Will wishing upon a star -- or each other -- allow them to swap places?
Who it's for: Young stargazers can engage their sense of wonder with this lavishly illustrated tale featuring rich colors, eye-catching textures, and constellations of careful paint splatter.
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Ginger and Chrysanthemum
by Kristen Mai Giang
What it's about: Earthbound astronomer Eridani, a human girl made of "blood and bones," is best friends with celestial Acamar, a boy made of "space and stars," and each longs to know what it's like to be the other. Will wishing upon a star -- or each other -- allow them to swap places?
Who it's for: Young stargazers can engage their sense of wonder with this lavishly illustrated tale featuring rich colors, eye-catching textures, and constellations of careful paint splatter.
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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.
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Eric
by Shaun Tan
What it's about: Tiny, spindly, leaf-headed Eric isn't what this book's narrator and his family expected in a foreign exchange student. Nonetheless, they try to answer Eric's curious questions and respect his choices (such as his preference for a cozy teacup over a typical bedroom).
Don't miss: the enchanting, rainbow-hued conclusion in which Eric leaves a long-lasting thank-you gift.
Did you know? This thought-provoking book expands on a story from author/artist Shaun Tan's Tales from Outer Suburbia.
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Cinders & sparrows
by Stefan Bachmann
What it's about: After discovering that she's inherited not only an enchanted castle, but also a powerful magic legacy, orphaned servant girl Zita Brydgeborn moves to Blackbird Castle to train in witchcraft with thorny Mrs. Cantanker.
Read it for: an eerie setting and a suspenseful story packed with secrets, spirits, and spells.
For fans of: spooky fantasies like Victoria Schwab's City of Ghosts.
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Serena says
by Tanita S. Davis
What it's about: Smart, sensitive, awkward Serena is totally fine with being the sidekick to her bubbly, outgoing best friend, JC. But when JC finds a new best friend during her recovery from a kidney transplant, Serena turns to vlogging to help her sort out her feelings.
Why you might like it: If you've ever been confused by changing friendships or uncertain about how to act, you'll relate to Serena and root for her as she figures things out.
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Last mirror on the left
by L. R. Giles
What it's about: The Legendary Alston Boys have a new case! Missus Nedraw, a Warden of the Multiverse Justice System, tasks them with finding a fugitive. Yet as the detective cousins investigate, they start to wonder if they’re really serving justice after all.
Featuring: a useful yo-yo, a spider gang called ArachnoBRObia, and the boys' frenemies, the Epic Ellison Girls.
Series alert: To understand the offbeat humor and sci-fi adventures in this fast-paced sequel, you'll want to start with The Last Last-Day-of-Summer
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The smartest kid in the universe
by Chris Grabenstein
What it's about: After seventh-grade slacker Jake accidentally downs a bowl of experimental "Ingestible Knowledge" pills (they looked like jellybeans!), he suddenly becomes a full-on brainiac, devoting his newfound smarts to saving his middle school from a greedy principal.
Read it for: a funny celebration of geekiness starring a realistically diverse crew of kids.
Author alert: If you love the popular Mr. Lemoncello series, you don't want to miss this new book from author Chris Grabenstein.
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Mellybean and the giant monster
by Mike White
Introducing: scruffy, hyperactive Mellybean the dog, who falls into an alternate world where she befriends a mopey monster and takes on a competitive king who's known for being a very sore loser.
Why you might like it: Super-cute, Pokémon-style cartoon art makes this graphic novel fantasy adorable as well as exciting.
Series alert: this is just the 1st of many adventures for Mellybean.
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For the love of soccer!
by Pelé
The world-champion soccer star celebrates the kick and thrill of his favorite sport, tracing his rise to fame in a leveled-reader account that also depicts a young fan’s efforts to follow in Pelé’s athletic footsteps.
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The Covid-19 Virus
by Grace Hansen
A simplistic read introducing children to what viruses are and Covid-19. It discusses its origins, how symptoms vary from person to person, how it spreads, and what you can do to stay safe.
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Woke : A Young Poet's Call to Justice
by Mahogany L. Browne
A collection of poems by women of color, written for today’s generation of young activists, reflects the passion of the fight for social justice while tackling subjects ranging from discrimination and empathy to acceptance and speaking out.
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Morton Grove Public Library 6140 Lincoln Ave Morton Grove, Illinois 60053 (847) 965-4220www.mgpl.org/ |
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