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| Hawk Rising by Maria Gianferrari; illustrated by Brian FlocaWhat it is: a day in the life of a red-tailed hawk, as seen by two young birdwatchers.
Why kids might like it: Spare yet vivid second-person narration places readers right alongside the birdwatchers, while softly textured illustrations depict the hawk and his family in fine, feathery detail.
Try this next: Budding ornithologists may also enjoy the fascinating glimpse of medieval falconry in Danna Smith's The Hawk of the Castle. |
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| Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica LoveWhat it's about: From the moment Julián sees three people in sea-green mermaid costumes, he's captivated. "I am also a mermaid," he tells his abuela, imagining himself with long hair and fins in a fantastical, brilliantly colored seascape. But what will Abuela think when Julián transforms himself with a mermaid costume of his own?
Read it for: a joyful affirmation of identity, self-expression, and imagination.
Don't miss: comparing the charming illustrations inside the front and back covers. |
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| Nana in the City by Lauren CastilloWhat it's about: The big city is busy, loud, and scary, and the star of this picture book can't understand why his beloved nana likes living there. Will the gift of a hand-knitted superhero cape help him to see the city as Nana sees it -- "bustling, booming, and extraordinary"?
Who it's for: timid kids in need of a confidence boost, as well as families looking for cozy intergenerational reads. |
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| Jabari Jumps by Gaia CornwallStarring: Jabari, who's "not scared at all" to jump off a diving board for the first time.
What happens: Despite his declaration, Jabari lingers nervously over every step toward the board. Will he take the plunge? Some reassuring words from his dad help Jabari find the courage to make a big splash.
Art alert: Varying perspectives in the mixed-media illustrations heighten Jabari's anxiety and exhilaration. |
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| Night Animals by Gianna MarinoWhat it's about: Why is Possum cowering inside a tree stump at twilight? He's hiding from night animals, of course! Possum's fear is contagious, and soon a whole crowd of fearsome-yet-frightened nocturnal creatures are jostling for space inside the stump.
Who it's for: anyone who's ever been afraid of the dark (and what might lurk within it).
Further reading: For another slapstick romp about misguided fears, check out Josh Schneider's Bedtime Monsters. |
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| I Used to Be Afraid by Laura Vaccaro SeegerWhat it is: one girl's list of fears and how she got over them. "I used to be afraid of spiders," she begins, terror-struck by a dangling spider; "but not anymore," she continues, her terror turned to awe at the spider's intricate web.
Art alert: As each of the girl's fears are named and resolved, cleverly placed die-cuts transform the illustrations, demonstrating that scariness is often just a matter of perspective. |
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| Stormy Night by Salina YoonWhat it's about: When the storm begins raging outside, little Bear soothes his stuffed bunny, Floppy: "I'll hold you tight. I'll keep you warm. My love will keep you safe from the storm." But who will comfort Bear as the thunder gets louder and louder?
Series alert: Sweet and reassuring, Stormy Night is the 2nd book in the Bear and Bunny series, which begins with Found and continues with Bear's Big Day. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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Richmond Public Library 101 E. Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 (804)646-7223
rvalibrary.org
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