| Fire Truck vs. Dragon by Chris Barton; illustrated by Shanda McCloskeyDon’t let the title fool you: Fire Truck and Dragon are actually good buddies. Instead of the fire-versus-water battle the neighborhood kids hope for, the two friends camp together, bring food to a cookout, and help with party games.
Why kids might like it: Hilarious misdirection undercuts the frustration of readers' foiled expectations, and a twist ending provides surprising satisfaction.
Further reading: Kids who do want a showdown between rivals might enjoy author Chris Barton’s earlier book, Shark vs. Train. |
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Pete the Cat : Five Little Bunnies
by Kim Dean
Children are invited to sing along with Pete the Cat in a groovy Easter adaptation of the “Five Little Monkeys” classic that finds Pete calling the doctor when each of five little bunnies bumps their head after naughtily jumping on the bed.
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The Serious Goose
by Jimmy Kimmel
Complemented by a mylar mirror for making faces, a picture-book debut by the late-night host depicts a whimsically tongue-in-cheek goose who rediscovers its sense of humor while reminding young readers to take “serious” approaches to silliness. TV tie-in.
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Jack Goes West
by Mac Barnett
When Jack and the Lady visit a western dude ranch, Jack is wrongly accused of robbing a bank before he uses new rope tricks to snare the true culprit.
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No more naps! : a story for when you're wide-awake and definitely NOT tired
by Chris Grabenstein
A strong-willed toddler who does not want to take a nap goes on a stroller ride through the park past her neighbors, from a man sitting on a bench to a busy dogwalker, who take naps in her place until the whole city gradually drifts off to sleep. By the best-selling author of the Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series.
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| Pond by Jim LaMarcheWhat it is: the story of how three kids transform a trash-choked natural spring into a beautiful, thriving pond that can be enjoyed by animals and humans alike.
Why kids might like it: With a gentle, engaging style, Pond evokes the everyday wonders of nature, while true-to-life details in the mixed-media illustrations invite close attention.
Further reading: Similar to Pond, ecological rhythms shape the story in Miranda Paul’s Water is Water. |
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| Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty; illustrated by David LitchfieldStarring: the planet Earth (though you can call her Planet Awesome).
What’s inside: Earth herself – portrayed with warm eyes and a friendly smile – describes her childhood (“Explosive. Gassy! Very cranky.”), her solar system family (including pet Pluto), and her favorite activities (such as spinning).
Series alert: This whimsical yet fact-filled book is the 1st in an ongoing series that includes Sun! One in a Billion and Moon! Earth's Best Friend. |
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| Life by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Brendan WenzelThe question: "Ask any animal on earth, what do you love about life?"
The answer: varies from animal to animal, and Cynthia Rylant's spare, lyrical text honestly addresses life's uncertainties as well as its joys.
Who it’s for: Expansive and ultimately reassuring, Life will appeal to thoughtful readers of all ages, as well as those who simply want to savor the details in Caldecott Honoree Brendan Wenzel's lush, lively illustrations of wildlife. |
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| Tree by Britta TeckentrupWhat it’s about: a year in the life of a single tree and the owl that lives inside it.
Art alert: Kids can watch along with the owl as strategically placed die-cuts reveal seasonal surprises (such as migrating animals, shifting weather, and changing plant life) with each page turn.
Who it’s for: children and caregivers who can share the book one-on-one, taking the time to revel in the rhyming couplets and explore the intriguing die-cuts from both sides. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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