Picture Books May 2020 Recent Releases The Magical Yet by Angela Diterlizzi; illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Starring: a frustrated, helmet-clad kid who’s ready to give up on learning to ride a bike, and the Magical Yet, a pink-petaled sprite who’s determined to help the child keep trying. What’s inside: luminous, jewel-toned illustrations depicting all kinds of kids, each striving for their own “yet,” whether it’s riding a bike, becoming a ballet dancer, or finishing a painting. Why kids might like it: Without getting preachy, The Magical Yet demonstrates how a growth mindset can reframe everyday challenges. Fox & Rabbit by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Gergely Dudás Introducing: unlikely pals Fox and Rabbit, who embark on five everyday adventures that test their camaraderie (though good humor and friendship always win out). Who it’s for: Told mostly through speech-bubble banter, this inviting graphic novel is just right for comics-loving kids who are outgrowing easy readers, but aren’t quite ready for chapter books. Series alert: Kids who love the warm friendship and spirited, full-color illustrations in Fox & Rabbit are in luck -- it’s the 1st in a series. Don't Worry, Little Crab by Chris Haughton What it’s about: At first, Little Crab is thrilled to join Very Big Crab on a trip from their tide pool home to the open ocean. But the crashing waves bring newfound anxiety; can this crustacean find the courage for undersea exploration? Why kids might like it: Bursting with bold, blocky artwork as well as alliteration and onomatopoeia, Don’t Worry, Little Crab makes an attention-grabbing read-aloud. Kids might also like: Carolyn Crimi’s There Might Be Lobsters, another beach-set book about overcoming fear. Dewdrop by Katie O'Neill What it’s about: It’s almost time for the pond-dwellers’ big sports festival! Pink, wide-eyed axolotl Dewdrop has her cheerleading routine all ready, and it’s a good thing, too, because her nervous aquatic friends could use some encouragement. Art alert: Artist and graphic novelist Katie O’Neill brings comic book flair to her debut picture book, interspersing panels among the full pages of soft-edged, candy-colored illustrations. Reviewers say: “The axolotl-cheerleader picture book you didn't know you were waiting for” (Kirkus Reviews). In My Anaana's Amautik by Nadia Sammurtok; illustrated by Lenny Lishchenko What it is: a sweet, immersive picture book about a well-loved Inuit toddler, featuring Inuktitut words woven throughout.  What’s inside: The child narrator vividly evokes the sensations, sounds, scents, and emotions of being carried in their mother’s amautik (a pouch on a woman’s parka), creating a calm, comforting reading experience that’s ideal for bedtime.  Try this next: For another cozy, reassuring book by an Inuit author, try Celina Kalluk’s Sweetest Kulu. Imaginative Illustrations Handimals: Animals in Art and Nature by Silvia Lopez; illustrated by Guido Daniele What it is: This wildlife guide literally lends a hand to animal conservation through photographic illustrations featuring painted human hands.  Art alert: Many of artist Guido Daniele’s animal portraits (all comprised of painted hands in varying configurations) are so cleverly composed that kids may want a second look. Each portrait is accompanied by facts and a photo of the real animal itself. Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales Starring: Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, as portrayed by an exquisitely crafted and photographed puppet.  What’s inside: Frida looks out from under her distinctive brow, inviting readers along (in English and Spanish) as she sees, dreams, and plays. The three-dimensional illustrations overflow with color and texture, as well as details from Frida's life (including her many pets). Who it’s for: visually oriented kids (who’ll feast their eyes on the illustrations) and aspiring artists (who’ll relish the insight into the creative process). Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins What it’s about: Most marshmallows do only humdrum stuff, like going to school or eating their veggies. However, some marshmallows know they “can do anything or be anything they dare to imagine." From a knight to a circus performer to an astronaut, these intrepid confections will amuse and inspire their human readers.  Art alert: Be sure to have snacks ready before sharing this book with kids, because the illustrations feature real marshmallows, all sporting intricate pencil details and whimsical mixed-media environments. Seeing Into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright by Richard Wright; illustrated by Nina Crews What it is: a small sampling from the hundreds of evocative haiku written by renowned author Richard Wright, accompanied by photo collages by artist Nina Crews. Art alert: Illustrating Wright’s nature-themed poems, Crews’ photographs focus on the natural world as seen through the eyes of African American boys, and each lively collage captures an infectious sense of wonder and possibility. Try this next: For a more exuberant taste of black boy joy, try Derrick Barnes’ award-winning Crown. Nancy Knows by Cybèle Young Starring: Nancy the elephant, who’s certain that she’s forgotten something. But what?  What happens: As she tries to remember, many other things fill Nancy's thoughts -- and delicate, intriguing paper sculptures of those things fill Nancy's outline on the page. It's not until Nancy is able to empty her mind, however, that her memory finally returns. Who it’s for: Anyone, young or old, who's ever had to search their own memory can relate to Nancy. Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8! Comsewogue Public Library 170 Terryville Road Port Jefferson Station, New York 11776 (631) 928-1212 www.cplib.org