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Picture Books December 2020
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Just Because
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
What it's about: the time-honored bedtime-stalling tactic of asking questions.
What kind of questions? A not-sleepy child begins by asking why the ocean is blue, and follows up with queries such as "Why do leaves change color? What is a black hole? Why do people have to sleep?" For each question, the child's patient parent spins an imaginative answer.
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The Space Walk
by Brian Biggs
What it's about: Required by Ground Control to eat right, exercise, dress warmly and not speak to strangers, astronaut Randolph Witherspoon dutifully prepares for a space walk before unexpected challenges lead to a new friend. Also available as an e-book through Live-brary.
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Kaia and the bees
by Maribeth Boelts
What it's about: A young girl who is courageous about everything except bees decides to overcome her fear by learning about the species from her beekeeper father, who helps her take first steps while teaching her about the importance of bees to the world. Illustrations.
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| Cozy by Jan BrettFeaturing: 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. |
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| Starcrossed by Julia DenosWhat 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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| One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom; illustrated by Brendan WenzelWhat it's about: In the leafy shadows of a eucalyptus tree, a little boy is gobbled up whole by a giant yellow snake. Yikes! But it's not the end for the resourceful boy, who encourages the greedy snake to eat more...and more...
Read it for: rhythmic wordplay, big, busy illustrations, and a pleasing conclusion. For fans of: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly -- either the traditional song or Simms Taback's modern classic picture book. |
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| Leave Me Alone! by Vera Brosgoltarring: a harried grandmother who just wants to knit, and who will go to great -- even cosmic -- lengths for some peace and quiet.
Art alert: Combining a traditional Eastern European setting with a crisp, expressive cartoon style, this award-winning picture book will charm readers of all ages.
Reviewers say: it's a "fizzy collision of old-fashioned fairy tale elements with space-age physics" (Publishers Weekly). |
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| This Beach is Loud! by Samantha CotterillWhat it's about: A father-son beach trip hits a snag when the child realizes the beach is crowded, noisy, and covered in scratchy sand. With some help from Dad, however, the boy remembers the techniques he can use to enjoy the beach in his own way.
Be prepared: for all of the onomatopoeia and exuberant run-on sentences in this reassuring readaloud.
Series alert: This is the 1st in the Little Senses series, which helps kids (especially kids on the autism spectrum) manage overwhelming experiences. |
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| Snappsy the Alligator Did Not Ask to Be in This Book! by Julie Falatko; illustrated by Tim MillerStarring: mild-mannered Snappsy the alligator, who's simply going about his day when a "rude narrator" begins intruding, misinterpreting Snappsy's feelings (he doesn't need a nap, he's just hungry!) and accusing him of sinister intent (he's not hunting for bunnies, he's just buying groceries!).
Why kids might like it: Readers will snicker as the interplay between the narration and Snappsy's speech-bubble protests becomes more and more heated.
Art alert: Deadpan cartoon illustrations balance the off-the-wall humor of this metafictional tale.
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| Puppy Truck by Brian PinkneyWhat it’s about: When Carter is given a toy truck instead of the puppy he wanted, he literally takes it in stride, leashing up the truck (which comes to life with a “vroom beep bark!”) and heading off for a walk in the park.
Why kids might like it: Swirling, swooping lines and a bright, bold color palette add irresistible verve to this tale of a boy and his unusual pet.
Kids might also like: Chris Raschka’s A Ball for Daisy. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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