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New and Recently Released! |
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Together We Grow by Susan Vaught; illustrated by Kelly Murphy What it’s about: “Go away! We’re full today!” That’s how most of the farm animals respond when a lashing thunderstorm drives a fox family to seek shelter in the cozy barn. Can the smallest duckling convince the other barn-dwellers that there's room for everyone?
Read it for: pithy rhyming couplets, luminous illustrations filled with soft brushstrokes, and a gentle message about inclusion.
Reviewers say: “Emotionally charged and eloquently rendered” (Kirkus Reviews). | |
How to Catch a Unicorn
by
Adam Wallace
What it's about: Four children set out to catch a unicorn, but it manages to escape all of their traps.
Series alert: Look for the other How to Catch books featuring a mermaid, dinosaur, dragon and monster.
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Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker; illustrated by April Harrison Starring: Zura, who’s worried about bringing her beloved Nana Akua to Grandparents Day at school. What if the other kids are mean about the traditional Ghanaian Adinkra markings on Nana Akua’s face?
What happens: Confident Nana Akua has the perfect plan for sharing her heritage with Zura’s class.
Art alert: With warm hues and a wealth of patterns and textures, the mixed media artwork from award-winning illustrator April Harrison brings even more richness to this tale of family and cultural pride. | |
I Got You a Present!
by
Mike Erskine-kellie
What happens: An exuberant animal narrator recounts his haphazard search for the perfect birthday present to give the reader, from hand-knitted birthday socks and a 10-scoop ice-cream cone to a disappearing magic kit and an apple juice-fueled jet pack.
Who it's for: The duck's direct interactions with the reader, and it's simple but expressive face, make this story a good choice for fans of Mo Willems' Pigeon books.
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Big breath : a guided meditation for kids
by
William Meyer
What it is: A guided meditation for children, illustrated with colorful drawings, designed to promote calm and well-being.
Why kids might like it: Meditation might not be on the radar of most kids, but this focusing exercise may help kids stay calm in a hectic world. The book's simplicity is its key, inviting children to grab a cushion or blanket, get comfy and take a breath.
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Izzy & Oscar by Allison Estes and Dan Stark; illustrated by Tracy Dockray What it’s about: Every pirate needs an animal mascot, like a parrot or a dog, but pretend pirate captain Izzy has only Oscar, an expressive purple octopus.
Read it for: Izzy’s hilariously misguided training attempts; laugh-out-loud visual humor (pictures reveal that Oscar isn’t as well-behaved on a leash as the text implies); a comforting conclusion; and a list of octo-facts.
Kids might also like: Martin McKenna’s The Octopuppy. | |
Dinner for eight
by
Roger De Muth
What it's about: An octopus prepares dinner for eight of his animal friends, including Sergio Squirellini and Yukiko Kitty.
Reviewers say: "But there's no denying that the lift-the-flap design always delights young would-be readers, and De Muth goes the extra mile with the humorous surprises under each flap" (Kirkus Reviews).
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Inky's Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home by Sy Montgomery; illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford What it’s about: the real-life exploits of Inky, an octopus whose drive to explore led him to make a highly unusual exit from New Zealand’s National Aquarium.
Why kids might like it: It’s tough not to like this book’s clever cephalopod hero, and the abundance of fascinating facts will grab aspiring scientists.
About the author: Naturalist Sy Montgomery writes for readers of all ages – you might recognize her from her popular adult book The Soul of an Octopus. | | Also an Octopus by Maggie Tokuda-Hall; illustrated by Benji Davis What it is: a delightfully off-kilter metafictional romp disguised as a how-to guide for writers.
What’s inside: Since “every story needs a character,” and this story stars a ukulele-strumming octopus. And since every character “needs to want something," the octopus resolves to build a purple spaceship made of glitter and waffles. You can imagine how outrageous things get after that...
Who it’s for: Budding storytellers may be inspired by Also an Octopus’ blend of absurdity and instruction. | |
How to Put an Octopus to Bed
by
Sherri Duskey Rinker
What it's about: It's time for bed and this little octopus is more than happy to volunteer! He's all ready to put his parents to bed! Bath time, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, and tucking everyone in is a whole new challenge when the kid is in charge (and especially when everyone has eight arms!)
Who it's for: Perfect for children who are learning good bedtime, bath time, and tooth brushing habits. Silly and clever rhymes make this a perfect read-aloud book.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8! |
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