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Picture Books September 2017
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New and Recently Released! |
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| All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle; illustrated by Mike CuratoFixing "Cara Cara" is a family tradition. When the bright blue vintage car breaks down on the way to a birthday party, its owners -- a Cuban boy and his family -- aren't even surprised. The boy and his father simply open up the hood and start tinkering until the car's pitiful "pio pio, pfffft" sound transforms back into a distinctive, rhythmic "cara cara, cluck cluck." And then they're off, zooming and gliding through the countryside and into the colorful bustle of modern Havana. Evocative onomatopoeia and true-to-life visual details make this lyrical journey "as striking as it is unforgettable" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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Dinosaur Detective's Search-and-Find Rescue Mission
by Sophie Guerrive
A hide-and-seek Dinosaur Detective adventure challenges children to help find a menagerie of lost animals nestled within intricate, puzzle-like spreads depicting a dozen exotic destinations, including the jungle, a stormy sea and outer space.
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Magic for sale
by Carrie Clickard
A young boy tracks down an elusive ghost in the hidden rooms of a fantastical magic shop.
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| Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam RexThe title of this latest offbeat read from Adam Rex clues you in to the conflict in progress: an orange feels left out as a cheery cavalcade of fruit proclaims their virtues in rhyme. Photographed and enhanced with drawn-on faces and stick limbs, the produce proffers rhymes that range from comically awkward (cabana with banana, antelope with cantaloupe) to esoteric (Nietzsche with lychee), prompting frustration from the neglected orange. Can some inventive wordplay sweeten the sour citrus? With a blend of absurdity and empathy, Nothing Rhymes with Orange is a laugh-out-loud-funny read-aloud that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt left out. |
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Now
by Antoinette Portis
A little girl takes readers on a poignant tour of favorite things, from a cloud she loves because it is the one she is watching, to a tooth that is the one that has fallen out, in a lively picture book companion to Wait.
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| The Only Fish in the Sea by Philip C. Stead; illustrated by Matthew CordellAfter careless birthday girl Amy rejects the gift of a pet goldfish by tossing it -- plastic bag and all -- into the sea, compassionate bystanders Sherman and Sadie mount a rescue expedition. They rustle up a boat, of course, along with fishing equipment, a cloud of pink balloons, and a crew of stylish monkeys…wait, what? Despite Sherman and Sadie's unorthodox methods, observant kids will relish the intriguing visual details of their quest to find Ellsworth the fish ("every fish deserves a proper name" declares Sadie). Ideal for one-on-one sharing, The Only Fish in the Sea is satisfying follow-up to Special Delivery. |
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The Thumbtack Dancer
by Leslie Tryon
Just like yesterday and the day before, Gus KICKED out of bed, LACED-UP his thumbtack sneakers and did his teeth-brushing dance. His mama knew Gus was up because she could hear the tip-a-tap, rap-a-slap, flap-a-dap thumbtack rhythms through the kitchen ceiling. Gus is a most promising, most energetic and most talented young dancer who figures out how to make enough money to upgrade his tip-a-tap thumbtack sneakers to a new pair of real tap shoes.
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Focus on: Reader Participation |
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| Have You Seen My Monster? by Steve LightA little girl has lost her monster at the county fair, and she needs your help to find him! Can you see the monster riding the Ferris wheel? Is he playing in the funhouse? Or maybe that's him in the marching band… Locating the friendly monster against each spread of black-and-white illustrations presents a satisfying challenge for young readers, as does identifying the brightly colored shapes hidden on each page. Kids who like the busy artwork and math-based interactivity of Have You Seen My Monster? will also enjoy author/illustrator Steve Light's previous book, Have You Seen My Dragon? |
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| Are We There Yet? by Dan SantatAs a family car trip begins to "feel like an eternity," the boy in the backseat gets bored. Really bored. SO BORED that time begins to spiral backwards around him (as do the words on the page, forcing readers to turn the book as they read). Though his parents are surprised to find themselves suddenly racing a steam locomotive, jousting with knights, or cruising past the brand-new Sphinx, the boy remains blasé -- at least until the Tyrannosaurus charges! Readers of all ages will love road-tripping through this "turbocharged adventure" (Publishers Weekly) by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat. |
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Don't let the pigeon drive the bus!
by Mo Willems
When the bus driver decides to take a break from driving, a wild and wacky pigeon pleads and begs to take his place, in a hilarious picture book that perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum.
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| The Happiest Book Ever! by Bob Shea"Whaddya say we make this the happiest book ever?" Assuming an affirmative answer from you, the reader, this book unleashes a barrage of cheer: anyone for dancing cake? A candy parade? A whale with good news?!?! This much boldly colored exuberance is irresistible…almost. Dour and unimpressed, a lone frog refuses to jump on the joy train. But maybe YOU can get him to crack a smile by giving a loud yell? Or telling one of the Sure Fire Frog Jokes from the back of the book? The key to the frog's good graces may not be what you expect... A gentle message of individuality and inclusion underscores this madcap, interactive romp. |
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| Let's Play! by Hervé TulletAs he did in the popular Press Here, creator Hervé Tullet begins this book with a single yellow dot. This particular dot is fairly gregarious, eagerly instructing the reader on how to move it forward: "Just follow the line with your finger." A swoopy, scribbly line extends throughout the book, and the dot never lacks for commentary as it progresses: "Wow! That's really way up high…" "EEEEK! We better leave on tiptoe…" Tullet's uncluttered, minimalist style and primary-colored palette keep the focus on the interactivity of this whimsical read. For a similarly "hands-on" picture book experience, try Mies van Hout's Playground. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books! |
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