| 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.
Art alert: Veteran picture book creator Jan Brett renders each animal in glorious, meticulous detail. |
|
| Ginger and Chrysanthemum by Kristen Mai Giang; illustrated by Shirley ChanWhat it's about: While fiery Ginger likes to act first and think later, level-headed Chrysanthemum is more methodical, and yet these two cousins are close as can be. Or they were, before they were put in charge of planning Grandma's birthday party together.
For fans of: Grace Lin's Ling & Ting series and other sweet, feel-good stories starring duos who get along despite being complete opposites. |
|
|
Poems Aloud: An Anthology of Poems to Read Out Loud
by Joseph Coelho; illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett
What it is: A whimsically illustrated anthology of poems introduces young readers to 20 techniques for performing tongue-twisting, whispered, voice-projecting and comedic poems out loud.
Why kids might like it: The bright, mixed media illustrations and tips for reading aloud will help kids connect to poetry.
|
|
| Julián at the Wedding by Jessica LoveThe big day: As colorfully clad Julián and his abuela arrive at an outdoor wedding, Julián prepares to walk the brides' dog down the aisle alongside flower girl Marisol, who'd rather wear a ball cap than a dainty flower crown.
Something borrowed: After Marisol's dress is ruined during post-ceremony playtime, an inventive sartorial swap makes both kids ready to party at the reception.
Series alert: Kids who love Julián Is a Mermaid will be thrilled to revisit this imaginative, gender-nonconforming character. |
|
| Eric by Shaun TanWhat it's about: Tiny, spindly, leaf-headed Eric isn't what this book's narrator and his family expected in a foreign exchange student. Nonetheless, they try to answer Eric's curious questions and respect his choices (such as his preference for a cozy teacup over a typical bedroom).
Don't miss: the enchanting, rainbow-hued conclusion in which Eric leaves a long-lasting thank-you gift.
Did you know? This thought-provoking book expands on a story from author/artist Shaun Tan's Tales from Outer Suburbia. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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.
Series alert: This is the 1st in the Little Senses series, which helps kids (especially kids on the autism spectrum) manage overwhelming experiences. |
|
|
Randy, the badly drawn beautiful horse by T. L. McBethWhat it's about: Randy knows he’s a beautiful horse—everyone says so. From his silky coat to his perfect smile to his very name, reserved only for the most special of creatures, Randy is beyond compare. Critics say: "McBeth’s meta-comedy is filled with three-dimensional illustrations (a shared snack results in pages smudged with peanut butter and jelly), and the grandiosity shared by artist and artwork should inspire stirring, if silly, readalouds." - Publishers Weekly
|
|
| 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.
Kids might also like: Chris Raschka’s A Ball for Daisy. |
|
|
What do they do with all that poo?
by Jane Kurtz; illustrated by Allison Black
What it's about: An exploration of different types of animal poo and what the zoo uses it for.
Read it for: The wonderful rhyming text is fun for younger kids, and the additional facts on each page mean older kids will learn something as well.
|
|
|