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Picture Books November 2020
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The Boy Who Dreamed of Infinity : A Tale of the Genius Ramanujan
by Amy Alznauer; illustrated by Daniel Miyares
What it is: A picture book tribute to the mathematical genius from 19th-century India describes his childhood investigations into the concept of infinity, his indelible role in modern mathematics and the author’s father’s remarkable discovery of Ramanujan’s Lost Notebook.
What happens: "If Ramanujan could crack the number 1 open and find infinity, what secrets would he discover inside other numbers?" (from back cover).
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| A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett; illustrations by Shawn HarrisWhat it's about: Waking from hibernation, a polar bear sniffs the air and lumbers off into the snow. He passes a cave, a fisherman, and some tasty-looking seals before his destination is revealed with a sudden plunge into the sparkling, ice-blue sea.
Why kids might like it: A questioning refrain ("There is a polar bear in the snow… Where is he going?") and evocative cut-paper illustrations in cool, Arctic colors invite readers to imagine themselves in the polar bear's world. |
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Grumpy Monkey up all night
by Suzanne Lang; illustrated by Max Lang
What it is: A latest entry in the best-selling series that includes Grumpy Monkey Party Time!
What happens: Jim Panzee becoming increasingly frustrated when his slumber-party plans for mango bobbing, termite fishing and staying up all night are upended by friends who fall asleep one by one. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
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Me and the world : an infographic exploration
by Mireia Trius
What it is: "An engaging exploration of the world in infographics, packed with dynamic illustrated spreads and guided by a relatable, school-aged narrator."
Read it for: "This content-rich book invites readers to see themselves in its pages, and to learn about other kids and cultures around the world, all while stepping back and seeing the big picture".
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| The Little Mermaid by Jerry PinkneyWhat it is: a fresh spin on Hans Christian Andersen's classic, as imagined by picture book legend Jerry Pinkney.
Featuring: Melody, an inquisitive mermaid; Zion, the human girl Melody longs to meet; and the Sea Witch, the red-tentacled monster who gives Melody legs in exchange for her voice.
Why kids might like it: With an empowering new ending, an infusion of Black Girl Magic, and illustrations so lush you can practically feel the sea-spray, this retelling is bound to make a splash.
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Vegetables in underwear
by Jared Chapman
What happens: "A bunch of friendly vegetables wear colorful underwear of all varieties-big, small, clean, dirty, serious, and funny-demonstrating for young ones the silliness and necessity of this item of clothing".
What's inside: "With rhyming text that begs to be chanted aloud and art that looks good enough to eat, this vibrant story will encourage preschoolers to celebrate having left those diapers behind!" (from Hoopla).
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| We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. HigginsIntroducing: Penelope Rex, an overalls-clad dinosaur who's ready for the first day of school. What's she's not ready for, however, is being surrounded by delicious, snack-sized humans. Can this hungry dino learn that classmates are friends, not food?
Wait, you mean she devours children?! Yes, but since Penelope safely spits out each kid she chomps, the tone is more silly than scary.
Series alert: For more antics from Penelope, pick up the sequel, We Will Rock Our Classmates. |
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| Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina; illustrated by Angela DominguezWhat it's about: Even after Abuela moves in with Mia and her family, she still feels far away, because Abuela barely speaks English, and Mia's Español isn't much better. Could a parrot named Mango be their key to communicate?
Why kids might like it: Expressive cartoon illustrations capture the relatable frustration and excitement in this warmly authentic read.
Try this next: Want more bicultural bonding between grandparent and grandchild? Try Drawn Together by Minh Lê. |
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| Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller; illustrated by Jen HillWhat it's about: While trying to help a classmate who spills grape juice and gets laughed out of the room, this book's young protagonist ponders what kindness means. Is it giving? Is it paying attention? Or maybe it's small good deeds that combine with other people's small good deeds to make something bigger?
Art alert: Round, outsized heads and careful brushstrokes ensure that viewers' eyes are drawn to the kids' expressive faces, highlighting the emotions in every scene.
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| A Piece of Cake by LeUyen PhamWhat it's about: As Mouse carries a lovingly baked birthday cake to Little Bird, he meets various animals who wheedle him into trading away slices of cake until he's left with nothing but crumbs and motley collection of items. With a bit ingenuity, however, Little Bird's birthday might be a sweet one after all.
Why kids might like it: While they may be attracted to the saturated colors and retro art, children may also be amused by how this story challenges expectations. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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