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| Hello Lighthouse by Sophie BlackallWhat it is: a loving, nostalgic portrait of a devoted lighthouse keeper and his family.
Read it for: fascinating details about lighthouse life (winding the clockwork, rescuing shipwrecked sailors) and awe-inspiring moments of natural beauty (spotting whales, watching the northern lights), all depicted in delicate ink-and-watercolor illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall.
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A House That Once Was
by Julie Fogliano
What it's about: Who lived in that house? Who walked down its hallways? Why did they leave it, and where did they go? Two children set off to find the answers, piecing together clues found, books left behind, forgotten photos, discarded toys, and creating their own vision of those who came before.
About Julie Fogliano: Julie is a recipient of the 2013 the Ezra Jack Keats award. Her books have been translated into more than ten languages. Julie lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband and three children, and when she is not folding laundry or wondering what to make for dinner, she is staring out the window waiting for a book idea to fly by.
Also by Julie Fogliano: When Green Became Tomatoes; And Then It's Spring; If You Want to See a Whale.
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Floaty
by John Himmelman
What it's about: Mr. Raisin lives all alone in a little house, and he likes it that way just fine. One day, a mysterious basket appears on Mr. Raisin’s doorstep. It seems there’s nothing inside, until he notices a floating dog bobbing along his ceiling.
What the reviewers are saying: "With just the right mixture of humor and pathos, Himmelman delivers a visually delightful tale that will beguile young audiences." -- School Library Journal
Also by John Himmelman: Cows to the Rescue; Noisy Frog Singalong; Katie Loves the Kittens.
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| Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes; illustrated by Scott MagoonFeaturing: Rescue, a black Lab who's learning how to be a service dog; Jessica, a girl who's learning how to use her prosthetic legs; and the powerful connection between the two.
About the authors: Co-authors Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes write from their real-life experience of welcoming Rescue into their family.
Who it's for: kids and families looking for an authentic, uplifting portrayal of service dogs or living with disability. |
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| Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-NealStarring: Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela, a little girl with a big name.
What happens: After Alma complains about her lengthy name, Daddy tells her about each of her storied namesakes, and reminds her that as the "first and only Alma" in their family, she gets to shape her own story.
Try this next: Laura Deal's How Nivi Got Her Names, another warm family story about naming traditions. |
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The Perfect Pillow
by Eric Pinder
What it's about: On his big new bed, Brody tosses and turns, holding his stuffed dragon named Horst. He can't fall asleep, so he goes in search of a better bed. Is it a squirrel's nest? A cloud? A rowboat on a pond? Nothing works, so he goes back home to his big new bed, where a friendly dragon makes a perfect pillow.
Also by Eric Pinder: If All the Animals Came Inside.
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| Dude! by Aaron Reynolds; illustrated by Dan SantatWhat it is: a clever, comical romp told through just one word: "Dude."
What happens: A platypus and a beaver on a surfing expedition encounter a humongous, toothy shark…who might not be as fearsome as he appears.
Why kids might like it: Readers of all ages will relish trying out endless variations on the sole word of dialogue in this exuberant, colorful, readaloud-ready story. |
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| Mommy's Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow; illustrated by Ebony GlennWhat it's about: For one little girl, playing dress-up with her mommy's bright yellow headscarf provides a soothing reminder of maternal love, as well as a gateway to imaginary adventures as a superhero, a queen, or a shooting star.
Further reading: Want another lyrical, heartfelt picture book exploring Muslim faith and culture? Try Kelly Cunnane's Deep in the Sahara or Mark Gonzales' Yo Soy Muslim. |
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