Picture Books
January 2023
New and Recently Released
Blurp's Book of Manners
by Cindy Derby

When etiquette coach Ms. Picklepop teeters off her stool and spills a bucket of paint, a creature emerges. Not a scary one, or an evil one, or anything of the sort. Instead, what comes alive is ...
BLURP!
She'll have to carry on with her lesson, despite Blurp's many, messy distractions. But paint splotches and burps aren't all that disrupt Ms. Picklepop's decorous class. Perhaps through an unlikely friendship, Ms. Picklepop will learn a thing or two about manners herself. Fall in love with Cindy Derby's newest adorable creation - Blurp - in this colorful, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud funny tale.
The Bird Book
by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
 
They can dance, sing, and, of course, fly—what's not to love about birds? With more than 10,000 species of dramatically different colors, shapes, and sizes, birds are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. The only animal with feathers, birds have soared through the skies for millions of years. In this beautiful picture book, learn what makes a bird a bird, what birds like to eat, and how these masters of the air have evolved. Ever wonder which bird is the smallest? Or the fastest? Which can fly the highest? Or stay airborne longest? You'll find answers to these questions and countless others in The Bird Book. Jenkins and Page present a stunning array of these amazing aviators and the extraordinary ways they survive this world, whether in the water, on land, or flying high above.
Agatha May and the Anglerfish
by Nora Morrison; illustrated by Mika Song

Agatha May just can’t understand why her classmates aren’t as crazy as she is about the hideous humpback anglerfish. But when a school assignment gives Agatha the chance to show everybody what they’re missing, she single-handedly schools them all--and, in the process, discovers a passion for research and an exciting new dream for her future. This book is perfect for dreamers, outside-the-box thinkers, and anyone who has ever felt like their special interest wasn't appreciated.
How to Send a Hug
by Hayley Rocco; illustrated by John Rocco

How will you know your hug arrived safely?
Because when you send a hug,
You just might get one in return


Artie loves giving hugs. But she can't give a hug to her Grandma who lives so far away. Instead, she shows us how to send hugs using the magic of handwritten letters in this timeless story about connecting to loved ones when you can't always do so in person. Both timely and timeless, How to Send a Hug is about reaching out across the miles when you can’t do so yourself in person and turning words into love.
Retro Reads
Over the Shop
by JonArno Lawson; illustrated by Qin Leng

A lonely little girl and her grandparent need to fill the run-down apartment in their building. But taking over the quarters above their store will mean major renovations for the new occupants, and none of the potential renters can envision the possibilities of the space—until one special couple shows up. With their ingenuity, the little girl’s big heart, and heaps of hard work, the desperate fixer-upper begins to change in lovely and surprising ways. In this bustling wordless picture book, JonArno Lawson’s touching story and Qin Leng’s gentle illustrations capture all angles of the building’s transformation, as well as the evolving perspectives of the girl and her grandparent. A warm and subtly nuanced tale, Over the Shop throws open the doors to what it means to accept people for who they are and to fill your home with love and joy.
Hello, Rain!
by Kyo Maclear; illustrated by Chris Turnham

A picture book celebrating all the reasons to love the rain! Flowers bloom in the garden. Umbrellas bloom on the streets. There are puddles for jumping and, later, a cozy home for hot chocolate and books.
The air is full of waiting. The sky is full of breeze. The trees gust and billow. All before it rains.
Rumble, rumble. Distant thunder. Rain is coming, rain is coming.

No matter what kind of weather you prefer, Hello, Rain! is a great reminder of the natural beauty all around us.
Shy Willow
by Cat Min

Willow is shy. VERY shy.
Her home is in an abandoned mailbox, and she'd rather stay put. Outside kids scream and soccer balls collide, trees look like monsters, and rain is noisy in a scary kind of way. It's much nicer to stay inside, drawing. But then a young boy drops a letter in Willow's mailbox: it's a note to the moon asking for a special favor. Willow knows that if she doesn't brave the world outside, the letter will never be delivered, and the boy will be heartbroken. Should she try? Can she?
The Capybaras
by Alfredo Soderguit; translated by Elisa Amado
 
Hens and their chicks love their warm, snug home. Life is simple and comfortable in the chicken coop, where everyone knows their place and worries are far away. Until one day, when the capybaras appear. To the hens, the capybaras are too big, too wet, and too hairy. They don’t even follow the rules! But it’s hunting season, and the capybaras need somewhere safe to hide. Can the hens learn to get along with their unexpected guests? This delightful story shares the importance of opening our hearts to each other, no matter our differences, and the marvelous surprises that can happen along the way.
The Midnight Fair
by Gideon Sterer; illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio

Far from the city, but not quite the countryside, lies a fairground. When night comes and the fair is empty, something unexpected happens. Wild animals emerge from the forest, a brave raccoon pulls a lever, and the roller coasters and rides explode back into bright, neon life. It’s time for the woodland creatures to head to the fair! In a gorgeous wordless picture book, author Gideon Sterer and illustrator Mariachiara Di Giorgio offer an exuberant take on what animals are up to when humans are asleep. Suffused with color and light, the panel illustrations celebrate the inherent humor and joy in deer flying by on chair-swings, a bear winning a stuffed bear, three weasels carrying a soft pretzel, and a badger driving a bumper car. With thrills both spectacular and subtle, Midnight Fair will have readers punching their tickets again and again to revel in this fantastic nocturnal world.
Upcoming @ Your Library!
For Youth
 
Weekly Wednesday Storytime
Every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.
 
Join Ms. Laura for stories, songs, and fun Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. in the children's room.
 
Thursday Crafternoons
Thursdays, 3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
 
Get your creative juices flowing and drop by the library's Maker Space after school every first Thursday of the month for a new craft! Any supplies left over will be made available for Take-and-Make crafts the following Thursdays of the month.
 
Second Saturday Storytime - Read to a Therapy Dog!
11:00 a.m.

 
Would you like to boost your reading skills and gain confidence in your abilities while hanging with a furry friend? Join us for this very special Second Saturday Storytime when Allie, Molly and Sadie from Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs come to the Library to be your Fur-tastic Reading Buddies! Recommended for ages 4-12. Register here.  
 
 
 
Regular Events
 
Spinning Yarns
First and Third Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
 
Join us for an hour of knitting, crocheting, crafts and conversation. All levels welcome. This group will meet in person in the new library. 
 
 
Tech Talk @ the Library
Call to make an appointment
Learn how to use our online catalog, download digital materials, and more! Call the library (609-722-6992) and speak to Dean at the Information Desk. 
 
 
 
Library Hours
Monday thru Thursday - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
Cranbury Public Library
30 Park Place West
Cranbury, New Jersey 08512
609-722-6992

www.cranburypubliclibrary.org/