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Picture Books November 2020
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Picture Book MonthCelebrate Picture Book Month in November by checking out and reading picture books from the library. To register for a library card, please fill out the following online form or visit a nearby library location. Picture Book Month is a month-long international program that brings together authors, illustrators, educators, and picture-book lovers together to highlight great books. For more information about the organization that began this program, please click here.
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Cool Cuts
by Mechal Renee Roe
What it's about: Depicts uplifting examples of African American boys and their culturally inspired hairstyles on spreads that repeat the inspiring refrain, “I am born to be awesome!”
You might also like: "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" by Derrick Barnes because both pay homage to the experience of young African American boys having a new haircut
Series Alert: For another book about the celebration of African American hair, read the another book by the author called "Happy Hair."
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That's Life!
by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
What it's about: When Life unexpectedly knocks on the door, a child discovers that Life is what one makes of it, even if it gets weird and uncooperative, in a quirky celebration of life’s unpredictable messiness and how it shapes milestones.
Why you might like it: Life is personified and turns the ups and downs into a more manageable concept.
Reviewers say: "Both a lighthearted reflection and an entertaining read." (Kirkus Reviews)
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Rita and Ralph's Rotten Day
by Carmen Agra Deed; illustrated by Pete Oswald
What it's about: Meeting regularly to play games under the apple tree until the day a new game culminates in tears, best friends Rita and Ralph discover simple, time-tested ways to preserve their friendship.
Why kids might like it: It is a positive reminder that though friends might have disagreements, it is always a true sign of a strong friendship when they can talk through their differences and get along.
Try this next: For more books about friends who learn an important lesson about sharing, read "Ribbit Rabbit" by Candace Ryan.
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Dream Big, Little Scientists : A Bedtime Book
by Michelle Schaub; illustrated by Alice Potter
What it's about: A bedtime lullaby for budding scientists everywhere introduces eleven branches of science and encourages curiosity and exploration.
Read it for: the inspiring message that all children can not only dream about becoming scientists in the future, but that possibility could start now at an early age.
Who's it for: Both children and adults can appreciate the diversity in the children depicted on each page, and the diverse scientists that the children look up on posters and materials throughout their room.
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I Believe I Can
by Grace Byers; illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
What it's about: An empowering tribute to the limitless potential of children from every background that conveys messages about believing in themselves.
Author alert: Grace Byers' debut book called "I am Enough" was a New York bestseller.
Want a taste?: "My presence matters in this world. I know I can do anything, if only I believe I can."
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What's My Superpower?
by Aviaq Johnston; illustrated by Tim Mack
What it's about: Nalvana notices all her friends have a special ability that she calls their super power, but she does not know what her own super power is.
Author Alert: Aviaq is a Canadian Inuk author who celebrates her culture by writing about main characters from similar background, emphasizing their personalities rather than just their heritage.
Don't miss: In the back of the book is a glossary of Inuktitut words that were used to tell the story set in the Artic.
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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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For more about events and services for children, check out our Children's Page. Feel free to forward this newsletter to a friend, and drop by your neighborhood branch soon. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for birth to 8 years old. |
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