|
Picture Books December 2020
|
|
|
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
|
Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina; illustrated by Sonia Sánchez also in SpanishStarring: imaginative Daniela, who introduces readers to Evelyn, "my mejor amiga, my número uno best friend."
What happens: Living in nearly identical apartments and playing together every day, Daniela and Evelyn are so close that they feel like twins. But all of that changes when a moving truck arrives to take Evelyn and her family away.
Why kids might like it: A hopeful ending, a relatable friendship, and exaggerated, pattern-filled illustrations combine to give the book a warm, lived-in feel.
|
|
|
The Heart of Mi Familia
by Carrie Lara
What it's about: A bicultural child describes her visits to her grandma's house and her abuela's house, and how both sides of the family come together to celebrate her younger brother's birthday.
And for the parent: A reader's note after the story helps parents understand strategies for discussing cultural identity with children, supporting exploration of their culture and race, and dealing with discrimination.
|
|
|
I Promise
by LeBron James
What it is: inspiring promises to oneself and to one's community that will ensure success in the future, including promising to go to school, to be open and try new things, and to stand up for what's right.
Why you should share it with your child: NBA champion and superstar LeBron James pens a slam-dunk picture book inspired by his foundation's I PROMISE program that motivates children everywhere to always #StriveForGreatness.
|
|
|
Mrs. Bibi's Elephant
by Reza Dalvand
What it is: A heart-warming story with a message as big as an elephant and a fanciful tale of friendship between an eccentric lady and her beloved pet.
What happens: When the townspeople tell Mrs Bibi her pet elephant is too big for the town, she reluctantly packs her bags and heads off somewhere they can live together in happiness. But what they both leave behind is far bigger than the other people could have imagined.
|
|
| Leave Me Alone! by Vera Brosgoltarring: a harried grandmother who just wants to knit, and who will go to great -- even cosmic -- lengths for some peace and quiet.
Art alert: Combining a traditional Eastern European setting with a crisp, expressive cartoon style, this award-winning picture book will charm readers of all ages.
Reviewers say: it's a "fizzy collision of old-fashioned fairy tale elements with space-age physics" (Publishers Weekly). |
|
| 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.
Be prepared: for all of the onomatopoeia and exuberant run-on sentences in this reassuring readaloud.
Series alert: This is the 1st in the Little Senses series, which helps kids (especially kids on the autism spectrum) manage overwhelming experiences. |
|
| Snappsy the Alligator Did Not Ask to Be in This Book! by Julie Falatko; illustrated by Tim MillerStarring: mild-mannered Snappsy the alligator, who's simply going about his day when a "rude narrator" begins intruding, misinterpreting Snappsy's feelings (he doesn't need a nap, he's just hungry!) and accusing him of sinister intent (he's not hunting for bunnies, he's just buying groceries!).
Why kids might like it: Readers will snicker as the interplay between the narration and Snappsy's speech-bubble protests becomes more and more heated.
Art alert: Deadpan cartoon illustrations balance the off-the-wall humor of this metafictional tale.
|
|
| 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.
Why kids might like it: Swirling, swooping lines and a bright, bold color palette add irresistible verve to this tale of a boy and his unusual pet.
Kids might also like: Chris Raschka’s A Ball for Daisy. |
|
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
|
|
|
|
|
|