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Picture Books February 2019
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| Perfect by Max AmatoStarring: an uptight eraser dedicated to keeping this book clean and pristine, and an impudent pencil determined to make a mark.
Why kids might like it: Mixed-media illustrations keep the tone light and playful as the characters’ conflict evolves into a creative partnership.
Try this next: Anna Kang’s Eraser, another tale of (eventual) teamwork between an anthropomorphic eraser and pencil. |
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| What Is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack; illustrated by April HarrisonWhat it’s about: “What is given from the heart reaches the heart,” James Otis’s Mama reminds him after he wonders how his poor and struggling family can possibly help out a neighboring family in need.
Who it’s for: families and caregivers in search of a heartfelt, homespun story about compassion in action.
Look for: the wealth of color, texture, and detail shown in the collage illustrations. |
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| There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-RoachWhat it’s about: Muffin the cat keeps a careful watch over his home, the Little Bear Bakery. That’s why he’s the first to investigate the strange noises in the bakery -- could there be an uninvited ursine visitor?
Is it for you? Adults will be amused by Muffin’s faux-noir narration, while kids will relish the messy mayhem of bears in a bakery.
Kids might also like: The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, another comical mystery from author/illustrator Julia Sarcone-Roach. |
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| Crab Cake: Turning the Tide Together by Andrea TsurumiWhat it’s about: Octopus, Scallop, Lionfish, Lobster, and all the other undersea creatures are baffled by Crab’s devotion to baking beautifully decorated pastries…until a boat dumps garbage into their home and Crab’s creations provide a much-needed rallying point for the clean-up effort.
Read it for: serious messages about environmentalism and empathy folded into a frothy confection of colorful art and whimsy.
Digital formats: available as an ebook through OverDrive. |
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| The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Frank MorrisonWhat it is: a rhythmic, free-flowing, free verse tribute to the origins of hip-hop, accompanied by smooth yet striking illustrations filled with famous faces.
Who it’s for: young fans who might not know the history of their favorite music, as well as caregivers eager to share their love of classic hip-hop.
Further reading: For a deeper dive into the life of a hip-hop innovator, pick up Laban Carrick Hill’s When the Beat Was Born. |
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Black History Month: Representation Matters!
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Princess hair
by Sharee Miller
What it is: Celebrate different hair shapes, textures, and styles in this self-affirming picture book! From dreadlocks to blowouts to braids, debut author-illustrator Miller shines a spotlight on the beauty and diversity of black hair, showing young readers that every kind of hair is princess hair.
Kids might also like: Miller's follow-up Don't Touch My Hair! or Happy to Be Nappy by author and activist bell hooks.
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Busy-eyed day
by Anne Marie Pace; illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon.
Starring: Two siblings, along with their grandmother and mother, spend a day taking in the sights at the park.
Read it for: rhyming dialogue and rich illustrations celebrating everyday magic and the power in being observant.
Try this next: For more outdoor adventures, check out Hank's Big Day for the friendship between a girl and a pill-bug.
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Crown : an ode to the fresh cut
by Derrick D Barnes
What it is: This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair with a fresh cut.
Why you might have heard of it: This vibrant picture book has won multiple awards including the Newberry Honor, Caldecott Honor, and two Coretta Scott King Awards.
Digital formats: Available as an eBook, eAudiobook, and video on hoopla.
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Lola reads to Leo
by Anna McQuinn
Starring: Lola and Leo-- siblings who love each other and exploring their world.
What it's about: New big sister Lola can't wait to share her love of reading with just the right books for baby Leo, and even though Mommy and Daddy are busy, they still have time to read to Lola at bedtime.
Further reading: McQuinn has written several books about Leo and Lola, all colorful, sweet, and perfect for toddlers. Many are even available as ebooks through OverDrive.
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| Hug Me by Simona CiraoloStarring: Felipe, a short, round cactus with a tiny pink flower, a standoffish family, and an irrepressible desire for a hug, no matter how difficult it might be.
Why kids might like it: Felipe’s quest for a friendly embrace (which includes an unfortunate run-in with a balloon) will resonate with similarly affectionate young readers, as well as those who are amused by the droll cartoon art. |
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| Who Wants a Hug? by Jeff MackWhat’s it’s about: Who doesn’t love a great big bear hug? Skunk, that’s who! All of the other forest animals eagerly accept Bear’s affection while grumpy, grouchy Skunk tries everything in his briefcase of “Super Stinky Tricks” to stop Bear’s relentlessly cheery hug-fest.
Read it for: read-aloud ready dialogue, a smelly yet sympathetic anti-hero, oodles of cartoony charm, and a twist ending.
Kids might also like: Scott Campbell’s Hug Machine, starring another exuberant hugger. |
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| Slug Needs a Hug by Jeanne Willis; illustrated by Tony RossStarring: Sluggy, who longs for a hug from his mom and wonders: “Is she never snuggly because I am so ugly?”
What happens: Sluggy asks several other animals how he can look more huggable, but when he follows their advice, the results are delightfully ridiculous.
Why kids might like it: goofy, giggle-inducing rhymes and a reassuring conclusion.
Digital formats: available as an ebook on OverDrive and hoopla. |
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| Hedgehugs by Steve Wilson; illustrated by Lucy TapperWhat it’s about: Although hedgehog BFFs Horace and Hattie love doing activities together -- making daisy chains, having tea parties, jumping in puddles -- they’re too prickly to share a hug.
Why kids might like it: Kids can follow these cute characters though their seasonal (and comical) attempts to soften their spikes, all the way to the surprising solution.
Series alert: This 1st volume in the Hedgehugs series is followed by Hedgehugs and the Hattiepillar and Hedgehugs: Autumn Hide-and-Squeak. |
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We're more than just books!
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Little Pim
A language-learning resource for kids and babies that uses videos and other tools to help them learn a new language in a way they can enjoy and understand. Available for free with your library card!
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