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Picture Books February 2017
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| Wolf in the Snow by Matthew CordellAfter losing her way in a snowstorm, a parka-clad girl comes face-to-face with a tiny wolf cub. Rather than being scared, the girl immediately recognizes the wolf as a fellow lost soul. Scooping it out of the snow, she follows the sound of howling, determined to reunite the furry wanderer with its pack. Can the girl deliver the cub to safety and find her own way home as well? You'll have to read it find out! Wordless except for huffs, howls, and other sound effects, Wolf in the Snow will immerse young readers in its stylized snowscapes and invite them to share in a cozy, satisfying conclusion. |
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| Egg by Kevin HenkesPink, yellow, blue, and green, four candy-colored eggs wait on the cream-colored page. And then: CRACK! Pink, yellow, and blue, three chicks emerge -- but what about the green egg? Curiously, the new chicks peck away at the unhatched egg until the shell finally cracks, revealing…a crocodile?! The birds' uncertainty (and eventual acceptance) towards their reptile companion drives this minimal but carefully crafted story, illustrated in author/illustrator Kevin Henkes' distinctive ink-and-watercolor style. Those looking for a similar tale with a more humorous tone will enjoy Emily Gravett's The Odd Egg, while those who want another sweetly contemplative read may appreciate Waiting, also by Henkes.
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| A Greyhound, a Groundhog by Emily Jenkins; illustrated by Chris AppelhansThere aren't many words in this book, but you may still want to rehearse it a bit before sharing it with a child. Composed almost entirely of rhyming tongue-twisters, this charming look at the friendship between a dog and a groundhog can be dazzling when read aloud. Go ahead, try it as fast as you can: "A round hound, a grey dog, a round little hound dog…A greyhog, a ground dog, a hog little hound dog." Whew! The playful tone of the text is mirrored in the illustrations, which combine a soft watercolor palette with loose, lively brushstrokes, creating a captivating reading experience for adults and kids alike.
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| Let's Clap, Jump, Sing, and Shout; Dance, Spin, and Turn It Out! Games, Songs, and Stories... by Patricia C. McKissack; illustrated by Brian PinkneyAward-winning author Patricia McKissack draws on her own history, as well as extensive research, in this treasury of playtime activities from African American culture. Here you'll find songs, stories, poems, games, hand-claps, jump-rope rhymes, and even a collection of "Mama Sayings," each of them "bursting with energy tapped from joy and rich tradition" (Kirkus Reviews). As if that weren't tempting enough, attention-grabbing illustrations by Brian Pinkney add visual appeal to this interactive and educational volume, making it a versatile pick for families, libraries, or classrooms.
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North, south, east, west
by Margaret Wise Brown
A previously unpublished Margaret Wise Brown story, illustrated by a Geisel Award winner, follows the journey of a little bird who flies to the north, south, east and west before returning home again. 75,000 first printing.
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| Hug Machine by Scott CampbellWith his big eyes, striped shirt, and comically long arms, the human Hug Machine is an irresistible little guy -- both to readers and to the recipients of his embraces. Whether they need to be calmed down or cheered up, the Hug Machine is willing to hug anyone (including an unhappy baby, a spiky porcupine, and a giant whale) or anything (such as a rock, a mailbox, and an ice cream truck). But after a big day of hugging, the Hug Machine is tired…and ready to receive a loving squeeze from his mom. The Hug Machine's blend of sincerity and deadpan daffiness is perfect for cuddle-loving kids. |
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Plant a kiss
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
A Little Miss plants a kiss in the ground and watches it grow and spread in a lyrical tribute to the blossoming potential of love. Illustrated by the artist of the Judy Moody series. 50,000 first printing.
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Ten kisses for Sophie!
by Rosemary Wells
Practicing her counting skills while preparing for a party for Cousin Prunella, 2-year-old Sophie helps her mother make yummy treats for 10 guests and worries that everything will go wrong when a last-minute guest is announced. By the creator of the Max and Ruby series.
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| Hug Time by Patrick McDonnell"There once was a kitten so filled with love he wanted to give the whole world a hug." No small ambitions for big-hearted Jules the kitten! He's got a long, double-checked "Hug To-Do List," and he's ready to go. Starting with his best friends, Jules embarks on a worldwide mission to hug pandas, elephants, wombats, and more before heading back home for the most important embrace of all. You don't need to have read creator Patrick McDonnell's Mutts comics to appreciate this affectionate feline (though fans will spot some familiar characters); the cuddly theme and tiny size of Hug Time make it ideal for a one-on-one sharing with all kinds of kids. |
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| Dinosaur Kisses by David Ezra SteinBursting out of her egg with wide-eyed exuberance, yellow speckled baby dinosaur Dinah has a lot of love to give. She sees two smaller critters kissing and longs to give it a try, but each of her efforts at a gentle kiss turns into an overpowering STOMP, WHOMP, or CHOMP -- the latter involving the back end of a brontosaurus! Will Dinah ever find someone she can safely smooch? Kids will have to stick with Dinah throughout her goofy, giggle-worthy learning curve to find out. Pick up Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen's Tyrannosaurus Wrecks for another dinosaur-themed example of "preschool humor at its finest" (The Horn Book Magazine). |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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San Mateo Public Library 55 West 3rd Avenue San Mateo, California 94402 (650) 522-7802www.smplibrary.org |
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