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Picture Books November 2018
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| The Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon AgeeStarring: a knight who's certain that the brick wall dividing this book is all that protects him from the (supposedly) vicious beasts and (probably) dangerous ogre on the other side.
What happens: Chunky, soft-hued illustrations allow readers to see that the knight's real peril isn't his across-the-wall neighbors, but his own limited perspective.
Read it for: sly visual humor and an evergreen message of inclusion. |
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Good Morning, Neighbor
by Davide Cal
What it's about: From a mouse's simple request for an egg to make an omelet, animal neighbors donate ingredients to make and share a delicious cake
Read it for: the gentle themes of teamwork, sharing, and neighborly friendship. It's worth a warning that readers will come away from this story with an urge to bake.
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| Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña; illustrated by Christian RobinsonWhat it's about: On her 7th birthday, Carmela finds a fluffy white dandelion, just right for wishing. But what should she wish for?
Art alert: Carmela's imagined wishes appear in a papel picado style, adding a culturally distinct note to the mixed-media illustrations that lovingly depict her neighborhood.
Reviewers say: This lively and hopeful book offers "another near-perfect slice of life" (Kirkus Reviews) from the award-winning creators of Last Stop on Market Street. |
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Good Rosie!
by Kate DiCamillo
What it's about: When Rosie's owner takes her to the dog park, two dogs bound over and want to play, but she doesn't know what to do to make friends with them.
Author alert: Kate DiCamillo is no stranger to animal stories. Be sure to check out her "Mercy Watson" series.
What the reviewers say: "With humor and heart, this easy, inviting volume offers an empowering message to little ones nervous about making new friends" (Booklist Review).
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| Pearl by Molly IdleWhat it's about: Though pink-finned mermaid Pearl longs for a big, important job, her mother asks her to look after a tiny grain of sand.
Read it for: soft, swirling, jewel-toned illustrations, plus an ending that reminds readers that "the smallest of things can make a great difference."
Who it's for: mermaid fans of all ages, as well as kids who love author/illustrator Molly Idle's Flora books. |
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| Thank You, Omu! by Oge MoraWhat it's about: When Omu cooks her thick red stew, the mouth-watering aroma draws all the neighbors to her door. Everyone gets a steaming bowlful...except for Omu herself.
Why kids might like it: they'll be reassured by the cheery, textured collage art, as well as the heartwarming way in which Omu's neighbors return her kindness.
Try this next: For further stories about communities sharing food, try Gaetan Doremus' Empty Fridge or Atinuke's Baby Goes to Market. |
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Under the Same Sky
by Britta Teckentrup
What it's about: Beginning with "We live under the same sky...in lands near and far./We live under the same sky.../wherever we are," this lyrical tale carries the message of unity, beautifully illustrated by assorted animals from around the world.
Author alert: For another dreamy, lyrical tale, check out Teckentrup's Before I Wake Up....
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The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson; illustrated by Rafael López
What it's about: four new classmates who each feel uncertain, left out, or singled out… but who discover that when you share your story, "the world opens itself up a little wider to make some space for you."
Read it for: an empowering message of inclusiveness paired with expressive, brilliantly colored illustrations.
Did you know? Celebrated author Jacqueline Woodson is the current U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.
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Hansel & Gretel
by Bethan Woollvin
What it's about: Practicing strictly good magic in her deep-forest gingerbread home, Willow the witch meets two very rude children, Hansel and Gretel, who test her patience by scattering messy breadcrumb trails, eating sections of her house and wreaking havoc with her spell books.
Who it's for: readers who enjoy a new twist on classic fairy tales.
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| One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom; illustrated by Brendan WenzelWhat it's about: In the leafy shadows of a eucalyptus tree, a little boy is gobbled up whole by a giant yellow snake. Yikes! But it's not the end for the resourceful boy, who encourages the greedy snake to eat more...and more...
Read it for: rhythmic wordplay, big, busy illustrations, and a satisfying conclusion. For fans of: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly -- either the traditional song or Simms Taback's modern classic picture book. |
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| Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari; illustrated by Patrice BartonStarring: Moose, an exuberant dog who looooves "hello."
What happens: In search of more hellos, Moose keeps following her human friend Zara into school -- and every time she does, it takes more and more people to convince her to say goodbye. Luckily, Zara's got a solution that works for everyone.
Who it's for: animal lovers, as well as anyone in search of a heartwarming story with a diverse cast of characters. |
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Tiptoe Joe
by Ginger Foglesong Gibson
What it's about: A bear invites all of his animal friends to follow him through the trees, on tiptoe, to see a special surprise.
Want a taste: "Tiptoe fast, / tiptoe slow. / Say hello to Tiptoe Joe." Big bear Tiptoe Joe sneaks through the forest in his red high-top sneakers. Why so quiet? "Donkey, Donkey come with me. / I know something you should see."
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| It Is Not Time for Sleeping (A Bedtime Story) by Lisa Graff; illustrated by Lauren CastilloWhat it is: the elaborate bedtime routine of one reluctant kid, with each step building on the next.
Want a taste? "When dinner is over and the dishes are scrubbed and I’m squeaky-squeak clean and zipped up to my chin and my teeth are shiny and I’ve said good night to Jasper...I climb into bed."
Art alert: Crayon-like lines bring a cozy solidity to this gentle, upbeat bedtime story. |
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| And Two Boys Booed by Judith Viorst; illustrated by Sophie BlackallWhat it's about: Although he begins each page by saying, "On the morning of the talent show, I was ready to sing my song," the narrator of this picture book gets more and more anxious as he watches his classmates perform and counts down to his own moment in the spotlight.
Art alert: Once the cumulative countdown is done, clever interactive illustrations provide readers with a peek into the boy's on-stage confusion, as well as his eventual confidence. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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Morton Grove Public Library 6140 Lincoln Ave Morton Grove, Illinois 60053 (847) 965-4220www.mgpl.org/ |
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