|
Picture Books November 2020
|
|
|
|
|
A Way With Wild Things by Larissa TheuleWhat it is about: Preferring the company of fascinating insects to people, science-loving Poppy tries to blend into the background at a family member’s 100th birthday party, before a dragonfly draws her out by landing on the birthday cake. What is special: This poetic and evocative story celebrates the shy and introverted kids among us.
|
|
|
Grandma's Gardens by Hillary Rodham ClintonWhat it is about: The former First Lady and her daughter recount the special outdoor times they shared with Grandma Dorothy, who taught them that gardens are magical places of learning and discovery where families and friends can gather for stories and special occasions. What is special: Mother and Daughter authors team up to show readers how sharing the things we love with the people we love can create powerful, everlasting bonds between generationsl
|
|
|
In My Heart by Mackenzie PorterWhat it is about: A working mother reassures her child of their bond before leaving for the day, in a lyrical story that reminds readers that they are always in their mother’s heart and mind, even while apart. What is special: Colorful illustrations depict Mother and Child's day, and the connection shared despite not being together.
|
|
|
Unbeatable Betty : The First Female Olympic Track & Field Gold Medalist
by Allison Crotzer Kimmel
What it is about: A picture-book biography of the first woman gold medalist in track and field describes how after winning the 1928 Olympics, Betty Robinson survived a plane crash and disabling injuries that she overcame to win the gold medal again during the 1936 Olympics. 30,000 first printing. Illustrations.
What is special: During a time when women weren't supposed to be athletes, Betty proved women could compete, and win. She proved that it takes more than talent to become and stay a champion.
|
|
|
Ducks!
by Deborah Underwood
What it is about: When a small duck wanders away from a pond, it gets separated from the rest of the ducks and searches everywhere to find its companions.
What is special: Spare storytelling and lots of visual jokes, this book is a sweet celebration of family.
|
|
| The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes; illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-NewtonWhat it is: a buoyant slice-of-life story in which a kindergartner’s first day of school gets the royal treatment.
What happens: Kids can follow one confident boy as he wakes up, the sun behind his head “like a crown,” and rides “a big yellow carriage” to the “grand fortress” of his school, where he learns about shapes, letters, numbers, and making new friends.
Who it’s for: anxious kindergartners in need of encouragement. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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.
|
|
| 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. |
|
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
|
|
|
|
|
|