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Picture BooksNovember 2015
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"I was a dancer just like you, a dreaming shooting star of a girl with work and worlds ahead." ~ from Misty Copeland's Firebird
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| Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer; illustrated by Oliver JeffersWhenever a lonely child wishes for an imaginary friend, Fred appears. Though they always play -- some nicely, some not -- for awhile, each child eventually finds real friends and leaves Fred behind. But Fred's latest pal, Sam, is different; he likes acting and music and comic books, just like Fred. Could Sam be the forever friend Fred's been waiting for? Whimsical and minimally colored, this book from popular creators Eoin Colfer and Oliver Jeffers will resonate with readers (young and old) who know that keeping friends is just as important as making them. For another eager soul in search of a companion, try Mac Barnett's Leo. |
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| Little Tree by Loren LongLittle Tree loves his leaves so much that doesn't want to drop them in the autumn. Why should he? He's happy as he is. Ignoring the advice of the woodland creatures, Little Tree holds tight for season after season…until he realizes that the other trees have grown tall without him. Can he find the courage to let go? Loren Long's clean-lined illustrations are uncluttered yet eye-catching; paired with the simple text, they create an "understated and inviting" (Booklist) tone that children won't be able to resist. Those looking for a similar story with a very different style of illustration may also enjoy Carin Berger's The Little Yellow Leaf. |
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| Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds; illustrated by Matt DaviesUnlike the "cool" birdies with their glossy plumage and hunting skills, Nerdy Birdy is scrawny, bespectacled, and into playing World of Wormcraft. Rejected by the cool birdies, Nerdy Birdy is happy to find a crowd of like-minded avian geeks who welcome him with open wings: "There's always room for another nerdy birdy." Yet when Nerdy Birdy reaches out to lonely, awkward Vulture, his new friends balk, forcing Nerdy Birdy to make a tough choice. Laced with pop-culture references and illustrated with exaggerated cartoons, this modern fable about inclusive friendship will please adults and kids alike. |
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| Lenny & Lucy by Philip C. Stead; illustrated by Erin E. Stead"I think this is a terrible idea," declares Peter, who is uneasy about his family's new house. Convinced the nearby woods are filled with dark and ominous things, Peter uses cushions, leaves, and string to build two guardians: Lenny and Lucy. Their squishy patchwork presence comforts Peter, and soon they're joined by Millie, the neighbor girl who shares not only her binoculars, but also her belief that watching the woods can be fun instead of scary. Though readers may initially feel chilled by the gray, austere color palette of Lenny & Lucy's illustrations, they'll warm up right along with Peter and his colorful new friends. |
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| The Whisper by Pamela ZagarenskiAn enchanted storybook, a whispering fox, and a girl with a dazzling imagination are the main ingredients in this wild and whimsical read. Disappointed that the magical book she borrowed from her teacher contains only pictures, a little girl (prompted by a mischievous fox) composes her own stories to accompany the book's lavishly surreal illustrations. But for each captivating mixed-media spread, she provides only the beginning of a tale, subtly encouraging children to make up endings of their own. Recurring images and hints of familiar folklore help to draw readers deeper into this unusual and unforgettable book. |
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| Giant Dance Party by Betsy Bird; illustrated by Brandon DormanBallet, tap, jazz, tango, Scottish Highland dancing…Lexy has tried it all. She adores dancing, but every time a recital rolls around, she freezes up with stage fright. Deciding to bypass the spotlight by becoming a dance instructor, Lexy finds some unlikely students: five blue, furry, exuberant giants! Though they're surprisingly light on their fuzzy feet, these giants aren't immune to stage fright, and when they freeze up during their first recital, Lexy has to find a way to help. Candy-colored artwork and an upbeat tone make this debut picture book (from popular blogger Betsy Bird) a readaloud winner. |
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| Firebird: Ballerina Misty Copeland Shows a Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebird by Misty Copeland; illustrated by Christopher MyersIn Firebird, American ballerina Misty Copeland proves that she's "as graceful with words as she is with her body" (Horn Book). When a disheartened young ballet student worries that she'll never make it as a dancer, Copeland levels with her: "Don't you know, you're just where I started." Copeland guides the girl through her signature role from The Firebird, and as they strive and soar through the glowing colors of Christopher Myers' dramatic collage art, they embody a clear message of hope: "Even birds must learn to fly." For a more historical look at an African American ballerina encouraging a young dancer, pick up Kristy Dempsey's A Dance Like Starlight. |
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| Dancing Feet! by Lindsey Craig; illustrated by Marc BrownThis cheerful, rollicking book incorporates a guessing game into snappy rhymes that make it a great read-aloud. Tiny footprints and a partial view of a critter appear with the opening words "Tippity! Tippity! Little black feet! Who is dancing to that tippity beat?"; the next page answers the question with a bevy of dancing ladybugs. The pattern repeats with a number of different animals and finally with children, who imitate each creature's steps. Illustrator Marc Brown's high-contrast cut-paper collages, more reminiscent of Eric Carle's work than of his own Arthur books, are full of fun and energy. Everybody dance! |
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| Kitchen Dance by Maurie J. ManningIn this "winning tribute to happy feet and happy families" (Publishers Weekly), two sleepy children sneak out of their beds when they hear kitchen sounds downstairs. Peeking in, the brother and sister watch as their parents turn the chore of cleaning up the kitchen into a joyful dance. Papa croons “¡Cómo te quiero! Oh, how I love you" to Mama, and soon she and Papa are cutting a rug. When Mama notices the children watching, she and Papa call them in -- and it's a whole-family dance party! |
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| I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield-Morrison; illustrated by Frank MorrisonIt's a sunny day in the city, and as one little girl walks to the park with her mom, she feels rhythm all around her…and she's not afraid to let it show: "I shook a rhythm with my hips. SHAKE SHAKE. I felt the rhythm with my knees. KNOCK KNOCK." Her exuberance is infectious, and soon the park is transformed into an impromptu dance party, complete with marching band. Joy radiates from the vivid, exaggerated illustrations, while the rousing words (just right for reading aloud) encourage kids to do some stomping, bopping, and hopping of their own.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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574-936-2324, 201 N. Center St, Plymouth, IN 46563
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