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"YOU SHMACKLED MY SPOSSIP, you double-dirt bleebo!" ~ from Antoinette Portis' Best Frints in the Whole Universe
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| Lion Lessons by Jon AgeeThe lion lessons are advertised as "seven easy steps," but the lion-suit-clad boy in this picture book would beg to differ. From the very first step -- "Looking Fierce" -- he disappoints his instructor, an actual lion. The boy's poses aren't scary, his roar is pitiful, he'd rather eat spaghetti than gnu, and his pouncing is more adorable than ferocious. ("That's not very promising," remarks the lion.) But when it comes to the final step, "Looking Out for Your Friends," the trainee cub finally finds the motivation he needs to earn his Lion Diploma. Thick-lined illustrations underscore the straight-faced silliness of this offbeat read-aloud.
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| My Favorite Pet by Gus W. for Ms. Smolinski's Class by Jeanne Birdsall; illustrated by Harry BlissWhen Gus hands in his report about his "pet" sheep, his smile belies just how much havoc he caused while writing it. In Gus' childish handwriting, the report details basic facts, such as how sheep look funny with pajamas on their heads, or how female sheep are called ewes, but won't answer to "Hey Ewe." Gus then shares some words of caution: though sheep won't learn to skateboard, they will come inside the house if you let them. (And your parents won't believe the mess is your brother's fault.) Kids facing homework of their own will appreciate this "wooly stampede of guffaws" (Kirkus Reviews).
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| The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read by Curtis Manley; illustrated by Kate BerubeNick's cats, Verne and Stevenson, are his constant companions in all of his favorite summertime activities…except for one. Every time Nick cracks a book, Stevenson ignores him with a pointed scowl while Verne flops right down on the open pages. Undaunted, Nick decides to teach them to read. Loose-lined illustrations create a cozy backdrop for Nick's project, in which Verne proves to be a quick study while Stevenson steadfastly abstains. Can Nick find the right story to tempt such a sourpuss? Find out in this charming debut picture book packed with sly literary references and gentle humor.
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| The Not So Quiet Library by Zachariah OHoraDon't you hate it when a rampaging monster interrupts your visit to the library? Oskar and Theodore certainly do. Their normal Saturday routine (doughnuts for breakfast, followed by reading on the library beanbags) is upended when a five-headed monster chomps noisily through the shelves, complaining that books aren't very tasty. Though Oskar and Theodore do their best to tame the book-hating beast, it looks like they might be next on the monster's menu. But at the last moment…well, we won't spoil the ending for you, but it's sure to resonate with young library adventurers, as well as anyone who appreciates offbeat reads. |
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| Best Frints in the Whole Universe by Antoinette PortisWelcome to Boborp, a vibrant planet where round, spindly-limbed residents Yelfred and Omek are best frints. Being frints means doing everything together: eating tentacles for yunch, playing kratch in the peedle pit, and sharing blurfday gifts. On Boborp, however, frints "have been known to use their teef and not their words," which is precisely what happens after Omek carelessly shmackles Yelfred's shiny new spossip. Can this fraught frintship be repaired? Kids who love goofy wordplay (or relish being able to "correct" an adult reader) will enjoy finding out. For another alien-themed vocabulary-stretcher, try Baloney (Henry P.) by Jon Scieszka. |
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Happy 75th, Curious George!
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2016 marks 75 years of H.A. Rey's Curious George. In honor of that little monkey and his enduring curiosity, check out these books about inquisitive, mischievous, and otherwise irrepressible characters.
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| The Mermaid and the Shoe by K.G. CampbellIt's hard having 49 sisters who are all more talented than you are. Minnow, one of Neptune's 50 mermaid daughters, isn't good at anything besides asking questions. No one ever seems to have answers for her, but Minnow can't help wondering: Where do bubbles go? Why don't crabs have fins? And what is this bizarre red object that sank down from the surface? Readers will recognize the object as a shoe, but Minnow must venture above the waves to learn about the astonishing existence of "landmaids," and to discover her own remarkable talent. Ethereal artwork and gentle humor distinguish this whimsical tale. |
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| The Troublemaker by Lauren CastilloWith his stuffed raccoon Rascal in tow, a wannabe pirate steals his sister's stuffed bunny and sends it sailing away on his toy boat. The bunny is drenched, and the boy gets in trouble. He's even blamed again after the bunny's second disappearance -- no fair! It's not until Rascal is stolen as well that the boy understands how it feels to miss a beloved toy. Though children will have no trouble spotting the real thief, they'll still want to see how this winsome story ends. Combining heavy lines with soft washes of color, Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo's illustrations are perfect for one-on-one reading or sharing with a group.
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| While You Were Napping by Jenny Offill; illustrated by Barry Blitt"COMING SOON! BIG FUN! STAY AWAKE!" That's what the skywriter spelled out, at least according to the big sister of a boy who just woke up from his nap. After the skywriting, claims big sis, came the bulldozers for digging up dinosaur bones, the robots handing out cotton candy, and the fireworks that even babies were allowed to set off. It was an amazing party, she assures her little bro -- and he was the only kid who napped through it. Though her devious (and side-splitting) teasing probably isn't the kind of behavior you'd like to encourage, this big sister's attitude will be familiar to siblings of all ages. |
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| Here Comes Destructosaurus! by Aaron Reynolds; illustrated by Jeremy TankardA toddler's tantrum turns him into a Godzilla-style monster in this clever, cartoony book from the author of Creepy Carrots. As the fire-breathing Destructosaurus lays waste to a city, the frustrated narrator scolds him for his outrageous behavior: "Stop throwing around buildings that don't belong to you." "Look with your eyes, not your claws." Why is Destructosaurus on the rampage? The answer might be simpler than it seems. Packed with gleeful mayhem and wry humor, this delightfully silly read will amuse children and adults alike -- which is good, because kids are sure to demand repeat readings. Destructosaurus devotees may also find a kindred spirit in David Shannon's No, David!. |
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| Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin; illustrated by Daniel SalmieriAs far as Raccoon is concerned, delicious, ooey-gooey pizza is the perfect food. If only broom-wielding humans weren't always chasing him away from it! With some help from the book's logic-impaired narrator, Raccoon embarks on a risky plot to get his paws on his favorite meal. Featuring zany artwork and delightfully droll humor, "this screwball of a story will leave readers hankering for a slice" (Kirkus Reviews). Kids who are hungry for more pizza stories may also enjoy Charlotte Voake's Pizza Kittens and Virgina Walter's "Hi, Pizza Man!" |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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