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"Well-behaved women seldom make history." ~ Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, American historian and author
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New and Recently Released!
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| Dream Dog by Lou Berger; illustrated by David CatrowDad's allergies aren't necessarily a deal-breaker when it comes to Harry's longing for a pet dog -- all Harry needs to do is put on his X-35 Infra-Rocket Imagination Helmet, and his dream dog appears. No one but Harry can see Waffle (who appears to be made from giant, fluffy clouds), but that doesn't stop boy and dog from forging a close friendship. Yet when Harry's dad (whose allergies have improved) brings home a real dog, Harry's loyalty is challenged. Whimsical, "distinctively idiosyncratic" (Booklist) artwork heightens the joyous tone of this imaginative picture book. Readers who are themselves allergic to dogs might enjoy Linda Joy Singleton's Snow Dog, Sand Dog. |
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| It Wasn't Me by Oliver JeffersAfter embracing sartorial individuality in The New Sweater, the round, nearly-identical Hueys are back, and they're not getting along very well. A simple discussion about a buzzing fly escalates into a highly visual argument: the faces of the fighting Hueys become increasingly distressed, their speech bubbles growing chaotic and scribbly, until a Huey named Gillespie approaches and innocently asks them WHY they're fighting. Chagrined, the Hueys stand in silence -- they can't remember. As it turns out, the problem that started the argument has resolved itself: "Want to see a dead fly?" asks Gillespie with morbid, childlike glee. The Hueys all respond enthusiastically, and harmony is restored.
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| Little Poems for Tiny Ears by Lin Oliver; illustrated by Tomie dePaolaTailored specifically for the developing minds of babies and toddlers, this "tenderly crafted collection" (Kirkus Reviews) features a diverse cast of cheerful, round-faced tots (illustrated in Tomie dePaola's signature warm and homey style) narrating short poems about their experiences. Familiar occurrences like counting, sneezing, making a mess in a kitchen drawer, being sniffed by a dog, or purposefully dropping food from a high chair all become entertaining through Lin Oliver's simple, charming verse. If your little one can't get enough poetry, you might also enjoy Jane Yolen's Wee Rhymes: Baby's First Poetry Book and Mem Fox's Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.
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| Under the Same Sun by Sharon Robinson; illustrated by A.G. FordFor her 85th birthday, Grandmother Bibi travels from America to Tanzania to reunite with her large, loving family. Readers will pick up some of the language and culture of this East African country as the family shops at a local market, goes on a wildlife safari through the beautiful Serengeti, and learns the heartbreaking history of a town that used to be a slave-trading post. Older children especially will appreciate this richly illustrated, cross-cultural read, and will want to explore the final pages of further information, which include a Swahili glossary and a mouthwatering photographic guide to preparing a Tanzanian meal. |
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| EIEIO: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm With a Little Help from a Hen by Judy Sierra; illustrated by Matthew MyersIn this lighthearted mash-up of two familiar children's stories, Old MacDonald isn't a farmer -- he's just a guy who's tired of mowing his lawn. When a goat fails to keep the grass cropped, MacDonald buys a chicken…but not just any chicken. Nope, this is the Little Red Hen, "the smartest hen in history," and she's got big plans for turning Old MacDonald's yard into a sustainable suburban farm. But will the neighbors put up with a muddy, noisy, stinky farm next door? Check out this visually exaggerated but slyly funny read-aloud to find out. |
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March is Women's History Month in the U.S., and the picture book biographies on this list will introduce young children to the fascinating stories of real-life women who dared to challenge the status quo.
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| Mermaid Queen: The Spectacular True Story of Annette Kellerman, Who Swam Her Way... by Shana Corey; illustrated by Edwin FotheringhamThis exuberant book is a fitting tribute to Annette Kellerman, the daring young Australian who invented both water ballet and the modern women's swimsuit. In the early 1900s there were few female athletes, and ladies wore heavy, ridiculously restrictive ensembles for a day at the beach. But Annette, who was passionate about the health benefits of swimming, never gave up promoting her sport to women -- even after being arrested on a Boston beach for wearing a streamlined racing suit. Illustrated with great verve and candy-bright colors, Mermaid Queen (like its subject) makes a big splash! |
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| Women Daredevils: Thrills, Chills, and Frills by Julie Cummins; illustrated by Cheryl HarnessFans of extreme sports may be surprised to learn that flirting with disaster isn't a new pastime, and that many of the thrill-seekers of the late-18th and early-19th centuries were women. Imagine yourself inside a circus tent, gasping in awe as you watch 16-year-old bareback rider May Wirth do a backward somersault from the back of one galloping horse to another. Or imagine barely being able to watch as Mademoiselle d'Zizi jumps her bicycle off a ramp and over six elephants! These short, true stories about 13 fearless women will make you feel as if you are witnessing their derring-do firsthand. |
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| Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel; illustrated by Melissa SweetAmong the downtrodden female garment workers in New York in the early 1900s, an unlikely heroine arose. Though she was small, poor, and spoke very little English, young Clara Lemlich nonetheless led the "largest walkout of women workers in U.S. history." Despite fierce opposition, Clara's perseverance helped many of her fellow workers win the right to unionize. Brave Girl is best suited for older picture book readers, who will not only be impressed by Clara's powerful (and sometimes scary) story, but will also want to pore over the artwork by award-winning illustrator Melissa Sweet, who incorporates fabric, stitches, time cards, and sewing-pattern paper into her astonishing, textured-looking collages. |
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| Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli; illustrated by Kadir NelsonSimilar in structure and cadence to a folktale, this introduction to environmental activist Wangari Muta Maathai -- winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize -- gives its audience an inkling of Maathai's importance to her Kenyan homeland. In this much-simplified version of her life story, women from all over Kenya come to ask "the wise Wangari" for advice, and Wangari (who founded Kenya's Green Belt Movement) tells them what sorts of trees to plant to solve each particular problem. "Vibrant collage artwork" (Booklist), created using oil paints and printed fabrics, depicts Kenya's people and landscapes with colorful grandeur. For a look at a very different woman who left an equally green legacy, try The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins. |
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| Harlem's Little Blackbird by Renee Watson; illustrated by Christian RobinsonAlthough she was a singing and dancing star in the early days of jazz music, there are no recordings of Florence Mills' performances; this bold, striking picture book biography shines a spotlight on her trailblazing (yet often overlooked) life and career. Born the daughter of former slaves, Florence became known not only for her on-stage presence, but also for her generosity and her opposition to the widespread discrimination against African Americans. Author Renee Watson uses lyrics from Florence's songs to show to readers how she used her voice "for more than entertainment," while stylized illustrations provide a "jazzy, geometric and lively" (Kirkus Reviews) portrayal of the Harlem Renaissance. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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