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Picture BooksFebruary 2015
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"He was lost in the sound and the sound gave him the feeling of magic." ~ from Matt de la Peña’s Last Stop on Market Street
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New and Recently Released!
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| When Otis Courted Mama by Kathi Appelt; illustrated by Jill McElmurryThough his Mama and Daddy live in different parts of the desert, coyote pup Cardell feels at home with both of them. He likes his life just the way it is. So when new neighbor Otis shows up with a bouquet for Mama, Cardell's fur bristles. Looks like it'll be a challenge for kind-hearted Otis to win both Mama's heart and Cardell's respect. Kathi Appelt's folksy writing exudes homespun charm, as does Jill McElmurry's expressive artwork, which is rendered in an eye-catching Southwestern palette. When Otis Courted Mama will resonate with kids who are adjusting to family changes, as well as with anyone who enjoys a good yarn. |
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| Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña; illustrated by Christian RobinsonEvery Sunday after church, CJ and his Nana hop on the city bus. This Sunday, however, CJ is full of complaints: Why do they have to wait in the rain? Why don't they have a car? Nana's wise responses -- as well as some creativity from the diverse bus passengers -- encourage CJ to be "a better witness to what's beautiful," while their ultimate destination highlights the importance of community ties. Those who enjoy the loving relationship, urban setting, and color-saturated illustrations in this "textual and artistic tour de force" (Kirkus Reviews) may also appreciate Lauren Castillo's Nana in the City or the classic picture books of Ezra Jack Keats. |
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| The Chimpanzee Children of Gombe: 50 Years with Jane Goodall at Gombe... by Jane Goodall; photographs by Michael NeugebauerGorgeous full-color photographs depict a day in the life of young children -- playing with a rattle, holding hands with a friend, snuggling with mom -- only in this case, the children happen to be chimps! In The Chimpanzee Children of Gombe, renowned primatologist Jane Goodall offers a kid-friendly glimpse of a chimp community, allowing children to make connections between their own families and the tender, playful relationships of chimpanzees. While older kids will relish the eye-opening facts, younger ones will pore over the close-up photos of chimps from Tanzania's Gombe National Park. To satisfy curiosity about Goodall herself, start with Jeanette Winter's picture book biography, The Watcher. |
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| First Snow by Peter McCartyWhile Pedro is visiting his cousins, he sees snow for the first time...and he's not impressed: "I don't think I will like it. Because it is cold. And I don't like cold." His exuberant cousins convince him to bundle up and join them outside, where their colorful coats make bright spots on the fluffy white landscape. As the others frolic in the drifts, making snow angels and catching snowflakes on their tongues, Pedro remains standoffish. But can his skepticism resist the thrilling allure of a sled ride? Find out in this joyful, easy-to-read "winter winner" (Booklist). |
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| Supertruck by Stephen SavageThe bespectacled garbage truck might not seem brave when compared to the city's other trucks. He doesn't fight fires, or repair power lines, or tow broken school buses; he only collects the trash. Then a surprise snowstorm blankets the city, and the garbage truck removes his glasses, dons a plow, and transforms into SUPERTRUCK! Fans of superheroes and trucks alike will be charmed by this humble hero as he works to clear the streets. The punchy colors and clean edges of Supertruck's illustrations are just as crisp and upbeat as the minimal text, which is sure to entice very young children as well as beginning readers. |
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African American Illustrators
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| My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood by Tameka Fryer Brown; illustrated by Shane EvansThis lively book matches moods with colors to portray a boisterous day in the life of a boy named Jamie. Listening to music puts Jamie in a chilled-out, "cold-plum eating" purple mood; teasing older brothers turn everything stormy gray; and a pick-up basketball game elicits a bouncy, "sweet orange" feeling. The rollicking free-verse poetry of the story blends seamlessly with the "free-wheeling" (Kirkus Reviews) collage illustrations, including a cozy family dinner scene which provides a satisfying close to Jamie's day. For another exploration of colors and emotions, check out My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss. |
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| Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd CooperAs Max hugs his Granpa goodbye in the moonlight, Granpa makes him a promise: "That ol' moon will always shine for you…on and on." On the winding road home, Max watches with wonder as the moon seems to follow him -- until storm clouds roll in, blocking out the sky. Max's disappointment is short-lived, though, and readers will share in his joy as the clouds clear and the moon shines through, reminding Max of Granpa's love. Lush, luminous illustrations and lyrical text combine to make Max and the Tag-Along Moon as warm and comforting as the relationship it depicts. |
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| When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop by Laban Carrick Hill; illustrated by Theodore Taylor IIIThis "effervescent celebration of the roots of hip-hop" (Kirkus Reviews) focuses on the early life of Kool Herc, the innovative DJ who jump-started hip hop in the 1970s and inspired generations of DJs, rappers, and break-dancers. From his childhood in Jamaica to the explosion of his dance parties in the Bronx, Herc's story unfolds through rhythm-infused writing and irresistible illustrations with touches of street-art style. Intrigued older readers can turn to the author's note and resources at the end for more information about the history and culture of hip hop. |
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| Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace by Jen Cullerton Johnson; illustrated by Sonia Lynn SadlerFrom her early life in a small village to her success as an activist and scientist, this richly poetic biography shares the story of Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai. Even kids who don't like school will appreciate the role of education in Maathai's life, while budding naturalists will be inspired by the Green Belt Movement she founded to improve both the natural and social environment in Kenya. Lush, bold illustrations in glowing natural hues provide the perfect imagery for such a dynamic life story. Want to learn more about this Nobel Peace Prize winner? Pick up Donna Jo Napoli's Mama Miti or (for older readers) Franck Prévot's Wangari Maathai. |
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| Beauty and the Beast: A Retelling by H. Chuku Lee; illustrated by Pat CummingsA West African setting adds fresh visual impact to this distinctively illustrated retelling of the classic fairy tale. Beauty herself narrates this version, adding intensity to the descriptions of her family, her captivity with the Beast, and the transformative power of love. Vibrant colors and intricate details in the hairstyles and fashions worn by Beauty and her sisters will please princess-obsessed children, while fairy tale fans will be captivated by the Beast's wondrous castle -- and, of course, the happy ending. For another princess tale set in Africa, try Rachel Isadora's The Princess and the Pea. |
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