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| In Every Life by Marla FrazeeWhat it is: a lyrical, color-suffused album of moments in which we can experience mindfulness and gratitude.
Want a taste? "In every birth, blessed is the wonder. In every smile, blessed is the light. In every hope, blessed is the doing. In every love, blessed are the tears."
Who it's for: While creator Marla Frazee based this book on a Jewish baby-naming blessing, its warmth and sense of promise is accessible to kids and families of all kinds. |
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| Sometimes It's Nice to Be Alone by Amy Hest; illustrated by Philip C. SteadWhat it is: an ode to introversion in which a glasses-wearing child enjoys the simple pleasure of being alone with her own imagination.
How it's told: in vignettes, each one depicting the child's solo activities -- turning somersaults, crunching leaves, eating a snack -- followed by her imagined version, in which her animal toys become life-size and join in.
Who it's for: kids who love imaginative play, and anyone who enjoys whimsical artwork. |
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| Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin and Kate MessnerWhat it's about: Feeling cranky and cooped up due to bad weather, Alice opens a book and is drawn into a wonder-filled journey across the far-flung locations in its pages.
Look for: the pattern on Alice's dress, which constantly changes to suit her environment; and the little rabbit who accompanies her from place to place.
For fans of: the fantastical atmosphere and vibrant, immersive illustrations in Aaron Becker's Journey trilogy. |
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| Good Morning, Good Night by Anita LobelWhat it's about: From morning to evening, a family explores their city, taking time to "look and see" everywhere they go.
Who it's for: Visually oriented kids who enjoy poring over pictures will savor the detail-rich art, rife with contrasts -- high and low, big and small, young and old -- for them to seek and find. |
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| Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho; illustrated by Dung HoWhat it's about: After a friend makes him feel insecure about the shape of his eyes, a Chinese American boy finds comfort in seeing how his eyes can hold not only starshine or sunlight, but also a cherished resemblance to his grandfather, dad, and little brother.
Art alert: Sweeping illustrations of the cosmos are balanced by cozy, down-to-Earth family moments.
Try this next: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, a similarly affirming picture book from the same creative team. |
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| Hot Dog by Doug SalatiWhat it's about: When a summer's day in the city gets too hot and claustrophobic, the titular dachshund and his human travel to a breezy, beachy island where "a pup can run."
Why kids might like it: Spare yet vivid text allows the illustrations to shine, and kids will be drawn in by the evocative atmosphere and the winsome dog's expressive body language.
Award buzz: Hot Dog is the winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal.
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| Sir Ladybug by Corey R. TaborWhat it's about: Despite his sword, round Sir Ladybug is gentle soul. When he and his friends Pell (a roly-poly) and Sterling (a snail) set out to save a caterpillar in peril, the knight saves the day not with fighting, but with clever creativity.
Series alert: Sir Ladybug's quests continue in Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee and Sir Ladybug and the Bookworms.
Kids might also like: Katherine Battersby's Cranky Chicken, another playfully absurd graphic novel early reader. |
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| Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall; illustrated by Yas ImamuraWhat it's about: The "uncomfortable and unjust" environment of Minidoka, a Japanese American internment camp, is an unorthodox setting for a love story. But that's exactly what unfolds between volunteer librarian Tama and avid book-borrower George.
Read it for: a moving true story (inspired by the author's grandparents) and an age-appropriate example of hope amidst terrible circumstances.
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| Big Truck Little Island by Chris Van DusenWhat it's about: When a huge tractor trailer gets stuck on a twisting, narrow road across a tiny island, no cars can get past in either direction. While the adults in the cars "stew and steam," the kids come up with an elegant solution.
Read it for: snappy rhymes, cool vehicles, arresting illustrations of the idyllic island, and a sweet tale of cooperation.
Did you know? This book is based on a true story. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Eagle Valley Library District
600 Broadway St.
P.O. Box 240
Eagle, Colorado 81631
970-328-8800www.evld.org |
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