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| Our Dragon by Mem Fox; illustrated by Linda DavickWhat it's about: After two human parents welcome an adorable, fire-breathing baby dragon, they discover that even the sweetest little one can cause unexpected accidents.
Who it's for: families who will relish an off-the-wall spin on the chaotic aspects of life with a new baby.
Art alert: Boldly colored digital art pops against crisp white backgrounds, allowing kids to focus on the little dragon's expressions -- as well as the comical bursts of flame.
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A dupatta is...
by Marzieh Abbas
What it's about: This vibrant picture book celebrates the dupatta, a traditional shawl worn in South Asian culture, which is fun, functional, and carries the sounds and smells of family and identity.
Reviewers say: "This book exquisitely represents the legacy that is the dupatta through imagery and descriptive text for a beautiful lesson in culture."
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A unicorn, a dinosaur, and a shark walk into a book
by Jonathan Fenske
What it is: Insisting they are in the best book EVER, the narrator must convince a less-than-impressed unicorn, dinosaur and shark to stay within its pages instead of just passing through.
Read it for: a funny, absurd picture book with appealing artwork and fan-favorite creatures.
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I am not an octopus
by Eoin McLaughlin
What it's about: Afraid of the water, Terry, who is definitely NOT an octopus but has a few extra limbs and a love of canned tuna, decides it's finally time to face his fears and embrace who he really is.
About the author: Eoin McLaughlin is a picture book author whose books include The Hug, illustrated by Polly Dunbar, and Secret Agent Elephant, illustrated by Ross Collins. When he is not writing for children, Eoin McLaughlin works as a television copywriter. Born in Ireland, he has lived in Amsterdam and New York and now lives in London with his family.
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| Tap! Tap! Tap! Dance! Dance! Dance! by Hervé TulletWhat it is: This book is hands-on -- literally. Using primary-colored art and low-tech interactivity, Tap! Tap! Tap! shows kids how to create a symphony of motion with just their fingers.
How it's told: through instructions to theatrically tap, wiggle, circle, swoop, and slide your fingers in a performance that uses the book as a stage.
For fans of: creator Hervé Tullet's earlier books Press Here and Mix It Up. |
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Deinonychus goes hunting
by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia
What it's about: In this adventure, follow a curious deinonychus as she leaves her hunting group to explore the Jurassic world and find her next meal. Ready or not, here we go!
Read it for: A story time adventure that teaches kids exciting facts about dinosaurs.
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| The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Jon KlassenWhat it is: a silly, mischievous retelling of the familiar fairy tale from popular picture book collaborators Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen (Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, Extra Yarn).
Why kids might like it: Witty wordplay, goofy grossness (the troll longs for tasty goat after subsisting on belly button goop), and striking illustrations make this a winning choice for sharing aloud, either one-on-one or with a crowd.
Book buzz: Jon Klassen's quietly macabre latest, The Skull, arrives in July. |
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| Walter Had a Best Friend by Deborah Underwood; illustrated by Sergio RuzzierStarring: Walter, a mouse who feels angry and heartbroken when his once-close friendship with BFF Xavier, a duck, dwindles after Xavier makes a new best friend.
Why it stands out: Walter takes some "sad quiet" time before finding a new friend of his own, affirming for readers (of any age) the importance of processing feelings. |
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| Beautiful You, Beautiful Me by Tasha Spillett-Sumner; illustrated by Salini PereraWhat it's about: While cuddling with her mama, Izzy begins to worry about how their physical appearances don't "match." Mama, however, is quick to assure Izzy that they don't need to look alike to belong together.
The refrain: "You're part of me, and I'm part of you. I'm beautiful like me, and you're beautiful like you."
Who it's for: families of all kinds, especially those seeking to celebrate differences and emphasize belonging.
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| Dark on Light by Dianne White; illustrated by Felicita SalaWhat it's about: Soothing, lyrical words invite readers into a nighttime walk through the countryside. Three children with flashlights thoughtfully observe sights, sounds, scents, and many animals -- including the family dog they've been searching for.
Art alert: Twilight colors play with light and shadow in the sweeping, atmospheric illustrations.
Kids might also like: Blue on Blue and Green on Green, author Dianne White's previous explorations of nature's moods. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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