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black history

29 Black Picture Books for Black History Month, Or Any Month

Where did the month of January go?  I mean seriously.  We are currently just one day away from entering the month of February, Black History Month, can you believe it?  February is our 28-day time frame to shine and because this year is a leap year, we get a bonus day!  While I do believe Black History month should exist, I think the month of February should serve as the starting place for larger, year long discussions and explorations of acceptance and equality as well as African-American history and culture.

Being an African-American mom of two preschoolers, I always get a little annoyed when the one topic people seem to focus on the most when it comes to black history is slavery.  I don’t know about you, but I’m not teaching my children about slavery until they are old enough to understand and digest it.

I’ve often heard many parents, caregivers and educators say they find it difficult or intimidating to teach younger children about black history or choose books due to some of the sensitive topics and images from the past.  While I understand some events in our history are very painful (slavery, segregation, blatant discrimination and violence), there are several other topics and books that can be explored and discussed with children in a fun, lighthearted way.  I think it’s important for people to understand that Black history includes more than just slavery and the struggle for civil rights.

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There are so many wonderful picture books that feature black children as the main protagonists.  Here’s what I like to do with my kids when it comes to reading books during black history month (or any month):

  • Read about heroes and heroines from the past and present.  And I’m not just talking about Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Barack Obama, and Rosa Parks.  There are so many other people who have emerged as role models for all of our children.  I like to discuss the obstacles they overcame to make our lives better.  Not just for African-Americans, but for people of all races and colors.
  • Discuss and explore different items that African-American inventors have contributed to society.  This nation was not built alone by just one race of people.  Many of the things we use in every day life were invented by African-Americans.  For example: the cell phone, traffic light, the refrigerator, the zipper, the ironing board, peanut butter, and the list goes on!
  • Learn about the many “famous firsts” in African-American history.  I love to share stories of the individuals who were the “first” to accomplish a great feat – regardless of their race. During Black History Month (and every month), I try to make an effort to highlight African-Americans who’ve paved the way of us and helped to make our lives better.

Here are 29 picture book suggestions to explore.  Enjoy!

Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Fredrick Douglass by Dean Robbins
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Two friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, get together for tea and conversation. They recount their similar stories fighting to win rights for women and African Americans. The premise of this particular exchange between the two is based on a statue in their hometown of Rochester, New York, which shows the two friends having tea.

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville by Pat Zietlow Miller
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It’s the day before the big parade. Alta can only think about one thing: Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist. She’ll be riding on a float tomorrow. See, Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like Wilma once was.

Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford
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This poetic, nonfiction story about a little-known piece of African American history captures a human’s capacity to find hope and joy in difficult circumstances and demonstrates how New Orleans’ Congo Square was truly freedom’s heart.

Don’t Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table by Vanessa Newton
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Do you have a relative who seems to pray forever when they’re blessing the food? This hilarious book is about a group of family and friends gathering together for Sunday dinner at Auntie Mabel’s house. Before they begin to eat, Auntie Mabel has to bless the table. The only problem is she wants to bless everything from the yams, to the tables and chairs, to the President of the United States! Meanwhile, the food is getting cold and everyone just wants to eat. Will dinner ever be served? I’m sure most families have someone like Auntie Mabel who loves to bless the table, but doesn’t know when to stop.

Sewing Stories: Harriet Powers’ Journey from Slave to Artist by Barbara Herkert
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Harriet Powers learned to sew and quilt as a young slave girl on a Georgia plantation. She began making pictorial quilts, using each square to illustrate Bible stories and local legends. Harriet exhibited her quilts at local cotton fairs, and though she never traveled outside of Georgia, her quilts are now priceless examples of African-American folk art.

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford
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Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977.  Voice of Freedom celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength.

Before There Was Mozart by Lesa Cline-Ransome
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Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George was born on Christmas Day in 1739 on the tiny island of Guadeloupe in the West Indies. He soon became known as the most talented violin player and musician in France. During one of his performances, young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was in the audience. This was before Mozart was well-known. In the end, Joseph does indeed perform for the king and queen of France and is invited back on several occasions. In 2001, a street Rue du Chevalier de Saint-George was named in his honor. An awesome historical non-fiction book for children and music lovers.

She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story by Audrey Vernick
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Effa always loved baseball. As a young woman, she would go to Yankee Stadium to see Babe Ruth. Effa never dreamed she would someday own a baseball team, yet alone be the first and only woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. An inspirational story for girls and boys who love baseball.

Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America by Carole Boston Weatherford

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Gordon Parks is most famous for being the first black director in Hollywood. But before he made movies and wrote books, he was a poor African American looking for work. When he bought a camera, his life changed forever. He taught himself how to take pictures and before long, people noticed.

Molly, by Golly!: The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter by Dianne Ochiltree
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This legendary tale introduces young readers to Molly Williams, an African American cook for New York City’s Fire Company 11, who is considered to be the first known female firefighter in U.S. history.

Fly High!: The Story of Bessie Coleman by Louise Borden & Mary Kay Kroeger

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When Bessie Coleman was a child, she wanted to be in school — not in the cotton fields of Texas, helping her family earn money. She wanted to be somebody significant in the world. So Bessie did everything she could to learn under the most challenging of circumstances. At the end of every day in the fields she checked the foreman’s numbers — made sure his math was correct. And this was just the beginning of a life of hard work and dedication that really paid off: Bessie became the first African-American to earn a pilot’s license.

Oprah: The Little Speaker by Carole Boston Weatherford

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Here is the story of Oprah Winfrey’s childhood, a story about a little girl on a Mississippi pig farm who grew up to be the “Queen of Talk.” The host of the Emmy Award–winning Oprah Winfrey Show , she currently directs a media empire that includes television and movie productions, magazines, a book club, and radio shows. An author’s note is included.

Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat: Ella Fitzgerald by Roxane Orgil
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With lively prose, Roxane Orgill follows the gutsy Ella from school-girl days to a featured spot with Chick Webb’s band and all the way to her number-one radio hit “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.” Jazzy mixed-media art by illustrator Sean Qualls brings the singer’s indomitable spirit to life.


28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Charles R. Smith
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What a fantastic book!  Each day features a different influential figure in African-American history, from Crispus Attucks, the first man shot in the Boston Massacre, sparking the Revolutionary War, to Madame C. J. Walker, who after years of adversity became the wealthiest black woman in the country, as well as one of the wealthiest black Americans, to Barack Obama, the country’s first African-American president.

Granddaddy’s Turn by Michael S. Bandy

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Life on the farm with Granddaddy is full of hard work, but despite all the chores, Granddaddy always makes time for play, especially fishing trips. Even when there isn’t a bite to catch, he reminds young Michael that it takes patience to get what’s coming to you. One morning, when Granddaddy heads into town in his fancy suit, Michael knows that something very special must be happening?—?and sure enough, everyone is lined up at the town hall! For the very first time, Granddaddy is allowed to vote, and he couldn’t be more proud

I Am Michelle Obama the First Lady by Margina Graham Parker
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This historical children’s book is definitely a must-have and a must-read for both children and parents.  This book was given to me as a gift from my baby shower when I was pregnant with my daughter.  The illustrations throughout are absolutely beautiful – so vibrant and rich.   It’s so inspiring to read and learn about all the accomplishments the First Lady has achieved.  What a great book to illustrate to children that they can do anything – the sky is truly the limit!

Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews
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Hailing from the Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six, and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest.

Jeremy just wants” those shoes”. A pair of black high-tops with white stripes. The same pair of shoes all his other friends have. When Jeremy finally gets a pair of “those shoes” what he does with them is very touching. I’m convinced children’s books have the best messages! This book delivers powerful lessons on topics like: being grateful, sharing, kindness, friendship, and generosity.

I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont
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High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves–inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here’s a little girl who knows what really matters.  At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont’s joyous rhyming text and David Catrow’s wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful–and straight from the heart.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama
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Did you know President Barack Obama is also an author?  In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena
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Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.

I Have a Dream by Kadir Nelson
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Illustrator Kadir Nelson is extremely talented…I LOVE his work! This book contains snippets from the famous “I Have a Dream” speech as well as the speech in its entirety in the back of the book. The illustrations in this book are beyond amazing!

Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell and Christian Robinson
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Josephine Baker worked her way from the slums of St. Louis to the grandest stages in the world. Meticulously researched by both author and artist, Josephine’s powerful story of struggle and triumph is an inspiration and a spectacle, just like the legend herself.

Harlem’s Little Blackbird by Renee Watson
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Zora and Langston. Billie and Bessie. Eubie and Duke. If the Harlem Renaissance had a court, they were its kings and queens. But there were other, lesser known individuals whose contributions were just as impactful, such as Florence Mills. Born to parents who were former-slaves Florence knew early on that she loved to sing. And that people really responded to her sweet, bird-like voice.

Monster Trouble by Lane Fredrickson
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Nothing frightens Winifred Schnitzel—but she DOES need her sleep, and the neighborhood monsters WON’T let her be! Every night they sneak in, growling and belching and making a ruckus. Winifred constructs clever traps, but nothing stops these crafty creatures. What’s a girl to do?  The delightfully sweet ending will have every kid—and little monster—begging for an encore.

Lillian’s Right to Vote by Jonah Winter
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As Lillian, a one-hundred-year-old African American woman, makes a “long haul up a steep hill” to her polling place, she sees more than trees and sky—she sees her family’s history. She sees the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment and her great-grandfather voting for the first time. She sees her parents trying to register to vote. And she sees herself marching in a protest from Selma to Montgomery.

One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul
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Plastic bags are cheap and easy to use. But what happens when a bag breaks or is no longer needed? In Njau, Gambia, people simply dropped the bags and went on their way. One plastic bag became two. Then ten. Then a hundred.  The bags accumulated in ugly heaps alongside roads. Water pooled in them, bringing mosquitoes and disease. Some bags were burned, leaving behind a terrible smell. Some were buried, but they strangled gardens. They killed livestock that tried to eat them. Something had to change.  Isatou Ceesay was that change. She found a way to recycle the bags and transform her community. This inspirational true story shows how one person’s actions really can make a difference in our world.

When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop by Laban Carrick Hill

whenthebeatwasborn
From his childhood in Jamaica to his youth in the Bronx, Laban Carrick Hill’s book tells how Kool Herc came to be a DJ, how kids in gangs stopped fighting in order to break dance, and how the music he invented went on to define a culture and transform the world.

Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown
littlemelbaandherbigtrombone
Overcoming obstacles of race and gender, Melba went on to become a famed trombone player and arranger, spinning rhythms, harmonies, and melodies into gorgeous songs for all the jazz greats of the twentieth century: Randy Weston, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and Quincy Jones, to name just a few. Brimming with ebullience and the joy of making music, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone is a fitting tribute to a trailblazing musician and a great unsung hero of jazz.

BONUS BOOK!! (Released on February 1, 2016)

Don’t Call Me Grandma by Vaunda Michaeux Nelson
dontcallmegrandma
Great-grandmother Nell eats fish for breakfast, she doesn’t hug or kiss, and she does NOT want to be called grandma. Her great-granddaughter isn’t sure what to think about her. As she slowly learns more about Nell’s life and experiences, the girl finds ways to connect with her prickly great-grandmother

I believe Black History Month is about teachable moments, no matter how big or small.  But please, don’t just limit black history to a few short weeks during the month of February.  Instead, aim to make black history and culture a natural part of your children’s reading material throughout the year. I hope I’ve provided you with some book suggestions for children of all colors.  You don’t need a packaged curriculum or rigid adherence to school standards to craft a quality educational experience for children.  All you need is the desire to inspire, encourage, and educate.

Your turn:  What are your favorite Black children’s books to read?  Which ones would you add to the list?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Book Reviews

Drum Dream Girl: A Book Review #ReadYourWorld

Happy Multicultural Children’s Book Day!

I am so excited to be chosen as a Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCCBD) reviewer this year!

The book I was sent to review is Drum Dream Girl written by Margarita Engle and beautifully illustrated by Rafael Lopez.  Although I previously read this book with the kids before, I was delighted to receive a copy to add to our home library!

Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle
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This book is based on the true story of a young girl named Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban who broke down barriers for female drummers in Cuba in the 1930s.  Back in those days, there was an unwritten rule that stated girls cannot be drummers.  No one dared to question that rule – that is until little Millo came along.  She thought both boys and girls should be free to play the drums, but everyone else disagreed including her father.

Millo dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós.  She hoped her dream would some day come true, but until that day came, she kept on dreaming and practicing in secret on her own.  Millo’s father understood how much his daughter loves playing the drums, so one day he finds her a teacher who helps to perfect her drumming skills.  Finally, Millo is ready to play the drums in a cafe on the street to show that girls can play drums too.  It was during that performance that everyone decided that indeed both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream.

It was refreshing to revisit this book with the kids.  They really liked all the bold colors and illustrations and I loved the overall message which tells children to follow their dreams.  It was interesting to hear my daughter say, “Look Mommy, I can play the drums!” as she ran off and got her drum set right after I finished reading the book.  It’s amazing how far we’ve come from the 1930s when it was taboo for women and girls to have the freedom to do the things their hearts desired.

Extension Activities
There are lots of different extension activities you can do with kids after reading this book.  Below are two examples.

Have a Discussion

  • Talk about the idea that only boys should play drums.  Do you think it’s unfair or reasonable?
  • Talk about different things that people today think is only for boys or only for girls.

Make a Drum (or another musical instrument)!
Since the Chinese New Year is coming up, we decided to do a Chinese drum craft activity using paper plates.  It was fun!  We got the idea from Pinterest.

Here’s what we used:

  • Two paper plates (or bowls)
  • Paint (we used red and gold glitter paint)
  • Paintbrush
  • Glue gun (or stapler)
  • 1 craft stick
  • Yarn
  • Two buttons (you can also use jingle bells)

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Want to learn more about the Multicultural Children’s Book Day organization?
Our mission:  The MCCBD team’s mission to spread the word and raise awareness about the importance of diversity in children’s literature. Our young readers need to see themselves within the pages of a book and experience other cultures, languages, traditions and religions within the pages of a book. We encourage readers, parents, teachers, caregivers and librarians to follow along the fun book reviews, author visits, event details, a multicultural children’s book linky and via our hashtag (#ReadYourWorld) on Twitter and other social media.

The co-creators of this unique event are Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom and Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press. You can find a bio for Mia and Valarie here.

Platinum Sponsors: Story Quest Books.Wisdom Tales PressLil’ Libros

Gold Sponsors: Candlewick PressTori Nighthawk: Don’t Judge A Bird By its FeathersBharat Babies

Silver Sponsors:Lee & Low BooksChronicle BooksCapstone Young ReadersChina Institute.orgTuttle PublishingNY Media Works, LLC/KidLit TV

Bronze Sponsors: Jacqueline Woodson, Pomelo BooksPapa Lemon BooksGoosebottom Books LLCAuthor Gleeson Rebello, M.D .Shout Mouse PressMahvash ShaheghLiveOak Media

Our CoHosts
Multicultural Children’s Book Day has 12 amazing co-Hosts and you can view them here.

Classroom Reading Challenge: Help spread the word on our Classroom Reading Challenge . This very special offering from MCCBD offers teachers and classrooms the chance to (very easily) earn a free hardcover multicultural children’s book for their classroom library. These books are not only donated by the Junior Library Guild, but they are pre-screened and approved by them as well.

What we could really use some help with is spreading the word to your teacher/librarian/classroom connections so we can get them involved in this program. There is no cost to teachers and classrooms and we’ve made the whole process as simple as possible. You can help by tweeting the below info:

Teachers! Earn a FREE #Multicultural Kids Book for Your Classroom! #teachers, #books #teacherlife
http://ow.ly/UUy96

The Classroom Reading Challenge has begun! Teachers can earn a free diversity book! #teachers, #books
http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/?p=1796

Connect with MCCBD!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MulticulturalChildrensBookDay
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MCChildsBookDay
Official Hashtag:  #ReadYourWorld

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Your turn:  How will you be celebrating Multicultural Children’s Book Day with your little readers?  Feel free share in the comments.

Uncategorized

15+ Literary Events & Holidays You Should Know

Hooray for fun children’s and young adult literature events!   You can find them being celebrated from coast to coast all across the country and internationally as well.

I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time keep track of all those hard-to-remember literary dates.  You know, National Dictionary Day, Take Your Child to the Library Day, etc.  I think it’s great that there are so many opportunities to get involved and promote literacy, reading and books, but sometimes I find it hard to recall when they take place throughout the year.  That’s why I decided to write this blog post to use it as a reference for myself and others.

If you’re a literature lover like me, I hope you’ll appreciate having this list of dates handy to refer to throughout the year.  Enjoy!

January

National Letter Writing Week
The purpose of National Letter Writing Week is to encourage and foster the advancement of international understanding, better human relations, friendship, good will, and peace through a world fellowship of men and women of good will.

This year it will be celebrated on January 13 – January 19, 2019.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day
The mission of Multicultural Children’s Book Day is to not only raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity, but to get more of these of books into classrooms and libraries.

Children’s reading and play advocates Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book and Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom have teamed up to create an ambitious (and much needed) national event. On January 27th, 2014 Jump into a Book and Pragmatic Mom presented their very first Multicultural Children’s Book Day as a way of celebrating diversity in children’s books. The results and support overwhelming as authors, publishers, parents, teachers, bloggers and librarians joined forces to offer up an online event designed to shine the spotlight on diversity in children’s literature.

This year it will be celebrated on January 25, 2019.

February

Harry Potter Book Night (#HarryPotterBookNight) is back!  This year it will be celebrated on February 7, 2019.

Get ready to celebrate The Professors of Hogwarts on February 7th 2019 when once again, fans of all ages will have the chance to celebrate J.K. Rowling’s wonderful series – and pass the magic on to young readers who haven’t yet discovered these unforgettable books. 

Take Your Child to the Library Day
Take Your Child to the Library Day (TYCLD) is an international initiative that encourages families everywhere to take their children to their local library. Launched in 2011 in Connecticut by librarians Nadine Lipman (Waterford Public Library, retired) and Caitlin Augusta (Stratford Library) with artist Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, TYCLD raises community awareness about the importance of the library in the life of a child, and promotes library services and programs for children and families.

TYCLD is officially held on the first Saturday in February – but the date is flexible! TYCLD celebrations may take place on any date(s) in February – it’s up to your library.  This year it will be celebrated at many libraries on February 2, 2019.

International Book Giving Day
I recently wrote a blog post about this day.  Find out how I celebrated last year by clicking here.

International Book Giving Day takes place on February 14th each year (Valentine’s Day). The aim is to get books into the hands of as many children as possible.  International Book Giving Day is a 100% volunteer initiative aimed at increasing children’s access to and enthusiasm for books.

World Read Aloud Day
World Read Aloud Day motivates children, teens, and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words and creates a community of readers taking action to show the world that the right to literacy belongs to all people. World Read Aloud Day is celebrated by millions of people in more than 100 countries thanks to people like you who participate and spread the word across the globe!

This year it will be celebrated on February 1, 2019.

March

Read Across America Day (also known as Dr. Seuss Day)
Read Across America Day is an initiative of the National Education Association (NEA).  NEA’s Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2nd, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.  NEA’s Read Across America also provides NEA members, parents, caregivers, and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading on the calendar 365 days a year.

National Read Aloud Month
March
is Read Aloud Month, started by Read Aloud 15 Minutes. Reading aloud is the single most important thing a parent or caregiver can do to improve a child’s readiness to read and learn. When every child is read aloud to for 15 minutes every day from birth, more children will be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten, more children will have the literacy skills needed to succeed in school, and more children will be prepared for a productive and meaningful life after school.

April

International Children’s Book Day
Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, 2 April, International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books.

This year it will be celebrated on April 2, 2019.

National Library Workers Day
National Library Workers Day (NLWD) is a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.

This year it will be celebrated on April 9, 2019.

National Bookmobile Day
National Bookmobile Day celebrates our nation’s bookmobiles and the dedicated library professionals who provide this valuable and essential service to their communities every day. Each year, it is celebrated on the Wednesday of National Library Week.

National Bookmobile Day is an opportunity for bookmobiles fans to make their support known—through thanking bookmobile staff, writing a letter or e-mail to their libraries, or voicing their support to community leaders.

This year it will be celebrated on April 10, 2019.

D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read)
D.E.A.R. stands for “Drop Everything and Read,” a national month-long celebration of reading designed to remind folks of all ages to make reading a priority activity in their lives. Because, what’s more fun(damental) than reading, really?

D.E.A.R. programs have been held nationwide on April 12th in honor of Beverly Cleary’s birthday, since she first wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (pages 40-41). Inspired by letters from readers sharing their enthusiasm for the D.E.A.R. activities implemented in their schools, Mrs. Cleary decided to give the same experience to Ramona and her classmates. As D.E.A.R. has grown in popularity and scope, the program has expanded to span the entire month of April . . . offering classrooms and communities additional time to celebrate!

Independent Bookstore Day
Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April.  Every store is unique and independent, and every party is different. But in addition to authors, live music, cupcakes, scavenger hunts, kids events, art tables, readings, barbecues, contests, and other fun stuff, there are exclusive books and literary items that you can only get on that day.

This year it will be celebrated on April 27, 2019.

National Poetry Month
The month of April has been designated as National Poetry Month.  National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K-12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, bloggers, and, of course, poets marking poetry’s important place in our culture and our lives.

While we celebrate poets and poetry year-round, the Academy of American Poets was inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), and founded National Poetry Month in April 1996.

World Book Day

World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe.

In the UK and Ireland World Book Day is on March 7, 2019. This date came about after serious thought and lengthy discussion to ensure that we were making the best decision for all participants and our supporters. We take into consideration religious holidays, school terms and potential conflict with other charitable activities.

In other countries World Book and Copyright Day takes place on April 23. Celebrations take place all over the world to recognize the magical power of books – ‘a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.  By championing books and copyright, UNESCO stands up for creativity, diversity and equal access to knowledge…’

National Poem in Your Pocket Day
Every April, on Poem in Your Pocket Day, people throughout the United States celebrate by selecting a poem, carrying it with them, and sharing it with others throughout the day as schools, bookstores, libraries, parks, workplaces, and other venues ring loud with open readings of poems from pockets.

Poem in Your Pocket Day was originally initiated in 2002 by the Office of the Mayor, in partnership with the New York City Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education, as part of the city’s National Poetry Month celebration. In 2008, the Academy of American Poets took the initiative national, encouraging individuals around the country to join in and channel their inner bard.

This year it will be celebrated on April 25, 2019.

National Library Week
First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries – school, public, academic and special – participate.

This year it will be celebrated the week of April 7 – 13, 2019.

School Library Month
School Library Month (SLM) is the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) celebration of school librarians and their programs. Every April school librarians are encouraged to create activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school library programs play in transforming learning.

May

Children’s Book Week

Children’s Book Week is the annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading.

Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Every year, commemorative events are held nationwide at schools, libraries, bookstores, homes — wherever young readers and books connect!  Children’s Book Week is administered by Every Child A Reader, a 501(c)(3) literacy organization dedicated to instilling a lifelong love of reading in children.

This year it will be celebrated April 29 – May 5, 2019.

June

Audiobook Appreciation Month
June is Audiobook Appreciation Month!  Celebrating Audiobook Month is simple, find your favorite book in an audio format and try listening to it on your way to work. You can listen to it while you’re in the shower, or laying in bed, or even riding the bus or driving in the morning. The opportunities are endless, and the types of books you can find on tape are growing every year, from compilations of mythology to books on learning a new language, and even certain forms of technical manuals can all be found in an audio format. What would you like to listen to during Audiobook Month? Start making a list!

GLBT Book Month

Starting in 2015, the American Library Association will mark GLBT Book Month™, a nationwide celebration of the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.
Originally established in the early 1990s by The Publishing Triangle as National Lesbian and Gay Book Month, this occasion is an opportunity for book lovers and libraries with the very best in GLBT literature.

August

Book Lovers Day

August 9 is Book Lovers Day, an unofficial holiday that encourages people to pick up a book (or two) and spend the day reading.

September

National Library Card Sign-up Month
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association and libraries nationwide join together to remind parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week, an annual celebration of the freedom to read since 1982, is observed the last week of September. Each year, librarians, booksellers, teachers and countless others take this opportunity to highlight the importance of intellectual freedom and remind us not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.

This year it will be celebrated September 22 – 28, 2019.

October

National Dictionary Day
National Dictionary Day is observed annually on October 16th, the same day as Noah Webster’s birthday.  Dictionary Day was founded to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Noah Webster – the father of the modern dictionary. The objective of this day is to emphasize the importance of dictionary skills, and seeks to improve vocabulary.

Boo’s for Books
Boo’s for Books is an annual Halloween campaign sponsored by Sydney’s Book Club. Their goal is to offer parents, families and communities an alternate approach to the traditional Halloween experience by considering passing out books to trick or treaters visiting their home or business in lieu of or in addition to candy and other treats.

This year it will be celebrated on October 31, 2019.

November

National Picture Book Month
Picture Book Month is an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book during the month of November.

Founder, Dianne de Las Casas (author & storyteller), and Co-Founders, Katie Davis (author/illustrator), Elizabeth O. Dulemba (author/illustrator), Tara Lazar (author), and Wendy Martin (author/illustrator), put together their worldwide connections to make this happen.

Every day in November, there is a new post from a picture book champion explaining why he/she thinks picture books are important.

December

Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day
Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day (TYCBD) is celebrated on the first Saturday in December. Founded by novelist Jenny Milchman, TYCBD has grown from 80 stores participating in its first year to 700 this year across all 50 states, Canada, Europe and Australia.

This year it will be celebrated on December 7, 2019.

Your turn:  What is your favorite literary event/day to celebrate?  Did I miss any days that should be added to the list?  Feel free to share in the comments.

children's books

Capstone Baby Books Giveaway!

Are you looking for a gift for an upcoming baby shower?  Are you an expecting mom or new parent with an infant?  If so, you may want to enter this giveaway sponsored by Capstone!  Read on.

Capstone is giving away a prize pack of baby essentials and books that feature vibrant artwork and easy to follow text, — perfect for newborns and infants!  Capstone Publishers create wonderful learning experiences for children through reading so you can be assured the books are good quality.

capstonebabybooks

Below you’ll find a list of what’s included in the prize pack.  (This will also make a great Valentine’s Day gift for a new or expecting mom!)

Six (6) winners will be chosen and each one will receive:
A Baby’s Guide to Surviving Dad by Benjamin Bird
A Baby’s Guide to Surviving Mom by Benjamin Bird
Little Dinos Don’t Bite by Michael Dahl
Play Date for Panda by Michael Dahl
– Baby gift pack including Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Advent Soothie Pacifiers, Energizer AA Batteries, Earplugs and Bandaids
{Average retail value of total prize pack $50!}

Sounds great, how do I enter?
Enter the Capstone Baby Books (#capstonebabybooks) Rafflecopter Giveaway right here…good luck!  (P.S. If you follow me on Twitter, you already have one FREE entry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note:  Giveaway ends 2/5/2016 at 11:59 PM. USA only and 18+. All winning entries will be verified before they are contacted via email.  You have 48 hours to respond to or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer:  This is a compensated giveaway although all opinions are my own. This blog is not responsible for shipping the prize. Prize shipment will be handled by the sponsor. All winners will be contacted via email. If you’d like us to host a giveaway for your business, please contact Joanne for details.

Podcasts

8 Black Women Podcasts You Should Be Listening To

I know I may be a little late to the game, but I didn’t really get into podcasts until about two years ago.  It all started one day when I was sick at home with a cold, and a friend suggested I listen to the Serial podcast to pass the time.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t get into Serial, but I did find several other amazing podcasts and once I got started, I couldn’t stop.

Now I’m a podcast junkie!  I usually have one playing when I’m working out, folding laundry, or in the car (when I’m not listening to kids songs).  Don’t get me wrong, I do love music, but sometimes it’s nice to have something else stimulating to listen to that makes me think.  I have several favorite podcasts that I listen to religiously, but today in honor of the upcoming Black History month, I decided to share a few of my personal favorite Black podcasts hosted by African-American women.

8 Black Podcasts You Should be Listening To

Check out my top 8 Black women podcast picks below…

If you want to feel empowered, inspired and motivated, listen to these podcasts:

Happy Black Woman Podcast with Rosetta Thurman
happy_black_woman_podcast_high_res

The Happy Black Woman Podcast is the only show that is designed to empower black women to transform their lives through personal development and entrepreneurship. Each episode provides inspiration and motivation to create a life of happiness, success, and freedom! This podcast is for black women who want to change their lives, build a successful location-independent business doing what they love so that they can quit their job and finally have the freedom to travel the world!

Myleik Teele’s Podcast
myleikteele

I’ve mentioned Myleik Teele a few times before on this blog.  I truly admire her and love her “tell it like it is” attitude.  She uses just the right words and tone of voice without sounding too “preachy” or “bossy”.  In her podcast, she discusses everything from how get out of a slump to offering practical (and realistic relationship advice) to sharing how she started earning over six figures working for herself over the last few years.

Also, be sure to check out my personal one-on-one interview with Myleik!  Click here!

If you are looking for a more spiritual experience or need some renewed faith, listen to this podcast:

Chrystal Evans Hurst
chrystalevanshurst
I adore Chrystal Evans Hurst!  She is so down-to-earth, authentic and transparent about her life.  She discusses a variety of topics including: faith, family, food, fitness, and fun.

If you need to get your money & finances in order, listen to this podcast:

Think & Grow Chick Podcast
thinkandgrowchick
Courtney Sanders is the real deal!  In her podcast, she talks about some of the bad financial decisions she made in the past and getting herself out of debt.  Today, her community reaches over 20,000 women every month through her women’s empowerment business that provides training, coaching, and workshops to ambitious women like you!

If you’re looking for activities and fresh ideas to do with your kids at home, listen to this podcast.

Raising Playful Tots
raising-playful-tots
Hosted by Melitsa Avila, Raising Playful Tots is the place for making the most with the time you have with your child but you don’t know what activities to do, need some new ideas and you feel like you’re wanting to create a simple playful home full of your values.  P.S. I am totally crushing on Melitsa’s British accent!

If you are into fitness, nutrition and clean-eating, listen to this podcast.

Brown Vegan
brownvegan
As a vegan coach, Monique Koch teaches you how to get started on a healthy and compassionate vegan life.  Although I’m not a vegan, I enjoy listening to Monique’s tips and advice.

If you want to know the latest news in pop culture, listen to this podcast.

Black Girls Are Talking
blackgirlstalking

Black Girls Talking is a podcast 4 black women (Alesia, Fatima, Aurelia, and Ramou) discuss pop culture, Beyonce, & the pursuit of the perfect body oil.  The conversations are blunt, open and engaging.

If you want a good laugh, listen to this podcast.

Another Round
anotherround
In this podcast, Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton cover everything from race, gender and pop culture to squirrels, mangoes, and bad jokes, all in one boozy podcast.

Listening to podcasts really does make the time fly by.  Also, I learn so many new things with every episode so it’s a win-win!

Your turn:  What are your favorite podcasts to listen to?  Feel free to share in the comments.  I’d love to hear your suggestions!

children's books

I Have a Dream for My Children

The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be celebrated this weekend throughout the United States.  Even if you do nothing to celebrate or acknowledge Dr. King, I think the holiday is a great opportunity to talk to children about diversity, fairness, equality, kindness, friendship and peace.

Every year since my kids were born, I’ve been reading Kadir Nelson’s book I Have a Dream with the kids. The book contains snippets from the famous “I Have a Dream” speech as well as the speech in its entirety in the back of the book.  There is also an accompanying CD to go along with it.

Reading this book makes me think about my own dreams for my children.  As parents, we all want the best for our children, right?  In essence, we want them to be smart, successful and to achieve all of their life goals.

Here are some of my hope and dreams for my children:

  • To be be happy, loving, respectful, and productive citizens of the world
  • To be confident
  • To think for themselves and form their own opinions
  • To be successful in anything they put their minds to
  • To always know their parents love and support them no matter what they do
  • To dare to be different despite what others may think or say
  • To be doers and not dreamers (from Shonda Rhimes book Year of Yes)
  • To work hard and play harder
  • To be loving and respectful of nature and the environment
  • To be willing to experience new and different things
  • To be curious, life-long learners and readers
  • To respect other people no matter what their differences may be
  • To love life with zest and vigor
  • To share their love with others and to be loved by others
  • To give back to those in need and to help make this world a better place no matter how small it may be
  • To be a good friend to others
  • To choose the right way even when the right way is much harder
  • To make mistakes and learn from them
  • To take risks and not be afraid of failure
  • To be healthy
  • To follow their passions and to live fully
  • To dance like no one is watching
  • To take amazing adventures (and sometimes take mommy and daddy along for the ride too!)

Ultimately, I hope my kids’ lives are filled with happiness, giggles, safety, and good health.  I want their lives to be filled with gratitude, joy, and giving.

Cheers to you, Dr. King on your birthday in heaven!  Thank you for the opportunity to meditate on your message and your legacy.

Your turn:  What are your hopes and dreams for your children? Do they mirror your own?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Books for Adults

Spark Joy by Marie Kondo

As you may recall, the two theme words I’ve chosen for 2016 are: joy and reach.  If you missed the post where I mentioned why I chose those words, you can read all about it here.  In that post, I also told you my favorite book I read last year was  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo.  So, I was literally jumping up and down when I found out the follow-up to that book was being published this year!  The companion book is entitled Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up.

sparkjoymariekondo

Synopsis (from Amazon)
Japanese decluttering guru Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up has revolutionized homes—and lives—across the world. Now, Kondo presents an illustrated guide to her acclaimed KonMari Method, with step-by-step folding illustrations for everything from shirts to socks, plus drawings of perfectly organized drawers and closets. She also provides advice on frequently asked questions, such as whether to keep “necessary” items that may not bring you joy. With guidance on specific categories including kitchen tools, cleaning supplies, hobby goods, and digital photos, this comprehensive companion is sure to spark joy in anyone who wants to simplify their life.

This year I have a goal to finally declutter and organize our basement and garage.  I’m talking a complete overhaul.  Our basement isn’t finished so we’ve been using it as a storage area since we moved into our house over ten years ago.  It’s a huge space and has lots of potential, but we need to get it cleaned out.  Same goes for our garage.

I’m really looking forward to reading this book since it includes actual illustrations on exactly how to do the KonMari method.  I’m a more visual person so most times, I’d prefer to see exactly how things are done rather than have someone tell me.  I remember reading the first book thinking, “how should I be folding my clothing”?  This book will provide the answer – yay!  Thanks, Marie!  I can’t wait to dive into this book in the coming weeks!  Will you be reading?

To learn more about Marie Kondo or her books visit her website here.

Your turn:  Did you read Marie’s first book?  Are you as excited as I am to read this companion book?  Feel free to share in the comments.

children's books

Introducing Heritage Box!

Calling all parents, teachers, and lovers of Black History and African/Caribbean geography!  There’s a new kid on the subscription box block: Heritage Box!  Heritage Box is the first ever monthly subscription box specially curated to teach children ages 7 to 12 about Black History and African/Caribbean geography.  Exciting, right?

heritagebox

Heritage Box is the brainchild of Trish and Herbert Lewis.  Originally from Africa, Trish has always had a desire to raise her three children with a solid understanding of their history and an open-minded world view.  Her husband, Herbert Lewis, is a Black History buff, so naturally he too wanted their children to have a deeper understanding of Black History.

However, doing this consistently proved to be very challenging for the couple.  They are both working parents so between homework and after school activities their lives just got too busy.  They knew they had to do better and be consistent so they made a plan.  They came up with the Heritage Box to provide an engaging way for both parents and children to continuously learn about Africa, African American and Caribbean history and geography.

Trish and her husband were both aware that children who have a good understanding of their family history grow up to be confident adults.  They wanted their children to be excited about learning about themselves.

Heritage Box provides families a tool that will keep children engaged YEAR ROUND, not just in February during Black History Month.  Each box is designed to build self-pride and enhance children’s understanding of their heritage.

What’s Inside the Box?
The starter box comes with:

  • An authentic Masaai Box made in Kenya to store future African souvenirs
  • A world map
  • A journal to record their thoughts
  • A postcard album to store postcards from the different countries/places families will visit together
  • A book with an overview of African American history
  • a bookmark for the books they will receive

The second month they will receive a “Travel” package.  This box will focus on one country in Africa and provide a souvenir, games, a book and other fun surprises!

The third month will feature a theme/ person in Black history.

After the third month, they will alternate the box contents with Black History content and African geography content. Each box will come with a relevant book!

Heritage Box is sure to be a treasured item for your child!  Every month they will receive a special surprise of cultural value to store in their Masaai Box.  These boxes are made of traditional shuka cloth and they are lined with Ankara fabric.  They also have a banana fiber base and intricate beading for the lock.

How are the items selected?
For the Black History themed box , they consult with teachers and educators on the content.  They make sure games and books are age appropriate.  And of course they consult with a special focus group of children!

The African Travel box with will contain appropriate souvenirs  from the featured country.  Their Procurement Manager, Chris is based in Kenya and travels all over Africa in search for the perfect souvenirs and African authored books!

Ok, this all sounds great, but how much is it?
Great, I’m glad you asked!

Month-to-month plan: $29.99 per month
6-month prepaid plan: $23.33 per month (a one time cost of $140)
12-month prepaid plan: $20 per month (a one time cost of $240 – Best value!)

Heritage Box will officially launch on January 15, 2016, but you can visit their website to sign up for their mailing list or read more about the company.

Is there a discount?
Just for Here Wee Read subscribers and readers you can get 20% off your order!!  Just use coupon code “HereWeeRead” at checkout. This code will be available for use starting tomorrow, January 15th!

Note:  Initially, I listed the discount as 50%, not 20% in error.  The correct discount amount is 20%.

Connect with Heritage Box!
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Your turn:  How do you teach your children about their heritage and culture?  Feel free to share in comments.

Book Reviews

Pumpkinheads Book Series: A Review

PumpkinHeads Book Series
written by Karen Kilpatrick
illustrated by Tara Louise Campbell and Matthew Wilson

Have you guys seen any of the adorable books in the new Pumpkinheads series?  These award-winning books focus on social and emotional development.  The series aims to help children build awareness of their feelings, along with learning from and interacting with others.

As stated on their website, the mission of the Pumpkinheads series is as follows:

*To support the positive growth and development of children through sharing and teaching messages of love, acceptance, kindness, perseverance, generosity, courage, and appreciation.
*To encourage and support early childhood literacy.
*To encourage acceptance of self and the celebration of unique strengths and talents.
*To relate to children on their level and create relatable, positive role models, with a focus on helping children develop positive emotional and social skills.
*To celebrate and encourage creativity, creative play, imagination, reading, and writing.

Here are the two books we read:

Peanut’s Mistake by Karen Kilpatrick
peanutsmistake

Imagine by Karen Kilpatrick
imagine

Currently, there are eleven different books in the series that takes little ones on a fun, new adventure.  Each book focuses on a different real-life moral or emotional lesson to be learned.  The books also feature a very diverse set of characters: Ella, Xavy, Sage, Cameron, Danza, Carmin, Lulu and Peanut the dog.  My daughter’s favorite character is Carmin and my son’s favorite is Cameron (although he likes Xavy dressed up as a superhero in the book Imagine).

There are so many things I adore about these books:

  • the bright and bold illustrations
  • the activity section for kids at the back of each book
  • the way they teach children problem solving skills and learning from their mistakes
  • the multicultural set of characters
  • the focus on social and emotional development
  • the rhyming patterns used throughout each book make them fun to read
  • the size of the books are perfect for little readers to hold on their own

Overall, the kids and I really enjoyed these books, especially Peanut’s Mistake.  Look how cute that book cover is!  I think this book really does a fantastic job teaching kids that it’s ok to make mistakes.  It also teaches them how to deal with mistakes, how to deal with their emotions, confronting problems, and even teaches kids how to clean up after themselves.  A win-win!

In addition to this award-winning book series, Pumpkinheads also features educational activity worksheets, videos, games, an early childhood education digital magazine, and a new FREE app!  Yes, I said free! (You can also pay for additional games/activities if desired.)

About the Author
Karen Kilpatrick is the author and co-illustrator of the award winning children’s books series, Pumpkinheads®. Karen also writes adult short stories, and is a winning author in the Florida Writer’s Association’s collection contest, with her short story, The Envelope, published October 2014.  She lives with her husband and three children in Parkland, Florida.

karenkilpatrick

Connect with Pumpkinheads!
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Twitter
Pinterest

Your turn: Have you read any of the books in the Pumpkinhead series?  Feel free to share in the comments.

children's books

The Ultimate List of 2016 Children’s Picture & Board Books!

At the end of 2015, I started thinking about all of the literary delights that will be headed our way this year.  Therefore, I decided to compile what I call an ‘ultimate list’ of picture and board books to look forward to in 2016.  This list has everything from fiction to non-fiction to alphabet books to multicultural books.  All of these books are recommended either for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners since my children fall within those groups and so do the little readers in my core target audience.  The best part is many of these books are available for pre-order now!

Rest assured, I’ve selected what I think will be the “best of the best” as they say.  I know other amazing books will be released throughout the year, but these are the ones that were on my radar right now.  As other books are released, I may come back and make changes to this post throughout the year.

The Ultimate List of 2016 Children's Picture & Board Books!

I’m definitely looking forward to sharing most (if not all) of these books with my little readers.  I tried to target books that will likely have: stunning illustrations, read aloud appeal, a kid-friendly theme – or all three!  Enjoy!

Note: ** Since other countries have different release dates, some of these books may be released earlier or later internationally than the months I have listed. **

January 2016
Be a Friend by Salina Yoon
beafriend
Dennis is an ordinary boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways. Some children do show-and-tell. Dennis mimes his. Some children climb trees. Dennis is happy to BE a tree . . . But being a mime can be lonely. It isn’t until Dennis meets a girl named Joy that he discovers the power of friendship–and how special he truly is! At its core, this book is a heartwarming story of self-acceptance, courage, and unbreakable friendship for anyone who has ever felt “different.”
I Hear a Pickle: and Smell, See, Touch, & Taste It, Too! by Rachel Isadora
ihearapickle
Caldecott Honor winner Rachel Isadora’s sweet and simple introduction to the five senses is perfect for the youngest children, who will recognize themselves in charming vignettes portraying a wide range of childhood activities. Hearing, smelling, seeing, touching, tasting–our five senses allow us to experience the world in so many ways! With our ears we hear the birds sing; with our nose we smell the stinky cheese; with our eyes we see the moon and stars (and sometimes glasses help us see even better!); with our skin we feel the rain (and learn not to touch the hot stove!); and with our tongue we can taste our favorite foods.  Isadora’s lively art reveals the power and delight of each sense.

Stanley the Amazing Knitting Cat by Emily MacKenzie
stanleytheamazingknittingcat
Stanley LOVES to knit. He knocks up pom-poms at breakfast time, whips up bobble hats at bath time. He even knits in his sleep! And what does Stanley do with his wonderful woollies? He gives them to his friends of course – balaclavas for bunnies, neckwarmers for giraffes and much more besides. But when Stanley gets carried away with his dream of winning the Woolly Wonders Competition, he has to decide what’s more important – his knitting or his friends? Another fabulously funny story from the creator of Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar. Perfect for creative kids everywhere!  Note:  If you’re a fan of knitting, you might also enjoy the FREE Stanley the Cat knitting pattern from Ravelry!  You can find it here.

ABC Dream by Kim Krans

abcdream
This stunning and innovative alphabet picture book will dazzle little ones and engage the adults who share it with them! Each page is dedicated to a letter, and clever alliterations are packed into each ink-and-watercolor spread.

Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass by Dean Robbins

twofriends
Two friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, get together for tea and conversation. They recount their similar stories fighting to win rights for women and African-Americans. The premise of this particular exchange between the two is based on a statue in their hometown of Rochester, New York, which shows the two friends having tea.

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls are Born to Lead by Michelle Markel
hillaryclintonborntolead
In the 1950s, it was a man’s world. Girls weren’t supposed to act smart, tough, or ambitious. Even though, deep inside, they may have felt that way.  And then along came Hillary. Brave, brilliant, and unstoppable, she was out to change the world.

This Little President: A Presidential Primer by Joan Holub
thislittlepresident
Learn all about the US presidents with this fun and colorful board book perfect for leaders-in-training!  Highlighting ten of the most memorable presidents—and featuring all forty-four on the last page—parents and little leaders-in-training alike will love sharing this fun primer full of age-appropriate facts, leadership skills, and White House history.  The perfect gift for President’s Day, Valentine’s Day or International Book Giving Day!

Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford
freedominthecongosquare
This poetic, nonfiction story about a little-known piece of African-American history captures a human’s capacity to find hope and joy in difficult circumstances and demonstrates how New Orleans’ Congo Square was truly freedom’s heart.

Bear Is Not Tired by Ciara Gavin
bearisnottired
Bear and his duck family do everything together. That is, until winter arrives. Bear is supposed to hibernate this time of year, but he doesn’t want to miss out on any of the fun. But can Bear really stay awake all winter long? Gentle humor and endearing illustrations bring a delightful twist to a bedtime routine that children and their parents will easily recognize.

The Perfect Tree by Chloe Bonfield
theperfecttree
Jack is searching for the perfect tree—one that he can chop, hack, and stack! But when it becomes too hard to find, Jack stumbles across three unlikely friends who want to show him their perfect trees.  The Perfect Tree is a reminder to notice the wonders we often overlook, and to value our friendship with the natural world.

Shhh! This Book is Sleeping by Cedric Ramadier and Vincent Bourgeau
thisbookissleeping
Hold this book gently because it’s very sleepy! A mouse inside the pages invites you to read the book a bedtime story, tuck it in with a cozy blanket, and give it a hug and a kiss. Oh, and don’t forget to ask whether it brushed its teeth and went pee-pee! Then turn off the light. There. Shhh! This book is sleeping!

A Recipe for Bedtime by Peter Bently and Sarah Massini
arecipeforbedtime

Rock-a-Bye Romp by Linda Ashman and Simona Mulazzani
rockabyeromp
Turning a beloved lullaby on its head, this wonderful read-aloud pairs playful text and enchanting paintings to create a rollicking escapade with a clever premise and a cozy conclusion.  Read my review of this book here.

We March by Shane W. Evans
wemarch
On August 28, 1963, a remarkable event took place–more than 250,000 people gathered in our nation’s capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march began at the Washington Monument and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech, advocating racial harmony.

Henry Wants More! by Linda Ashman
henrywantsmore
More games, more races, more tickles, more books—little Henry can’t get enough! When a toddler is armed with that useful word and the world is full of brand-new things, his family just doesn’t stand a chance. Follow Henry on his exhausting and all-too-familiar day filled with play . . . and a lot of love!

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor by Robert Burleigh
solvingthepuzzleunderthesea
Filled with gorgeous illustrations by acclaimed artist Raúl Colón, this illustrated biography shares the story of female scientist, Marie Tharp, a pioneering woman scientist and the first person to ever successfully map the ocean floor.

Marie Tharp was always fascinated by the ocean. Taught to think big by her father who was a mapmaker, Marie wanted to do something no one had ever done before: map the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Was it even possible? Not sure if she would succeed, Marie decided to give it a try.

Spare Dog Parts by Alison Hughes and Ashley Spires
sparedogparts
A stumpy tail, mismatched paws, a long, drooly snout and the biggest dog heart that ever beat. In a celebration of what makes a pet unique, a little girl imagines how an odd assortment of parts combined to make the perfect dog.

Hop by Jorey Hurley
hop
With minimal prose and joyful illustrations, acclaimed artist and author Jorey Hurley tells the story of a day in the life of a rabbit family.  Listen. Follow. Hide. Snuggle.

A quiet spring day holds a grand adventure when a mother rabbit leads her three bunnies out to explore. Their world seems playful at first, but it can suddenly turn dangerous. The natural world holds unpredictable adventures for them at every turn.

The Hueys: What’s the Opposite? by Oliver Jeffers

whatstheopposite
Explore the humorous world of opposites with the #1 bestselling illustrator of The Day the Crayons Quit and his band of Hueys!

What Does It Mean To Be an Entrepreneur? by Rana DiOrio & Emma D. Dryden
whatdoesitmeantobeanentrepreneur
When Rae witnesses an ice cream-and-doggie mishap, she’s inspired to create a big-scale solution to help get dogs clean. Rae draws on her determination, resilience, and courage until she―and everyone else in her community―learns just what it means to be an entrepreneur.

February 2016
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes
whenspringcomes
Before spring comes, the trees are dark sticks, the grass is brown, and the ground is covered in snow. But if you wait, leaves unfurl and flowers blossom, the grass turns green, and the mounds of snow shrink and shrink. Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain and mud, and puddles. You can feel it and smell it and hear it—and you can read it!

This Is the Earth by Diane Z. Shore
thisistheearth
This Is the Earth explores hundreds of years of changing landscapes and the positive and negative impacts humans have had on the environment. Even the smallest actions can help save the world, and this lyrical, rhyming read-aloud text shows how smart and simple everyday habits can protect the planet.

Into the Snow by Yuki Kaneko
intothesnow
Into the Snow is an exuberant story told in the child’s own voice. Celebrating immediacy and exploration, along with the tender bond between mother and child, this is a story that feels good, the way all real things do.

Lionheart by Richard Collingridge
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Richard hears something in his room before bedtime. Is it a monster? He doesn’t wait to find out and sets off running through the streets, over the hills, through the forest, and into the fields until he finds himself in a magical jungle. With the help of his stuffed lion Lionheart, Richard finds the courage he needs to face his fears.

Where My Feet Go by Birgitta Sif
wheremyfeetgo
Meet Little Panda. He’s awake and ready for adventure. Where will his feet take him? Do they walk a normal walk down a normal street? Or will they find a new way to carry him through the day?

Maybe a tree branch can be a shaky bridge. A sandbox a desert. A bath an underwater adventure. Maybe little feet can go anywhere. . . . There’s a whole world to explore!  Young children will see themselves in Little Panda and find inspiration in Little Panda’s big steps.

Peep and Egg: I’m Not Hatching by Laura Gehl
peepandegg
Egg is not hatching. No way. No how. It is too scary out there.

Peep wants Egg to hatch so they can do fun things together, like watch the sunrise, splash in puddles, and play hide-and-seek. But Egg is not cracking…

Don’t Call Me Grandma by Vaunda Nelson
dontcallmegrandma
Great-grandmother Nell eats fish for breakfast, she doesn’t hug or kiss, and she does NOT want to be called grandma. Her great-granddaughter isn’t sure what to think about her. As she slowly learns more about Nell’s life and experiences, the girl finds ways to connect with her prickly great-grandmother.

Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson

toomanycarrots
Rabbit has too many carrots, which overtake his house. When he tries to move in with friends, more chaos ensues. Will Rabbit learn to change his selfish ways?
Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) by Julie Falatko
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Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book) is an irreverent look at storytelling, friendship, and creative differences, perfect for fans of Mo Willems.

Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth by Jarvis
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Deep in the jungle lurks Alan the alligator, descended from a long line of very scary alligators. He prepares carefully — polishing his scales, brushing each of his big, scary teeth, and practicing his frightening faces — then sneaks into the jungle to terrorize the jungle critters. (“I’m big, scary Alan! Fear my razor-sharp teeth!”) But after a long day of scaring, Alan likes nothing better than to enjoy the crossword, run a warm mud bath, and take out his teeth, which nobody else knows are false. Until one morning, when Alan wakes up and finds that his teeth are gone! Without those teeth, he’s just not very scary, and scaring is the only thing he knows how to do. Or is it? Witty, charming, and playful storytelling will have preschoolers cheering for Alan as he discovers a new way to fit in.

Little Owl’s Day by Divya Srinivasan
littleowlsday
A squirrel is chittering. Bees are buzzing. The sun is high in the sky. And Little Owl is supposed to be asleep, but when he wakes up early, he’s just too curious to close his eyes again. The forest he knows so well at nighttime is completely different – and exciting – in the day! After watching butterflies dance, wolf pups play, and then his very first rainbow, Little Owl returns to his tree. He has many new stories for his mama.

What the Ladybird Heard Next by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks
whattheladybirdheardnext
Those crafty robbers Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len are out of jail, and they’re heading back to the farm with another cunning plan to cause trouble. They’ve been stealing eggs from the fat red hen, but now they’re setting their sights higher and are planning to steal the fat red hen herself! Fortunately the quiet, clever ladybird is on their trail, and she and her farm animal friends have a plan of their own. Join the cow, the goose, the horse, the sheep, the cat, and everyone’s favourite ladybird in this fantastically funny farmyard caper – a much anticipated sequel to the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard, which has sold over a million copies worldwide.

The Night Gardener by Terry and Eric Fan
thenightgardener
I LOVE this book cover!

One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last. Soon, William’s gray little town is full of color and life. And though the mysterious night gardener disappears as suddenly as he appeared, William—and his town—are changed forever.

With breathtaking illustrations and spare, sweet text, this masterpiece about enjoying the beauty of nature is sure to become an instant classic.

Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup
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Through a hole in the book’s cover, an owl invites you inside to meet a majestic tree and all its forest inhabitants during the changing seasons. With clever peekaboo holes throughout, each page reveals a new set of animals playing and living in the tree—baby bears frolicking in the spring, bees buzzing around apples in the summer, squirrels storing nuts in the fall, and finally the lone owl keeping warm during the winter chill—until another year begins. . . .

Children will love seeing a new set of animals appear and then disappear as each page is turned, and along the way they’ll learn about the seasons and how a forest and its inhabitants change throughout the year.

The Night Before the New Pet by Natasha Wing
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We love the books in Natasha Wing’s “The Night Before” series so I’m sure we’ll like this one too!

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville by Pat Zietlow Miller
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It’s the day before the big parade. Alta can only think about one thing: Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist. She’ll be riding on a float tomorrow. See, Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like Wilma once was. It doesn’t matter that Alta’s shoes have holes because Wilma came from hard times, too. But what happens when a new girl with shiny new shoes comes along and challenges Alta to a race? Will she still be the quickest kid? The Quickest Kid in Clarksville is a timeless story of dreams, determination, and the power of friendship.

Before I Leave by Jessixa Bagley
beforeileave
How do you say goodbye to your best friend?  When a little hedgehog’s family tells her they’re moving far away, she and her anteater best friend decide to play one last time, like nothing is changing. And though it’s hard, they discover that while some things have to change, the most important things find a way of working out.

Ida, Always by Caron Levis
idaalways
A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears.  Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always.

Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn’t going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realizes that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him—through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favorite spots.

Coco Chanel by Isabel Sanchez Vegara
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In this new series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. The first book follows Coco Chanel, from her early life in an orphange–where she is a genius with needle and thread–to her time as a cabaret singer, hat maker, and, eventually, international fashion designer. This inspiring and informative little biography comes with extra facts about Coco’s life at the back.

Looking for Bongo by Eric Velasquez
lookingforbongo
Oh no! A boy’s beloved stuffed toy, Bongo, is missing. No one can help him. When he asks his abuelawhere Bongo is, she answers, “Yo no sé. I don’t know.” Mom and Dad haven’t seen Bongo either. Gato just says “Meow,” and runs away. When Bongo finally turns up behind Dad’s drum, the problem of Bongo’s whereabouts is resolved . . . but it doesn’t answer how Bongo got there! The boy decides to set a trap to catch the Bongo thief.

The Importance of Being 3 by Lindsay Ward
theimportanceofbeing3
The perfect present for three-year-olds, this picture book is a celebration of all things three!

All the best things come in threes, not one, not two, but three, like the three-year-olds in this sweet picture book. As all parents know, three is a big year. Follow along as three friends learn new things in threes—from tricycles to triangles—take a dip in the pool, and play in the park with their friends!  Of course, it’s not all fun and games. There’s a tantrum and then hugs all around as the three kids head to bed.

This adorable picture book celebrating important life events is the perfect gift for third birthdays. Kids will love pointing out all the activities they can do now that they are three years old.

Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer
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What is poetry? Is it glistening morning dew? Spider thinks so. Is it crisp leaves crunching? That’s what Squirrel says. Could it be a cool pond, sun-warmed sand, or moonlight on the grass? Maybe poetry isall of these things, as it is something special for everyone—you just have to take the time to really look and listen.

Bears in a Band by Shirley Parenteau and David Walker
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These bears are adorable!  The little bears pick up their instruments and play a noisy song. They don’t care if the notes are wrong! But uh-oh, Big Brown Bear is fast asleep. Will their lively music wake him up?

Bringing the Outside In by Mary McKenna Siddals and Patrice Barton
bringingtheoutsidein
A rollicking book that reminds young readers to go outside and play!

Nothing takes the place of splashing in a puddle or jumping into a pile of autumn leaves. Along with the mud and sand that gets tracked indoors come memories that live forever! Mary McKenna Siddals has written a joyous anthem that encourages children to play in the dirt. It will surely resonate with today’s overscheduled as well as sedentary kids, and their parents.

If I Had a Gryphon by Vikki VanSickle and Cale Atkinson
ifihadagryphon
Sam just got a hamster for a pet. But the hamster is kind of boring … he just eats and sleeps and gets his shavings wet. Inspired by her book of mythological creatures, Sam longs for a more exciting pet. But she soon realizes that taking care of these magical beasts might not be as wonderful as she thought.

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
howdodinosaursstayfriends
Do children in your home ever fight over a toy? Do good friends at school ever push or call names? And do buddies also know to share, give cookies, and apologize?  Come along and laugh in the tenth full-sized book in this highly acclaimed series — as little ones make friends and stay friends … the dinosaur way!

Bears Don’t Read! by Emma Chichester Clark
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A magical story of friendship to power the imagination and encourage children (and bears!) towards a lifelong love of reading. “That’s just silly!” said his sister. “Bears don’t read!” George isn’t happy doing the usual bear things like chatting and fishing. But what else is there?

March 2016
The Dead Bird by by Margaret Wise Brown and Christian Robinson
thedeadbird

This heartwarming classic picture book by beloved children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown is beautifully re-illustrated for a contemporary audience by the critically acclaimed, award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson.

One day, the children find a bird lying on its side with its eyes closed and no heartbeat. They are very sorry, so they decide to say good-bye. In the park, they dig a hole for the bird and cover it with warm sweet-ferns and flowers. Finally, they sing sweet songs to send the little bird on its way.

Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph by Roxane Orgill
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When Esquire magazine planned an issue to salute the American jazz scene in 1958, graphic designer Art Kane pitched a crazy idea: how about gathering a group of beloved jazz musicians and photographing them? He didn’t own a good camera, didn’t know if any musicians would show up, and insisted on setting up the shoot in front of a Harlem brownstone. Could he pull it off? In a captivating collection of poems, Roxane Orgill steps into the frame of Harlem 1958, bringing to life the musicians’ mischief and quirks, their memorable style, and the vivacious atmosphere of a Harlem block full of kids on a hot summer’s day.

My Best Friend Likes Boys More than Me by Sulma Arzu-Brown
mybestfriendlikesboysmorethanme
Meet Aisha and Helen. They are best friends. They are both intelligent and very attractive. However, Helen just got bit by the “boy crazy” bug. Find out how Aisha keeps Helen focused on her grades in school. The book is a great way for parents to start that unavoidable conversation about “boys.” You will love how the book prioritizes education in a fun, cool and relatable manner.

The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci by Guido Visconti
thegeniusofleonardodavinci
Artist, engineer, pacifist, inventor: Leonardo da Vinci was a genius of a very particular kind. This introduction to his life and work is vividly retold through the eyes of his young apprentice, Giacomo, making it easy for young readers to relate to his story.

Pass It On by Sophy Henn
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A joyful and uplifting picture book about finding happiness in the smallest of things, from picture book star Sophy Henn – World Book Day illustrator and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children from Around the World by Pope Francis
dearpopefrancis
In this unprecedented book, questions from children from across the world are presented to Pope Francis — and the Pope himself answers each letter. All too often, the big spiritual questions from children are ignored or written off as quaint, but Pope Francis helps every child feel God’s love and know that their voices are valued and heard. With each question charmingly illustrated by the child, Dear Pope Francis lets the Pope respond directly to each child with inspiring, meaningful answers. Pope Francis’s joyful warmth and wisdom shine through for parents, grandparents, teachers and, of course, children.

Where’s the Elephant? by Barroux
wherestheelephant
Where’s the elephant? Where’s the parrot? Where’s the snake? And wait a minute — where are all the trees? Where will the elephant, parrot, and snake go now? A vibrant landscape in flux with three hidden animals on each spread offers parents and children an opportunity to talk about urban development and animal habitats.

How to Find Gold by Viviane Schwarz
howtofindgold
Finding gold isn’t easy. In fact it’s dangerous and difficult. It requires planning. First, Crocodile and Anna practice their secret-keeping faces. Then Anna lifts Crocodile up, to be sure she’s strong enough to carry gold. Together, they draw the whole world, with an X to mark the spot. Now Anna fetches the boat, and off they sail. What will they discover?

Ideas are All Around by Philip C. Stead
ideasareallaround
I LOVE this book cover…looks so inviting.  Can’t wait to read this one!

Normal Norman by Tara Lazar and S. Britt
normalnorman
What is “normal?” That’s the question an eager young scientist, narrating her very first book, hopes to answer. Unfortunately, her exceedingly “normal” subject—an orangutan named Norman—turns out to be exceptionally strange. He speaks English, sleeps in a bed, loves his stuffed toy, goes bananas over pizza, and even deep-sea dives! Oh, no: what’s a “normal” scientist to do?

Bye-Bye Binky by Maria van Lieshout

byebyebinky
Every child’s life is filled with milestones. Some happen easily; others need a little extra support. Artist and mom Maria van Lieshout has been there. Drawing upon her own experiences, she has created an engaging series of books that are just right for children on the brink of major changes and the caregivers who encourage them.

Little Why by Jonny Lambert
littlewhy
This book cover is absolutely adorable!  Little Why just cannot seem to stay in line with the other elephants. There’s just too much to see; Giraffe’s long-lofty leggy legs, Wildebeest’s spiny-spiky horns, and even Crocodile’s snippy-snappy teeth! Look out, Little Why!

Malaika’s Costume by Nadia L. Hohn and Irene Luxbacher
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It’s Carnival time. The first Carnival since Malaika’s mother moved away to find a good job and provide for Malaika and her grandmother. Her mother promised she would send money for a costume, but when the money doesn’t arrive, will Malaika still be able to dance in the parade?

Dario and the Whale by by Cheryl Lawton Malone and Bistra Masseva
darioandthewhale
When Dario and his mother move to Cape Cod from Brazil, Dario has a hard time making friends since he doesn’t speak English well. But one day Dario meets someone else who has just arrived in New England and he doesn’t speak any English at all…because he’s a right whale! Day after day Dario and the whale meet at the beach. But what will happen when it’s time for the whale to migrate?

Les Miserables: A BabyLit French Language Primer by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver
lesmiserables
Introduce your bébé to the world of Victor Hugo with 10 words and phrases from the classic Les Miserables. Colorful, eye-catching illustrations of characters and objects from the novel pair with French translations you’ll want to hear your baby say again and again.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A BabyLit Fairies Primer by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver
amidsummernightsdream
The perfect lullaby for a magical midsummer night, and a beautiful way to introduce your little one to the Bard. Jennifer Adams’ adaptation of Shakespeare’s original lines and Alison Oliver’s whimsical illustrations bring the world of fairies to life and will enchant little ones for years to come.

Let’s Play by Herve Tullet
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It’s only a yellow dot…but what a dot it is! Readers won’t be able to resist this jaunty, adventurous dot, nor its invitation to play along. Thus begins a spectacular ride of color, motion, shape, and imagination, filled with the artistry and delight that we know and love so well from Press Here and Mix It Up! But on this journey, prepare to leap headlong into a completely new dimension: emotion. Connecting not only to the mind but also to the heart, this dot expresses an extraordinary sense of humor, fear, joy, and more as it pushes, lurches, wiggles, and slides its way through—and even off!—the pages of this glorious companion to Press Here and Mix It Up!

My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith

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The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy.

Hoot and Peep by Lita Judge
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Hoot the owl is very excited for his little sister, Peep, to join him on the cathedral rooftops. She’s finally old enough to learn all his big brother owly wisdom: First, owls say hooo. Second, they always sayhooo. Lastly, they ONLY say hooo! But why would Peep say hooo when she could say schweeepty peep or dingity dong? Why would she speak when she could sing?

Animal Alphabet by Kay Vincent
animalalphabet
What better way for a child to learn their ABCs than through the use of bright and appealing illustrations combined with amusing alliteration?! In this beautifully presented hard back book each letter of the alphabet is represented by an animal beginning with the same letter and a descriptive word also beginning with the same letter which is tied into the illustration, for example: A – acrobatic ant, E – eating elephant, L – leaping lion, R – rodeo rabbit.

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies by Carmen Oliver and Jean Claude
bearsmakethebestreadingbuddies
All the students in the class are assigned reading buddies. Except for Adelaide. She already has one. A bear! And Adelaide is quite persuasive as she explains to her language arts teacher, Mrs. Fitz-Pea, and the reader, that bears really do make the best reading buddies. They sniff out good books. Their claws are just right for turning pages.

Cloth Lullaby: The Woven Life of Louise Bourgeois by Amy Novesky
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Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010) was a world-renowned modern artist noted for her sculptures made of wood, steel, stone, and cast rubber.  Just as spiders spin and repair their webs, Louise’s own mother was a weaver of tapestries. Louise spent her childhood in France as an apprentice to her mother before she became a tapestry artist herself. She worked with fabric throughout her career, and this biographical picture book shows how Bourgeois’s childhood experiences weaving with her loving, nurturing mother provided the inspiration for her most famous works. With a beautifully nuanced and poetic story, this book stunningly captures the relationship between mother and daughter and illuminates how memories are woven into us all.

How Kate Warne Saved President Lincoln: The Story Behind the Nation’s First Female Detective by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk and Valentina Belloni
howkatewarnesavedpresidentlincoln
In 1856, when Kate Warne went to see Allan Pinkerton, only men were detectives. But Kate convinced Allan to hire her for his detective agency. She explained that she could worm out secrets where men could not go–in disguise as a society lady! Join Kate on her most important mission–to thwart a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln on the way to his inauguration.

Blanche Hates the Night by Sibylle Delacroix
blanchehatesthenight
Every day ends the same. Night always falls. Blanche’s mom turns off the light and closes Blanche’s bedroom door. It’s time to go to sleep.  There’s just one problem: Blanche hates the night. She does not want to go to sleep! She would much rather play. So she puts on a concert to chase away the moon and wake up the sun. She sings in rhyme and somersaults upon her bed, which she imagines is a trampoline.

Hannah and Sugar by Kate Berube
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Every day after school, Hannah’s school bus is greeted by her classmate’s dog, Sugar. All of the other kids love Sugar, but Hannah just can’t conquer her fear of dogs. Then, one day, Sugar goes missing, so Hannah joins the search with her classmates. Will Hannah find a way to be brave, and make a new friend in the process?

Whose Hands Are These?: A Community Helper Guessing Book by Miranda Paul
whosehandsarethese
If your hands can mix and mash, what job might you have? What if your hands reach, wrench, yank, and crank? The hands in this book—and the people attached to them—do all sorts of helpful work. And together, these helpers make their community a safe and fun place to live. As you read, keep an eye out for community members who make repeat appearances! Can you guess all the jobs based on the actions of these busy hands?

Old MacDonald Had a Truck by Steve Goetz

oldmacdonaldhadatruck
Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O. And on that farm he had a…TRUCK?! With a DIG DIG here and a SCOOP SCOOP there, this classic folk song just got revved up! Beloved machines—the excavator, dump truck, bulldozer, and more—will have the vehicle-obsessed of all ages reading and singing along.

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site: Glow in the Dark Edition by Sherri Duskey Rinker
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The phenomenal New York Times bestseller and beloved bedtime go-to read now glows in the dark!
Moonbear’s Sunrise by Frank Asch

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Moonbear loves watching the moon rise, enjoying its beauty and wonder. But when Little Bird tells Moonbear that sunrise is just as beautiful as moonrise, Bear wants to see that, too! Can he find a way to enjoy his favorite nighttime activity (moongazing, of course) and still wake up early?

Fearless Flyer: Ruth Law and Her Flying Machine by Heather Lang
fearlessflyer
On November 19, 1916, at 8:25 a.m., Ruth Law took off on a flight that aviation experts thought was doomed. She set off to fly nonstop from Chicago to New York City. Sitting at the controls of her small bi-plane, exposed to the elements, Law battled fierce winds and numbing cold. When her engine ran out of fuel, she glided for two miles and landed at Hornell, New York. Even though she fell short of her goal, she had broken the existing cross-country distance record. And with her plane refueled, she got back in the air and headed for New York City where crowds waited to greet her. In this well-researched, action-packed picture book, Heather Lang and Raúl Colón recreate a thrilling moment in aviation history. Includes an afterword with archival photographs.

Have You Seen Elephant? by David Barrow
haveyouseenelephant
Elephant wants to play hide and seek. See if you can help the others find him?he’s very good! Have You Seen Elephant? is an assured and exciting debut from a top emerging talent.

Nature’s Day by Kay Maguire and Danielle Kroll
naturesday
This first book of nature helps young readers to discover the world of wildlife on their doorstep. Beginning in spring, this book revisits nine different places, including the farm, the back yard, and the woods, during each of the four seasons through the year and explores the changing scenery and animal life found there. Informative and fun text teamed with gorgeous, decorative illustrations make this the perfect book to celebrate each season with.

Hector and Hummingbird by Nicholas John Frith
hectorandhummingbird
Hector the bear has a big problem: His friend Hummingbird just won’t be quiet! Whether Hector’s trying to enjoy a snack, get a good scratch against a tree, or take a nap, Hummingbird’s always buzzing around, asking too many questions. The pair have always been best friends, but will Hector ever find peace and quiet with Hummingbird around?

Mamasaurus by Stephan Lomp
mamasaurus
This colorful and reassuring picture book follows Babysaurus on an adventure as he enlists his prehistoric friends to seek his Mamasaurus. Is his Mamasaurus the fastest in the jungle? No. Is she the loudest? No. Is she the best flyer? No! Of course, Mamasaurus has been right there all along. And when Babysaurus needs a little help, she is ready with a big hug and a sweet, leafy snack.

I Want a Monster! by Elise Gravel
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Winnie wants a monster! Some monsters smell like pirate feet and some might read your diary, but they are so darn cute! All Winnie’s friends have one. But how much do Oogly-Wumps eat? Don’t they ever sleep? Can monsters get lonely?

I Want a Monster! is a humorous, energetic celebration of the responsibility and joy of owning your dream pet, perfect for fans of Peter Brown’s Children Make Terrible Pets or anyone who’s ever longed for or loved a pet of any kind.  Includes a “Would You Like to Adopt a Monster?” activity at the back of the book.

Listen to Our World by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson
listentoourworld
From beloved storytellers Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson and with shimmering illustrations by Caldecott Honor­ artist Melissa Sweet comes a celebration of the animals all around us!  Squawk! Hiss! Grr! Roar!

Big, small, black, brown—all kinds of animals make their home in our world. From the jungle to the mountains to your own backyard, listen and you just might hear the sounds they make!

You Are One by Sara O’Leary
youareone
A baby’s first year is full of memorable milestones. Learning to crawl, taking first steps, tasting new foods, and forming first words are all exciting achievements. You Are One looks back on each of these universal moments and more, inviting little ones and their parents to celebrate how much they have grown and discovered in just one year, from first teeth to playing peekaboo.

Skunk on a String by Thao Lam
skunkonastring
In Skunk on a String, we meet a skunk who has been tied to the tail of a balloon. Try as he might, the persistent critter can’t get anyone to untie him. In this wordless story, he is shooed and swatted through a bustling parade, past the windowpanes of the city’s apartment buildings with their diverse, busy inhabitants, then up to the construction cranes high above the city.

Spot, the Cat by Henry Cole
spotthecat
Through this gorgeous visual narrative, Henry Cole shows us a day in the life of a cat named Spot. Spot sneaks away from home by way of an open window to go on a wordless journey through the city. Follow Spot as he weaves through busy city streets, visits a farmers market, wanders into a park full of kite-flyers, and beyond.

Treat by Mary Sullivan
treat
In this companion to Mary Sullivan’s Geisel Award-winning Ball, there’s a new dog in town and he is focused on finding a treat, no matter the cost. But endless tricks and futile searching (you can’t eat Grandma’s dentures!) can be pretty exhausting. Just when he’s about to give up hope . . . what’s this? TREAT!  

April 2016
The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer
thebigbookofbugs

A beautifully illustrated, informative book for children introducing them to bugs that creep, crawl, bite, fly, and more.  From moths and beetles to worms and spiders, the world is crawling with fascinating bugs. The Big Book of Bugs is the first fact-filled book for children to explore the vast array of creepy-crawlies that share our Earth.

A Morning with Grandpa by Sylvia Liu
amorningwithgrandpa
Mei Mei s grandpa is practicing tai chi in the garden, and Mei Mei is eager to join in. As Gong Gong tries to teach her the slow, graceful movements, Mei Mei enthusiastically does them with her own flair. Then Mei Mei takes a turn, trying to teach Gong Gong the yoga she learned in school. Will Gong Gong be able to master the stretchy, bendy poses?This book celebrates, with lively spirit and humor, the special bond between grandparent and grandchild and the joy of learning new things together. Readers of all ages will want to try out some tai chi and yoga too!

There’s a Tiger in the Garden by Lizzy Stewart
theresatigerinthegarden
When Grandma says she’s seen a tiger in the garden, Nora doesn’t believe her. She’s too old to play Grandma’s silly games! Everyone knows that tigers live in jungles, not gardens. So even when Nora sees butterflies with wings as big as her arm, and plants that try and eat her toy giraffe, and a polar bear that likes fishing, she knows there’s absolutely, DEFINITELY no way there could be a tiger in the garden …Could there?

Little Red by Bethan Woollvin

littlered

Doesn’t this book cover make you want to open it up and read it?  So clever!

On her way to Grandma’s house, Little Red Riding Hood meets a wolf. Now, that might scare some little girls–but not this little girl! She knows just what the wolf is up to, and she s not going to let him get away with it. In this updated fairy tale with a mischievous twist, talented newcomer Bethan Woollvin uses sly humor, striking visuals, and a dark irreverence to turn a familiar tale on its head.

A Beetle Is Shy by Dianna Hutts Aston
abeetleisshy
Gosh, I adore all of the books from this series so I’m sure this one will be just as great!

The award-winning duo of Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long team up again, this time creating a gorgeous look at the fascinating world of beetles. From flea beetles to bombardier beetles, an incredible variety of these beloved bugs are showcased here in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this carefully researched and visually striking book is perfect for sparking children’s imaginations in both classroom reading circles and home libraries.

One Hundred Words: Learn to write your first letters with little mouse by Anna Kovecses
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Following the success of Anna Kovecses’ vocabulary builder, One Thousand Things, comes One Hundred Words, a book of first words for children to practice their handwriting.

Starfish, Where Are You? by Barroux
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This book is an almost wordless tale about marine pollution that offers readers the chance to discuss environmental concerns in a gentle way. This touching and elegant picture book is filled with intricate scenes and three sweet characters to spot on every page. With only a few sentences and beautiful, heartwarming simplicity, this charming story puts the power back in the hands (or fins) of the natural world—with a bold, stunning twist at the end. Readers are asked: “Where’s the Starfish? Where’s the Jellyfish? Where’s the Clownfish?,” and are tasked with finding each on the following pages as the fish are slowly forced out of the spreads by more and more trash accumulating in the ocean. A whale, upset with all the junk, pushes it all back onto land and comes back to the ocean with a big grin on his face.

Maggie and Michael Get Dressed by Denise Fleming
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It’s time for Michael to get dressed! Maggie will help.
Michael knows where each piece of colorful clothing should go. Yellow socks on feet, brown hat on head. But who will end up wearing the blue pants?

Miles & Mia A to Z by Michaela Alexander
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Miles & Mia A to Z is an educational, picture book that teaches children different letters of the alphabet in a fun way. Featuring rhyming text and colorful original illustrations.

Tick Tock Dog: A Tell The Time Book – With A Special Movable Clock! by Emma Dodd
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Learn about time with the help of adorable Dog, and with a special clicking clock.

Dog’s ABC: An Alphabet Adventure! by Emma Dodd
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This fun story helps young children to learn the alphabet and simple words, with the lovable Dog.

Dog’s 123: A Canine Counting Adventure! by Emma Dodd
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Learn all about numbers 1 to 10 with the help of Dog, in endearing pictures by the popular illustrator Emma Dodd.

The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield
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One day, a bear cub finds something strange and wonderful in the forest. When he touches the keys, they make a horrible noise. Yet, he is drawn back again and again. Eventually, he learns to play beautiful sounds, delighting his woodland friends.

Alphabet Trucks by Samantha R. Vamos and Ryan O’Rourke (board book edition)
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Everyone’s heard of a tow truck. And a pickup truck. An ice-cream truck? Of course! But what about a quint truck? A lowboy truck? A knuckle-boom truck? Readers will learn about these kinds of trucks—and many more—while learning the alphabet in ALPHABET TRUCKS.  Each letter of the alphabet is accounted for in this introductory concept book for young readers.

Twenty Yawns by Jane Smiley and Lauren Castillo
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Featuring lyrical text and beautiful illustrations, this bedtime tale from Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley and Caldecott Honor recipient Lauren Castillo evokes the splashy fun of the beach and the quietude of a moonlit night, with twenty yawns sprinkled in for children to discover and count.

As her mom reads a bedtime story, Lucy drifts off. But later, she awakens in a dark, still room, and everything looks mysterious. How will she ever get back to sleep?
Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins
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Half the earth’s surface is covered by water more than a mile deep, but most of this watery world is a mystery to us. In fact, more people have stood on the surface of the moon than have visited the deepest spot in the ocean. Come along as we travel down, down, down, from the surface to the bottom of the sea.

Pirate Ship: Lift The Flaps To Follow The Clues And Discover The Fabulous Treasure by Jan Lewis
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Fun with the ocean rogues, with holes to peek through and flaps to lift!

D Is for Dress Up: The ABC’s of What We Wear by Maria Carluccio
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Maria Carluccio’s playful fashion alphabet celebrates the fun of getting dressed—and getting dressed up! From a sophisticated bow tie to a warm wool hat, this diverse celebration of what we wear from A to Z invites kids to get creative and embrace their own unique style.

The World-Famous Cheese Shop Break-in by Sean Taylor and Hannah Shaw
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Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell
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What good can a splash of color do in a community of gray? As Mira and her neighbors discover, more than you might ever imagine! Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California, Maybe Something Beautiful reveals how art can inspire transformation—and how even the smallest artists can accomplish something big. Pick up a paintbrush and join the celebration!

An Armadillo in New York by Julie Kraulis
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A winsome armadillo from Brazil takes a trip to New York in this delightful new picture book from Julie Kraulis. Arlo is an armadillo who is always up for adventure. His grandfather, Augustin, loved adventure too. When Arlo was born, Augustin wrote travel journals about his favorite places for Arlo to use when he was old enough to go exploring on his own. When Arlo reads about New York and the mysterious Lady Liberty, he decides it’s time for his next adventure.

The Lending Zoo by Frank Asch
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From the beloved author of the Moonbear series, Frank Asch, comes a charming new picture book about a ‘zoo-brary’ that accidentally loses track of a tiger!

Miss Perkins is happy to be the librarian at The Lending Zoo, a ‘zoo-brary’ that lends out all types of animals—from massive elephants to majestic giraffes. Everything usually goes smoothly: water buffaloes, snakes, parrots, and more are checked out and returned without a problem. But one sunny day Pancake, the tiger, goes missing and Miss Perkins along with her new friend Molly must go on a citywide search to find him! Will they be able to track him down before he causes a commotion all over town?

Joseph’s Big Ride by Terry Farish and Ken Daley
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A refugee boy’s determination to ride a bicycle leads to an unexpected friendship.  Joseph wants only one thing: to ride a bike. In the refugee camp where he lives, Joseph helps one of the older boys fix his bike, but he’s too small to ride it.  Joseph and his mother travel to America, where everything is strange and new. One day, he spots a red bike that seems just right for him! It belongs to a girl with a whoosh of curly hair.

My House by Byron Barton
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Jim the cat leads a tour through the bedroom, the kitchen, and even onto the roof before his owner Jane comes home and makes his dinner. The rhythmic text and bright illustrations make this the perfect book for repeated readings and the perfect introduction to the concept of home.

Rain Fish by Lois Ehlert
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Get to know the “rain fish” that come to life during rainstorms in this gorgeous exploration of nature with vibrant collage artwork from the Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.  Through lyrical text and her incomparable mixed-media collage illustrations, Lois Ehlert introduces readers to “rain fish”—the varied, colorful, and unique little collections of materials that float along on streams of rain water during storms.

May 2016

Leo Can Swim by Anna McQuinn
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Leo, Lola’s little brother from Leo Loves Baby Time, is back in a new adventure at the pool.  Leo and Daddy go to swim class where they kick, bounce, and dive like little fish. Joining other babies and their caretakers in the pool is a guarantee for unforgettable fun!

The Thank You Book (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems
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Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

In The Thank You Book!, Piggie wants to thank EVERYONE. But Gerald is worried Piggie will forget someone . . . someone important.  This will be the final book in the Elephant & Piggie series.  So sad to see them go!  Pre-order your limited edition copy today.

It Was So Quiet I Could Hear a Pin Drop by Andy Goodman
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The whimsical but simple illustrations of British designer Andy Goodman invite young readers to listen as well as read aloud, hearing and making engaging sounds along the way. From quiet kites fluttering to elephants stampeding, It was so quiet I could hear a pin drop is sure to engage a toddler many times over with its fanciful flight of adventure and crescendo of sounds.

One Little Two Little Three Little Children by Kelly DiPucchio
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One Little Two Little Three Little Children is an exuberant reinvention of the classic children’s rhyme.  It’s a pure read-aloud, sing-along joy and an irresistible celebration of all kinds of children and families.

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie and Yuyi Morales
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Thunder Boy Jr. is named after his dad, but he wants a name that’s all his own. Just because people call his dad Big Thunder doesn’t mean he wants to be Little Thunder. He wants a name that celebrates something cool he’s done, like Touch the Clouds, Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, or Full of Wonder.  But just when Thunder Boy Jr. thinks all hope is lost, he and his dad pick the perfect name…a name that is sure to light up the sky.

A Dark, Dark Cave by Eric Hoffman
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On a cold night, under a pale moon, a brother and sister explore a dark, dark cave. Strange creatures skitter along the walls while bats brush past. A wild howl makes the cave feel just a teensy bit darker. But readers are in for a delightful surprise when a beam of light reveals a softer side of the cave.

Told in spare rhyming text alongside stunning illustrations, A Dark, Dark Cave will ignite a young reader’s imagination and inspire creative play. This just-spooky-enough story is sure to become a read-aloud favorite.

One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom
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With its striking cast of forest creatures, One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree is Daniel Bernstrom’s amusing and original tale of a plucky little boy who is gobbled up by a giant snake.

Over the Ocean by Taro Gomi
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Renowned children’s book creator Taro Gomi has created another masterpiece. In this beautiful testament to wondering, a young girl gazes out to where the water meets the sky and wonders what lies beyond the waves. Boats filled with toys? Skyscrapers filled with people? Houses filled with families? Or, maybe, over the ocean stands someone not so different from the girl herself, returning her gaze. In this celebration of imagination’s power, young readers will find joy in the mystery of the faraway, the unknown, and the just-beyond.

The Stone Thrower by Jael Ealey Richardson
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African-American football player Chuck Ealey grew up in a segregated neighborhood of Portsmouth, Ohio. Against all odds, he became an incredible quarterback. But despite his unbeaten record in high school and university, he would never play professional football in the United States.

There is a Tribe of Kids by Lane Smith
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There Is a Tribe of Kids is a meditation on childhood and life’s beginning. Smith’s vibrant sponge-paint illustrations and use of unusual collective nouns such as smack and unkindness bring the book to life. Whimsical, expressive, and perfectly paced, this story plays with language as much as it embodies imagination.

Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd
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There are so many places that wild can exist, if only you know where to look! Can you find it? Two kids set off on an adventure away from their urban home and discover all the beauty of the natural world. From the bark on the trees to the sudden storm that moves across the sky to fire and flowers, and snowflakes and fresh fruit. As the children make their way through the woods and back to the paved and noisy streets, they discover that wild exists not just off in some distant place, but right in their own backyard.

The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright
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A mouse feels small and insecure and determines that what he needs to do is learn how to roar like a lion. He knows he has to act brave when he approaches a lion to learn how. In a hilarious turn of events, the lion is afraid of mice! The mouse comforts the lion, they become friends, and we learn that there’s a lion and a mouse inside all of us.

Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton
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You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy.

A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.

Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas by Gwendolyn Hooks
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Vivien Thomas’s greatest dream was to attend college to study medicine. But after the stock market crashed in 1929, Vivien lost all his savings. Then he heard about a job opening at the Vanderbilt University medical school under the supervision of Dr. Alfred Blalock. Vivien knew that the all-white school would never admit him as a student, but he hoped working there meant he was getting closer to his dream.

As Dr. Blalock s research assistant, Vivien learned surgical techniques. In 1943, Vivien was asked to help Dr. Helen Taussig find a cure for children with a specific heart defect. After months of experimenting, Vivien developed a procedure that was used for the first successful open-heart surgery on a child. Afterward, Dr. Blalock and Dr. Taussig announced their innovative new surgical technique, the Blalock-Taussig shunt. Vivien s name did not appear in the report.

Overcoming racism and resistance from his colleagues, Vivien ushered in a new era of medicine children s heart surgery. Tiny Stitches is the compelling story of this incredible pioneer in medicine.

Real Sisters Pretend by Megan Dowd Lambert
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This warm, engaging story, which unfolds entirely through the conversation of two adopted sisters, was inspired by the author’s own daughters, whom she overheard talking about how adoption made them “real sisters” even though they have different birth parents and do not look alike.

June 2016
City Shapes by Diana Murray
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From shimmering skyscrapers to fluttering kites to twinkling stars high in the sky, everyday scenes become extraordinary as a young girl walks through her neighborhood noticing exciting new shapes at every turn. Far more than a simple concept book, City Shapes is an explosion of life.

Splashdance by Liz Starin
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Ursula, a bear, and Ricardo, a human, are preparing for the water ballet competition. But a new regulation at the community pool–no bears–leaves Ursula cut from the contest. Luckily, she encounters a group of undaunted animal swimmers at a local pond, and Ursula and her new team figure out a way to participate in the competition and make sure everyone is welcome at the pool once and for all.

Let Me Finish! by Minh Le, illustrated by Isabel Roxas
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When our young hero settles in to read, the last thing he wants is for some noisy animals to ruin the ending of the story.  But ruin it they do.   And as it turns out, the boy is quickly approaching a surprise ending of his own! Maybe he should have listened to the animals after all. . . .

Sophie’s Squash Goes to School by Pat Zietlow Miller
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This charming sequel to the beloved Sophie’s Squash is the perfect antidote to the back-to-school jitters. Sophie goes to school for the first time and has no interest in making friends that aren’t squash. Here’s a gently humorous read-aloud that proves that making friends, just like growing squash, takes time.

Field Guide to the Grumpasaurus by Edward Hemingway
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Have you ever met a Grumpasaurus? I bet you have. In fact, you may even have one in your own home. Want to know what makes them tick? This handy guide, meticulously researched and lovingly illustrated, tells you everything you need to know. Above all they should be handled with care—otherwise they can become VERY loud and VERY fearsome.

July 2016

My Thumb by Karen Hesse
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Kids who suck their thumbs know there’s nothing better. NOTHING! Here is a fun picture book ode to the thumb by Newbery Medalist Karen Hesse, with art by Feiwel and Friends Creative Director Rich Deas.

A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young
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When Lucy sees an ad in the newspaper for a unicorn, she sends in her twenty-five cents and waits four to six long weeks for her very own unicorn to arrive. She imagines the flowers that she’ll braid into his beautiful pink mane, and she even picks the perfect name for him: Sparkle. But when Sparkle arrives, his ears are too long, his horn is too short, he smells funny–and oh, he has fleas. Lucy isn’t pleased, but in the end she warms up to Sparkle and realizes that even though he wasn’t exactly the unicorn she wanted, he might be just the one she needs.

The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read by Curtis Manley
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Nick loves to read books—and he loves to play with his cats, Verne and Stevenson. So naturally Nick decides it’s a great idea to teach his cats to read. But Verne and Stevenson don’t appreciate when Nick wakes them up with a flashcard that says NAP. Nick finally piques Verne’s interest with words like MOUSE and FISH. But not Stevenson’s. While Nick and Verne go to the library, Stevenson hides under the porch. Will Nick ever find a way to share his love of reading with his feline friends?

A Tiger Tail: (Or What Happened to Anya on Her First Day of School) by Mike Boldt
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From the creative mind of rising star Mike Boldt comes a hilarious and original tale about overcoming back-to-school jitters, making new friends, and taking things in stride.  Anya wakes up to discover that she has grown a tiger tail. Yes, a striped tiger tail. It also happens to be the first day of school. What will the other kids think? Are girls with tiger tails even allowed to go to school?!  Anya is about to find out.

Who Wins? by Clay Swartz
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A fully illustrated, wholly inventive flip on history. WHO WINS pits 100 of history’s most interesting characters (Martin Luther King Jr., Napoleon Bonaparte, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln … etc.) against each other in quirky competitions (Lightsaber Battle, Celebrity Jeopardy, Hot Dog Eating Contest and more.)  Even better: The reader gets to decide who wins!  Recommended for readers ages 8 – 12.

Wally Does Not Want a Haircut by Amanda Driscoll
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Wally does not need a haircut. His hair is perfectly fine.
Sure, it trips him up a tad and gathers a bit of greenery.
But Wally does NOT want a haircut.
He doesn’t even want one after his mama and their barnyard friends show off their own fun new ’dos. But when his unruly hair holds him back from the hoedown, he might have to reconsider.

August 2016

The Sound of Silence by Katrina Goldsaito
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Join Yoshio on his journey through the hustle and bustle of the city to find the most beautiful sound of all.

Boo! Haiku by Deanna Caswell
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A witch, a bat, a skeleton, a jack-o’-lantern, a ghost, a black cat, a spider, an owl, and a scarecrow are all hiding in the pages of this clever Halloween-themed book. Deanna Caswell’s playful haiku cleverly hint at the creatures revealed after each turn of the page while Bob Shea’s bright illustrations capture the scary silliness.

Return by Aaron Becker

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Return is the final chapter in the epic Journey wordless picture book trilogy about a girl and her adventures into another realm.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
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As trees sway in the cool breeze, blue jays head south, and leaves change their colors, everyone knows–autumn is on its way!

Join a young girl as she takes a walk through forest and town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with every flower and creature and gust of wind, she says good-bye to summer and welcomes autumn.  Read my review here.

Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer
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This little Mary has STYLE! In this fun take on Mother Goose, fashion-forward Mary helps some of childhood’s most beloved characters go glam. From the kid who lives in a shoe (and dons some fab footwear, too) to Jack, who breaks his crown but gets a great new one, Mary’s school friends look fantastic in their finery. But are they now too well dressed for recess? Not to worry—Mary always shows her flair for what to wear!

Aberdeen by Stacey Previn
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Aberdeen never meant to leave the yard in the first place. BUT a balloon floated by and…. He is suddenly off on an unexpected adventure! Before long, Aberdeen follows his whims and fancy to unknown territory, a little too far away from home – and from mama.

Who doesn’t know the feeling of one thing leading to another leading to another – until you’re not quite sure how you ended up where you did? Aberdeen’s adorable antics will have readers excited to see where he lands next, and on the edges of their seats as he searches for a way back home.

The Bot That Scott Built by Kim Norman
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When Scott builds a bot, a bippity-bot, sparks fly . . . and his entire classroom goes wild. Before long, fiery ants and carnivorous plants, a freaky frog, a big-bellied boa, and an exploding “volcano” have wreaked total havoc. Can Scott’s bot, which started it all, manage the mess? Cheers for the handy hero! A cumulative story with fun that grows and grows and GROWS.

Norbert’s Big Dream by Lori Degman
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Norbert is a pig with a dream. It doesn’t matter if the other farm animals snicker behind his back, Norbert has always dreamed of swimming the English Channel. He’s been preparing and training and finally he’s ready for the big swim! But where exactly is the English Channel?! Will Norbert have to give up on his dreams or will his friends come to the rescue after all? A sweet, funny story about dreaming big.

September 2016
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
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Introducing the new kid on the block: Ada Twist, Scientist!  From the creators of the popular books Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer.  I cannot wait for this!! We absolutely love the first two books!

Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty
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Every girl is unique, talented, and lovable. . . .Every girl is BEAUTIFUL.

Much more than how one looks on the outside, true beauty is found in conquering challenges, showing kindness, and spreading contagious laughter. Beautiful girls are empowered and smart and strong!

BEAUTIFUL breaks barriers by showing girls free to be themselves: splashing in mud, conducting science experiments, and reading books under a flashlight with friends. This book will encourage all girls to embrace who they are and realize their endless potential.  Read my review here.

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant
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Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read.  Even at the school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him.  And so he invented his own alphabet—a whole new system for writing that could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today.

Hooray for Today! by Brian Won
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When the moon is up, Owl is wide awake and ready for fun: “Hooray for today! Would you like to play?” But everyone says, “Not now! I’m sleepy!” Owl’s playday gets lonely fast as each friend turns her away—until sunrise, when Owl discovers a friendly surprise. Perfect for little ones learning the art of patience, Hooray for Today! celebrates playtime, sharing, and friendship.

Cityblock by Christopher Franceschelli
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Cityblock explores city life in an exciting and unique way, from up in a high-rise building to down in the subway. Divided into three sections—things that go, things to see, and things to eat—it features 24 different aspects of city living. As with the other acclaimed books in the series, die-cut icons hint at the larger context on the next spread. Each section opens with a full city scene but gradually focuses in on the small, unique neighborhoods that make the city large and grand. This clever book will attract young readers living in a metropolis as well as those in the countryside with urban life that pops off each page.

I’m A Brilliant Little Black Boy by by Betty K. Bynum & Joshua B. Drummond
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Joshua has big dreams and ideas as BRILLIANT as the stars!  With all of his good friends, Joshua’s day is filled with adventures where books, a telescope, a red-superhero cape, rhyming hip-hop verse,  twinkling fireflies that light up the magical summer skies above a card board fort in the park and so much more — is just what boyhood innocence and imagination is all about.  Kind, smart, creative, and always thinking — Joshua learns that with good deeds, studying, working hard and aiming to be brilliant, we can really shine!

Miss Paul and the President: The Creative Campaign for Women’s Right to Vote by Dean Robbins
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When Alice Paul was a child, she saw her father go off to vote while her mother had to stay home. But why should that be? So Alice studied the Constitution and knew that the laws needed to change. But who would change them? She would!

Penguin Problems by Jory John
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Have you ever considered running away to Antarctica? Of course you have! Because it’s a land free of worries and responsibilities! All of your problems will surely be blown away by the icy winds of that lawless paradise! . . . Won’t they?  Think again, my friend. This penguin has come to tell you that his life down there is no more a picnic than yours is here. For starters, it is FREEZING. Also, penguins have a ton of natural predators. Plus, can you imagine trying to find your mom in a big ol’ crowd of identical penguins? No, thank you.  This book is sure to tickle kids’ funny bones and will elicit appreciative sighs from the adults reading it aloud.

Maya Angelou (Little People, Big Dreams) by Lisbeth Kaiser
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In the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. The book follows Maya Angelou, from her early traumatic childhood to her time as a singer, actress, civil rights campaigner and, eventually, one of America’s most beloved writers. This inspiring and informative little biography comes with extra facts about Maya’s life at the back.

The Wish Tree by Chris Turnham
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The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear, illus. by Chris Turnham, about a boy’s search for a “wishing tree.” (Official book cover image not available yet.)

The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield
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Chris loves rockets and planets and pretending he’s a brave astronaut, exploring the universe. Only one problem–at night, Chris doesn’t feel so brave. He’s afraid of the dark.

But when he watches the groundbreaking moon landing on TV, he realizes that space is the darkest dark there is–and the dark is beautiful and exciting, especially when you have big dreams to keep you company.

Lift Your Light a Little Higher: The Story of Stephen Bishop Slave Explorer by Heather Henson
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Welcome to Mammoth Cave. It’s 1840 and my name’s Stephen Bishop. I’ll be your guide, so come with me, by the light of my lantern, into the deepest biggest cave in all of the United States. Down here, beneath the earth, I’m not just a slave. I’m a pioneer. I know the cave’s twists and turns. It taught me to not be afraid of the dark. And watching all these people write their names on the ceiling? Well, it taught me how to read too. Imagine that. A slave, reading. But like I said, down here I’m not just a slave. I’m a guide. I’m a man. And this is my story.

What is a Child? by Beatrice Alemagna
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From the bestselling author of A Lion in Paris comes this beautifully illustrated celebration of what makes each child unique. Through bold and sensitively observed portraits and a thought-provoking text, Beatrice Alemagna inspires children, and adults reading with them, to consider their own identity. Destined to become a classic, What Is a Child? is a must-have for every school, library, and bedside table.

Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale by Josh Funk
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A sweet and clever friendship story in rhyme, about looking past physical differences to appreciate the person (or dragon) underneath.

George and Blaise are pen pals, and they write letters to each other about everything: their pets, birthdays, favorite sports, and science fair projects. There’s just one thing that the two friends don’t know: George is a human, while Blaise is a dragon! What will happen when these pen pals finally meet face-to-face?

In Plain Sight: A Game by Richard Jackson
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As Sophie and her grandpa talk, he asks her to find items he’s “lost” throughout the day, guiding Sophie on a tour through his daily life and connecting their generations in this sweet, playful picture book illustrated by Caldecott Medalist and Laura Ingalls Wilder Award winner Jerry Pinkney.

Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan
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Using original slave auction and plantation estate documents, Ashley Bryan offers a moving and powerful picture book that contrasts the monetary value of a slave with the priceless value of life experiences and dreams that a slave owner could never take away.  Imagine being looked up and down and being valued as less than chair. Less than an ox. Less than a dress. Maybe about the same as…a lantern.

October 2016
My Name is James Madison Hemings by Jonah Winter
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In an evocative first-person account accompanied by exquisite artwork, Winter and Widener tell the story of James Madison Hemings’s childhood at Monticello, and, in doing so, illuminate the many contradictions in Jefferson’s life and legacy. Though Jefferson lived in a mansion, Hemings and his siblings lived in a single room. While Jefferson doted on his white grandchildren, he never showed affection to his enslaved children.

We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen
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Synopsis: Fans of I Want My Hat Back and This Is Not My Hat will not be surprised to learn that there’s a healthy dose of controversy between the characters of Klassen’s latest picture book, in which two turtles find one hat – and it happens to look great on both of them.  This book will be the longest one in the trilogy at 56 pages – wow!

I’ll Wait, Mr. Panda by Steve Anthony
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The world’s most polite panda is back! Steve Antony’s sequel to Please Mr Panda is every bit as tasty!  The book’s core message about saying please and thank you, and being polite was utterly deliciously delivered with just the right amount of frosting and sprinkles.

A Voyage in the Clouds by Matthew Olshan and Sophie Blackall
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The (Mostly) True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon in 1785.

November 2016

Good Morning, City by Pat Kiernan
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While the baker, the ferry boat captain, and the TV anchorman are busy at work, most people are cozily snuggled in bed. Then dawn’s first light peeks through the tree branches. Wake up, city! There is much to be done in neighborhoods all across the metropolis. As the morning gets brighter, the city streets bustle with people ready to start the day.

It Is Not Time for Sleeping by Lisa Graff
itisnottimeforsleeping
As the day comes to an end, bedtime draws near. But the little boy in this book is quite sure it is NOT time for sleeping. As each piece of his evening routine is completed—helping with the dishes, playing with the dog, getting into pajamas, brushing teeth with Dad, being tucked in by Mom, and listening to a story—he becomes a little more certain: it is definitely not time for sleeping. The question is, when WILL it be time for sleeping? A rhythmic, cumulative text and lush twilit scenes come together to create a perfect bedtime book that will be treasured for generations to come.

Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World by Julia Rothman
foodanatomy
Get your recommended daily allowance of facts and fun with Food Anatomy, the third book in Julia Rothman’s best-selling Anatomy series. She starts with an illustrated history of food and ends with a global tour of street eats. Along the way, Rothman serves up a hilarious primer on short order egg lingo and a mouthwatering menu of how people around the planet serve fried potatoes — and what we dip them in. Award-winning food journalist Rachel Wharton lends her editorial expertise to this light-hearted exploration of everything food that bursts with little-known facts and delightful drawings. Everyday diners and seasoned foodies alike are sure to eat it up.

Your turn:  What books from this list are you most looking forward to?  What books should I add to the list?  Feel free to share in the comments.

children's books

100 Children’s Books to Read in 2016

Last year the kids and I read so many creative, fun, and amazing children’s books.  We read everything from classics, to fiction, to non-fiction, to poetry.

I love exploring new books, discovering old ones and keeping track of which books meant something to us.  Hence, that was the inspiration for me to create this blog post and share it with you.

So here’s our list of 100 books we loved reading in 2015 and think you should read this year. These are in no particular order, and while some were published in 2015, some were published earlier too.  The list contains picture books (including some wordless books), board books, alphabet books, and multicultural books.  I hope you enjoy this children’s book list—I know my kids and I did!

100 children's books to read in 2016

  1. Waiting by Kevin Henkes
  2. Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson
  3. The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts
  4. Cloudette by Tom Lichenheld
  5. Bike On, Bear! by Cynthea Liu
  6. The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson
  7. Rosie Goes to Preschool by Karen Katz
  8. Ol’ Mama Squirrel by David Ezra Stein
  9. Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
  10. Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Lazar
  11. The Snow Globe Family by Jane O’Connor
  12. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
  13. Christmas Cookies: Bite Size Holiday Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
  14. The Terrible Plop by Ursula Dubosarsky
  15. B is for Breakdancing by Dr. Tamara Pizzoli
  16. The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing
  17. The 50 States by Gabrielle Balkan
  18. Poems for the Smart, Spunky and Sensational Black Girl by Rachel Garlinghouse
  19. Leo: A Ghost Story by Marc Barnett
  20. If All the Animals Came Inside by Eric Pinder
  21. No Sleep for the Sheep! by Karen Beaumont
  22. You Will Be My Friend! by Peter Brown
  23. Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won
  24. The Sleepy Little Alphabet by Judy Sierra
  25. Where’s My T-R-U-C-K? by Karen Beaumont
  26. Sun Bread by Elisa Kleven
  27. Emi’s Coily, Curly, Cotton Candy Hair by Tina Olajide
  28. Night Time Routine by Sharee Miller
  29. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena
  30. Wait by Antoinette Portis
  31. I Had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn
  32. What Pet Should I Get? by Dr. Seuss
  33. Water is Water by Miranda Paul
  34. Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine by Gloria Whelan
  35. A Bed for Bear by Clive McFarland
  36. Get Out of My Bath! by Nosy Crow
  37. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by James Dean
  38. The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt
  39. Tuck Me In! by Dean Hacohen
  40. The ABC Bunny by Wanda Gag
  41. Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa by Anna Dewdney
  42. Baking Day at Grandma’s by Anika Denise
  43. A B See by Elizabeth Doyle
  44. I Can Roar! by Frank Asch
  45. LOOK! by Edouard Manceau
  46. One by Kathryn Otoshi
  47. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
  48. The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
  49. Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park
  50. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
  51. Rumble in the Jungle by Giles Andreae
  52. The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman
  53. Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn
  54. Goodnight Already! by Jory John & Benji Davies
  55. Hank Finds an Egg by Rebecca Dudley
  56. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
  57. Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beaty
  58. Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
  59. Prayer for a Child by Rachel Field
  60. I Am Invited to a Party! by Mo Willems
  61. Let’s Go for a Drive by Mo Willems
  62. Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
  63. Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Anthony
  64. You Nest Here With Me by Jane Yolen
  65. Animal ABC by Susi Martin
  66. ABCs at the Store by Rebecca Rissman
  67. The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell
  68. Where Bear? by Sophy Henn
  69. Tails by Matthew Van Fleet
  70. Alpha Block by Christopher Franceschelli
  71. New York, New York: The Big Apple from A to Z by Laura Krauss Melmed
  72. Book-O-Beards by Donald Lemke and Bob Lentz
  73. The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson
  74. Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Tupera
  75. Princess Cupcake Jones and the Missing Tutu by Ylleya Fields
  76. Alpha Oops!  The Day Z Went First by Alethea Kontis
  77. I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont
  78. I Spy Pets by Edward Gibbs
  79. Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett
  80. Alphabet Mystery by Audrey Wood
  81. Alphabet Adventure by Audrey Wood
  82. A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker
  83. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield-Martin
  84. Float by Daniel Miyares
  85. I Had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn
  86. The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski
  87. The Night World by Mordicai Gerstein
  88. Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley
  89. Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder
  90. Before There Was Mozart: The Story of Joseph Boulogne by Lesa Cline-Ransome
  91. A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins
  92. Home by Carson Ellis
  93. Max the Brave by Ed Vere
  94. ABC: A Child’s First Alphabet Book by Alison Jay
  95. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
  96. This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
  97. Night Light by Nicholas Blechman
  98. Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
  99. The Only Child by Guojing
  100. Home Alone: The Classic Illustrated Storybook by John Hughes, illustrated by Kim Smith

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links.  All of the books listed are ones that my family or I have read personally and have enjoyed.

Your turn:  What other books would you add to the list?  Feel free to share in the comments.

children's books

Kids Read the World: A Kid World Citizen Initiative

A few days ago while browsing on Instagram, I found out about an awesome initiative that I just had to share!  By now you should know how passionate I am about reading and books, so naturally I would be intrigued by this amazing project that Becky Morales from Kid World Citizen has started.

Becky is an ESL teacher and mom to 5 kids.  Her husband is from Mexico, and she is from the US.  When they had their two daughters, Becky began looking for ways to incorporate Mexican culture into their family life. Soon, they adopted their son from China, and a couple of years later, another son from Ethiopia.  As their family grew, they expanded their celebrations, books, and music to include all of their heritage cultures.

Kid World Citizen
Becky decided to start a blog to help other adoptive families honor and learn about their children’s cultural backgrounds. Many of her readers were adoptive families, but she soon realized that many parents – of all backgrounds – were looking for ways to teach their kids about the world. Parents are interested in raising little global citizens who are aware of others inside and outside their communities. Becky wanted this for for their children too, so she expanded her blog to include the whole world. Hence the name, Kid World Citizen.Becky has been blogging for several years reading tons of books set around the world. Yet, when she read the jacket covers, most often the author was from the US. While the books were taking place around the world, they were not written by authors of the specific culture, who grew up in the particular country. Wanting to experience world cultures from the perspectives of their citizens, she began to look for children’s books that have been translated into English.

One day while Becky was playing on Facebook, serendipity struck: She clicked on a TED talk of a woman who had read an adult’s book from every country. It was the catalyst she needed to begin. She showed her kids Ann Morgan’s talk and they all agreed they would try to read a kid’s book from every country.

It’s not a simple task, and may prove to be unattainable: there are many countries that have few publishing houses (or none at all). If they have published children’s books, it is possible that none of have been translated.

Becky decided to start an editable google doc, where she could crowdsource ideas. She called out to her networks and asked friends, family, teachers, librarians, and organizations to suggest book titles.

The project “Kids Read the World” is just at the beginning stages. They are looking for recommendations of favorite, original children’s books (translated) from every country in the world. They are hoping to read classic books that are enjoyed by kids around the planet: picture books, traditional stories, folktales, picture books or easy chapter books.

Kids Read the World
The best part?  The live document is editable, and anyone can read it and add to it!  That’s right, Kid World Citizen is asking readers to look over the list, and add any book titles under the appropriate countries. When they finish with the list, they will also share that so that others can read their way around the world!  What a neat project, wouldn’t you agree?  I can’t wait to see the final list of books!

I hope you’ll join Becky and our friends over at Kid World Citizen in researching books titles and compiling the master list!

Your turn:  What translated books from around the world would you add to the list?  Feel free to share in the comments.

hereweeread