As this cozy picture book starts, “In every house, in every bed, a bedtime book was being read”. Rabbits and owls, squirrels and raccoons, all read thAs this cozy picture book starts, “In every house, in every bed, a bedtime book was being read”. Rabbits and owls, squirrels and raccoons, all read their bedtime stories, until suddenly, books start disappearing. But who could it be? No one sees them, no one hears them, but someone is stealing all the books in Burrow Down!
Luckily, rabbit Eliza Brown is on the case! The wonderfully rhyming words and truly adorable pictures in this picture book make it a wonderful story to read, especially before bed. Adults will appreciate how the book illustrates how special it is to have a caregiver who can read a story to a young child, and children will love the rhyming mystery told throughout. Loved it!
This lovely picture book will speak to those wrestling with social anxiety and teach them that there’s nothing wrong with being who they are.
One day,This lovely picture book will speak to those wrestling with social anxiety and teach them that there’s nothing wrong with being who they are.
One day, Mole is invited to Rabbit’s Moon Harvest Party and then has to make the big decision of whether to go or not. Mole ends up deciding to make some cream puffs for the party and sets out for Rabbit’s house. Along the way, readers are shown Mole’s internal monologue: What if Mole doesn’t know anybody else there? What if Mole feels awkward like at past parties? Should Mole have just stayed home? The ending shows Mole making a true friend and enjoying their company in a more introverted-friendly way.
As someone who gets nervous in social situations as well, I could completely understand Mole’s worries and concerns. I appreciated how the ending affirms that the quality of one’s friends is more important than quantity and that having a quiet night in with one good friend can be just as fun as a big party. I also loved that nobody seemed to judge Mole for being nervous about the party; they just accept Mole for Mole. The nice message and sweet illustrations make this an understated but incredibly important read.
Need help falling asleep? Count sheep! That must mean sheep are terribly boring right? WRONG!
This book introduces you to a group of silly, wacky, and Need help falling asleep? Count sheep! That must mean sheep are terribly boring right? WRONG!
This book introduces you to a group of silly, wacky, and mysterious sheep who will have you rethinking counting sheep to fall asleep! With adventures include riding jetpacks (with a helmet of course) and beekeeping, these sheep bring a surprise and a laugh with every page turn. Whimsical and dynamic illustrations bring all these hilarious and clever words to life. A perfect book for the silliest of kids, AND adults!
Everyone knows that frogs are the best pets to guard your house, right?
Old Mrs. Collywobbles thinks so! The frog will gobble up any dangerous creaturEveryone knows that frogs are the best pets to guard your house, right?
Old Mrs. Collywobbles thinks so! The frog will gobble up any dangerous creatures who dare knock on her door. What sort of dangerous creatures? A Greedy Goblin, a Smelly Troll, and a Giant Hungry Ogre all go up against the frog. Who will win?
This book is funny, with interesting illustrations and silly rhymes and songs.
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, we meet a loving grandmother and her grandson. Readers follow along as the grandmother shares her wisdomIn this beautifully illustrated picture book, we meet a loving grandmother and her grandson. Readers follow along as the grandmother shares her wisdom and love and her awe of nature with her grandson, who watches a beautiful tree grow along with him. And so it continues; the story shifts between the boy who becomes a father, who passes down his grandmother's wisdom and love to a daughter who then becomes a mother herself.
Woven throughout is a beautiful depiction of how generations of love and wisdom are passed down. It's a story of how love and kindness grow and spread, and is a truly beautiful book about families. As a content warning to parents and caregivers, this story does mention the concept of death as well, teaching how death is part of life too. Overall, such a beautifully moving picture book!
This incredibly interactive picture book is packed full of super cute illustrations in what seems to be a spooky looking package. Readers enter into aThis incredibly interactive picture book is packed full of super cute illustrations in what seems to be a spooky looking package. Readers enter into a haunted house and walk down a long hallway to find what’s supposed to be a terrifying looking kitten. But is it? What about its furry companions?
Adults and children are sure to love this picture book, which gives readers lots of opportunities for fun voices, laughs, and interactive questions. Fans of "The Book with No Pictures" by B.J. Novak are sure to love this picture book. It would also make a great story time selection!
This beautifully illustrated picture book shares the wonders of the night with young readers. In collage-style pictures, the starry sky, the beautifulThis beautifully illustrated picture book shares the wonders of the night with young readers. In collage-style pictures, the starry sky, the beautiful moon, and all the nighttime creatures join together for a sweet story perfect for bedtime. I love how the story teaches children not to be afraid of the noises they may not recognize at first, like the wind through the trees, or the crickets and the owls. I also especially love how the writer included a cat for children to look for in each illustration. What a wonderful bedtime read!
This adorable picture book tells young readers all about a day in the life of a cat. From searching nooks and crannies, high and low, in boxes and thrThis adorable picture book tells young readers all about a day in the life of a cat. From searching nooks and crannies, high and low, in boxes and through windows, a cat is always observing! Readers also learn about emotions, and how a cat shows affection. There’s even a surprise at the end for the orange cat in the book.
The pictures in this were so cute throughout. I especially loved the cat facts included at the end and how this picture book could be really interactive with readers. Readers can learn about how cats use their tails to communicate, while caregivers can help children learn about emotions and reflect on how they communicate them. There’s even a fun opportunity for readers to participate as “cathletes”, leaping like a cat and ending the book by moving in a fun way!
Jory John did not disappoint with this new book, Nothing’s Wrong! Erin Kraan vividly designed the artwork on each page to add to this heartwarming stoJory John did not disappoint with this new book, Nothing’s Wrong! Erin Kraan vividly designed the artwork on each page to add to this heartwarming story about friendship.
Anders, the hare, is happily baking a pie for his friend Jeff, who is a bear. They have a picnic planned and a day of adventure. While the pie is cooling, Anders takes a walk. Unfortunately it starts to rain, but that’s not all, the pie is RUINED!
Jeff arrives, excited about the picnic and what Anders has baked, but Anders doesn’t want to admit what has happened. Andres grabs random “stuff” for lunch, and off they go for the planned picnic! As the day goes along, Jeff keeps thinking that Anders is acting so unlike himself and that his best friend may not be totally forthcoming with him. Jeff makes many different attempts to figure out just what is bothering his friend. Finally, it is time to eat!!
When Anders admits what happened to the pie and tells Jeff he has let him down. Jeff explains that he just wants to spend time together, it doesn’t matter what or where, then suggests they bake a pie together, which is what they go to do. The smell of pie draws in more friends, and they end up sharing the dessert with many. The books ends with Jeff saying “good friends are like dessert, they’re always there for you at the end of the day.”
I think you will enjoy reading this story to your young ones. What perfect timing of this new book as school starts! It’s always good to see many different examples of what being a friend can look like.
In this impactful children’s picture book, readers meet a beautiful baby bunny who is given as a gift for Easter. Although the bunny was given the attIn this impactful children’s picture book, readers meet a beautiful baby bunny who is given as a gift for Easter. Although the bunny was given the attention she deserved for a short while, the children soon lose interest and unjustly leave the bunny in a cage, outside, and without the fresh food and water, exercise, and attention she needs. Luckily the bunny finds a new home with a new friend called Rosalita. Along with a new name, the bunny - now named Bella - receives the play pen she deserves instead of a cage, toys and fresh food galore, and even gets a chance to participate in bunny agility courses!
As a devoted bunny owner myself, I loved that this book hit on a lot of misperceptions about owning a rabbit that are vital for owners and prospective owners to know. Issues like being caged (instead of having a much-needed exercise pen) and not being given the correct diet were addressed. I also loved that the book hit on one of the main problems surrounding bunny ownership: owners buying bunnies on a whim rather than going through the appropriate research needed. Rabbits are considered an exotic pet and need specialized care, including specialized exotic veterinarians. A section with information is also featured at the end, packed full of resources on bunnies in general and especially why they should never be kept outdoors. I can’t recommend this book enough! It teaches responsibility through a heartwarming and entertaining story, and I hope it ends up in the hands of many prospective bunny owners!
This cute picture book shows it’s possible to love fashion and getting messy! The story opens as Lucy’s Aunt Augusta takes her to the Fabulous FashionThis cute picture book shows it’s possible to love fashion and getting messy! The story opens as Lucy’s Aunt Augusta takes her to the Fabulous Fashion Store to get a new dress for her birthday. The employees there show Lucy every kind of dress imaginable: sparkly dresses, furry dresses, puffy dresses, twinkly dresses, and so many more. However, none of them seem quite right to Lucy. What she really wants, much to the employees’ horror, is a dress with pockets! She wants pockets so she can go exploring and carry all her treasures like worms, frogs, feathers, marbles, and “a world of curious things!” As someone who’s always lamenting about the lack of substantial pockets in women’s clothing, I completely understand where Lucy’s coming from and admire her for standing up for what she wants. The rhyming words and colorful illustrations make this a fun book for any kid who loves to explore the world around them.
We’ve been experiencing a heat wave as I write this. Temps are in the 90's, air conditioning is ubiquitous, the weather dominates conversations. But iWe’ve been experiencing a heat wave as I write this. Temps are in the 90's, air conditioning is ubiquitous, the weather dominates conversations. But it’s not New York City heat: I’m not surrounded by skyscrapers that block the breeze, I’m not walking barefoot on scorching pavement, and I’m not wearing a fur coat.
Not like the unfortunate main character of "Hot Dog", the 2023 Caldecott Medal winning book by Doug Salati. It’s a simple story: a woman and her dog spend a morning running errands on a sweltering NYC day, the dog enduring the heat until he decides No More. Then his compassionate owner provides the remedy he needs: the refreshing air, water, and space of the shore.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the “sensory” experience of reading it. The words are few, but they work effectively with the illustrations to capture the feel of the blazing hot sun, the constant city noise and chaos, and of the dog’s growing impatience. Then by contrast, the relief of cooling wind and salty air, the thunderous crash of the waves on shore, and the joy of running and playing on the sand.
This was Doug Salati’s debut as author-illustrator. I look forward to the next one!
This understated picture book will speak to the heart of any introvert. Each section starts out by saying that sometimes it’s nice to do a certain actThis understated picture book will speak to the heart of any introvert. Each section starts out by saying that sometimes it’s nice to do a certain activity alone, such as reading a book, riding a bike, or taking a walk along a beach. Then it asks the question: What if a friend comes by? Well, sometimes that’s nice, too! It’s a gentle reminder to kids that they can have fun by themselves or with friends; it doesn’t always have to be one or the other. The illustrations are simple and sweet, showing the joy a young girl has both on her own and with a friend. Kids will also enjoy seeing the girl’s stuffed animals transforming into real-life animals on every page as they join her in whatever activity she’s doing. Perfect for the introverted child, or adult, who needs to know they’re not alone in wanting to be alone (sometimes).
This sweet picture book will not only show kids the power of books, but the power of kindness.
Two houses are separated by a fence. On one side lives This sweet picture book will not only show kids the power of books, but the power of kindness.
Two houses are separated by a fence. On one side lives a dog who is always outside alone and on the other side lives a little girl and her parents. One day, the little girl, noticing no one ever plays with the dog, approaches the fence, gives him a treat, and starts reading her favorite books to him. She comes back every day and they go on adventures together through the stories. They grow to love each other, but are still separated by the fence. You’ll have to read the book to find out how it ends!
Kids (and adults, too!) will be immersed in the beautiful, colorful illustrations. They perfectly capture the fantasies the girl and the dog share as well as their strong bond. This a wonderful book for animal lovers, especially those with rescue pets who know the difference one person can make in an animal’s life.
Just one of the advantages of working at the library is that I get to see first-hand all the new books that come into our library system. Sleepy SheepJust one of the advantages of working at the library is that I get to see first-hand all the new books that come into our library system. Sleepy Sheepy caught my eye as soon as I picked it up!
By now you have probably guessed by the title that this is a children’s book. As a parent and also a grandparent I know the struggles of putting little ones down to sleep at night; Reading a good bedtime story can certainly help.
In Sleepy Sheepy we follow along with Ma and Pa Sheepy as they try to get Little Sheepy to sleepy. As we read, we find out that Little Sheepy is NOT sleepy. The story follows a rhyming pattern which will bring out the giggles in your little ones. Also, reading the phrase “sleepy sheepy” turns into a bit of a tongue twister to add to the giggles. The story is just the right length to keep young ones entertained along with the brilliantly illustrated pictures. Will Ma and Pa get Little Sheepy to sleepy? I guess you will have to check this out and see for yourselves!
The colorful Africa, Amazing Africa by Atinuke is a fun way to get familiar with African geography. Atinuke and Mouni Feddag present each African counThe colorful Africa, Amazing Africa by Atinuke is a fun way to get familiar with African geography. Atinuke and Mouni Feddag present each African country with a short description and illustrations. Southern, eastern, western, central, and northern countries are grouped regionally with a hand-drawn map for reference. The wording is concise and straightforward, but also playful, much like Atinuke’s series of books about Anna Hibiscus. Each section I read made me curious to learn more!
This informative book is a reminder of how large the world really is. I recommend reading it with Serengeti: Plains of Grass by Leslie Bulion and Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola.
This sweet picture book teaches children that they can still be friends with someone even if they don’t agree on everything. Throughout the story, twoThis sweet picture book teaches children that they can still be friends with someone even if they don’t agree on everything. Throughout the story, two young friends find they don’t seem to like any of the same things. One likes cold days and one likes hot days; one likes being messy and one likes being neat. Instead of being sad about it, though, they realize that even if they are opposites, they still like each other (and pizza!) and that’s what’s important. They even recognize that differences can be a good thing in a way that’s easy for children to understand: sharing pizza toppings because one friend likes the veggies best and the other likes everything else.
The illustrations are simple, yet beautiful, and show the children having fun together even as they disagree with their words. This book is a great way to help children celebrate and value friendship, even if they don’t always agree. Katie E. / Marathon County Public Library Find this book in our library catalog....more
A collaboration between distinguished poets Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek is definitely a book to be read and reread! These are gentle poems that have aA collaboration between distinguished poets Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek is definitely a book to be read and reread! These are gentle poems that have a calming effect. While these poems are short and use simple words, they also contain numerous similes and metaphors for readers to consider and enjoy. A harp is “a great golden moth.” A book’s a sandwich, a barn “combs its roof straight down the middle.”
The subjects of the poems are mostly natural, and are all things that we see or interact with daily: clouds, leaves, stars, worms, butterflies. Yet these are described by the poets in surprising ways. A flyswatter “made in China for Chinese flies” and a sky “all covered with cobwebs” that no-one is trying to brush away are just two examples of the observant language found in these poems. I recommend reading this collection cover to cover!
This work of historical fiction tells the story of three siblings in war-torn Germany, 1945. Officially, their country of East Prussia no longer existThis work of historical fiction tells the story of three siblings in war-torn Germany, 1945. Officially, their country of East Prussia no longer exists. Forced from their homes and separated from their families, they hide from the Russian army in the woods, sometimes in deserted homes or barns. There is little food and, since the takeover happens in January, they're also in the depths of a bitterly cold winter. Russian soldiers have also ransacked every home in their sweep across the country.
"We Are Wolves" focuses on how individuals are affected by war, especially children. Through this fictional family, readers experience history that feels relevant today. Nannestad presents situations in which some people show generosity and kindness—no matter which side they’re on—while others turn selfish or cruel because of their circumstances. The book is written for a middle grade audience and does not contain graphic descriptions of war, though it does leave an impression of the physical and emotional pain these children experienced.
This is a beautiful picture book with gorgeous pictures and a wonderful and impactful message.
A young brother and sister are stuck inside their apartThis is a beautiful picture book with gorgeous pictures and a wonderful and impactful message.
A young brother and sister are stuck inside their apartment when their grandmother shares with them words of wisdom to help them spark their imagination and help them deal with their emotions. When they get frustrated at being stuck inside, their grandmother helps them to take a deep breath and think about others. She teaches them about their ancestors, who had to overcome so much and who dreamed of a better life. Through her words, the grandmother shares a message of acceptance and empathy, of emotion and the power of hope.
The author's note at the end of the picture book is especially important and powerful to read. Highly recommend! Sarah M. / Marathon County Public Library Find this book in our library catalog....more
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