New Picture Books 5-30-12

Sweet Dreams by Rose A. Lewis

Easy Lewis, Rose A.

Rhyming text depicts a mother preparing her child for bed by telling her about the different animals that live nearby and their nighttime activities.

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Dusky Rinker

Easy Rinker, Sherri Duskey

At sunset, when their work is done for the day, a crane truck, a cement mixer, and other pieces of construction equipment make their way to their resting places and go to sleep.

Splinters by Kevin Sylvester

Easy Sylvester, Kevin

Cindy,a poor girl ,but talented hockey player, must deal with the jealous blister sisters. Enter fairy goaltender for a “happily ever after” story.

Interrupting Chicken by David Stein

Easy Stein, David Ezra

Little Red Chicken wants Papa to read her a bedtime story, but interrupts him almost as soon as he begins each tale.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead

Easy Stead, Philip C.

Amos McGee, a friendly zookeeper, always made time to visit his good friends: the elephant, the tortoise, the penguin, the rhinoceros, and the owl. But one day–’Ah-choo!’–he woke with the sniffles and the sneezes. Though he didn’t make it into the zoo that day, he did receive some unexpected guests.

Miss Lina’s Ballerinas by Grace Maccarone

Easy Maccarone, Grace

Ballet instructor Miss Lina has a solution when her eight students, who always dance in pairs, are distraught when a ninth girl joins the class.

Miss Lina’s Ballerinas and the Prince by Grace Maccarone

Easy Maccarone, Grace

In this sequel to “Miss Lina’s ballerinas,” the girls in the dance class have to go to the zoo to retrieve a somewhat reluctant boy who will dance in the show with them.

In Front of My House by Marianne Dubuc

Easy Dubuc, Marianne

A child explores the world around his home and fills it with characters from the stories and fables he knows.

That Pup! by Lindsay Barrett George

Easy George, Lindsay Barrett

After having fun digging up acorns, a little dog decides to bury them all again.

The Mitten by Jim Aylesworth

Easy Aylesworth, Jim

A retelling of the traditional tale of how a boy’s lost mitten becomes a refuge from the cold for an increasing number of animals.

New J Fiction – 5/29/12

Lights on the Nile – by Donna Jo Napoli
J Fiction/Napoli, Donna Jo
Ten-year-old Kepi, a young girl in ancient Egypt, embarks on a journey to save her family when she is unexpectedly taken captive, along with the baby baboon she has rescued from a crocodile. An origin tale about fairies.

Dear Hound – by Jill Murphy
J/Fiction/Murphy, Jill
When Alfie, a timid deerhound puppy, gets lost in the woods, he will do almost anything–including befriending a pair of foxes–to find his way home to his beloved boy, Charlie, who refuses to believe Alfie is gone for good.

The Magic Cake Shop – by Meika Hashimoto
J/Fiction/Hashimoto, Meika
When ten-year-old Emma Burblee’s beautiful but snobbish parents banish her to Nummington for the summer with her loathsome Uncle Simon, she is befriended by the seemingly magical town baker, Mr. Crackle, who soon becomes a target of Simon and his associate.

Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Zooms to the Rescue – by Jacqeline Jules
J/Fiction/Jules, Jacqueline
A very unusual squirrel is spotted in and around Starwood Elementary School, and when Freddie uses his Zapato Power to chase it, he finds more than one opportunity to be a hero.

The Secret of Rover – by Rachel Wildavsky
J/Fiction/Wildavsky, Rachel
Twelve-year-old twins Katie and David Bowen evade foreign militants and make their way from Washington, D.C. to their uncle’s Vermont home, hoping he can help rescue their parents, who were kidnapped because of their secret invention, Rover.

The Poisons of Caux: Book Three: The Shepherd of Weeds – by Susannah Appelbaum
J/Fiction/Appelbaum, Susannah
With an army of scarecrows, a legion of birds, and her friends and uncle by her side, it is up to Ivy Manx to wage war against the evil Vidal Verjouce and the Tasters Guild, defeat her own father, and restore order to the plant
world.

Hound Dog True – by Linda Urban
J/Fiction/Urban, Linda
Mattie, a shy fifth-grader, wants to hide out at her new school by acting as apprentice to her Uncle Potluck, the custodian, but her plan falls apart when she summons the courage to speak about what matters most and finds a true friend.

Calvin Coconut: Zoo Breath – by Graham Salisbury
J/Fiction/Salisbury, Graham
When Calvin gets a school assignment to do some original research, he decides to investigate his dog’s stinky breath and ends up learning about more than just smells.

The Flint Heart – by Katherine Paterson
J/Fiction/Paterson, Katherine
Long ago, in the land of Dartmoor, a magic man created an enchanted charm that granted its possessor incredible power — at the cost of the wearer’s own tenderness and compassion. After the merciless Flint Heart causes much destruction, it is lost among the reeds and rocks of the moor, where a kindly farmer discovers it thousands of years later. With the Flint Heart in his possession, the once adoring father Billy Jago is transformed into a cruel and merciless brute. Young Charles is determined to win back his father’s true nature, and with his sister Unity and dog, Ship, he sets off into an enchanted world where animals talk, fairies hold elaborate banquets, and magical mischief must be resolved to bring Dartmoor and Merripit Farm back to rights again.

Marty McGuire – by Kate Messner
J/Fiction/Messner, Kate
When tomboy Marty is cast as the princess in the third-grade play, she learns about improvisation, which helps her become more adaptable.

 

 

New Picture Books 2-27-12

Henry’s Heart by Charise Miricle Harper

Easy Harper, Charise Miricle

When Henry falls in love with a puppy but his father will not buy it for him, his heart reacts strangely. Includes facts about the heart’s role within the body.

Betty Bunny Wants Everything by Michael B. Kaplan

Easy Kaplan, Michael B.

Betty Bunny’s mother takes her and her siblings to a toy store where each is allowed to pick out one item, but Betty refuses to choose just one and throws a tantrum when she learns the alternative is to get nothing.

Naamah and the Ark At Night By Susan Baroletti

Easy Bartoletti, Susan Campbell

Naamah is the wife of Noah, and her name means “great singer.” For forty days and forty nights, as the ark tosses on storm-wracked seas, Naamah sings. She sings to the animals, two by two.

The Belly Book by Fran Manushkin

Easy Manushkin, Fran

A light-hearted salute to the body’s midsection in simple rhymes and colorful drawings.

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis

Easy Kilodavis, Cheryl

A four-year-old boy loves dressing up in princess clothing. “A nonfiction picture book about acceptance … to give children and adults a tool to talk about unconditional friendship”

Alexander Anteater’s Amazing Act by Barbra deRubertis

Easy deRubertis, Barbra

With help from his friends Anna and Albert, Alexander Anteater works on a truly amazing acrobatic act for the talent show at Alpha Betty’s school.

Me… Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Easy McDonnell, Patrick

Holding her stuffed toy chimpanzee, young Jane Goodall observes nature, reads Tarzan books, and dreams of living in Africa and helping animals. Includes biographical information on the prominent zoologist.

Piggy Bunny by Rachel Vail

Easter Easy Vail, Rachel

Most piglets want to be pigs when they grow up. Not Liam. He wants to be a bunny. Even if it takes a lot of practice to learn how to hop…and to eat salad. Even if no one believes that a piggy can be a bunny. With a lot of determination, and a little help from his grandma, Liam is determined to make his dream come true.

Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten by Catherine Urdahl

Easy Urdahl, Catherine

On the first day of kindergarten, Polka-dot uses the fix-it kit her grandpa has prepared for her to help her make a friend.

Socksquatch by Frank W. Dormer

Easy Dormer, Frank W.

Socksquatch tries to find a sock to warm his cold foot.

New Picture Books 2-25-12

Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band by Kwame Alexander

Easy Alexander, Kwame

Acoustic Rooster forms a jazz band with Duck Ellington, Bee Holliday, and Pepe Ernesto Cruz to compete in the annual Barnyard Talent Show against such greats as Thelonius Steer, Mules Davis, and Ella Finchgerald. Includes glossary, notes on the characters and songs, and jazz timeline.

Easter Bunny’s Assistant by Jan Thomas

Easter Easy Thomas, Jan

The Easter Bunny and his special assistant demonstrate how to make Easter eggs.

Little Man by Dionne Warwick

Easy Warwick, Dionne

A young boy finds his passion and purpose in life–playing the drums.

Limelight Larry by Leigh Hodgkins

Easy Hodgkins, Leigh

A peacock called Limelight Larry wants to be the star of the book named for him. But soon other animals are cluttering the pages. When the star finally has his moment in the spotlight, what has happened to all his friends?

Bridget’s Beret by Tom Lichtenheld

Easy Lichtenheld, Tom

When Bridget loses the beret that provides her with artistic inspiration like other great artists, she thinks she will never be able to draw again.

Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson

Easy Cleminson, Katie

Otto lives in a book in a house but when no one is looking he comes to life to read his favorite stories and practice his writing, until he is left behind and must set out in search of a new home.

Peter and the Seal By Rick de Haas

Easy Haas, Rick de

Peter and his dog are sailing underwater in their little submarine until they run aground. The tide is going out and Peter is stuck! Peter and Leo have to spend the night on the little sandbank, and they soon discover they are not alone. Who could be making that shuffling sound? And how will Peter’s grandmother fix everything?

Unruly Queen by E.S. Redmond

Easy Redmond, E.S.

Minerva Von Vyle has had fifty-two nannies in fifty-two weeks due to her terrible behavior, but when nanny number fifty-three offers to crown her the “Unruly Queen,” Minerva begins to have some doubts.

Bears by Ruth Krauss

Easy Krauss, Ruth

With just 27 words, the inimitable Ruth Krauss created a charming little universe.

Grandma Rose’s Magic by Linda Elovitz Marshall

Easy Marshall, Linda Elovitz

Every day Grandma Rose sews for her friends and neighbors and puts away the money she earns, saving for a set of dishes just like her grandmother’s Shabbos dishes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Picture Books 2-25-12

One Special Day by Lola M Schaefer

Easy Schaefer, Lola M.

An energetic and imaginative boy becomes a big brother.

Peter Is Just A Baby by Marisabina Russo

Easy Russo, Marisabina

A big sister relates some of her accomplishments, which her baby brother is far from able to do.

Clorinada Plays Baseball by Robert Kinerk

Easy Kinerk, Robert

Clorinda the cow is a talented baseball player and coach whose dream of playing in the big leagues comes true in an unexpected way.

Razzle Dazzle Ruby By Masha Dyans

Easy Dyans, Masha

A little girl imagines that she is a queen of a sparkling winter world where her dog, Rocket, is her knight in barking armor.

Princess Baby Night-Night by Karen Katz

Easy Katz, Karen

At bedtime, Princess Baby is way too busy to go to sleep.

What Do You See? by Martine Perrin

Easy Perrin, Martine

Text and images on die-cut pages lead the reader to discover the hiding places of a variety of small animals.

Half-Pint Pete the Pirate by Sadipta Bardhan-Quallen

Easy Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta

Half-Pint Pete searches unsuccessfully for buried treasure until he meets Belle, who has the other half of the map.

Merci Mister Dash by Monica Kulling

Easy Kulling, Monica

Mister Dash the dog lives a civilized, peaceful life with Madame Croissant, until her granddaughter Daphne comes to visit, and her wild, loud ways cause trouble for Mister Dash.

What’s New at the Zoo? by Betty Comden

Easy Comden, Betty

Presents the lyrics to a song from the Broadway musical, “Do Re Mi,” in which animals in an overcrowded zoo beg to be let out while accidentally stepping on one anothers trunks, quills, and toes.

New Picture Books 5-23-12

Roscoe and the Pelican Rescue by Lynn Rowe Reed

Easy Reed, Lynn Rowe

The Gulf Coast oil spill turns Tony’s summer vacation into an animal rescue mission.

At the Boardwalk by Kelly Ramsell Fineman

Easy Fineman, Kelly Samsdell

From sunrise to sunset, the attractions of a beach boardwalk include popcorn, taffy, arcade games, and a dazzling amusement park.

How To Be Friends With a Dragon by Valeri Gorbachev

Easy Gorbachev, Valeri

A girl tells her younger brother all of the rules he must follow in order to befriend a dragon.

Fish Had A Wish by Michael Garland

Easy Garland, Michael

Fish wishes to be all sorts of animals because each one is special, then realizes there is something good about being a fish, too.

Chopsticks by Krouse Rosenthal

Easy Rosenthal, Krouse

When a pair of chopsticks get separated, after some traumatic moments the two friends eventually learn to stand on their own.

A Leaf Can Be… by Laura Purdie Salas

Easy Salas, Laura Purdie

In rhyming text and illustrations explores some of the many things a leaf can be, from tree topper to rain stopper. Includes facts about leaves and a glossary.

Fox and Hen Together by Beatrice Rodriguez

Easy Rodriguez, Beatrice

In this sequel to The chicken thief, the chicken goes on an adventure when the refrigerator is empty and finds a surprise when returning home. A story without words.

Can Hens Give Milk? by Joan Betty Stuchner

Easy Stuchner, Joan Betty

On Tova’s farm, anything is possible.

Every Cowgirl Needs Dancing Boots by Rebecca Janni

Easy Janni, Rebecca

Nellie Sue hopes to make friends with her new neighbors by hosting a hoedown in her barn, but wonders if the “glitter girls” will be able to dance in their ballet slippers, rather than in dancing boots like hers.

Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie by Herman Parish

Easy Parish, Herman

While visiting her grandparents, literal-minded Amelia Bedelia finally learns, despite some mishaps, how to bake an apple pie.

New Picture Books 5-21-12

Martha, No! by Edward Hardy

Easy Hardy, Edward

Mischievous Martha Felicity Molly-Anne May challenges the best efforts of her latest nanny, Miss Harrington-Chive, during a sequence of outings at a park, a museum, and at formal tea.

All the Things I Love About You by LeUyen Pham

Easy Pham, LeUyen

A mother relates some of the many things that she loves about her young son.

East Dragon, West Dragon by Robyn Eversole

Easy Eversole, Robyn

East Dragon and West Dragon are suspicious of one another although they have never met, but when the western king is captured in the Eastern Kingdom and West Dragon goes to rescue him, they find they have much in common.

Miss Mingo Weathers the Storm by Harper, Jamie

Easy Harper, Jamie

Field trip! It’s early April, and Miss Mingo’s class is hiking up to the local observatory to learn about weather. Alligator’s mother is along for the day, and a new student, Groundhog, joins Hippo, Panda, Frog, and the others on what they hope will be a “perfect weather” day. But weather can be changeable as the quirky critters from Miss Mingo’s room find out all too soon.

Meet Me At the Moon by Gianna Marino

Easy Marino, Gianna

During a dry time, Mama leaves Little One alone while she climbs the highest mountain to ask the skies for rain, but she promises that her love will remain all around.

The Big Test by Julie Danneberg

Easy Danneburg, Julie

Mrs. Hartwell is concerned that preparing her students to take the Big Test is only making them nervous, and so she thinks of a way to help them relax.

A New Year’s Reunion by Yu Li-Qiong

Holidays Easy Li-Qiong, Yu

Little Maomao’s father works in faraway places and comes home just once a year, for Chinese New Year. At first Maomao barely recognizes him, but before long the family is happily making sticky rice balls, listening to firecrackers, and watching the dragon dance in the streets below. Papa gets a haircut, makes repairs to the house, and hides a lucky coin for Maomao to find. Which she does! But all too soon it is time for Papa to go away again.

The Flyaway Blanket by Allan Peterkin

Easy Peterkin, Allan

Tale about a Jake’s cherished blanket and the loving bond shared by a parent and a child.

Ellen’s Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons

Easy Lyons, Kelly Starling

Ellen has always known that the broom hanging on her family’s cabin wall is a special symbol of her parents’ wedding during slave days, so she proudly carries it to the courthouse when the marriage becomes legal.

A Deal’s a Deal by Stephanie Blake

Easy Blake, Stephanie

Simon the rabbit trades his three cars for his friend Ferdinand’s red car but when the red car breaks, Simon tries to find a way to get his three cars back.