Unbeknownst to his family, Theo wants to become a police officer unlike the rest of his family who are, well, thieves. Each family member is described and depicted throughout in exaggerated illustrations equal to the over-the-top humor in this readable, slightly irreverent novel.
The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist
Can a road trip to odd places, with a bit of adventure and a touch of friendship help Pia heal from the loss of her brother and her family problems? This poignant story told in graphic format is visually delightful, both sad and humorous.
Next Stop
Henry decides to share his love of dancing at the school talent show. A sweet, easier-to-read book just right for newly independent readers. Also available in Spanish: Las muestra de talentos (opens in a new window). Look for other titles in the Confetti Kids series.
The Talent Show
Orris, a grumpy rat happily lives alone in a barn until one evening a small owl becomes trapped and calls out for help. Can Orris trust an owl, a rat’s sworn enemy? Orris does the right thing, freeing the small white owl. Timble flies off but returns with a butterscotch to thank Orris. And thus begins their friendship in a sweetly told and illustrated novel.
Orris and Timble: The Beginning
A tender tale of a boy and his grandfather taking their produce to sell at the last market stand. When the older man is too tired to go, the boy delivers the produce to their regular customers who in turn, bring a meal made with the produce to the farm. Descriptive language is enhanced by colorful, effective illustration created by handmade stamps.
The Last Stand
A child finds a book that thinks it’s invisible. The book does not realize it is a tale told in Braille. Textured colors begin to emerge on white pages as the story comes to life under the fingers of its reader. A note about Braille concludes this special title.
The Invisible Story
Dan and Aki live different lives — one here on land, the other lives there at sea. While they may seem unalike, when they come together, they discover more than similarities. They find friendship and community, shown on a double gatefold complemented by warm-toned, slightly abstract illustrations.
Here and There
Like children often do, this dog and cat take a most circuitous route home, encountering lots to see, smell, and hear along the way. Brief rhythmic, sometimes rhyming text accompanies this familiar adventure. Readers familiar with the author’s Inside Cat and They All Saw a Cat may recognize the styles and critters in this volume.
Two Together
The teeny-weeny unicorn is so small that he’s used as a chess piece by his brothers. He laments his small stature until he happens upon a gnome that’s even teenier and learns that he was big enough to smash her roadster. Pastel illustrations effectively convey the movement and humor in this relatable and very funny tale.
The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn
Abuela and the young narrator speak in recipes that they make together weekly. Lorito, his grandmother’s parrot, speaks Spanish but the boy does not. Slowly, however, he learns to roll his Rs and pick up Spanish words. Lorito flies away, but returns when the boy pronounces ingredients for arroz con leche. (The recipe is included.)
Squawk of Spanish
A young artist is asked to paint in her favorite color and starts with red, yellow, and blue only. She discovers that her favorite color is hidden within them! Warm illustrations call to mind batik to effectively demonstrate variations within hues and color mixing, leading to Jo’s self-portrait.
A Rainbow in Brown
Jaunty language and buoyant watercolors illustrate a range of children sharing their fondness for favorite books. Whether read alone or together, with a dog, or even in the bathroom, “This is my book, / My favorite book. / I wake and I take it. / I sleep and I keep it.” This joyful celebration is not to be missed!
My Book and Me
Mavis, a hen that knits, saves her friend the sheep (not to mention wool for her knitting) proving that even the most chicken of us can find a spark of bravery when needed. Madcap humor in this delightful romp is sure to hold up to many readings.
Mavis the Bravest
Húóng lived in Vietnam until the bombs forced her family to flee to a new country. Not only were the sights, sounds, and smells different, but she also took on a new name. As she adjusted to her new home, the child became comfortable with her two names: Húóng and Jennifer. An author’s note details the actual family story and includes a photograph and glossary.
I Am Both: A Vietnamese Refugee Story
What is better than a warm day at the beach? A gentle rhyme accompanied by lightly hued illustrations detail the joyful day a group of children and their adult share on such a day.
Good Night, Good Beach
Art’s dad wakes up still feeling sluggish from his cold, so father and son go on a hunt to make a cold-fighting juice. With a bit of help from the community, a tasty, healthy juice starts dad’s recovery. Realistic illustrations complement the contemporary story which includes a juice recipe. Also available in Spanish: Jugo Fresco (opens in a new window), translated by Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz.
Fresh Juice
A plump pooch is given a treat — a strawberry — and the epic race is on! Though chaos ensues throughout the house, readers will appreciate the fast-paced humor in the comical illustrations and understated text as dog and strawberry race to the finish line.
Dog vs. Strawberry
Aurora is nervous before a class presentation where she will use sign language to tell her story. When she makes the butterfly sign, it goes round the world and back, providing the needed confidence. Created by a Deaf author and illustrator, this magical tale will resonate with all.
Butterfly on the Wind
Bunny’s predictable vacation by the sea is upended with the arrival of Bob, a purple monster. At first Bunny is pleased when a storm ruins Bob’s belongings, but a change of heart allows her to find a friend and new ways to share the seaside. Humorous, detailed illustrations contrast Bunny’s and Bob’s size and their approaches to life.
Bunny’s Most Fabulous Vacation Ever!
Their friendship started when one boy accidentally bumped into another’s block building — and then they discovered that building together was more fun. So, too, was imaginatively watching dragons and other fantastic creatures wreck them! Swirling, meticulous illustrations in Santat’s characteristic style detail the children’s friendship with its ups and downs, but one that is built to last.
Built to Last
The rug is the ocean in this imaginative seafaring tale as a child and parent begin their adventure while the other parent is on the phone. Sophisticated but childlike illustrations go between fantasy and real time as the family shares escapades on the high seas. The rug will doubtless go un-vacuumed.
Ahoy!
Singing, playing, and talking to the seed didn’t help it bloom, but when the children listened to nature — placing the seed in a bed of soil — it flowered all summer. In autumn, the plant left them the gift of more seeds to plant next year. Child-like illustrations complement the straightforward text.
We Found a Seed
Lola and her mother visit Zora, a beekeeper, where Lola learns about bees and the work of a beekeeper. Lola then decides to plant seeds at home to help bees, in this informative addition to the series.
Lola Meets the Bees
Everything dad does, Lionel does, too. From hair combing to having “a think,” it’s clear that father and child enjoy each other’s company. Small format and simple illustrations on durable pages show common activities and the bond between parent and child.