Notary Service Suspended for May

Due to staffing changes, Notary service will not be available at the Library for the month of May, 2024.

West Des Moines City Hall offers free Notary services – please contact them ahead of time to arrange an appointment.

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Everything's Fine

Cecilia Rabess

“Extraordinarily brave...plain funny as hell, too.” —Zakiya Dalila Harris, New York Times bestselling author of The Other Black Girl

“A subtle, ironic, wise, state-of-the-nation novel, sharp enough to draw blood, hidden inside a moving, intimate, sincere and very real love story--or vice versa.” —Nick Hornby

On Jess’s first day at Goldman Sachs, she’s less than thrilled to learn she’ll be on the same team as Josh, her white, conservative sparring partner from college. Josh loves playing the devil’s advocate and is just…the worst.

But when Jess finds herself the sole Black woman on the floor, overlooked and underestimated, it’s Josh who shows up for her in surprising—if imperfect—ways. Before long, an unlikely friendship—one tinged with undeniable chemistry—forms between the two. A friendship that gradually, and then suddenly, turns into an electrifying romance that shocks them both.

Despite their differences, the force of their attraction propels the relationship forward, and Jess begins to question whether it’s more important to be happy than right. But then it’s 2016, and the cultural and political landscape shifts underneath them. And Jess, who is just beginning to discover who she is and who she has the right to be, is forced to ask herself what she’s willing to compromise for love and whether, in fact, everything’s fine.

A stunning debut that introduces Cecilia Rabess as a blazing new talent, Everything’s Fine is a poignant and sharp novel that doesn’t just ask will they, but…should they?

 

Added by Ann R. 

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The Sky Is Not the Limit

Jérémie Decalf

A poetic odyssey through space with the groundbreaking Voyager 2 probe--past Earth, into deep space and beyond.

In 1977, a space probe was built to help human beings learn a little more about outer space. Soon, along with its twin, Voyager 2 slipped through the clouds and left Earth behind. The spacecraft traveled for years through the deep, infinite night. At last Voyager 2 reached its first goal: Jupiter. Then it met the spellbinding sight of Saturn. Then, going further than any previous mission, the probe visited the blue ice giants Uranus and Neptune. Past the boundaries of our solar system, Voyager 2 sails on, carrying a Golden Record for any new friends it makes in interstellar space...

This lyrical, atmospheric book introduces young readers to a pioneering NASA spacecraft that has spent over forty-five years observing and exploring our galaxy. With stirring poetry, luminous art, and fascinating back matter, The Sky Is Not the Limit will inspire future scientific innovators and foster a sense of wonder at our universe.

(Added by Jenna)

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The Hurricanes of Weakerville

Chris Rylander

Middle grade star author Chris Rylander brings his signature sense of humor, a compelling and original baseball story, and tons of heart to the story of the Hurricanes of Weakerville.

 

 

All his life, Alex Weakerman has had one passion: baseball. Specifically, the Hurricanes of Weakerville, Iowa--the scrappy independent-league team owned by his Grandpa Ira.

Even as team and the town have fallen on tough times, there's no place Alex would rather be than at the ballpark--a hot dog in one hand, a pencil and scorebook in the other, keeping track of each and every statistic. Alex has never been all that great at playing baseball, but that doesn't matter. For someone as painfully awkward as Alex, being a fan--and a wiz with baseball stats--is all he needs.

When Grandpa Ira passes away, though, Alex is crushed. He's lost his best friend, and he doesn't see any way that the team will survive. But Ira, it seems, has one last trick up his sleeve: his will names Alex the new manager of the Hurricanes.

Alex is as excited as he is terrified at the chance to finally put some of his fantasy baseball genius to use. But as he sets to work trying to win over the players, he soon learns that leading them to victory is about more than just stats. Will he be able to save his team, his hometown, and his family legacy

From the author of The Fourth Stall, a SCBWI Sid Fleischman Humor Award winner and multiple state-award favorite, The Hurricanes of Weakerville is sure to appeal to middle grade readers looking for a funny book about real kids.

(added by Amy)

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Big Tree

Brian Selznick

The fate of all life on Earth may depend on the bravery of two little seeds in this epic adventure from the #1 New York Times bestselling creator and Caldecott Medalist of The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

"The tale of the natural world is the greatest story we have to tell, and Brian delivers a brilliant chapter of that tale throughout the pages of Big Tree." -- STEVEN SPIELBERG

* "An enthralling and expansive meditation on what it means to be alive on this planet."--Booklist, starred review

* "A balanced and rich book. . . . Powerful."-- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred and recommended review

* "In evocative prose and peppery dialogue . . . the cinematic story journeys across time and space, contemplating the power of life to heal."-- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "A special, one-of-a-kind book for the whole family that readers won't soon forget." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"Inspirational, important, and beautiful. A fable for our times." -- Alan Gratz, bestselling author of Refugee and Ground Zero

"Hello, stars. I thought I heard you calling me."

A mysterious voice has been speaking to Louise in her dreams. She and her brother Merwin are Sycamore seeds, who hope to one day set down roots and become big trees. But when a fire forces them to leave their mama tree prematurely, they find themselves catapulted into the unknown, far from home. Alone and unprepared, they must use their wits and imagination to navigate a dangerous world--filled with dinosaurs, meteors, and volcanoes!--and the fear of never finding a safe place to grow up. As the mysterious voice gets louder, Louise comes to realize their mission in life may be much bigger than either of them ever could have imagined!

Brimming with humor, wonder, mystery, and a profound sense of hope, Big Tree is a trailblazing adventure, illustrated with nearly 300 pages of breathtaking pictures. It is Selznick's most imaginative and far-reaching work to date and a singular reading experience for the whole family.

The audiobook edition of BIG TREE is brought magnificently to life by Meryl Streep and features music composed by Ernest Troost.

(added by Amy)

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Flipping Forward Twisting Backward

Alma Fullerton

A diagnosis of dyslexia could change everything for an aspiring fifth-grade gymnast struggling at school in this authentic, high-energy novel in verse.

The print edition of this title is set in a font developed to be easy to read.


The gym is where Claire shines and she’s on her way to qualifying for the state championships. But at school, she’s known as a troublemaker—which is fine with her since it helps her hide her reading problem. Claire has never been able to make sense of the wobbling jumble of letters on a page.

When a sympathetic principal wonders if she’s acting out because she may have dyslexia, she’s stunned. Claire has always assumed she’s dumb, so she’s eager to get evaluated. But her mother balks. Afraid Claire will be labeled “stupid,” she refuses testing. Can Claire take on both her reading challenges and her mother’s denial? Is it worth jeopardizing her dream of the state championships?

Told in clear and poignant verse and featuring black and white illustrations, Claire’s struggle with something that seems to come easily to everyone else will resonate with readers and have them cheering her on.

(added by Amy)

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The Secret of Glendunny #2: the Searchers

Kathryn Lasky

"Magical, exciting, and deeply moving. Lasky's perfectly constructed fantasy is told in beautifully descriptive, soaring language, with invented words and names feeling just right and an abundance of detailed information about each animal's habitat, attributes, and physiology." --Kirkus (starred review)

Newbery Honor winner Kathryn Lasky, author of the bestselling Guardians of Ga'Hoole series, delivers the second book in her new middle grade adventure series about a colony of beavers on a courageous quest to save the swan that protects their world.

Return to the brilliant, adventure-filled world of Glendunny. Dunwattle and Locksley are going on their greatest journey yet in their search for their beloved mother figure, Elsinore the swan, who has been kidnapped by dark forces. Little do they know, they have a much larger expedition in store when they discover other persecuted animals and baby otters being held against their will for nefarious purposes.

Will they be able to save Elsinore, the innocent animals, and themselves? Join Dunwattle and Locksley as they embark on this winding adventure, explore unknown lands beyond their pond, and endeavor to save their world and all the creatures in it.

(added by Amy)

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Nic Blake and the Remarkables: the Manifestor Prophecy

Angie Thomas

Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore.

It's not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool--like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much--like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbor.

All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her the gift, a series of shocking revelations and terrifying events launch Nic and two friends on a hunt for a powerful magic tool she's never heard of...to save her father from imprisonment for a crime she refuses to believe he committed.

(added by Amy)

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Finding Family

Laura Purdie Salas

Discover the true story of an orphaned mallard duckling being raised by a pair of loons.

On a lake in northern Wisconsin in 2019, loon researchers were surprised to discover a mother and father loon caring for a mallard duckling. Normally loons and mallards live very different lives and do not get along. Follow along as the duckling grows and displays a mix of both loon behaviors and mallard behaviors. Intriguing verse and striking illustrations combine in this heartwarming tale of unexpected animal cooperation.

(Added by Jenna)

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A Llama Is Not an Alpaca

Karen Jameson

Combining scientific facts with the art of poetry, this is a humorous and educational picture book about animals that look alike.

How do you tell a llama from an alpaca, an alligator from a crocodile, or a dolphin from a porpoise? The animal kingdom is full of creatures that look so similar to others that they are often confused for each other. A Llama Is Not an Alpaca pairs rhyming animal riddles with factual responses to both teach and engage young readers as they compare and contrast features of commonly misidentified animals. How many will you get right?!

(Added by Jenna)

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We Garden Together!

Jane Hirschi

Kids don’t need a big backyard or outdoor space to learn about gardening and how plants grow. This introductory garden book, packed with photos of 3 to 6 year olds in action, features hands-on planting and growing activities that can be done in a small yard, classroom, or community garden. Written by the staff of City Sprouts, a leading educational organization in promoting urban gardening and equitable access to nature, each activity—from Sorting Seeds to Going on a Worm Hunt to Planting a Tasty Salad—encourages kids to roll up their sleeves and learn about seeds, planting, and gardening. Step-by-step photos and on-the-page discovery prompts, presented in a lively design, make it easy and inviting for kids everywhere to become plant lovers and nature explorers. 
 
(Added by Jenna)

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The Fire of Stars

Kirsten W. Larson

A poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of the groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne!

Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. But she didn't start out as the groundbreaking scientist she would eventually become. She started out as a girl full of curiosity, hoping one day to unlock the mysteries of the universe.

With lyrical, evocative text by Kirsten W. Larson and extraordinary illustrations by award-winning illustrator Katherine Roy, this moving biography powerfully parallels the kindling of Cecilia Payne's own curiosity and her scientific career with the process of a star's birth, from mere possibility in an expanse of space to an eventual, breathtaking explosion of light.

(Added by Jenna)

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Cookie Monsters

Erika J. Kendrick

A fun, fast-paced novel about friendship, family, fighting for what's right, and standing out from the crowd while standing up for yourself.



Twelve-year-old Brooklyn Ace is ready to take the Valentine World Scouts by storm and build her own cookie empire. She nearly won the top cookie selling spot last year and is determined to make her mom--who recently passed away--proud by coming in first this time around. With her fabulous best friends by her side, Brooklyn knows she'll become Santa Monica's District Cookie Queen. The crown is practically in the bag.



Then Piper Parker arrives.



Piper has a rich dad, a fancy hotel, and a drive to steal the cookie crown right off Brooklyn's head. Before long, most of the seventh grade is under Piper's spell. But Brooklyn is in it to win the biggest cookie war the school has ever seen. With the help of her cookie squad, her rockstar grandmother, her super cool therapist, and a lot of self-love and inner growth, maybe--just maybe--Brooklyn can end up a winner after all.

(added by Amy)

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The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus Island #1)

Christina Soontornvat

From two-time Newbery honor-winning author Christina Soontornvat comes a compelling and immersive new young middle grade fantasy series for readers who love stories about animals, magic, and kids like them embracing their power to change the world.

 

Young Plum is shocked to discover that she's been accepted to the Guardian Academy on Lotus Island, an elite school where kids learn how to transform into Guardians, magical animals who can communicate with the natural world. Once students discover their Guardian form, they study how to communicate with animals. They also learn to fight, both as humans and as animals, so they can protect the defenseless if needed.

 

To her dismay, Plum quickly finds herself struggling at school. Other classmates discover they can transform into amazing creatures. But Plum can't even seem to magic up a single feather! If she can't embrace her inner animal form soon, she'll have to leave school--and lose the first group of real friends she's ever known.

(added by Amy)

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Where the Black Flowers Bloom

Ronald L. Smith

A gripping, richly imagined fantasy set in an alternate ancient African world in which a Black girl finds her power and saves her people from evil, by the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award-winning author of Black Panther: The Young Prince.

In the land of Alkebulan, twelve-year-old Asha is an orphan, raised by Madame S, the proprietor of a traveling carnival. When Madame S is attacked by ghoulish creatures, she manages to tell Asha before she dies, "Seek the Underground Kingdom, where the black flowers bloom."

Asha doesn't understand the mysterious words, but they launch her onto a page-turning quest to protect her people and stop an ancient evil. Along the way, she uncovers shocking secrets about the family she never knew and begins to find her place in the world as she discovers her own untapped powers.

(added by Amy)

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You Only Live Once, David Bravo

Mark Oshiro

From Mark Oshiro, award-winning author of The Insiders, this time-bending adventure is perfect for fans of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe and When You Reach Me.

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * An ALA Rainbow Book List Top 10 Selection

Middle school is the worst, especially for David Bravo. He doesn't have a single class with his best (okay, only) friend, Antoine. He has to give a class presentation about his heritage, but he's not sure how--or even if--he wants to explain to his new classmates that he's adopted. After he injures Antoine in an accident at cross-country practice, he just wishes he could do it all over.

He doesn't expect his wish to summon a talking, shapeshifting, annoying dog, Fea, who claims that a choice in David's past actually did put him on the wrong timeline... and she can take him back to fix it.

But when their first try (and the second, and the third) is a total disaster, David and Fea are left scrambling through timeline after timeline--on a quest that may lead them to answers in the most unexpected places.

Coco meets Sliding Doors in this laugh-out-loud, heartwarming middle grade novel that explores how our choices make us who we are.

(added by Amy)

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Link and Hud: Heroes by a Hair

Jarrett Pumphrey

Meet Link and Hud—brothers causing chaos in the first of a new middle grade series from real-life brothers Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey.

 

Lincoln and Hudson Dupré are brothers with what grown-ups call “active imaginations.” Link and Hud hunt for yetis in the Himalayas and battle orcs on epic quests. Unfortunately, their imaginary adventures wreak havoc in their real world. Dr. and Mrs. Dupré have tried every babysitter in the neighborhood and are at their wits’ end.

 

Enter Ms. Joyce. Strict and old-fashioned, she proves to be a formidable adversary. The boys don’t like her or her rules and decide she’s got to go. Through a series of escalating events—told as high-action comic panel sequences—the brothers conspire to undermine Ms. Joyce and get her fired. When they go so big that even Ms. Joyce can’t fix it, suddenly she’s out. Finally, success! Or is it?

With warm and authentic humor, Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey have blended prose and graphic novel-style illustrations to craft a unique and subversive new series full of brotherly mischief and mayhem.

(added by Amy)

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Finally Seen

Kelly Yang

From the New York Times bestselling author of Front Desk comes a gripping middle grade novel about a young girl who leaves China to live with her parents and sister, after five years apart, and learns about family, friendship, and the power of being finally seen.

My sister got to grow up with my parents. Me? I grew up with postcards from my parents.

When ten-year-old Lina Gao steps off the plane in Los Angeles, it’s her first time in America and the first time seeing her parents and her little sister in five years! She’s been waiting for this moment every day while she lived with her grandmother in Beijing, getting teased by kids at school who called her “left behind girl.” Finally, her parents are ready for her to join their fabulous life in America! Except, it’s not exactly like in the postcards:

1. School’s a lot harder than she thought. When she mispronounces some words in English on the first day, she decides she simply won’t talk. Ever again.

2. Her chatty little sister has no problem with English. And seems to do everything better than Lina, including knowing exactly the way to her parents’ hearts.

3. They live in an apartment, not a house like in Mom’s letters, and they owe a lot of back rent from the pandemic. And Mom’s plan to pay it back sounds more like a hobby than a moneymaker.

As she reckons with her hurt, Lina tries to keep a lid on her feelings, both at home and at school. When her teacher starts facing challenges for her latest book selection, a book that deeply resonates with Lina, it will take all of Lina’s courage and resilience to get over her fear in order to choose a future where she’s finally seen.

(added by Amy)

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Hooray for Anna Hibiscus!

Atinuke

Join Anna Hibiscus and her big, bustling family in the second of Atinuke’s engaging illustrated chapter-book series set in modern Nigeria.

Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa. She’s surrounded by so many family members she can’t count them, in a wonderful old house with a garden in a compound in a big city. Follow Anna as she worries about singing a solo for a visiting president, runs away to escape hair-braiding day (and gets in a terrible tangle), enjoys the candles and hide-and-seek games on nights when the electricity goes out (and hates the new noisy generator!), and has an eye-opening visit to the other side of the city, where she learns about spontaneous generosity. Says School Library Journal, “Atinuke . . . manages to balance the contemporary and the traditional with ease”—a talent that, combined with Lauren Tobia’s expressive illustrations, will leave readers rapt and have them looking forward to Anna’s next adventures.

(added by Amy)

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The Windeby Puzzle

Lois Lowry

Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author Lois Lowry transports readers to an Iron Age world through the suspenseful dual narrative of a boy and girl both battling to survive. In an utterly one-of-a-kind blend of fiction and history, a master storyteller explores the mystery and life of the 2,000-year-old Windeby bog body.

 

 

Estrild is not like the other girls in her village; she wants to be a warrior. Varick, the orphan boy who helps her train in spite of his twisted back, also stands apart. In a world where differences are poorly tolerated, just how much danger are they in

Inspired by the true discovery of the 2,000-year-old Windeby bog body in Northern Germany, Newbery Medalist and master storyteller Lois Lowry transports readers to an Iron age world as she breathes life back into the Windeby child, left in the bog to drown with a woolen blindfold over its eyes.

This suspenseful exploration of lives that might have been by a gifted, intellectually curious author is utterly one of a kind. Includes several arresting photos of archeological finds, including of the Windeby child.

(added by Amy)

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The Children's Book of Birdwatching

Dan Rouse

A book, packed with inexpensive upcycling projects, that provides kids with tips on how to attract a range of birds to their outdoor space.

Transform your backyard into a sanctuary for a variety of birds.

Make a difference to the local wildlife with this informative, hands-on book. Bird numbers are in decline and you can help them by creating a place for them thrive. Make a bird feeder that you can fill with seeds or a mini pond for them to drink from, and watch as a range of birdlife gather in your garden.

Discover how to optimize your outdoor space for birds, from the best plants to grow to how to keep predators away, and learn about the importance of these little creatures to the environment. With engaging activities and plenty of advice from bird-expert Dan Rouse, this fun yet educational book makes the perfect introduction to animal conservation and protection for children. The Children’s Book of Birdwatching celebrates local wildlife and teaches children about the challenges birds face and what we can do to help. Whether you love gardening, enjoy arts and crafts, or simply want to do your part to help endangered animals, this delightful book is full of lots of easy and fun projects.

Soon your backyard will be filled with all kinds of birds. How many can you spot?

(Added by Jenna)

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Pizza!

Greg Pizzoli

From Geisel Award-winning author Greg Pizzoli comes a hilarious and mouth-watering history of pizza.

Do YOU like PIZZA? Because right now, somewhere in the world, someone is eating it. Did you know that in the United States we eat 350 slices of pizza every second? Or that in Sweden they serve pizza with bananas and peanuts? All over the world, people love pizza—but where did it come from? And who made the first pizza?

Join award-winning author and illustrator Greg Pizzoli as he travels through time and around the globe to discover the mouth-watering history of pizza. Bursting with color, flavor, fun facts, and a family-friendly English muffin pizza recipe, Pizza!: A Slice of History reveals the delicious story of the world's best food.

(Added by Jenna)

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150 Happy Facts by the Happy Broadcast

Keith Bonnici

From the creators of the incredibly popular social channel, The Happy Broadcast, comes an illustrated book packed with 150 wholesome, positive facts for kids to learn from and enjoy.

Did you know that giraffe populations in Africa have rebounded by 20 percent since 2015? Or that researchers are looking into a mustard-based fuel (yes, like the stuff on hamburgers!) for airplanes? And have you ever heard of something called "pee-cycling?"

With so much negative news in the mainstream media, it is often easy to forget that there are countless amazingly positive things happening in our world. That is why Mauro Gatti, an Emmy award-winning creator and illustrator, started The Happy Broadcast in 2018 as an Instagram channel focused on surfacing some of the positive actors in our world who are driving change in areas like the environment, animal rights, social justice, and more. Science shows that a positive outlook greatly improves mental health, and The Happy Broadcast has become a movement to ensure that in the world of news, positivity wins out! The book includes over 150 illustrated news items that kids are sure to enjoy.

In 150 Happy Facts by The Happy Broadcast, you'll read all about 150 happy and anxiety-free facts like the ones above. Topics include animals, mental health, sports, and more! Each happy fact is illustrated by award-winning artist Mauro Gatti and accompanied by informative text that has been vetted by experts. This is a great nonfiction book for kids, or anyone who needs a little good news in their life.

(Added by Jenna)

 

 

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Create and Conquer!

Dynamo

Become a ROBLOX master with this unauthorized guide! With over 100 color pages of secrets, guides, and more, start your journey to conquering one of the world's most popular video games!

Want to up your Roblox skills? Then check out this 100% unofficial guide! Hints, tips, info, quizzes and more, ROBLOX: Create and Conquer has everything you need to become a true master! Want to learn how to make your very own custom RPG or top the charts on the hardest obby's out there? Then grab this guide and prepare to win it all!

(Added by Jenna)

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Baby Badger

Hannah Shaw

From New York Times bestselling author Hannah Shaw—also known as Kitten Lady—comes the third book in an exciting and heartwarming chapter book series following a small cat who’s not sure what to make of new kitten arrivals!

All is quiet in the city as beings big and small find shelter from a snowstorm, except for one tiny squeak. It’s baby Badger, a newborn kitten with no momma to carry him to safety. He’s cold and so alone—until a helpful human finds him and brings him to the warmest place on earth: Fosterland.

There, baby Badger is still an orphan, but he has a cozy house filled with stuffed animal friends who become his family. With Miss Moose, Teddy, and Monsieur Crocodile by his side, Badger has everything he needs. Then, a cat named Mama Mia and her five kittens join him! And Badger isn’t sure what to think of his new roommates. They do all sorts of confusing things: the kittens eat from their mom instead of from a bottle like him, and they lick each other. So odd!

But as Leeni, Mia’s sassy and bold kitten, begins to befriend Badger, he’ll have a decision to make—stay in his cozy, safe space with his stuffed animals, or risk it all for a friendship with his potential new pals.

(added by Amy)

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Good Night, Heroes

Maggie Testa

Fans of PJ Masks will love winding down and getting ready for bedtime with this deluxe storybook with foil and padding on the cover and glossy pages inside.

Bedtime is the right time for storytime! See the PJ Masks go into the night to save the day and defeat Luna Girl and Night Ninja. At the end of this busy night, these heroes sure are tired! Little ones will be inspired to go to bed after reading this fun storybook.

PJ Masks © Frog Box / Entertainment One UK Limited / Walt Disney EMEA Productions Limited 2014

(added by Amy)

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Heidi Heckelbeck Sunshine Magic

Wanda Coven

Heidi’s family vacation has sunshine and magic in the air in this thirty-fifth Heidi Heckelbeck adventure!

Heidi and her family are taking a trip to the Castle Spell Cove, a special place where Heidi’s mom and Aunt Trudy used to visit when they were kids. Once there, Heidi makes friends with an unusual girl named Sunny who has a magical secret of her own that will change Heidi’s life forever.

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Heidi Heckelbeck chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

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Fishing on Thin Ice

Art Coulson

Jimmy Benge is excited to celebrate his thirteenth birthday with an ice fishing adventure in northern Minnesota. He's even allowed to invite his best friend, Ryan, to spend winter break at the family's lakeside home. The two boys learn a lot about ice fishing and catch a few panfish but decide to fish for something bigger: Northern pike, the alpha predators of the lake. The trip is fun until one day, while out fishing by themselves, the boys are hit by a sudden, unexpected snowstorm and find themselves fishing on thin ice.

(added by Amy)

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Snowboard Balancing Act

Jake Maddox

For twelve-year-old Bristol, being on the slopes means ultimate freedom. As an adaptive snowboarder and a junior instructor, the upcoming PowderX Games are a chance to show her parents how serious she is about the sport. But juggling boarding and teaching with homework and vision therapy for her vergence insufficiency is harder than Bristol thought. When her parents announce that she'll have to drop some of her snowboarding commitments if she doesn't do well on an important exam, Bristol is determined to prove that she can do it all. On the day of the Games, it takes a reminder from one of her students--and a tough personal choice--to help Bristol figure out the perfect balance both on and off the slopes.

(Added by Amy)

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Maisie Lockwood Adventures #2: The Yosemite Six (Jurassic World)

Tess Sharpe

This second action-packed Middle Grade Novel features Maisie Lockwood on all-new adventures along with everyone’s favorite dinosaurs from Jurassic World Dominion!

This second original hardcover novel tells the all-new adventures of Maisie Lockwood as she navigates a world filled with dinosaurs both ferocious and friendly. When Maisie, Owen, and Claire track Blue to Yosemite, they find her tracker in the park, but the dinosaur is nowhere to be found. Owen and Claire decide they should stay for until they locate Blue, and that means Maisie has to go on her most exciting adventure yet—school! She’s nervous, but quickly makes new friends but also discovers there are six dinosaurs that need their protection. Unfortunately, there’s also a predator hunting in the area. Is it Blue, or is there a more dangerous carnivore on the loose? Maisie will need all of her skills and bravery to save her new friends and the Yosemite Six.

(added by Amy)

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Bhai for Now

Maleeha Siddiqui

A fresh and fun new spin on the Parent-Trap story, by Indies Introduce author Maleeha Siddiqui

 

Ashar is busy with the ice hockey team, studying to get into the best school, and hanging out with his friends.

Shaheer and his father are always moving, following his dad's jobs. Shaheer has given up hope of finding a place where he can put down roots, a place that feels like home.

The two boys have nothing in common.

But when they meet on Shaheer's first day at his new school, it's like looking in a mirror.

They quickly figure out that they're twins, separated as babies. And they are determined to do whatever it takes--including secretly switching identities--to get to know the parent they've been separated from.

This is the story of two long-lost brothers who, while they might not like each other, just might need each other. Bhai for Now is by turns heartwarming and hilarious, and with an unforgettable Muslim family and friendship story at its core.

(added by Amy)

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Nina Soni, Master of the Garden

Kashmira Sheth

Nina Soni is a lovable, distractible Indian American girl with big plans and cast of family and friends to help her make her realize her dreams—or resolve the chaos that often results.

It's Take Your Child to Work Day, and Nina, Kavita, and Jay are all going to work with Mom, a landscape architect, to learn how to start a garden. Naturally that's not enough for Nina, who quickly develops big plans for a business selling the vegetables she plans to grow. But her plans don't include managing the problems that inevitably arise, including rabbits, slugs, mosquitos, and more!

Middle grade readers are sure to relate to Nina Soni and her entertaining efforts to manage her life with lists, definitions, and real-life math problems. Perfect for STEAM enthusiasts.

(added by Amy)

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Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade

Nancy Springer

Enola Holmes, Sherlock's much younger, and feistier, sister, returns in an adventure of a confused young Baronet's daughter who is on the run from her father's devious schemes in Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade.

Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of Sherlock, is now living independently in London and working as a scientific perditorian (a finder of persons and things). But that is not the normal lot of young women in Victorian England. They are under the near absolute control of their nearest male relative until adulthood. Such is the case of Enola's friend, Lady Cecily Alastair. Twice before Enola has rescued Lady Cecily from unpleasant designs of her caddish father, Sir Eustace Alastair, Baronet. And when Enola is brusquely turned away at the door of the Alastair home it soon becomes apparent that Lady Cecily once again needs her help.

Affecting a bold escape, Enola takes Lady Cecily to her secret office only to be quickly found by the person hired by Lady Cecily's mother to find the missing girl - Sherlock Holmes himself. But the girl has already disappeared again, now loose on her own in the unforgiving city of London.

Even worse, Lady Cecily has a secret that few know. She has dual personalities - one, which is left-handed, is independent and competent; the other, which is right-handed, is meek and mild. Now Enola must find Lady Cecily again - before one of her personalities gets her into more trouble than she can handle and before Sherlock can find her and return her to her father. Once again, for Enola, the game is afoot.

(added by Amy)

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All Through the Night: Important Jobs That Get Done at Night

Polly Faber

This beautifully illustrated picture book showcases the workers that keep a city running all through the night and make it ready for the new day.

The sky is getting dark. In the city, a little girl is eating her dinner, brushing her teeth, and getting ready for bed. Meanwhile, her mother is putting on her coat and getting ready to go to work. Where is she going and who will she see along the way? As the night goes on, readers will see nurses, cleaners, delivery workers, doctors, police officers, journalists, and many other workers who help keep the city running all through the night.

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A Leopard Diary

Suzi Eszterhas

"Leopards are known for being shy and elusive, and leopard mothers are even more so. Imagine, then, having the rare opportunity to follow and photograph a mother leopard and her cubs. When world-renowned nature photographer Suzi Eszterhas was given the chance to do so, she jumped on a plane to Botswana. And through this collection of informative diary entries and stunning photos, readers are able to share this rare privilege. This compelling chronical of Suzi's time following a female leopard spans roughly a year and a half, but between the informative first-person observations and the photos of rarely seen moments in the wild, the time flies by. The story begins with Suzi arriving at the Jao Reserve in Botswana's Okavango Delta and meeting Kambango, the local tracker and guide who would become her close friend and whose knowledge and expertise she relies on throughout. They go immediately to the mother leopard's den where, after waiting patiently for a number of hours, Suzi catches her first glimpse of the newborn cubs and her joy is palpable. From here on, readers are along for wild ride that is sometimes bumpy (such as a dramatic close encounter with the mother who feared for her cubs' safety), sometimes smooth (the entries and photo captions are rich with observations of the cubs' behavior as they grow up, as well as more general information about leopard behaviour) and sometimes even a bit uncomfortable (such as the grim reality of having to watch the cubs learn to hunt by practicing on a wounded kudu calf). Throughout the whole diary, though, the excitement in Suzi's voice is clear, and her entries are full of her sense of wonder and respect for these amazing and secretive animals. Endmatter includes a Q&A with Kambango, who played such an essential role in this adventure, as well as a glossary of terms."--

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Baking Bread with Kids

Jennifer Latham

The only book kids and parents need to make their own delicious bread at home—and make it fun, simple, and easy, with 20+ recipes for ages 7 and up. No fancy tools needed!

“With this fantastic book, Jen Latham is literally educating and empowering kids of current and future generations.”—Chad Robertson, baker and owner of Tartine Bakery and author of Bread Book and Tartine Bread

Making bread can be so simple and fun that any kid can learn to master the art of mixing, folding, proofing, and baking to create incredible breads. From sandwich breads, like Honey Whole Wheat and fluffy Milk Bread, to buttery Brioche Rolls, puffy Pita, and chewy Baguettes to the not-quite-bread treats like fresh Flour Tortillas, Pizza Dough, and Cornbread, Baking Bread with Kids includes more than twenty recipes for aspiring bread bakers. 
 
Each recipe is organized into clear and easy-to-follow instructions and accompanied by beautiful illustrations depicting each step, perfect for school-age readers or younger kids accompanied by an adult in the kitchen. Baking Bread with Kids is the definitive bread book for learning to make delicious loaves and treats that everyone will enjoy.

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The Tray of Togetherness

Flo Leung

"THE TRAY OF TOGETHERNESS is a celebration of a culturally specific experience that also speaks to the universality of having family traditions and the specialness of that connection. In Flo Leung's heartwarming, food-focused story, a young girl helps her multi-racial family prepare their Tray of Togetherness as part of that evening's Lunar New Year celebration. And her exuberance for the task at hand will have readers - whether familiar with the tradition or not - happily joining her. The story opens with the girl helping prepare her family's apartment - a space warmly decorated with a wall of portraits that signal to the reader the diversity of this girl's family and what "togetherness" might mean to her. Then it's time to get their coats and go on a shopping adventure - their tray needs to be filled with all sorts of good wish treats: candied coconut for strong family ties, peanuts for a long life, candied winter melon for good health and much more... After collecting their special treats from the bustling market, the family returns home, passing out delicious good wishes to the friends and neighbors they meet along the way. Once home, the tray is filled and finishing touches hung - just in time for their party. Friends and family arrive, all ready "to celebrate this HAPPY NEW YEAR together!" A short note from Flo at the end of the book explains the word play behind the edible New Year's wishes and fondly describes her own experiences as a child whose family celebrated Lunar New Year"--

(Added by Jenna)

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Luminous

Julia Kuo

In this "surprisingly simple yet mesmerizing introduction to a wonder of the natural world" (Kirkus STARRED Review), kids aged 4 to 8 will marvel at the science of bioluminescence through stunning images of glowing creatures and other organisms.

When it's dark out, we need light to see. But what if your body could make its own light?

From acclaimed author-illustrator Julia Kuo comes a remarkable picture book about bioluminescence, the light made from living things, and its many forms: fireflies and foxfire, fungi and glow-worms, deep-sea fish and vampire squids.

Kuo's radiant art portrays a young child and adult discovering different bioluminescent creatures, accompanied by simple lyrical text and informative sidebars that reveal fascinating scientific facts about each of them.

An introduction to an extraordinary natural phenomenon, Luminous shines a light upon how truly wondrous the world is.

(Added by Jenna)



     

 

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Star Wars Everyday

Ashley Eckstein

Join Ashley Eckstein and live your best Star Wars life, with this 12-month guide to party planning, crafting, and cooking inspired by a galaxy from far, far away!

She may be the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, but first and foremost, Ashley Eckstein is a lifelong fan of the Star Wars galaxy—a passion that led her to start the fangirl fashion brand Her Universe, and become a pillar of the Star Wars fan community. Now, you can celebrate your fandom with Ashley, as she shows you how to bring Star Wars into your everyday life, with this unique lifestyle book!

CELEBRATE STAR WARS WITH ASHLEY ECKSTEIN: This book is a delightful exploration of Star Wars fandom from one of the galaxy’s most positive and inspirational fangirls.

THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE BOOK FOR STAR WARS FANS: Ashley herself guides you through crafting projects, recipes, mindfulness exercises, and party planning ideas that are fun and accessible for Star Wars fans of any age.

YEARLONG ACTIVITIES: Designed to be used throughout the year, this book features family friendly activities that are organized by monthly themes, such as Hope, Friendship, and Adventure.

PERFECT FOR YOU AND YOUR PADAWAN: A great gift for families obsessed with Star Wars, this book is a fantastic way to create engaging galactic adventures for both parents and children.

COMPLETE YOUR STAR WARS COLLECTION: This book stands alongside fan-favorite titles such as Star Wars: Knitting the Galaxy and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook.

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When the Sky Glows

Nell Cross Beckerman

Uncover the science behind the beautiful and vast array of natural events that make the sky glow all over the world in this enlightening nonfiction picture book.

Sunrises and lightning storms, rainbows and volcanoes, meteors and eclipses—these beautiful, awe-inspiring events that light up the sky might seem like magic. But there is a fascinating scientific explanation for each. Nell Cross Beckerman’s playful and illuminating text and David Litchfield’s vibrant illustrations are certain to capture the curiosity of young sky watchers everywhere.

(Added by Jenna)

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The Tryout: A Graphic Novel

Christina Soontornvat

STAND TALL.

BE LOUD.

GAME FACE ON.

 

This pitch perfect graphic memoir about courage and competition, friendship and belonging is perfect for fans of Smile, New Kid, Rollergirl, and Real Friends.

"A captivating middle-grade gem." -- The New York Times Book Review

★ "Funny, relatable, and genuine." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Captures every nuanced emotion." -- School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Genuinely nail-biting." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Cringe-worthy in the best possible way...inspiring and insightful." -- Shelf Awareness, starred review

"Delightfully expressive...a standout." -- Booklist

When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and her best friend, Megan, literally jump at the chance to join the squad. As two of the only kids of color in the school, they have always yearned to fit in--and the middle school cheerleaders are popular and accepted by everyone. But will the girls survive the terrifying tryouts, with their whole grade watching? And will their friendship withstand the pressures of competition?

Hilarious and highly relatable, The Tryout by two-time Newbery Honoree Christina Soontornvat and shining new talent Joanna Cacao will make you laugh, cry, and cheer!

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Nic Bishop Elephants

Nic Bishop

Sibert Medalist and naturalist Nic Bishop explores the world's largest land animal -- the ELEPHANT!

Few animals are more impressive than elephants. They are by far the biggest of all land animals. And yet, elephants are more than mighty. They are sensitive and intelligent creatures who live in large, caring family societies run by females. They have extraordinary senses and communicate in complex ways that scientists are only now starting to understand. Elephants play an essential role in the delicate African and Asian ecosystems. Today, elephant populations in both Africa and Asia are being threatened.

Join award-winning author, photographer, and naturalist Nic Bishop as he gives readers an in-depth look at one of the world's smartest and most fascinating animals.

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Mister Rogers' Gift of Music

Donna Cangelosi

For a young Fred Rogers, music was a gift. It eased the pain of childhood illness and bullying and helped Fred express how he felt when words alone were difficult.

As an adult, he gifted his melodies to the world, showing children by example that they can express themselves, cope with negative feelings, and connect to each other through music.

This sensitive, life-affirming biography not only portrays the life of this beloved TV personality, but focuses on Fred’s most memorable songs and musical TV moments, and captures the enduring magic of his music in brilliantly colorful abstract illustration. Readers will not only learn about what music meant to Fred Rogers, but find the encouragement and inspiration to brighten their own lives with song.

(Added by Jenna)

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A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth

Christina Soontornvat

Thai American creators portray the inspirational and barrier-breaking life of Senator Tammy Duckworth in a picture-book tribute to an extraordinary woman.

Senator Tammy Duckworth has logged a long list of “firsts” during her tenure as the first Thai American woman elected to Congress, including being the first woman with a disability to serve in the House and Senate. But while she dreamed of serving her country from a young age, Tammy’s path was not without its challenges. In this dramatic account, award-winning creators Christina Soontornvat and Dow Phumiruk chronicle Tammy’s journey. From her childhood fight to keep her family from homelessness, to her service in the US Army, to her recovery from grievous injuries sustained in the line of duty, Tammy never lost her determination to keep going against staggering odds.
Evoking Tammy Duckworth’s spirited nature with sensitivity and joy, this uplifting account of a groundbreaking military veteran and rising political star will inspire readers to dream and achieve. Includes a time line and suggestions for further reading.

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Molecules That Make You You

Robert E. Wells

A tiny difference in your DNA makes you one of a kind.

Inside every cell in the human body are tiny molecules that define all of a person's biological traits. Award-winning science author Robert E. Wells explores DNA with curiosity and awe, pairing thrilling facts with clear explanations. Our human DNA might be 99% the same, but that last 1% difference makes each person unique.

(Added by Jenna)

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Everything You Need to Know About Soccer!

DK

A feast of soccer facts, plus everything you need to know about action on the pitch and behind the scenes at the stadium.

This book is a visual guide to the world's most popular game. From the rules of the game to the top tournaments - the information leaps right off the page! Learn about historic ball games and the birth of soccer. Gen up on the laws of the game and the new technology that referees use to make vital decisions. See what it takes to run a club and keep the players in tip-top shape. There's a chapter, too, on all the international trophies and tournaments, including the FIFA Women's World Cup, Copa América, and the Olympic Games. This new edition includes updates to soccer's roll of honor to include the latest tournament winners.

Inside this fantastic soccer book for kids you will find:

  • Highly visual approach brings information to life 
  • A global mix of content covering both the men’s and women’s games 
  • Packed wth vital tips and trips 
  • Astounding facts and mind-boggling stats all about football

The perfect gifting title for soccer-mad fans aged 8+, doubling up as a great read for sporty kids who may be reluctant readers, Everything You Need To Know About Soccer is sure to delight!

(Added by Jenna)

 

 

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The Christmas Book Flood

Emily Kilgore

This lovely and lyrical picture book, based on a real Icelandic tradition, brings all the sparkle and anticipation of Christmas—and of the joys of reading—to the page.

The northern lights dance,
snow blankets the ground,
it’s the Christmas season—so the Book Flood begins!

People plan and they dream,
and they visit the shops
for books to give loved ones, and families, and friends.

And when Christmas Eve comes,
they’ll share magical stories,
curl up by the fire, and read, read, read, read...

With gorgeous artwork and a diverse cast of characters, Emily Kilgore and Kitty Moss's The Christmas Book Flood is a surefire holiday classic.

(Added by Jenna)

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Piece by Piece

David Aguilar

The heartfelt and funny memoir of a boy who built himself a prosthetic arm out of the world-famous toy bricks.

David Aguilar was born missing part of one arm, a small detail that seemed to define his life and limit people's ideas of who he was and who he could be. But in his funny and heartfelt memoir, David proves that he can throw out the rulebook and people's expectations and maybe even make a difference in the world--and all with a sense of humor. At only nine years old, David built his first prosthesis from LEGO bricks, and since then he hasn't stopped creating and thinking about how his inventions, born from a passion for building things, could fuel change and help others.

With a voice full of personality and heart, David tells his powerful story, of family and friendship, of heartbreak and loss, and ultimately of triumph and success, as he continues to dream big and build a life and a better world--piece by piece.

(Added by Jenna)

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Going Places: Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious Book

Tonya Bolden

In the vein of Hidden Figures comes a nonfiction picture book about the Green Book, a travel guide by Victor Hugo Green, a Black postal worker from Harlem, made to help African Americans stay safe while traveling during segregation.

As a mail carrier, Victor Hugo Green traveled across New Jersey every day. But with Jim Crow laws enforcing segregation since the late 1800s, traveling as a Black person in the US could be stressful, even dangerous.

So in the 1930s, Victor created a guide--The Negro Motorist Green-Book--compiling information on where to go and what places to avoid so that Black travelers could have a safe and pleasant time. While the Green Book started out small, over the years it became an expansive, invaluable resource for Black people throughout the country--all in the hopes that one day such a guide would no longer be needed.

Award-winning author Tonya Bolden and acclaimed illustrator Eric Velasquez shine a light on this little-known history of Victor Hugo Green and the deep impact of his incredible book on generations of Black families in America.

(Added by Jenna)

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Make Your Own Board Game

Jesse Terrance Daniels

Tabletop board games are having a comeback, and especially within a younger, tech-y audience who enjoys the challenge and opportunity to work in an analog sphere. Game design expert Jesse Terrance Daniels teaches all the fundamentals of game design, from rule-setting to physical construction, along with original illustrations that capture the ethos and energy of the young, contemporary gaming community.
 
Readers will learn the “building blocks” of game design, including game components, rules, and gameplay mechanics, and then how to craft a game, with a variety of examples and design prompts. After completing Make Your Own Board Game, readers are equipped with a broad understanding of game construction and flow and ready to create games that are playable and satisfying, while also expressing the makers’ unique creativity and passions.

(Added by Jenna)

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An Arctic Story

Jane Burnard

This is the Arctic. It sits on the top of the world—a frozen sea in a circle of land.

This beautiful book brings together a spellbinding narrative, breathtaking illustrations, and fascinating facts about one of our planet’s most precious environments. On a journey to the North Pole and back, and from fall to spring, the story begins and ends with the extraordinary wood frog, a tiny creature that freezes for the long Arctic winter. On the way we meet polar bears, an Arctic fox, narwhals, and many other animals, discovering how each one is perfectly adapted for life on the tundra, in the ocean, and on the ice.

With lyrical text by Jane Burnard combining with Kendra Binney's evocative illustrations to show readers the awesome beauty of the Arctic, this is a story sure to inspire wonder in the natural world.

(Added by Jenna)

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Antoine's Tale

Janet Curran

Antoine's remarkable journey as a rescue-turned-therapy dog comes to life on the page and through pictures in this heartwarming true story.

Antoine's Tale is more than the average dog adventure. An engaging and inspiring picture book about Antoine, the most remarkable rescue dog, Antoine's Tale follows Antoine through his journey, highlighting his most important accomplishments, including overcoming paralysis in his hind legs, to surviving multiple surgeries, making friends wherever he goes, and slobbering on every person he meets. A story of courage, family, and perseverance told by Antoine himself, Antoine's Tale will delight and captivate young readers through engaging photography, an incredible story, and a main character whose extraordinary determination to heal helped him heal those around him.


Today, Antoine lives a full life. He has found his own passion as a therapy dog for children and inspiring people all over the country.

(Added by Jenna)

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The Royal Trials (Last Gate of the Emperor #2)

Kwame Mbalia

From Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel David Makonnen comes an Afrofuturist adventure about a mythical Ethiopian empire. Sci-fi and fantasy combine in this epic journey to the stars.

Yared has traveled a long way to find his place in the universe. Light years, even. Though the battle of Addis Prime is over, the spacefaring Axum Empire is still fractured. The kingdom once gave their technology away free of charge, to better humankind. Now, having been missing for over a decade, they're returning to the planet where their galaxy-spanning civilization began--Earth.

But they find the planet in disarray. Old Earth's atmosphere is a mess of junked shuttles and satellites. This is especially true of Debris Town, an orbital flotilla where poor spacefarers--left to rot by the Intergalactic Union that rose up in Axum's place--have taken to piracy to survive.

Yared is set to speak at the opening of the Royal Trials, a competition of the best exo pilots in the Sol System. But on the day of his speech, the pirates launch an attack!

The siege sets off a chain of events that will lead Yared into the depths of Old Earth--and the jaws of a cruel betrayal. There's more to the pirates--and Debris Town--than anyone saw coming.

(added by Amy)

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Violet and Jobie in the Wild

Lynne Rae Perkins

Newbery Medal winner Lynne Rae Perkins introduces Violet and Jobie, two house mice exiled to the wilderness, in an exceptional read-aloud and read-alone for fans of Skunk and Badger,Nuts to You, and classic animal stories such as Stuart Little. This thrilling--and funny!--animal adventure explores themes of friendship, family, bravery, and the meaning of home. Violet & Jobie in the Wild is illustrated in black-and-white throughout by the author.

 

 

Brother and sister mice Violet and Jobie live a cozy and comfortable life in a humans' house, where food is plentiful and the television is good. In fact, Violet, tucked safely behind a book in the bookcase, loves to watch nature programs along with the young boy of the family. The boy's mother, however, isn't the biggest fan of mice.

When Violet and Jobie are caught in a trap, the young boy pleads with his mother to release them, and she agrees. Now Violet and Jobie find themselves in tall grasses, under tall trees, surrounded by all kinds of unfamiliar scents and sounds and creatures. In short, they find themselves in the wild. How will they survive

This short, generously illustrated novel is packed with action, humor, heart, friendship, and surprises. Award-winning author Lynne Rae Perkins's Violet & Jobie in the Wild will resonate with readers who love books about animals.

(added by Amy)

 

 

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Omega Morales and the Legend of la Lechuza

Laekan Z. Kemp

Fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, and Disney's Encanto will be captivated by this fantastical novel about a girl who must learn to trust her ancestral powers when she comes face-to-face with the Mexican legend La Lechuza.

Omega Morales's family has been practicing magic for centuries in Noche Buena. But over the years, the town's reputation for the supernatural is no longer one the people carry with pride. So Omega's family keeps to themselves, and in private, they're Empaths--diviners who can read and manipulate the emotions of people and objects around them. But Omega's powers don't quite work, and it leaves her feeling like an outsider in her own family.

When a witch with the power to transform herself into an owl--known in Mexican folklore as La Lechuza--shows up unannounced, Omega, her best friend Clau (who happens to be a ghost), and her cousin Carlitos must conduct a séance under a full moon in order to unravel the mystery of the legend.

Suddenly Omega's magic begins to change, and the key to understanding her powers is more complicated than she thought. Omega will have to decide what's more important--trusting the instincts of others or learning to trust in herself.

(added by Amy)

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Best Wishes (Best Wishes #1)

Sarah Mlynowski

Because you're blue

This bracelet is now for you.

Speak one wish to make it true. . .

So begins this enchanting new adventure from Sarah Mlynowski, the New York Times bestselling author and co-author of the Whatever After and Upside-Down Magic series. When different girls around the country receive a wish-granting bracelet in the mail, magical mayhem ensues! Filled with delightful illustrations, friendship, and humor, this series is like American Girl...with magic.

Optioned for film by Imagine Kids & Family!

Becca Singer is having the Worst Day Ever. Her best friend, Harper, dumped her, and Becca is totally friendless and alone.

Then the box arrives in the mail.

Inside the box? One bracelet, plus a mysterious note telling Becca to make a wish. So Becca puts on the bracelet--why not, right?--and wishes to have friends. Lots of friends. So many friends.

And just like that, the magic works. Suddenly, EVERYONE wants to be Becca's BFF, from all the kids at school to the teachers (!) to her own mom (!!). As things spin out of control, Becca starts to wonder: Is this wish a curse?

And stay tuned for Book Two, co-written by Sarah Mlynowski and Debbie Rigaud, when a girl in Ohio gets the bracelet in the mail and makes a new wish!

This series is perfect for fans of Whatever After, Upside-Down Magic, Twisted Tales, The Baby-Sitters Club, and all stories told with warmth and sparkle.

(added by Amy)

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What We Saw

Mary Downing Hahn

A chilling murder mystery lies at the heart of this page-turning thriller about a missing teacher, small town secrets, and turbulent tween friendships from master of middle grade horror Mary Downing Hahn.

When best friends Abbi and Skylar witness a clandestine meeting between a mysterious woman and someone in a dark van, they're thrilled. Finally, a mystery to spice up the summer!

Who could these people be? Why are they meeting? Are they spies? Criminals? The two girls are determined to find out. But then a local woman goes missing and is found dead in the woods. And Abbi and Skylar realize that their detective work could hold the keys to solving her murder. Suddenly, sleuthing isn't so fun anymore.

As tensions rise and their friendship frays, the girls find themselves in increasing danger, and must choose between keeping a secret or exposing a life-altering truth.

(added by Amy)

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The Capitol: a Meet the Nation's Capitol Book

Lindsay Ward

Fans of Richard Scarry's Busy, Busy World will enjoy this fun, interactive picture book about the nation's capitol, the meeting place of Congress. Learn more about this important building in the first book of this picture book series.

Welcome to the Capitol! The Capitol is the meeting place of the United States Congress. Over 2,000 people work here, including 100 senators and 435 representatives from all 50 states.

Peter is visiting his dad, the head mason. Nima is meeting up with her mom, a senator. Gabriel is handing out headphones with his grandma, an official tour guide at the building. What will they see and learn at the Capitol?

This interactive book is perfect for kids to learn all about the different people who work in and help maintain one of the country's most important and famous buildings. It includes educational backmatter, a glossary, counting prompts, and search-and-find elements.

(Added by Jenna)

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Let's Talk about It!

Marie-Therese Miller

Everyone has a conflict now and then. In this book, readers will learn how to solve them with help from their friends on Sesame Street. Tools like a five-step conflict resolution model provide age-appropriate ways to handle conflict.

(Added by Jenna)

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Todo el mundo cabe aquí

Alexandra Penfold

A Spanish edition of ALL ARE WELCOME! Join the call for a better world with this New York Times bestselling picture book about a school where diversity and inclusion are celebrated.

Discover a school where--no matter what--young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated.

Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other's traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.

(Added by Jenna)

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The Hocus Pocus Spell Book

Eric Geron

In advance of the all-new movie, Hocus Pocus 2, dive into the world of Disney's Hocus Pocus with this stunning spell book..

It's all just a bunch of hocus pocus inside this gorgeous Hocus Pocus Spell Book. Fans of the annual Halloween favorite, Hocus Pocus will love this enchanting title featuring spells, potions, witch history, and more! Full of magical of illustrations, comments from Winnie, Mary, and Sarah, and more, this beautiful book is a must-have accessory for any want-to-be Sanderson sister and the perfect gift for Hocus Pocus fans of any age.

For more spellbinding Hocus Pocus stories, check out these magical titles:

  • Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel
  • Art of Coloring: Hocus Pocus
  • Hocus Pocus: The Illustrated Novelization

 

(Added by Jenna)

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The Last Beekeeper

Pablo Cartaya

Facing a world dually altered by climate change and those who profit from it, Yolanda Cicerón will have to fight to save the last known beehive from extinction in this stirring new adventure by award-winning author Pablo Cartaya.

In a future shaken by climate disasters, Yolanda Cicerón knows that nature is something to be feared. While life in the Valley is brutal and harsh, Yoly dreams of leaving her farm to live in Silo--the most advanced town for miles around. But first, Yoly will need to prove she belongs in a place where only the smartest and most useful are welcomed.

Between her razor-sharp smarts and sheer determination, Yoly is well on her way until she discovers her family can no longer afford her schooling. When forced to take matters into her own hands, the closer she gets to securing her future, the more she uncovers the dangers lying inside Silo's walls--ones that threaten the entire Valley.

As she cracks long-guarded secrets, Yoly, along with those closest to her, is put in grave peril and the only chance of surviving may lie in the rediscovery of a long-extinct species--the honeybee. Can the last surviving beehive be the key to pulling the Valley out from under Silo's thumb, or will they destroy what remains of Yoly's future?

(added by Amy)

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Shine On, Luz Véliz!

Rebecca Balcarcel

A beautiful coming-of-age story for fans of Front Desk and Merci Suárez Changes Gears, this book celebrates identity, language, heritage, family, and the determination to follow one's own inner light.

Have you ever been the best at something . . . only to lose it all?

Luz Véliz is a soccer star-or rather, she was a soccer star. With her serious knee injury, it's unlikely she'll be back on the field anytime soon. But without soccer, who is she? Even her dad treats her differently now--like he doesn't know her or, worse, like he doesn't even like her. When Luz discovers she has a knack for coding, it feels like a lifeline to a better self. If she can just ace the May Showcase, she'll not only skip a level in her coding courses and impress Ms. Freeman and intriguing, brilliant Trevor--she'll have her parents cheering her on from the sidelines, just the way she likes it.

But something--someone--is about to enter the Vélizes' life. And when Solana arrives, nothing will be the same, ever again.

Unforgettable characters, family drama, and dauntless determination illuminate Luz's journey as she summons her inner strength and learns to accept others and embrace the enduring connection of family. Through it all, Luz's light is a constant--a guide for others, a path forward through the dark, and an ineffable celebration of her own eternal self.

This is the second novel by Pure Belpré Honor winner Rebecca Balcárcel!

FAST-PACED FAMILY DRAMA: Fast-paced, deeply felt, and with all the high highs and low lows of adolescence, this story is downright fun--a page-turner even while it's dealing with serious issues.

WHO AM I? This book grapples with a topic so many young people deal with daily: one's relationship to heritage and culture. Luz confronts her ties to her home country, the place of her father's birth, and her family itself in a thoughtful, emotional journey filled with humor, urgency, and grace.

CODING IS COOL!: Coding is a language many kids enjoy learning and are encouraged to master. The way this book frames coding and computer programming as an opportunity for communication, bonding, and building fun, practical skills will speak loudly to kids already interested in the field while also resonating with those who aren't.

AN ALL-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: This is an important book for its thought-provoking, empathetic look at immigration in the United States and at how the threat of deportation informs the experiences of some of our country's most vulnerable communities. With lyrical prose, deeply felt characters, and a relatable story, Shine On, Luz V&eacaute;liz! adds substantively to our fraught discussion about immigration and opens it to young readers.

AUTHOR ON THE RISE: Rebecca Balcárcel won the Pura Belpré Author Honor, which recognizes literature for children or youth that best portrays the Latino cultural experience, for her first book, The Other Half of Happy. She is a beloved presence in the children's literature community and is making her mark as a writer to watch.

Perfect for:

* Kids who love reading about family and friend drama
* Kids who love coding
* Parents
* Grandparents
* Educators
* Fans of Meg Medina, Rebecca Stead, and Kelly Yang

(added by Amy)

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Finding My Dance

Ria Thundercloud

In her debut picture book, professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage.

At four years old, Ria Thundercloud was brought into the powwow circle, ready to dance in the special jingle dress her mother made for her. As she grew up, she danced with her brothers all over Indian country. Then Ria learned more styles--tap, jazz, ballet--but still loved the expressiveness of Indigenous dance. And despite feeling different as one of the only Native American kids in her school, she always knew she could turn to dance to cheer herself up.    
 
Follow along as Ria shares her dance journey--from dreaming of her future to performing as a professional--accompanied by striking illustrations that depict it while bringing her graceful movements to life.

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Our Day of the Dead Celebration

Ana Aranda

A family honors their living and dead relatives as they celebrate this holiday with shared food and stories.

The Day of the Dead is a happy day when Mar’s family gathers together. There are favorite dishes to enjoy, games to be played, and most importantly, stories to tell. No one in the family is forgotten because this is the day of the year when the dead come to visit the living—and for this holiday it is almost as if they’re alive again, as the family takes great joy in celebrating the things that made them special. Mar realizes she is just like her Grandpa Ramón, who kept a journal. And her sister, Paz, plays accordian, just like their great-grandfather. There are so many things that connect them all—and at dinner, Abuelita spins even more stories that make them feel close to the ones they will love forever. Ana Aranda’s tender text and vibrant art make the joy felt on this sweet day totally palpable.

(Added by Jenna)

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Harvest Days

Kate Depalma

Explore harvest festivals from around the globe! Lyrical, rhyming text and lush, detailed artwork from Italian artist Martina Peluso immerse young readers in some of the most ancient traditions in the world. Nine pages of rich, educational endnotes dive deep with more information about the 12 cultures explored in the book and invite young readers to ask questions about food and the labor that produces it.

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Keepunumuk

Danielle Greendeer

In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving.

The Thanksgiving story that most Americans know celebrates the Pilgrims. But without members of the Wampanoag tribe who already lived on the land where the Pilgrims settled, the Pilgrims would never have made it through their first winter. And without Weeâchumun (corn), the Native people wouldn't have helped.

An important picture book honoring both the history and tradition that surrounds the story of the first Thanksgiving.

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If the World Were 100 Animals

Miranda Smith

Help your child understand the creatures that share our world and how we can protect them with these big ideas expressed through bite-size chunks of information and eye-opening graphics. This fascinating companion to If the World Were 100 People is perfect for home and classroom settings!

With around 20 quintillion animals on Earth, it's impossible to know everything about them all! However, if we shrink that number down to 100, we can picture a global park that lets us learn about our fellow living creatures.

An accessible introduction to our planet's creatures, perfect for fact-hungry animal lovers!

(Added by Jenna)

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Deb Haaland

Matthew J. Martinez

In 2021, Deb Haaland made history as the first Indigenous cabinet secretary. Serving as Secretary of the Interior, Haaland has championed climate and the rights of Native peoples. Discover Haaland's early life, her political career, and more.

(Added by Jenna)

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Kids Cook Dinner

Deanna F. Cook

It's kids' cooking night—and they’re in charge of making dinner! This selection of 25 easy, budget-friendly dinner recipes from the best-selling Cooking Class series teaches kids how to make tasty, healthy meals with easy-to-follow step-by-step photos. The recipes feature a range of kid favorites, including Popcorn Chicken, Easy Cheesy Quesadillas, Pasta with Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella, Black Beans & Rice, Pizza, Meatballs with Creamy Sauce, Super Sliders, and Supper Salad have been specially selected for their budget-friendliness (averaging $2 a serving) and use of easy-to-find pantry staples, as well as their nutritional value. With instructions on basic cooking skills, like chopping vegetables and stir-frying, grocery shopping, and kitchen safety, Kids Cook Dinner offers aspiring chefs ages 8 to 12 everything they need to know to successfully—and proudly—put a healthy, homecooked meal on the table that the whole family will love. 

(Added by Jenna)
 

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First Phone

Catherine Pearlman, PhD, LCSW

A fun and informative illustrated kids’ guide to safely and productively navigating the digital landscape.

Cellphones have become a fact of life, with children as young as eight (yes, eight!) getting their very own “devices.” Such boundless access means our kids are in nearly constant contact with technology that was designed specifically for adults. And they’re doing so without any type of road map. Enter First Phone: the essential book that apprehensive parents can confidently hand to their kids to read as they begin their journey into the digital world.
 
In First Phone, Catherine Pearlman—licensed clinical social worker and parenting expert—speaks directly to eight- to twelve-year-old children about digital safety in a manner that is playful, engaging, and age-appropriate. With insights and strategies supported by the latest research, First Phone offers:
 
   guidance on privacy, boundaries, social media, and even sexting (yes, young children need to learn about sexting before it happens!) 
   best digital hygiene and self-care practices, including when to put the darn phone down, when to turn off notifications, and where to charge
   how to be a kind and compassionate upstander in a digital world
 
An essential companion when your child receives their first phone, this book provides kids the tools and information they need while giving their parents peace of mind.

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Emmett and Jez

Hannah Shaw

From New York Times bestselling author Hannah Shaw—also known as Kitten Lady—comes the first book in an exciting and heartwarming new chapter book series following kittens and other baby animals in Fosterland!

When a tiny piglet named Emmett bounces off the truck carrying his mother and siblings, he’s lost, hungry, and stuck on the side of the road. He has no idea where he’s supposed to go, or where he belongs.

Then a giant scoops Emmett up and takes him to a wonderful, magical place called Fosterland, where he meets a kitten named Jez. Emmett has a lot of questions, and once he hears all about life as a kitten, he decides it’s much better than being a piglet. So, Emmett decides to just become a kitten instead! Problem solved.

But as both Jez and Emmett grow older and realize they might be headed off to different forever homes, Emmett will have to confront his fears and face the scariest question of all: Is there a Foreverland out there for him?

(added by Amy)

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Kitty School

Gabrielle Reyes

Gabby and the Gabby Cats are off to kitty school in this Level 1 reader! Based on the meow-mazing preschool show Gabby's Dollhouse, streaming on Netflix!

 

When Gabby unboxes a mini kitty backpack and class schedule, it can only mean one thing--it's time for kitty school in the Dollhouse! Join Gabby and the Gabby Cats for an action-packed school day. This Level 1 easy reader is perfect for kids who are just beginning to read on their own. Comes with stickers! DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse (c) 2022 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

(added by Amy)

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Crossing the Stream

Elizabeth-Irene Baitie

Ato hasn't visited his grandmother's house since he was seven. He's heard the rumors that she's a witch, and his mother has told him he must never sit on the old couch on her porch. Now here he is, on that exact couch, with a strange-looking drink his grandmother has given him, wondering if the rumors are true. What's more, there's a freshly dug hole in her yard that Ato suspects may be a grave meant for him.

Meanwhile at school, Ato and his friends have entered a competition to win entry to Nnoma, the island bird sanctuary that Ato's father helped create. But something is poisoning the community garden where their project is housed, and Ato sets out to track down the culprit. In doing so, he brings his estranged mother and grandmother back together, and begins healing the wounds left on the family by his father's death years before.

And that hole in the yard? It is a grave, but not for the purpose Ato feared, and its use brings a tender, celebratory ending to this deeply felt and universal story of healing and love from one of Ghana's most admired children's book authors.

(added by Amy)

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In the Beautiful Country

Jane Kuo

For fans of Jasmine Warga and Thanhhà Lại, this is a stunning novel in verse about a young Taiwanese immigrant to America who is confronted by the stark difference between dreams and reality.

Anna can't wait to move to the beautiful country--the Chinese name for America. Although she's only ever known life in Taiwan, she can't help but brag about the move to her family and friends.

But the beautiful country isn't anything like Anna pictured. Her family can only afford a cramped apartment, she's bullied at school, and she struggles to understand a new language. On top of that, the restaurant that her parents poured their savings into is barely staying afloat. The version of America that Anna is experiencing is nothing like she imagined. How will she be able to make the beautiful country her home?

This lyrical and heartfelt story, inspired by the author's own experiences, is about resilience, courage, and the struggle to make a place for yourself in the world.

(added by Amy)

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Jackie and the Mona Lisa

Debbie Rovin Murphy

Jackie Kennedy loved the arts. And America loved Jackie Kennedy. The first lady knew she had the country's attention--what would she do with it? Encourage Americans to appreciate art, of course! She turned the White House into a historical site filled with some of America's most treasured artifacts and pieces of art. She brought Shakespearean theater to the White House and ballerinas to the South Lawn. And most epically, she brought the Mona Lisa to the states (much to the chagrin of many Parisians) to encourage Americans to visit museums--and it worked! An inspiring story about one of the nation's most influential first ladies.

(Added by Jenna)

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Do Baby Elephants Suck Their Trunks?

Ben Lerwill

"Explore the amazing ways animal babies are just like us in this enchanting non-fiction picture book. There are babies everywhere! Some babies can fly and some babies can swim. Most animal babies are very different to us, but there are lots of special ways that we might be the same. Especially when we were very little... With a friendly text that's perfect for reading aloud, this book encourages children to think about what makes them unique while learning about amazing similarities they might share with babies in the animal kingdom. From giraffes wobbling as they walk to puppies losing their baby teeth, each spread is fully illustrated with heart-warming collage artwork that beautifully captures the love between parent and child. This is a very special book to share again and again"--Publisher's description.

(Added by Jenna)

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LEGO Amazing But True

Elizabeth Dowsett

An eye-popping fact book with a LEGO twist - discover amazing information about the world around us with the help of LEGO minifigures and bricks!

Did you know a Goliath spider weighs the same as 75 2x4 LEGO bricks? Or that LEGO bricks and minifigures in various forms have travelled to Saturn, Mars, and the International Space Station?

And did you know the Taj Mahal gets a mud pack treatment to remove pollution stains? Or that hummingbirds are the only birds that fly backwards?

From unbelievable space and nature facts, to mind-boggling inventions and technology trivia, children will be amazed and entertained with incredible information about the LEGO world and our own.

©2022 The LEGO Group.

(Added by Jenna)

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Can You Believe It?

Joyce Grant

Everything kids need to know to tell facts from “fake news” on the internet. Here’s a comprehensive guide to how real journalism is made, what “fake news” is and, most importantly, how to spot the difference. It provides practical advice, thought-provoking examples, and loads of explanations, definitions and useful context. Never judgmental, it encourages young people to approach what they find online with skepticism and helps them hone their critical-thinking skills to make good choices about what to believe and share. It’s a must-read book on a topic that couldn’t be more important in today’s online world. Sure, kids know how to look for things on the internet. Now they’ll know how to look at them, too.

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A Seed Grows

Antoinette Portis

The transformative life cycle of a sunflower plays out in this bold read-aloud by Sibert honoree Antoinette Portis.

To understand how a seed becomes a sunflower, you have to peek beneath the soil and wait patiently as winding roots grow, a stalk inches out of the earth, and new seeds emerge among blooming petals.

"A seed falls,
And settles into the ground,
And the Sun shines,
And the rain comes down,
And the seed grows…"


Leading up to a striking fold-out spread of a full-grown sunflower, the lively, bold illustrations in A Seed Grows offer a close-up view of each step of the growth cycle.

Additional material in the back of the book explains the science of plant life cycles, and goes into more detail on the ways in which flowers and seeds depend on other creatures.

Antoinette Portis is the author of A New Green Day, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year and NCTE Notable Book in Poetry, as well as the Sibert Honor winning Hey, Water!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

(Added by Jenna)

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Paletero Man/¡Que Paletero Tan Cool!

Lucky Diaz

With the English and Spanish text side by side on the page, this bilingual edition of the vibrant picture book celebrating the strength of community and the tastes of summer is ideal for bilingual readers as well as Spanish speakers learning English and vice versa. By Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player!

Ring! Ring! Ring!

Can you hear his call? Paletas for one! Paletas for all! / ¡Vengan a comprar! Paleta para uno ¡o pa' to'a la vecindad!

Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator's pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.

Full of musicality, generosity, kindness, and ice pops, this book is sure to satisfy fans of Thank You, Omu! and Carmela Full of Wishes.

Includes an author's note from Lucky Diaz and a link to a live version of the Lucky Band's popular song that inspired the book.

A Junior Library Guild Selection!

"A wonderfully executed treat of a book with a sweet community focus."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Depicts wonderful examples of kindness, community, and delicious paletas."--Booklist (starred review)

(Added by Jenna)

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The Sweetest Scoop

Lisa Robinson

A biography of the entrepreneurial, activist duo behind Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, and their rocky road to success

Chunky Monkey. Cherry Garcia. Truffle Kerfuffle.

Legendary ice cream makers Ben & Jerry are behind some of the wackiest, tastiest flavors we know and love. It all began when two groovy guys, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, met when they were twelve years old. Ben liked art, Jerry liked science, and they both loved food . . . especially ice cream!

They started a business together, and with no idea how to actually make ice cream, they made it happen with teamwork, determination, and an appetite for fun and experimentation. When the doors of Ben & Jerry's Homemade ice cream shop finally opened, crowds flocked. But the pair would still have a rocky road ahead--and ambitious, activist goals to fulfill.

Chock-full of facts and humor, this entertaining biography about two hardworking partners living their Americone Dream gives readers plenty to chew on. Through their inventiveness, passion, and activism, Ben & Jerry dreamed of making the world a better, more delicious place--one scoop at a time.

(Added by Jenna)

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A Home Named Walter

Chelsea Lin Wallace

A home named Walter learns how to heal his broken heart after a family he loves moves away in this poignant picture book about loss and renewal.

Walter was a happy home.

He loved the bustle and warmth of the family that lived with him. But when they move away, his feelings are hurt. He grows cold and quiet and only wants to be left alone.

So when a little girl and her mama move in, Walter is determined to get them out! But in his struggle to do so, Walter may just feel livable again and change how he feels.

Chelsea Lin Wallace has written a truly poignant story. With its classic sensibility, paired with Ginnie Hsu’s warm and lush illustrations, A Home Named Walter is a special story that will resonate with many readers for years to come.

(Added by Jenna)

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A Is for Axolotl: An Unusual Animal ABC

Catherine Macorol

Incredible animals await in Catherine Macorol's A Is for Axolotl—not the tame or the merely wild, but the strangest, most fascinating creatures of all!

Readers will join an alphabet adventure that spans the globe as they climb trees with the binturong (also known as the bearcat), glide through the rainforest canopy with the colugo, and deep dive with the Dumbo octopus.

Get ready for close encounters with axolotls, binturongs, colugos, dumbo octopuses, echidnas, fossas, gerenuks, hyraxes, ibex, jerboas, kiwis, lorises, maned wolves, naked mole rats, okapis, pangolins, quokkas, red pandas, saigas, thorny dragons, uakaris, vaquitas, water bears, xenopus, yeti crabs, and zebra duikers.

(Added by Jenna)

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Be Thankful for Trees

Harriet Ziefert

What gives you a seat, a floor for your feet?

A place you can sit with your family to eat?

 

The pum-pum of a drum, a guitar's twangy strum . . .

 

Tree wood makes music zing, ping, and hum.

 

Using lilting, rhyming couplets, this book explores the many items that are made from trees. But it doesn't stop there! Kids will also learn about the many uses of live trees - and the environmental danger to trees posed by forest fires, floods, and deforestation. Kids are encouraged to be kind, not only to one another, but to the environment as well.

 

Kids will view their backyards and parks in a whole new light after going on an arboreal eco-tour in this gorgeous paean to trees.

This book is printed on responsibly sourced, 100% recycled FSC paper.

(Added by Jenna)

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The Secret Signs of Nature

Craig Caudill

Learn how to navigate through any landscape--forests, deserts, even your own backyard--through observation of the world around you!

Put away your map, look up from your phone, and let nature be your guide.

Rediscover nature's hidden signs as you delve into the amazing science of natural navigation. Meet two young adventurers, as they discover the joy of finding their way using nature's clues. From worms, honeybees, and spiders to trees, flowers, and clouds, young adventurers are shown what to look and listen for wherever they are--whether in the back garden, a vast meadow, or the open sea.

Top wilderness trainer Craig Caudill shares more than 200 tips for reading nature from decades spent walking the land around his home and around the world. So, whether you're walking in the country, along a coastline, or out at night, this is the ultimate guide on what the land, sky, plants, animals, and weather can reveal--if you only know where to look!

By opening our senses to the unfolding world of nature all around us, this visual compendium can be enjoyed by all the family to transform the way the natural world is experienced.

(Added by Jenna)

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Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country

Kelly Yang

From #1 NYT bestselling author Kelly Yang comes a gorgeously illustrated picture book about Asian American changemakers doing everything they dreamed of and inspiring all of us to reach for new heights!

From creating beautiful music like Yo-Yo Ma to flying to outer space like Franklin Chang-Díaz; from standing up to injustice like Fred Korematsu to becoming the first Asian American, Black and female vice president of the United States like Kamala Harris, this book illuminates the power of Asian Americans all over the country, in all sorts of fields.

Each spread is illustrated by a different renowned Asian American or Asian artist. Alongside the poetic main text, Yes We Will includes one-line biographies of the person or historical moment featured on the page, with extended biographies at the end. Readers of different ages and needs can use the book in different ways, from classroom discussions to bedtime readalouds and more.

Yes We Will answers the question, can we accomplish whatever we dream? With love, courage, determination, and lots of imagination, we can--and we will!

Featured changemakers:
Franklin Chang-Díaz
Lia Cirio
Tammy Duckworth
Jenny Han
Kamala Harris
H.E.R.
Fred Korematsu
Padma Lakshmi
Sunisa Lee
Jeremy Li
Yo-Yo Ma
Amanda Nguyen
Sandra Oh
I. M. Pei
Mamie Tape
Peter Tsai
Philip Vera Cruz
Vera Wang

(Added by Jenna)

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Behind the Scenes at the Space Stations

DK (COR).

Your all-access pass to spectacular space stations.

Step inside one of humanity's greatest achievements with a behind-the-scenes guide to space exploration.

Revealing a new perspective into the world of space exploration and the daring astronauts who make it possible, Behind the Scenes at the Space Station takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the space station. Learn what the astronauts do once they make it to the space station, from experiments to repairs and so much more! Have you ever wondered if plants can grow in outer space? Or how the space station doesn't break down in outer space? Or how astronauts go to the toilet in zero gravity?

Behind the Scenes at the Space Station is a treasure trove of information. Did you know that during a 24-hour period, the space station completes 16 orbits of Earth and the astronauts on board see 16 sunrises and sunsets everyday? Or that the International Space Station is so enormous that it was launched in pieces and constructed in orbit?

Brimming with astonishing visuals, step-by-step explanations of everyday space work in action, and job profiles of the adventurous people who make it happen, Behind the Scenes at the Space Station is the perfect way to experience life in space.

(Added by Jenna)

 

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I Am Dolly Parton

Brad Meltzer

An instant New York Times Best Seller!

The legendary country musician, reading advocate, and philanthropist Dolly Parton is the 28th in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8. (Cover may vary)

This book spotlights Dolly Parton, known for her beloved country songs, who has also sent over 150 million free books to children through her Imagination Library.

This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are:

- A timeline of key events in the hero's history
- Photos that bring the story more fully to life
- Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable
- Childhood moments that influenced the hero
- Facts that make great conversation-starters
- A virtue this person embodies: Dolly Parton's love is seen in everything she does.

You'll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!

 

(Added by Jenna)

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The Universe and You

Suzanne Slade

During the night, as we sleep, a beautiful celestial dance is taking place. While Earth seems solid and still, it's actually spinning on its axis and circling the sun. Joining Earth in this orbit around the sun are the other seven planets in our solar system, along with dozens of moons and millions of comets and asteroids. Containing our solar system is the wondrous Milky Way galaxy, with its billions of stars, just like our own sun, swirling and whirling around. And on from there are the billions of galaxies with their own stars swirling and whirling into the ever-expanding space called our universe. When the sun rises on a brand new day, the dance continues. Through lyrical text, award-winning science writer Suzanne Slade (June Almeida, Virus Detective! The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus) takes young readers on an exploration of our solar system, galaxies beyond, and finally the universe as a whole. Back matter includes science facts.

(Added by Jenna)

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Light the Sky, Firefly

Sheri M. Bestor

Fireflies (or lightning bugs) are some the world's most fascinating--and illuminating!--insects. And one many children can find right in their backyards! With a simple story, perfect for read-alouds, and colorful illustrations, this scientific look at a firefly's life-cycle will captivate little entomologists. Informative sidebars are included that let children learn even more about these amazing insects.

(Added by Jenna)

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Making Simple Robots

Kathy Ceceri

Making Simple Robots is based on the idea that anybody can build a robot! That includes kids, educators, parents, and anyone who didn't make it to engineering school. If you can cut, fold, and tape a piece of paper to make a tube or a box, you can build a no-tech robotic part. In fact, many of the models in this book are based upon real-life prototypes -- working models created in research labs and companies. What's more, if you can use the apps on your smartphone, you can quickly learn to tell robots what to do using free, online, beginner-level software like MIT's Scratch and Microsoft MakeCode.

The projects in this book which teach you about electric circuits by making jumping origami frogs with eyes that light up when you get them ready to hop. You'll practice designing all-terrain robot wheel-legs with free, online Tinkercad software, and you'll create files ready for 3D printing. You'll also learn to sew -- and code -- a cyborg rag doll with a blinking electronic eye.

Each project includes step-by-step directions and clear illustrations and photographs. Along the way, you'll learn about the real research behind the DIY version, find shortcuts for making projects easier when needed, and get suggestions for adding to the challenge as your skill set grows.

(Added by Jenna)

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Life Savers

Eryl Nash

Spend a day with real-life emergency service heroes . . . and be inspired to make a difference!

Have you ever wondered what equipment a firefighter takes into a blazing fire? Or what tools a surgeon uses to perform a life-saving operation? Or what gear a mountain rescuer needs on a 13,000-foot-high peak? Meet real-life emergency service workers from across the world as they share with you a day in their lives. Taking you to the heart of the heroes who help us, from Cecilia the Nurse and Koen the Lifeguard to Tamika the Veterinarian, this uplifting nonfiction picture book showcases the amazing work they do, the incredible skills they have, and the important equipment they need to save a life.

A book that opens up opportunities for young readers to talk about interesting careers, diversity, and positive role models, with a foreword by the New York Fire Department's first Black, female deputy chief Tonya Boyd! Illustrated by Little People, Big Dreams series artist Ana Albero, these charming depictions of everyday heroes show that the future of our world starts here . . . with you!

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Omari McQueen's Best Bites Cookbook

Omari McQueen

Hey America, get cooking with the UK's youngest vegan chef, the award-winning Omari McQueen!

Learn how to make over 35 plant-based recipes, from pizza to pasta, snacks to smoothies. This easy-to-use cookbook is filled to the brim with delicious natural treats created by the award-winning chef! In this book, Omari shares his favorite plant-based dishes in this fun and accessible recipe guide designed to encourage the next generation of vegan cooks.

"I can't wait to inspire other kids to experiment and have fun with vegan food in the kitchen." -Omari

Recipes include:
Happy Hummus
Go-Go Energy Smoothie
BBQ Jackfruit
Rasta Pasta
Rice 'n' Peas
Peri Peri Wedges
Strawberry Coconut Cheesecake
Cherry Brownies

and many more! This edition features American measurements and a flashy foil cover!

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Fun Painting Projects for Kids

Louise McMullen

Nurture Your Artistic Side with 60 Exciting Paint Projects

Learn important skills to help you become a better artist with this super-fun collection of art projects. Louise McMullen, founder of the children’s craft blog, Messy Little Monster, brings her experience as both a teacher and a mother to ensure there’s a project for every artist, whatever your interest, ability or age.

Learn different techniques such as how to create new colors, how to use different types of paints and even how to paint like famous artists. There are small, detailed projects for indoors and large interactive projects where you can get messy outdoors. And you’ll be inspired to think outside the box, like using shaving cream and paint to make a marbling effect, or dish soap and toothpicks to make scratch art.

With 60 unique and totally fun projects, plus plenty of ideas to change things up, you’ll be inspired to paint all day every day!

(Added by Jenna)

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Arab Arab All Year Long!

Cathy Camper

Celebrate the beauty and diversity of life in the Arab diaspora throughout the year.

Wrapping grape leaves, playing doumbek, drawing henna tattoos,
we're Arab, Arab, Arab, the whole year through!

Yallah! From January to December, join some busy kids as they partake in traditions old and new. There's so much to do, whether it's learning to write Arabic or looking at hijab fashion sites while planning costumes for a local comic convention. With details as vivid as the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle perfume (made to remind Mom of Morocco), children bond with friends, honor tradition, and spend loving time with family. Accompanied by buoyant and charming illustrations, this portrait of Arab life and childhood zeal is sure to bring joy all year round. Back matter includes an extensive glossary and notes to enrich the experience for readers of any culture.

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Time to Shine

Karen Jameson

Let yourself be dazzled by creatures around the world in this brilliant nonfiction picture book about iridescence.

Have you ever noticed the rainbow-like shimmer on certain bird feathers, insect bodies and animal scales? This effect, called iridescence, changes depending on the angle from which its viewed, and animals across the globe use the effect to both blend in and stand out.

In playful rhyming couplets, Time to Shine takes a closer look at these creatures and their sparkly "clothes," from the mallard duck's shining green flying "cap," which allows the birds to coordinate flight movements, to the reed frog's heat reflecting "vest," to the hummingbird's sequinned "costume," which helps to attract a mate. A secondary level of prose text on each spread gives further context for each animal's particular environment and adaptation.

Light seems to dance off of the book's vibrant pages, with illustrations that bring us up close and personal with animals both exotic and familiar to young readers. An author's note provides additional information about the science of iridescence.

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The Adventures of Dr. Sloth

Suzi Eszterhas

True or false: Sloths are lazy. Answer: False! True or false: Sloths are mysterious. Answer: True! Scientists are only beginning to discover how sloths live in the wild.

Sloths spend most of their lives in trees, and until recently scientists didn't know very much about them. But Dr. Rebecca Cliffe was determined to discover their secrets. To find out more, she fitted sloths with special backpacks containing a device to track their activity. She learned how to climb trees in the Costa Rican jungle so she could take sloth hair samples and test their DNA. And she's helped create sloth crossings and plant trees to ensure the sloths aren't trapped in shrinking territories. Along the way, she earned the nickname Dr. Sloth.

Discover the story of how an animal-loving kid in England grew up to become one of the world's leading sloth scientists, and learn how Dr. Sloth is using her discoveries to help keep sloths safe. Author and professional wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas brings readers up close to the action with engaging text and fantastic photos. Scan QR codes throughout the book to see her videos of sloths in the wild!

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Zhang Heng and the Incredible Earthquake Detector

Randel McGee

When thousands of people die in China's earthquakes, Emperor Shun Di does not know what to do as it takes days for a city to communicate the news to the Emperor. He assigns his wisest advisor, Zhang Heng, to create a device that will tell the Emperor and his court where an earthquake took place. Can Zhang Heng accomplish this impossible task?

Award-winning puppeteer Randel McGee who has studied the ancient art of shadow puppetry and performed all around the world brings his artistic prowess to the dying art of Chinese shadow puppetry. This beautiful picture book preserves both a remarkable true story and an incredible art form for generations to come.

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All about Weather

Huda Harajli

Welcome to the wonderful world of weather! From the warm, balmy days of summer to the cold, crisp nights of winter, kids will learn all about the four seasons, as well as how clouds form, why it rains, what causes a rainbow, and so much more. Read along and wow your child with the meteorological magic that's happening around them every day.

Go beyond other weather books for kids with:

  • A whirlwind of info―Help toddlers and preschoolers understand how weather works through simple explanations.
  • Sunny illustrations―Colorful and adorable images help kids better understand and engage with what they're learning.
  • A rain of fun facts―Keep older readers interested with neat info, like the fact that wind can be used to create electricity.

If you're looking for weather books for kids, this illustrated guide provides your tot with an extraordinary weather adventure!

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