Not a Cat: a memoir

Review "You will love Not a Cat . This is a friend in a cat suit!" ― Gloria Steinem "Gato is my Yoda. I love this book." ― Samantha Bee "“I don’t feel that ‘cat’ describes me,” a sleek gray tom announces at the start of this mod “memoir,” a children’s book debut “as told to” playwright Miller by her late pet, Gato. First outlining the numerous ways he’s similar to other animals (“Sometimes I eat grass. Maybe I’m a cow?”), Gato goes on to describe having many human-like experiences. Stylish unlined illustrations show the feline driving a taxi in San Francisco, taking the subway in N.Y.C., and sipping a milk cocktail beneath the Hollywood sign. “How do you know I’m not a person?” questions the cool cat, clad in a green track suit and gold chains, before the book concludes with a fitting challenge to labels’ utility. Novgorodoff’s illustrations aptly portray people of various abilities, ages, cultures, religions, and skin tones, and a final portrait of Gato beneath the framed, cross-stitched adage “You be you” resoundingly drives home Miller’s message of acceptance. " ― PW " Between his opening greeting and the bookend closing page on which he stalks away after taking no questions, Gato wants to make one thing perfectly clear: Although he has four legs, two ears, and a long, long tail, the word "cat" does not define him. His identity is his alone to describe and determine. With the help of Danica Novgorodoff's laugh-out-loud illustrations, author/storyteller Winter Miller takes young readers on a fun tour of Gato's adventures, accomplishments, and daily activities that makes mincemeat of any first impressions. Gato wears a sweater and a leash, so is he a dog? He runs in pastures, so is he a horse? He likes flowers, so is he a bee? He swims, so is he a duck? He has flown in airplanes and ridden in subways, so is he a person? Maybe he's all those things, but what he truly is, he wants us to know, is Gato. Critique: Based upon the author's own feline companion, and to underline this message of empowerment and self-identity, the back cover and backmatter include photos of the real Gato (Winter Miller's cat) doing everything he claims and more. Signs on walls, headlines in newspapers, New Yorker cartoon homages, and sight gags on every page reward repeated readings and will make "Not a Cat: A Memoir" an truly fun picture book with a serious underlying message about self-determination. All the more impressive when considering that this is the author's first children's picture book, and while also available in a digital book format, "Not a Cat: A Memoir" is an original and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 3-5. " ― Susan Bethany, Midwest Book Review "Add to the great philosophers in history, along with Plato and Kant, Gato the Cat. Well, maybe not a cat. Hmm. Just call Gato a cat searching for a sense of self, with verve, humor―and plenty to teach us along the way." ― Nicholas Kristof "Gato, like all really interesting people, contains multitudes." ― Jessica Love, author of Julian Is a Mermaid "Can a cat teach us to embrace our multitudes? When that cat is Gato, as interpreted by Winter Miller, the answer is yes." ― Mira Jacob, author of Good Talk "What a fun, absolutely gorgeous book. It will invite young readers to open up their perspectives. I'm in love with Gato!" ― Maulik Pancholy, actor&Stonewall Honor-winning author of The Best At It All About the Author Winter Miller is a playwright whose published plays include No One Is Forgotten , In Darfur , and The Penetration Play . She has written for The New York Times, New York Magazine, and The Boston Globe, and her plays and essays appear in multiple anthologies. Winter was previously a journalist in the editorial department of The New York Times, at Fox News, and at Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. She has been profiled in The New Yorker, Bomb, and on NPR’s Brian Lehrer Show and All of It with Alison Stewart. Not a Cat , Winter’s first picture book, is the story lived by her extraordinary cat Gato. Learn more about Winter and Gato at www.wintermiller.com.Danica Novgorodoff is an artist, writer, and graphic novelist from Brooklyn, NY and Louisville, KY. Her graphic novel Long Way Down (Atheneum; adapted from Jason Reynolds’ novel) received starred reviews from Kirkus, SLJ, BCCB, and Booklist, the latter saying this: “Far more than just an illustration of the events of the novel, Novgorodoff’s iteration powerfully cultivates the tone and mood of its source material, demonstrating just how effective and artful comics can be.” Her other graphic novels include The Undertaking of Lily Chen, Refresh Refresh, and Slow Storm from Macmillan, and the self-published A Late Freeze . Her art and writing have been published in MoMA Magazine, Best American Comics, The Believer, Artforum, Esquire, VQR, Slate, Orion, Seneca Review, Ecotone Journal, The Arkansas International, and others. Danica’s works in progress include a graphic novel on climate change (MacMillan, in collaboration with journalist Meera Subramanian), a children’s book on the explorer Alexander von Humboldt (Penguin Random House), and a book on rice (Flatiron Books; in collaboration with Harlem chef JJ Johnson).

Invent-a-Pet

About the Author Vicky Fang is a product designer and children’s book author. This is her first picture book, and she has also written the early chapter book series, Layla and the Bots. She lives with her family in Mountain View, CA, and can be found online at vickyfang.com and on Twitter @fangmous.    Tidawan Thaipinnarong is a freelance illustrator and visual development artist, currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. She graduated from Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California, with an MFA in Illustration. This is her first picture book.

This Joy!

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2-A young girl celebrates the world around her and the love within her in a story figuratively bursting with happiness. Enjoying the beauty of nature, from soft green grass to tall trees and sand beneath her feet, the child attempts to express the immense joy she feels within her while she is experiencing these everyday miracles. Sharing that everything is a gift, from being with friends and loved ones to watching birds take flight in the sky, the girl divulges one final secret: although we can't capture every part of the beautiful world in our hands, we can always stretch out our arms and hold on to our loved ones. Beautiful pencil, marker, and crayon illustrations bring to life the joy in the young protagonist's world, and it is easy to imagine she could be the artist behind the illustrations as she enjoys activities such as finger puppets and playing with blocks. The short, poetic sentences, made up of a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, combine perfectly with the ebullient illustrations. The emotions she is so eager to describe come through every lovely page. VERDICT A wonderful reflection on enjoying the amazing world and people around us, this book will have readers young and old smiling in recognition.-Selenia Pazα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review "A huge dose of joy and a clear reminder to celebrate each day and each other." ― Kirkus Reviews "Beautiful pencil, marker, and crayon illustrations bring to life the joy in the young protagonist’s world, and it is easy to imagine she could be the artist behind the illustrations as she enjoys activities such as finger puppets and playing with blocks. The short, poetic sentences, made up of a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, combine perfectly with the ebullient illustrations."― School Library Journal About the Author Shelley Johannes is the author-illustrator of the Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker chapter book series. A former architectural designer, she has a fondness for tracing paper, process, and accidental discoveries. She and her family live in Michigan with two feathered friends, Max and Alex, who make every day sunny and birdy. More Than Sunny was her debut picture book. Read more

Friendbots: Blink and Block Make a Wish (I Can Read Comics Level 2)

Review Amply demonstrates the values of a positive attitude and a little creative thinking. — Kirkus Reviews About the Author Vicky Fang is a children’s product designer who invents things—like cars that talk to each other, or buildings that play music, or games you can play with your voice. She’s even designed robots for kids! She is the author of Invent-a-Pet, the Layla and the Bots series, the I Can Code board book series, and the Blink and Block I Can Read Comics titles.

Long Goes to Dragon School

Review "A beautifully illustrated tale with an affecting message ...Wu offers a picture book about dragons that tells a story of diversity and inclusion. Wu weaves a positive message into a delightful story that will appeal to young readers...Using a dragon as the main character strengthens the overall message that everyone is different and has unique gifts to share ...Besom's appealing watercolor illustrations wonderfully complement the text , clearly representing the story's events. From beginning to end, the images will likely enchant youngsters as they get to know Long's world. " - Kirkus Reviews Long learns perseverance and self-acceptance , while his class learns a valuable lesson on cultural differences . A thoughtful author's note explains dragons' roles as water spirits in China and draws parallels between Long's experiences and those of immigrants navigating new cultures . -Booklist An insightful picture book in which a young dragon with unique abilities struggles to fit in... learns the importance of individuality and diversity . -Foreword Reviews "Children, and especially those from minority cultures, will find encouragement in this endearing tale of a young dragon learning to love his unique gifts." - Livia Blackburne, New York Times bestselling author of I Dream of Popo "A witty and charming book that conveys a message of inclusion and diversity in the most delightful way possible." - Eric Fan, The Fan Brothers, creators of The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky "Dragons from both the East and the West come together in a swirl of colors and discover their very own talents in a delightful way." - Bookworm for Kids About the Author Helen H. Wu is a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as a translator and publisher. She is the author of Tofu Takes Time , illustrated by Julie Jarema (Beaming Books, 2022) and Long Goes To Dragon School , illustrated by Mae Besom (Yeehoo Press, 2023). Helen is the Publisher of Yeehoo Press, an independent children’s book publisher based in San Diego, California. Being fascinated by the differences and similarities between cultures, Helen loves to share stories that empower children to understand the world and our connections. Born and raised in Hefei, China, Helen moved to the US in her 20s. Currently, she resides in sunny Southern California, with her family and two kids. Mae Besom is an award-winning artist whose books include New York Times bestsellers What Do You Do With an Idea? and What Do You Do With a Chance? Mae uses traditional media, pencil, and watercolor to create texture and light within her enchanting illustrations. Mae lives in Chongqing, China.

Mabel's Topsy-Turvy Homes

Review This sweet tale highlights the exciting variety of a two-home child's experiences, validating them all. Parental love and quality time are ever present in the warm, cozy illustrations. . . Doubly fun! -- Kirkus Reviews "Contrasting warm and cool palettes complement this tale for any child who is searching for a new definition of home." -- Foreword Reviews About the Author Candy Wellins is a former elementary school teacher and has a BA in journalism and a master's in literacy education. She's now a full-time mom to three wonderful children who keep her up-to-date and immersed in children's literature. She is the author of Saturdays Are for Stella and The Stars Beckoned: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space. She and her family make their home in Central Texas. When she's not reading, writing, or mothering, Candy loves running, traveling, and taking naps! Jess Rose is an illustrator and designer living in Yorkshire, England. She has loved to draw her entire life, creating characters and helping tell stories that children can relate to. She has two children and uses her experience as a parent to inspire her work.

Seven Golden Rings

The Beak Book

From School Library Journal K-Gr 2-Young readers who are curious about birds from around the world will enjoy Page's latest offering, which provides a colorful and informative look at one unique feature of a bird: its beak. Whether a bird is using its long beak to sniff out food like a kiwi, its curved beak to climb up a branch like a macaw, or its large beak to keep cool in warmer temperatures, a bird's beak plays an important role. The text, which follows the pattern "This beak is for..," uses a larger type to emphasize the beak's particular function. Simple, declarative sentences make this ideal for read-alouds or for readers who are just starting to read independently. Vibrant, textured illustrations not only show the bird up close but also depict the action described in the text. Captions provide further information, although the text is written at a higher reading level than the main text. The back matter includes a map of birds mentioned in the book, as well as additional sources. Page shows that despite their differences, all birds use their beaks to start life in the same way: by breaking out of their shell. VERDICT This detailed overview would be an excellent choice for collections that are looking for additional titles about birds.-Louie Lauer, Jefferson Elem. Sch., Fargo, NDα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review By zooming in on one of birds’ most idiosyncratic features, Page reveals just what a multifaceted marvel a beak can be: “This beak is for drilling./ This beak is for scooping.// This beak is for shredding./ This beak is for clutching.” Placed alongside a large, clean-lined illustration of a bird in profile, a declarative statement on each page describes what a specific beak can do. (Expertly captured field marks, rendered in vibrant, saturated color, pop against the crisp white background.) Page also offers a sentence explaining the declaration alongside an inset illustration showing the bird using its beak as described: “Using the expandable pouch that is part of its beak, the pelican scoops up a fish.” A clear, concise, and engaging read for fledgling ornithologists. Back matter includes more species detail and a bibliography. Ages 3–8. (Jan.) -- Publishers Weekly *STARRED* ― October 26, 2020 If you thought beaks were just for pecking, think again.  This picture book examines in piercing detail the astonishing adaptability of birds’ beaks. [...] An unusual insight into one aspect of the amazing adaptability of birds. -- Kirkus Reviews ― October 15th, 2020 About the Author Robin Page has written and illustrated many picture books celebrating the natural world, including the 2003 Caldecott Honor recipient What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? , which she created with her husband Steve Jenkins, and her own A Chicken Followed Me Home! , Seeds Move! , and Shall We Dance? . Robin lives in Boulder, Colorado. Read more

Don't Hug Doug: (He Doesn't Like It)

Review Praise for Don't Hug Doug : A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the YearAn ALA Notable Children’s BookA Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year “A simple but effective lesson for children learning their own personal boundaries.” — TODAY “ Don’t Hug Doug can make kids feel better about their own boundaries, and challenge them to understand the comfort of others. But really, it gives grown-ups something to consider, too.” — Boston Globe * “A cheerful approach to basic consent . . . An excellent update on the golden rule: treat people how they want to be treated.” — Kirkus Reviews , starred review * “ A gently humorous picture book that kindly, effectively highlights the importance of asking others before initiating physical contact.” — Publishers Weekly , starred review“Simple and effective in showing young viewers how to establish bodily autonomy . . . A great starting point for a conversation about boundaries and how to set them.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books “ A fun way to deliver the truth of different strokes for different folks.” —Booklist “It’s great to see . . . boundaries [of consent and personal autonomy] talked about, and Don’t Hug Doug does it in a way that’s both reinforcing and fun to read.” — The A.V. Club About the Author Carrie Finison writes poetry, stories, and books for kids. She is the author of the picture book Dozens of Doughnuts , illustrated by Brianne Farley. She lives outside Boston with her husband, their son, and their daughter, and two cats who allow her to work in their attic office. Visit the author at carriefinison.com and follow her on Twitter @CarrieFinison.Daniel Wiseman is the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart. He has illustrated many books for kids, including Goodbye Brings Hello by Dianne White, Play This Book by Jessica Young, When Your Lion Needs a Bath by Susanna Leonard Hill, and the Baby Scientist series by Laura Gehl. He lives with his family in Knoxville, Tennessee. Learn more at danieldraws.com or follow the artist on Instagram @d_wiseman.

Kid Coach

Review "Large, flashy illustrations capture the playful energy of the narration and lend to sharing the book with a storytime audience... Justus presents a valuable lesson about integrity and kindness." – Kirkus Reviews “Justus’s positive messages about healthy confidence and good sportsmanship come through.” – Publisher's Weekly "[D]azzling with colorful, energetic illustrations. The father-son role reversal, along with a healthy dose of potato puns, provides plenty of laughs." – Booklist "A playful title to remind readers that important lessons about sportsmanship can be learned at any age." – School Library Journal "This romp of a readaloud has a lot of character, and whether viewers are wrestling fans or not, they are sure to get a chuckle out of Kid Coach’s antics with couch-potato-turned-pro-wrestler Dad... This would be an excellent choice for a discussion of that hard-to-grasp concept of sportsmanship, as well as just being pure wacky fun." – BCCB About the Author Rob Justus spent a decade as an award-winning market researcher before deciding to pursue his passion for illustration and creative storytelling. Drawing inspiration from nature, human observation, Rob loves to create stories that capture the wonder and excitement of childhood and the joy of exploration. Kid Coach is his debut book. He lives in Ottawa, Canada.

A Seat at the Table: The Nancy Pelosi Story

From School Library Journal Gr 1-4-Growing up as the daughter of Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro of Baltimore, Nancy Pelosi witnessed political life up close. Every week her father's constituents were welcomed into the family home to air their concerns. When the mayor "went off to city hall," it was her mother who "made them finally feel heard," and connected community members with the services they needed. Boxer briefly notes Pelosi's other influences as well as her campaign work while raising five children, her election to Congress, and her rise to become the first female Speaker of the House. The author focuses on the subject's struggle to gain a "seat at the table" as a woman in politics, and how once she did, she used her influence to support other female candidates. Causes Pelosi has championed throughout her career are mentioned, but the few specifics are relegated to an author's note and time line. Quotes throughout support a picture of a determined woman for whom public service is a "noble calling." This title ends with the events of Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob stormed Congress, "shattering" items in the Speaker's office but "not her strength" as later that day she called lawmakers back into session to confirm the vote of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. Broad strokes characterize Freeman's lackluster illustrations, which often feature a large generalized portrait in the foreground with several separate, smaller scenes enacted in the background. VERDICT An accessible introduction with a focus on Pelosi's influences and role as a woman in politics.-Daryl Grabarek, formerly at School Library Journalα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review " Pays due homage to its subject. "-- Kirkus Reviews" S ends a resilient message ."-- Publishers Weekly " An accessible introduction with a focus on Pelosi’s influences and role as a woman in politics."-- School Library Journal About the Author Elisa Boxer is a Maine-based, Emmy-winning journalist and columnist whose writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times , Inc . and Fast Company . Having worked in newspaper, magazine and television journalism, Elisa is thrilled to bring her reporting and storytelling skills to the world of children's literature. She is especially drawn to stories of unsung heroes like the ones featured in her first book, The Voice That Won the Vote: How One Woman's Words Made History . Visit her at elisaboxer.comLaura Freeman received her BFA from the School of Visual Arts and began her career working for various editorial clients. She has illustrated over thirty children's books, including Hidden Figures written by Margot Lee Shetterly, Kamala Harris by Nikki Grimes, the forthcoming The Faith of Elijah Cummings by Carole Boston Weatherford, and the Nikki & Deja series by Karen English. In addition to illustrating books and editorial content, her art can be found on a wide range of products, from dishes and textiles to greeting cards. Originally from New York City, she now lives in Atlanta with her husband and their two children. Read more

The Natural Genius of Ants

Review ★ "Endearingly executed, this gentle tale will see readers applauding as they reach the end." — Booklist , starred review"Quietly and emotionally intelligent, this tale satisfies ." — Kirkus Reviews "This hopeful story that explores the reality of hardship and mistakes amid themes of forgiveness and resilience.” — Publishers Weekly About the Author Betty Culley is the acclaimed author of the middle-grade novel Down to Earth, which received a starred review from Booklist, calling it “captivating,” and the YA novel in verse Three Things I Know Are True, which was a Kids’ Indie Next List Top Ten Pick and an ALA- YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nominee. When writing The Natural Genius of Ants, Betty kept an ant farm and cared for a carpenter ant queen. She’s worked as a pediatric nurse and lives in a small town in central Maine. You can find her online at bettyculley.com. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. ONE The Mistake Dad said being in Kettle Hole was like going back in time, but I didn’t know what he meant until we got here. The trees are tall and straight, and farm fields stretch out to the sky. There are gigantic bullfrogs with eyes as big as nickels, and trucks filled with logs rumble down the dirt roads, blowing up dust. Instead of streetlights shining outside our windows, we’re in a place so dark at night you feel invisible. A place where you hear coyotes howl and yip. Dad says they live deep in the woods, even though it sounds like they’re very close. We came here because of my father’s mistake. He can’t forgive himself for what he did. It doesn’t matter that he’s a doctor, and doctors make mistakes like everybody else. After the baby died, Mom tried to explain why Dad was so sad. She said people are human and she’d gotten things wrong at work, too. “Did any parasites die?” I asked. She’s studying a parasite that makes people lose their vision. It’s so small you can only see it through a special microscope. My little brother Roger’s eyes got very big. Since Dad’s mistake, my mouth has been on autopilot. “Harvard!” Mom said my name once, like a warning, and quickly looked around to see if Dad had heard me. Luckily, he hadn’t. For five months after his mistake, Dad didn’t work. He didn’t leave our apartment on the fifth floor except to get a haircut. He cried when no one was looking and even when everyone was looking. Then he got the idea for us to go to Kettle Hole for the summer, the place where he grew up. His childhood friend Vernon Knowles was renting out his house six states away from our apartment and the hospital where Dad used to work. “You know I can’t leave my research right now,” Mom said when Dad told us about his plan. “I know you can’t leave the parasites. They need you so much. They depend on you. They can’t live without you,” I said. Mom and I collect parasite jokes. Later, I overheard Mom and Dad talking in their bedroom. She asked him why he wanted to go to Kettle Hole. In his thought-out, list-making way, he gave her three reasons. “People know me as the Corson boy there, not Dr. Corson. Kettle Hole is always in my heart, even though I haven’t been back since my grandfather’s funeral. And Robert Frost was right—that home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” Mom had one answer to his three reasons. “If that’s what you need to do, Marshall.” Dad answered back, “Vern thought Earlene would make it, but she’s been gone six months and he’s in a spot trying to pay off her medical bills and raise his daughter. He was going to lose the house, and we need a place to stay. Give me this time with the boys, Dee. Maybe I can do something right and make it a summer they will always remember.” It was quiet then, and I peeked into their room. Mom had her arms around Dad, her cheek pressed against his. He just stood there with his arms hanging down, like he didn’t have enough energy to hug her back. Mom answered, “You were born to be a doctor, Marshall. Please use this summer to figure out a way to forgive yourself.” To get to Kettle Hole, we drove east for more than a day and then headed north. The highway in Maine was only two lanes, and the farther north we went the less cars there were on the road. I’ve never been to the town where my father grew up. Mom grew up in the city where we live, but Mom’s mother, my abuela, is from the Dominican Republic. I’ve never been there, either. Part of the year she lives right near us, and part of the year she goes back to the DR to see family. “The fields and the woods are just how I remember,” Dad said when we got off the highway. “It’s like going back in time.” “Then you better speed up,” I blurted out. Dad drove exactly five miles under the speed limit, both hands on the wheel. “Why would I want to do that?” he asked without turning his head away from the road. “So we get there before you’re too young to drive. And I’m only ten, so if you go too slow, I’ll disappear.” I saw a little smile on Dad’s face in the rearview mirror, but he didn’t drive any faster. Being on a long car trip makes you think about things. Roger, I know, thought about one thing. The food in the cooler on the back seat between us. He’d watched Dad fill it and he had a contest with himself to eat some of everything packed in there. Grapes, cheese slices, juice boxes, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal raisin cookies. Mom wouldn’t have let Roger eat so much, but Dad was busy driving. And when Roger had food in his mouth, he wasn’t asking the same thing over and over—What do you think Mommy is doing RIGHT NOW? Or saying, If Mommy was here, she’d sing the car song. I have no idea what the car song is, but Roger sang the only lines he remembered until they were stamped in my brain. Car, car, car Far, far, far While Roger ate, I looked out my window and thought about the things people say about mistakes, all of which are wrong: Mistakes happen. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s only a mistake. You learn from your mistakes. Don’t worry. It was an honest mistake. None of those things are true, I thought, because if they were, Dad would still be taking care of the smallest and sickest babies in the hospital instead of planning our summer to remember. Roger wouldn’t be one state away from a bellyache after eating his hundredth snack. All I could do, as we got closer and closer to Kettle Hole, was hope that going back to the place where Dad grew up wouldn’t turn out to be another mistake. TWO One Word or Two? When we finally pull up in front of Mr. Knowles’s house in Kettle Hole, it’s dark all around us, with only one light shining on a porch the whole length of the house. Dad shuts off the motor and opens the car door. Roger snores in his sleep. “Listen,” Dad says. “Barred owls.” There’s an eerie hooting noise and then cries like monkeys screaming. Dad stands there looking into the woods where the sounds are coming from. “Do you have the key to the house?” I ask. “It should be open,” he says. That’s how I end up being the first one in, carrying my backpack over my shoulder. I feel for a switch on the wall, and the room lights up. The floor is wood and the house smells like the cabin I stayed in at summer camp last year. It’s colder inside the house than outside. The living room has a couch and chair at one end and a desk and floor lamp in a corner. There’s a kitchen with a square table and four chairs. The windows are low and tall, and none of them have curtains. Up a set of stairs are three bedrooms and a bathroom. One bedroom has a big bed like Mom and Dad’s. I drop my backpack on the bed in the smaller of the other two. This way there’s no tears from Roger for getting the worst room. Plus the smallest room has a window that looks out onto a roof, and a long closet under a sloping wall. That night I fall asleep on the bed in the room without even taking my sneakers off. The morning after we arrive, I’m the last one awake. Dad is in the kitchen and I smell his coffee brewing. Roger is at the kitchen table. “What are Roger and I going to do here?” I ask Dad. “Any number of things,” he says. “See what catches your eye, where your interests take you.” Dad’s face is pale from spending the past five months inside, his eyelashes almost see-through, and his hair is the same light brown as Roger’s, but thinner on top. “What about you? What are you going to do?” I ask him. “I’m going to work on being a better parent,” he says. “Better how? Who are you competing against?” The words are out before I have a chance to think. Dad answers in a serious voice. “Better in all ways, Harvard. More involved. More focused. More adaptable.” “You’re hired. When can you start?” Dad ignores or doesn’t notice that I’m being mouthy. He drops toast on plates, puts out jelly, shakes the orange juice container, and spins silverware across the table so it lands exactly in front of where we’re each sitting. Then he sits down and clasps his hands on the table in front of himself. He’s wearing a white short-sleeved button-down shirt, and in the front pocket there’s a pen and a mini notepad. “I didn’t bring the computer because there’s no internet connection in the house. It’s also hard for me to get reception on my cell phone unless I’m outside. But anytime you want to call Mom you can use the house phone there on the desk.” “Is that what you meant by going back in time?” I ask. “Internet access and TV cost money Vern doesn’t have. I think you’ll find plenty of things to keep you busy here. Also, I want you both to know you can talk to me about anything, and ask whatever questions you have.” I can’t stop myself. “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Roger repeats, tipping himself out of his chair and onto the kitchen floor laughing. He’s still holding a piece of jelly toast in one hand. Roger is five and falls on the floor whenever he thinks something is really funny. “Roger, back in your chair,” Dad says automatically. “That’s an eternal question, isn’t it? I don’t have an answer. I also wanted you to know you can invite your friends here anytime. If they fly up, we can meet them at the airport.” There’s only my friend Tobias who I’d want to come. He’s the friend who never asked why Dad was always home or why Dad would sometimes cover his eyes with his hands and turn away. Tobias would sit at the kitchen island while Dad was cooking or cleaning up and tell him stories about what happened at school. “The word vacationland. Would you think it was one word or two?” I ask. On the drive here I saw the Maine license plates, white with black letters and the word vacationland on the bottom. “I don’t know. Probably two?” Dad guesses. “That’s what I thought, but it was one word on the Maine license plates. Vacationland. Not vacation land. It doesn’t make sense.” I don’t stop there. “It’s hard to know, right? Like why is toothbrush one word but swimming pool is two words?” “Swimming pool. Can we get a swimming pool?” Roger asks. “And bathroom and spaceship are one word, but ice cream is two words.” “That is a puzzle,” Dad says, looking at his plate. He cuts the crusts off his toast with a knife and fork, cuts the toast into four squares, then cuts the squares into perfect triangles. “I want ice cream, too. Swimming pool. Bathroom. Spaceship. Swimming pool. Bathroom. Spaceship. Ice cream,” Roger says over and over, because whatever I say, Roger wants to say at least twice. Dad puts down his knife and fork. He presses his hand on his throat, over the place where his stethoscope used to hang. When I first started blurting things out, Mom said, If you can, Harvard, before you say something you might regret or that could hurt someone’s feelings, ask yourself why you’re saying it. And if you know the reason and it’s a good reason, then go ahead. But the sadder Dad is, the more I can’t stop to ask myself anything. Or maybe I don’t try because what if some of those words make him laugh again? THREE Heat Lightning On our first day in Kettle Hole, I see a bullfrog and a skinny snake with yellow stripes in the woods, and get bitten by bugs Dad calls deerflies. Roger plays ball with Dad, climbs in the tire swing that’s hanging from a tree, and rocks himself in a hammock on the back lawn. Dad says Vernon Knowles and his daughter are supposed to stop by around dark. I’m near the open window when a man and a girl walk up the stone step onto the porch. The sun hangs right over the tops of the trees, and the sky is orange and pink. The porch light shines on them. The man is wearing a T-shirt and jeans. “I don’t think I’ve ever knocked on this door before,” he says. The girl leans against him. He puts his arm around her. The girl’s face reminds me of a bird. It’s triangle-shaped, with her chin the bottom point and her brown eyes far apart above a small sharp nose. Her brown hair hangs down past her shoulders. “Me neither,” she says. “They’re here,” I call to Dad, “but they’re just standing there on the porch.” Dad rushes to the door and opens it wide. The man comes in first. He’s shorter than Dad and his arms are thick and muscly, like a weight lifter’s. His hair is almost as dark as mine and Mom’s. Dad hugs the man, who thumps him on the back. “Marshall Corson, Spelling Bee King of Kettle Hole,” his friend says. “Welcome back!” “Vern,” Dad says. “It’s been too long.” Mr. Knowles squeezes Dad’s shoulder. “Thank you, Marshall, for helping me keep my promise to Earlene and stopping us from losing the house. I’m sure my father is looking down on me, shaking his fist that I took out a second mortgage on the homestead.” “No, it’s you, Vern, who helped me, more than you know. Boys,” Dad says, “meet Mr. Knowles, my oldest friend in the world. Vern, this is my son Harvard, and that’s my younger boy, Roger.” Dad points first to me, still near the window, and then to Roger, who’s on the couch. Roger waves at them with both hands. “Hello there, Roger!” Mr. Knowles waves back, then turns to me. “Harvard, that’s a great old Maine name. I hope it suits you as well as it did your great-grandfather. He was a good man. And this is my daughter, Nevaeh. She’ll be eleven in October.” Read more

The Stars Beckoned: Edward White's Amazing Walk in Space

Review Praise for The Stars Beckoned : "The right stuff for children with the stars in their eyes." -- Kirkus Reviews "An introduction to a space pioneer that’s ideal for the youngest nonfiction readers." -- Publishers Weekly About the Author Candy Wellins (candywellins.com) is a former elementary school teacher who now spends her days as a full-time mother and author. Her debut picture book, Saturdays Are for Stella , is set to publish in 2020 from Page Street Kids. Candy lives in Central Texas. Follow her on Twitter @candy_wellins and on Instagram @candywellins.Courtney Dawson is a freelance illustrator with a great love for drawing, reading, and most kinds of ice cream. She has a background in animation and a deep love for picture books. You can follow her on Instagram @courtneyjdee.

How to Wear a Sari

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2-Fumbling with knitting needles, spilling garbage from a torn trash bag-an unnamed, aggravated young girl with brown skin and brown hair is feeling too small and inadequate for grown-up tasks. She wants to prove her maturity to her family. Inspiration strikes, although a bit out of the blue. Why not arrive at her family's party wearing one of her mother's elegant saris? After choosing the perfect green and yellow sari-not too plain, not too fancy, with the right amount of sparkle-the persistent young narrator demonstrates the step-by-step process of donning a sari. Readers learn that a blouse and petticoat are worn underneath and how to correctly tuck, wrap, and pleat the sari. The look is polished with a stylish brooch, jewelry, and sparkly sandals. Now the challenge will be to walk in those high-heeled sandals to show off her sophisticated outfit at her family gathering. Unsteady and wobbly, the young girl trips, sending food flying across a multigenerational family. On the bright side, the girl can now contribute a hilarious moment to the family's mishap hall of fame. Khiani's lighthearted, debut picture book is insightful for young readers unfamiliar with saris, relatable for accustomed readers, and despite feeling choppy and underwhelming in the conclusion, will entertain children. Lew-Vriethoff's illustrations are lively and fluid, appropriately matching the flowing movement of saris. VERDICT A welcomed, playful addition to a small selection of picture books available on this traditional attire.-Emily Brush, Novi P.L., MIα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review "Simple, multi-patterned line art drawings in a lively color palette by Lew-Vriethoff pilot young readers through Khiani’s winning guide to sari-wearing...an enjoyable behind-the-scenes look at a South Asian staple."— Publishers Weekly "A delightful picture book about dressing—and acting—like a grown-up before your time" -- Kirkus — About the Author Darshana Khiani is a second-generation Indian American who grew up in rural Pennsylvania and now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family. Her skills include writing picture books, debugging network routers, and solving jigsaw puzzles. However, wearing a sari is not one of them. HOW TO WEAR A SARI is her debut picture book. www.darshanakhiani.com Twitter: @darshanakhiani Instagram: @darshanakhiani Joanne Lew-Vriethoff is the acclaimed illustrator of many children's books including the new edition of The Invisible String , and The Invisible String Workbook , as well as Darshana Khiani's How to Wear a Sari . Her passion and love for storytelling is shown through her whimsical but heartfelt illustrations in books that range from picture books to middle grade novels in both Dutch and English. She loves discovering the world with her family by traveling and collecting memories that give her more inspiration for her art. She grew up in Los Angeles, studied at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, and now divides her time between Amsterdam and Malaysia. Read more

No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History

From School Library Journal Gr 2–5—This inspiring title profiles 14 young people who are a positive force for change. The young activists vary in age and actions, but they all took remarkable steps to improve their communities and country. Levi Draheim joined forces with other young people to sue the United States over climate change. Mari Copeny, known as "Little Miss Flint," raised money and awareness to combat the Flint, MI, water crisis. Zach Wahls campaigned for LGBTQ equality within the Boy Scouts of America. A brief biography detailing the spotlighted individual is paired with a poem, each written by a different poet. Back matter includes brief explanations of the poetry forms used throughout the book, such as free verse and spoken word. The back matter also features brief biographies of the poets (including Nikki Grimes, Hena Khan, and Charles Waters), whose commitment to diverse and inclusive children's literature is evident from their remarkable body of work. The illustrations are lovely. Portraits of the children on brown paper wonderfully enhance the text. All readers will be empowered. VERDICT An excellent selection for poetry and social justice collections; a helpful resource to teach students about poetry and its many forms.—Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State Univ., OH Review "Overall this is a stunning book that should be gifted at every opportunity, and placed permanently on every bookshelf." -- The Tiny Activist From the Author How did the book come about? We began talking in a private Facebook group related to the March 2018 KidLitWomen initiative co-founded by authors Grace Lin and Karen Blumenthal. Jeanette said she had been thinking about the need for a book about activism, and I immediately messaged her with my interest, because I had been, too. We decided to write about kids because so many were out there using their voices and using their power. Writing about minors can be tricky. Why write about contemporary young activists rather than young activists from movements past? Yes, it is tricky. We took great care to work with the families of those we featured, because we wanted to make sure we had their blessing. We really wanted the book to speak to young readers and show them that they have this power within themselves, if only they harness it. So we decided to feature contemporary youths to show readers that activism is happening among their peers right now, and if they can sing their passions, they can change the world, too. -- Lindsay About the Author * Lindsay H. Metcalf grew up on a Kansas farm and is the author of Farmers Unite! Planting a Protest for Fair Prices . An experienced journalist, Lindsay has covered a variety of change-makers as a reporter, editor, and columnist for the Kansas City Star and other news outlets. lindsayhmetcalf.com * Keila V. Dawson has been a community organizer, teacher, school administrator, educational consultant, and advocate for children with special needs. She has lived in the Philippines, Japan, and Egypt. Dawson is a New Orleans and the author of The King Cake Baby . keiladawson.com * Jeanette Bradley has been an urban planner, an apprentice pastry chef, and the artist-in-residence for a traveling art museum on a train. She is the author and illustrator of Love, Mama . Jeanette lives in Rhode Island with her wife and kids. jeanettebradley.com Read more

Julián Is a Mermaid

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2—Young Julián lives with his abuela and is obsessed with mermaids. He imagines taking off his clothes, growing a tail, and swimming freely through the blue-tinted water with swirls of fish and stingrays. After spying some women on a train dressed as mermaids, Julián later tells his abuela, "I am also a mermaid," then proceeds to wrap a curtain around his waist as a "tail." Ferns in his hair complete the fantastical look, and when his grandmother catches him —is he in trouble? Not at all! In fact, she takes Julián to a festival where people are dressed as fantastically as Julián. Love couples the spare narrative with vivid, imaginative, and breathtaking illustrations. VERDICT A heartwarming must-have for one-on-one and small group sharing.—Amanda C. Buschmann, Carroll Elementary School, Houston Review This is Jessica Love’s debut picture book, and every choice she makes — the spare text, a color palette both muted and lively, full-bleed pages that make even subway cars and apartment rooms feel as expansive as the ocean — imbues the story with charm, tenderness and humor…Alongside Julián, readers learn that anyone can be a mermaid: All it takes is love and acceptance, a little imagination and a big swishy tail.—The New York Times Book ReviewLove couples the spare narrative with vivid, imaginative, and breathtaking illustrations. A heartwarming must-have for one-on-one and small group sharing.—School Library Journal (starred review)Refreshingly, Spanish words aren't italicized. Though it could easily feel preachy, this charmingly subversive tale instead offers a simple yet powerful story of the importance of being seen and affirmed.—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)[Julian] is, in a word, fabulous. Love lets an anxious beat pass before Abuela takes Julián by the hand, leading him to what some readers may recognize as the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. “Like you, mijo,” says Abuela. “Let’s join them.” Love’s deep empathy for her characters and her keen-eyed observations of urban life come together in a story of love, understanding, and embracing the mermaid within us all.—Publishers Weekly (starred review)The luminous, lovely, and layered art is what really makes the book...The concluding parade is a confectionary wonder of marine fantasy that many kids will yearn to join, and it might prompt adults to set up their own in- library mermaid celebrations. More importantly, though, those who’ve been shy about their love for dazzle and showmanship will love the idea of a formidable grandparental ally, and they will find this encouraging and empowering.—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)Julián’s emotional journey takes on depth through small but important details: a wary look in the mirror, a slight inward slump of the shoulders, a chin held high while marching down the street. Love uses vibrant watercolors with gouache and ink and a lively style to create scenes that splash and swirl to life on the page.—The Horn Book (starred review)Across her watercolor, gouache and ink spreads, Love captures the transformative power of being seen...Love's affecting combination of the literary and the visual results in a powerful affirmation of individuality, creative expression and unconditional acceptance.—Shelf Awareness for Readers (starred review)Love’s painted scenes glow against muted backgrounds, with saturated, opaque tones tracing the graceful shapes of the figures. They’re especially striking when Julián gets swept away in a vivid underwater fantasy: a school of sea creatures whirls around him as he transforms into a mermaid. That scene is nicely replicated when he arrives at the parade, which is populated by scores of people in a wide variety of inventive costumes. The affectionate depiction of a broad range of body types and skin tones makes this particularly cheery.—BooklistThis beautiful book is one of the very few picture books about a gender non-conforming child. Yet it feels like a celebration of all children who want to do things differently than the parental figures in their lives—and a love letter to the grownups who deeply understand them.—GothamistThere is nothing about this book that is forgettable. In fact, you may have a hard time not thinking long and hard about it after you put it down. A book for mermaids and boys and girls and parents and teachers and booksellers and librarians and . . . Let’s just simplify things and say it’s a book for the human race.—Betsy BirdJessica Love’s vivid watercolor and gouache illustrations are made even brighter by her decision to paint on brown paper; the richly colored palette pops off the pages, and abundant character is conveyed via the subtlest of facial expressions and body language. Also subtle—and terrifically poignant—is the eloquent encouragement of Abuela’s spare words. A book for the ages, Julián Is a Mermaid is going to make a big splash.—BookPageThe illustrations couldn’t be more beautiful, and I love how Julián’s grandmother accepts him for exactly who he is...I’m so grateful for books like these that help foster acceptance and understanding from a young age.—A Cup of Jo (blog) Julián Is a Mermaid makes a fine addition to the best LBGT children’s books.—Brain Pickings (blog)Groundbreaking...here’s a happy picture book that challenges traditional gender stereotypes, rendering one boy free to be himself.—San Francisco ChronicleRight now, I just finished reading ‘Julián Is a Mermaid,’ by Jessica Love, which is an awesome picture book, one of my favorites, and I won’t spoil the end for you, but it has something to do with the mermaid parade.—Charles George Esperanza, The New York TimesIt’s a story of a little boy who is taken with some elegant costumes, and decides to fashion one of his own. It’s that simple, but it makes a big impression; I can’t recommend it highly enough.—The New York Times Book Review e-newsletter About the Author Jessica Love is an illustrator and a New York based actor. She has a BA in studio art from the University of California, Santa Cruz, as well as a graduate degree from Juilliard. Read more

I Am a Bird

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 1-A little girl flies like a bird as she rides in the bicycle seat behind her dad each morning on the way to school. Arms raised and mouth open, she gleefully sings to the birds who follow and waves to friends and neighbors. When she spots an unfamiliar woman in a blue coat, who neither waves or smiles, the little girl is puzzled. On every day she sees the woman, the girl has a mood shift, until the day she unexpectedly sees the woman in the park, singing to and feeding the birds. She views the woman in a new light, and her smile and wave are finally reciprocated. Colored pencil drawings show the details of the seaside town with its various birds in flight or perched along the bicycle's route; all the characters have pale skin, and all have dark hair, but for the older woman, who has gray locks. The girl's dislike and fear of the woman is mirrored in the monster graffiti on a wall. An effective spread depicts a bird's-eye view of the pair and their shared love of birds and what will likely be a new friendship. VERDICT A young girl learns that appearances are deceiving in this cheerful secondary purchase.-Ramarie Beaver, formerly at Plano P.L., TXα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review 'I fly like a bird on Daddy’s bike,' the narrator joyfully croons as we watch father and daughter whizz through a coastal, colored-penciled town. . . . Suddenly she spies 'a woman with a blue coat and a big bag … walking very fast,' and clutches her dad’s sweatshirt, as gouache graffiti demons appear on a wall and a graphite shadow joins the gray-haired figure like an evil twin. Yet there she is one day in the park, 'whispering a song to the birds!' Lim’s text and Yum’s art soar as the two 'see' each other at last.—New York Times Book ReviewThe soft, textured illustrations expertly pair with the understated text and its beautifully simple, implicit message to look closer before jumping to conclusions...A gentle story about connection that will connect with readers of all ages.—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)A little girl and her father take regular bike rides through their coastal town...It’s a tale that celebrates imagination; birds (the monochromatic drawings of graceful birds in flight on the endpapers are a highlight); and the value of getting past fears to discover that we all have more in common than we might think.—The Horn BookLim’s simple, heartfelt narration deftly captures the perturbation kids can develop around an adult who seems unfriendly, and there’s enough amiable reassurance to counterbalance the sympathy. Yum’s softly textured colored pencil and gouache illustrations capture the airy freedom of a zippy bike ride through a lovely seaside Korean (judging by store lettering) town...Kids who’ve had their own encounters with hard-to-slot adults will appreciate the validation and the encouraging outcome.—Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksEach day, a rosy-cheeked girl rides to school in the booster seat on the back of Daddy’s bike, pretending to fly and sing like the many birds in their coastal town... It’s a simple tale for the youngest set of readers, written around an overt message of not judging too quickly and finding connections in unexpected ways... Yum’s soft colored-pencil illustrations complement the words with a pleasant atmosphere, setting the tone through gently bright colors and the simple, smiling features of her characters... A sweetly serene story with a useful lesson.—Booklist About the Author Hope Lim is a debut children's book author. She has a bachelor’s in English literature and has worked as a conference interpreter for the US State Department. Hope Lim lives in San Francisco. Hyewon Yum is the author and illustrator of several acclaimed books for children, including Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten!, which earned her an Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, and Saturday Is Swimming Day . She is also the illustrator of A Piece of Home, written by Jeri Watts. Hyewon Yum lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York. Read more

Elon Musk: A Mission to Save the World

Review A 2020 NSTA Best STEM Book "Investigative journalist Redding does an admirable job of chronicling Larry and Sergey’s amazing successes and will inspire young people to follow in their ingenious footsteps. It’s more comprehensive than other books for young readers about Google’s founders, with energetically written short chapters, interesting facts, graphics, and photos " ― Booklist on Google It, starred review"This readable and breezy history of the tech behemoth [is] An appealing and timely look at a universally relevant subject and a good fit for STEAM-related reading lists." ― School Library Journal on Google It About the Author Anna Crowley Redding is the author of Google It, Elon Musk: A Mission to Save the World, and Black Hole Chasers. The recipient of multiple Edward R. Murrow and Associated Press awards, Crowley Redding uses her Emmy award-winning investigative reporting skills to dig into compelling topics that are shaping our world. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, garnered national news coverage, and been recognized by the National Association of Science Teachers for excellence. Crowley Redding lives outside of Portland, Maine with her family. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Elon Musk A Mission to Save the World By Anna Crowley Redding Feiwel and Friends Copyright © 2019 Anna Crowley ReddingAll rights reserved.ISBN: 978-1-250-31362-1 Contents Title Page, Copyright Notice, Dedication, Chapter 1 TAKE AWAY THE ARMOR, Chapter 2 LAUNCH, Chapter 3 TYPING VS. WALKING, Chapter 4 ONE PLANET IS NEVER ENOUGH, Chapter 5 TWO COMPANIES AND A FUNERAL, Chapter 6 DON'T PANIC, Chapter 7 TYRANNY, Chapter 8 THE WHEEL, REINVENTED, Chapter 9 OF COURSE I STILL LOVE YOU, Chapter 10 IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL, Chapter 11 MARS OR BUST, Chapter 12 THIS IS THE BORING BIT, Chapter 13 DANGER, Chapter 14 PRODUCTION HELL, Bibliography, Endnotes, Acknowledgments, About the Author, Copyright, CHAPTER 1 TAKE AWAY the ARMOR Actor Robert Downey Jr. was looking at the opportunity of a lifetime. He'd just landed the role of comic book superhero Tony Stark, the billionaire genius also known as Iron Man. Stark is not your cookie-cutter superhero. He wasn't born with supernatural powers. He is flawed, gritty, intense — driven. Just ask Captain America. In an epic movie scene, Captain America confronts Tony Stark. Taking one stalking, provoking step at a time, Captain America circles Stark, spitting out a question meant to expose Stark's inferiority. "Big man in a suit of armor. Take that off, what are you?" Stark doesn't miss a beat and doesn't even bother to turn his head to look at Captain America before answering. "Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist." Those four words not only summed up the man, but also summed up the herculean task Robert Downey Jr. had before him. Downey had to accomplish nothing less than making Tony Stark real. And that meant embodying those four words: genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. Sitting across from Iron Man director Jon Favreau, Downey discussed the role. He needed to understand Stark's character deeply, answering questions like what made Tony Stark tick, what drove his ambitions, what kind of genius could transform fantasy into reality. Because if you understand the character, then you can become him, and that's how you bring Tony Stark to life. Downey was struck by an idea. He wanted to hang out with a real-life Tony Stark. And he had someone in mind. One man whose personality and life actually epitomized the heart and soul of Tony Stark's character, with all the trappings of Stark's supersized success. If Downy could spend time with this man, study him, try to get in his head, well then, Downey could nail the role. That man was Elon Musk. At thirty-five years old, Elon had already amassed a fortune and was well on his way to becoming one of the most powerful people in the world. With companies like PayPal, Tesla, and SpaceX, he pushed technology to the limit until he forced innovation and breakthrough, making his mark on three of the biggest industries that exist: banking, automobiles, and space. His ambitious ideas were so far-out that people often laughed at him, until they didn't — usually because he'd accomplished the impossible. In 2007, Robert Downey Jr. gave Elon a call and soon found himself walking around SpaceX headquarters with Elon himself — observing, talking, and picking Elon's brain. That time allowed Downey to perfect the role. That said, there was a major divergence between Elon and the comic book character. Tony Stark's script came with a slick backstory: Child prodigy and heir apparent of famed entrepreneur accomplishes one incredible feat after another and then takes the helm of his father's company and pushes it to the next level and beyond. Elon's backstory was far from slick. His childhood was dark, painful, and brutal. Elon had to endure both emotional torment at home and physical attacks at school. As a bullied schoolboy in Pretoria, South Africa, he was not an heir apparent. He was not a media darling in waiting. No, Elon was simply trying to survive. NAME: Elon Reeve Musk NICKNAMES: Genius Boy, Muskrat DATE OF BIRTH: June 28, 1971 PLACE: Pretoria, South Africa FIRST COMPUTER: Commodore VIC-20, at age 10 BOOKSHELF: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams, and Isaac Asimov's Foundation series. GAME SHELF: Dungeons & Dragons DAYDREAMS AND NIGHTMARES As a little boy in South Africa, it was obvious from the time Elon could speak and toddle around that he was different. Elon's mom, Maye Musk, recognized her son's intelligence straightaway. "He seemed to understand things quicker than other kids," she said. But she noticed something else, too — something about Elon's behavior that concerned her. Elon would suddenly stare off in the distance, falling into a daydream so deep, so trancelike, that no one could get his attention. It could happen mid-conversation or in the middle of a busy room. His mother was worried. Did Elon have a massive hearing loss? Shuffling him off to doctor after doctor, Maye tried to get to the bottom of it. The doctors saw it too. He sometimes seemed lost in another world that no one could penetrate. Elon endured test after test. Finally, his doctors scheduled him for surgery. The plan was to remove his adenoids and hope Elon would hear better. But the surgery had no impact at all. That's when they discovered his hearing was actually fine. It was his mind. Elon was simply so deep in thought, so focused on his ideas, immersed in every detail, that he detached from the rest of the world. It was as if a movie was playing out before his eyes, allowing Elon to visually puzzle out a problem. Like daydreaming on steroids, he could not only see ideas but run virtual tests on them too. "It seems as though the part of the brain that's usually reserved for visual processing — the part that is used to process images coming in from my eyes — gets taken over by internal thought processes," Elon explained to biographer Ashlee Vance. "I can't do this as much now because there are so many things demanding my attention but, as a kid, it happened a lot. That large part of your brain that's used to handle incoming images gets used for internal thinking." That was not the only personality trait of Elon's that stood out from an early age. A penchant for breaking rules and breaking them boldly — with commitment, drive, and flair — landed six-year-old Elon in some pretty hot water with his mother. It all started when Elon's mom grounded him. She made his punishment perfectly clear: Elon would not be allowed to go to his cousin's birthday party. And Elon's reaction was also perfectly clear. Stay at home? When his younger brother and sister were going to the party? No way. Absolutely not. Mind churning, Elon realized he needed a plan to get around the punishment. Wait — his bike! He could ride his bike there. Elon let his mother know in no uncertain terms that he would most certainly be at the party. He didn't need her to drive him there. He would ride his bike — all by himself. Elon recounted this story in an auditorium full of people at the Computer History Museum. The crowd hung on his every word as he explained that telling his mother was a critical mistake. Because as soon as he divulged his plan, his mother looked at her son and fibbed. "She told me some story about how you needed a license for a bike and that the police would stop me," he explained. To a six-year-old, dealing with the police seemed really bad. So a bike would not work. As Elon saw it, that left him with one option: He would have to walk. Only, his cousin's house wasn't around the corner or in the neighborhood or even close by. In fact, the birthday party was across town — about twelve miles away. One foot in front of the other, Elon walked. And walked. And walked. Some four hours later, victory was in sight. Elon was just a couple of blocks away when he spotted his mother leaving the party with his brother and sister. "She saw me walking down the road and freaked out," he said. Heart racing, Elon took off and ran into his cousin's yard. He climbed a tree, perched himself high in the branches, and refused to come down. That sense of independence and injustice was unshakeable. Two years later, after Elon turned eight years old, his parents divorced. Elon, along with his brother, Kimbal, and sister, Tosca, lived with their mom. A model and dietician, Maye Musk woke up each morning and got to work with modeling gigs, wellness talks, meeting nutrition clients, and managing the paperwork and scheduling that comes with running your own business to make ends meet. She was not a hovering mother; she couldn't afford to be. And there was this — she wanted her children to be independent, to understand what hard work was by watching her example, and to have the freedom to find their own way. That left Elon with a lot of time on his hands, mostly unsupervised. He did not let it go to waste. Kimbal was only a year younger, which made them natural co-conspirators. The two boys focused on rockets. Not just reading about them, but making them and figuring out explosives. "I am shocked," he told Rolling Stone, "that I have all my fingers." When he wasn't with Kimbal blowing things up or out riding their motorbikes, Elon was reading, sometimes for ten hours a day. Often, when Elon headed into town for a shopping trip with his family, he would just suddenly disappear. One minute he was there, the next minute he was nowhere to be found — until his mom or siblings checked the closest bookstore. All the way in the back, sitting on the floor, completely lost inside a book, that's where you could find Elon. Elon's mom would even drag him along to dinner parties if she didn't have a date. "I'd bring him to meet some interesting adults, and he'd hide a book under the table to read if they weren't interesting enough," she said. For Elon, reading wasn't simply a pastime. He was consuming vast amounts of information, devouring books whole, and remembering every detail plucked from their pages. "I was raised by books," he explained to Rolling Stone. "Books, and then my parents." And comic books. Typically when you walk into a comic book store, you look around, make your selection, pay for it, and bring it home to read. But when Elon walked into the comic book store, he read them right then and there. Not just one comic book. Not two. He read them all. Every single comic book on the rack. Every single comic book in the store. Every. One. He loved them all, but some favorites were Doctor Strange, Batman, Green Lantern, Superman, and even Iron Man. "In the comics, it always seems like they are trying to save the world," Elon said. Devouring as many sci-fi books as he could get his hands on, Elon discovered a similar theme. His favorites were Isaac Asimov's Foundation series, Robert Heinlein's The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, and J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings." At one point, I ran out of books to read at the school library and the neighborhood library," he said. Ran. Out. Of. Books. So what do you do as fourth grader when you have gone through the entire collection of two libraries? Well, the first thing Elon did was try to convince the librarians to order more. And while he waited for those new books to come in, he needed to do something to keep his insatiable curiosity well fed … he read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica from beginning to end. He relished the information, loved knowing about the greater world and everything in it. And Elon became something of a walking, talking encyclopedia himself. If his family had a question, they turned to Elon for the answer. His sister, Tosca, gave him a nickname: Genius Boy. That said, sometimes when people around him were talking, they might get a fact or two wrong. But Elon always knew the right answer and instantly corrected them. As you can imagine, this did not win him friends. While his younger siblings were popular and had plenty of playdates, Elon did not. But the lack of friends did not hold Elon back from reading and obtaining as much knowledge as he could on any topic that interested him. The lack of friends did not stop him from his deep distant daydreams. And the lack of friends did not prevent him from opening the covers of a great science fiction novel and losing himself completely in the story. The truth was, the books and daydreams helped Elon feel less alone. It had now been two years since Elon's parents divorced. Elon began thinking of his dad, who lived alone. Something about that seemed sad to Elon, even unfair. "I felt sorry for my father," Elon explained to Rolling Stone 's Neil Strauss. "He seemed very sad and lonely by himself. So I thought, 'I can be company.'" As he saw it, his mom had all three kids. Elon felt it was only fair that he go and live with his father. In the end, both he and his younger brother, Kimbal, moved in with Errol Musk. Errol was a talented and gifted engineer, an entrepreneur, and part owner of an emerald mine. His home had plenty of books to feed Elon's reading habit. And with site visits to Errol's construction projects, Elon and Kimbal took advantage of the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and learn. Studying pipes and lines, they learned plumbing. Mixing and spreading mortar, the boys learned how to lay bricks. They added wiring, window fitting, and other jobs to their growing list of skills. That hands-on experience, combined with what Elon was reading, his ability to visualize processes, and his own intelligence, meant he quickly understood complicated tasks and engineering concepts in a way that felt innate, obvious. "What's very difficult for others is easy for me. For a while, I thought things were so obvious that everyone must know this," he said. "Like how the wiring in a house works. And a circuit breaker, and alternating current and direct current, what amps and volts were, how to mix fuel and oxidizers to create an explosive. I thought everyone knew this." There was another perk to living with his father: the travel. Errol took the kids on amazing vacations to different countries around the world. But there was one place Elon wanted to visit more than any other: America. After all, as Elon leafed through page after page of his comic books, they all seemed to take place in the United States. If the storyline was good versus evil, then the backdrop for that battle, the stage for those save-the-world confrontations, was America. Plain and simple. And Elon wanted to see it for himself. America was a place where anything seemed possible. It stood in complete contrast to the environment of apartheid in South Africa. Finally, at ten years old, Elon was sitting on a plane with his dad, headed for a visit to the land of the free. America did not disappoint. While caped superheroes were not roaming the streets, Elon did discover something amazing in his hotel — an arcade. Elon already had a video game player, but it was quite primitive. "It didn't have cartridges," he said. "It had four games you could play." But in America at that time, many hotels and motels had their own video game arcades, and traveling from one city to another, Elon made finding the game room a priority. Slipping quarters into the slots, pushing buttons at rapid fire, finessing his moves, Elon wasn't just playing the games, he was puzzling out bigger questions. How do these games work, anyway? How do you program them? How do you program computers? How do you create games? Not long after Elon returned to South Africa, Elon would get his first chance to explore his questions about video games, computers, and how they worked. On his next trip to the local mall, Elon headed straight to the electronics store. And it just so happened, they'd received shipment of a new type of electronic — a home computer. "It was like, 'Whoa,' Elon explained. "I had to have that and then hounded my father to get the computer." Gathering up all his saved allowance, Elon asked his father to make up the difference. THROWBACK! Commodore-VIC 20 MEMORY: 5 kilobytes RELEASE DATE: 1980 HISTORY: The first computer to sell one million units, it was a hit on the new home computer market. Previously, computers were sold to businesses, universities, and adult professionals. This computer was targeted to families and kids for games and education. PRICE WITHOUT ACCESSORIES: $299.95 COMPETITIVE EDGE: Sound and color PITCH MAN: William Shatner, as in Captain Kirk! Soon, Elon had a Commodore VIC-20 sitting in his house. It came with a manual for BASIC programming language — with a workbook full of lessons to practice each new bit of programming. "It was supposed to take like six months to get through all the lessons," Elon said. But for ten-year-old Elon? It took him three days. He didn't sleep, but he mastered programming his new computer. "It seemed like the most super-compelling thing I had ever seen," he said. Elon set to work trying to program his own games. He couldn't get over it. "You could type these commands, and then something happens on the screen. That's pretty amazing." Two years later, Elon created a game called Blastar. "In this game," Elon wrote in the description, "you have to destroy an alien space freighter, which is carrying deadly Hydrogen Bombs and Status Beam Machines." Elon sold the code to a technology magazine for $500. It was his first taste of taking a new technology, obsessing over it, innovating, and then using those skills to make money. From the outside looking in, Elon had everything: a beautiful sprawling house, money, a spot in a great school, his own computer (at a time when that was an exorbitant luxury), and a father who shared his knowledge and time with his boys. It seemed perfect. But inside was another story — and that story was (and is to this day) dark and painful. "It may sound good," Elon said. "It was not absent of good, but it was not a happy childhood. It was like misery." The problem, according to Elon, was his dad. "He was such a terrible human being," Elon divulged to Rolling Stone. "You have no idea. My dad will have a carefully thought-out plan of evil. He will plan evil." To biographer Ashlee Vance, Elon said, "He's good at making life miserable — that's for sure. He can take any situation no matter how good it is and make it bad. He's not a happy man," he explained. "I don't know how someone becomes like he is. It would just cause too much trouble to tell you any more." Even Elon's mother would not elaborate when pressed for more detail in interviews. "Nobody gets along with him. He is not nice to anyone. I don't want to tell stories because they are horrendous," she said to Vance. At school, Elon's situation was not any easier. He was growing up in a South Africa that celebrated macho behavior and conventional stereotypes of what it means to be a young man. But Elon was not particularly interested in sports or athletic pursuits. He was interested in technology, computers, games, and sci-fi. (Continues...) Excerpted from Elon Musk by Anna Crowley Redding . Copyright © 2019 Anna Crowley Redding. Excerpted by permission of Feiwel and Friends. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site. Read more

The Worm Family Has Its Picture Taken

Review "Sure to worm its way into readers’ hearts." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Off-the-beam, James Marshall-esque story.” — The Bulletin “A terrific pairing of new and veteran talent, as well as a gentle but firm nudge for any child who’s felt the pang of familial embarrassment.” — Publishers Weekly “Stein’s worms could be cousins to Richard Scarry’s, with guileless facial expressions and simple, personality-enriching accessories. The earth(worm)-toned mixed-media illustrations have lots of adorable detail (watch Baby Worm). The text has kid-appeal (“Cool,” is Emma’s signature understated response), and the situations are relatable for young people longing to stand out from the crowd.” — The Horn Book About the Author Jennifer Frank has been a member of SCBWI for ten years. Before writing children's books, Jennifer was a family coordinator at the Boston Children's Hospital. She lives with her husband and three daughters outside of Boston. THE WORM FAMILY HAS ITS PICTURE TAKEN is her debut.David Ezra Stein is the Caldecott Honor illustrator and author of INTERRUPTING CHICKEN and its sequel, INTERRUPTING CHICKEN AND THE ELEPHANT OF SURPRISE, which the Wall Street Journal called "a celebration of love and language." The next in the series, INTERRUPTING CHICKEN, COOKIES FOR BREAKFAST, will publish in Fall 2021. David is also the creator of DINOSAUR KISSES, I'M MY OWN DOG, and many other award-winning picture books. His picture book LEAVES won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award and was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, a Kirkus Reviews Editor's Choice, and a School Library Journal Best Book. He lives in New York. Visit David at davidezrastein.com.

Mirror to Mirror

From School Library Journal Gr 4-8-Chaya and Maya are identical twins with a strong bond. Maya has been keeping a secret since they were six years old, something even her twin doesn't know about. Chaya picks up on Maya's anxiety and wants to tell their parents, but Maya asks her to keep it undercover. When Chaya discovers Maya is harming herself by digging into to her hand with her own fingernails, seeing the blood shocks her into action. Blaming herself for the anxiety her twin is experiencing, Chaya changes her interests and activities to those different from Maya, to give her space to shine. Unfortunately, Maya sees this as her sister pulling away from her and feels isolated. Each sister feels like the other twin has it easier, so they swap places while at camp-à la The Parent Trap-style musical Long Lost, which they both adore. This novel-in-verse is told in alternating, dual perspectives of Chaya and Maya, which give readers insight into their thoughts and Maya's superstitious secret. LaRocca has created each sister with her own clear voice that is easy to discern as the point of view shifts. The cadence of the lyrical free verse lends itself beautifully to the musical talents of both girls. Family dynamics give readers more understanding and compassion for Maya's perfectionist ways when another family member seems to experience similar pressure that sometimes results in tense situations. Anxiety is presented respectfully, with the goal of helping to remove stigma. VERDICT This engaging verse novel opens doors to more conversations about mental health and deserves a place on every middle grade shelf.-Lisa Krokα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review “A searing and poignant exploration of sisterhood, and all of its complexities. Maya and Chaya’s story will help young readers wrestling with anxiety feel less alone, and help crack open many important conversations.” — Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor-winning author of Other Words for Home "A thoughtful and deeply moving story in verse."  — Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author "A sensitive portrayal of sisters and music told in lyrical free verse that sings with hope." — Margarita Engle, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Surrender Tree and Young People's Poet Laureate Emeritus "Deserves a place on every middle grade shelf.” — School Library Journal "This nuanced novel explores complex aspects of family and sibling dynamics and will give readers much to ponder." — Horn Book Magazine About the Author Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in Massachusetts, where she practices medicine and writes award-winning books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor-winning novel in verse, Red, White, and Whole . She’s always been an omnivorous reader, and now she is an omnivorous writer of novels and picture books, fiction and nonfiction, in prose and poetry. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, she lives outside Boston with her family. Visit her at rajanilarocca.com. Read more

Down to Earth

From School Library Journal Gr 4–7—Fascinated with geology, Henry spends hours breaking rocks open. His family members are water dowsers, people who sense sources of water using a dowsing rod. Henry is anxious because water dowsing is not something one can learn from a book, and not everyone in the family has the "gift." When he tries to use a dowsing rod to find water, he feels an urge to hold the stick toward the sky instead of the ground. Soon, a giant meteorite falls to Earth. Henry is ecstatic to find and analyze the rock from space. But the meteorite has brought more than just media attention and a collector offering a giant financial reward—the rock has caused a disaster, and Henry feels responsible. Culley perfectly illustrates Henry's complicated feelings and insecurities. He reacts like any child would, especially when the small town seems to hold him responsible. Poignant, lyrical prose and an engaging mix of geology, astronomy, and wonder will make this title popular, especially for fans of Nancy Viau's Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head. Henry is cued as white. VERDICT Heartwarming and absorbing, this is a solid choice for middle grade collections. Perfect for readers who want a great small-town story mixed with STEM.—Patrick Tierney, Pascoag P.L., RI Review "A captivating middle-grade novel.” –Booklist, Starred Review "This is the perfect match for middle graders starting to sort through what we do know, what we don’t know yet, and what might be unknowable.” –The Bulletin " Heartwarming and absorbing ." -School Library Journal " Fun and exciting from start to finish." -CentralMaine.com About the Author Betty Culley's debut YA novel in verse, Three Things I Know Are True, was a Kids' Indie Next List Top Ten Pick and an ALA-YALSA Quick Pick. Her first middle-grade novel, Down to Earth, is inspired by her fascination with meteorites, voyagers from another place and time. She's worked as a pediatric nurse and lives in a small town in central Maine. You can find her online at bettyculley.com. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. CHAPTER ONE The pointed end of a forked stick is believed to point toward the ground when it passes over water. —The World Book Encyclopedia: Volume D When I was five, I watched my father saw a Y-shaped twig off my great-grandfather’s hundred-year-old apple tree. I waited to see if he would cut any other letters. There were branches that would make good L’s and I’s and a curved J just right for my best friend, James. I wondered if Dad would saw off three branches and tie them together to make the H for my name—Henry. Now I’m one hundred percent older than I was then, and when Dad circles the tree his grandfather planted on Bower Hill Road, I know he’s not looking for letters. He’s searching for the perfect forked stick for dowsing. He doesn’t dowse for buried metal or gemstones. My dad, Harlan Bower, is a water dowser and he uses his stick to find veins of water deep underground. It doesn’t have to be apple wood. It can be pear or willow. But if I ever try to dowse for real, I want my first branch to come from my great-grandfather’s tree. Having an H name like my father doesn’t make me a dowser. Being a Bower doesn’t make me a dowser. Living on Bower Hill Road, with its underground springs and good-tasting well water, doesn’t make me a dowser. My great-grandfather and grandfather could find fresh water trapped beneath hard granite rock. Sixty-six-point-sixty-six percent of my grandfather’s sons are dowsers. My father: 33.33 percent Uncle Lincoln: 33.33 percent Uncle Braggy: 0 percent My grandfather, my father, and Uncle Lincoln all discovered their water dowser talents when they were ten. I already read about dowsing in the D encyclopedia. It tells what it is, but not why some people can do it and other people can’t. My father taught me how to dig a hole with straight sides and how to put rubble rocks in the middle of my stone walls so they can shift with the frost. But when I asked him how to dowse, he said it’s not something you can teach, it just happens. I asked which was more important, the stick or the person that held it, and he said both. I asked if it was easier to dowse for water on a rainy day and he said he’d never thought about that. The apple tree has a black gash on the trunk where lightning hit it. No one saw the lightning strike, and the tree kept growing. No one teaches a tree to find water. Its taproot goes straight down into the earth, the same direction my father’s dowsing stick bends when it finds water. The day I turned ten, I went up the hill and stood under my great-grandfather’s tree. It was late August and there were so many apples they pulled the branches down around me. I touched the gash where lightning marked the tree. When I looked up, all I could see were Y’s. Big Y’s, little Y’s, straight and crooked, too many to count. I traced the straightest Y with my finger, but I didn’t break it off the tree. This perfect Y is at the very end of a branch that grows toward Nana’s front porch. It will be an easy one to find again if Dad asks me to dowse for a well. Then I’ll finally learn whether my great-grandfather’s abilities were passed down to me or not. If I could have chosen to be a dowser for my tenth birthday present, I would have, but I know Dad would say it’s not something anyone else can give you. CHAPTER TWO Dowsing (water witching or water divining) is probably as old as man’s need for water. It is an “art” certain people have which enables them to find underground sources of water. —Joseph Baum, The Beginner’s Handbook of Dowsing: The Ancient Art of Divining Underground Water Sources Before we head out into the icy field, James breaks a branch off a wild cherry tree for his dowsing stick. I pull my little sister, Birdie, behind us on her red sled. It’s so cold out the snow that falls is gritty like sand and won’t stick. It’s the kind my father calls dry snow. James holds the Y-shaped branch the way my father and Uncle Lincoln do when they dowse—palms up, each hand holding an end of the V, elbows at his sides, the end of the Y pointing out in front of him. “What should I dowse for, Henry?” James asks me. “A mammoth tusk like the one we saw in the museum?” “How about Dad’s good hammer? He lost it at the top of the field when he was fixing the tractor last summer.” “Then I’ll dowse in that direction.” James’s eyes are the clear blue of the sky reflected in the ice, and his blond hair sticks out from under his wool hat. “Keek keek keek.” A small hawk glides overhead. “Keek keek,” Birdie calls back. Birdie is only two, but she can make a cry just like a hawk. “Keek keek keek,” the hawk screeches again, and flies off into the thick woods at the edge of the field. “I think I see something!” James yells, running ahead with his branch. “Look! A deer antler! My best find yet!” He holds up the antler. “I bet this would sell fast on the yard sale table.” James brings over the antler, and Birdie and I touch the hard, bony points. Then Birdie starts wiggling her legs in the sled. “Slide down,” she says. “Can you say ‘Push my sled, Henry’?” I try to get Birdie to say more than two words at a time and to say my name in the sentence. “SLIDE NOW,” Birdie tells me. I start her sled with a gentle push, and as it picks up speed, Birdie puts her arms out like wings. The dry snow makes the sled squeak. “You’re going fast, Birdie. Hold on to the sides!” I shout. “Steer toward the hay bales!” Dad puts hay bales at the bottom of the hill to stop our sleds so we don’t slide out into the road. I watch Birdie zoom down the hill, the red of her mittens two bright spots moving in the air. “I DO!” Birdie shouts back. She doesn’t steer with her hands, but she leans her body from side to side, like a hawk in the air. “Here, Henry.” James gives me his dowsing stick. “You take it. You’re the real dowser. I’m gonna go up in the woods and see if I can knock down some pinecones for your mom to start fires with.” He’s sure I’m a dowser even though I haven’t dowsed for real. The last time I went with Dad on a well-drilling job, I offered to try dowsing. When I said that, Dad stood still for a second, staring at me, and answered, Lincoln could use a hand digging the drainage ditch. Which didn’t make sense, because you don’t dig the ditch until you find the spot to drill. And you don’t find the spot to drill until you dowse for it. I think he didn’t want to watch me try and try and not be able to do it. Or hear what people in town would say when they heard what happened: Too bad that Bower boy can’t dowse like his father. James runs across the ice, as excited about getting pinecones for Mom as he was about finding the antlers. I once heard my father say it was wonderful how James gave one hundred percent to whatever he was doing. Especially since he almost drowned with his mother when he was Birdie’s age. Read more

Nour's Secret Library

From School Library Journal Gr 1-4-When Damascus, once a city of blooming roses, cherries, and apricots, becomes destroyed by war, Nour and Amir are forced to take shelter with their families in the small basement of their house. Despite the scary bombings, they start collecting books from the rubble and start a secret library called "Al-Fajr," or "dawn." This is a beautiful and poignant coming-of-age book. Everything about childhood is as it should be: a busy neighborhood, the sights and smells of a thriving community, bustling markets, and happy school children, who are dreaming and plotting their secret missions and imagining a world bigger than their dreams. It is a universal tale of how creative a child's mind can truly be. However, this book also takes readers on a heartbreaking journey and offers insight into how bombardments and warfare destroy a community and affect the most vulnerable. This book shows the spirit of the children and communicates that no matter the devastation around them, they will still find a way to dream of a better world. Black-and-white charcoal illustrations of the battered city are overlaid with the colorful world to depict the wrecked city. Back matter and the glossary provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Syria and famous libraries of the Middle East. VERDICT Based on the author's and illustrator's personal experiences, this unique war story is full of hope and resilience that shines through even the worst of situations.-Noureen Qadir-Jafarα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review ★ “A beautiful and poignant coming-of-age book . . . Based on the author’s and illustrator’s personal experiences, this unique war story is full of hope and resilience that shines through even the worst of situations” – School Library Journal, starred review“This dual story—one of destruction, and one of preservation and hope—focuses on the importance of reading during war and the cultural role of libraries and knowledge, especially during times of crisis” – The Horn Book Magazine“As their city is ravaged by war, two children and their community create an oasis of hope amid the destruction . . . A warm, engaging, and informative book that’s a valuable addition to children’s literature about war and conflict” – Kirkus Reviews“Inspired by a true story and the author’s own childhood experience, Nour’s Secret Library conveys the comfort and hope books and libraries offer in times of struggle” – Anne Thompson, A Library Lady“In ‘Nour’s Secret Library,’ books are a refuge for a community under attack” – Wall Street Journal“A beautifully told and illustrated story of hope and community” – The Guardian“Books prove ‘a safe port in a sea of war’ when conflict comes to Damascus in this affecting picture book” – Publishers Weekly“This picture book tells the story, inspired by reality, of Syrian cousins who salvage books from bombed buildings and create a secret library in a basement, which offers a refuge from war. Lyrically told and attractively illustrated, it is a celebration for book lovers anywhere” – Sunday Times About the Author Wafa’ Tarnowska is an award-winning writer, translator and storyteller. She was born in Lebanon and has worked and lived in several countries from India, to Australia, to the UAE as well as Cyprus and Lebanon. She currently lives between the UK and Poland, writing, translating books and documentaries and offering storytelling sessions in English and Arabic. Wafa' sees herself as a cultural bridge between East and West, and has also written the award-winning The Arabian Nights for Barefoot Books. Vali Mintzi was born in Romania and studied at the prestigious Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. She works as an illustrator and graphic editor for the children's art magazine Einayim. In 2012 she was awarded The Israel Museum Ben-Yitzhak Award for the Illustration of a Children's Book. Her vibrant and evocative style is influenced by painters such as Bonnard, Hockney and Matisse. She has also illustrated The Girl with a Brave Heart for Barefoot Books. Read more

One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World's Oldest University

From School Library Journal Gr 2–5—This is a beautiful new biography about Fatima al-Fihri, and the university she founded in Morocco. In simple but flowing prose, Yuksel brings al-Fihri's story from the ninth century to the present, weaving a tale of faith and charity through the "one wish" she had, to establish a school for all. Quraishi's illustrations are sweet and subtle—the juxtaposed end papers show al-Fihri's lasting legacy, and the use of a similar fabric on her headdress and in the garments of scholars in the future is a heartwarming touch. This is a well-crafted picture book biography, especially given that so little is known of al-Fihri's early years. The focus on her legacy, as well as the back matter with time lines and translations, is a strong pull for readers. VERDICT Who could not love a book about a girl whose first spoken word was "read"? Add this biography to any collection looking to be well rounded when it comes to women's history.—Aryssa Damron Review This is a well-crafted picture book biography, especially given that so little is known of al-Fihri’s early years. The focus on her legacy, as well as the back matter with time lines and translations, is a strong pull for readers. Who could not love a book about a girl whose first spoken word was “read”? Add this biography to any collection looking to be well rounded when it comes to women’s history. — School Library Journal (starred review) An inspiring profile of a tenacious trailblazer that highlights the power of knowledge. Quraishi’s transporting gouache-and-watercolor illustrations furnish a nuanced portrayal of the early medieval Arab world. — Kirkus Reviews Advocating for persistence and education, this picture book adroitly demonstrates how al-Fihri’s Muslim faith inspired her community care. — Publishers Weekly In a text rich with imagery, Yuksel ( In My Mosque ) tells the true story of Fatima al-Fihri, whose one wish was to build a school for all. The illustrations develop their own visual language. A welcome story that emphasizes the intellectual foundations of Islamic North Africa and the importance of charitable work that plants seeds for subsequent generations. — Horn Book Magazine About the Author M.O. Yuksel is the award-winning author of In My Mosque , and One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University . Of Uzbek heritage, she was born in Türkiye and immigrated to the United States when she was seven. She spent most of her childhood in New York City. Ramadan is her favorite time of year. Visit her online at www.moyuksel.com. Mariam Quraishi is an illustrator and designer living in New York. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Mariam favors traditional media, namely watercolor and gouache, for her work. In her free time, she can be found painting the beautiful champa trees and motia flowers from her hometown of Karachi. Whether the chai stains you find in her work are intentional or accidental, she’ll never tell! To see her latest creations, please visit www.mariamquraishi.com. Read more

Time for Bed's Story

From School Library Journal Gr 2-4-Bedtime often has a negative reputation, but when does anyone ever think about bedtime from the perspective of the bed? Bed has decided to speak out and voice his concerns after so many years of discontentment. From being kicked and drooled on at night to being jumped on during the day, Bed is having a hard time. The stinky mysteries under the bed are getting to him, and he can not bring himself to even talk about the tooth incident. But, now that the child who sleeps on Bed is getting older, it seems like the right time to ask for a little consideration of Bed's feelings, too. Children who enjoy stepping away from the traditional storytelling style will appreciate the humor of this book. Bed has real personality and says everything that a typical bed, if alive, might be thinking. Short sentences make the story accessible for a range of readers, but the humor is best suited for those midway through elementary school. Vintage colors and patterns adorn each page, providing a retro quality to the story. Each illustration is dynamic, shifting in perspective from close-up to broader views, varying the feel of every page. The character of Bed is endearing in his curmudgeonly demeanor, especially as the child takes no notice. VERDICT For a story hour about out-of-the-box thinking, this is a novel, cheerful way to get children to view things from a different perspective.-Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver P.L.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review A cute, original, and funny book for younger readers.― Kirkus Reviews For a story hour about out-of-the-box thinking, this is a novel, cheerful way to get children to view things from a different perspective.― School Library Journal There's a nice blend of snark and warmth in this offbeat furniture narrative ...― The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books ... recommended for home and school libraries ...― CM Magazine ... a stroke of conceptual genius.― New York Times About the Author Monica Arnaldo is an illustrator and author living in Montreal, Quebec. Her work has appeared in children's magazines, picture books and middle-grade novels. Her clients include Owlkids Books, Penguin Random House, Éditions Scholastic, Chirp magazine and Chickadee magazine. Read more

Saturdays Are For Stella

Animals Go Vroom!

Review "Cushman's appealing, digitally colored pencil drawings offer plenty of action, details, and dressed-animal characters for kids to enjoy. Fun for reading aloud." - Booklist About the Author Abi Cushman has loved drawing and painting since she was a child. She studied art and art history at Tufts University, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. She now lives on the coast of Connecticut with her husband and two children. Please visit her at abicushman.com

A True Wonder: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything

From School Library Journal Gr 3–5—Focusing on the ups and downs of Wonder Woman's status as a role model, Larson begins with the superheroine's origins in 1941. The author details changes through the years as Wonder Woman went from capturing enemy soldiers and even serving as president of the United States (in the far future) to, in the 1950s, just angling to retire and marry before being revived as a feminist icon in subsequent decades and becoming the strong, independent TV and movie star of today. Skipping over seamier details (Wonder Woman's creator William Marston was a real piece of work, by other accounts), the author names and pays tribute to the women writers and editors who played prominent roles in the predominantly white male world of comics publishing to create the WW stories and, later, films. In a personal afterword preceding the generous list of further resources, Larson also connects Wonder Woman's long fight for social justice to real-world struggles for civil and equal rights. Possibly for licensing reasons, Wu steers clear of clear or conventional depictions of Wonder Woman—and covers her cleavage with discreet swirls of bunting to keep censors at bay, too—but fills the illustrations with images of proud, active fans, mostly (but not entirely) girls and women, of diverse races. VERDICT References to Diana Prince's actual adventures and feats are scattered, so readers will have to look elsewhere for her background and exploits, but this picture book tribute provides a strong motive for doing so.—John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, NY Review ★ "[I]nspiring and entertaining, much like Wonder Woman herself....A lively exploration of recent women’s history as well as the creation of an iconic female superhero."— Kirkus, STARRED review   ★ "This story about Wonder Woman, the iconic comic book, comic strip, TV show, and blockbuster superhero movie persona, splendidly parallels the history of women in America over the past 80 years....This is an engaging addition to the superhero canon and packs quite a punch for everyday women heroes."— Booklist, STARRED review — About the Author Kirsten W. Larson used to work with rocket scientists at NASA. Now she writes books for curious kids. Her picture books include A True Wonder: The Superhero Who Changed Everything; Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane ; and The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars are Made of . Kirsten lives near LA with her dog and family. kirsten-w-larson.com, Twitter: @KirstenWLarson, Instagram: @KirstenWLarson Katy Wu illustrated the picture books A True Wonder: The Superhero Who Changed Everything by Kirsten W. Larson and Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark, among several others. She lives in Portland, Oregon. katycwwu.tumblr.com, Twitter: @thewildkat, Instagram: @thewildkat Read more

Listen to the Language of the Trees: A story of how forests communicate underground

Review "Smart, concise explanations of a tricky topic leave readers only wanting to learn more" ― Kirkus Reviews (STARRED) "A gold mine of information... detailed illustrations... [an] informative and engaging book." ― Booklist (STARRED review) "Beautifully detailed illustrations... complement the text perfectly" ― Youth Services Book Review (STARRED review) About the Author Tera Kelley was a children's bookseller for six years, and her first book, Ocean Baby, was selected for the ocean curriculum of Santa Cruz's Migrant Head Start Program. She is currently a freelance writer and editor in Northern California, where she works at a local library. Find out more about her work at terakelley.com. Marie Hermansson is an illustrator who strives to create illustrations that cultivate imagination and spark natural curiosity. When she’s not working, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and going to museums. She lives with her family in North Carolina.

Cow Boy Is NOT a Cowboy

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2-A great lesson in individuality delivered in a charming fashion. Humdrum Farm is just what one would expect-boring. Chickens lay average eggs; pigs roll in the mud (but only when necessary), and the goats eat tasteless rice cakes. Enter Goat Girl-the antithesis of dull. She's into French cooking, likes to dress up as a dinosaur, and enjoys riding in a hot air balloon over the countryside. When Goat Girl meets Merle, an exceedingly dull bull, she is smitten. She instantly starts calling him "cowboy" despite the fact that Merle insists that he is not adventurous nor brave, and has a suspicion that he is allergic to horses. There is no way that this cow, who is a boy, is in fact, a cowboy. However, fate has other plans for Merle and when some chickens attempt to cross the road, Merle is forced to channel his inner cowboy and save the day. VERDICT This picture book debut is a must have for all collections. The colorful digital illustrations are full of humor and children will fall in love with Goat Girl and her joie de vivre.-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph P.L., MIα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review Barrington’s debut is a fun farm fable with softly modeled cartoons that are full of zip (well, at least when Goat Girl is around) and expressive (mostly expressing boredom) creatures. Little listeners, who’ll be anything but bored, will likely hope for further Goat Girl and Cow Boy adventures. This chipper tale of an unlikely farm friendship is sure to bring a smile.  — Kirkus Reviews A great lesson in individuality delivered in a charming fashion. This picture book debut is a must have for all collections. — School Library Journal (starred review) From the Inside Flap This is Merle. Merle is a cow boy who lives on Humdrum Farm, where nothing ever happens. Merle is ordinary. This is Goat Girl. Goat Girl lives on Humdrum Farm, too. She is anything but ordinary.One day an overexcited Goat Girl mistakes underwhelmed Merle for a cowboy, and he cannot believe his ears. I am NOT a cowboy. I am a bull. But when humdrum Farm is in need of a hero, will Merle live up to his new name? From the Back Cover WELCOME TO HUMDRUM FARM Where Nothing Ever Happens! About the Author Gregory Barrington lives at the foot of the Rocky Mountains with his just-right family and four dogs that have noses that are too cold and breath that is too hot. While he has seen bears outside his front door, he has never let them into his house. Gregory’s first book, Cow Boy Is NOT a Cowboy , was the winner of the thirtieth annual Colorado Book Award and received a starred review from School Library Journal . Read more

The Longest Letsgoboy

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 3-Letsgoboy, a dog along in years, and his pint-sized companion embark on their final walk, their senses taking in the magic of the summer woods. Letsgoboy is delighted at every turn by the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest, and he uses a lexicon uniquely his own to describe his environs-clouds are puffers, trees are tallsticks, squirrels are branchjumpers. And while his joy cannot be dulled by the fatigue of old age, Letsgoboy knows that this walk will be his last. He revels in the love he feels for his surroundings and Little, his girl. With his earthbound journey complete, he peacefully passes in the shadow of his home. His girl grieves, seasons turn, and spring brings renewed life and a puppy to Letsgoboy's child. Wilder deftly navigates the difficult topic of death by presenting it in tandem with the joy of life. The grief of loss is acknowledged, but not dwelled upon, and Wilder's use of literal-and sometimes silly-descriptive phrases adds just the right amount of levity to a tough subject matter. The mixed media illustrations work brilliantly in conjunction with the text, particularly Chien's depiction of Letsgoboy's passing. The palette fluctuates from vibrant to solemn, shifting appropriately to the mood of the story. VERDICT One not to be missed, this moving, visceral tale is a testament to the bond between a child and pet. Any person, young or old, who has experienced loss will find this essential purchase a profound comfort.-Sarah Simpson, Westerville P.L., OHα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review “[A] moving testament to the love between child and dog. An affecting resource for starting conversations with readers experiencing their own loss.”- Publishers Weekly “[A]s genuinely doggy a narrative as ever there was . . . Echoing the strong mutual attachment that underlies every line of this monologue, Chien’s grainy, soft-focus scenes follow [an] old pooch and a tiny, exuberant child who barely reaches his shoulder through a woodsy ramble, and then sends the dog on alone, to soar through bright abstract spaces . . . If there’s a dryeye in the house after this, check for a pulse.”- Booklist , starred review “Stunning, tender, and brilliant. Readers will laugh and cry-but most of all love.”- Kirkus Reviews , starred review “One not to be missed, this moving, visceral tale is a testament to the bond between a child and pet. Any person, young or old, who has experienced loss will find this essential purchase a profound comfort.”- School Library Journal, starred review “[ The Longest Letsgoboy ] is a perfect storm of tearjerk, with its supple poetry, canine narration, and picture of loss, but there’s a reassuring message about what we love remaining a part of us forever that youngsters may find . . . bolstering. . . . Chien’s mixed-media illustrations . . . tactfully distance the events, and an emphasis on sunny tones keeps the mood upbeat even amid the sadness. [A] spiritual complement to the more concrete take[s] on pet succession . . .”— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books , starred review About the Author Derick Wilder is the founder of Reading Giraffe, a literacy initiative with the goal of creating lifelong readers by making books come alive. He has been writing for as long as he can remember, but endless hours in the children's section of the library with his daughter sparked his love for picture books. He lives in Fort Mill, South Carolina. This is his first book.Catia Chien is a Brazilian-Taiwanese artist. She's the illustrator of such titles as The Sea Serpent and Me , which won a gold medal from the Society of Illustrators; A Boy and a Jaguar , an ALA Notable Book and recipient of the Schneider Family Book Award; and The Bear and the Moon . She lives in New York City with her family. Read more

Eventown

From School Library Journal Gr 5-7-What would you give up to always be content, to never experience grief or intense anger? Would you give up choice, variety, creativity, joy? These are exactly the questions addressed when Elodee and her twin sister Naomi move with their parents to Eventown in order to get a fresh start in their lives. The family has experienced something terrible-an unknown event from which they have not been able to recover. All of that changes upon the family's arrival in their new town. It is quite literally a place where the sun always shines. There are no cars needed in Eventown since everyone bikes, the neighbors are friendly, and their new school is pleasant. Her parents are happy, as if the strain on them has been lifted, and her sister fits in like a glove. Elodee is only one who feels a distant strangeness, as if it is all a little too pleasant. Elodee begins to question her "perfect" new home. She notices that all the houses look exactly the same, the library is filled with blank books, and the ice cream shop only serves three flavors. Elodee must being to unravel her family's past in order to figure out what's missing and find true emotional closure for all of them. VERDICT An emotionally complex and wonderfully told story that will capture tween readers.-Patricia Feriano, Montgomery County Public Schools, MDα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review “Would life be better if we could forget the past? That’s the question Corey Ann Haydu poses in her engrossing Eventown . With its embedded questions about the consequences of erasing all your problems, Eventown will doubtless hit many a middle grade reader’s sweet spot.” — New York Times Book Review “A wonderful and inventive story about being a kid in an imperfect world—beautiful, mysterious, and deeply satisfying.” — Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me and Goodbye Stranger ★ “At once enchanting, heart-rending, and bittersweet.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ★ “An emotionally complex and wonderfully told story.” — School Library Journal (starred review) ★ “[A] thought-provoking novel... [A] memorable and brave heroine.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Readers will feel for the brave, unconventional Elodee, who both affirms her individuality but also feels the loneliness of it... A hope-tinged tale about the long aftermath of tragedy.” — ALA Booklist “Haydu brings a different dimension with real poignancy... less The Giver and more Pleasantville... [ Eventown ] will reel in readers looking for family dramas as well as those seeking a little ideological stretching, and it will leave them with plenty to discuss about the price of walling yourself off from pain.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “A marvelous defense of messiness, mistakes, and uncomfortable conversations ... this book is pure Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets Pleasantville.” — Betsy Bird of Fuse 8 “Corey Ann Haydu doesn’t shy away from tough topics in her books. Eventown is no exception.” — Time for Kids “[An] original, thought-provoking and engaging novel exploring how our stories shape us and can help us heal from even the most terrible loss... Haydu offers an inspired creation in the “perfect world” of Eventown.” — Buffalo News Praise for The Someday Suitcase :“A touch of magic, the promise of snow, and so much love I can barely keep it together to write this sentence. I know Clover and Danny will stick with me for a long, long time.” — Kate Milford, New York Times bestselling author of The Greenglass House “Beautiful, true, and magical. This book touched my heart.” — Lauren Myracle, author of the Wishing Day series ★ “Quietly superb prose...Haydu doesn’t romanticize illness, but she provides comfort through art, science, magic, love, and a purple suitcase. A sharp, clear-cut piece that knows life is beautiful and sickness isn’t.”   — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ★ “Haydu’s second middle-grade novel is poignant and powerful. A heartbreaking story about the healing power of friendship amid human fragility.”   — Booklist (starred review) ★ “In this moving, exquisitely written story, Corey Ann Haydu explores the thin line between science and magic within an intense bond of friendship.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review) “Haydu does not shield readers from hard truths, creating complex characters who face difficult situations. This sensitive work will strike an emotional chord with middle-graders.” — School Library Journal Praise for Rules for Stealing Stars: ★ “A well-crafted blend of realism and fantasy.” — School Library Journal (starred review) ★ “[A] lyrical story of love and loss. The way the sisters fight and love in equal measure, as well as their basic need for one another, rings poignantly true in this touching and heartwarming story, which contains a ‘tiny bit of magic, right here in the real world.” — Booklist (starred review) “Haydu makes skilled use of her story’s fantastical overlay to create a haunting narrative about the ways family members can fail-but also support-each other.” — Publishers Weekly “Haydu is a masterful wordsmith.” — Kirkus Reviews “Tender, wise, and heartbreakingly lovely, this story is as brilliant as a stolen star, and every bit as magical. Prepare to be enchanted.” — Katherine Applegate, Newbery-award winning author of The One and Only Ivan “A gorgeous, profound, deeply felt book that lovingly explores intricate sibling relationships, the crushing weight of family secrets, and the delicate magic of hope. Rules for Stealing Stars is sublime.” — Anne Ursu, author of Breadcrumbs and The Real Boy “Silly and her sisters are flesh-and-bone characters; they gripped me by my very heart and pulled me into their tense and mysterious family story. With beguiling moments of magical realism and engaging turns of phrase, Corey Ann Haydu has crafted a glowing middle grade debut.” — Leslie Connor, award-winning author of Waiting for Normal and Crunch About the Author Corey Ann Haydu is the author of Eventown and other acclaimed novels for children and young adults. She grew up in the Boston area, earned her MFA at the New School, and now lives in Brooklyn with her husband and her toddler daughter, who hasn’t yet discovered the delight of tea parties with her abuelita, but is already curious enough to make an excellent detective. Find out more at www.coreyannhaydu.com. Read more

Tofu Takes Time

Review ★ A standout story about a healthy food that some readers will embrace as a reflection of their own culture or diet and others will be inspired to try making ... These are a delight to the ear and make this book one that promises successful read-alouds. The playful tone works in beautiful partnership with Jarema's joyful illustrations as granddaughter and grandmother work together. - School Library Journal , Starred Review Sentimental and quaint...A culinary lesson in patience. — Kirkus Reviews Patience is cushioned with family warmth and the joy of spending time together in a tale, which also dives into the wonder of making tofu ... The illustrations carry a gentle atmosphere, while holding details as well as a sense of imagination, too. These balance well with the words. While telling the story and repeating the grandmother's one phrase again and again, the author has also built in sound words (such as Tik) to add a sense of playfulness. Young listeners will be able to repeat these as well as the book is picked up again and again.— Tonja Drecker, Bookworm for Kids Food is love in Chinese families. Tofu Takes Time illustrates that connection perfectly in this lyrical tale of a young girl making tofu with her grandmother. A lovely story of food, love, family, and the rewards of waiting for a good (and delicious) thing.— Livia Blackburne, New York Times Bestselling Author of I Dream of Popo Beautifully and whimsically illustrated, Tofu Takes Time is a lovely celebration of tradition and family.— Kat Zhang, Award-winning Author of Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao Tofu Takes Time sends me back to my childhood and those moments spent making soymilk, baozi, jiaozi, and zongzi with my Chinese mom. The sound-filled story captures the wonder and impatience of witnessing ingredients take shape as food. Each stage of the tofu-making process is connected to an appreciation of the components—seeds, water, cloth, heat, weight, and shape—which I thought was marvelous. Because "tofu takes time," this book is an ode to patience and delayed gratification, ending with a family meal served with pride. A wonderful addition to any child's library!— Karen Yin, Author of Whole Whale and So Not Ghoul Tofu Takes Time is lovely in its simplicity and magical in its proportions. This is a story of a granddaughter and grandmother making tofu together and it is also a story of the natural processes that allow us the gift of a favorite food and its connections to family, history, and the natural world.— Kao Kalia Yang, Author of The Most Beautiful Thing and A Map into the World About the Author Helen H. Wu is a children's book author, illustrator, and translator. She was born and raised in Hefei, China, and now lives in San Diego, California. As a proud first-generation immigrant, Helen loves to share inspiring stories from her own immigrant experience. Her proudest moments are when her own two children listen patiently to her stories again and again. Julie Jarema is an illustrator, writer, and bookseller. She graduated from Bard College with a degree in Written Arts. When she's not making up stories, you can find her going on backyard adventures, sending snail mail, or practicing her circus skills.

From Here to There: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves

Louis

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 3-Louis is a teddy bear who has truly seen it all. And he's a teddy bear who has had enough. He has been used and abused as a pillow, a hankie, and as lunch for a prehistoric beast. He's been buried alive, thrown into a hurricane, hung out to dry, and has even been made an accessory to a nightmare-inducing crime! Lichtenheld lets readers know that Louis is ready to break free-but there is always a reason not to leave, and he's going to need more cupcakes. Rowan-Zoch's colorful and expressive illustrations complement Lichtenheld's silly story and truly bring Louis the grumpy bear to life. Fans of the author's Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site will delight in this enjoyable picture book. VERDICT Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing, this is a laugh-out-loud spin on a would-be runaway's best-laid plans.-Elizabeth Blake, Fields Corner Lib., Dorchester, MAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review ★ "Like a faithful teddy, sure to become a favorite for many readers."— Kirkus, STARRED review   "Lichtenheld’s first-person narration is just the right amount of cranky, rendering Louis as both sympathetic (he does get thrown in the washing machine, after all) and clueless as to how good he has it."— Publishers Weekly "Rowan-Zoch’s colorful and expressive illustrations complement Lichtenheld’s silly story and truly bring Louis the grumpy bear to life.... Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing, this is a laugh-out-loud spin on a would-be runaway’s best-laid plans."— School Library Journal "A cheeky reminder to kids to show a little care to what they might be taking for granted."— BCCB — About the Author TOM LICHTENHELD makes books for children and people who used to be children. His New York Times bestsellers include I Wish You More and Duck!Rabbit! , created with Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site , created with Sherri Duskey Rinker, and Stick and Stone , created with Beth Ferry. See all of his books at www.tomlichtenheld.com. Author, illustrator, bookseller, and activist: Julie Rowan-Zoch grew up collecting freckles and chasing hermit crabs in NY, and spent years slicing rich breads in Germany before waking up to 300 days of blue Colorado skies. If she doesn’t answer the door, look in the garden! Website: https://julierowanzoch.wordpress.com/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/julierowanzoch/ Twitter: @JulieRowanZoch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistJulieRowanZoch Instagram: @jrzoch Read more

Amah Faraway

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2-Kylie and her mother travel to Taipei from San Francisco to spend time with her Amah, or grandmother, with whom she video chats frequently but can't visit because of the distance. At first, the little girl feels nervous and unsure about the excursion, daunted by the language barrier and overwhelmed by new tastes and sights Amah wants to share with her. However, when they visit the hot springs, Kylie finally finds that embracing this comforting activity bonds her with her Amah and allows her to enjoy the rest of the stay. She delights in all of the things she found strange at first, and is sad to leave her grandmother when it's time to return home. She enthusiastically continues to video chat with her grandmother every Saturday and is no longer scared, but excited for future visits. Subisak's watercolor, pencil, and ink illustrations lovingly show details from Taiwanese life and culture. Ranging from multiple vignettes per page to full spreads, they possess an almost cinematic storyboard quality while supporting the mirrored narrative symmetry that has the hot spring visit as its midpoint. Taiwanese words and conversation are used throughout, clear from context. VERDICT As is true for Hyewon Yum's Grandpa Across the Ocean, this is a poignantly emotional and highly relatable story for children whose grandparents or other family members might live far away, but also one that teaches universal lessons about overcoming fears of the unfamiliar.-Yelena Voysey, formerly at Pickering Educational Lib., Boston Univ.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review "A heartfelt homage to her Taiwanese heritage that binds multiple generations on either side of the globe. . . . Margaret Chiu Greanias and Tracy Subisak delightfully, inventively present a hesitant child's transformative reunion with her Taiwanese grandmother on the other side of the world." - Shelf Awareness, starred review “Subisak’s watercolor, pencil, and ink illustrations lovingly show details from Taiwanese life and culture. Ranging from multiple vignettes per page to full spreads, they possess an almost cinematic storyboard quality while supporting the mirrored narrative symmetry that has the hot spring visit as its midpoint. . . . This is a poignantly emotional and highly relatable story for children whose grandparents or other family members might live far away, but also one that teaches universal lessons about overcoming fears of the unfamiliar.” ― School Library Journal, starred review “An au courant portrayal of a transnational childhood.” ― Kirkus Reviews “A sympathetic portrayal of long-distance family ties.” ― Booklist “Encouraging openness toward new experiences amid a centering of one child's diasporic shift in cultural perception, this contemporary tale tenderly spotlights the strengthening of an intergenerational relationship.” ― Publishers Weekly About the Author Tracy Subisak was known for running around the school yard as a wild horse in the second grade. She is an illustrator and designer living in Portland, Oregon. Shawn Loves Sharks is her first picture book for Roaring Brook Press. Read more

Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale (the Real Chicken Little)

Review Praise for Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale : "In this clever spin on the classic tale, Chicken Little makes it clear-right from the get-go-that she's got plenty of pluck... Wedelich's hand-lettered text is chockful of humor... Equally chuckle-worthy, Wedelich's loose-lined digital illustrations feature a protagonist who sports cowboy boots and oversized spectacles, both tinted fire-engine red. In this fractured fable, empathy ends up saving the day, and the moral (don't believe everything you hear; check the facts) is broadcast loud and clear." -- The Horn Book "Whimsy reigns in Wedelich's debut picture book, a reimagining of the classic doomsday story. Punchy speech balloons and spare, loosely lined digital cartoons imbue the title character with abundant personality and humorous mood swings...Sprawling across vertical matte pages dominated by teal and ochre hues, Wedelich's hand-lettered text mimics her story's high energy, while the hens' wry asides ("We're free-range!") amplify the comedy. A spry readaloud that will entertain adults and listeners in equal measure." -- Publishers Weekly "Sam's whimsical line brings to life a contemporary take on a classic character. This unexpected story has a great message and many laughs." -- Kirkus Review "The whole episode takes on a kinder, gentler slant... [and] this chicken, stylish in her red cowboy boots and huge eyeglasses, is worthy of admiration for her ability to "pullet" together in the wake of a sudden mishap." -- Booklist About the Author Sam Wedelich is the creator of Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale and its hilarious companion Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf . She is also a cartoonist, illustrator, and installation designer. When she isn’t hunched over her art table trying to make something funny or beautiful, Sam enjoys gardening, cycling, and making music. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and two kids. You can visit her online at samwedelich.com or follow her on Instagram @samwedelich.

Where Three Oceans Meet

Review "A celebration of intergenerational, border-crossing love. . ." ― Kirkus Reviews "A satisfyingly poignant close against expansive views from Kanyakumari concludes this warm intergenerational tale, which emphasizes how love transcends distance and endures across continents." ― Publishers Weekly "The metaphor of the intertwining of cross-cultural and cross-generational similarities and differences is sustained from start to finish, offering points of connection for readers from all backgrounds." ― Booklist About the Author Rajani LaRocca is a physician and an author of books for young readers, such as Midsummer’s Mayhem and Seven Golden Rings . She was born in Bangalore, India, and immigrated to the United States when she was very young. She now lives in eastern Massachusetts with her family. You can find her online at rajanilarocca.com. Archana Sreenivasan is a freelance illustrator. Her previous picture books include Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy and Seven Golden Rings. She lives in Bangalore, India, with her family. You can find her online at archanasreenivasan.com.

Big Papa and the Time Machine

Review “Big Papa takes his grandchild back in time to see what bravery looks like in this tender story by Bernstrom ( Gator, Gator, Gator! ) . . . Wide angles give the spreads visual power, while soft pastels convey the journey’s otherworldly atmosphere and the stories’ intimacy.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A unique perspective in a beautifully executed book about starting school. A must-purchase. Bernstrom’s latest book digs deep, with a story about a child facing fears by discovering a grandfather’s difficult past . . . In the first-person narrative, written largely in dialogue that features African American Vernacular English, the child poses questions, and the knowing grandparent responds with sage, though not preachy, one-liners. “Sometimes you gotta walk with giants if you ever gonna find out what you made of.” Evans’s signature style animate(s) the story in a joyous way that uplifts the text."  — School Library Journal (starred review) “This imaginative and inventive tale walks a child through African American history by way of his grandfather’s past. An excellent choice for reading with grandparents or for a first-day-of-school storytime.” — Booklist “Bernstrom’s colloquial text captures the warm relationship between Big Papa and his grandson.” — Horn Book Magazine “Love and reverence for history and family radiate from Bernstorm's words.” — Kirkus Reviews About the Author Daniel Bernstrom is the author of the critically acclaimed One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree , as well as Gator, Gator, Gator!, Big Papa and the Time Machine, Song in the City, and Good Night, Little Man . Dan earned an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University and currently works at the Learning Resource Center Coordinator at Minnesota State College Southeast, where he tutors students in math, writing, and science. He lives in Red Wing, Minnesota, with his wife, Heather; daughter, LaVonne; and sons, Grace, and Haven. Shane W. Evans is the author and illustrator of Underground , a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner, We March , and Olu’s Dream and the illustrator of more than forty books for children, including Chocolate Me!; Mixed Me!; and I Love You More Than . . . , all by Taye Diggs. He has exhibited his art all over the world, in West Africa, South Africa, and France and Chicago, New York, and other major U.S. cities. He has a home base in Kansas City, Missouri, where he runs Dream Studio, a studio that is open to the community. You can visit the work online at www.shaneevans.com and www.dreamstudio777.com.

Beatrix Potter, Scientist (She Made History)

From School Library Journal K-Gr 3-This picture book biography stresses Beatrix Potter's scientific research. As a child, Potter found inspiration in nature. The text describes her methods as observing, questioning, collecting, and recording. Potter and her brother Bertram loved animals. However, when a pet died, she mourned the loss and also studied the animal bones. As Metcalf explains in an extensive note, artists in the 19th century boiled their dead pets so they could remove the skin and muscles, preserve the skeletons, and therefore learn about the inner workings of animals. Potter's parents encouraged her art, but she did not receive the same formal education as her brother. She was deeply interested in fungi; she spent years experimenting with spores, making sample slides to study under her microscope, and creating detailed drawings of fungi. When she tried to submit her work to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, male scientists initially dismissed her findings. Why she stopped studying fungi and pivoted to children's books is not explained; the answer seems to have been lost to history. Wu's colorful, vivid illustrations appear to be rendered in pastels. Wu does not attempt to replicate Potter's style but captures a sense of her drawings within the larger spreads. VERDICT Celebrating how Potter's talents and interests informed each other, this inviting biography illuminates an unfamiliar aspect of an accomplished woman's life.-Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's Sch., Richmond, VAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review "This inviting biography illuminates an unfamiliar aspect of an accomplished woman's life." ― School Library Journal "An unusual combination of women's history and science that shows not all questions can be answered."-- Kirkus "Metcalf's lyrical text is succinct and focused . . . this makes a worthy addition to STEAM and women's history units." -- Booklist "Metcalf's tale illustrates difficulties of breaking through prejudiced systems…a story that both shows what was and hints at what might have been."— Publishers Weekly About the Author Lindsay H. Metcalf has worked as a reporter, editor, and parenting columnist for The Kansas City Star. She lives in Kansas. Junyi Wu is a freelance illustrator and designer and a graduate of ArtCenter College of Design. Her passions include pies, puns, and puzzles. She is based in Orange County, California. Read more

Amira's Picture Day

From School Library Journal K-Gr 2-Amira feels conflicted when she realizes that school picture day is the same day as Eid. Spotting the crescent moon marking the end of Ramadan, Amira and her brother Ziyad know it means that there will be prayers, celebrations, and skipping school the following day. Amira's mom decorates the girl's hands with mehndi. Amira and Ziyad prepare goody bags for the kids at the masjid, while her mother irons Amira's Eid outfit, a beautiful blue and gold mirrored shalwar kameez. Though Eid is full of the joy and community she loves, missing picture day puts a damper on the celebration, until Amira thinks of a possible solution. Deceptively simple, Faruqi's narrative gently addresses the impact that the celebration of non-Judeo-Christian holidays has on children and choices families make to uphold traditions. Moreover, Amira's conflicted feelings and insistence on finding a solution create opportunities for dialogue about the importance of acknowledging spaces that matter to children, especially while families try to foster positive identity. Azim's illustrations are fun and colorful, with tiny details reflecting the family's personality, while the people attending Eid celebrations at Amira's masjid are racially and culturally diverse, with varied skin tones, body types, and expressions of fashion and style. Back matter features an author's note and glossary of terms, referencing Urdu and Amira and her family's Pakistani roots. VERDICT A lovely addition to the collection of books about Eid that can be used all year long.-Ariana Sani Hussain, The Blake Sch., Wayzata, MNα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review ★ "Faruqi’s prose is sweetly descriptive ('Tiny mirrors on her blue shalwar kameez shone happily in the sunlight'), and jewel-toned digital illustrations by Azim have a joyful, comics-style sensibility, with meticulous attention paid to the attire of the diverse crowd at the masjid. An endearing portrait of one child’s specific cultural concern, with universal appeal for any reader ever caught between conflicting commitments."— Publishers Weekly , Starred Review ★ "Faruqi effectively builds up the excitement to celebrate Eid and balances it with Amira’s distress at missing Picture Day—readers will see that both are important. The characters and interactions at the masjid are real, reinforcing a community celebrating Eid, and so are Amira’s interactions with her classmates. Azim’s illustrations pair well with Faruqi’s words, focusing on facial expression as well as body language to highlight the mixed emotions: excitement, sadness, surprise. There is much diversity among the people at the masjid, including hijab styles, other attire, and racial presentation. . . . Sweet and sympathetic." — Kirkus Reviews , Starred Review ★ "Deceptively simple, Faruqi’s narrative gently addresses the impact that the celebration of non-Judeo-Christian holidays has on children and choices families make to uphold traditions. Moreover, Amira’s conflicted feelings and insistence on finding a solution create opportunities for dialogue about the importance of acknowledging spaces that matter to children, especially while families try to foster positive identity. Azim’s illustrations are fun and colorful, with tiny details reflecting the family’s personality, while the people attending Eid celebrations at Amira’s masjid are racially and culturally diverse, with varied skin tones, body types, and expressions of fashion and style."— School Library Journal , Starred Review "Colorful and humorous cartoon artwork, created digitally, captures Amira’s expressive facial features and energetic body motions as she deals with disappointment, then celebrates a happy outcome. A great pick for teachers wanting to incorporate different cultural celebrations into holiday units." —Booklist "The rollercoaster of emotions around an anticipated event, holiday or otherwise, is perfectly captured here, from excitement to nervousness to joy to the inevitable letdown when it’s all over, and Amira’s frenetic energy has her galloping through the pages. . . . An author’s note and glossary make this a useful primer for kids unfamiliar with Eid, but this could easily be used as a discussion starter about how we celebrate special days and with whom." — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books About the Author Reem Faruqi is an acclaimed children's book author. Her debut picture book, Lailah's Lunchbox , was named an ALA Notable Book and a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People and was selected for the International Literacy Association's Choices reading list. Reem's debut middle grade book Unsettled is forthcoming from HarperCollins. Reem immigrated from Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, to Peachtree City, Georgia, when she was 13 years old. She now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and children. Find her online at www.ReemFaruqi.com.Fahmida Azim is an illustrator and storyteller whose work has appeared in the New York Times , Dallas News , NPR, Vice, Eater, and more. Born in Bangladesh, Fahmida immigrated to Virginia as a child and later graduated from VCUarts. Her publishing debut, Muslim Women Are Everything , written by journalist Seema Yasmin, publishes in 2020. She currently lives in Seattle, Washington. Find her online at Fahmida-Azim.com. Read more

You're Invited to a Moth Ball: A Nighttime Insect Celebration

Review ♦ Full-color photographs accompany detailed instructions for attracting and studying North American moths as well as basic facts.Early on, there is a candid shot of six kids sitting at a picnic table, verdant grass stretching out from all sides. (Five present white while one might be a child of color.) The children appear engaged in chatting and drawing pictures of moths. Superimposed in bright white type over the grass beneath them, conversational text explains that a moth ball is a celebration to honor "a spectacular insect" and invites readers to join in and learn more. Every page turn leads to bright, colorful photographs and further information. Layout, art, and text function together well. Without condescension, the text is ever fixed on its intended audience; after a thorough, illustrated listing of materials for a successful moth ball: "Did I mention we get to stay up late? Because we do!" photographs show the children setting up a sheet and lights for an observation area and then making snacks of rotting bananas and brown sugar to entice moths that respond more to sweets than to light. There are reminders to be gentle interspersed among facts that include differentiating between moths and butterflies, and the moth life cycle. The nature of the adventure assumes readers will have access to a private, nighttime green area in the summer as well as adults to help them. Entomological ecstasy for rural and suburban budding scientists. — Kirkus Reviews , starred review ♦ What’s a moth ball? It’s a party that provides opportunities for people to study moths at night. While this fully illustrated book lets readers experience a moth ball vicariously, its primary purpose is to show them how to plan and carry out their own events. First, the hosts “invite” moths by making a concoction of rotting bananas and brown sugar and brushing it onto trees and fences. Next, they set up a moth viewing area (a sheet hung from a clothesline and lit by “a special light bulb or two”) nearby. Then, at night, people closely observe the moths that gather there. The text and illustrations highlight the anatomy of moths and how they differ from butterflies. With many large, appealing photos that show a group of kids happily involved in preparations during the day and enjoying the event at night, this volume has an inviting look, reflecting the encouraging tone of the text. While most hands-on science books present many familiar projects in quick succession and without much explanation, this volume does a thorough job of explaining a novel project and, through the illustrations, making every stage of the process look like fun. A handsome guidebook with an engaging approach to nature study. — Booklist , starred review Burns and Harasimowicz have assembled a “Moth Ball” with all the instructions, procedures, and suggested resources needed to attract these nocturnal insects for study. Vibrant photography and informative text highlight the event’s fun accessibility. The text and illustrations work together for both visual and verbal learning styles. There is artwork, book study, and preparations for the night-time activity. The participants make nectar by mashing bananas and brown sugar together, and then they paint it on tree trunks and fence posts. A white sheet and a light source are used to attract and collect the moths. The insects arrive; the citizen scientists learn which moths come to the light and which consume the nectar. When the observations are completed, a young girl is depicted alone in her tent studying a book on moths. Overall, the collective presentation is effective. Back matter includes a glossary, resources, and author’s and photographer’s notes. Be sure to check out both of them, especially the photographer’s notes, because Harasimowicz shares how she overcame nighttime challenges. VERDICT An informative scientific adventure. — School Library Journal With her latest book, Burns (Tracking Trash, rev. 3/07; The Hive Detectives, rev. 5/10) has earned the right to add Master Party Planner to her resume. Here she hosts a “moth ball,” a STEM-friendly activity in which a group of youngsters observes moths in action on a summer night. They whip up a yummy snack for the insects (nectar made from rotten bananas and brown sugar); smear the food on tree trunks and fence posts to attract the moths; hang up a white backdrop (in this case, a sheet); illuminate it; wait for dark; and observe a number and variety of moths settling on the backdrop or on nectar-laden trees. Sharp photographs depict the group of children as they plan and execute their evening activity, as well as the variety of moths encountered, showcasing these insects both at true size and magnified. DIY directions for creating such gatherings are repeated in an appendix, and all the equipment necessary is detailed and photographed within the text. Burns’s use of direct address and her light conversational tone invite readers to join the scientific festivities throughout the book; the text is unfailingly encouraging and enthusiastic (“Hey, is it dark outside yet? Great. Let’s go mothing!”). Additional appendices include a diagram of the moth life cycle, a labeled photograph showing the parts of a moth, a glossary, resources (including a website) with additional photographs, and notes from both author and photographer.— The Horn Book About the Author Loree Griffin Burns is an award-winning writer who holds a PhD in biochemistry. Each of her books draws heavily on both her passion for nature and her experience as a working scientist. She is the author of Life on Surtsey: Iceland's Upstart Island, Citizen Scientist: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery in Your Own Back Yard , and Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It .Ellen Harasimowicz has been a professional photographer since 2003. She has made photographs for newspapers and schools, and she has illustrated four children's books, all with Loree Griffin Burns. Ellen loves to travel and photograph far-off places. www.ellenharasimowicz.com

The Gravity Tree: The True Story of a Tree That Inspired the World

Review "A sweet windfall of history and inspiration." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Generations of scientists, including Albert Einstein in 1930 and Stephen Hawking in 1987, have visited the Gravity Tree to pay their respects to Newton…this picture book may resonate with science-minded children.” — Booklist About the Author Anna Crowley Redding loves nothing more than putting on a detective hat to discover a forgotten tale of history and heroism, which made Rescuing the Declaration of Independence such fun to write. Anna’s stealthy research skills come from an Emmy Award–winning career as an investigative reporter and a lifelong tendency to never mind her own business. Anna is also the author of Google It: A History of Google and Elon Musk: A Mission to Save the World. She lives with her family outside Portland, Maine. You can visit her at www.annacrowleyredding.com. Yas Imamura is an illustrator of many picture books for children, including Winged Wonders by Meeg Pincus and The Very Oldest Pear Tree by Nancy I. Sanders. She’s also a product designer for clients such as Anthropologie, Papyrus, and Sanrio. She currently lives and works in Portland, Oregon. You can visit her at www.yasimamura.com.

Rescuing the Declaration of Independence: How We Almost Lost the Words That Built America

Review "Fotheringham’s ( Most Wanted ) action-packed illustrations, hand-drawn and digitally rendered, bring to life a little-known piece of United States history...Redding ( Google It ) imbues her often-alliterative narration with a sense of urgency, echoed in the artwork, as Pleasanton works to save original manuscripts such as the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Nearly every spread features exigent motion, whether a galloping horse or Pleasonton running."  — Publishers Weekly “At its heart, Rescuing the Declaration of Independence is an action movie with a famous star (the documents). You can talk to your kids about whether or not a physical object like a Constitution needs to be preserved and visited or if its merits are found in different ways. And for folks that want to give their teaching of the War of 1812 a more interesting hook.” — School Library Journal “The narrative propels readers forward and is complimented by Fotheringham’s playful, digitally rendered illustrations…this picture book is a unique tale of heroism by an ordinary and relatively unknown clerk. A welcome addition to history shelves.” — School Library Journal "Budding historians as well as those unfamiliar with history will both enjoy this pleasant, fast-moving selection."  — Kirkus Reviews “This rollicking tale gives a nice sense of the time period. It also emphasizes how the actions of a less-than-famous but determined individual can have great effect and demonstrates that each person's role in history—even one that focuses on packing up government files and papers—is important. Budding historians as well as those unfamiliar with history will both enjoy this pleasant, fast-moving selection.” — Kirkus Reviews From the Back Cover In the name of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Stephen had to save it! Today, the Declaration of Independence is one of the most heavily guarded treasures of the United States of America, but during the War of 1812 it would have been destroyed if not for a man whose name and story have nearly been forgotten by time. . . . Stephen Pleasonton knew paper. He spent his days reading and writing letters, organizing files, and recording the recordables. However, none of that prepared him for the urgent message he received from his boss alerting him that the British army was on its way to the capital. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and numerous other documents that Stephen was entrusted with were all in danger! It was up to him to get our nation’s most cherished and priceless artifacts safely out of Washington. But how would a lowly clerk manage that? Award-winning journalist Anna Crowley Redding and Sibert Honor illustrator Edwin Fotheringham bring to life this riveting true story about how Stephen Pleasonton saved the words that built America. About the Author Anna Crowley Redding loves nothing more than putting on a detective hat to discover a forgotten tale of history and heroism, which made Rescuing the Declaration of Independence such fun to write. Anna’s stealthy research skills come from an Emmy Award–winning career as an investigative reporter and a lifelong tendency to never mind her own business. Anna is also the author of Google It: A History of Google and Elon Musk: A Mission to Save the World. She lives with her family outside Portland, Maine. You can visit her at www.annacrowleyredding.com. Edwin Fotheringham is the award-winning illustrator of numerous books for kids, including What to Do About Alice? , recipient of both a Sibert Honor and a Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honor; The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) ; Those Rebels, John & Tom ; and Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word . He lives with his family in Seattle, Washington. You can visit him at www.edfotheringham.com. Read more

Soaked!

Review "Sometimes we just need pure fun, and this book is it. Awesome!" ―Kids' Indie Next List Top 10 Pick "Visually elegant and character-driven to the hilt, this book makes the familiar make-lemonade story feel as fresh as the outdoors after a summer shower." ― Publishers Weekly "...a great story about finding joy in the moment, whatever it might be, and learning to let go of your expectations. A sure hit for any kind of weather, and every kind of story hour." ― School Library Journal "A charming and good-humored reminder that a little rain can't truly spoil the merriment." ― Kirkus Reviews "Animated facial expressions and dynamic body language add an extra layer of humor to this entertaining read-aloud." ― The Horn Book About the Author Abi Cushman has loved drawing and painting since she was a child. She studied art and art history at Tufts University, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. She now lives on the coast of Connecticut with her husband and two children. Please visit her at abicushman.com

LillyBelle: A Damsel NOT in Distress

Review "The picture book’s lessons of self-empowerment, the importance of dialogue, and the value of understanding are efficiently rendered, aided by rounded, earth-toned illustrations that create a grounded fairy-tale world little readers will enjoy." — Kirkus Reviews "LillyBelle is spunky and brave. The book is beautifully illustrated and...help[s] make the story come to life. It is a fun read, all the way to the surprising ending." — Kiss the Book About the Author Originally from Brazil, Joana Pastro is a former architect. This is her first book for children. Jhon Ortiz is a 3D character animator and illustrator from Valencia, Spain. He is a dreamer who always looks for new stories.

Bisa's Carnaval

From School Library Journal Gr 1-4-Clara is excited about celebrating Carnaval. It is her holiday to enjoy with her family. She worries that this year her bisa (great-grandmother) will not be able to attend. In the first spread, the phrase, "Louder, Faster," is bolded, reversed, and enlarged, which acts to convey the tempo of the celebration, a festive time that brings everyone together and is a way for the older generation to pass on tradition. This is depicted as Bisa shows Clara, who needn't have worried, an album filled with pictures of past experiences. They are part of a larger cultural celebration that extends to readers as they see the village come together; the pages are filled with color, the rhythm of the sounds, and the street signs and other writing in Spanish. VERDICT A great additon to holiday collections, this book celebrates community and legacy.-Ruth Guerrier-Pierre, New York P.L.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review Praise for Bisa's Carnaval : * "The Brazilian duo of author Pastro and illustrator Coroa bring to life the street Carnaval of Olinda, a city in the northeast of Brazil, with a story that celebrates one of the country’s most important and beloved holidays with humor, truth, and heart." -- Kirkus Reviews , starred review About the Author Joana Pastro is an architect turned children's author whose love for writing continues to grow. Many of her stories are inspired by her own childhood and her adventures as a mother. Originally from Brazil, Joana now lives in Florida with her amazing husband, her three extremely creative children, and a rambunctious Morkie. Visit Joana at joanapastro.com.  Art has always been a major part of Carolina Coroa, from her childhood in Brazil to her life in Dublin, where she works as a designer. She brings color and light to all her work, especially in her own visual storytelling. Visit her at carolinacoroa.com. Read more

Your Birthstone Book: Unearth the Secrets of Your Birthday Gem

About the Author Sarah Glenn Marsh is an author of several young adult novels and over half a dozen picture books. When she's not writing, she loves creating pottery and painting it in exciting new colors. She lives with her husband and many pets, including four dogs and three birds, in Richmond, Virginia. Hallye Webb is an illustrator and designer based in New York City. Drawing inspiration from the Wisconsin farm where she grew up, her Mexican heritage, and the art of storytelling, she hopes her work inspires readers to love and care for their communities and our planet. She lives near Central Park with her husband Stephen and their dog Moss.

This Is a Sea Cow

Review "This Is a Sea Cow will have kids laughing out loud at story time. Federman knows how to quickly pull her readers into this funny and informative story about the popular underwater mammal perhaps better known as a manatee. Fact: Happy faces plastered with huge grins will appear throughout the duration of this book." - Good Reads with Ronna "This engaging account is designed as a homework assignment on marine mammals. An appealing first look." - Kirkus 2021 Redbud Read-Aloud Book Award Masterlist About the Author Cassandra Federman is a writer and illustrator in California. She wanted to grow up to be a comic book artist and a marine biologist. She decided this book accomplishes both of those things. Her first book is This Is a Sea Cow.

Old Friends

Review Praise for Old Friends : A 2023 Bank Street Best Children's Book of the YearA Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award NomineeA 2023 Maine Literary Award Finalist "[F]ull of warmth and joy. This celebration of intergenerational friendship is ultimately a comforting tale, like a cozy knit cardigan or a warm berry crisp, perfect for a lapsit or a Grandparents’ Day read-aloud." ― Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB ), starred review"Readers of every generation will delight in Old Friends ‘ joyful tone and affirming message." ― BookPage About the Author Margaret Aitken is a Scottish writer for children. As a child, she could often be found outside hoping to stumble upon the characters of Brambly Hedge and Beatrix Potter. After studying medicine at the University of Glasgow, she worked as a doctor in the village of Doune, a filming location for Outlander and Game of Thrones. Along with her husband and three sons, Margaret is currently enjoying life in a New England-style farmhouse in Maine. When she isn’t writing she can mostly be found at the beach, in the garden, or baking something gluten-free. Old Friends is her debut picture book. Lenny Wen is an author/illustrator who was born in Indonesia. She is the illustrator of several picture books, such as Cal Everett’s Halloween is Coming and Amy Robach’s Better Together . Lenny currently lives in Austria. When she is not illustrating or writing, you might find her staring at the trees, contemplating story ideas, reading books, filling up her cup with coffee, or hugging her dog.

Black Hole Chasers: The Amazing True Story of an Astronomical Breakthrough

From School Library Journal Gr 5–8—An intriguing and comprehensive look at the subject. The focus of this readable and captivating narrative is in detailing the history of black holes, following the lives of the lead scientists and how they became interested in black holes, and sharing the challenges, failures, and eventual success of the Event Horizon Telescope project. The short chapters have many asides highlighting scientists throughout history who contributed to our understanding of black holes. Lingo alerts appear throughout when a new term is introduced. The volume includes an extensive bibliography with books, articles, and websites where readers can go do further research. Redding's narrative on the lives of the scientists and their seemingly insurmountable challenge of capturing the first image of a black hole will immediately grab readers and pull them in. Her book explains complex ideas in easy-to-understand terms and sprinkles photos and interesting anecdotes throughout to flesh out the story. Kids will be enthralled by exceptional storytelling and inspired to learn more about the phenomenon, and astronomy overall. VERDICT Put in the hands of your aspiring scientists and readers with insatiable curiosity. An essential purchase.—Kristin Williamson, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., OK Review "An intriguing and comprehensive look at the subject... Kids will be enthralled by exceptional storytelling and inspired to learn more about the phenomenon, and astronomy overall." -- School Library Journal Online , starred review"This accessible account chronicles the complex work of the Event Horizon Telescope Project in 2019 to capture and publish definitive data about and photographs of black holes.... The twists and turns of this scientific breakthrough should pique reader curiosity about innovation." -- Publishers Weekly "More comprehensive than other books for young readers about Google’s founders, with energetically written short chapters, interesting facts, graphics, and photos" ― Booklist on Google It, starred review "This readable and breezy history of the tech behemoth [is] An appealing and timely look at a universally relevant subject and a good fit for STEAM-related reading lists." ― School Library Journal on Google It "Humorous accounts of Google's unpretentious beginnings as a student project, and its early years as a bare-bones startup in a friend's garage will intrigue teens who dream of growing their own projects into software and devices used by millions." ― VOYA on Google It About the Author Anna Crowley Redding is the author of Google It, Elon Musk: A Mission to Save the World, and Black Hole Chasers. The recipient of multiple Edward R. Murrow and Associated Press awards, Crowley Redding uses her Emmy award-winning investigative reporting skills to dig into compelling topics that are shaping our world. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, garnered national news coverage, and been recognized by the National Association of Science Teachers for excellence. Crowley Redding lives outside of Portland, Maine with her family. Read more

The Jacket

Review A New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of 2014 & a Huffington Post Honorable Mention for 'Most Charming' Picture Book of 2014 "This book is a revelation, seamlessly blending the cleverness of its conceit with the virtues of captivating storytelling...It's as poignant as it is smart. The beauty of Tolstikova's pastel-tinged illustrations, whose manner changes from page to page and suggests both childlike simplicity and a quiet mastery of modernist color and design, shows there's more to a book than its concept." --Mark Levine, The New York Times Book Review . Also listed as an "Editor's Choice.""...ingenious and poignant..." A New York Times "Notable Children's Book of 2014.""The book itself is part of the story. The jacket that the girl makes at the end of the book is identical to the jacket of the physical book. This fact makes for a fun read aloud...But The Jacket is much more than just a clever gimmick. There are big themes aplenty here: love, friendship, fear. All are handled with subtlety, making for a story with emotional depth...A book to love." -- Travis Jonker, School Library Journal "The mixed-media illustrations do a beautiful job of capturing such things as the interior of a bookstore, the girl's love for both her companions...Book's understanding of the girl's love for her dog is a particularly poignant inclusion, both textually and visually. the idea's originality and the child-friendly instructions at the end of Book's tale make this a novel gift pick for the juvenile bibliophile." -- Kirkus Reviews "Literary agent Hall debuts with a lovely story that tenderly showcases the relationship between a girl and a book while giving readers the chance to form a very similar relationship, thanks to a neat bit of book design. Debut talent Tolstikova's mixed-media artwork reveals a knack for emotional range." -- Publisher's Weekly “In the unusual, wonderful, and magically meta picture-book The Jacket, writer Kirsten Hall and illustrator Dasha Tolstikova explore the beauty and terror of falling in love with a book from the perspective of the book itself.” – Brain Pickings A New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of 2014 & a Huffington Post Honorable Mention for 'Most Charming' Picture Book of 2014 "This book is a revelation, seamlessly blending the cleverness of its conceit with the virtues of captivating storytelling...It's as poignant as it is smart. The beauty of Tolstikova's pastel-tinged illustrations, whose manner changes from page to page and suggests both childlike simplicity and a quiet mastery of modernist color and design, shows there's more to a book than its concept." --Mark Levine, The New York Times Book Review . Also listed as an "Editor's Choice.""...ingenious and poignant..." A New York Times "Notable Children's Book of 2014.""The book itself is part of the story. The jacket that the girl makes at the end of the book is identical to the jacket of the physical book. This fact makes for a fun read aloud...But The Jacket is much more than just a clever gimmick. There are big themes aplenty here: love, friendship, fear. All are handled with subtlety, making for a story with emotional depth...A book to love." -- Travis Jonker, School Library Journal "The mixed-media illustrations do a beautiful job of capturing such things as the interior of a bookstore, the girl's love for both her companions...Book's understanding of the girl's love for her dog is a particularly poignant inclusion, both textually and visually. the idea's originality and the child-friendly instructions at the end of Book's tale make this a novel gift pick for the juvenile bibliophile." -- Kirkus Reviews "Literary agent Hall debuts with a lovely story that tenderly showcases the relationship between a girl and a book while giving readers the chance to form a very similar relationship, thanks to a neat bit of book design. Debut talent Tolstikova's mixed-media artwork reveals a knack for emotional range." -- Publisher's Weekly “In the unusual, wonderful, and magically meta picture-book The Jacket, writer Kirsten Hall and illustrator Dasha Tolstikova explore the beauty and terror of falling in love with a book from the perspective of the book itself.” – Brain Pickings About the Author Before Dasha Tolstikova became an illustrator, she was a photographer, a reporter, a newswire translator, a sales clerk, a cargo van driver, a film producer, and a decorative painter – not necessarily in that order. She is a graduate of the SVA MFA Illustration program. In addition to The Jacket , she is currently working on her autobiographical graphic novel with Groundwood Books. The Jacket is her debut into the world of picture books.After getting an MA in early childhood education from NYU, Kirsten Hall taught both preschool and elementary school for several years while writing learn-to-read books for Scholastic and engaging in the book world in many other ways. Today, Kirsten is the sole proprietor of Catbird Productions, a book packager and boutique literary agency. The Jacket is her debut picture book.

Three Things I Know Are True

Review Review"Piercingly realistic. A poignant, humanizing exploration of a sadly timely issue." -- Kirkus Reviews"Culley's compelling free-verse poems accumulate into a poignant story of a family that was already struggling and then transformed into something unrecognizable. Liv's narration is touching, honest, and perceptive. A story of love and resilience as much as loss and grief." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)"Eloquent narrative verse. Culley deftly captures the community's nuanced responses and the heartbreak both families navigate as this devastating tragedy becomes a political battleground." -- Publishers Weekly"A heartbreaking story about a topic that is too prevalent in today's society." -- School Library Journal"An emotional journey that follows a life-altering tragedy. Culley weaves carefully chosen details into a slowly forming tapestry. A tale that is both harrowing in subject matter and elegant in execution." -- ALA Booklist About the Author Betty Culley lives in central Maine, where the rivers run through the small towns. She’s an RN who worked as an obstetrics nurse and as a pediatric home hospice nurse. She went into foster care at nine months old and was adopted three years later. As an adult, she was found by five siblings she never knew she had. Visit her online at www.bettyculley.com.

Rena Glickman, Queen of Judo

Review A biography on Rena Glickman is overdue, and this book portrays her with a powerful independence and unwavering persistence...This book is an enjoyable read and good reference on a little-known champion of women in judo. "'Rena Glickman, Queen of Judo' is an engaging, entertaining and informative read throughout." ― Midwest Book Review "A worthy homage to a fascinating woman who was a force for change in a man’s world." ― Kirkus Reviews About the Author Eve Nadel Catarevas enjoys discovering little-known historical figures and sharing their achievements with others.  Eve lives in Westport, Connecticut, with two- and four-legged family members. Martina Peluso studied at the Art Institute of Naples. Her artwork has been exhibited throughout the world. Her previous books include Joseph and the Sabbath Fish and Og's Ark . She lives in Naples, Italy, with her cats Peppe and Ernesto.

Stegothesaurus

More Than Sunny

From School Library Journal Toddler-PreS—Two siblings, barely able to contain their exuberance, make the most out of all kinds of weather. As the book moves through the year, the young girl and her smaller brother (who have dark hair and pale skin) discover what makes each season magical—from hunting for frogs to making snow angels with their parents. The story in verse is simple yet descriptive, perfect for a young audience. Pencil illustrations and mixed media vividly display characters' expressions and emotions. Vibrant colors are used throughout and there is an abundance of detail on every page for readers to pore over. Children will delight in the characters' excitement about the change in seasons and all of the new activities that come with it. VERDICT This book is perfect for one-one-one sharing or toddler story time and will have children interested in seeing what happens next.—Sara Thomas, New Castle P.L., DE Review "The playful rhymes flow easily, beg to be read aloud, and would work well as creative writing prompts in elementary classrooms... A bouncy and buoyant take on the changing seasons."― Kirkus Reviews "The rhythmic prose, shown in a crayon-esque lettering, traces the siblings’ passing days and the seasons... Dynamic art rendered in pencil and mixed media on tracing paper and finished digitally matches the text’s energy in this charming seasonal perusal." ― Publishers Weekly "There is an abundance of detail on every page for readers to pore over. Children will delight in the characters’ excitement about the change in seasons and all of the new activities that come with it." ― School Library Journal About the Author Shelley Johannes is the author-illustrator of the Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker chapter book series. A former architectural designer, she has a fondness for tracing paper, process, and accidental discoveries. She and her family live in Michigan with two feathered friends, Max and Alex, who make every day sunny and birdy. More Than Sunny was her debut picture book. Read more

Dance Like a Leaf

Review ★ "This evocative pairing of story and art creates a tone poem and lesson, a lovely reflection on the seasons of life, and a gentle lead-in to discussion of death and renewal." --School Library Journal, starred review From the Inside Flap We sip our tea. "Tea makes your tummy toasty," Grandma says. We bundle up. "The more scarves, the better," Grandma says. We wave to the trees. "Hello trees!" Grandma says. From the Back Cover How will autumn feel without Grandma? About the Author Every autumn AJ Irving remembers her grandma by sipping tea, painting trees and dancing under falling leaves with her two children. She writes picture books and poetry on her big back porch in a little town near Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Claudia Navarro has illustrated many books for children,including the critically acclaimed La Frontera: El viaje con papa / MyJourney with Papa for Barefoot Books. She says she hopes to be like thegrandmother in this story one day. Claudia lives in Mexico City, Mexico. Read more

Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge

Review A Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor Book A Bank Street Best Book of the Year An ALSC Notable Book A NCSS Notable Book "With a distinctive, haunting voice, powerful images, and thought-provoking story structure, this unique look at a remarkable young woman’s life choices and decisions offers an utterly necessary but seldom highlighted perspective on the contradictions within our society’s foundations. A powerful antidote to whitewashed cultural mythology." ― Kirkus Reviews, starred review "A stunning picture book debut . . . an evocative portrait that keenly interrogates the structures upon which America is built." ― Publishers Weekly, starred review "A fine addition to all collections." ― Booklist "This is a moving complement to Dunbar’s Never Caught (BCCB 1/19) as well as a potent exemplar of scathing historical critique." ― Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB) About the Author Ray Anthony Shepard is a former teacher and retired editor-in-chief of a major education publishing company. He is a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Education and the Harvard Graduate School Education where he received a Martin Luther King Jr. Fellowship from the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. His books for children include Now or Never!: Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry's War to End Slavery and Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge . Keith Mallett has been drawing and painting for as long as he can remember. As an artist and designer he has created posters and fine art prints for over thirty years. He lives in San Diego with his wife Dianne and his German Shepherd Pi. How Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz was his first children's book.

Penguin Journey

Review **STARRED REVIEW** "Perfect for group storytime and discussion. . .The familiar black and white of emperor penguins contrast well with the scenes of rich winter blues of Antarctic ice, sea, and sky and, later, the warm pastels of the spring skies as time passes, the temperatures warm, and the penguin family unit basks in their success?." ― Kirkus Reviews About the Author Angela Burke Kunkel is a school librarian and the author of Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built . After soaking up the sun in the Southwest for a number of years, Burke Kunkel now lives in Vermont with her husband, two children, two dogs, two guinea pigs, and one rapidly growing bearded dragon. She hopes to meet a penguin (or three!) up close one day. Visit her at angelakunkel.com. Catherine Odell ’s childhood spanned the globe and helped her to develop an appreciation for the interconnectedness of life on planet Earth. She now lives in Portland, Oregon, working as a freelance illustrator. She is the author and illustrator of the picture book series Pepper and Frannie. When she is not drawing and painting in her garage studio, she can be found selling her artwork at local street fairs, skating a mountain road, or surfing in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean. Visit her at canyoufeedthedog.com.

How to Party Like a Snail

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 3-Even the meekest of partiers will feel seen by this snail. Snail loves being invited to parties, but sometimes all the noise makes him shrink into his shell. It's not long before he stops getting invited. Luckily Snail thinks up his very own, very subdued party, just for himself. "I love me!" he says in a refreshing portrayal of a quiet yet confident character. The party is perfect. He has warm milk, "a hug in a mug," and lip syncs to lullabies. Except his party is missing one thing-a friend! Stump, as always (after all, he's rooted to the ground) is there for Snail, and they snuggle up in a blanket for a wild all-nighter "in their hearts." As in Weekend Dad, Hrab tackles an important topic with humor: how can we belong if we aren't like everyone else? Collier's (A Horse Named Steve) illustrations strike just the right tone: sincere and humorous. In muted, vintage tones, the all-animal-and-one-stumpcast includes wide-eyed Snail with a party hat atop his shell, Raccoon swinging his hips to the music, Worm and Bear getting their boogie on, and an extremely expressive Stump. Adults will enjoy the requisite boom box in the forest, but kids might wonder what in the world it is! VERDICT A nice social-emotional addition to any collection, this has a very quiet character carrying a rather loud message: All volumes welcome.-Hillary Perelyubskiyα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review "Tailor-made for younger party lovers with a low tolerance for high decibels. A SHHH pecial treat for children who prefer to play it…soft." ― Kirkus Reviews "Hrab tackles an important topic with humor: how can we belong if we aren’t like everyone else? [A] nice social-emotional addition to any collection, this has a very quiet character carrying a rather loud message: All volumes welcome." ― School Library Journal "This delightful tale is perfect for bedtime and particularly for smalls who are sensitive to sound." ― The Small Protagonist "Although How to Party Like a Snail is written in a jovial and lighthearted manner, it introduces the reader to an important initiative – that is, increasing understanding and compassion toward introverts and sensory-sensitive individuals." ― Canadian Review of Materials "Hrab’s tale promotes inclusivity ... Children learn that while some people might like the loud, others thrive in the quiet, and just because a party is quiet, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!" ― Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database "A wildly charming, earnestly rendered ' SHHH ellebration of the SHHH ush.'" ― Publishers Weekly - STARRED REVIEW "This could be a useful book for children who are hesitant to attend parties or playdates. Therapists or social workers may find it a worthy addition to their bibliotherapy toolbox." ― Youth Services Book Review "This charming story with wonderfully comic illustrations reminds young readers that they can be themselves, and still find someone who shares their interests." ― Calgary Herald "For those who often find parties too loud or rowdy, this book is a special affirmation that quieter parties are just as much fun as those that are not." ― Canadian Children's Book News "Hrab shares a positive message and highlights the fact that while noisy
can be fun, quiet can be enjoyable as well." ― Kiss the Book About the Author NASEEM HRAB is a writer and storyteller, and the author of the Ira Crumb series, The Sour Cherry Tree , and Weekend Dad , which was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Awards. Her comedy writing has appeared on McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and The Rumpus . She loves improv and coffee ice cream. Naseem lives in Toronto, Ontario. KELLY COLLIER was born in Ottawa and grew up in Toronto, Ontario, where she still lives with her husband and daughter. She has an identical twin sister and an older brother. As kids, Kelly and her sister drew all the time, mostly in an effort to "outdraw" their brother. Kelly studied illustration in college and is both the author and illustrator of the Steve the Horse series. Read more

Beauty Woke

From School Library Journal K-Gr 2—Ramos (Your Mama) continues to celebrate the strength and beauty of women and girls in a modern tale reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty. Surrounded by love even before she is born, Beauty is raised on a steady dose of family and pride in her Puerto Rican heritage and community. When Beauty hears racist comments on television directed at people who look like her and her family, she questions her sense of identity and self-worth, which are eventually restored by those she loves and who love her. Escobar's vivid, detailed illustrations are a feast for the eyes. The text is a lyrical mix of English and Spanish, blended beautifully; this is not a text that rhymes, but it is solidly rhythmic and engaging. It's ideal for read-alouds, and may resonate even more for parents than with their young children. VERDICT Invite readers to listen in on a tale for fans of fractured fairy tales and the trickster tales of Yuyi Morales. A recommended purchase for libraries serving young children.—Monisha Blair Review "An authentic and affirming celebration of culture, community, and self-acceptance." — Booklist (starred review) "Ramos' poetic ode to identity and validation winds itself through evocative imagery in both English and Spanish.... Each page exudes energy and passion. Escobar's powerful panorama of diversity is a blazing exclamation point to Beauty's triumphant journey. This bold manifesto of cultural awareness reaches out to awaken the sleepwalkers among us." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Ramos ( Your Mama ) continues to celebrate the strength and beauty of women and girls in a modern tale reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty.... Escobar’s vivid, detailed illustrations are a feast for the eyes.... A tale for fans of fractured fairy tales and the trickster tales of Yuyi Morales. A recommended purchase.” — School Library Journal About the Author NoNieqa Ramos is an educator who wrote The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary , a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection and an In the Margins Award Top Ten pick. Her debut picture book, Your Mama , earned three starred reviews. She is a proud member of Las Musas, the Soaring 20s, and PB Debut Troupe 21. She lives in Virginia with her family. www.nonieqaramos.com Twitter: @nonieqaramos Instagram: @nonieqa.ramosPaola Escobar is a Colombian graphic designer and illustrator. Her portfolio is incredibly versatile and she has worked for a variety of publishers worldwide including SM Spain, Planeta, Norma, Fleurus.In the UK her clients include Oxford University Press, Penguin Random House, Walker, Scholastic UK, Laurence King, Little Brown Book Group, HarperCollins and Chicken House. Over the coming years she also has a variety of projects coming out with US publishers Little Bee Books, Versify,  Zonderkidz, HarperCollins US, Schwartz and Wade and Simon & Schuster. In addition to publishing, she has worked across a broad range of printed and digital magazines. She currently works as a freelance illustrator and lives very happily in Bogota with her husband and dog Flora.  Instagram: @paoesco8ar Twitter: @paolaesco8ar Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. ★ "Ramos’ poetic ode to identity and validation winds itself through evocative imagery in both English and Spanish, connecting the strength of community with self-acceptance. From one-word stanzas echoing with a mother’s heartbeat to flowing anthems of pride, each page exudes energy and passion. Escobar’s powerful panorama of diversity is a blazing exclamation point to Beauty’s triumphant journey. This bold manifesto of cultural awareness reaches out to awaken the sleepwalkers among us." —Kirkus, STARRED review  Read more

Welcome to Dweeb Club

Review "A funny and original story about friendship and the future." ― Kirkus Reviews About the Author Betsy Uhrig is the author of The Polter-Ghost Problem , Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini , and Welcome to Dweeb Club. She was born and raised in Greater Boston, where she lives with her family and way more books than you are picturing. She graduated from Smith College with a degree in English and has worked in publishing ever since. She writes books for children instead of doing things that aren’t as fun. Visit her at BetsyUhrig.com. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Chapter 1 Chapter 1 THE ORIGINS OF THE FLOUNDER Bay Upper School H.A.I.R. Club are shrouded in mystery. Or maybe cloaked in mystery. Or at least wearing a heavy cardigan of mystery. As the official club historian, I tried to figure it out, and you can decide whether I was at all successful. I do know one thing, though: None of us would have joined if Glamorous Steve hadn’t gotten there first. And if we hadn’t joined, our lives would have turned out very differently. I’m not just saying this for dramatic effect—it is a fact. But let’s start at the beginning. A history should go in order, after all. It was the second week of seventh grade. I was still finding my way around the building, which was way bigger and more crowded than elementary school, and mentally labeling kids I didn’t know (Vegan Lunch, Stork Legs, British Accent, et cetera). When I walked into school that morning, there were folding tables lining both sides of the main hall. The tables had posters hanging in front of them advertising various school clubs. Two or three upbeat kids who looked way too cheerful for that time of day sat behind each table. All these upbeat kids were trying to get other, lower-beat kids to join their clubs, offering enticements like mini-muffins, and those rubber bracelets that really hurt if you shot them at people, and even tiny Frisbees with FBUS ULTIMATE FRISDEE (oops) printed on them. It was my intention to walk right by these tables and keep going until I got to my locker. It was not my intention to sign up for a club that morning. I like to take my time making big decisions, and joining a school club was a big decision. Your choice of clubs could determine a whole new set of friends and also what kinds of labels would get slapped on you . It was way too early—in the day and the year—for me to be making a decision with these kinds of life-changing consequences. But I didn’t make it to my locker. My friend Glamorous Steve was standing at the last table in the row, and he grabbed the strap of my backpack as I was hurrying past, causing me to lurch to a stop. “Jason,” he said. “Wait up.” “What?” “I’m going to sign up for”—he looked down at the sheet of paper that was the only thing on the table—“H.A.I.R. Club. You should too.” No one, upbeat or not, was sitting behind the table. There were no posters. There was no swag. There was a sign-up sheet with a coffee ring on it and New This Year! See Ms. Grossman, Faculty Adviser, for Details! scrawled across the bottom in red pen. Ms. Grossman was my US History teacher, and even this early in the year, I was all too familiar with her red scrawls. “Is this a joke?” I said. I glanced at the sheet with its un-filled-in blanks. There wasn’t even a crummy pencil next to it. “There’s no one signed up at all. And what is Hair Club, anyway?” “It’s not Hair Club,” said Steve. “It’s H.A.I.R. Club. It’s initials.” “So what do the initials stand for?” “No idea. Maybe ‘Hair And Its Relatives’?” I could see why that might interest Steve. He had perfect hair and he put real effort into its upkeep. It did not, however, interest me and my normal-to-greasy, effort-free hair. “So it is Hair Club,” I said. “And what’s a hair relative? Fingernails? Sorry. Not interested.” I had turned to head for my locker when Steve put a hand on my shoulder. “Here’s the thing,” he said. “Whatever it stands for—and it might have nothing to do with hair—H.A.I.R. Club is brand-new. No one is signed up yet. We’d be the first members.” I shrugged his hand off my shoulder. But I turned back to face him. “So?” “So if we join now, as seventh graders, we’ll be club officers by the time we’re in, like, eighth grade.” Now he had my attention. “If we’re the first to sign up,” I said, thinking out loud, “wouldn’t we be club officers right away? It’s only fair.” Steve was nodding at my brilliant logic. Or maybe at my willingness to go along with him. He handed me a pen. “We’d be in charge of a brand-new club. In seventh grade. Think about it,” he said. I was already signing my name. A word about Glamorous Steve before we go on. Steve’s family had moved to Flounder Bay the summer before sixth grade. There are three kinds of new kids, as I’m sure you know. There’s the weird new kid, the bland new kid, and the glamorous new kid. Steve, who was from California and had that perfect hair and a smile that pretty much made a cartoon twinkly ping whenever he flashed it, was as glamorous as it got in Flounder Bay. His glamour was upped by the fact that a hopelessly bland kid also named Steve had moved to town at the same time. So there was Steve and there was Glamorous Steve. And then, for most of us, there was just Glamorous Steve, the other kid having been forgotten. Or maybe he changed his name. Doesn’t matter. He won’t appear in this history again. Glamorous Steve had a talent for doing even the geekiest things with such infectious enthusiasm that he made them not just acceptable but downright trendy. He was a long-distance runner. Boring, you say? Yes, indeed. Unless Glamorous Steve was moving effortlessly past you, his glorious hair streaming behind him. He collected stamps. Game over, you’re thinking. And ordinarily you’d be right. But he made it work. Somehow, he made it work. So I knew I was safe signing up for anything Steve was a part of. In fact, even as Steve was writing his name below mine on the H.A.I.R. Club sign-up sheet, his glamour was rippling through the hallway and other kids were falling into line behind him. They didn’t care what he was signing up for—if Glamorous Steve was in, they wanted in too. I should add that fully half of them balked when they got to the point of actually writing their names. After all, they had no idea what H.A.I.R. stood for. And they could see for themselves the empty table and its pathetic sign-up sheet. Even Steve’s glamour wasn’t enough for them to risk their reputations on what looked like the losingest club ever. I don’t blame them. And I’m glad only ten kids signed up. Those others will never know what they missed. Read more

The Elephants' Guide to Hide-and-Seek: A Funny Picture Book of Friendship, Inclusivity, and Play

Review "Adorable…Young readers will enjoy." ― Booklist "Cheery, energetic…Lively fun." ― Kirkus Reviews About the Author Kjersten Hayes is a debut author based in Bellingham, Washington. She has spent many years creating and selling independent collage work, greeting cards and handmade art journals. Visit her at www.kjersten.com. Gladys Jose is a freelance illustrator and designer, living in Orlando, Florida. She studied art at the University of Central Florida and graduated with a BFA specializing in graphic design. She works from her studio at home for numerous clients. Visit her online at gladysjose.com

Bracelets for Bina's Brothers (Storytelling Math)

Review It’s the Hindu holiday Raksha Bandhan, when sisters give brothers bracelets to ask for their protection from harm. This year, Bina is old enough to make bracelets for her three older brothers: Vijay, Siddharth, and Arjun. To prepare, she asks each brother about their favorite and least favorite colors. At the craft store, Bina and her mother pick out blue, orange, and green beads along with some special beads that represent each of the brother’s interests: a book, a basketball, and a pair of musical notes. When they return from the store, and with the help of her dog, Tara, Bina gets to work. For each bracelet, she creates a pattern using the colors that each brother likes—something that can be confusing to remember and results in a few do-overs. Eventually, Bina creates three different bracelets using three different color patterns, each one perfect for her brothers. On Raksha Bandhan, Bina’s gifts are a hit—and so is the gift that the brothers give Bina, even if it doesn’t necessarily follow a pattern. Basing a plot on Raksha Bandhan, which has come under criticism for its gendered emphasis on girls’ needing protection from boys, feels like a strange way to introduce a spunky female protagonist like Bina. Still, the text does seamlessly integrate the mathematical concept of patterning into a fun and accurate modern twist on an ancient religious tradition. The colorful illustrations perfectly capture Bina’s impish spirit as well as her love for her family. An author’s note expands on both Raksha Bandhan and patterns.This culturally relevant, STEM-savvy picture book showcases a strong female protagonist. — Kirkus Reviews Bina loves her three brothers, even though they can be annoying, and every year, their family celebrates Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu custom that affirms the bond between brothers and sisters. According to the tradition, sisters tie bracelets on their brothers’ wrists to protect them, and in return, brothers give their sisters gifts. This year, Bina decides she will make the bracelets herself, using beads of their favorite colors along with an “extra-special” bead to symbolize their unique interests. Here Bina’s task takes on a mathematical twist as she arranges the beads using an every-other-one pattern. Readers will enjoy being swept up into Bina’s conundrum, along with her constant companion, Tara the dog, as she tries different color combinations of beads. The vibrant colors and perky tone of this culturally specific yet universally appealing book make for a fun read-aloud with a bit of a math lesson sneaked in. Back matter explains Raksha Bandhan and suggests some fun activities. — Booklist For the Hindu holiday of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between siblings, Bina, who has warm brown skin and dark wavy pigtails, sets out to make her three older brothers—book-loving Vijay, musical Siddharth, and athletic Arjun—bracelets to keep them safe. There’s just one thing she must keep in mind: each brother has one color he favors and one that he doesn’t. After Mommy helps Bina buy green, blue, and orange beads, the girl sets out to make individualized bracelets, relying on the family dog for emotional support. LaRocca’s prose is accessible, with plenty of dialogue, and Prabhat’s digital art charms via vivid, dynamic spreads. This latest installment of Charlesbridge’s Storytelling Math series proves both educational and appealing. Back matter includes an author’s note and an explanation of the patterns involved in Bina’s bracelet making. —Publishers Weekly About the Author Rajani LaRocca is a book lover, doctor, and foodie who was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in the Boston area. Her debut middle-grade novel, Midsummer's Mayhem , is an Indian American middle-grade mashup of A Midsummer Night's Dream and competitive baking.Chaaya Prabhat is a graphic designer, illustrator and lettering artist. She holds an MA in graphic design from Savannah College of Art and Design. She lives and works in Chennai, India. www.chaayaprabhat.com

Clyde Likes to Slide (Clyde the Hippo)

About the Author Keith Marantz loves writing for children. His ever-flowing inspiration comes from his own three--they serve as his idea-proving grounds and are also his toughest critics.Larissa Marantz worked as a character designer on Nickelodeon's Rugrats and Rocket Power . She illustrated several books for Nickelodeon as well, including Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Wild Thornberrys . Her latest project is illustrating Charlie and the Octopus by Rebecca Roan. When she's not illustrating, Larissa teaches figure drawing to animation students at Laguna College of Art and Design. She also runs her own company, OC Art Studios, through which she teaches art to elementary through high-school age students. Her illustrations are inspired by her three children and her husband, Keith Marantz, with whom she collaborates on picture books. They live in Orange County, California.

Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle

Review Sure to tickle more than a few ribs.― Kirkus Reviews Young audiences will find the resourcefulness of Sloth and Squirrel amusing and learn that sometimes mistakes can be turned into something positive.― CM Magazine About the Author Cathy Ballou Mealey is a former college administrator and instructor. She volunteers in schools and organizations supporting children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. She has degrees in psychology, classical studies and higher education administration. She is also the author of When a Tree Grows, published by Sterling in 2019. She lives north of Boston with her family.

Be a Tree!

Review **STARRED REVIEW** "This book has the advantage of lyrical, accessible poetry and vibrant watercolors from an ever changing palette."― Kirkus Reviews **STARRED REVIEW** "By foregrounding living beings that exemplify grace, strength, and endurance, Gianferrari gives readers a new way to think about their individual and collective existences."― Publishers Weekly "An encouraging nudge to look toward nature for guidance, and a valuable message that "together, we are a forest."" ― The Horn Book Magazine About the Author Maria Gianferrari has always loved trees. She has climbed fig trees in Italy, stood under stately coastal redwoods and twisted Torrey pines, and marveled at mitten-shaped sassafras leaves, colorful coral trees, and sawtooth oak acorn nests. She lives with her family in a house encircled by trees, one of which is a spruce planted in memory of her beloved dog, Becca. Be a Tree! is her first book with Abrams. Felicita Sala is a self-taught illustrator. She has illustrated several picture books, including the award-winning She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton, and The Hideout by Susanna Mattiangeli, as well as her own book of recipes for children, What’s Cooking at 10 Garden Street? She grew up between Italy and Australia and now lives in Rome with her family.

Courage Like Kate: The True Story of a Girl Lighthouse Keeper

About the Author ANNA CROWLEY REDDING is the author of such children's books as The Gravity Tree , Rescuing the Declaration of Independence , Google It, and Elon Musk: A Mission to Save the World, among others . Her first career was as an Emmy-award winning investigative television reporter, anchor, and journalist. The recipient of multiple Edward R. Murrow awards and recognized by the Associated Press for her reporting, Crowley Redding now focuses her stealthy detective skills on digging up great stories for young readers. Anna’s books have been recognized by NSTA as best STEM books. Visit her on the web at annacrowleyredding.com.EMILY SUTTON was born in Yorkshire, England, and graduated from the Edinburgh College of Art. She is the illustrator of Grow: Secrets of Our DNA by Nicola Davies, Ernestine's Milky Way by Kerry Madden, The Christmas Eve Tree by Delia Huddy , and Tiny: The Invisible World of Microbes, which won an AAAS award for best picture book. Her work can also be seen on textiles for St. Jude's fabrics, for which she won an Elle Deco award for best surface design. Visit her on the web at emillustrates.com.

Mommy's Hometown

From School Library Journal K-Gr 2—A young boy listens as his mother tells him about her hometown when she was growing up: "She said an old river weaved through her village like a long thread. It sparkled in the morning and shimmered at dusk." The young boy is excited to finally get to travel by train to see this wonderful place that he's only heard about. Upon arrival, he's surprised to see that the village is now a giant city with tall skyscrapers and people bustling everywhere. His mother tells him that things have changed over the years, but that some things have stayed the same. The pair finds the family house standing on the corner with they boy's grandma excitedly waiting for them. As they venture around the city, they come to the river and decide to wade in, just like the mother did as a young girl. Cherubic characters are adorably set in full-color backgrounds on the majority of the pages. Illustrations are digital and all characters are Asian. This picture book lends itself nicely to compare and contrast, then and now, as well as talking about what happens to the landscape when concrete and buildings take over. VERDICT A beautiful addition to any library shelf where the connection between generations is the discussion.—Tracy Cronce Review A child visits their mother’s hometown and is surprised to find it now differs from her recollections. . . The pair make their own memories in this special place, reinforcing that it is familial bonds and unconditional love that define home rather than physical surroundings. A tranquil warmth radiates from the illustrations. . . An uplifting, intergenerational story.—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Lim poignantly explores the tension between new and old in this setting-oriented tribute to family bonds. . . . Moving smoothly between rural and urban environments, Kim’s carefully illuminated digital graphics play dexterously with shadow, adding drama to the duo’s journey.—Publishers Weekly (starred review)This picture book is bittersweet, highlighting a touching bond between mother and son as they reminisce over the past and embrace the present. . . Jaime Kim’s digital illustrations highlight the stark differences between the new and the old. . . will likely resonate with viewers sharing a similar background. —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksReaders are treated to sumptuous full-page spreads devoid of text, where they can linger and imagine, like the child does, a carefree life in a beautiful place. . . . This gentle, layered story will resonate with imaginative readers as it shares a message of optimism and beauty. —BooklistThis picture book lends itself nicely to compare and contrast, then and now, as well as talking about what happens to the landscape when concrete and buildings take over. . . beautiful.—School Library JournalAs peaceful and gentle as that glowing sky, ‘Mommy’s Hometown’ is a gorgeous ode to home, family, the things that change and the things that stay the same.—The Virginian Pilot About the Author Hope Lim is the author of I Am a Bird , illustrated by Hyewon Yum, and My Tree , illustrated by Il Sung Na. Born and raised in South Korea, Hope Lim now lives with her family in San Francisco. Jaime Kim was born and raised in Korea before moving to the United States at the age of eighteen. She is the author-illustrator of Ready for the Spotlight! and the illustrator of many books for young readers, including La La La: A Story of Hope by Kate DiCamillo. Jaime Kim lives in North Carolina. Read more

Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2—This is a story of literacy and two Josés, both look forward to Saturday. On that day, the older José, a garbage collector who carefully gathers books that have been discarded, will open the doors to his collection and share it with the children of their barrio, including the young boy, José. The lyrical text weaves together the daily routines of both Josés, showing elements of their day in Bogotá, Colombia, and the scenes that play out in their imaginations when they discover a new world inside a book. The digitally painted illustrations capture the joy of anticipation and discovery as well as loving details of the barrio of La Nueva Gloria, where there was no library until 2000. An author's note expands on the true story that inspired this book, as well as suggesting sources for more information about Gutiérrez. An inviting and generous story that will be a pleasure to read aloud. VERDICT Recommended, particularly for fans of books such as Anika A. Denise's Planting Stories, also illustrated by Escobar, and as a city-set complement to Jeanette Winter's Biblioburro.—Amanda Foulk, Sacramento P.L. Review An American Library Association Notable BookA Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2020A Junior Library Guild Selection "The inspiring story of a man who believes in the power of books and the importance of community." — Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review“ An inviting and generous story that will be a pleasure to read aloud.” — School Library Journal , Starred Review "This amiable picture book offers children glimpses of Colombia as well as a role model who values books and enjoys sharing them with others …. Simultaneously published in a Spanish edition, Rescatando Palabras. " — Booklist About the Author ANGELA BURKE KUNKEL is a school librarian who lives with her husband, two children, and two rescue pups on the banks of Otter Creek in Vermont. Digging for Words is her debut. Visit her on the web at angelakunkel.com and on Twitter @angkunkel.PAOLA ESCOBAR grew up traveling from town to town in Bogota, Colombia. She has published with SM Spain, Planeta, Norma, and more. Paola is the illustrator of Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré, an Indie Pick called "a must-have for all libraries" in a School Library Journal starred review. She lives with her husband and dog, Flora. Follow her on Instagram @paoesco8ar. Read more

Thank You, Neighbor!

From School Library Journal K-Gr 2-In Chan's latest, an Asian child's neighborhood walk with their pup encourages readers to slow down and connect with others. The story begins indoors as the child clips an orange leash on the eager pooch and, on the title page, leaves a low-rise apartment. The true-to-life stroll that follows mixes typical dog behavior (and waste) with short, sweet interactions with neighbors and community helpers. Whether keeping everyone safe, tidying things up, or rescuing a cat from a tree, the neighbors "take care of each other" and are "a big family." That's why, as the child narrator advises, it's important to always say, "Thank you, neighbor!" The walk eventually circles back home, where an adult greets the child with warm, steaming dumplings. The bright, colorful digital cartoon illustrations provide plenty of opportunities for engagement and discovery. Readers can peer through windows or look in backgrounds for small, often comedic, details. The urban setting's denizens are diverse in age and skin tone; a few use canes or wheelchairs. Of the many professions represented, one librarian's subtly tattooed arm is a delightfully stereotype-breaking touch. A visual reference to Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson's Last Stop on Market Street positions this similarly community-minded story with a strong sense of place as a wonderful companion. An author's note and photo (with real neighbors!) provides personal context about Chan's own walks through Brooklyn with her dog. VERDICT A welcome reminder for readers in all kinds of neighborhoods. Highly recommended.-Alec Chunn, Eugene P.L., ORα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review This sweet book will encourage storytelling about readers’ own local neighborhoods.  — Kirkus Reviews The book’s strong sense of the common good is as invigorating as a brisk walk. — Publishers Weekly (starred review) A welcome reminder for readers in all kinds of neighborhoods. Highly recommended. — School Library Journal (starred review) About the Author Ruth Chan spent her childhood tobogganing in Canada, her teens living in and exploring China, a number of years studying art and education, and a decade working with youth and families in underserved communities. She now writes and illustrates in Brooklyn, New York, where she can often be found chatting with her neighbors. Visit www.ohtruth.com for more info. Read more

Donut Feed the Squirrels: (A Graphic Novel) (Norma and Belly)

From School Library Journal K-Gr 2-Resident squirrels Norma and Belly are thick as thieves, in addition to being actual thieves. Having burned their pancakes, they are lured outside of their tree-trunk domicile by the sweet scent of a doughnut truck that's set up shop. With the help of a couple of crafty accomplices, they plot to steal doughnuts for a giant party. Song uses negative space and highlighting to create contrast between the fuzzy masterminds and their environments. Her watercolors are gentle but expressive, as are her inked shapes. All four squirrel protagonists have distinct silhouettes, including Gramps, an older fellow with huge rectangular glasses, and Little Bee, who resembles the letter B. Onomatopoeia brings the squirrels' antics to life: Thunk, boing, splat, crash, screech, woosh, spritz, ding, and shhhhh accompany the silly animal slapstick and the sounds of the truck's automated machinery. The humans of the story-the doughnut maker and a neighborhood child who loves to glide around on roller skates-are largely oblivious to the squirrels' hunger-fueled schemes. Everyone comes out ahead eventually, resulting in an amusing tale of friendship, teamwork, and unintended consequences. Word balloons are generally large and clearly placed, with most of them using fewer than five words each. Young readers will enjoy using context clues to predict how characters' will behave. VERDICT Independent readers will devour this sweet and scrumptious heist story.-Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SCα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review "Their antics are divided into five short chapters that young readers can read with confidence, and the sweet ending unquestionably satisfies .” — Booklist, starred review "Two problem-solving squirrels stage a successful doughnut heist in this amusing start to a graphic novel series for emerging readers." — Shelf Awareness, s tarred review“Drawing with graceful ink lines and colored wash, Song capitalizes on comic moments.... Norma and Belly are never snarky; instead, they present a consistent mix of enterprise, wit, and cheer. ” — Publishers Weekly About the Author Mika Song is a children's writer/illustrator who makes stories about sweetly funny outsiders. She grew up in Manila, Philippines and Honolulu, Hawaii before moving to New York to study at Pratt Institute. She studied animation and worked as an animator before getting into children's books. In 2015, she received the Portfolio Award at the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Winter Conference in NYC. Tea with Oliver (HarperCollins) is the first book she both wrote and illustrated. Donut Feed the Squirrels is her debut graphic novel.@mikasongdraws Read more

Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schön, and Some Very Famous Ducklings

Review ★ “A wonderful picture book about creativity and collaboration .” — Kirkus Reviews , starred review★ "Burke Kunkel renders a genuinely suspenseful and touching account of Schön delicately approaching McCloskey with the idea of memorializing his book’s characters." — Publishers Weekly , starred review"The well-executed , full-page illustrations rendered in a vintage style are perfect for the period they depict." — Booklist "[Keane's] loose lines and energetic compositions are a good match for the conversational text." — The Horn Book "A visually appealing and well-researched addition to biographical narratives." —School Library Journal About the Author Angela Burke Kunkel is the author of Digging for Words , an ALA Notable Book and Kirkus Best Book of the Year. It also received the Americas Award and the International Latino Book Award for best English language title. She is also the author of Penguin Journey , called "stunning" in a starred review from Kirkus Reviews . Claire Keane is the author-illustrator of Little Big Girl and Once Upon a Cloud and the illustrator of Paolo, Emperor of Rome by Mac Barnett and Why? by Adam Rex, among others. She is also known for her development art for the movies Tangled and Frozen. She studied at École Supérieure d'Arts Graphiques in Paris and now lives in Venice Beach, California with her kids.

A Wonderful Year

Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston

From School Library Journal K-Gr 3-This vibrant portrait of the early life and career of Black American writer Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) is sure to inspire young readers. Newbery Honor-winning author Williams follows Hurston from her childhood in Florida through her success as a writer in New York, emphasizing her efforts to reach each milestone in her career. Hurston is characterized as tenacious, and she overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles to pursue her dream. Alcántara's luminous illustrations will immediately engage readers, with saturated colors and captivating use of shadow and light. The narrative showcases a strong sense of setting. Readers can envision a lush Floridian landscape during Hurston's younger years, and later, the energy and promise of the Harlem Renaissance. Williams's lively prose employs dialect and a conversational style; it begs to be read aloud. The tone is a fitting tribute to Hurston's writing style and her work in researching and preserving African American folktales. This title is more of an inspirational story of grit and determination than a resource for school reports, but an author's note provides additional details about Hurston's life and work and includes further resources. VERDICT A welcome addition to any picture book biography collection; Williams deftly underscores the value of perseverance and education while highlighting the achievements of an influential Black female author.-Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Lib., CAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review *"A lively, joyfully rendered portrait of a literary legend." -- Publisher Weekly, starred review* “Williams’ narration is a readaloud dream….it will be a joyful guide for folklore enthusiasts” -- BCCB, starred review* “This introduction to an American icon feels just right.” -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "A welcome addition to any picture book biography collection" -- School Library Journal, STARRED review About the Author Alicia D. Williams is the author of Genesis Begins Again , which received Newbery and Kirkus Prize honors, was a William C. Morris Award finalist, and for which she won the Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award for New Talent; and picture books Jump at the Sun and The Talk , for which she received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor. A graduate of the MFA program at Hamline University, and an oral storyteller in the African American tradition, she lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.Jacqueline Alcántara is the illustrator of the critically acclaimed The Field and Freedom Soup . Her favorite days are spent drawing, painting, writing, and walking her dog. In 2016, she was awarded the inaugural We Need Diverse Books Illustrator mentorship. Find out more at JacquelineAlcantara.com. Read more

Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time

Review Compilations about women leaders have grown in number each year; now, at last, here is one about modern Muslim women that exhorts readers to "find your passion, and…RISE." ... As a collection for younger readers to browse, as a starting point for older readers, and as a source of inspiration and pride for all ages, this volume wins. Not to be missed. -- Kirkus Reviews *STARRED* ― August 1, 2019 About the Author Saira Mir is a physician and author of the award-winning picture book Muslim Girls Rise , which she wrote for her daughter and other children to have Muslim feminist role models. As an OB-GYN, she has cared for many families through pregnancy loss, but could not find the book she needed to help support her daughter through grief over her own family’s loss, which inspired her to write Always Sisters . She lives in the DC area with her kids and is always on the hunt for the next best playground and bubble tea.Aaliya Jaleel is a Sri-Lankan American illustrator who loves illustrating bright, bold color palettes and floral themes. Some of her works include the books Under My Hijab , Muslim Girls Rise , and The Masjid Kamal Loves . Aaliya also works as a designer for animation.

No Snowball!

Review "Kung follows up her tale of queenly kitty confusion with the inevitable new-sibling story. Her watercolor and gouache illustrations of a family and their wide-eyed, endearing pets are a perfect match (and mismatch) for the tale's action—hilariously, NoFuzzball's interpretation of events is sometimes at odds with what is depicted in the artwork." - Kirkus About the Author Isabella Kung grew up in Hong Kong where she would spend hours prowling through the library; creating her own narrative for every one of her stuffed animals; and drawing all over her textbooks. Now she works as an adjunct professor of illustration and lives in San Francisco with her husband and two cats. No Fuzzball! is her debut picture book. You can read more about Isabella at isabellakung.com and follow her work on Instagram @isabellakungill or Twitter @isaberryk.

The Secret Code Inside You: All About Your DNA

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 3-Have you ever wondered why you can't catch flies with your tongue like a lizard, or see in the dark like an owl, or fly like a bird? The answer is found in a secret code called DNA, deep inside each human, giving bodies the instructions they need to grow. And while cells carry these secret codes, what people do with their bodies-and who they become-is up to them. This whimsical approach to explaining the concept of DNA, cells, and chromosomes manages to make a complex topic accessible to preschoolers. The rhyming text is easily readable, even when dealing with complicated terminology. Salerno's soft-edge and colorful illustrations bring these hard-to-visualize concepts to life. Resources include a detailed page of DNA facts as well as instructions for a fun experiment. However, suggestions for further reading are limited to a few websites, and only two sources are cited in the bibliography. VERDICT A good addition for public libraries, appealing to a wide age range.-Savannah Kitchens, Parnell Memorial Lib., Montevallo, ALα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review Operating on three levels, this book will help readers crack their own secret codes.As they begin their exploration of the concept of DNA, the youngest listeners will be drawn in with questions featuring fun animals and text with internal and end rhymes, alliteration, and puns. "Why aren't you finny like a fish, / or grinny like a shark? / Why can't you catch flies with your tongue, / or / see / things / in / the / dark?" Describing DNA as "twisted ladders, or tiny, twirling noodles" creates accessible concrete images for children. The science ramps up for slightly older readers and discusses how personal traits like height or the size of a child's nose, ears, or hands are determined by the DNA that parents and grandparents share with their children. Definitions and explanations of key vocabulary like genes and chromosomes are clear, but the rhyming format creates the occasional awkward phrase. Dynamic and eye-catching illustrations on later pages emphasize the difference between genetic coding and each person's unique choices. "[DNA] makes the color of your eyes, / but YOU choose where to look: / at butterflies or sunset skies, / or even at this book." Personal choice also determines how someone uses their muscles and chooses an occupation. For older readers or the more science curious, the backmatter is full of DNA facts and explanations, URLs to child-friendly websites, and a well-designed and -explained experiment to extract DNA from a banana.A solid introduction to a complex topic. ― Kirkus Reviews Have you ever wondered why you can't catch flies with your tongue like a lizard, or see in the dark like an owl, or fly like a bird? The answer is found in a secret code called DNA, deep inside each human, giving bodies the instructions they need to grow. And while cells carry these secret codes, what people do with their bodies-and who they become-is up to them. This whimsical approach to explaining the concept of DNA, cells, and chromosomes manages to make a complex topic accessible to preschoolers. The rhyming text is easily readable, even when dealing with complicated terminology. Salerno's soft-edge and colorful illustrations bring these hard-to-visualize concepts to life. Resources include a detailed page of DNA facts as well as instructions for a fun experiment. However, suggestions for further reading are limited to a few websites, and only two sources are cited in the bibliography. A good addition for public libraries, appealing to a wide age range. ― School Library Journal About the Author Rajani LaRocca, MD, was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in the Boston area with her wonderful family and impossibly cute dog. She earned a BA and an MD from Harvard, and spends her time writing novels and picture books, practicing medicine, and baking too many sweet treats. She is the author of Midsummer's Mayhem , Much Ado About Baseball , Seven Golden Rings , and Red, White, and Whole . Find her online at RajaniLaRocca.com and on Twitter and Instagram @rajanilarocca. Steven Salerno has illustrated more than thirty picture books, including Brothers At Bat , which made the New York Times Book Review' s list of notable picture books, The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons , which won the Irma Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, and Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag . Originally from Vermont, Steven lives and works in New York City. Read more

Dozens of Doughnuts

Review Praise for Dozens of Doughnuts : A Junior Library Guild Selection "Deliver[s] as much satisfaction as . . . new doughnuts themselves." -- Publishers Weekly "Deliciously illustrated . . . I like the writing, the story, the art, the doughnuts, the counting, the whole kerschmozzle." -- School Library Journal "A whimsical picture book filled with lessons about sharing, being a good friend, and even counting." -- Romper "A silly book with an important message about boundaries and not putting yourself last in relationships." -- Book Riot About the Author Carrie Finison writes poetry, stories, and picture books for children. Dozens of Doughnuts is her debut picture book. She lives outside Boston with her husband, son, and daughter (who all love doughnuts), and two cats who allow her to work in their attic office.Brianne Farley is the illustrator of Charlotte the Scientist is Squished by Camille Andros and its sequel Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure . She has also written and illustrated two picture books: Secret Tree Fort and Ike's Incredible Ink . Brianne studied creative writing and art at Macalester College, and then received her MFA in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She lives in Michigan. Visit her at briannefarley.com or follow her on Instagram @briannehfarley and Twitter @briannefarley.

Happy Paws: A Branches Book (Layla and the Bots)

Review Praise for Happy Paws (Layla and the Bots #1): "This easy-to-predict story, told in a mix of text and speech balloons, will give new readers confidence while imparting solid STEM lessons of research and implementation, and it's great to see a young girl of color portrayed as a confident inventor (and rock star). A solid introduction for an appealing new chapter-book character." -- Kirkus Reviews "This transitional chapter book is ideal for emergent or early fluency readers. It includes charming illustrations to assist with decoding, and interesting STEM themes... this bright, inventive title would make a nice addition to a library's early chapter book collection." -- School Library Journal About the Author Vicky Fang is a product designer who spent five years designing kids' technology experiences for both Google and Intel, often to inspire and empower kids in coding and technology. She started writing to support the growing need for early coding education, particularly for girls and kids of color. She is the author, and sometimes illustrator, of nineteen new and upcoming books for kids, including the Layla and the Bots series, Invent-a-Pet , I Can Code Board Books, Friendbots , and the forthcoming Ava Lin series, Best Buddies series, AlphaBot , and The Boo Crew Needs You! You can visit Vicky at vickyfang.com.  Christine Nishiyama is an illustrator and the founder of Might Could Studios. She self-published a picture book called We Are Fungi . You can visit Christine at mightcouldstudios.com.

Endlessly Ever After: Pick YOUR Path to Countless Fairy Tale Endings!

Review “Grab your favorite outerwear (cozy coat or riding hood?) and your sense of adventure because Snyder and Santat have created a fun-filled fairy-tale mashup that puts kids in the driver’s seat. . . . [ Endlessly Ever After ’s] interactive nature, large trim size, and bold, full-bleed illustrations make it an excellent candidate for group sharing. There is also a fractured-fairy tale aspect to the stories featured, which ensures there are surprises around every corner. A highly entertaining read, full of possibilities.”― Booklist Reviews “Multiple reader options give the woodsy road to Grandma’s house any number of surprise twists and diversions. . . . Some choices are hard but not this one: Pick it up!”― Kirkus Reviews “Whether they are timid or bold, readers will delight in directing a rhyming story that magically changes every time, with choices to suit all adventurers. . . . Snyder reminds readers that ‘every day…you choose,’ and the choices you make matter. . . . [ Endlessly Ever After ] could lead to raucous story hours or interactive group reads, but what everyone needs to ask is: Do you wish you had a Choose-Your-Own-Fairy-Tale book in your hands right now? Open the book. Highly recommended.”― School Library Journal “Invoking myriad fairy tale scenarios throughout a cascading choose-one’s-path format, Snyder (the Charlie and Mouse series) builds a fairy story with logic gates. . . . Santat ( The Aquanaut ) romps lushly through this fairy tale universe, giving the folklore mainstays . . . an exaggerated, kinetic quality. . . . Readers accustomed to video game–style endings won’t be bothered by Rosie’s many demises; turning the page resumes the action and leads to more choices, and employing frenetic action right through to the end―er, ends.”― Publishers Weekly “The choose-your-own-adventure format applied to fairytales is pure magic.” ― Good Housekeeping “[G]et comfortable; kids will insist on multiple readings . . . The humorously grim text is well matched with amusing illustrations that keep even the darker story elements lighthearted . . . Both text and art are endlessly clever.” ― The Horn Book Magazine “Illustrated by Dan Santat with his customary luminous dynamism, Endlessly Ever After [is] a picture book that will have children flapping the pages back and forth depending on where their curiosity leads them. . . . Mixing and matching elements of well-known fairy tales, Ms. Snyder and Mr. Santat have created a raucous read and a sly tribute to the joys of improvisational storytelling.”― The Wall Street Journal About the Author Dan Santat is a Caldecott-Medal-winning author-illustrator of many children's books. An honors graduate of ArtCenter College of Design, in Pasadena, he is also the creator of the Disney animated hit The Replacements . Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and various pets.Laurel Snyder is the author of many children's books, including Swan, Hungry Jim , and Charlie & Mouse , which won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Laurel teaches creative writing at Hamline University and lives with her family in Atlanta, GA.

Lulu and Zoey: A Sister Story

Review “Rhythmic rhyming couplets imbue this story with upbeat energy, which is reflected in the dynamic, vibrantly colored single- and double-page–spread digital illustrations. The sisters’ relationship is refreshingly realistic, from power dynamics arising from their age gap to the way shared creative passions can quell conflict…. A simple, heartwarming ode to sisterhood.”― Kirkus Reviews "A solid choice to add to a school's collection of sibling stories."― School Library Journal “The illustrations by Jackson are colorful, full of expression, and heartwarming. The soft details and pastel hues bring warmth to the realistic characters. Supportive with a strong family message, this offering is a natural read-alike for Kelly Sterling Lyons’s Ty’s Travels series.”― Booklist About the Author Carrie Finison writes and develops fiction and nonfiction writing for educational, textbook, and assessment publishers. Her work includes Dozens of Donuts , Don't Hug Doug and Pigs Dig a Road . Brittany Jackson loves telling stories through her art, from dynamic and diverse character design, to delightfully fun and energetic children's book illustrations. She attended the College for Creative Studies and was the Grand Prize Winner of the L Ron Hubbard's Illustrator of the Future Award in 2007. Her debut illustrated picture book is the New York Times Bestseller, Parker Looks Up , published by Aladdin Books.

Five Things About Ava Andrews

Review “Successfully explores the complexities of chronic illness mixed with mental illness … a heartwarming story about a community discovering activism.” — Kirkus Reviews “Alongside a sensitive portrayal of Ava’s invisible disabilities, well-wrought subplots, such as problems with an unkind classmate and the growing distance between two once-close friends, support the journey of Dilloway’s thoughtful protagonist from timid observer to well-liked social activist.” — Publishers Weekly “An excellent selection for book clubs for children, read-together picks, and for anyone who enjoys a good underdog story.”  — ALA Booklist “Dilloway covers a lot of ground including social justice, mental health, physical ability, and prejudice, but all the while the narrative is hopeful and encouraging.... Ideal for book clubs and discussions.”  — School Library Journal About the Author Margaret Dilloway is the author of Summer of a Thousand Pies and six other books for children and adults. She lives with her family in San Diego, where she performs long-form improv on three teams and writes and produces sketch shows. Margaret can be found online at www.margaretdilloway.com.

No Fuzzball!

Review "The fluffy black kitty gives preschool readers an early lesson in the unreliable narrator as she describes her relationship with her humans. In Kung's illustrations, she's an expressive, endearing little chunk of well-meaning evil. Her interracial human family is just as expressive, and the bright spot and full-bleed illustrations are entertaining from the first endpaper to the last." - Kirkus Reviews About the Author Isabella Kung grew up in Hong Kong where she would spend hours prowling through the library; creating her own narrative for every one of her stuffed animals; and drawing all over her textbooks. Now she works as an adjunct professor of illustration and lives in San Francisco with her husband and two cats. No Fuzzball! is her debut picture book. You can read more about Isabella at isabellakung.com and follow her work on Instagram @isabellakungill or Twitter @isaberryk.

I'm a Hare, So There!

Review "This clever rumination on the differences between commonly mixed-up animals is a sneakily educational readaloud."— BCCB "For anyone a bit hazy on the differences between a rabbit and a hare, a tortoise and a turtle, or, for that matter, a hog and a javelina, this cactus-country confab begins to clear things up."— Booklist "Animated and educational"— Kirkus — About the Author Author, illustrator, bookseller, and activist: Julie Rowan-Zoch grew up collecting freckles and chasing hermit crabs in NY, and spent years slicing rich breads in Germany before waking up to 300 days of blue Colorado skies. If she doesn’t answer the door, look in the garden! Website: https://julierowanzoch.wordpress.com/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/julierowanzoch/ Twitter: @JulieRowanZoch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistJulieRowanZoch Instagram: @jrzoch

Somewhere in the Bayou

From School Library Journal K-Gr 2—In a bold graphic style that uses big, flat shapes and a limited palette of gray, tan, brown, brick, and sage, four swamp creatures are beset with curiosity, and maybe even fear. A squirrel, mouse, rabbit, and weasel (or opossum, from the book jacket), in tersely worded speech bubbles that would not be out of place in Waiting for Godot, question the sight before them: "What should we do?/ We could just—/ Find another way?/ No. There's only one way past a sneaky tail." One by one, they are picked off by the tail, and in this soon-to-be-story-hour-hit, listeners will be on the edge of their seats. The survivor, the mouse, figures out why the tail is there, and helps a docile alligator get unstuck. The punch line is an uproarious gift from the Pumphreys, who could not lace more eccentric charm into this if they had 1000 more pages. It's just right. VERDICT To paraphrase another epic piece about hungry snapping jaws, you're going to need a bigger story hour.—Kimberly Olson Fakih About the Author Jerome Pumphrey is an author/illustrator and a graphic designer at The Walt Disney Company. He lives in Clearwater, Florida. Jarrett Pumphrey is an author/illustrator and the former cofounder and CEO of a tech startup. He lives in Austin, Texas.

Animals in Pants

Review “With sure command of metrics as well as excellent comic timing, Levinson dishes out pithy observations on animals. A tailor-made parade for younger clotheshorses.”― Kirkus Reviews “Twenty-three very short and funny poems cover a wide variety of animals and the many types of pants they might wear. Silly and clever.”― The Horn Book Magazine About the Author Suzy Levinson is a writer and poet whose work has been published in numerous poetry anthologies and children’s magazines. Animals in Pants is her debut picture book. She lives in New York. Kristen and Kevin Howdeshel l are a husband-and-wife illustration team whose books include The Poet Wolf of Piney Woods , published by Cameron Kids. They live in Kansas City, Missouri.

ABC Cats: An Alpha-Cat Book

From School Library Journal PreS-K—Fine feline fun can be found in this alphabet book where every page sees a different cat sitting by, lazing on, or climbing up its letter in perfect harmony with a measured rhyme scheme describing each specific cat. Light watercolors form letters and cats alike, though the details are best understood from the text. About the Author Lesléa Newman is the author of more than seventy books for children, including the Candlewick titles Heather Has Two Mommies ; Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed ; and October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard , a Stonewall Honor Book. She lives in Massachusetts. Isabella Kung is an illustrator, author, instructor, and professional cat cuddler whose illustrations have been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, Spectrum Fantasy Art, 3x3 , Creative Quarterly , and SCBWI. She grew up in Hong Kong and now lives in San Francisco.

Google It: A History of Google

Review "Investigative journalist Redding does an admirable job of chronicling Larry and Sergey’s amazing successes and will inspire young people to follow in their ingenious footsteps. It’s more comprehensive than other books for young readers about Google’s founders, with energetically written short chapters, interesting facts, graphics, and photos " ― Booklist, starred review"This readable and breezy history of the tech behemoth [is] An appealing and timely look at a universally relevant subject and a good fit for STEAM-related reading lists." ― School Library Journal "This chronological history of the first two decades of Google is attractively packaged to appeal to a teen audience. ... Humorous accounts of Google's unpretentious beginnings as a student project, and its early years as a bare-bones startup in a friend's garage will intrigue teens who dream of growing their own projects into software and devices used by millions." ― VOYA About the Author Anna Crowley Redding is the author of Google It, Elon Musk: A Mission to Save the World, and Black Hole Chasers. The recipient of multiple Edward R. Murrow and Associated Press awards, Crowley Redding uses her Emmy award-winning investigative reporting skills to dig into compelling topics that are shaping our world. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, garnered national news coverage, and been recognized by the National Association of Science Teachers for excellence. Crowley Redding lives outside of Portland, Maine with her family. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Google It A History of Goggle By Anna Crowley Redding Feiwel and Friends Copyright © 2018 Anna Crowley ReddingAll rights reserved.ISBN: 978-1-250-14822-3 Contents Title Page, Copyright Notice, Dedication, Part 1: Frenemies + Homework + Legos = Google?, CHAPTER 1 A Cold, Hard, Google-less World, CHAPTER 2 Homework, CHAPTER 3 The Long-Lost Nightmare: Search Before Google, CHAPTER 4 #Spelling, CHAPTER 5 Google World Headquarters, CHAPTER 6 Rules Are for Breaking, CHAPTER 7 Y2K, CHAPTER 8 Rallying Cry, CHAPTER 9 Parental Supervision, Part 2: Google It!, CHAPTER 10 Googler (Person Who Works at Google), CHAPTER 11 That's No Joke!, CHAPTER 12 Troubled Waters, CHAPTER 13 Verb, CHAPTER 14 YouTube, CHAPTER 15 Beyond Search: The Recipe for Alphabet Soup, Part 3: Impossible Goal + Attempt (+/-Success) = Moonshot, CHAPTER 16 A Healthy Disregard for the Impossible, CHAPTER 17 Send In the Cars, CHAPTER 18 Wear It!, CHAPTER 19 U Is for UFO, CHAPTER 20 The More We Change, the More We Stay the Same, Source Notes, Bibliography, Acknowledgments, About the Author, Copyright, CHAPTER 1 A Cold, Hard, Google-less World Need to know how many stacked pennies it would take to reach the moon? Want to know about the latest visual effects technology used to make Star Wars ? Need to know if George Washington really had dentures made out of wood? FYI: • It would take a stack of 240 billion pennies to reach the moon! • Star Wars special effects — Check out this cool link for a peek at how the latest computer graphics (CG) were used to pull off the stunning visuals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obwG9k6x2us • Was George Washington's wooden smile made from wooden teeth? NO. His false teeth were actually made of bone, ivory, and sometimes other humans' teeth. Imagine you can't google the answers because — well, Google hasn't been invented yet. You have two choices. You can sit there on your couch, swallow your curiosity like a bitter pill, and live with not knowing. Or you can get your parents to drive you to the library. Fingers crossed, the answers you need are somewhere in the pages of a book that's somewhere on their bookshelves. But wait a minute. What if your parents don't know how to get to the library? You'll have to consult a paper map. WARNING! Unless you are an origami dynamo, once you unfold a map, it might never be refolded correctly. Never. Don't even try. Still can't find it? It may come down to this: You have to use a paper phone book to look up the library's phone number. Then, pick up your home phone (the kind that's wired to a wall), wait for a real, live human being to answer, and then ask for directions. Yikes! It's hard to believe, but that was life without Google. Getting information was difficult and took a lot of work. Horrified? The two guys who thought up Google were just as freaked out as you are. This was the world they grew up in, back in the 1970s and 1980s. And even as kids, Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin knew they wanted to change the world. When Larry and Sergey were born in 1973, technology was in a very different place than it is today. In most homes, telephones were attached to walls and could only be used to make phone calls. No texts, no news, no maps — just phone calls. Hope was coming. That year, the first-ever cell phone call was made. But these cell phones were huge, like talking into a brick. Plus, the battery life was around twenty minutes. And then there was the price tag: $3,995! In today's dollars? That would set you back more than $22,000. Oh, and about your TV. If you needed to change the channel, you had to get up and physically turn a dial on your TV set, unless you were one of the lucky ones who had a pricey remote control! Computers had been something used mostly by scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in research and academic settings. They were physically huge and could take up an entire desk or even a whole room. But this last thing was about to change — just in time to inspire Larry's and Sergey's love of technology. But it wouldn't be easy. Larry and Sergey were born on opposites sides of the planet. And when their paths finally crossed, they didn't even like each other. It's a wonder Google ever happened at all. Frenemies: Fight@1stSight When Larry and Sergey met during the summer of 1995, they should have been the best of friends. After all, they both loved computers, math, engineering, science, and technology. They had both attended Montessori schools and grown up in families steeped in STEM. That's a lot in common. BFFs at first sight, right? Nope. Not even close. When they met for the very first time, Larry and Sergey couldn't stand each other! Twenty-two-year-old Larry was supposed to be enjoying a welcome tour of San Francisco for new students checking out nearby Stanford University. Already accepted to Stanford, Larry was giving the university a thorough look-see before deciding if he wanted to study there — though secretly he couldn't believe Stanford wanted him! Spanish colonists founded San Francisco in 1776. The Gold Rush of 1849 made San Francisco the largest city on the West Coast. Today, the San Francisco Bay Area is home to 8.7 million people, making it the fifth-largest metro area in America. Enter twenty-one-year-old Sergey. He was the tour guide. Who better to lead the tour? As a second-year graduate student, Sergey was known for zipping around Stanford's hallways on Rollerblades. He was not only fun, he was smart, too. Sergey had already aced his required courses and now devoted a serious chunk of time to advanced swimming, trapeze lessons, and Ultimate Frisbee. (Oh! And some elective courses. He did fit some study into his free time.) But as Larry and Sergey trudged up one hill and down another, this duo filled the streets of San Francisco with their bickering banter. They argued about anything and everything ... needling, poking, prodding, questioning, interrupting, and talking down to each other. Their first meeting was a disaster. The only thing the two agreed on was their opinion of the other. In a word? Obnoxious. Aerial view of Stanford University. (Photo by Jrissman.) The sprawling 8,000-acre Stanford University campus was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (designer of New York City's famous Central Park). Sitting in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford has long been an incubator for creativity and innovation. Companies including Hewlett-Packard, Yahoo!, Cisco, Intuit, and SunMicrosystems can trace their origins to Stanford. But the same chemistry that sparked the nonstop squabbling also acted like a magnet. By the time school started in the fall of 1995, Larry and Sergey had discovered that they actually had a lot in common, from their science-filled childhoods to their passion for technology and engineering, not to mention their undeniable knack for spirited debate. Both Larry and Sergey were confident in exploring new ideas and taking risks. They were also both obsessed with efficiency and improving the way things worked. And in just a few months, they would team up on a school assignment that would change their lives — and ours, too. SERGEY BRIN NAME: Sergey Mikhaylovich Brin DATE OF BIRTH: August 21, 1973 PLACE: Moscow, Russia FIRST COMPUTER: Age 9, Commodore 64 Sure, by today's standards, the Commodore 64 isn't much to look at, but this remains one of the most popular computers ever sold. Because of the quality of the audio and graphics, it was great for gaming. The Commodore 64 sold for $595 in 1982. FAMILY: Sergey Brin was born into a family of intellectuals. His great-grandmother? A microbiologist. His grandfather? A math professor. Both of his parents were brilliant mathematicians. They were also very brave. Faced with anti-Semitism and discrimination in their home country of Russia, Sergey's parents made the difficult choice to leave everything behind and start a new life in America. Sergey was only six years old. Immigrating to the United States during the 1970s was no simple matter. Like many immigrants, the Brin family had to leave most of their belongings behind. But an American-based agency devoted to immigrants helped Sergey's family. The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society helped the Brins navigate the paperwork and apply for visas, and even bought tickets to the US for the family. In 2009, thirty years after Sergey and his family arrived in the United States, Sergey gave $1 million to the agency that helped his family escape Russia and resettle in Maryland. In 2017, when US President Donald Trump announced an immigration order banning travel to the United States from several Muslim-majority countries, Sergey joined the crowd of protesters at San Francisco's airport, saying, "I am here because I am a refugee." Settling into a small home in Baltimore, Maryland, Sergey's father became a mathematics professor at the University of Maryland, and Sergey's mom became a research scientist for NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center — something that would never have been possible for Jews in Russia. SCHOOLING: At his Montessori school, Sergey immersed himself in puzzles, math, and science projects; by middle school, his teachers had realized he was a genuine math prodigy. Sergey sailed through high school, graduating early while also accumulating a year of college credit. This allowed him to graduate from the University of Maryland at only nineteen and become one of the youngest students ever admitted to Stanford's PhD program. COULDA-WOULDA-SHOULDA ALERT! MIT rejected Sergey's grad school application. The school probably wishes it could get a do-over. BOOKSHELF: No one captured Sergey's attention quite like Richard P. Feynman, Nobel Prize winner in Physics. During Sergey's child-hood, Feynman published several books, including: "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!": Adventures of a Curious Character (1985) and "What Do You Care What Other People Think?": Further Adventures of a Curious Character (1988). RICHARD P. FEYNMAN (1918–1988) was a world-famous theoretical physicist and a pioneer in quantum computing and nanotechnology. As a child, he was raised to ask questions and challenge the status quo. By the time he was eleven, Feynman had spent hours taking apart radios and tinkering in his own makeshift laboratory. He even built a burglar alarm for his bedroom! Brilliant by any standard, Feynman also experienced antiSemitism. Even though he'd mastered a host of advanced mathematics, Columbia University denied his application. The reason? The school only allowed a certain number of Jews into their program and had already met that quota. Feynman attended MIT instead. In the 1940s, during World War II, Feynman worked at the supersecretive Los Alamos National Laboratory, collaborating on the most top-secret project of the day — the atomic bomb. Serious business, to be sure. Like Sergey, Feynman was not only smart, but also fun ... and enjoyed picking locks and playing pranks. Feynman's contributions to physics, nanotechnology, and quantum computing make him one of the greatest physicists in American history. LARRY PAGE NAME: Lawrence "Larry" Page DATE OF BIRTH: March 26, 1973 PLACE: Lansing, Michigan FIRST COMPUTER: Age 6, Exidy Sorcerer The Exidy Sorcerer was made by a video/arcade game company, Exidy. The Sorcerer was faster than its competitors and offered better graphics, which improved gaming. It was also the first plug-in-and-go home computer, which meant you could take it out of the box, plug it in, and start using it. Prior to this, setting up and using computers required technical know-how that the average person just didn't have. And a SHOUT-OUT to NO SHOUTING ... one of the key selling points for this computer was that it offered both upper- and lower case letters for typing. Phew! Pipe down, everybody. FAMILY: Larry Page was born into a house where life revolved around technology. Larry's father was a computer science and artificial intelligence professor at Michigan State University. Talk about a pioneer! His mother had a master's degree in computer science and worked as a database consultant. SCHOOLING: Larry also attended a Montessori school. "I think I was the first kid in my elementary school to turn in a word-processed document," Larry recalled in an interview. (In the 1970s and 1980s, most homework assignments and even research papers were still handwritten.) Larry graduated from the University of Michigan. He majored in both computer science and business. YIKES ALERT! MIT also rejected Larry's grad school application. Double whammy! INSPIRATION: At twelve years old, Larry read about an inventor named Nikola Tesla. As he leafed through the pages of Tesla's biography, Larry realized he wanted to be an inventor, too. But Larry also quickly identified a tragic flaw in Tesla's story, which he saw as a cautionary tale. Even though Tesla was an amazing inventor, he never found fame or fortune through his work while he was alive. "I realized I wanted to invent things, but I also wanted to change the world," Larry said. "I wanted to get them out there, get them into people's hands so they can use them." NIKOLA TESLA (1856–1943) was an extraordinary inventor, leading the way at the dawn of electricity. Filing more than seven hundred patents, Tesla invented the Tesla coil, which is still used in radio technology today. He also experimented with X-rays and radio waves, and laid the foundation for wireless technology. But Larry Page was right. Tesla was never as successful, as well-known, or as celebrated as his nemesis: Thomas Edison. Sometimes Tesla even had to dig ditches just to support himself. He died in New York City in 1943, poor and suffering from mental illness. BOOKSHELF: When Larry Page read The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman (1988), he became inspired by Norman's main premise: The user is always right. CHAPTER 2 Homework There's homework and then there's HOMEWORK. There's the kind you knock off in five minutes and the kind that determines your whole entire life. As graduate students at Stanford, Larry Page and Sergey Brin faced the most epic homework assignment of all: the doctoral thesis. It's like getting married — to your homework. First, you propose your carefully chosen topic to your professors. With their approval, you dive into the deep end of research, spending hours, days, weeks, months — however long it takes to break new ground, discover something, or deepen humanity's understanding of your topic. And if that's not enough pressure, the last step is to present your research to a panel of professors. Professors who are allowed to ask you questions about your work — even challenge you — and you have to defend what you've learned! Larry knew he needed to find just the right topic for his doctoral thesis. And he quickly turned his attention to the World Wide Web. In 1995, the web was only six years old — just a baby. Back then, in the ancient times of the internet, there were only about ten million web pages. And each page generally took thirty seconds to load — an eternity. Today the web is made up of 4.73 billion web pages (and counting). LINGO ALERT! The web and the internet are not the same thing. The internet is a giant network of computers, connected by cables and wireless signals. This network of networks allows computers to exchange information. The web is all of the content — documents, files, folders, web pages, and other resources — available via the internet, and is connected through links. Still, when Larry looked at the web, he didn't just see a bunch of clunky, primitive web pages. He saw a mathematical graph. Each web page was a point on the graph. And just like the dots on a graph are connected by lines, the websites were connected with links. Now came the questions. Were these links important? What could links tell us about a single page on the internet? Larry wanted to know more. That's when he noticed something interesting: It was easy to look at a web page and see how many outgoing links it had to other sites. They were right there on the page in hypertext, ready to be clicked. But what Larry wanted to know was how many other sites linked back to a particular page? How many incoming links referred to a page? In 1995, nobody knew. Hypertext is interactive text that leads you to another document, aka a web page. Oftentimes it's highlighted in another color. You can simply move your pointer to the hypertext and click to travel to the linked document, or web page, or information. Larry explained it to a reporter like this: "The early versions of hypertext had a tragic flaw: You couldn't follow links in the other direction." Larry wanted to reverse that. Backlinks When you run for class president, you're not elected based on the number of leaders you think are brilliant. Instead, you are elected by the number of people who vote for you. Put another way, your popularity isn't measured by how many people you like; it's by how many people like you. Studying the structure of the internet, Larry discovered a similar truth. It's not how many sites you link to that matters. What matters is how many sites link to your page. The more sites that link to you, the more relevant, substantial, and credible your site is. Each time a web page links to you, it's like a vote of confidence. The more votes a page receives, the more credible and important it must be. This idea reminded Larry of something that was talked about a lot in his house when he was growing up: citation. (Continues...) Excerpted from Google It by Anna Crowley Redding . Copyright © 2018 Anna Crowley Redding. Excerpted by permission of Feiwel and Friends. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site. Read more

Chowder Rules!: The True Story of an Epic Food Fight

Review "Redding and illustrator Vita Lane tell this story with clear narrative and colorful, funny illustrations revealing remarkable and little-known Maine history. " ―Bill Bushnell, Kennebec Journal Awards And Nominations 2020 Lupine Honor Award Winner About the Author Anna Crowley Redding is a former Emmy-award winning investigative television reporter, anchor, and journalist. The recipient of multiple Edward R. Murrow awards and recognized by the Associated Press for her reporting, Redding now focuses on digging up great stories for kids-which, as it turns out, is her true passion. She is the author of the young adult nonfiction titles, Google It: A History of Google , and Elon Musk: A Mission to Save the World , and the picture book, Rescuing the Declaration of Independence . Vita Lane is a children's book illustrator. She has created artwork for a wide variety of projects including quilting fabric, wedding invitations, an animated music video, puzzles, and more. She loves blueberries, yoga, hiking, dogs, and road trips. She has a freckle in her left eye and can recite all 50 states in alphabetical order. This is her first picture book.

The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of

Review “A stellar subject, breathtaking artwork, and unique layout set this biography for young readers apart from the rest.” ― School Library Journa l , starred review“[M]akes a good addition to the astronomy shelves.” ― Booklist “Kirsten Larson deftly weaves together her compelling biography of an important woman who "stick[s] to her path" despite the odds. The decision to parallel Cecilia's development with that of an emerging star is an inspired one, and Katherine Roy uses pencil, ink and digital color to create luminous illustrations that crackle with energy.” ― Shelf Awareness , starred review“Marrying format, language, and subject, Larson conscientiously emphasizes Payne’s accomplishments. Taking place alongside inky interstellar sidebar views, accompanying pencil and ink illustrations by Roy glow…” ― Publishers Weekly , starred review”A luminous thematic pairing.” ― Kirkus , starred review About the Author Kirsten W. Larson used to work with rocket scientists at NASA. Now she writes books for curious kids. She is the author of Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane and A True Wonder: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything , along with several forthcoming titles. She lives near Los Angeles, California, with her family. Katherine Roy is the award-winning author and illustrator of many science-based books for kids, including her Sibert Honor book Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting with the Great Whites of California’s Farallon Islands and How to Be an Elephant: Growing Up in the African Wild . She is also the illustrator of Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere and of Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars . She lives with her husband and sons in Oregon, where she loves gazing up at the stars.

Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses

Messenger (Giver Quartet) (Giver Quartet, 3)

Review "Lowry masterfully presents another thought-provoking, haunting tale in this third novel, a companion to The Giver and Gathering Blue." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Lowry moves far beyond message, writing with a beautiful simplicity rooted in political fable, in warm domestic detail, and in a wild natural world, just on the edge of realism." — Booklist (starred review) "Told in simple, evocative prose, this companion to The Giver (1993) and Gathering Blue (2000) can stand on its own as a powerful tale of great beauty. — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) About the Author Lois Lowry is the author of more than forty books for children and young adults, including the New York Times bestselling Giver Quartet and popular Anastasia Krupnik series. She has received countless honors, among them the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award, the California Young Reader’s Medal, and the Mark Twain Award. She received Newbery Medals for two of her novels, Number the Stars and The Giver .

Before I Go to Sleep: A Novel

Amazon.com Review Amazon Best Books of the Month, June 2011 : Every day Christine wakes up not knowing where she is. Her memories disappear every time she falls asleep. Her husband, Ben, is a stranger to her, and he's obligated to explain their life together on a daily basis--all the result of a mysterious accident that made Christine an amnesiac. With the encouragement of her doctor, Christine starts a journal to help jog her memory every day. One morning, she opens it and sees that she's written three unexpected and terrifying words: "Don't trust Ben." Suddenly everything her husband has told her falls under suspicion. What kind of accident caused her condition? Who can she trust? Why is Ben lying to her? And, for the reader: Can Christine’s story be trusted? At the heart of S. J. Watson's Before I Go To Sleep is the petrifying question: How can anyone function when they can't even trust themselves? Suspenseful from start to finish, the strength of Watson's writing allows Before I Go to Sleep to transcend the basic premise and present profound questions about memory and identity. One of the best debut literary thrillers in recent years, Before I Go to Sleep deserves to be one of the major blockbusters of the summer. --Miriam Landis Review “An exceptional thriller. It left my nerves jangling for hours after I finished the last page.” — Dennis Lehane “Imagine drifting off every night knowing that your memories will be wiped away by morning. That’s the fate of Christine Lucas, whose bewildering internal world is rendered with chilling intimacy in this debut literary thriller. . . . You’ll stay up late reading until you know.” — People (4 stars) “The summer’s single most suspenseful plot belongs to BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP. . . . pure page-turner.” — New York Times “Quite simply the best debut novel I have ever read.” — Tess Gerritsen “Memories―real, false, and a bit of both―are at the heart of Watson’s haunting, twisted debut…. Watson handles what could have turned into a cheap narrative gimmick brilliantly, building to a chillingly unexpected climax.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “This mesmerizing, skillfully written debut novel works on multiple levels. It is both an affecting portrait of the profound impact of a debilitating illness and a pulse-pounding thriller whose outcome no one could predict.” — Booklist (starred review) “An intriguingly fresh look at the amnesia-focused psychological thriller. . . . A captivating and highly suspenseful read, populated with believable characters who lead the reader through a taut, well-constructed plot.” — Library Journal “Watson’s debut novel unwinds as a story that is both complicated and compellingly hypnotic. . . . Watson’s pitch–perfect writing propels the story to a frenzied climax that will haunt readers long after they’ve closed the cover on this remarkable book.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A deft, perceptive exploration of a fascinating neurological condition, and a cracking good thriller.” — Lionel Shriver “Brilliant in its pacing, profound in its central question, suspenseful on every page and satisfying in its thriller ending.” — Anita Shreve From the Back Cover "As I sleep, my mind will erase everything I did today. I will wake up tomorrow as I did this morning. Thinking I’m still a child. Thinking I have a whole lifetime of choice ahead of me. . . ." Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love—all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may be telling you only half the story. Welcome to Christine's life. About the Author S. J. WATSON was born in the Midlands. His first novel was the award-winning Before I Go to Sleep , which has sold more than four million copies in over forty languages, followed by the critically acclaimed novel Second Life . S. J. Watson lives in London. Read more