Holiday Buying Guide 2018

Join Sam, the cat, after she puts her family to bed to begin her nightly journey. From a map of Sam to a layout of the neighborhood, readers can follow Sam and find out about maps and mapping along the way. Rich illustrations and clever format provide different ways to enjoy this book, as information or a story.

Lyrical prose (in Spanish and English) and vivid mixed media illustrations describe one woman’s journey to a new country, the difficulties, and the power of libraries to transform: “We are stories. We are two languages. We are lucha…We are hope.” In a concluding piece, the author/illustrator describes her story and provides a list of the influential books she read during this period of her life. The gorgeous book is also available in a Spanish edition, Soñadores (opens in a new window).

Archie says he’s a bear in spite of people telling him he is a boy. A huge, brown, furry creature corrects Archie: he is a boy. Whether real or fantasy, this imaginative story of unlikely roles conveys a unique friendship in striking illustrations and understated text.

On her birthday Carmela is finally old enough to go with her brother as he runs errands throughout the community. Although her brother can be annoyed by Carmela, he shows her a field of wishes when most needed. Childlike illustrations extend and enhance the warm story which is also available in Spanish, Los Deseos de Carmela. (opens in a new window)

What happens when a boy finds a key? Does it fit the nearby door? If opened, what adventures will be found on the other side? Delicate drawings on large, open pages bloom into color and activity as the fantasy grows until the boy returns by the same door and color recedes.

Bear and Mole go camping so that Mole can “see the stars turn on.” When Mole becomes afraid in the dark, Bear tells his a story of how the First Bear family created the moon and stars. The gentle tone and charming illustration create a soothing story.

Fox and Chick are friends although they are quite different in many ways. Three short stories highlight the warmth of their friendship in spite of their differences. Told in graphic format, this will appeal to newly independent readers as well as comic book fans.

Edward, a giraffe, is ashamed of his long neck until he meets Cyrus, a tortoise who laments he has no neck. This hilarious tale of animals unhappy with their features (and very relatable!) is cleverly told through formal language coupled with well-placed, textured illustrations. 

David, the naughty but loveable kid from No, David (opens in a new window), again hears those words. This time, however, it’s his big brother who shouts them; David is too little to play with the older boys. The illustrator’s signature illustrations and hand drawn text create a humorous, recognizable addition to books about this sharp-toothed little boy.

The young narrator tells his dog’s veterinarian that his interest in becoming a vet may not be possible because his allergy to cats. Happily, there are many different kinds of veterinary practices as the boy and readers learn in this easy to read, informative book.

A boy observes an anaconda swallow an assortment of critters, each to catch the one that preceded it. He wonders aloud “Will she be sick?” When he’s the last in the snake’s tummy, all pop out quite literally as “Then she was sick-ick!” Comic illustration and rhyming text in familiar cadence with flaps to life make this silly story very appealing.

Little Red Chicken tells his father about what he learned in school; unexpected occurrences in stories or “the Elephant of Surprise”! Of course, when the parent and child read traditional tales, young Red must add that blue elephant of surprise. The pair was introduced in Interrupting Chicken (opens in a new window) but stands alone and is equally funny.

Lyrical language and evocative images combine for a gentle portrait of evening as “Darkness tumbles into the air.” After all„ “Night is mischievous! It chases blue, white, pink, and green away …” But only until “day breathes into the leaves … and yellow rises …”

The young narrator joins his father as he works as Friday night custodian in a school. The boy packs lunch before they ride off to work. Gentle text and soft illustrations evoke the bond between them and the boy’s imaginative musings during the night job. 

Octopuses are canny characters in real life. In this adventure when Octopus escapes, he creates chaos at the aquarium and chuckles for readers. Short rhyming sentences and cartoon illustrations add to the fun and play.

Five elephants, each a different pastel color parade across and through the pages introducing numbers from one to five, over and under, and more until it’s time to sleep. Simple forms, gentle hues, and comfortable language are sure to create an enduring classic. 

The jaguar asks the coati to wake him up after a brief nap. When the coati wants to nap, too, it asks a cockatiel. One by one, each animal falls asleep until the last one, the sloth, falls asleep and suddenly his enormous snore startles everyone awake! Bold illustrations and clever use of typeface combine to tell a humorous tale reminiscent of a folktale.

The animals introduced here are not large and famous. Instead they are animals too small, too peculiar, or even too smelly to command much positive attention. But they are fascinating, presented here in lighthearted but accurate image and brief text.

Bobo (first introduced in Hug (opens in a new window)) is back. Here, he is doing his best to avoid bedtime, instead cavorting with other animals until he is lost and needs his mom. Comic illustrations and few words tell a recognizable, good-natured tale with pathos.

Rashin’s story of her first trip to a beach in her new New York home is juxtaposed with her experiences in the Caspian Sea while living in Iran. She misses much from her former home; but she discovers a new flavor ice cream and a friend with whom to have fun without the Islamic beach guards who kept male and female beachgoers separate. Vivid illustration and straightforward narration reveal the author’s own story. 

The delectable smell of Omu’s thick red stew wafts through the neighborhood. She shares it with neighbor after neighbor until she has none left for her own dinner. But her generosity is returned when the community brings a potluck supper to thank Omu. Semi-abstract illustrations in muted tones and an engaging telling create a warm story.

The hole in the log in the lake holds a frog with a hair on its head, a fly on top of that, with a gnat on the fly. Shared as a call-and-response or as a song (the music is included), readers will appreciate the humor of the oblivious frog and what becomes of it.

What connects people? Weather, animals, each other, of course! The familiar song is made fresh in jewel-toned, lively, and detailed illustrations that start with a girl and a huge ball of yarn. That yarn is shared by myriad children in various places and climates until the final double page spread with Earth depicted from afar as a yarn-tethered balloon.

“Have you ever wondered why all the animals at the zoo seem so tired?” It’s because soon after the zoo closes to visitors, they all dance and boogie all night! Join the fun with the vivacious translucent illustrations and lively language.

What does pink call to mind? Something feminine? Something in nature? How about blue? Or black, white? Short poems and brief notes about what a color evokes are presented on illustrated double page spreads sure to generate thought, discussion, and perhaps art.

Did you know that snails build “roads of slimy mucus”, other snails can follow those trails, often to eat together? That snails live everywhere on earth in all types of environments? Find out much more about these amazing — albeit slimy — creatures in this comically illustrated but fascinating glimpse at snails.

Short, episodic chapters are narrated by Barkus’ friend. She and her family take good of care of Barkus and his feline friend, Baby. Humorous illustrations and uncomplicated narration continue the familiar adventures of a girl and her animal friends first introduced in Barkus (opens in a new window).

“Think you know cute?” Think again if you haven’t met a quokka, pom-pom crab, or a minute leaf chameleon. Actual photographs of a range of critters are presented with solid information with a light touch added. Additional information and glossary are included.

Do classroom pets hear, see, and do what the children do in Ms. Maxwell’s class? You bet they do! And they even can help students out with a science project. Recognizable school activities and easy text make this just right for recently independent readers.

Poor but worthy Freddie Mole winds up with a circus job in an effort to help his struggling family. The story is fast and funny sprinkled with black/white drawings adding to the absurdity. The humor is likely to appeal to sophisticated readers and perhaps Roald Dahl fans.

In addition to his super speedy sneakers, Freddie now has acquired super hearing powers! But what you do with super hearing can have both good and bad results. The latest installment in the series is equally gentle and satisfying.

Meet Hansel and Gretel again! This, however, is not the typical telling. Here Willow the witch is a kindly good witch who finally has had enough of a rude duo. Strong lines, limited color, and understated text turn the traditional tale into a fresh, funny, and satisfying story. Readers may also enjoy Woollvin’s recasting of Rapunzel (opens in a new window) and Little Red. (opens in a new window)

Jack and Annie are transported back in time to 1900. No one in Galveston, Texas, believes that a devastating hurricane is about to hit. What can be done to save the residents? This satisfying addition to the series may be enhanced with the Magic Tree House Fact Checker: Texas (opens in a new window).

If an ordinary hamster drew a dinosaur, it would look nothing like the one Leonardo da Vinci may have created. In fact, few classic works would. Humor, art and art history combine in this very clever, slightly irreverent, but fascinating introduction to art and artists in this companion to If Picasso Painted a Snowman. (opens in a new window)

If polar bears just disappeared, the world would be very different indeed. But what can young people do? They can  change some behaviors, study, learn, write. Similar to the approach in If Sharks Disappeared (opens in a new window), this book informs as well as inspires action.

Marmalade is not only a trained architect with terrific plans to build a house, but she’s cute on top of it. But are cute kittens taken seriously? This — and more — are explored in a graphic novel just right for emerging readers.

Bear is in bed when he hears the first knock. The parade of animal friends begins with Justin (as in “Justin the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by!”). Everyone has gathered to wish Bear a Happy Hibernation! Comic illustrations and dialogue in conversation bubbles combine to tell a funny tale with lots of wordplay and friendship.

Most of the time animals want to be discreet. But sometimes they want to be noticed. In their signature use of collage, this team presents handsome portraits of a range of animals and information about each. Additional information about the subjects is included at the end.

The gorilla is fierce but a loving father. A porcupine is prickly but gentle. This handsome portrait of animals describes the most familiar trait and then relates behaviors that are very different. Soft monochromatic illustrations are juxtaposed to text that encourages readers to learn more about the animals presented and question common assumptions.

Are fish bright just because they travel in schools? Mac and Mac are not called noodleheads for nothing! The pair is back for another silly adventure presented in easy graphic format. 

Join the celebration from morning until evening. It’s presented in rhyming English with Spanish seamlessly incorporated. “No one’s working, closed tiendas./ Bright balloons and meriendas.” Unfamiliar words can be found in the cheerful illustrations (but there’s a glossary just in case!).

Polly is a list-maker, a word lover, and soon to be a big sister again. When she gets a magic book that not only writes back but makes things become real, well, she finds that magic can be unexpected. This is an engaging early chapter book and the first in a new series.

Fact and fiction combine in this handsomely illustrated, informative, and readable story of a small brown bat. We follow Otis over a period of time until the small brown bats hibernate. Additional information about bats, threats to them and a glossary are included.

The class homework assignment is to draw “12 things, but in sets.” How the kids do it is up to them. Annamarie decides to present 3 types of music represented by 4 instruments each while classmates do it in different, creative ways. This clever presentation is both reading and math (and maybe music) made clear in easy graphic format.

Factual information about dolphins — they “come in all sizes, shapes, and colors” and they can even whistle — combines with cartoon illustrations complete with conversation bubbles. An engaging addition to an informative series.

Get ready for an archaeological dig then go on to find out more about dinosaurs and how they lived. There are flaps to pull, pop-ups to surprise and lots of interesting detail in this browsing book that may inspire further research.

Vernon, the frog, shares small everyday adventures with his friends Skunk, and Porcupine (first introduced in A Home for Bird (opens in a new window)). Quietly told and delicately illustrated these charming tales are reminiscent of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad stories.

They may appear similar but can really be different. Think noodles and pasta are the same? What about a clementine and a mandarin orange? They’re similar but different. Readers will encounter seemingly same pairs and discover what makes them unique in this handsomely illustrated and fact-filled volume.

One sunny afternoon, Wolf decides to make an apple cake. But when he goes out to collect all of the ingredients it becomes more difficult than expected. Along the way he meets other fairy tale characters with whom he shares the final product! A recipe for Aunt Rosie’s apple cake concludes this comic take on traditional tales.

The people of Woo cannot get to market easily as the bridge has been taken over by a dragon named Frightful. When twins Wei and Mei are born, a wise aunt knows that it will take both girls to confront the dragon. Highly detailed illustrations and fast-paced storytelling evokes eastern art, sure to enthrall adventure and dragon aficionados.

Go ahead, dip in. There is something for everyone in this fascinating compendium of information. Organized by general topic, brief, illustrated essays are accessibly written to provide a taste of the topic. A glossary and complete index conclude the volume.

Like other kids, Vera just wants to fit in. But going to a Russian camp is not what Vera thought it would be at all. Readers will recognize feeling like an outsider (and get a taste of Russian culture) in this fresh and engaging graphic novel.

Only Livy sees the greenish creature when she and her family visit Gran in Australia. They see her talking to a chicken. But Bob is not only not a chicken, he’s quite special. Told from both Livy and Bob’s point of view, this handsomely illustrated and well told tale is fresh and intriguing.

Alberto lives in a remote town called Allora. After his family is gone, Alberto is lonely until he rescues a desperate boy. They share a folktale and see it come true in this evocative store with elements of magic realism.

Striking illustrations and short chapters capture the drama of the man who walked from the United States to Canada — on a tightrope — over Niagara Falls. This little known event took place in the mid-19th century. Additional information is included.

When Langston and his father move from Alabama to Chicago, he discovers the poet after whom his mother named him. And unlike the segregated library back home, he can freely use the library. Set during the Great Migration, the boy’s emotions, successes, and challenges remain contemporary. 

The classic tale of the Revolutionary War is now 75 years old. An introduction by Nathan Hale in his signature graphic history style is likely to bring this to a new audience.  

It is said that necessity is the mother of invention. And the women readers meet here certainly seem to support that notion. Have you ever seen a baby in a “snugli”? It was invented by a woman who wanted to keep her baby calm. How about “Scotchgard”? This woman came up with it to help wipe away stains. Meet these inventors and others who had good ideas, skill, and stick-to-it-ness.

Louisiana Elefante lives with her peripatetic grandmother, moving frequently. But at long last, Louisiana finds family, friends, and home in this touching, eccentric novel. Readers may remember Louisiana from Raymie Nightingale (opens in a new window), but this is Louisiana’s own story told in her unique and memorable voice.

Merci Suarez lives with her parents and older brother and her grandparents, Abuela and Lolo. She’s a hardworking, good kid who cares about her family and her community. How she navigates the changes that she and her family confront is both touching and plausible. Winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal.

When Louie’s father brings home a sickly, premature baby miniature donkey, he’s not sure he can do anything for it. But Louie falls for the small animal and Winslow not only survives but thrives as does a friendship with a new and quirky girl. How Winslow helps both Louie and Nora is told with heart.

Poetry should be shared every day just as nature should be viewed with appreciation each day. This hefty, handsome collection provides a way to combine both. The selection of poems and poets is broad both in background and style. The result is a memorable collection that not only shares well but is certain to become a family favorite.

Sophisticated art portrays a haunting, bigger-than-life Sojourner Truth. When combined with a moving narrative, the result is a unique portrait of Sojourner Truth’s life. A biographical note and sources are included.

Billy loves snakes and since he lives with in Florida with his sister and eagle-obsessed mom, he has ready access to them. Then Billy tracks down his father and his new family in Montana. Set between the two distinct locations, the latest environmental adventure is fast-paced with broad appeal (and a few snakes).

Absolute silliness results when a chicken is caught up in a struggle with a Norse god. The result is a superhero chicken. The hybrid clucker (half god, half fowl) is sure to cause readers to chuckle as well as groan with its heroic absurdity.

The Vanderbeekers are back in this standalone companion to The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (opens in a new window). Here they help create a community garden to help a neighbor and to avoid losing parts if their neighborhood to even more development.

When the human crew goes missing, the trained space dogs — the Barkonauts — must survive on the ship, Laika. Will they find the astronauts? Can they complete the mission? This space saga moves along at a quick clip.

A large and diverse group of writers and visual artists present a range of art and writing to encourage young people to use their voices. From essays to poems, from collage to photographs, this handsome volume is sure to inspire as it introduces readers to different forms of expression.

Meet a young Zora Neale Huston through the eyes of her best friend Carrie Brown. They are in the African American town of Eatonville, Florida, in 1903. Two time periods converge when the Westin of 1855 results in an old mystery solved and a town saved in this fast-paced novel.