Summer Reading Guide 2020

A small white dog and his human dad move in with a cat and a large dog and their human mom. Though the transition is tough, they make it — until a “Waaah!” joins the family. Understated, comical, and relatable, this experience is presented with expressive illustration and limited language.

Everyone has seen a housefly and many other familiar insects in this collection of short, lighthearted poems. Illustrations are humorous, adding verve and humor to the poems.

Very Big Crab reassures Little Crab when they leave their tiny tidal pool for the large sea. Few details are needed as illustrations swirl expressively across pages as the pair makes their way to the joys that they find in the ocean.

Twins Erin and Ellis are good at many things, especially looking for trouble. They look everywhere and finally find their cat, Trouble! The surprise ending creates a minor mystery as the children creatively search for Trouble through simple illustrations and a straightforward text.

The wind sweeps away the umbrella that elephant uses to shelter himself and other small animals from rain. The same wind carries the umbrella away from other animals until it winds up back where it started. Engaging illustrations and simple narration create a folktale-like story.

It’s dark in the lighthouse home; everything is quiet, until it is not! Everyone in the large, extended family gets into the silliness — even the dog — until everyone falls asleep. Lively rhythmic language combines with energetic illustrations for a fun book to read and share.

From the window in his favela, the narrator shares what he sees: neighbors working, playing, the changing weather, and more. Based on the author’s experience growing up in Brazil, everyday experiences are illustrated in a colorful, naïve, folk style. 

A father gently awakens his child to begin their day outdoors. As they leave home, the scenery changes, becoming more tranquil and natural where they begin their hike. At the end of the day, they head home. The joy of an outdoor afternoon and the pleasure of an outing with dad are elegantly conveyed with few words. 

Apis Mellifera, the worker honeybee, does a lot during its short life. Poetic language and highly detailed illustrations provide an up-close look at the bee, its hive, and expansive travels, cleverly seen in a double gatefold. Backmatter and further reading conclude this stunning book.

A girl and her family visit their little blue cottage by the bay every summer as she grows. Lyrical language and gentle illustrations expressively depict time passing until the girl, now grown, returns with her own family, implicitly diverse and intergenerational.

Lenny is an artist who plans to compose a symphony. His mind is blank until he listens to sounds around him. As the sun rises, Lenny returns home full of notes, music, and life. Lightly lined illustrations and lots of lively language present the music of Paris.

While visiting the beach, the narrator declares that she will build a sandcastle — one with turrets and more. Build she does, which attracts royal visitors who become disenchanted with their sandy food. Imagination reigns in the detailed illustrations, until a wave allows the girl to begin anew.

Readers know from the title page that the dog will not give up the spotlight. The dog is really a scruffy mutt who creates chaos and lots laughter as it peeks onto pages with other animals. Expressive animals appear on uncluttered colored backgrounds until the surprise conclusion.

As the day begins, “All is quiet. Or is it?” If you listen closely, the sounds of the day emerge. From dawn darkness, the day gradually lightens in the subtle illustrations that depict city and country, inviting readers to “fill the world with your song.”

Earth is presented as a large brown-skinned girl who awakens “from a winter nap” listens to farmers tapping the earth and birds singing. She guides a baby zebra, tends prairies, and more until she sleeps, “To fly up again in the warm bright sun of spring!” Clever use of flaps and die-cuts hold surprises and delights in the richly colored, dynamic illustrations and lyrical language, creating a stunning appreciation of Earth.

A mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong. The up-and-down journey that reminds them of what’s best about Saturdays: precious time together.

Philip Freelon’s dream became reality when his team was commissioned to design the National Museum of African American History and Culture which opened in the nation’s capital in 2016. Beginning with his childhood, this realistically illustrated biography provides an afterword by the architect and additional resources.

Is the object that Brain finds an eyeball or is it an egg, as Chick says? Can Chick — or anyone — convince him otherwise? Silliness abounds in image and word in this graphic novel by the creator of Newbery Honor winning El Deafo (opens in a new window).

The life of Aesop, a Greek enslaved person who wove memorable stories, begins this handsome volume followed by well-known and lesser-known fables. Mixed media illustrations are expressive, creating a sense of time and place while retaining universality. An afterword by the author expands on what is known (and not known) about Aesop.

Though her family didn’t have much when she was a child in Chicago (growing up during the Great Depression), Gwendolyn Brooks was surrounded by poetry and a loving family. This beautifully illustrated book is an affectionate look at the life of a girl who grew up to be the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize. Additional resources for further reading are included.

Fox and Rabbit, unlikely friends with very different personalities, visit a fair, go to the beach, start a garden, and more in five stories. Charming and gently humorous, this is the first in a new, engaging graphic novel series.

Not everyone aspires to be a champion rock climber like Ashima. Her skill and passion grow with practice and study. The athlete’s story is likely to provide inspiration for all those who aim for greatness in any field. Color illustrations capture the climber’s determination.

Can Iggy Peck use his architectural prowess to help Ada Twist’s Aunt Bernice from losing the house she inherited? Iggy, Ada, and the other Questioneers come together to solve the mystery of the missing antiques and acquire a bit of history along the way in this latest story in the Questioneers series.

Mango and Brash right the wrongs created by “crime, corruption, and confusion.” They are the InvestiGators, with an emphasis on gators, for Mango and Brash are alligators. Fast-paced and slightly goofy, this clever tale is sure to delight graphic novel and mystery aficionados alike.

Can rescue dog, McTavish, help his Peachy family with vacation plans? His human family needs his guidance and patience — again. Whether revisiting the Peachys (Good Dog, McTavish (opens in a new window)) or meeting them for the first time, this charming, recognizable family is sure to charm readers of all ages.

There are two sides to everything, including animals. Creatures like black cats, vampire bats, Tasmanian devils, and a host of other animals often have bad reputations — but there is another side! Explore both in an an open format with humorous illustrations. A glossary is included.

Emily Dickinson came to understand the world through what she could see and through words which she communicated through poetry. Lyrical language infused with Emily’s poems combines with translucent illustrations to reflect her world. Backmatter completes this handsome, informative package.

The prophecy has come true: the black snake has come to terrorize the community. It hurts the source of life, water. This call to action is presented by in word and image by an author and illustrator, Ojibwe and Tlingit/Haida respectively, based on the Dakota Pipeline access protest in Standing Rock reservation. Lush, flowing illustrations and a narration by a young Native girl make a compelling case for protection, encouraging readers to sign a water protector pledge.

A boy is not happy about moving but while exploring his new home, he finds a large roll top desk. There he discovers imaginative, surprising stories. The Argentinian author/illustrator has created a memorable fantasy juxtaposing the real world and extraordinary adventures held in the found journal. Surreal illustrations are presented in sequential art, calling to mind a graphic novel.

This poem is a love letter to black life in the U.S. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, and Gwendolyn Brooks. Robust back matter provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more.

Donte and his brother are biracial; their mother is Black, their father is white. They attend the same wealthy suburban school but have very different experiences there. Donte is dark-skinned but his brother appears white. How Donte gains a sense of sense of self and beats the bully at his own game is compelling and timely.

Lots of things happen all over the world every day. Have you ever considered what one small second of time can hold? What would happen in a minute? An hour? Colorful, bold graphic illustrations punctuate the statistics cited with sources noted at the end. The eye-popping numbers and images are sure to ignite wonder if not curiosity.

Magical mayhem begins when Emily goes in search of her parents, finding instead an alternate London. Today’s London is in danger from the “other” London, and protected by an enchantment in which both parents play a part. This is a funny, fast, and accessible fantasy.

There’s only one president at a time. And they could come from anywhere. “When George Washington became the first president of the United States, there were nine future presidents alive.” This unique approach to U.S. Presidents is illustrated to highlight chronology but is sure to encourage all that the next president could currently be “listening, learning, and getting ready to lead.”

He’s small, a bit rough around the edges but he’s got a big heart and big friends. Meet Bob of dubious heritage; “…some Chihuahua, with a smidgen of Papillon…”  His best friends are a gorilla named Ivan, a small elephant named Ruby, and a girl named Julia. The sequel to the Newbery-winning book, The One and Only Ivan (opens in a new window), this new story can stand alone with its unique verve and charm. Spot illustrations and a glossary of dog terms add humor and emotion.

From the Atmosdragon to the Oblivionped, the Earth is in grave danger. Science and folkloric creature are creatively integrated in this call to action. Attractive and accessible, “monster cards” add a game-like quality as well as a way to compare impact. Source notes and index are included.

Two distinctive artists are presented in a similar formats but each illustrated in a style that reflects the times when each artist lived. Original work by the artist is integrated into the narrative to add context. Paintings and source notes conclude these appealing and attractive introductions to art and artists. The second title is Portrait of an Artist: Claude Monet: Discover the Artist Behind the Masterpieces (opens in a new window) by Lucy Brownridge, illustrated by Caroline Bonne-Müller.

After the death of Hanna’s mother, she and her father head to the Dakota Territory looking to start anew. But can a girl with a Chinese mother and a white father overcome the odds against them? The Newbery Medalist again presents rich historical fiction with an afterword that describes the genesis of this powerful story.

They communicate, play, use tools, and sometimes even fight. Find out how different animals behave in this well-organized, engaging, and educational look at animal behavior. Illustrations complement the accessible text on each double-page spread. A glossary and additional resources are included.

Ryan Hart finds ways to make sunshine even when she’s not happy about moving to a smaller house, selling the family car, and the other changes life brings. But her name means “king” and so she must lead. Lead she does in this contemporary, realistic and engaging novel just right for fans of Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby.

Middle school is never easy but 7th grade becomes particularly tough for Ross when he’s diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer. In spite of his best friend preparing to move and being bullied for the effect of the grueling cancer treatment, Ross finds power in music and friendship — and discovers something about his nemesis. This uplifting, often humorous novel is based on the author’s experience.

Set in a futuristic fictionalized Thailand, run by a powerful Governor, Pong has spent his life in prison. He escapes but is pursued by Nok, the Warden’s daughter. Themes seen in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables are freshly presented in a wholly original setting and vivid period in this riveting and accessible novel.

Dale Chihuly’s dramatic sculptures made of blown glass have been widely exhibited. His life and work as an innovative glass artist are presented in a highly visual, informative presentation. Stunning color photographs of individual pieces as well as large installations are used to convey the power of glass sculpture.