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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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).

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)

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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).

“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 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.