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Winter brings with snow, clinging to branches, “crouching in doorways,” and settles “softly, so softly.” It is followed by signs of an approaching season … spring! Gentle language and textured, boldly lined illustrations present another season by an award-winning husband/wife team.

Beaver is good at many things, just not at making friends. That changes when Raccoon and Beaver make a snowman (actually, a snow animal!) together. Their collaboration helps them realize that they have lots in common — including friendship. Lighthearted illustrations and text present a snowy adventure that grows a friendship.

A fox emerges from its burrow to find food in a snowy landscape, hunting a mouse and a hare. The fox becomes the hunted when a wolverine emerges from another lair. The small fox makes it back to its den where it can find safety and rest. Dramatic illustrations and lyrical narration effectively tell a realistic story.

As seasons change, days get shorter and colder. Animals adapt, children await snow, and there are holidays to celebrate. Straightforward text and crisp photographs document winter and introduce some of its characteristics in informative yet poetic narration.

When Bear invites Izzy, a small chipmunk, to his home, she knows that it must be very important; Bear never asks for much. Izzy and other animal friends brave a blizzard to get to Bear’s to share a very special occasion. Illustrations from varied perspectives add humor and heart to the tale of warm friendship on a cold night.

Snowflakes begin to fall as almost everyone says goodnight. But the snowplow and its driver are just gearing up for a long night. Morning comes with closed schools but clear streets and only then do the snowplow and driver say good night! Richly hued illustrations and gently rhyming text present a snowy night’s work.

In spite of a storm and with a bit of human help, a struggling but tenacious robin returns home to its mate. There it finds its Christmas bird cake and a watchful, caring young person to celebrate the reunion. Realistic illustrations chronicle the bird’s intense journey, appropriate for any time of the year.

Weather forecasters didn’t expect much from a storm that approached New York City in 1888 so they left for the day. What became a devastating blizzard is presented here in vivid detail with period photographs and riveting narrative. Contemporary readers will recognize many of the changes that were put in place because of this powerful storm.

Duck wants Bear to play in the snow with him, but Bear prefers the indoors. Then Bear gets the sniffles but Duck takes care of Bear; that is, until Bear has had enough. Will Bear return the favor when his neighbor comes down with a cold? Understated humor in text and comic illustrations are hallmarks of the latest Bear and Duck tale.

Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There’s no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan, again. Crenshaw is a cat. He’s large, he’s outspoken, and he’s imaginary. He has come back into Jackson’s life to help him.

Byx is the youngest member of her dairne pack. Believed to possess remarkable abilities, her mythical doglike species has been hunted to near extinction in the war-torn kingdom of Nedarra. After her pack is hunted down and killed, Byx fears she may be the last of her species. The Endling. So Byx sets out to find safe haven, and to see if the legends of other hidden dairnes are true.

This tale is told by a tree named Red, a red oak who is “two hundred and sixteen rings old.” Touching on bigotry and the environment, Applegate keeps the emphasis on her characters, the many animals and birds who find shelter in the tree’s branches all year round.

When his classmates can’t sit still for a big performance at school, Roscoe Riley takes matters into his own hands with a liberal dose of Super-Mega-Gonzo Glue. Roscoe doesn’t mean to break the rules — he just can’t help himself! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.