Daisy narrates, in short, poetic language, how her older sister prepares for her marriage to Jamal. The emotional tale conveys both the joy of the marriage and the sadness of a sister leaving home. But ultimately, as Daisy and her family look at the wedding pictures, they remember the day fondly. Realistic illustrations enhance the story and add detail.
The Wedding
Jenny’s favorite uncle, Uncle Peter, is getting married. Now Jenny won’t be his only “special girl” any longer; she’ll have to share him with Stella! But Peter’s bride is as happy to have a new niece as she is beautiful and wins Jenny over. Child-like illustrations reflect the traditions and warmth of this Chinese American family.
Uncle Peter’s Amazing Chinese Wedding
This story prepares a child for what to expect at a traditional American wedding, from the point of view of the ring bearer. The simple rhyming text concludes with the bride and groom driving off, the ring bearer and other children throwing seeds for good luck – for “This is the way/The wedding will go.”
The Ring Bearer
Nadia is thrilled to be the flower girl at her aunt’s wedding, yet continues to worries her classmates will respond on Monday to the temporary henna tattoos (mehndi). The intricate hand decorations that wear off slowly are a tradition of the family’s Pakistani background. Respect for tradition and the need to conform are at odds, but then resolved in this well-illustrated story.
Nadia’s Hands
Who else except Lilly would Mr. Slinger, Lilly’s favorite teacher, invite to be flower girl in his wedding? His niece, Ginger, that’s who! Lilly’s indomitable personality and the author’s genuine respect for children shine through in this wholly credible story — a very funny and satisfying saga in which Lilly saves the day.
Lilly’s Big Day
Lettice, a small rabbit, is asked to be the flower girl in her dance teacher’s wedding. Giselle, a human, has asked a boy named Harry to be the ring bearer. Harry and Lettice share the joy and a bit of tension at this special occasion that is as sparkly as the pages of the book.
Lettice the Flower Girl
As the page boy in his friend’s wedding, Beni carries the ring and experiences the excitement of his first wedding. Rich in Jewish wedding tradition, there is a sweet treat offered to guests at the end — and the recipe is included!
Beni’s First Wedding
James recounts one family visit to see his uncle and grandmother in New York City. Uncle Andy (who dropped the “a” from his surname) is an artist who would rock the art world, but who is appreciated here as the eccentric uncle of a slightly offbeat family. Warhol’s images are conjured in this energetic family memoir.
Uncle Andy’s: A Faabbulous Visit with Andy Warhol
As a girl’s sight is slipping away, she realizes that color and images continue to live in her imagination. Her travels by subway show highly detailed patterns all around her and her artistic vision is heightened as her senses begin blending together. Children will want to slow down to see the “sound of color.”
The Sound of Colors
In this creative collection, words are used as objects to create images — both on the page and in the reader’s mind. These literal representations make poetry and imagery accessible even to very young children.
A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poetry
Artists use line and color to convey meaning and invite interpretation. Seventeen pieces of art are used to explore various depictions of faces, hands, and forms. Additional information about the work and the artists are presented in the final section.
Look! Body Language in Art
Artist Marc Chagall’s early life is represented through engaging narrative and illustrations that call to mind Chagall’s own work. A reproduction of one of his paintings is included.
Dreamer from the Village: The Story of Marc Chagall
This clever tale follows two child artists, Vashti and Ramon, through the creative process. Though they are influenced by encouraging teachers and discouraging siblings, they ultimately discover that everyone sees a piece of art a little bit differently. The important lesson is finding the beauty in your own work.
The Dot
Sara has initial hesitations when she is asked to create a painting for the class art show. But when her mother suggests that the universe Sara wants to paint starts right outside her window, Sara opens the door to the art all around her. Child-like watercolors present Sara’s creative process - from being overwhelmed to finding inspiration.
Begin at the Beginning: A Little Artist Learns About Life
A young artist named Art lives up to his name and takes the reader on a vibrant journey where color and line race from page to page. Art’s exuberance is portrayed with nimble illustrations, translucent colors, and rhyming language.
Art
Young children will delight in seeing familiar animals in their natural habitats, portrayed in the distinct styles of various artists. Lively descriptions accompany the illustrations, and endnotes include artist, time period, and owning museums.
Animals: A First Art Book
The artist Jackson Pollack’s style and energy in his piece Number 1 1950 earned him the nickname Action Jackson. Fascinating details emerge as the art, environment, and inspiration of Jackson Pollack are presented in a carefully crafted, well-told, and vivaciously illustrated picture book biography.
Action Jackson
Petey loves bedtime, because that’s when he gets to hear the story of when he was born. Complete with fire trucks and wheelchairs racing through hospital halls, Petey takes over and embellishes his own story. Children and their parents will recognize themselves in this very funny book.
Petey’s Bedtime Story
Chuck throws caution to the wind, along with safety rules, when he rides on his spiffy new red motorcycle. That is, until he’s brought back to reality by a highway patrol officer! Lively, alliterative language and realistic illustrations combine for this funny cautionary tale.
Lucky Chuck
Janet and Jimmy are twins but like all siblings, Janet doesn’t want Jimmy to touch her stuff. She takes her mother’s suggestion and puts her “thingamajigs” in a special place. Janet’s thingamajigs are dispatched when her special place, her crib, is replaced by a regular twin bed and the twins realize they’re growing up. Full color illustrations complement the tone of this recognizable milestone in children’s lives.
Janet’s Thingamajigs
The song made famous by jazz great Ella Fitzgerald in the 1930s has been re-created, re-energized and newly presented in a picture book version. Sprightly cut paper collage illustrations show two children losing and ultimately finding both a lost basket and a friendship.
A Tisket, a Tasket
This collection of children’s rhymes is drawn from Spanish-speaking countries and is presented in both Spanish and English. The music that accompanies each song appears on delicately illustrated pages that children will want to hear again and again.
Los Pollitos Dicen / The Baby Chicks Sing
A familiar traditional Shaker hymn has been interpreted in bold, semi-abstract, jewel-toned illustrations reminiscent of artist Paul Klee. A cat, squirrel, bird and turtle characters create the feel of the music.
Simple Gifts
When Rosa’s grandmother becomes sick, Rosa comes up with an idea that not only makes Grandma feel better, it helps add coins to the family’s near empty money jar. Translucent watercolors illustrate this timeless, affectionate tale of family, community and the power of music.