![AstroNuts Mission One: The Plant Planet](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/145217119X.jpg?itok=ZMhRj4zW)
Who said that there isn’t fact in fun? They haven’t met the heroes in this highly, hysterically illustrated space adventure. AlphaWolf, SmartHawk, LaserShark, and StinkBug explore the universe in their Thomas Jefferson Nose Rocket looking for a Goldilocks planet but find danger instead. Earth, the narrator, also provides information about climate change in this wild and witty adventure.
AstroNuts Mission One: The Plant Planet
![Thukpa for All](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/8193388984.jpg?itok=c8oJedO1)
When the gong rings at the gompa, Tsering takes off for home knowing that hot, hearty, spicy thukpa awaits him. He invites others as he meets along the mountainous path. When the power goes out, Abi worries she won’t be able to see to complete the thukpa. But Tsering is accustomed to the dark as he’s blind. Alliterative, onomatopoeic language complements the childlike illustrations. Information about thukpa and a recipe are included.
Thukpa for All
![Small in the City](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0823442616_0.jpg?itok=W_aYiq1b)
A child travels alone on a bus through a bustling city. Who is the narrator addressing? Is the reader or someone else? The child offers advice, like “Alleys can be good shortcuts…” but there are dangers, too. Arriving home to a red door and a warm embrace, the child confidently says “You will be all right.” Only close examination of the stunning illustrations provides clues as to who (or what) is really small and alone in the city.
Small in the City
![Rapunzel](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0823442802.jpg?itok=oQ_slJf6)
In this traditional, sophisticated retelling of the Grimm tale, Rapunzel was taken from her parents because her father gathered food from a witch’s garden. Rapunzel grew up in a tower only accessible by way of her long golden hair. Hyman’s luminous, highly detailed illustrations were honored when first published in 1982 and are again available. Bethan Woollvin’s recasting of Rapunzel (opens in a new window) provides an interesting contrast both in the contemporary telling and simple but effective illustration.
Rapunzel
![The Quicksand Book](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0823442373.jpg?itok=fDZq2KNq)
Although not likely, if one ever finds themselves stuck in quicksand, this is the book you need! Two children, one stuck in the muck, receives information about quicksand and how to respond if caught. Tomie dePaola’s signature illustrations are as witty and appealing as when the book first appeared in 1977.
The Quicksand Book
![Peter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1626725721.jpg?itok=FoTYln1G)
Peter and Ernesto and other sloths lose their tree homes — destroyed by a hurricane. Their search for a new home is fraught with danger — alligators, jaguars, and more (oh my!). Finally they find a new home with a surprising roommate. Limited text and cartoons tell a raucous, silly adventure, the second story in this series. (See also: Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths (opens in a new window))
Peter & Ernesto: The Lost Sloths
![Noodleheads: Fortress of Doom](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/082344001X.jpg?itok=HkkHNjGf)
Mac and Mac, empty-headed noodle brothers, want to fill their heads with knowledge. But how? Start at the library, of course! Traditional “noodlehead” tales are reimagined here quite literally and presented in comic book format. Filled with jokes and slapstick, humor abounds throughout each of three chapters. A note for adults about traditional story sources ends this latest addition to the Noodleheads.
Noodleheads: Fortress of Doom
![Monsters: A Magic Lens Hunt for Creatures of Myth, Legend, Fairy Tale, and Fiction](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1999968069_0.jpg?itok=sq_ihcQD)
Monsters are found around the world, in book and in folktales. They are scary or silly, well-known or unfamiliar. With a red cellophane lens, find hidden critters on the large pages. Meet monsters that come from caves and mountains, to those that come in the night. There are even monster parts and pieces presented that can be used to inspire new creations.
Monsters: A Magic Lens Hunt for Creatures of Myth, Legend, Fairy Tale, and Fiction
![Mr. Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1444932098.jpg?itok=2WCwb7TZ)
Mr. Penguin and Colin, his Kung Fu kicking spider sidekick share another slapstick adventure. Will they and their new friends be able to thwart the nefarious Rodent Gang? Can they solve the mystery of the peculiar noises coming from the fortress? Lots of illustrations help move their adventure quickly to its satisfying conclusion in this followup adventure to Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure (opens in a new window).
Mr. Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets
![The Hike](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/145217461X.jpg?itok=P7bVXpWi)
Three high-energy children and their dog begin a hike in the woods by running. They stop along the way to enjoy thimbleberries, observe a deer, and more. One of the girls keeps a journal of things she’s observed. Wren’s journal is shown after the three children return home as the sun sets. Simple illustrations convey they joy of an outdoor hike and what the kids have seen along the way.
The Hike
![The Dog Who Lost His Bark](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1536204420.jpg?itok=ZF4cNnhx)
In spite of his canine mother’s assurances, a puppy is mistreated by people and winds up at a shelter. A boy named Patrick and his mother spend the summer — and beyond — at his grandfather’s home. How the dog who lost his bark and a boy with no friends and parents who are separating help each other heal is tenderly told and gently illustrated in this short, moving novel.
The Dog Who Lost His Bark
![Why?](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0823441733.jpg?itok=4Bl2Y02_)
Why is the question a small rabbit asks a gentle but imposing bear. Why can’t the bear go into rabbit’s hole? Why did rabbit fall from the tree? Bear patiently answers most of the questions, but for some there are no answers. Expressive art and child-friendly text fuse seamlessly in this moving and evocative book.
Why?
![The Word Pirates](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0823443590.jpg?itok=oMpEOTm2)
A sterling storyteller and wonderful writer with a word-spinning pen turn Captain Rottingbones and his word-pilfering pirates into fantabulous farmers. Lush language and humorous illustrations capture the zany story which demands to be shared aloud. This is a fitting homage to this creative team’s friend (author and storyteller Margaret Mahy) and may lead readers to find additional tales.
The Word Pirates
![The Scarecrow](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0062475762.jpg?itok=iKUeeTCT)
A scarecrow guards his fields throughout the seasons; no animal or bird comes. But then something small drops down to forever change the lonely figure in the field. It is a baby crow who stays with the scarecrow, leaves, and then returns with its family. Glowing illustrations change with each season to enhance the touching, rhyming tale.
The Scarecrow
![The Quiet Boat Ride and Other Stories](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1452152896_0.jpg?itok=JBB8RkzI)
Though they’re quite different, calm and patient Fox remains friends with Chick. Unlike Fox, Chick tends to worry and fret in each of three short tales told through illustration and conversation bubbles. Newly independent readers will appreciate the accessible comic book format and relatable emotions expressed in text and image.
The Quiet Boat Ride and Other Stories
![One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1682631311.jpg?itok=Q3kBGkwx)
One “famished fox “with 2 “sly eyes” and 10 “sharp teeth” gradually creeps up to an unsuspecting hen house. Suddenly, with feathers flying, “100 angry hems” scare off one “frightened fox.” Brief text and dramatic illustrations combine to present a tense, humorous, and very satisfying story combined with counting from 1 to 10.
One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller
![Mr. Scruff](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/153620935X.jpg?itok=blN4H1yC)
Poodle Polly belongs to Molly. Eric, a dachshund, belongs to Derek. But for the poor, large, older mutt named Mr. Scruff, there’s no one. That is until small Jim meets him — and even though their names don’t rhyme, they become fast friends. Whimsical illustrations add charm to this affable, rhyming story.
Mr. Scruff
![Little Bro, Big Sis](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1623541093.jpg?itok=EKiJUhby)
When the younger brother describes his sister, she’s pictured as a rhinoceros, a boring, bossy bully. Flip the book over, and it’s the sister who sees her brother as a noisy, annoying monkey. They come together to realize that maybe two kids in “the family isn’t so bad.” But then with a “Waaaa,” a third sibling arrives! This humorous look at sibling dynamics is sure to resonate.
Little Bro, Big Sis
![Just in Case You Want to Fly](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0823443442.jpg?itok=dJp6r2a9)
A child looks out from an apartment window assured that the wind and sky will be there if she wants to fly. The lyrical reassurances continue as children continue on different adventures, imaginatively portrayed in the artist’s signature bold, childlike style. Altogether, this is a comforting, cozy book to share again and again.
Just in Case You Want to Fly
![Just Because](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763696803.jpg?itok=jE1AniLd)
A father warmly and creatively answers his child’s endless questions: “Why is the ocean blue?” (“Because every night fish play sad songs and cry blue tears.”) The final question, “Why do we have to sleep?” is answered, “Because there are some things we can only see with our eyes closed.” Stylized illustrations suggest a timeless quality to a child’s curiosity and a parent’s patience.
Just Because
![In Every House on Every Street](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1680101722.jpg?itok=P-PqMNHL)
Join the narrator’s rhyming examination of his house, including things one doesn’t always see. For instance, in the room where the family bakes, “we sing into spoons and get covered in cake!” Each room holds special pleasure. A double gatefold opens up an entire block of houses, concluding “… our house is something like yours!”
In Every House on Every Street
![I Need a Hug](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1338297104.jpg?itok=bCNnsapt)
Poor porcupine! No one will give the prickly (but needy) critter a hug. Not Lou the rabbit, not Ken the deer, not even big bear, Joe. They are all afraid of the green kiss-seeking snake. But porcupine isn’t! Animated, comical illustrations combine with conversation bubbles to tell a very funny, understated, and satisfying story.
I Need a Hug
![I Love My Colorful Nails](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/8417123598.jpg?itok=oIWLzqci)
Ben got the best birthday present of all when he walked into his classroom that day. Until then, after being teased at school, Ben hid his love for colorful fingernails, only painting them on weekends. His friend Margarita and Ben’s parents had always been supportive, but now everyone would share Ben’s joy. Line and wash illustrations complement this unique way of accepting differences.
I Love My Colorful Nails
![Hats Are Not for Cats](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1328967190.jpg?itok=rgQY4Fzr)
Are hats for cats? Not according to a large dog that goes on to declare that no hats, big or small are simply “… not for cats at all.” The lively descriptions of all kinds of hats (pirate or party, silly or frilly) are accompanied by equally jaunty illustrations that convey not only action but cat and dog emotions finally affirming that “Hats are for everyone!”