Kids ActivitiesStory Hour
11:00 am, usually on the second Tuesday of the month. Next Story Hour is: December 11th, 2023 American History!
Interested in American History? Check out Cobblestone Magazine! This month is all about: The Wright Brothers 
|
New Books for Kids
The Big Cheese
by Jory John and Pete Oswald The Big Cheese is the best at everything, and brags about it, too. When the annual Cheese-cathlon comes around, the Big Cheese is prepared to win, as always. But what happens when the quiet new kid, Wedge Wedgeman, comes out on top? Is a slice of humility all the Big Cheese needs to discover that some things are better than being the best? Jory John and Pete Oswald serve up another heaping plate of laughs and lessons with this empowering, witty, and charming addition to their #1 New York Times bestselling series! 
Big
by Vashti Harrison The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time. 
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer
by Jeff Kinney Up until now, middle school hasn’t exactly been a joyride for Greg Heffley. So when the town threatens to close the crumbling building, he’s not too broken up about it. But when Greg realizes this means he’s going to be sent to a different school than his best friend, Rowley Jefferson, he changes his tune. Can Greg and his classmates save their school before it’s shuttered for good? Or is this the start of a whole new chapter for Greg? 
Mouse's Wood
by Alice Melvin Written with a gentle rhyme that reflects the slow pace of Mouse’s rambling journey, and illustrated in Alice Melvin’s inimitable style, Mouse’s Wood is a heartwarming celebration of slow living in nature. This beautifully designed book also features special die-cut flaps and includes a spread featuring a nature calendar of plants, birds, and animals for children to search for in the wild. Mouse first ventures out in wintry January to visit his friend Squirrel. Mouse moves on to wake up Hedgehog for the arrival of spring, and as he continues along the path in the wood, Mouse’s journey from friend to friend maps out the changes in seasons from January through to December. 
Cat Problems
by Jory John Just like most cats, this cat lives an extremely comfortable life. But he has his problems too! The sun spot he's trying to bathe in won't stop moving. He keeps getting served dry food instead of wet. And don't even get him started on the vacuum--it's an absolute menace!--and the nosy neighbor squirrel that just can't seem to mind its own business. Will this cat ever find the silver lining? Jory John and Lane Smith once again air their grievances in this must-have companion book to Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems. 
Farmhouse
by Sophie Blackall Over a hill, at the end of a road, by a glittering stream that twists and turns stands a farmhouse. Step inside the dollhouse-like interior of Farmhouse and relish in the daily life of the family that lives there, rendered in impeccable, thrilling detail. Based on a real family and an actual farmhouse where Sophie salvaged facts and artifacts for the making of this spectacular work, page after page bursts with luminous detail and joy. Join the award-winning, best-selling Sophie Blackall as she takes readers on an enchanting visit to a farmhouse across time, to a place that echoes with stories. 
The Incredible Hotel
by Kate Davies If you ever go to the great city of Delaunay, take a left at the Duchess’s palace and cross the Bridge of Spires, and here you will find The Incredible Hotel. Everything runs like clockwork, thanks to Stefan the kitchen porter, who brews the coffee every morning, and dreams of being a chef. Until the morning of the Grand Ball, when a fire starts in the kitchen just as the Duchess of Delaunay arrives... can Stefan save the day? 
Two Roads
by Joseph Bruchac It's 1932, and twelve-year-old Cal Black and his Pop have been riding the rails for years after losing their farm in the Great Depression. Cal likes being a "knight of the road" with Pop, even if they're broke. But then Pop has to go to Washington, DC--some of his fellow veterans are marching for their government checks, and Pop wants to make sure he gets his due--and Cal can't go with him. So Pop tells Cal something he never knew before: Pop is actually a Creek Indian, which means Cal is too. And Pop has decided to send Cal to a government boarding school for Native Americans in Oklahoma called the Challagi School. At school, the other Creek boys quickly take Cal under their wings. Even in the harsh, miserable conditions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school, he begins to learn about his people's history and heritage. He learns their language and customs. And most of all, he learns how to find strength in a group of friends who have nothing beyond each other. 
Out of Hiding
by Ruth Gruener With a foreword by Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee. Ruth Gruener was a hidden child during the Holocaust. At the end of the war, she and her parents were overjoyed to be free. But their struggles as displaced people had just begun.In war-ravaged Europe, they waited for paperwork for a chance to come to America. Once they arrived in Brooklyn, they began to build a new life, but spoke little English. Ruth started at a new school and tried to make friends -- but continued to fight nightmares and flashbacks of her time during World War II.The family's perseverance is a classic story of the American dream, but also illustrates the difficulties that millions of immigrants face in the aftermath of trauma.This is a gripping and human account of a survivor's journey forward with timely connections to refugee and immigrant experiences worldwide today. 
The Dirt Diary
by Anna Stanszewski Eighth grade never smelled so bad. Rachel Lee didn't think anything could be worse than her parents splitting up. She was wrong. Working for her mom's new house-cleaning business puts Rachel in the dirty bathrooms of the most popular kids in the eighth grade. Which does not help her already loser-ish reputation. But her new job has surprising perks: enough dirt on the in-crowd to fill up her (until recently) boring diary. She never intended to reveal her secrets, but when the hottest guy in school pays her to spy on his girlfriend Rachel decides to get her hands dirty. 
The Confidence Code for Girls
by Katty Kay Packed with graphic novel strips; appealing illustrations; fun lists, quizzes, and challenges; and true stories from tons of real girls, The Confidence Code for Girls teaches girls to embrace risk, deal with failure, and be their most authentic selves. It’s a paradox familiar to parents everywhere: girls are achieving like never before, yet they’re consumed with doubt on the inside. Girls worry constantly about how they look, what people think, whether to try out for a sports team or school play, why they aren’t getting “perfect” grades, and how many likes and followers they have online. Katty Kay and Claire Shipman use cutting-edge science and research, as well as proven methods of behavioral change, to reach girls just when they need it the most—the tween and teen years. 
My Dad is a Tree
by Jon Agee It’s easy to be a tree. Just pretend your arms are branches, your body is a trunk, and your legs are roots. Don’t move, even if a bird makes a nest on your head, a squirrel hides an acorn in your pocket, and a spider builds a web under your arm. It’s OK: Trees don’t mind those things. Or so says the little girl who persuades her father to be a tree all day long, no matter what, even in the rain! This silly and sweet picture book will inspire all kinds of imaginative play and is a tribute to parents who will do just about anything for their kids. 
Cinders
by Kate Klimo In the 1800s, firefighters needed horses to pull the fire trucks. But horses spook easily and run away from fire — so they needed fire dogs. Cinders is a dappled gray horse with a bad reputation. When he first arrives at the firehouse, he refuses to even enter his stall. But a kind man, his daughter, and a smart dalmatian named Sparky convince him he’s made to be a firehouse horse. Will he learn to brave the flames in time to stand up to the biggest, fiercest, most frightening fire the city has ever faced? 
Luna
by Catherine Hapka For all lovers of horses and history, the beloved Horse Diaries series is heading to the circus! A beautiful Friesian horse and the younger sister of a circus star develop a heartwarming friendship in this sweet and lively story told straight from the horse’s mouth. The Netherlands, 1855 Luna is a black Friesian mare with one small white crescent- moon marking on her forehead. She lives a quiet life on a farm . . . until the circus comes to town! Luna bonds with a girl named May, who dreams of starring in the show, just like her older sister. And together, Luna and May just might be able to shine. Here is Luna’s story . . . in her own words. 
The Lost Library
by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change. Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself. Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It’s about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you). 
What's Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon?
By Rachel Ignotofsky Butterflies soar in the sunlight. While moths flutter under the moon and stars. Find out more about these mysterious and majestic insects similarities and differences, and their awestrucking metamorphosis! Rachel Ignotofsky's distinctive art style and engaging, informative text clearly answers any questions a child (or adult) could have about butterflies and moths in this nonfiction picture book series. 
The Book of Turtles
by Sy Montgomery Everyone loves turtles. And no wonder: long-lived, unhurried, and ancient, these shelled reptiles are fascinating. Turtles are also endlessly surprising. There are turtles with soft shells, turtles with googly eyes, turtles with necks longer than their bodies, and turtles whose shells glow in the dark! And each turtle, of each of the more than 300 kinds, is an individual. You’ll meet some of them here: Lonesome George, the last of his kind on Earth. And Myrtle, the 90-year-old green sea turtle, who has more than 7,000 followers on Facebook. What questions might you ask a turtle? You’ll find many of the answers in this gorgeous compendium—and perhaps be inspired to help at a time that these reptiles, who evolved at the same time as the dinosaurs, face the deadliest dangers of their more than 380-million-year history. 
Lily
Horse Diaries #15 by Whitney Sanderson Illustrated by Ruth Sanderson SOUTH WALES, 1939: Lily, a strawberry roan Welsh pony, loves Pony Club! She and her rider, Gwen, compete in and win lots of events, including Lily's favorite--jumping! Then Bridget joins the Pony Club. The English girl was sent from London to escape the bombings brought on by war. Gwen tries to be friends, but Bridget is sour and mean. Even worse, Bridget and her horse, Bron, make the perfect jump look easy. Now Gwen and Lily have some real competition. . . . 
Penny
Horse Diaries #16 by Whitney Sanderson Illustrated by Ruth Sanderson CALIFORNIA, 1850. Penny is a blue-eyed palomino paint mare with a taste for adventure! She and a boy named Jesse search for gold in the hills of Northern California. After striking it rich and then losing everything, Jesse and Penny join the Pony Express. The job is a tough one, but Penny loves a challenge! Here is Penny's story . . . in her own words. Love horses and history? Don't miss the stories of Elska, Bell's Star, Calvino, Lily, and more in the Horse Diaries series! 
My Dog Just Speaks Spanish
by Andrea Cáceres When Aurora came to the United States, she learned to speak English. But her spaniel, Nena, did not. Sweet Nena loves to give besos, and she knows only Spanish. She doesn’t know SIT, but she does know SIÉNTATE. She doesn’t know WAIT, but she does know ESPERA. And while TREAT doesn’t mean anything to Nena, she can certainly sniff out a POSTRE! At the park, Nena may not know what the other dog owners are saying, but she and Aurora will always understand each other just fine. Borrowing from her lived experience, Venezuelan-American author-illustrator Andrea Cáceres offers a gentle, charmingly illustrated ode to love that extends a hand—or a paw—to readers who may feel displaced or are learning a new language themselves. 
Puppy Bus
by Drew Brockington When a boy and his family move, he has to start all over at a new school—and gets plenty of first day jitters. The teachers will be different, he'll have to make new friends, and he won't even know where the bathroom is! On the first day, he nervously gets on the bus, only to end up at Puppy School. Everything is strange and different—but at the end of the day, new friends prove that maybe starting at someplace new isn't so bad after all. 
The Skull
by Jon Klassen Jon Klassen's signature wry humor takes a turn for the ghostly in this thrilling retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale. In a big abandoned house, on a barren hill, lives a skull. A brave girl named Otilla has escaped from terrible danger and run away, and when she finds herself lost in the dark forest, the lonely house beckons. Her host, the skull, is afraid of something too, something that comes every night. Can brave Otilla save them both? Steeped in shadows and threaded with subtle wit—with rich, monochromatic artwork and an illuminating author’s note--The Skull is as empowering as it is mysterious and foreboding. 
I Am A Dragon: A Squabble And A Quibble
by Sabina Hahn A squad of frogs is excited when they spot a Very Big Frog in their pond. But when the creature says that he isn’t a frog, the frogs insist that he’s the one who is wrong. What happens when the creature has had enough of the frogs’ quibbling? Find out in this pitch-perfect, hilarious read-aloud about misunderstandings, imagination, forgiveness, and friendship! 
The Night Walk
by Marie Dorléans Mama opened our bedroom door. "Wake up, you two," she whispered. "Let's go, so we get there on time." Excited, the sleepy family step outside into a beautiful summer night. The world is quiet and shadowy, filled with fresh smells and amazing sights. Is this what they miss when they're asleep? Together, they walk out of their sleeping village. What will they find in the dark landscape? This beautiful and evocative book movingly recalls family trips and the excitement of unknown adventure, while celebrating the awe-inspiring joy of the natural world. 
10 Cats
by Emily Gravitt Award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator Emily Gravett follows a group of playful cats as they turn a mess of color into an engaging display of art and text in this early learning picture book, perfect for anyone looking for books for 3-year-olds and up. Follow the lives of ten kittens as they playfully pounce, bat, and swat while their mother sleeps. Buckets of paint quickly turn the kittens—and their sleeping mother—into brilliant works of art. When mama cat wakes up, playtime turns into bath time. Full of playful and engaging art, this inventive cat book creates page after page of spot-the-difference fun perfect for repeat reading. This charming counting book is perfect for helping young readers learn their colors as well as how to count to ten. Emily Gravett’s adorable cat art makes 10 Cats just as appealing to those looking for gifts for cat lovers as to anyone searching for kids books ages 3–5. 
Uncle John's City Garden
by Bernadette Ford Illustrated by Frank Morrison Visiting the city from her home in the suburbs, an African American girl sees how a few packets of seeds, some helping hands, and hard work transform an empty lot in a housing project into a magical place where vegetables grow and family gathers. It’s the magic of nature in the heart of the city! Bernette Ford’s autobiographical story is a loving glimpse at a girl, her siblings, and her uncle, and their shared passion for farming. L’l Sissy’s fascination with measurement, comparison, and estimation introduces children to STEM concepts. And the progress of Uncle John’s garden introduces readers to the life cycle of plants. Frank Morrison, winner of multiple Coretta Scott King awards and an NAACP Image Award, depicts dramatic cityscapes as well as the luscious colors and textures of Nature. 
The Ice Cream Vanishes
by Julia Sarcone-Roach Squirrel is an expert at making acorns disappear. But making some ice cream vanish?! "I put it right there! On that hot rock in the sun!" When Squirrel returns with Bear and finds the ice cream gone, they know there is only one explanation—Squirrel is a magician! Determined to replicate this feat, Squirrel and Bear follow the ice cream truck...and put on a show every forest animal will remember forever. With a text that begs to be read aloud and lush paintings filled with humor, Julia Sarcone-Roach creates magical mayhem and a story so delicious, kids will be begging for second helpings. 
We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish
by Ryan T. Higgins Penelope Rex has one fear: Walter, the class goldfish. So when Mrs. Noodleman tells the kids that they'll be taking turns bringing Walter home, Penelope gets carried away by her anxious imagination. The weekend has a rocky start—from Walter ominously licking his lips to a sleepless night where the fish's bowl appears to move closer and closer to Penelope's bed. But then Walter goes missing! Penelope must face her fear to find him and realizes along the way that there's more to Walter than his chomping jaws. 
When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left
By Marc Colagiovanni Illustrated by Peter Reynolds "One day for no particular reason, nothing was going right. Absolutely positively, nothing was going right. So, I decided to go left..." Told through creative language play, and with depth and whimsy, this picture book reminds readers of their own agency and the power they have to direct their own path. Marc Colagiovanni’s lyrical text and Peter H. Reynolds's stunning art create an enduring message of strength and perseverance that is both universal and personal, and one that readers will be drawn to over and over again. This first of two new picture books created in collaboration with Marc and Peter will inspire, affirm, and reassure readers at key milestone moments in every young reader's life. When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left makes an inspiring graduation gift as well as a must-have, uplifting read sure to bring positivity to all who read it and remind us that even when nothing is going right… we can always choose to go left. 
Snake's Big Mistake
by Sarah Kurpiel For weeks, Snake has looked forward to sculpting the most spectacular clay pot in art class. But when his pot breaks and his teacher confuses Snake’s pot with Turtle’s, Snake takes home Turtle’s masterpiece to show his family and pretends that he made it. Now, Snake will have to craft a way to repair a broken pot and a broken friendship. Combining a sensitive, thoughtful text and irresistible illustrations, acclaimed author-illustrator Sarah Kurpiel centers emotions that young readers can easily identify with, such as anxiety, guilt, regret, and embarrassment. Snake’s Big Mistake--a companion to Elephant’s Big Solo--is an excellent choice for social and emotional learning, as well as story-time sharing. 
Mason goes Mushrooming
by Melany Kahn, Illustrated by Ellen Korbonski This first-of-its kind foraging story, Mason Goes Mushrooming takes us on a woodland treasure hunt. We follow a young boy and his four-legged pal, Buddy, to hunt edible mushrooms through lush Vermont landscapes, morels in springtime, chanterelles in summer and black trumpets in autumn. Curious about mushroom foraging or how you can hear the sound of the ocean without leaving the forest? Mason teaches us it’s never too early to learn, and never too late to start. Author (and Mason’s mom) Melany Kahn quells common fears and puts the “us” in mushrooms, by weaving simple education through a playful, fungi-finding adventure. Four kid-friendly, forest-to-frying pan recipes highlight the flavor notes of the mushrooms featured. A short identification guide is provided for newbie foragers. Illustrator Ellen Korbonski enchants with evocative watercolors capturing the beauty of the mushrooms, the thrill of the hunt, and Mason’s fertile imagination, in a style that pings with the charm and timelessness of an enduring classic. 
Hot Dog
by Doug Salati NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE 2023 CALDECOTT MEDAL • This glowing and playful picture book features an overheated—and overwhelmed—pup who finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air. Destined to become a classic! NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • Publishers Weekly • Kirkus Reviews • New York Public Library This hot dog has had enough of summer in the city! Enough of sizzling sidewalks, enough of wailing sirens, enough of people's feet right in his face. When he plops down in the middle of a crosswalk, his owner endeavors to get him the breath of fresh air he needs. She hails a taxi, hops a train, and ferries out to the beach. Here, a pup can run! With fluid art and lyrical text that have the soothing effect of waves on sand, award-winning author Doug Salati shows us how to find calm and carry it back with us so we can appreciate the small joys in a day. 
Once Upon A Book
by Grace Lin and Kate Messner Once upon a time, there was a girl. She went to a place alive with colors, where even the morning dew was warm. Alice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book. So when it flaps its pages and invites her in, she is swept away to a world of wonder and adventure, riding camels in the desert, swimming under the sea with colorful fish, floating in outer space, and more! But when her imaginative journey comes to an end, she yearns for the place she loves best of all. Paired with vibrant illustrations, this lyrical, expressive story invites the reader to savor each page and indulge in the power of imagination. 
Bushcraft Kid: Survive in the Wild and Have Fun Doing It!
by Dan Wowak How cool would it be to know how to build a fire, build your own shelter, find your food (and cook it too), and survive almost any environment? Now you can learn all the basic bushcraft skills from expert survivalist Dan Wowak. You’ll learn how to build the perfect fire, how to build all types of shelters, how to navigate your way through all types of terrain, how to forage for food, how to identify all types of plants and animals, and how to live the bushcraft way of life. And the best thing of all? You’ll have an absolute blast doing it! Here's what you'll find inside:
The Universe in You
by Jason Chin In Your Place in the Universe, Jason Chin zoomed outward, from our planet, solar system, and galaxy to the outer reaches of the observable universe. Now, Chin reverses course, zooming in past our skin to our cells, molecules, and atoms, all the way down to particles so small we can’t yet even measure them. Like its companion, The Universe in You is a mind-boggling adventure that makes complex science accessible and enjoyable to readers of any age. Impeccably researched, wholly engrossing, and with extensive backmatter for additional learning, The Universe in You is another knockout from the award-winning creator of Redwoods, Grand Canyon, and other distinguished works of nonfiction for young readers. 
The Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better
by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman, Illustrated by Keith Mallet Augustus Jackson was born in 1808 in Philadelphia. While most African Americans were enslaved at that time, in Pennsylvania, slavery was against the law. But while Augustus and his family were free, they were poor, and they depended on their garden and their chickens for food. Augustus enjoyed helping his mom prepare meals for their family. He dreamed of becoming a professional cook, and when his mom suggested he may be able to make meals for the president one day, Augustus didn’t waste any time in making that dream a reality. In 1820, when he was only twelve years old, he set off for Washington, DC. He applied to work in the White House, where the head cook offered him a job as a kitchen helper. After five years of working hard, Augustus, or Gus, was promoted to cook. He went on to serve presidents James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson. During his time at the White House, Augustus became an expert at making a popular egg-based dessert. He soon made an eggless version—known to us today as ice cream—and left the White House determined to make and sell the frozen treat to everyone, not just the wealthy. Gus headed back home to Philadelphia, and in 1830, he opened his very own ice cream parlor. He devised a way to keep the ice cream frozen so that it could be shipped and sold to other businesses. Gus also began adding rock salt to the ice that he used to make his ice cream, which made the mixture freeze more quickly. This allowed him to speed up his production process. He created more ice cream with new flavors, and soon he was shipping product via train to places like New York City, which was 100 miles away. Gus’s dream had come true, and better yet, he had brought smiles to many faces. Shining a light on a little-known visionary, this inspiring picture-book biography includes an afterword, a list of sources, and an easy-to-follow recipe so readers can make their own delicious ice cream! 
Freewater
by Amina Luqman-Dawson *Winner of the John Newbery Medal* *Winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award* Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there’s no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp. In this society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to find his mother and help his new home. Deeply inspiring and loosely based on the history of maroon communities in the South, this is a striking tale of survival, adventure, friendship, and courage. 
The Book Hog
by Greg Pizzoli The Book Hog loves books -- the way they look, the way they feel, the way they smell--and he'll grab whatever he can find. There's only one problem: he can't read! But when a kind librarian invites him to join for storytime, this literature-loving pig discovers the treasure that books really are. Greg Pizzoli, master of read-aloud fun and three-time Theodor Seuss Geisel Award recipient, introduces a character sure to steal kids' hearts using his signature cheerful colors and lighthearted narrative style. 
Hound from the Pound
by Jessica Swain Illustrated by Jill McElmurry Lonely Miss Mary longs for a four-legged friend. But when she makes the mistake of choosing the untrained basset hound Blue, no sooner does he howl AH-ROOoooooo! than her house has gone to the dogs! Dalmatians and dachshunds, sheepdogs and setters, poodles and pups of all spots are ruling the roost. Can Sam the canine trainer teach this menagerie some pawsitive tricks? A charmingly illustrated, rollicking text offers a doggone good time and a perfectly happy ending. 
Dark on Light
by Dianne White Illustrated by Felicita Sala As the sun sets, three siblings discover nature’s nighttime beauty in this soothingly rhythmic and gorgeously illustrated bedtime picture book from the acclaimed author-illustrator team behind Green on Green. Gentle the evening. Sweeping the skies. Dark the shadows as twilight arrives. Rose the horizon, gleaming and bright. Twilight and evening and dark on light. When the family dog trots away from the house at sunset, three siblings tumble out the door to go find him. Soon they find themselves immersed in the luminous colors, shades, and shadows of nature at night—both dark and light. They wander through moonlit lavender meadows, past a timid fawn, beneath a snowy white owl, and much, much more as the night deepens until, at last, they find their sneaky pup. With beautiful illustrations by Felicita Sala and lyrical text by Dianne White that’s perfect for reading aloud, this book invites young readers to step into the wondrous, colorful nighttime natural world. 
Very Good Hats
by Emma Straub Illustrated by Blanca Gomez Some people think hats are fancy things you can buy at a dressy store, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In this book, acorns and raspberries are snug hats for your fingers, and an empty pudding cup is a good hat for a stuffed bear. Pajama pants make dangly hats, books can be dramatic hats, and bubbles make very fine hats as well (if temporary). Readers will be delighted to discover that anything can be a hat if you believe it is. Hats are everywhere you look! 
John F. Kennedy: A Photographic Story of a Life
by Howard S. Kaplan Tells the story of this incredible leader and legend. In this groundbreaking new series, DK brings together fresh voices and DK design values to give readers the most information-packed, visually exciting biographies on the market today. Full-color photographs of people, places, and artifacts, definitions of key words, and sidebars on related subjects add dimension and relevance to stories of famous lives that students will love to read. 
Nobody Hugs a Cactus
by Carter Goodrich Hank is the prickliest cactus in the entire world. He sits in a pot in a window that faces the empty desert, which is just how he likes it. So, when all manner of creatures—from tumbleweed to lizard to owl—come to disturb his peace, Hank is annoyed. He doesn’t like noise, he doesn’t like rowdiness, and definitely does not like hugs. But the thing is, no one is offering one. Who would want to hug a plant so mean? Hank is beginning to discover that being alone can be, well, lonely. So he comes up with a plan to get the one thing he thought he would never need: a hug from a friend. 
I Eat Poop.
The Story of a Dung Beetle by Mark Pett Dougie has a secret: he’s not a ground beetle. He’s a dung beetle, and he loves eating poop. Dougie knows he should be proud. Dung beetles help process waste and do other extraordinary things! But Dougie also knows that if anyone at school saw his lunch, he’d be an outcast. One day, the lunchroom bugs out over a classmate eating poop, and Dougie must make a choice. Can he stand up for his friend?and for his true self? I Eat Poop. is packed with important social emotional learning themes and is great for classroom or at home discussion. Read I Eat Poop. for conversations about: - Bullying and being kind - Standing up for your friends and speaking up for your beliefs - Being proud of your culture and heritage - Embracing diversity and accepting and celebrating differences The book also includes incredible, STEM-related facts about bugs |