Kids ActivitiesStory Hour
11:00 am, usually on the second Tuesday of the month. Next Story Hour is: May 13th, 2025 |
New Books for Kids
Don't Trust Fish
by Neil Sharpson Illustrated by Dan Santat Why, dear reader, must you NEVER EVER trust fish? 1) They spend all their time in the water where we can’t see them. 2) Some are as big as a bus—that is not okay. 3) We don't know what they're teaching in their "schools." 4) They are likely plotting our doom. This nature-guide-gone-wrong is a hilarious, off-the-rails exploration of the seemingly innocent animals that live in the water. 
Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend
by Bob Shea When a turtle in a bear suit claims he is a “for-real” bear, he must prove himself to another turtle who just so happens to be a for-real bear expert. Hilarity ensues as Bearsuit Turtle proves he can climb trees, hibernate, and do other for-real bear stuff . . . like riding bikes, eating ice cream, and smashing pumpkins. But when Bear-Expert Turtle reveals a secret, Bearsuit Turtle has to admit a truth of his own. Whether or not these two turtles are for-real bears or experts, they just might become for-real friends. With a fabulously endearing, offbeat, and memorable new character; playful, true-to-life child dynamics; and a goofy, kid-perfect sense of humor, Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend is sure to charm readers everywhere. Includes a page of “for-real bear facts” at the end. 
The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever
by Sandra Salsbury They tried lullabies, they tried cuddles, they tried soothing words. But now it's 3 a.m. and the baby has achieved a new level of consciousness. Throwing binkies, climbing the crib . . . Is this baby going to stay awake forever?!? (Even the neighbor would like to know.) Parents and siblings of new babies will share some BIG laughs together as they follow a VERY tired family trying to get just a few minutes of rest while their precious one jumps, pounds, yells, and even throws a 1 a.m. dance party. It's the perfect baby shower gift for parents and soon-to-be-big-siblings to say "Congratulations!" and also "I feel your pain." 
The Great Dinosaur Sleepover
by Linda Bailey Illustrated by Joe Bluhm Jake loves dinosaurs, so with his birthday coming up, he knows just what kind of party he wants — a dinosaur sleepover! Dino games, dino balloons, dino cake. Dino everything! But when the big day arrives, his friends all come down with the flu, and the party seems to be on the edge of extinction. Then, in the middle of the night, Jake hears a strange noise and goes to investigate. To his surprise, he finds some prehistoric party guests right there in his living room! They've invited themselves in to make sure Jake has a birthday he'll never forget --just don't tell the T-Rex! An unforgettable birthday tale with huge laughs and heart, this newest picture book from acclaimed author Linda Bailey celebrates friendship, inclusion and fun – and is brought to life with magnificent, cinematic artwork from award-winning animation director and illustrator Joe Bluhm. 
Oh, Carrots!
By Mariajo Ilustrajo Mr. Rabbit lives alone, and you know what? He likes it! He enjoys peaceful moments spent reading, drinking cups of tea, and gardening—but sometimes, it can get a little too quiet . . . Luckily, spring has arrived, and that means Mr. Rabbit can plant his favorite vegetable—carrots! With some love, sunshine, and a little bit of singing, the carrots begin to grow. But one day, Mr. Rabbit spots something unusual—a wiggling carrot top! He pulls and pulls, and out pops a walking, talking carrot. Carrot only wants to be Mr. Rabbit’s friend, but Mr. Rabbit just wants to be left alone! From leaving soil all over the sofa to rummaging through Mr. Rabbit’s books, Carrot’s mischievous antics leave the solitary rabbit feeling a bit irritated. Yet, as the day unfolds, Mr. Rabbit finds himself starting to enjoy the company. He’s so used to being all alone that he’s never even considered having a friend. Maybe now is the perfect time for that to change. 
Dogs Love to Ride
by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov Buckle up and get ready to ride through adorable illustrations and rhymes: You’ll meet all different kinds of dogs who love to go for rides in all kinds of different vehicles. There’s the K9 dog who sniffs out crime and there’s the sports car pup who likes to ride curvy, swervy, and fast. Guess which big dog likes to ride in a really small car, and which dog doesn’t mind getting muddy on an off-road adventure. And don’t forget about the Dalmatians in the fire truck! 
Litttle Freddie Two Pants
by Drew Daywalt One pair of pants? Two pairs? Three? How many pants should Little Freddie wear? And where should he put them? What about underpants? Where do they go? In a book with text and art that are sure to induce giggles, Drew Daywalt and Lucy Ruth Cummins settle the age-old question: Do a dog’s front legs deserve pants, too? 
Stalactite Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave
by Drew Beckmeyer DRIP. DRIP. DRIP. Time flies for two charming little cave nubs, Stalactite and Stalagmite. Over millions of years, creatures and things pass in and out of their cave, everything from a trilobite, an ichthyostega, and a triceratops, to a ground sloth and a bat. When you are an ageless rock formation, it’s nice to have a friend who’s always there. But what will happen when the two nubs grow enough to finally touch? 
Who Ate Steve?
By Susannah Lloyd Illustrated by Kate Hindley Welcome to this extremely interesting book about size. Marcel is a bird and he is big. Steve is a worm, and he is . . . Wait a minute! Steve has DISAPPEARED! Does Marcel know something about it? And can he be persuaded to return that poor worm RIGHT NOW?! Susannah Lloyd’s hilarious and strong narrative voice, paired with Kate Hindley’s humorous illustrations, will leave readers in stitches as they solve the simplest mystery they’ll ever read! 
Safe Crossing
by Kari Percival From Kari Percival, Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author of How to Say Hello to a Worm, comes an entertaining and informative children’s book perfect for curious, nature-loving young readers. Every spring, frogs and salamanders must travel from wooded uplands where they were born to vernal pools where they will mate. Unfortunately, roads constructed through their habitats have made the journey dangerous for these slow-moving animals. Many never reach their destinations. But with the help of the Amphibian Migration Team, there is hope for a safe crossing! Readers will learn so much about amphibians and their habitats and get a great introduction to civic participation, too. The citizen scientist at the heart of this story presents her proposal for a wildlife tunnel to her local City Council and coordinates with stakeholders in the process like a wildlife biologist, a herpetologist, a roadway engineer, a surveyor, the Conservation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Transportation, contractors, and reporters. It’s a fascinating way to find out how local government works and how kids can actively create social change. Playful and educational, Safe Crossing offers an empowering example of how even the youngest citizens can raise awareness about a meaningful cause, drive change, and unite people locally and globally. 
100 Things to Know About Science
by Alex Frith An engaging and accessible introduction with information on exactly 100 science topics that will fascinate and inspire children - and adults too. Packed with facts and colourful infographics on both familiar and less familiar topics from the Earth's magnetic poles to spider venom and black holes. A brilliant and wide-ranging introduction to an important school subject - and essential for general knowledge too. Includes internet links to specially selected websites where readers can discover even more surprising science facts. 
My Book of Bugs
by Ben Hubbard This book is an exciting introduction to the seven major insect groups and includes profiles for over 40 amazing insects, such as the stag beetle, monarch butterfly, and honey bee. Grab your magnifying glass and head out to discover all about insects - their different types, body structures, and behaviors. Filled with eye-catching images and bite-sized information, young nature enthusiasts aged 5-7 will marvel at the mind-boggling facts about these adaptable creatures. This informative bug book for children offers:
My Book of Bugs is an engaging and informative introduction to insects, with age-appropriate text, photographs, and illustrations on every page. This book will not just teach children about fascinating bugs, but will also make them understand and respect the environment. 
Will's Race for Home
by Jewell Parker Rhodes It’s 1889, barely twenty-five years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and a young Black family is tired of working on land they don’t get to own. So when Will and his father hear about an upcoming land rush, they set out on a journey from Texas to Oklahoma, racing thousands of others to the place where land is free—if they can get to it fast enough. But the journey isn’t easy—the terrain is rough, the bandits are brutal, and every interaction carries a heavy undercurrent of danger. And then there’s the stranger they encounter and befriend: a mysterious soldier named Caesar, whose Union emblem brings more attention—and more trouble—than any of them need. All three are propelled by the promise of something long denied to them: freedom, land ownership, and a place to call home—but is a strong will enough to get them there? 
The Green Kingdom
by Cornelia Funke Twelve-year-old Caspia hates big cities, especially one as busy as New York. So she isn’t thrilled by the news that her parents are taking her to stay in Brooklyn. But everything changes when Caspia discovers a bundle of letters, hidden in an old chest of drawers. Each letter contains a ‘green’ riddle, with clues leading to a different plant. Caspia sets out to solve the riddles and, as she does, she meets friends she could never have imagined and discovers that anywhere can feel like home, if you are just brave enough to put down new roots. The newest adventure from renowned and award winning author of Inkheart and Dragon Rider, Cornelia Funke weaves magic into every sentence of this new and exciting mystery set in the heart of New York City. The Green Kingdom is perfect for fans of the Greenwild series. 
Isle of Ever
by Jen Calonita Everly "Benny" Benedict and her mom have always managed to get by, though they're broke most of the time. But all that could change. Benny's just learned she's the sole heir to the vast fortune of Evelyn Terry, a mysterious ancestor from the 1800s! There's a catch, though. First Benny needs to play―and win―a game: following clues that are more than a century old, she must find her way to the tiny island Evelyn wrote about in her diary. It was somewhere off the shoreline of Evelyn's home town, but according to legend, it vanished long ago and hasn't appeared on maps for hundreds of years. Yet Benny has only a couple weeks to locate it. If she's successful, she'll collect the inheritance. But what if there's more than a fortune at stake in this game? What if Benny has to break an ancient curse to win? 
Short Dog, Long Dog
by Anna Hrachovec Anna Hrachovec has created a paw-some collection of knitted dogs who find themselves in all sorts of funny situations. Short Dog, Long Dog is a real treat that introduces opposites through a rhyming text in the sweetest, silliest way! It is sure to be a fur-ever favorite! 
Dog Man: Big Jim Begins
by Dav Pilkey In DOG MAN: BIG JIM BEGINS, discover the origin of our beloved characters from the Dog Man series as they join forces to stop the Space Cuties from destroying the city. Will the past predict the future for Dog Man and his friends? Will goodness and bravery prevail? Can anything happen if you truly believe? 
Girls on the Rise
by Amanda Gorman Illustrated by Loveis Wise Who are we? We are a billion voices, bright and brave; we are light, standing together in the fight. Girls are strong and powerful alone, but even stronger when they work to uplift one another. In this galvanizing original poem by presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman, girls and girlhood are celebrated in their many forms, all beautiful, not for how they look but for how they look into the face of fear. Creating a rousing rallying cry with vivid illustrations by Loveis Wise, Gorman reminds us how girls have shaped our history while marching boldly into the future. 
The Bletchley Riddle
by Ruta Sepetys and Steven Sheinkin Remember, you are bound by the Official Secrets Act… Summer, 1940. Nineteen-year-old Jakob Novis and his quirky younger sister Lizzie share a love of riddles and puzzles. And now they’re living inside of one. The quarrelsome siblings find themselves amidst one of the greatest secrets of World War II—Britain’s eccentric codebreaking factory at Bletchley Park. As Jakob joins Bletchley’s top minds to crack the Nazi's Enigma cipher, fourteen-year-old Lizzie embarks on a mission to solve the mysterious disappearance of their mother. The Battle of Britain rages and Hitler’s invasion creeps closer. And at the same time, baffling messages and codes arrive on their doorstep while a menacing inspector lurks outside the gates of the Bletchley mansion. Are the messages truly for them, or are they a trap? Could the riddles of Enigma and their mother's disappearance be somehow connected? Jakob and Lizzie must find a way to work together as they race to decipher clues which unravel a shocking puzzle that presents the ultimate challenge: How long must a secret be kept? 
100 Might Dragons All Named Broccoli
by David LaRochelle and Lian Cho High on a mountain live 100 mighty dragons all named Broccoli. When a tremendous wind blows half the dragons away, ten others sail off to become professional surfers in Hawaii. The oldest and youngest dragons take a train to New York City to start their own heavy metal band. And a mysterious wizard turns four more into a unicorn, a werewolf, a zombie, and a tiny pink poodle. Now how many dragons are left? Young readers will delight in following each and every dragon as they leave their home for marvelous adventures, until there is but one dragon remaining. That's when this final dragon named Broccoli retreats to a cave for the winter and reappears in the spring with a surprise that will thrill and delight. Prepare to read again! 
Alice in A Winter Wonderland
by Jan Brett When Alice spies a white rabbit checking his pocket watch before hippity-hopping down a crevasse in an Alaskan glacier, she knows she must follow him. And so she pops down the rabbit hole, into a world of absurd personalities, topsy-turvy action, and laugh-out-loud silliness. Favorite characters like Cheshire Cat and the Duchess and King and Queen come to life as vibrant animals native to Alaska making this classic tale shine through a fresh lens, certain to appeal to readers of all ages. 
The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions
by Giselle Clarkson Observology is the study of looking. An observologist makes scientific expeditions, albeit very small ones, every day. They notice interesting details in the world around them. They are expert at finding tiny creatures, plants, and fungi. They know that water snails glide upside down on the undersurface of the water; not all flies have wings; earthworms have bristles; butterflies taste with their feet. An observologist knows that there are extraordinary things to be found in even the most ordinary places. The Observologist puts more than 100 small creatures and features of the natural world under the microscope, piquing our curiosity with only the most interesting facts. Subjects range from slugs, ants, and seeds to fungi, flies, bees, and bird poop. But this is no everyday catalog of creatures. It is an antidote to boredom, an invitation out of the digital world and screentime, an encouragement to observe our environment, with care and curiosity, wherever we are. Facts combine with comics, detailed illustrations, science, and funny stories in this unique, warm, and fascinating account of the small things all around us. Graphic and comic illustrations with funny talking insects make this a playful and informative book one to be treasured in the classroom. Giselle Clarkson has a comics and conservation background. Through her unique sensibility, you'll find that once you start thinking small, there's no limit to what you can notice―right under your nose. 
Ten-Word Tiny Tales to Inspire and Unsettle
by Joseph Coelho Is it possible to spin a tale using just ten words? In this magnificent compendium, author and poet Joseph Coelho proves that it is—with mini-stories of underwater worlds, demon hamsters, bears in outer space, and portals to places unknown. From charming to creepy, fantastical to mysterious, each tale is paired with an outstanding illustrator, and together words and pictures inspire creativity as young readers are prompted to continue the story. Prefaced with a note from the author and offering two writing challenges at the end, this is an ideal gift for anyone ready to unleash their imagination. 
The Leadership Journey
by Doris Kearns Goodwin All four presidents profiled grew up and lived in very different worlds—Lincoln was poor and self-educated; Theodore Roosevelt hailed from an elegant home in the heart of New York City; Franklin Roosevelt loved the outdoors surrounding his family’s rural estate; and Lyndon Johnson’s modest childhood home had no electricity or running water. So how did each of them do it—rise to become President of the United States? What did these four kids have individually—and have in common—that catapulted them to lead America through some of its most turbulent times? 
The Most Boring Book Ever
by Brandon Sanderson Illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi Listen, this book is boring. We're telling you it's boring. It's in the title of the book―in fact, it's THE MOST BORING BOOK EVER! And created by #1 New York Times bestsellers Brandon Sanderson and Kazu Kibuishi! Don't peek behind the cover! Don't look at the pictures! And definitely don't follow along with the rip-roaring adventure the boy is experiencing. Stay focused on mundane things like sitting in chairs and doing homework. Any report of dragons or marauding airships is ridiculous! This book is BORING! 
Knight Owl & Early Bird
by Christopher Denise Early Bird wants to be brave and protect the castle, just like Knight Owl. But she falls asleep on the job and then keeps her hero up during the day with her enthusiastic chattiness, well-meaning questions, and cheerful owl impersonations. But there are strange happenings in the forest, and soon Knight Owl and Early Bird find themselves in the throes of danger. Will these two learn to work together to keep themselves and the kingdom safe? Caldecott Honor winner and New York Times bestselling creator Christopher Denise delivers another endearing medieval tale that shines with warmth and goodwill, and shows just how important teamwork is to saving the day. 
Leo's First Vote
by Christina Soontornvat Illustrated by Isabel Roxas Leo's dad is voting in his first election as a naturalized US citizen, and he promises to take Leo to the polls with him. Leo can't wait! But, after his cousin Ray casts doubt on the importance of a single vote, it'll take Leo's class mock election results, as well as a talk with his dad to convince him that each and every vote matters. This lively picture book shows us how citizens decide who will be in charge, hitting key moments in an election, from voter registration to polling places, to staying in line, and features extensive backmatter for kids who want to dig deeper. 
The Amazing Night Sky Atlas
by Nancy Dickmann Featuring a mixture of photography and illustration, this hardcover book explores both the science of stargazing - explaining what can be seen in the night sky in different parts of the world - and the practicalities, with handy tips such as how to use a telescope. It also covers the background and history of astronomy, travelling around the world to discover the different stories cultures have told about the night sky and the influence the Moon, the stars and the movement of the planets have had on their people. Expert insights come from David Hawksett, a science writer, lecturer and researcher who has previously worked as the Science & Technology Consultant at Guinness World Records and written for Sky at Night Magazine. Perfect for learning at home, in the classroom or being given as a gift, Lonely Planet Kids’ Amazing Night Sky Atlas will inspire budding astronomers and excite them for a lifetime of looking to the skies. 
The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night
by Steven Banbury On Halloween, it is always wise to expect the unexpected, but no amount of planning could have prepared Eve for that particular night. Fleeing an unpleasant orphanage, she’s saved by someone who she never believed was real…the fabled Pumpkin King himself. Throwing caution aside, Eve accepts the offer to become his daughter and is whisked away to the misty Hallowell Valley—home to witches and vampires, ghosts and goblins, and all that go bump in the night. But just when she believes she’s found her place among the undead, a sinister scheme unearths itself, threatening to take everything from Eve unless she can stop it. From debut author Steven Banbury comes a cozy, magical adventure sure to delight anyone who loves the tricks of Halloween as much as the treats of autumn. 
Popcorn
by Rob Harrell Andrew’s just trying to make it through Picture Day, which is easier said than done when it seems like the whole world is out to get him—from a bully to a science experiment gone wrong to a someone else’s juice snot (don’t ask). But as Andrew goes through the school day, and as one thing after another goes wrong, that little kernel of worry in his stomach is getting hotter and hotter, until it threatens to pop and turn into a public panic attack, his worst fear. He tries to keep his anxiety at bay, but the news that his grandmother with Alzheimer’s is missing is too much. Interspersed with humorous spot art and “anxiety file” panels that depict the real, difficult feelings of anxiety and OCD and real tips for coping, this is a poignant, personal, and laugh-out-loud funny story about letting go of control and accepting help—all while trying to get the perfect school picture. 
Dying to Ask
by Ellen Duthie and Anna Juan Cantavella, Ph.D. For mortal beings of all ages comes Dying to Ask, a book born out of an international project where children were invited to ask questions about death based on a series of workshops. The result? Hundreds of questions from countries all over the world. Herein lies thirty-eight questions that best represented the breadth and depth of children’s interest in death and related matters, complete with psychological and scientific proofing. Thoughtful, tender, and surprisingly joyful, this illustrated book is an invitation to talk, think, and ask further questions about death. Some of the questions: Will I die? Where do we go when we die? Will we all become extinct one day? If someone you love dies, how long are you sad for? Why do people say “rest in peace” rather than “rest in fun?” 
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt
by Riel Nason Illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler Ghosts are supposed to be sheets, light as air and able to whirl and twirl and float and soar. But the little ghost who is a quilt can't whirl or twirl at all, and when he flies, he gets very hot. He doesn't know why he's a quilt. His parents are both sheets, and so are all of his friends. (His great-grandmother was a lace curtain, but that doesn't really help cheer him up.) He feels sad and left out when his friends are zooming around and he can't keep up. But one Halloween, everything changes. The little ghost who was a quilt has an experience that no other ghost could have, an experience that only happens because he's a quilt . . . and he realizes that it's OK to be different. 
Millie Fleur's Poison Garden
by Christy Mandin Garden Glen is a very bland place. Every house and every garden looks exactly like the other. That is... until Millie Fleur La Fae comes to town. Up on a scruffy hill, beside a ramschackle house, Millie Fleur plants her marvelously strange garden, filled with Sneezing Stickyweed, Fanged Fairymoss, and Grumpy Gilliflower. Millie Fleur finds it enchanting, but the townspeople of Garden Glen call it poison! But Millie Fleur is proud of her beloved little garden. So if some townspeople want to be sticks in the mud, she'll take matters into her own hands and find the kindred spirits who appreciate everything the garden has to offer. Millie Fleur's Poison Garden is a reminder to embrace everything that makes us wonderfully weird. Perfect for readers of The Creepy Carrots and fans of the Addams Family movies. 
1001 Facts About Sharks
by Sarah Wassner Flynn From the bizarre frilled shark to the wide-headed hammerhead, discover all you have ever wanted to know about sharks! Each page of this book is brimming with bite-sized facts, incredible shark stats, and unbelievable photos of sharks in the wild. Inside, you’ll glimpse fossils of prehistoric sharks, learn exactly how many pointy teeth are in this apex predator’s mouth, and meet awesome shark relatives, like stingrays. You’ll also learn about new technologies inspired by sharks and find out what conservations are doing to help protect this misunderstood fish. With a fun-fact format that makes learning feel like a breeze, and expert-vetted, up-to-date shark info—plus backmatter about shark anatomy, genealogy, and more—this book is your go-to reference for shark enthusiasts young and old. Plus, hundreds of thrilling photographs bring the facts to life in this dazzling dive into the watery world of these incredible creatures. 
Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly
books 3 – 6: Night Hunt Ghost Island Inferno New Year Ice Dragon by Jordan Quinn In this exciting collection, mystery, secrets, and dark forces follow our dragon friends as they go Night Hunting, go on a camping trip to the haunting Ghost Island, encounter danger during Crestwood’s Inferno New Year celebration, travel to Flatfrost for the Winter Festival, and meet the ancient ice dragon! 
Ferris
by Kate DiCamillo It’s the summer before fifth grade, and for Ferris Wilkey, it is a summer of sheer pandemonium: Her little sister, Pinky, has vowed to become an outlaw. Uncle Ted has left Aunt Shirley and, to Ferris’s mother’s chagrin, is holed up in the Wilkey basement to paint a history of the world. And Charisse, Ferris’s grandmother, has started seeing a ghost at the threshold of her room, which seems like an alarming omen given that she is also feeling unwell. But the ghost is not there to usher Charisse to the Great Beyond. Rather, she has other plans—wild, impractical, illuminating plans. How can Ferris satisfy a specter with Pinky terrorizing the town, Uncle Ted sending Ferris to spy on her aunt, and her father battling an invasion of raccoons? As Charisse likes to say, “Every good story is a love story,” and Kate DiCamillo has written one for the ages: emotionally resonant and healing, showing the two-time Newbery Medalist at her most playful, universal, and profound. 
Luigi, the spider who wanted to be a kitten
by Michelle Knudsen Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes On a street of old houses, a big hairy spider is searching for a home with dark corners to hide in. But when he wakes up, he finds a hand reaching for him and a lady proclaiming that she has always wanted a kitten—and will name him Luigi! At first, a somewhat puzzled Luigi, used to being left alone to creep and dangle and spin webs, resists her kind advances. But soon, tasty breakfasts and getting tucked into bed (no one’s ever wished him good night before) have him thinking that kittens surely live magical lives. I will be a kitten! he decides. But how long can he keep up his facade, and what might be at stake in pretending to be someone you’re not? The award-winning duo behind Library Lion delivers another classic in the making, marked by humor and depth, endearing characters, and the assurance that the right people will accept and adore us, unconditionally, just as we are. 
Nana in the Country
by Lauren Castillo When Nana comes from the city to visit her grandson in the country, the boy is so excited to teach her about all the wonderful things he does on the farm where he lives—feeding the ducks, milking the cow, even tending to bees. But to his disappointment, Nana already seems to know how to do just about everything. And she isn’t the least bit nervous about picking up bugs or easing a hen aside to collect an egg. But then a storm hits in the night, and the boy must take the lead and make sure the animals are safe and dry. And it turns out there are many more unique-to-the-country adventures to surprise his beloved Nana with. 
The Truth About the Couch
by Adam Rubin Illustrated by Liniers Pssst! Hey. I'm here to tell ya what the furniture police don't want you to know... Listen close. I'll explain everything. Most people think couches are just for sitting, or maybe napping, and don't give it a second thought. But did you know couches can go berserk if you don't feed them a steady diet of coins, cell phones, and remote controls? And did you know some couches are grown on a farm? (Where do you think the term couch potato comes from?) Some come from two chairs who love each other very much, and some are actually aliens in disguise. And that's just the tip of the iceberg... This laugh-out-loud send-up of conspiracy theories brings Adam Rubin's trademark zany humor together with the richly expressive artwork of Macanudo creator Liniers to explore the totally, completely true (really! maybe?) history of the world's most beloved—and misunderstood—item of furniture. 
Roar-choo!
By Charlotte Cheng Illustrated by Dan Santat Everyone knows that dragons are fierce, capable of taking on the world! But this dragon can’t stop sneezing long enough to get a roar out. Even with friendly Phoenix insisting that Dragon get some rest, this powerful creature refuses to stop for any orange ginger tea or a drop of bone broth soup. It's only when Dragon realizes Phoenix has caught the same cold that they are both able to take the break they so badly need. This tale of helping your friends and valuing differences is a sure-thing for story time. 
Pretty Ugly
by David Sedaris Illustrated by Ian Falconer In this beautifully gross picture book, Anna Van Ogre’s lovely monster face turns into that of a sickeningly adorable, rosy-cheeked little girl—and it’s not switching back! Can she find a way to stop looking like an ugly human and regain her gorgeous monstrosity of a face? In this incredible story about beauty standards, owning your uniquessness, and developing self-esteem, nationally acclaimed comedian and perpetual bestelling author David Sedaris and renowned creator of the Olivia picture boook series Ian Falconer come together to ponder the eternally relevant question: is true beauty really on the inside? 
Bunny & Clyde
by Megan McDonald Illustrated by Scott Nash Get ready for a wild ride with Bunny and Clyde! These by-the-rules buddies, a rabbit and a chipmunk, are sick and tired of being good. For once, they want to know what it’s like to be baddies—rotten to the core! They want thrills and excitement! But to get really good at being bad, they’re going to need some experience. What if the dastardly duo started returning library books late on purpose? Or borrowing markers without asking? Everyone knows it’s a swift downhill slide from there—as long as there’s an unprotected piggy bank in town! Unless, of course, their best attempts at mastering bad deeds are strangely misconstrued . . . Author Megan McDonald brings her quick wit and ear for dialogue, matched by Scott Nash’s deft animal characterizations, to a hilarious caper of criminal intentions gone awry. 
Frog Heaven:
Ecology of a Vernal Pool by Doug Wechsler Journey to frog heaven. If you're walking in the woods, you can tell that winter is changing into spring by the riot of sound that fills the air. The quacking, piping, and creaking that you hear are the sounds of frogs singing their love songs. Follow those sounds and they may lead you to a vernal pool. A vernal pool is a special pond that's just right for frogs, salamanders, and other animals. The ecology of the pool is special, too. That's what makes it frog heaven. With fascinating facts and stunning photographs, Doug Wechsler takes young readers to a vernal pool in a forest to show how wood frogs, tree frogs, salamanders, and other creatures survive and thrive in this Society of School Librarians International Honor Book. 
Stinetinglers
by R.L. Stine A boy who hates bugs starts to see them everywhere. A basketball player’s skin starts to almost drip off his hands―but no one else can see it. Three friends find a hole in the ground that just gets bigger, and bigger, and bigger... And each story is introduced by Stine himself, providing a personal touch sure to delight fans. Laced with Stine’s signature humor and a hefty dose of nightmarish fun, Stinetinglers is perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Stine’s own Goosebumps books. These chilling tales prove that Stine’s epic legacy in the horror genre is justly earned. Dive in, and beware: you might be sleeping with the lights on tonight! 
Brave Baby Hummingbird
by Sy Mongomery Illustrated by Tiffany Bozic The lightest birds in the sky, hummingbirds are capable of incredible feats, such as flying backwards, diving at speeds of sixty-one miles per hour, and beating their wings more than sixty times a second. The miraculous creatures are also incredibly vulnerable when they first emerge from their eggs. This book tells the story of a hummingbird’s early life and how they make their way into the world. 
Ready to Soar
by Cori Doerrfeld Riley made a paper airplane and couldn’t wait to let it soar. But just before the plane could take off—SQUAWK. An eagle swoops in and insists Riley’s plane could never fly. It’s much too small. So Riley makes it bigger! But just as this bigger paper airplane is ready to go, a parrot squawks that the plane is way too boring to fly. So Riley makes it fancier! Bird after bird offers advice, and Riley tries making the airplane faster longer, taller, and slimmer. When the plane crashes to the ground after all these changes, Riley finally meets a more supportive friend . . . and rediscovers the joy and wonder of soaring. 
A Friend for Eddy
by Ann Kim Ha Eddy is a lonely goldfish stuck inside his fishbowl. He would love to have a friend to swim and play and blow bubbles with. Soon, on the other side of the glass, he spies not one but two new friends. After days of playing games together, Eddy leaps out of his bowl to be closer to them. And that’s when he realizes that his two friends are really the inquisitive eyes of A CAT! Oh, no! Luckily for Eddy, friendship can be found in unexpected places. A Friend for Eddy is funny and suspenseful, and observant readers will delight in seeing Eddy’s mistake before he does. Ann Kim Ha’s clever, bold illustrations will hold the attention of the youngest children, making A Friend for Eddy a wonderful choice for bedtime and story-time sharing. 
What's New, Daniel?
By Micha Archer "What’s new?" We casually say this to each other all the time, but when Daniel’s grandpa asks him this question, Daniel’s curiosity is sparked and he’s determined to really find out! And there is so much new stuff to report on, since their local park is brimming with spring life. Birds have reappeared from their winter journeys, ducklings are hatching, and polliwogs are growing long legs—just like Daniel! 
Keith Haring: The boy who just kept drawing
by Kay A. Haring Illustrated by Robert Neubecker This one-of-a-kind book explores the life and art of Keith Haring from his childhood through his meteoric rise to fame. It sheds light on this important artist’s great humanity, his concern for children, and his disregard for the establishment art world. Reproductions of Keith's signature artwork appear in scenes boldly rendered by Robert Neubecker. This is a story to inspire, and a book for Keith Haring fans of all ages to treasure. 
Twenty Questions
by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Christian Robinson Not all questions have answers. Some have more than one answer. And others have endless answers, unfolding out to the edges of the world. In this spare yet expansive narrative, acclaimed author Mac Barnett poses twenty questions both playful and profound. Some make us giggle. Others challenge our assumptions. The result is a quirky, wandering exploration of where the best questions lead—to stories. Intriguing, richly interactive, and brought to vivid life by Caldecott Honor recipient Christian Robinson’s bright and whimsical illustrations, Twenty Questions is a charming invitation to speculate without limits and know no bounds. 
Barn at Night
by Michelle Houts Illustrated by Jen Betton When you grow up on a farm, adventures happen all day long – even at night! Barn at Night follows a father and a daughter as they care for farm animals in two visits to the barn on a working farm – first, waking early to do the routine, daily work in the pre-dawn hours, and in a mid-night visit to the barn to help a horse who’s foaling. Written in lyrical poetry, the story shows how farmers feed and care for their animals even in the coldest weather, in both situations that are planned for – and for when animals need help even when humans should be sleeping. Barn at Night features cows, barn cats, horses, and other farm animal friends and their babies’ names, for fun vocabulary building for young readers – and it ends with the beautiful surprise arrival of a new foal. Illustrated in glowing watercolors, Barn at Night makes a wonderful bedtime story that is great to share as a family. 
Fungi Grow
By Maria Gianferrari Illustrated by Diana Sudyka Above ground, below ground, all around, fungi grow. They root and fruit and twist and twine everywhere on earth. Some are edible, some are medicinal, some are even poisonous. Step into this book and discover the amazing array of mushrooms and see how they multiply. Learn how fungi heal and help humans. Explore the incredible underground fungal network that helps forests thrive. And so much more! 
Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art
by Hannah Salyer Around the world, our ancient ancestors’ mysterious art is left behind on cave walls, in rainforests, and with ink made from charcoal and crushed clay. These people told their stories in magnificent drawings that still speak to us today, echoing across generations. In her own stunning artwork that features the deserts of North America to the caves of Papua New Guinea, Hannah Salyer showcases ancient rock paintings, drawings, and etchings and invites us to add to the ongoing story—our ancestory. |