Carolyn’s Picks:
This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne E BYR
A great interactive book. What happens when Bella’s dog disappears into the book? Will she be able to get him back? Read and watch each page to find out!
The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew Daywalt E DEW
Each of our heroes is superior in their own domain. Will any of them find a worthy opponent to battle? This book tells the funny story of how this game will never end.
The Julian Chapter by R.J. Palacio Audio CD J F PAL
Julian is a bully when it comes to Auggie Pullman, but what makes him that way and will he change? If you’re a fan of the book Wonder, you will enjoy listening to Julian’s version of what happened.
The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin J MAR
Discover this short Game of Thrones style story about a young girl who is not affected by the cold, and her special relationship with an ice dragon during the battles in her ancient world.
Get into Art by Susie Brooks J 704.9432 BRO
Colorful, animal art from various artists will inspire you to make your own animal art. In this book, you get to learn about the artist, their art, and how to create your own art!
Around the World Cookbook by Abigail Johnson Dodge J 641.59 DOD
This cookbook is full of food you’ve heard about, and maybe even tasted, but now you can make it yourself! Start out by learning your way around the kitchen, the tools you’ll need, and the terms that are used in cooking. Next, find a recipe you want to try. You might try making Tandoori Chicken Legs from India or Vanilla Panna Cotta from Italy. There are step-by-step instructions, colorful pictures, and fun facts about the food. Remember to always ask a grown-up for help before starting!
Dana’s Picks:
The Story of Snow by Mark Cassino J 551.784 CAS
A snow photographer and a snow scientist explain how snowflakes develop and the different shapes that snowflakes take. Enjoy the photographs of enlarged snowflakes and learn the best way to catch your own snow crystals.
Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King by Bonnie Christensen J B PRE
In this beginning biography, Christensen shares information about the very early years of Elvis Presley. From his birth to his first recording for Sun Records; learn how this legendary talent first developed.
Eight Dolphins of Katrina: A True Tale of Survival
by Janet Wyman Coleman J 599.53 COL
Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, Mississippi was destroyed by a forty foot storm surge during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Eight dolphins housed there were discovered missing after the hurricane. This is the story of their rescue. Also included is additional information about dolphins.
Two for One by Kate DiCamillo & Alison McGhee J DIC
In this second Bink & Gollie story, the two best friends have adventures at their local state fair.
Year Comes Round: Haiku Through the Seasons by Sid Farrar J 811.6 FAR
If you enjoy haiku poetry, try these poems that simply describe what the seasons mean to us.
My First Day by Steven Jenkins & Robin Page J 591.392 PIN
What do newborn baby mammals, insects, and amphibians experience on the first day they are born? Read this non-fiction title by Jenkins and Page to find out.
Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song
by Andrea Davis Pinkney J 323 PIN
Through words and music, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahalia Jackson were forces of change during the Civil Rights era of the 1960’s. In Martin & Mahalia, Pinkney eloquently shares their stories.
Alissa’s Picks:
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier J GN TEL
Raina Telgemeier is fantastic at telling stories about sisters, and this is book is no exception! The story of two sisters who move from their home to Northern California- the sea air is good for younger sister Maya’s cystic fibrosis- where everyone is obsessed with ghosts. As the Day of the Dead celebrations draw near, the sisters learn more about their Hispanic heritage, and older sister Cat tries to make peace with her sister’s illness.
The Danger Box by Blue Balliett J M BAL
Zoomy is a kid who sees the world a little differently. Abandoned to his grandparents as a baby, mystery abounds when his father shows up with an odd box, which sets in motion a strange series of events. Readers who loved Chasing Vermeer by Balliett are sure to enjoy this mystery, too!
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
PLAYAWAY J F KEL
Callie is a girl growing up in 1899, but she isn’t interested in things she “should” be. Instead of learning to be the lady of a well-to-do household, she would much rather run around the woods with her grandfather, seeking out the science in nature. Narrated by Natalie Ross, this great story will be an inspiration to kids everywhere who want to nurture a passion, even if it’s not the popular thing to do.
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet J B SAR
Everyone loves a parade, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the most famous, beloved parade of all! But who was the first person to create the iconic balloons? And how did they become such a key part of American culture? Meet Tony Sarg, a puppeteer who designed the first balloon marionette for Macy’s Parade in 1928. His unique story proves that a little ingenuity can go a long way.
Tales Our Abuelitas Told by F. Isabel Campoy
J 398.2 CAM
Folktales from around the world always make for interesting reads, and this collection of Latino stories is no exception! Witty, funny, and heartfelt, these tales will introduce readers to a whole new slate of characters and may inspire them to learn more about the Latino cultures they come from.
Kids’ Embroidery by Kristin Nicholas J 746.44 NIC
Winter is a great time to learn a new skill and cross stitch embroidery is coming back into popularity! This great book walks readers step-by-step through different stitches and techniques, and is great for beginners of all ages! From scarves to coasters, the variety of projects makes for fun crafting.
Steffanie’s Picks:
Grounded: the Adventures of Rapunzel
by Megan Morrison J MOR
In the country of Tyme, no one is luckier than Rapunzel. She lives in a magic tower, reads books that she stars in, and has a loving Witch who protects her from evil princes and unhappy thoughts. Then a stranger named Jack breaks into her tower to steal an enchanted rose! Jack is the first person, besides Witch, that Rapunzel has ever met. He infuriates Rapunzel by implying that Witch is lying to her. Driven by anger, Rapunzel descends to the ground for the first time, and finds a world filled with beauty and adventure.
The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez J PER
Twelve-year-old Maria Luisa (though you better call her Malu) likes zines, Chuck Taylors, and punk music. She’s an outcast at her new school where she annoys the most popular girl in school, forms a band with other outcasts, and stands up to an anti-punk school administrator to fight for her right to express herself.
Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian E AUS
Worm and Worm fall in love with each other and want to get married. Their friends want to know, who will wear the dress and who will wear the tux? The answer is : it doesn’t matter who wears what because Worm loves Worm.
Escargot by Dashka Slater E SLA
Escargot is a cute little French snail who only wants two things in life. He wants to be your favorite animal and he needs to get to the delicious salad at the end of the book. When he finally gets to the salad he finds there’s a carrot in it. Escargot hates carrots. With a little help from the reader, he tries one and discovers that carrots aren’t so bad after all.
Tell Me a Tattoo Story by Allison McGhee E MCG
A father tells his son the story behind each of his tattoos and together they go on a journey through family history. There is a tattoo from his favorite book that his mother used to read him, and one from the longest trip he ever took. The best tattoo of them all is a little heart with numbers inside.
Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh Baskin J BAS
Eleven-year-old Ruby Danes is starting middle school and only her aunt knows her deep dark secret: her mother is in prison. Ruby is desperate for friendship but doesn’t get too close to anyone due to her secret. Until Margalit Tipps moves into Ruby’s condo complex and Ruby thinks Margalit could be her first true friend. Can she let her in on the big secret? Maybe not. It turns out that Margalit’s family seems closely connected to the very event that put her mother in prison.