Sona Sharma, Looking After Planet Earth


Book Description

Sona is determined to get her whole suburban Indian neighborhood to help fight climate change in this second heartwarming story. When Sona learns about the climate crisis at school, she worries nobody is doing enough to combat it. So she takes up the challenge herself! But her family isn’t amused when Sona suddenly gets rid of her sister’s diapers and turns off Thatha and Paatti’s cooling fan during their nap. Sona finds a better way to implement change, at a family meeting where everyone helps make a list of ways to conserve. Energized, Sona sets her sights on the rest of the neighborhood. When she learns many of the kolams—traditional art that people draw in front of their homes to celebrate the festival season—are not eco-friendly, she makes plans for some even bigger changes. Can Sona convince everyone to get involved—even her own strong-willed grandmother? Charming illustrations bring to life this heartening story and its delightfully eager main character, who is sure to inspire young environmentalists. Back matter includes a vocabulary list and a lesson on how to draw your own kolam.




Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?


Book Description

Sona is not sure how she feels about a new baby in the family until the baby-naming ceremony, during which she is determined to find the best name for her new brother or sister.




Sona Sharma, a Friend Indeed


Book Description

Sona decides to run for class leader! But her friend Joy is running, too. Does Sona really want to lead, or just to win? Chitra Soundar shines a light on democracy in the latest book in this charming series. Sona’s class is excited when Miss Rao announces that there will be an election for class leader. But when Pradeep, who is always boasting, says he would be the best choice, Sona knows she doesn’t want him to win. So Sona stands up and volunteers to be a candidate, too! Strangely, her best friends, Joy and Renu, don’t seem happy about it—in fact, they stop talking to Sona altogether. When it turns out that Joy also wants to run for class leader, Sona doesn’t know what to do. It’s true that Joy has some great ideas for the class, and Sona hasn’t thought much beyond stopping Pradeep from winning, but Sona entered the race first and doesn’t want to drop out. With advice and support from her family, Sona realizes that no one can become a leader on their own. Readers can explore election terms and ideas along with Sona, as well as a glossary of Indian words (like bonda, a delicious South Indian doughnut) at the back.




Nen and the Lonely Fisherman


Book Description

An adventurous merman and kind fisherman find love and each other in this gorgeous update to the Little Mermaid story. Winner of the Polari Prize, the UK's first and largest LGBTQ+ book award. Far out at sea and deep below whispering waves lives a merman searching for a partner. In the forbidden world above, a kind fisherman wonders if something more is waiting for him beyond the horizon. When they find each other under a star-filled sky, their love will change both of their worlds. Celebrate queer joy and the uniting power of love with this award-winning, inclusive retelling of a classic fairy tale.




Shubh Diwali!


Book Description

WSRA Children's Literature: Picture This 2021 Recommendation List The festival of lights is here—time to celebrate the New Year! Diwali has arrived! Rangoli art decorates the floor, and strings of flowers hang around the doors. Now it's time to ring the bells, light the lamps, and welcome the New Year with family and friends. A sweet introduction to the Hindu festival of lights.




Stink and the Shark Sleepover


Book Description

Shark-tastic! Stink gets to sleep with the fishes after his parents win an aquarium sleepover. But wait — what’s that lurking beyond the KEEP OUT sign? When Stink’s parents win tickets for the whole family to sleep over at the aquarium (along with Stink’s two best friends), it sounds like a science freak’s dream come true. Stink loves the sea-creature scavenger hunt (Bat ray! Brain coral!), the jellyfish light show, and the shiver of sand tiger sharks with razor-sharp teeth. And of course Stink is nuts about gross stuff, but after some spooky stories around the virtual campfire, can he manage to fall asleep thinking about the eating habits of the vampire squid? Especially Bloody Mary, the mutant, glowing Frankensquid that’s supposed to be on the prowl?




You're Safe With Me


Book Description

A gentle bedtime tale to lull little ones to sleep, with artwork that twinkles like the night sky. When the moon rises high and the stars twinkle, it is bedtime for the baby animals of the Indian forest. But tonight, when the skies turn dark and the night grows stormy, the little ones can't sleep. SWISH-SWISH! CRACK-TRACK! FLASH-SNAP! goes the storm. Only Mama Elephant with her words of wisdom can reassure them, "You're safe with me." WINNER of the 3-Star Teach Early Years Award 2019. Kate Greenaway Medal 2019 shortlist. A Guardian Children’s Book of the Month. A Junior Library Guild Selection. “A perfect bedtime picture book. A sleep-time staple for toddlers”—The Guardian “This beautiful bedtime book is a feast for the eyes and a warm, cozy blanket for the imagination. I felt as though I had been sung a lullaby, while being given a huge hug”—Tales on Moon Lane




The Elephant Road


Book Description

When elephants stray off their forest road into the village, everyone is scared. Can Wilen find a way to help the animals and sill keep people safe?




The Girl Who Spoke to the Moon


Book Description

A sweet bedtime story that will inspire children to protect the Earth and encourage others to do the same. When Sofia dreams of visiting the Moon one night, she discovers people are hurting the Earth! With the Moon as her guide, Sofia learns how we can work together to make Earth feel better. With rhyming text and beautiful illustrations, this sweet, environmentally friendly story is a gentle lesson and clear reminder of the importance of caring for our planet. Previously published as Sofia's Dream, this updated edition includes bonus back matter about pollution and the simple steps we can take to protect the Earth! "Young activist dreamers will appreciate the new perspective and environmental call to action."—Kirkus Reviews




The Star Festival


Book Description

2021 Freeman Book Awards Honorable Mention - Children's Literature The Best Children's Books of the Year 2022, Bank Street College STARRED REVIEW! "Hadley has created a remarkable debut that flows elegantly, interweaving the two tales in a way that is readable and fun...An exquisite choice for all collections."—School Library Journal starred review A multigenerational retelling of a Japanese legend. Tanabata Matsuri, the Star Festival, celebrates a popular folktale: The Emperor of the Heavens separates his daughter, Orihime, from her love, Hikoboshi, all year—but on this day the two stars finally reunite on a bridge across the Milky Way. For Keiko, her mama, and her grandmother, Tanabata is about making tanzaku wishes, taking in the colorful decorations, and eating delicious food like nagashi somen and shaved ice. But when Obasaan gets lost in the crowd, Keiko and Mama must make their own bridge to find her again—and see if their tanzaku comes true.