What Makes a Monster?


Book Description

Monsters are real—and they're everywhere in nature! Animal Planet meets Godzilla in this nonfiction picture book that puts the "Ack!" into backyard science. Some people think monsters are the stuff of nightmares—the stuff of scary movies and Halloween. But monsters can also be found right in your backyard. Animals like aye-ayes, goblin sharks and vampire bats may look scary, but they pose no threat to humans. Others, such as the prairie dog, seem innocent—cute, even—yet their behavior could give you goose bumps. What makes a monster? Read this book to find out, if you dare. . . . Jess Keating and David DeGrand, the author illustrator team behind Pink Is for Blobfish will have readers shrieking with laughter at this latest installment to the World of Weird Animals series.




The Secret Sky


Book Description

An eye-opening, heart-rending tale of love, honor and betrayal from veteran foreign news correspodent Atia Abawi Fatima is a Hazara girl, raised to be obedient and dutiful. Samiullah is a Pashtun boy raised to defend the traditions of his tribe. They were not meant to fall in love. But they do. And the story that follows shows both the beauty and the violence in current-day Afghanistan as Fatima and Samiullah fight their families, their cultures and the Taliban to stay together. Based on the people Atia Abawi met and the events she covered during her nearly five years in Afghanistan, this stunning novel is a must-read for anyone who has lived during America's War in Afghanistan. Perfect for fans of Patricia McCormick, Linda Sue Park, and Khaled Hosseini, this story will stay with readers for a long time to come. * “A suspenseful, enlightening, and hopeful love story.” Publishers Weekly, starred review “Riveting plot, sympathetic characters and straightforward narration studded with vivid, authentic detail: a top choice.” – Kirkus review “Heartbreaking and heartwarming.” – VOYA review




Sal Boat


Book Description

A boy builds a unique boat of his own with some help from his community in this new picture book by the critically acclaimed author of Alfie Sal loves the water. All day, he thinks about it: being out there, just him and the waves, alone. More than anything else, he wants a boat. And he knows just what it would look like. So he decides to build it himself. It isn’t long before everyone in town starts sharing advice. But Sal doesn’t need their help. He knows just what he’s building. And he does it! Except . . . he forgets one crucial detail—that no project, big or small, can be launched without a little help. From the acclaimed author-illustrator of Alfie and How Do You Dance? comes a clever and heartfelt tale about creativity, collaboration, and how you don’t always have to be alone to be free.




How to Cheer Up Dad


Book Description

A hilarious book about parent and child relationships for fans of Ian Falconer and Jon Agee--a perfect gift idea for Father's Day and beyond! Little Jumbo just can't understand why his dad is having such a bad day. It couldn't be the raisins Little Jumbo spit out at the ceiling or the bath he refused to take--after all, Little Jumbo's dad knew he hated raisins and had already taken a bath that week! Luckily, Little Jumbo is such a thoughtful elephant that he decides to turn his dad's bad day around with some of his--ahem, his dad's--favorite things. How to Cheer up Dad is a standout debut featuring a charmingly oblivious little elephant with serious pluck and staying power. It turns the parent-child roles upside down is a great book for dads and the kids who make them laugh.




Before I Leave


Book Description

How do you say goodbye to your best friend? When a little hedgehog's family tells her they're moving far away, she and her anteater best friend decide to play one last time, like nothing is changing. And though it's hard, they discover that while some things have to change, the most important things find a way of working out.




Making and Tinkering with STEM


Book Description

Explore STEM concepts through making and tinkering!




Going Up!


Book Description

An elevator ride to a birthday party turns into a shared experience bursting with joy in this multicultural story about community, togetherness and the special feeling of belonging. Today is Olive’s birthday party, and Sophie and her dad have baked cookies. Sophie’s dad holds the platter so Sophie can push the elevator button for the tenth floor. But on the way up, the elevator stops for the Santucci brothers. Then, for Vicky, Babs, and their dog, Norman. And, as the elevator ascends, more neighbors squeeze in: the Habibs, the Flores family, Mr. Kwan. Everyone’s going to the party! Such a wonderful, close-knit building — kids will want to move right in!




Friends


Book Description

2017 CCBC Choices A little girl comes to the United States from a foreign country, and with the help of her delicious lunch, makes friends. A girl from a faraway place begins her first day at school. She doesn't speak the language and she looks different. She just doesn't fit in. But one day, she makes an unexpected friend—a squirrel! Then a rabbit joins them. Soon the girl's fuzzy woodland friends are followed by human ones and school becomes more fun! When a surprising new student joins the class, the girl and her new friends know just how to make him feel at home.




Best Day Ever


Book Description

"Summer is ending and William has one final piece of business: have the most fun ever! And he's going to measure it--with a Fun Meter, of course. But when he meets his neighbor Anna, his plans don't go quite as anticipated. Can a buttoned up, Type-A kid embrace a day filled with free-range fun?"--Back cover




I See a Shadow


Book Description

I See a Shadow is a charming picture book that delivers a bright new take on the concept of shadows and the delight of imagination, from debut author/illustrator Laura Breen. Shadows are fun. They can be funny, too. Mostly, shadows are all around us, and not always what they seem. Here is a delightful, graphic celebration of imagination.