November 2020: New Picture Books at the Takoma Park Maryland Library

 Our building is closed, so you can't browse the new books we continue to add to our collection. So I'm using this blog to spotlight the wonderful new children's and teen books we have! For each book, you'll see the cover, plus the write-up by the book's publisher. The books are presented in title order. And remember, you can check any of these books out by using our "Books-to-Go" curbside pick-up service; the details are here: http://www.takomapark.info/library/curbside.html

"Discover this poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, an ode to Black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love.

Tami Charles pens a poetic, lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that their matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughs, through the hardship of adolescent struggles, and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter. Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for the days to come.

Lyrical, personal, and full of love, All Because You Matter is for the picture book audience what The Hate U Give was for YA and Ghost Boys was for middle grade: a conversation starter, a community touchstone, and a deep affirmation of worth for the young readers who need it most." (From the publisher, Orchard/Scholastic).

"A story about how good citizenship and a little consideration can make our world a joyful place for all.

Sunnyville is the perfect place to live, until one day Rhino tosses a candy wrapper on the ground. "What?" he says. "It's only one." But soon, others start throwing their trash on the ground, too, and it begins to pile up. Giraffe doesn't want to look at the garbage, so he picks a flower from the park to brighten his home--but then everyone picks the flowers, and now there aren't any left. Soon things become messier, noisier, and grumpier. Can anyone save the day?"

(From the publisher, Tiger Tales)

"Jabari is inventing a machine that will fly all the way across the yard! But making it go from CRASH to WHOOSH will take grit, patience, and maybe even a little help from his sister.

Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! "It'll be easy. I don't need any help," he declares. But it doesn't work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall's tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality." (From the publisher, Candlewick Press)

"E.T. meets The Giving Tree in this stunningly illustrated picture book about friendship, family, wonder, and magic that shows how, sometimes, the things we&;re searching for have been right in front of us all along. From the award-winning creator of The Bear and the Piano." (From the publisher, Clarion Books).

"The little blue house in this lovely, lyrical book could be overlooking any ocean, and the narrator could be any child anywhere, gazing out over the waters, thinking about all the places she could go and imagining other little blue houses on other shores, with other children gazing back." (From the publisher, Tillbury House)

"Books have taught Little Wise Wolf many things. But perhaps he's not quite as wise as he thinks he is.

A small wolf spends all his time reading big books and discovering new stars. Because he knows so much, everyone calls him Little Wise Wolf, and many of his neighbors come to him with questions. However, with so many big books still to read, he simply does not have time to answer them. Then, one day, he is summoned by the king's crow: the king is gravely ill, and only Little Wise Wolf can heal him. It is a long way to the king's castle, and Little Wise Wolf finds he is unprepared for the arduous journey. Tired and hungry, he begins to doubt how wise he really is, as there are many things he does not know about the world. Things the other animals know all about. But will they help him?

In this big story disguised as a small one, Gijs van der Hammen deftly explores the value of relationships and the interconnectedness of us all. It highlights for young children the important life lesson that everyone has unique skills and knowledge, so everyone in a community matters --- and we all need the help of others sometimes. Beautifully told and richly illustrated by Hanneke Siemensma, this engaging read-aloud has the timeless appeal of a folktale. It would be an excellent choice to begin conversations about the social studies concept of community and the character education topics of kindness and empathy." (From the publisher, Kids Can Press).

"Peter Carnavas’s career as a primary school teacher inspired him to embrace his passion for children’s literature. His picture book Blue Whale Blues won the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, and My Sister is a Superhero won an Australian Book Industry Award. The Elephant, Peter’s first novel, won the 2018 Children’s Book Award at the Queensland Literary Awards. He lives on Australia’s Sunshine Coast with his family." (From the publisher, Pajama Press)

"A boy dawdling in the bathroom to read is taken by surprise when the characters in his book come to life in this quirky picture book perfect for young readers with a silly sense of humor or beginning potty training!

A young boy takes a new book into the bathroom to read. But what a strange story! One by one, all sorts of animals: a cow, a polar bear, a lion, and more&;race across the pages. But where are they running to? Then, the boy's reading is interrupted by a loud knock on the bathroom door. The very same creatures are outside, lined up to use the toilet!

This story within a story is sure to have kids giggling with its "potty" humor and shenanigans." (From the publisher, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster)

"A delicately illustrated, unique retelling of the story that inspired Disney's Fantasia. Can Oliver stop his enchanted brooms getting out of control?" (From the publisher, Floris Books)

"This delightfully illustrated picture book shows us that while we may be the center of our own attention, life goes on around us, and it might be a wonderful thing for us to notice it once in a while. Here is a beautifuly illustrated story that humbly conveys the importance of paying attention to nature.

While you're away from nature, doing other things, amazing wonders are happening all around you. Deer are sniffing out berries, squirrels are chas- ing each other, and owls are waiting for their moment to fly. Even if you don't happen to notice them, these lit- tle miracles happen every day. And if you stop to watch and listen carefully, you may very well see some of them. Here is an adorable story that humbly conveys the importance of paying attention to nature." (From the publisher, Minedition)

Next up in the blog: New Kids & Teen Non-Fiction