With Summer Reading winding down, I’m getting caught up on reading the many picture books filling our New Books Shelf. Wow are there some great new additions to our collection! Here are just a few highlights. Come in or call us for curbside pickup to check out these or the many others available!
Everyone’s Awake by Colin Meloy
If you are thinking this author’s name sounds familiar, you aren’t wrong. Not only is Meloy the author of the popular middle grade series The Wildwood Chronicles, he is also the frontman for popular Indie group, The Decemberists. The words in this book are so lyrical. An ode to insomnia that has a little bit of everything mixed in from Prince, mice playing cards, revolution, and more! The illustrations by Shawn Harris match the spirit of the words perfectly and you must pay very close attention because there are some details in the pictures that are sure to make you smile.
The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart
Most books written by celebrities don’t get much notice from me. It’s very rare that I would recommend them but this book is so perfect and timely, I have to share! It speaks to every kid (or grownup for that matter) every where. A great blend of humor and heart, this book encourages, kindness, curiousity, and activism without being preachy or overbearing. If you are looking for a good book about being a good citizen or what it means to be in a community, this is a great one to share!
Hungry Jim by Laurel Snyder
This fable-like story is about a boy who wakes up as a beast. It cleverly goes through the emotions he feels as he goes through his morning and shows how letting negative emotions rule can spoil a perfectly good day. It’s dedication is to Maurice Sendak and the vibe throughout the book reminds me of Sendak and his wild beasts.
When My Brother Gets Home by Tom Lichtenheld
This book is a sweet shoutout to the younger siblings left at home at the start of the school year. Patiently waiting for the school bus to bring her brother home, a little sister is planning all the adventures she will have with her brother when he gets home.
The Bear in My Family by Maya Tatsukawa
Another sibling adventure with a very different twist. This younger sibling has a bear of a problem. Everywhere he goes, the bear is there! Roaring, stomping, angry, selfish… he just can’t escape. It turns out, having a grumpy bear around isn’t all bad though. In fact, sometimes a grumpy bear is just what you need.
I Really Want the Cake by Simon Philip
This hilarious tale in rhyme is perfectly complimented by charming illustrations that (almost) make you want to crawl into the pages. With lessons in impulse-control and making amends, this book gives plenty to talk about without being heavy handed. It’s a great book to talk about personal choices and consequences with that will have kids laughing and learning.
Moline Public Library Kids 