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Summer Fun for Emerging Readers
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Julián Is a Mermaid
by Jessica LoveIn an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.
While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a periwinkle curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.
The Kids of Cattywampus Street
by Lisa Jahn-Clough&“An extraordinary book.&” --Lemony Snicket, author of A Series of Unfortunate Events Lovers of Roald Dahl and Louis Sachar's Sideways Stories from Wayside School will be captivated by the adventures of this very special group of friends who live on the same street.In this delightful chapter book filled with black-and-white pictures, you'll meet Jamal, Lindalee, Hans, Matteo, and others--the kids who live on Cattywampus Street, not far from the Waddlebee Toy Store. Each of the eleven chapters in this magical, mysterious, silly, scary, happy, and sometimes sad chapter book tells an utterly unforgettable tale about one of the kids. Whether it's about Jamal and his magic ball, which knows how to find him after its been stolen away; or Charlotta, who shrinks so small that she can fit inside her dollhouse; or Rodney, whose pet rock becomes the envy of all the kids on Cattywampus Street, here are stories sure to charm, captivate, and engage all readers of chapter books, even the most reluctant.
The Lemonade War
by Jacqueline DaviesFor a full hour, he poured lemonade. The world is a thirsty place, he thought as he nearly emptied his fourth pitcher of the day. And I am the Lemonade King. Fourth grader Evan Treski is people-smart. He's good at talking with people, even grownups. His younger sister, Jessie, on the other hand, is math-smart, but not especially good with people. So when the siblings' lemonade-stand war begins, there really is no telling who will win--or even if their fight will ever end. Brimming with savvy marketing tips for making money at any business, definitions of business terms, charts, diagrams, and even math problems, this fresh, funny, emotionally charged novel subtly explores how arguments can escalate beyond anyone's intent. This book features a teaser chapter from book two of the Lemonade War series, The Lemonade Crime.
A Lullaby of Summer Things
by Natalie ZiarnikIn the spirit of such bedtime favorites as Emily Winfield Martin's Day Dreamers, here is a quintessential end-of-day by the beach lovingly captured and perfect for reading aloud. This simple, lyrical picture book is as warm, reassuring, and filled with joy as a vacation at the beach.
Readers will join a little girl and her siblings as they wind down from a perfect day—hanging up towels, eating dinner, and getting ready for bed—each activity sparking a memory of their day—playing catch with the dog, chasing waves, and looking at sailboats along the shore. And when the lights of the family beach house go off—"In the dusky evening light, a sleepy house says goodnight"—young listeners will be lulled to sleep themselves.
Lulu and the Brontosaurus
by Judith Viorst and Lane SmithIt's Lulu's birthday and she's decided she'd like a pet brontosaurus as a present.
When Lulu's parents tell her that's not possible, Lulu gets very upset. She does not like it when things don't go her way.
So she takes matters into her own hands and storms off into the forest to find herself a new pet, all the way singing: I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna, gonna, get a bronto-bronto-bronto-bronto-saurus for a pet!
In the forest Lulu encounters a number of animals; a snake, a tiger, a bear, all of whom don't particularly impress her. And then she finds him...a beautiful, long-necked, gentle, graceful brontosaurus. And he completely agrees with Lulu that having a pet would be a wonderful thing, indeed!
Lulu thinks she's gotten her birthday wish at last. Until she realizes that Mr. Brontosaurus thinks that she would make an ideal pet for him! How will Lulu ever get out of this sticky situation without throwing a fit (Mr. B does not respond well to those), or using force (Mr. B is much to tall to bonk on the head with her suitcase), or smushing her pickle sandwich?
Marley and the Family Band
by Tracey Baptiste and Cedella MarleyA picture book that celebrates music, love, and family from author Cedella Marley. A poetic story about a young girl who moves to a new country and learns to make friends—inspired by a childhood growing up with the musician Bob Marley as a father.When Marley and her family move from Jamaica to Delaware, she knows life is about to change in big ways. And she's got the perfect plan to help her and her siblings make friends: an outdoor concert for the whole neighborhood!But when weather ruins their plans, she discovers help in the most unlikely places as her new neighbors quickly become the kindest of friends.In this joyful, vibrant picture book inspired by her childhood and iconic father, Cedella Marley assures children that nothing can stop the music as long as they have community.
My New Mom & Me
by Renata GalindoHere is a heartwarming and completely accessible story about adoption, diversity, and acceptance. Told from the point of view of a puppy who is adopted by a cat, this gentle and reassuring tale is perfect for very young readers and listeners.
When the puppy comes to live with his new mom, he is nervous. After all, his mom has stripes and he doesn't. But his mom says she likes that they look different, and soon the puppy likes it, too. (And who cares what anyone else thinks!)
The puppy's new mom does all the things other parents do. She plays with him, takes care of him, and sometimes even makes him mad! But that's okay, because when he's feeling sad, she knows just what to say.
The Napping House
by Audrey WoodA cozy bed, a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog, a snoozing--WAIT!
There's a surprise in store, and little ones will want to discover it over and over again.
So pull on your sleeping cap and snuggle in for a timeless cumulative tale that's truly like no other.
Don and Audrey Wood's beloved picture book has sold more than one and a half million copies.
The Night Before Summer Camp
by Natasha WingThe first day of summer camp is almost here, and one little camper doesn’t know what to expect. For a while everything is hunkydory . . . until rest time rolls around and he gets a bad case of nervous butterflies. But an unlikely friend appears out of the crowd and reassures him that the best cure for the summertime blues is tons of summertime fun! A sweetly reassuring story, once again told in verse to the meter of Clement Moore’s classic.
The Night Before Summer Vacation
by Natasha WingA little girl and her family are getting ready to go on vacation . . . or at least they are trying to. In the effort to pack everything that will be needed, there's bound to be something overlooked, and what that is provides a funny ending to this meter-perfect "twist" on Clement Moore's classic.
No, David!
by David ShannonWhen David Shannon was five years old, he wrote and illustrated his first book. On every page were these words: NO, DAVID! . . . and a picture of David doing things he was not supposed to do. Now David is all grown up. But some things never change. . . .
Over fifteen years after its initial publication, NO, DAVID! remains a perennial household favorite, delighting children, parents, and teachers alike. David is a beloved character, whose unabashed good humor, mischievous smile, and laughter-inducing antics underline the love parents have for their children--even when they misbehave.
Oona
by Kelly DiPucchioThis comical and heartfelt picture book is a winning celebration of invention, creativity, and friendship. With gorgeous underwater scenes and a crowd-pleasing tale, this is one little mermaid who is here to make a splash! New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and illustrator Raissa Figueroa would like to introduce Oona-the big wide sea's littlest mischief-maker. Oona and her best friend Otto love to search for treasure...and often find trouble instead. Messy trouble. Tricky trouble. Even shark-related trouble. That's never stopped them before, though! After all, no proper treasure hunt is without some adventure. But when the grandest treasure yet is stuck in a deep, dark rift, Oona's not sure if she can dive right in. What might be waiting for her in those unknown waters?
Outer Space Bedtime Race
by Rob Sanders and Brian WonAaaaaand they're off . . . to bed!
Aliens from every planet rocket through their out-of-this-world bedtime routines--they sink into steamy crater bubble baths and shimmy into deep-sleep suits, just like you (almost)!
Brian Won's glowing graphic art pops off the page, and Rob Sanders's goofy rhymes will have kids racing to snuggle under the covers and blast off to dreamland.
The Paper Kingdom
by Helena Ku RheeWhen the babysitter is unable to come, Daniel is woken out of bed and joins his parents as they head downtown for their jobs as nighttime office cleaners. But the story is about more than brooms, mops, and vacuums. Mama and Papa turn the deserted office building into a magnificent kingdom filled with paper. Then they weave a fantasy of dragons and kings to further engage their reluctant companion--and even encourage him to one day be the king of a paper kingdom. The Paper Kingdom expresses the joy and spirit of a loving family who turn a routine and ordinary experience into something much grander. Magical art by Pascal Campion shows both the real world and the fantasy through the eyes of the young narrator.
Peanut Goes for the Gold
by Jonathan Van NessPeanut Goes for the Gold is a charming, funny, and heartfelt picture book that follows the adventures of Peanut, a gender nonbinary guinea pig who does everything with their own personal flare. Peanut just has their own unique way of doing things. Whether it’s cartwheeling during basketball practice or cutting their own hair, this little guinea pig puts their own special twist on life. So when Peanut decides to be a rhythmic gymnast, they come up with a routine that they know is absolutely perfect, because it is absolutely, one hundred percent Peanut. This upbeat and hilarious picture book, inspired by Jonathan’s own childhood guinea pig, encourages children to not just be themselves—but to boldly and unapologetically love being themselves.
Quackers
by Liz WongA cat who thinks he's a duck?
He must be Quackers!!
This quirky funny book is about standing out, fitting in, and building a life with room for all.
Quackers is a duck. Sure, he may have paws and whiskers. And his quacks might sound more like. . . well, meows, but he lives among ducks, everyone he knows is a duck, and he's happy.
Then Quackers meets another duck who looks like him (& talks like him, too!)--but he calls himself a cat.
So silly!
Quackers loves being among his new friends the cats, but he also misses his duck friends, and so he finds a way to combine the best of both worlds.
Part cat, part duck, all Quackers!
Rot, the Cutest in the World
by Ben ClantonA mutant potato learns that he’s pear-fect just the way he is in this bright, fun, and silly picture book from the creator of It Came in the Mail that will have kids collapsing in giggles (and rescuing the contents of the vegetable drawer).
Rot is a mutant potato. Like most mutant potatoes, Rot loves all sorts of games and contests. So when he sees a sign for the “Cutest in the World Contest,” he can’t wait to enter.
But when Rot realizes who he’s up against—an itty-bitty baby bunny, a little-wittle cuddly kitten, and an eenie-weenie jolly jellyfish—he loses confidence. Will the judges find room in their hearts for an adorable mutant potato?
Ruby Bridges Goes To School
by Ruby BridgesThe extraordinary true story of Ruby Bridges, the first African-American child to integrate a New Orleans school--now with simple text for young readers!
In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked through an angry crowd and into a school where she changed history.
This is the true story of an extraordinary little girl who helped shape our country when she became the first African-American to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. With simple text and historical photographs, this easy reader explores an amazing moment in history and the courage of a young girl who stayed strong in the face of racism.
Lexile Measure: 470L
Snakes
by Seymour SimonWhat animal can smell with its tongue, swallow an animal larger than its own head, and grow to be longer than a school bus? A snake!
Pound for pound, snakes are among the strongest of animals.
Most people fear snakes, but there are only a few that are dangerous to humans.
And if snakes were to disappear, the earth would be overrun with rats and rodents.
We all must learn to appreciate these awesome reptiles as a vital part of the global balance of nature.
Space Boy
by Leo LandryThis world, decides Nicholas, is too noisy for him.
Time to take a trip.
He packs a snack, puts on his suit, and takes off . . . to the utterly quiet craters and vast deserts of the distant moon.
In this utterly charming picture book, the allure of space travel and the longing for peace and quiet entice a young boy to take his space rocket to the moon for a picnic.
Splat The Cat
by Rob ScottonSplat and his class go on a field trip to an ice cream factory in this delectable I Can Read book from New York Times bestselling author-artist Rob Scotton. Splat can barely sit still during the bus ride. He's imagining the mountain of ice cream he thinks he'll get to eat! But when Splat gets there, that mountain becomes more of an avalanche. It's up to Splat and his classmates to save the day! Beginning readers will practice the –eam sound in this easy-to-read addition to the Splat series. Splat the Cat: I Scream for Ice Cream is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.
Start Saving, Henry!
by Nancy CarlsonHenry's finally old enough to get an allowance, and he can't wait to spend it every week on giant jawbreakers, a huge pencil, and other silly things. But when Henry finds something he really wants, he discovers that saving money can be more difficult- and more rewarding-than he ever imagined. With candy-bright artwork, a popular main character, and a story that every child will relate to, Nancy Carlson's new book makes perfect "cents" for young readers!
Steam Train, Dream Train
by Tom Lichtenheld and Sherri Duskey RinkerThe team behind the #1 New York Times bestseller Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site returns with another fabulous book for bedtime!
The dream train pulls into the station, and one by one the train cars are loaded: polar bears pack the reefer car with ice cream, elephants fill the tanker cars with paints, tortoises stock the auto rack with race cars, bouncy kangaroos stuff the hopper car with balls.
Sweet and silly dreams are guaranteed for any budding train enthusiasts!
The Storm Whale
by Benji DaviesNoi and his father live in a house by the sea. Noi's father works hard as a fisherman, and Noi often has only their six cats for company.
So when, one day, he finds a baby whale washed up on the beach after a storm, Noi is excited and takes it home to care for it. He tries to keep his new friend a secret, but but there's only so long you can keep a whale in the bath without your dad finding out.
Noi is eventually persuaded that the whale has to go back to the sea where it belongs, but now very much aware of his son's loneliness, his father helps and in the weeks that follow the whale's return, finds time to do more with him, be it colouring or going on a picnic.
For Noi, even though he can't keep it, the arrival of the whale changes his life for the better - the perfect gift from one friend to another.
Telephone
by Mac Barnett and Jen CoraceIt's time to fly home for dinner!
In this witty picture book from award-winning and bestselling author Mac Barnett, a mother bird gives the bird next to her a message for little Peter.
But passing messages on a telephone line isn't as simple as it sounds. Each subsequent bird understands Mama's message according to its own very particular hobbies.
Will Peter ever get home for dinner?
This uproarious interpretation of a favorite children's game will get everyone giggling and is sure to lead to countless rereads.