Kids

Tomfoolery! : Randolph Caldecott and the rambunctious coming-of-age of children's books book cover

Tomfoolery! : Randolph Caldecott and the rambunctious coming-of-age of children's books

Michelle Markel

j741.6092 Caldecott
Kids

Quick! If you don't move fast, you're going to miss him -- there he goes-- Randolph Caldecott, future famous illustrator. His sketchbook is full of hurly-burly; wild weather, frisky animals and people so sprightly they can barely hold on to the pages. But in the 1850s, there are no children's books like that. Not yet. Many are published, but their pictures look still, full of pretty poses and cluttered scenery. No one has imagined how much fun an illustrated book can be ... Because the future hero of children's book illustration is just a lad.

Anne W's picture

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the Caldecott Medal, awarded annually to the book for children with the best illustrations? Even if you haven't, read this anyway because it's really good! An entertaining, lightly-written biography of Randolph Caldecott, the 1850s children's book illustrator who took children's book art from dull, staid, stiff, formally-posed, purely decorative, and needlessly ornate to a modern, integral part of the story. Caldecott made pictures that were filled with action, humor, movement, joy, and worked to advance the story, so that even a child who couldn't yet read could glean the story by looking at the pictures. A modern understanding of picture books developed due to his work and we continue to recognize his innovations today through the Caldecott medal. -Anne W

The first cat in space and the Soup of Doom book cover

The first cat in space and the Soup of Doom

Mac Barnett

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Barnett First
Kids, Graphic Novels

Award-winning creators Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris are back with the second volume in the bestselling The First Cat in Space graphic novel series! Secret tales of woe, hilarious new characters, and dangerous plans of sabotage will keep readers delighted and laughing until the thrilling climax. Perfect for fans of Dog Man and InvestiGators. The Moon Queen has been poisoned—by SOUP. With few she can trust in her own royal court, she and First Cat will have to journey alone to find the antidote. If only LOZ 4000 were still with them . . . But our once-heroic toenail clipping robot is on the run, looking for new purpose in this vast universe. Unbeknownst to our trio, secret forces are working against them. In a world of villainous cowboys, high-speed chases, and falling pianos, can our iconic trio find their way back to one another and save the Moon Queen before it’s too late? And who would want to poison her? Is Captain Babybeard, the adorable baby pirate, in this one?

Angie's picture

The ridiculously fun sequel is finally here and I am over the moon! I laughed out loud at the adventure that was just as clever, funny, and artistically impressive as the first volume in the series. This is a great family read aloud for the younger kids, and a great book for the independent reader-through 6th grade. Kids will love it and will be eagerly awaiting the third volume! -Angie

Something, someday book cover

Something, someday

Amanda Gorman

jE Gorman
Kids, Picture Books

"Presidential inaugural poet and #1 New York Times bestselling author Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Christian Robinson have created a timeless message of hope. Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference. With a little faith, and maybe the help of a friend, together we can find beauty and create change. With intimate and inspiring text and powerfully stunning illustrations, Something, Someday reveals how even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact" --

Angie's picture

Inspiring for the young, old, and everyone in between! Beautiful words and equally as beautiful illustrations. I hope this is the first of many collaborations from these two! -Angie

In the night garden book cover

In the night garden

Carin Berger

jE Berger
Picture Books, Nature, Animals, Kids

"A collage-illustrated bedtime read about the often mysterious and always beautiful experiences to be found in nighttime spaces"--

Casey's picture

Yet another gorgeous picture book title from Carin Berger! Pair with Ashley Wolff's "Only The Cat Saw" for a fabulous nighttime cat-themed storytime. -Casey

The skull : a Tyrolean folktale book cover

The skull : a Tyrolean folktale

Jon Klassen

jFICTION Klassen, Jon
Kids, Early Chapter Books, Fiction, Paranormal, Short Story

"This is an old story. It is about a girl named Otilla who runs away. It is also about a house in the woods, and a skull who lives there, and a secret the skull has, and the night that Otilla finds out what that secret is."--

Angie's picture

Jon Klassen’s signature offbeat humor takes a turn for the ghostly in this retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale. Steeped in shadows and threaded with subtle wit—with rich, monochromatic artwork and an illuminating author’s note—The Skull is as empowering as it is mysterious and foreboding and quite different from most of our chapter books on our shelves! -Angie

Simon and the better bone book cover

Simon and the better bone

Corey R. Tabor

jE Tabor
Kids, Picture Books, Animals

One day, down by the pond, Simon meets another dog just like him. And that dog has a bone just like his, only better! How will Simon ever get him to trade, when the other pup knows all the same tricks?

Casey's picture

I love books that play with book structure, and this one features a cute dog! The innovative formatting of this title makes for a spectacular lap-sit or storytime read. Pair with Tabor's Mell Fell or Suzy Lee's Wave series for a fun book-gutter-themed storytime. -Casey

Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep! book cover

Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep!

Bill Martin

jE Martin
Kids, Picture Books, Music

Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep! This old car has been everywhere from the backyard to the sky, from the hills to the water. Bouncing between the mud in the ground and the clouds up high, the old car is loved by a clever young boy ... --Publisher.

Casey's picture

This old car it's so fun, It's a hit with everyone! With a "Bing! Bang! Chugga! Beep!" You'll surely sing along, This great book's based on a song! -Casey

Awake, asleep book cover

Awake, asleep

Kyle Lukoff

jE Lukoff
Picture Books, Kids

"From sunup to sundown, a young child's day is bursting with discovery and wonder-filled moments."--

Casey's picture

Looking for a quick, sweet bedtime read? Look no further than Kyle Lukoff's latest title, "Awake, Asleep" which is bound to be a storytime favorite. -Casey

Grandad's pride book cover

Grandad's pride

Harry Woodgate

jE Woodgate
Picture Books, LGBTQ+, Diverse Characters, Kids

"After Milly discovers a pride flag in Grandad's attic, this adorable pair are motivated by the past to start a pride parade in their small town. Activism and celebration go hand in hand as the town gathers to help build a world where everyone is proud to be themselves"--

Angie's picture

Harry Woodgate continues the story of Grandad's Camper in their second picture, Grandad's Pride. Grandad and Milly are back for another adventure, this time honoring the past and celebrating the future with a pride parade in their community. Woodgate's artwork is vibrant and colorful, making the characters bright and heartwarming. -Angie

The mysterious Benedict Society book cover

The mysterious Benedict Society

Stewart, Trenton Lee.

jFICTION Stewart, Trenton Lee
Fiction, Kids

After passing a series of mind-bending tests, four children are selected for a secret mission that requires them to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.

Casey's picture

Added by Casey