Picture Books
The happiness of a dog with a ball in its mouth
Bruce Handy
jE Handy
Picture Books, Diverse Characters
"Starting from the happiness of waking up into a brand-new day, the picture book goes on to explore the kinds of relationships and contrasts that play out between our feelings and experiences every single day. Whether it's the nervousness of a beginning paired with the happiness of a middle; the indignity of a cut against the happiness of a scab; the boredom of nothing to do contrasted with the happiness of nothing to do; or the divide of mine against the happiness of our, these pages challenge the reader to think about daily activities and experiences and the feelings they conjure. The Happiness of a Dog with a Ball in Its Mouth is a gentle, fun, and philosophical read"--
Your mama
NoNieqa Ramos
jE Ramos
Picture Books, Read Woke
Illustrations and easy-to-read text twist classic "your mama" jokes into a celebration of the beauty, power, and love of motherhood.
Remember all of those "your mama" jokes in the '90s? Well, all joking aside, Your Mama is awesome! -Casey
My nana's garden
Dawn Casey
jE Casey
Picture Books, Read Woke
A little girl visits her grandmother in different seasons, and together they explore the wonders of her garden. Until, one day, Nana isn't there anymore. But as winter gives way to spring, the girl learns that life goes on, and so does the memory of those we love. --
Gardening as a metaphor for the passage of time? Yes please! -Casey
Is was
Deborah (Deborah Jane) Freedman
jE Freedman
Picture Books, Poetry
Takes a look at change, from the innocent and everyday to the gigantic and irreversible, as well as how some things remain the same.
This is a high concept book presented in the most accessible of ways, and I can't wait to share it in storytimes. Be sure to read the dedication at the end, as the poetry and illustrations come together fully realizing the larger concept here. Simply lovely. -Casey
The house of grass and sky
Mary Lyn Ray
jE Ray
Picture Books
"A house sits in a field under the ever-changing sky. For a while the house was full of laughter and children and the sounds of lives being lived under its roof. And then, for a long time, it was empty and quiet. New people came to look, but they always left. Will anyone come to stay?"--Jacket
Have you ever walked in to a house that feels like it was waiting for you? This one might be. -Casey
Stroller coaster
Matt Ringler
jE Ringler
Picture Books, Read Woke
A quick-thinking father thwarts his daughter's impending temper tantrum when he transforms an everyday walk outside into an exciting strollercoaster ride through the neighborhood.
Raul The Third's signature style meets a perfect pun for littles--be sure to watch out for all of the bilingual background fun! -Casey
The lost soul
Olga Tokarczuk
jE Tokarczu
Picture Books
"'Once upon a time there was a man who worked very hard and very quickly, and who had left his soul far behind him long ago. In fact his life was all right without his soul--he slept, ate, worked, drove a car and even played tennis. But sometimes he felt as if the world around him were flat, as if he were moving across a smooth page in a math book that was covered in evenly spaced squares...' The Lost Soul is a deeply moving reflection on our capacity to live in peace with ourselves, to remain patient, attentive to the world. It is a story that beautifully weaves together the voice of the Nobel Prize-winning Polish novelist Olga Tokarczuk and the finely detailed pen-and-ink drawings of illustrator Joanna Concejo, who together create a parallel narrative universe full of secrets, evocative of another time. Here a man has forgotten what makes his heart feel full. He moves to a house away from all that is familiar to him to wait for his soul to return. The Lost Soul is a sublime album, a rare delicacy that will delight readers young and old. 'You must find a place of your own, sit there quietly and wait for your soul.'"--
This is a stunning picture book I found in the Children's collection but this title will very possibly be enjoyed more by adults. The author reminds us that often, when we are hurrying around with our jobs, our families, and all of the countless other things on our to-do lists, our hearts move on from our souls and our souls get lost. In some ways the pandemic forced many of us to examine our priorities and what really matters in life. If there was ever a time to reconnect with our souls, that time is now! The illustrations are pensive and gorgeous and align perfectly with the moral of the story. If you like this, check out Cicada by Shaun Tan. -Victoria
Off to see the sea
Nikki Grimes
jE Grimes
Picture Books, Read Woke
"The faucet flows like a waterfall, the bathroom floor is a distant shore, toy boats sail against the waves. An imagination-fueled adventure on the high seas is just what it takes to get little one clean."--Provided by publisher.
Bathtub adventure awaits! Take the plunge, you'll be glad you did. -Casey
If you go down to the woods today
Rachel Piercey
jE Piercey
Picture Books
A first collection by an acclaimed poet invites readers to join Bear on his journey to meet friends and explore his woodland home during a magical year of seasons as depicted on high-detail hidden-object spreads.
This is a seek and find that has something for everyone. I love the illustrations, and the poetry lends itself to more seeking. Anyone with a seek and finder in their house might enjoy this romp through the seasons and the forest. -Casey
Me & Mama
Cozbi A. Cabrera
jE Cabrera
Picture Books
For a little girl on a rainy day, the best place to be is with Mama.
Added by Anne W
What a nice exploration of opposites and how they are often fluid. This is a perfect book for savoring together. -Casey