On this April 1st I bring to you an AMAZING list of some new and upcoming books that are perfect to celebrate spring and hide in Easter baskets...
From Candlewick
The Day the Universe Exploded My Head: Poems to Take You to Space and Back Again
By Allan Wolf
Illustrated by Anna Raff
Hang on tight for a raucous bounce through the solar system and back -- propelled by funny, fanciful, factually sound poems and exuberant illustrations. The universe poured into me. My brain was overloaded. It smoked and glowed red-hot. And then it actually exploded. Ever wonder what the sun has to say about being the closest star to Earth? Or what Pluto has gotten up to since being demoted to a dwarf planet? Or where rocket ships go when they retire? Listen closely, because maybe, just maybe, your head will explode, too. With poetry that is equal parts accurate and entertaining -- and illustrations that are positively out of this world -- this book will enthrall amateur stargazers and budding astrophysicists as it reveals many of the wonders our universe holds. Space travelers in search of more information will find notes about the poems, a glossary, and a list of resources at the end.
A fun, humorous romp through the solar system that will educate, entertain, and enthrall!
Bis for Baby
By Atinuke
Illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
Atinuke and Angela Brooksbank, creators of the award-winning Baby Goes to Market, pair up again for a bright and beautiful first book of words. B is for Baby. B is for Brother. B is for going to see Baba! One morning after breakfast, Baby's big brother is getting ready to take the basket of bananas all the way to Baba's bungalow in the next village. He'll have to go along the bumpy road, past the baobab trees, birds, and butterflies, and all the way over the bridge. But what he doesn't realize is that his very cute, very curious baby sibling has stowed away on his bicycle. Little ones learning about language will love sounding out the words in this playful, vibrantly illustrated story set in West Africa.
A sweetly rendered and lushly illustrated tale about the letter B that takes readers on a stunning trek across vibrant and beautiful West Africa.
A Green Place to Be: The Creation of Central Park
By Ashley Benham Yazdani
How did Central Park become a vibrant gem in the heart of New York City? Follow the visionaries behind the plan as it springs to green life. In 1858, New York City was growing so fast that new roads and tall buildings threatened to swallow up the remaining open space. The people needed a green place to be -- a park with ponds to row on and paths for wandering through trees and over bridges. When a citywide contest solicited plans for creating a park out of barren swampland, Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted put their heads together to create the winning design, and the hard work of making their plans a reality began. By winter, the lake opened for skating. By the next summer, the waterside woodland known as the Ramble opened for all to enjoy. Meanwhile, sculptors, stone masons, and master gardeners joined in to construct thirty-four unique bridges, along with fountains, pagodas, and band shells, making New York's Central Park a green gift to everyone. Included in the end matter are bios of Vaux and Olmsted, a bibliography, and engaging factual snippets.
Cheerily illustrated and full of fascinating facts, this is an exciting and engaging book about the creation of one of the world’s most famous parks!
A New Home
By Tania de Ragil
As a girl in Mexico City and a boy in New York City ponder moving to each other's locale, it becomes clear that the two cities -- and the two children -- are more alike than they might think. But I'm not sure I want to leave my home. I'm going to miss so much. Moving to a new city can be exciting. But what if your new home isn't anything like your old home? Will you make friends? What will you eat? Where will you play? In a cleverly combined voice -- accompanied by wonderfully detailed illustrations depicting parallel urban scenes -- a young boy conveys his fears about moving from New York City to Mexico City while, at the same time, a young girl expresses trepidation about leaving Mexico City to move to New York City. Tania de Regil offers a heartwarming story that reminds us that home may be found wherever life leads. Fascinating details about each city are featured at the end.
A sweet and endearing story about the excitement and fear of moving to a new city, a joyous celebration of two incredible cities.
Mr. Posey’s New Glasses
By Ted Kooser
Illustrated by Daniel Duncan
In a charming tale of an elderly man and his obliging young friend, former poet laureate Ted Kooser and newcomer Daniel Duncan invite us to look at the world with fresh eyes. Mr. Posey is feeling gloomy. Everything seems dull. Maybe he needs new glasses? Perhaps a trip to the Cheer Up Thrift Shop with his energetic young neighbor, Andy, will help. But when the duo try on the glasses in the shop's barrel, they're in for a big surprise. One pair with stars for frames shows only constellations in a night sky. Round frames reveal a world all aswirl, while a heart-shaped pair makes everything pink. And as soon as Mr. Posey puts on the cat-eye framed glasses, fierce dogs start chasing him. No, thank you! But when Andy makes a simple observation, Mr. Posey's view opens to a whole new world -- and finally everything is brighter, different, and exciting.
A charming and heartwarming tale about friendship, imagination, and seeing the world through fresh eyes.
Angry Cookie
By Laura Dockrill
Illustrated by Maria Karipidou
Famed spoken-word poet Laura Dockrill's hilarious read-aloud about an outraged baked good! Oooohhh . . . not you again! AGGGHH It's so bright! . . . Close this book this very second, you nosy noodle! Cookie has woken up on the wrong side of the bed and is very angry. You want to know why? Well, you'd have to keep reading to find out, but now Cookie's calling you annoying and telling you to mind your own business. If by chance you do stick around, you might hear about a certain roommate's terrible musical skills, why you should never let your barber try out a "new look," how it's impossible to find a hat that fits a cookie, and why an ice-cream parlor that's out of your favorite treat can be a source of desolation. Then there's the matter of a hungry bird who tries to snack on you. . . . Propelled by quirky humor and woes that every young child can relate to, Angry Cookie suggests that sometimes the best way to cheer up a grumpy lump is simply by being there -- and lending your ears.
A cheeky, laugh-out-loud story about big feelings and the power of friendship.
Birds
By Carme Lemniscates
Birds are like thoughts. They come, stay awhile . . . and then fly away. Birds come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They like to chat with one another as they fly high and low in the sky. Birds make music, with songs that are like the loving words of a friend, and we are lucky enough to enjoy those sweet melodies. But best of all, birds are capable of flying wherever they please -- they just let their hearts guide them. And we can do that, too, if we use our imaginations.
A vibrantly and richly illustrated celebration of birds of all kinds and the amazing ways they impact and inspire us.
A Piglet Named Mercy
By Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Every porcine wonder was once a piglet! Celebrate the joy of a new arrival with this endearing picture-book prequel to the New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson series. Mr. Watson and Mrs. Watson live ordinary lives. Sometimes their lives feel a bit too ordinary. Sometimes they wish something different would happen. And one day it does, when someone unpredictable finds her way to their front door. In a delightful origin story for the star of the Mercy Watson series, a tiny piglet brings love (and chaos) to Deckawoo Drive — and the Watsons’ lives will never be the same.
A positively precious porcine tale with an irresistible piggy heroine and bright, charming pictures.
Babymoon
By Hayley Barrett
Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
In a perfect gift for new and expectant parents (and siblings), a gentle story pays tribute to the wonder and emotion of a family's first quiet days with a newborn. The house is hushed. The lights are low. We're basking in a newborn glow. Inside the cozy house, a baby has arrived! The world is eager to meet the newcomer, but there will be time enough for that later. Right now, the family is on its babymoon: cocooning, connecting, learning, and muddling through each new concern. While the term "babymoon" is often used to refer to a parents' getaway before the birth of a child, it was originally coined by midwives to describe days like these: at home with a newborn, with the world held at bay and the wonder of a new family constellation unfolding. Paired with warm and winsome illustrations by Juana Martinez-Neal, Hayley Barrett's lyrical ode to these tender first days will resonate with new families everywhere.
Barrett’s sweet, lyrical text and Martinez-Neal's gorgeously dreamy illustrations dance together to beautifully celebrate the precious days spent just between new parents and their baby.
Noah Builds an Ark
By Kate Banks
Illustrated by John Rocco
A storm is coming -- a big one. How does a young urban boy prepare? A lovely allegorical story about ecology and caring inspired by the ancient tale of stewardship. While his family readies his townhouse for an approaching storm, boarding up windows and laying in groceries, Noah heads to the back garden, where beetles are burrowing deeper into the bark and mice are stuffing their hole with moss. Quickly and efficiently, Noah sets to work building an ark for them and other backyard creatures -- salamanders and toads, snakes and spiders, even brightly colored hummingbirds. Setting out fistfuls of nuts and leaves, berries and seeds, the boy props a flashlight inside and arranges some miniature furniture for the animals to sit or sleep on. "Come," Noah whispers to his friends just as his mother calls him inside and the dark storm roars in. From an award-winning author and a Caldecott Honoree comes a quietly inspiring story about how taking action on behalf of our fellow earth travelers can help us face fearsome events.
Captivating storytelling and engaging illustrations bring this heartwarming tale to life.
Inside Outside
By Anne-Margot Ramstein & Matthias Aregui
From the creators of Before After comes another striking book of opposites, this time exploring the concepts of within and without with bright, bold graphics. Safe inside its shell, a baby bird prepares to brave the world. A spelunker descends into a wide and glittering cavern while fellow explorers cluster around a crack in the earth. Fire-red ants march busily around their anthill, oblivious of a hungry anteater waiting above. Smart and stylish, this oversize art book takes a unique approach to the concept of inside and outside, offering clever and unexpected examples that will delight readers and spark conversations about context and perspective. Inside Outside is sure to find a place in collections, on coffee tables, in classrooms, and anywhere curious minds can be found.
Bright, bold images creatively and smartly depict the contrast between Inside and Outside, and offer readers fascinating pages full of fun details to explore.
From Prestel
Who Is Afraid of Little Wolf?
By Yayo Kawamura
This enchanting board book follows Little Wolf as he searches for someone to play with and carries a simple yet profound message about prejudice and preconceived notions. Little Wolf is bored, and so he asks some other animals to play. But no one wants to join him--not the squirrel, nor the bunny, nor the fox. Their parents have told them not to play with wolves. But when Little Wolf meets a bee, she is brave enough to play and the two have a great time. The other animals see there's nothing to be afraid of and decide to join in. With bold colors and appealing characters this book packs a powerful lesson about overcoming prejudices and not judging someone before you know them.
A charming board book that sends a timely and powerful message about prejudice and kindness.
A Brief History of Life on Earth
By Clemence Dupont
The story of life on earth unfolds in dramatic fashion in this amazing picture book that takes readers from 4.6 billion years ago to the present day. It's difficult to grasp the enormous changes life on Earth has undergone since it first came into existence, but this marvelously illustrated book makes learning about our planet's fascinating history easy and entertaining. In an accordion style, the series of pages take readers through every major geological period, with bright artwork and detailed drawings. Opening on lava-filled oceans and smoking volcanoes, the book unfolds, era by era, to show how life evolved from tiny protozoa and crustaceans to dinosaurs and mammals. Fully expanded to 8 meters (26 feet), this spectacular visual timeline is a very impressive panorama that reveals evolution in all its glory. Each page is brimming with illustrations that readers will turn to again and again. A celebration of life, this extraordinary and beautiful book illuminates the history of Earth for young readers in an unforgettable and delightful way.
Chock full of fascinating information, presented in easily understood ways, and engaging illustrations, done in a cool color pallet, this book is sure to entertain and educate readers for hours...plus, the whole book unfolds and becomes the length of a triceratops!
Wilderness: Earth’s Amazing Habitats
By Mia Cassany and Marcos Navarro
Add on Goodreads
This brilliantly illustrated book takes young readers to the planet's wild regions, including forests, jungles, tundras, and deserts to discover the animals that call it home. This captivating book brings the natural world into sharp focus. Beautifully colored and intricately detailed illustrations depict places as exotic and wide-ranging as Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park, Russia's Sikhote-Alin mountain range, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka, Daintree National Park in Australia, the Mexican desert, and China's bamboo forests. The animals that live in these remote places, cleverly hidden in the trees, plants, and flowers, create a marvelous challenge for young readers to find and identify. Each spread contains more than twenty different species including birds, snakes, frogs, iguanas, leopards, tigers, gorillas, pandas, and wolves. The back of the book is filled with additional information about the animals and their habitats. Young readers will find much to discover, explore, and learn in this absorbing celebration of our planet and the amazing creatures we share it with.
This book takes readers on an unforgettable journey to some of the most amazing habitats around the globe, and does so through wonderfully presented facts and the most stunning and captivating illustrations.
Alexander Von Humboldt: Botanical Illustrations
(22 pull-out posters)
A must-have for Alexander von Humboldt fans and botanic enthusiasts, this gorgeous collection of frameable posters of his studies is filled with natural wonders and meticulous detail.
More than two centuries after Alexander von Humboldt established himself as a scientific trailblazer, the work of this pioneering explorer and naturalist is being rediscovered. Humboldt's travels in the Americas and Cuba were hailed by many as the "scientific discovery of America." These intricate botanical masterpieces reveal his revolutionary findings as he traveled through jungles, across rivers, and over mountainous terrain. Technically precise, these delicately tinted prints are equally appealing to anyone who appreciates fine art and botanical illustration. Perfect for close study as well as decoration, this treasury of botanical delight will help brighten any room and inspire anyone drawn to the beauty of the natural world.
This book contains 22 pull-out posters depicting naturalist Alexander von Humboldt’s gorgeous and accurately detailed botanical illustrations that botanists and art enthusiasts alike will love!
From National Geographic Kids
Animals on the Go
(Little Kids First Board Book)
National Geographic spins off its best-selling Little Kids First Big Book series into engaging new board books to introduce even the littlest kids to high-quality nonfiction. These sturdy pages showcase animals and how they move, with amazing photographs, super-simple facts, and lively, age-appropriate language to keep babies and toddlers--and their grown-ups--fascinated by every colorful page. Stunning photos of wildlife in action introduce babies and toddlers to creatures that creep, crawl, hop, slither, soar, and more. Watch how fluffy and scaly creatures, both big and small, move from place to place. Designed to be the stepping stone to the popular Little Kids First Big Book series, these board books take similar subjects and distill them down to the simplest nonfiction concepts for the youngest audience. Not only will readers learn how animals move, they can also find recurring shapes and patterns in the art, while adults can keep their eyes open for occasional funny commentary from the animals. Sidebar text offers additional learning for older siblings or those ready for more complex information. With their square shape, bright and playful design, awesome photography, clear text, and cues to encourage interactive learning, the Little Kids First Board Books mirror the beloved First Big Books while taking a fresh new approach to excite a baby's sense of wonder and make learning about nature and science fun.
Space
(Little Kids First Board Book)
National Geographic spins off its best-selling Little Kids First Big Book series into engaging new board books to introduce even the littlest kids to high-quality nonfiction. These sturdy pages explore the basics of the solar system with amazing photographs, super-simple facts, and lively, age-appropriate language to keep babies and toddlers--and their grown-ups--fascinated by every colorful page. With stunning photos of the Earth and other planets, this beautiful book introduces the very youngest explorers to the wonders of the space, beginning right here on Earth and expanding into the universe beyond. Designed to be the stepping stone to the Little Kids First Big Bookseries, the National Geographic Little Kids First Board Books take similar subjects and drill them down to the simplest nonfiction concepts for the youngest audience. Not only will readers learn about planets and our solar system, they can also find recurring shapes and patterns in the design; occasional callouts will add humor for adults, and sidebar text offers additional learning for older siblings or those ready for more complex information.With their square shape, bright and playful design, awesome photography, clear text, and cues to encourage interactive learning, the Little Kids First Board Books mirror the beloved First Big Books while taking a fresh new approach to excite a baby's sense of wonder and make learning about nature and science fun.
These fun, informative board books are the perfect size and length for little readers, who will love flipping through the stunning photos and absorbing all the cool facts and info!
Little Kids First Big Book of Science
By Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
This lively introduction to the fascinating world of science explores the different kinds of science, what scientists do, and the amazing things that scientists study: animals and plants; oceans and space; earthquakes and volcanoes; sound and light; inventions and more! Make sure kids' first experience of the wonders of science is a thrilling eye-opener with this fun reference book. Fun activities, games, and simple experiments encourage interactive learning, showing kids that anyone can use scientific observation and experimentation to be a scientist and discover new things. With bright images and age-appropriate text, this book inspires kids to be curious, ask questions, and explore the world around them and maybe even grow up to be a scientist one day, too! Topics include astronomy, botany, paleontology, malacology (that's the science of clams, snails, and other animals with shells!), zoology, and more.
With its engaging, age-appropriate, large text and lively, exciting photos, this captivating book is the perfect way to introduce little readers to the wondrous world of science!
Brother, Sister, Me and You
By Mary Quattlebaum
From playing to tumbling to cuddling, this playful nonfiction picture book pairs rhythmic, rhyming text with adorable photographs as it explores sibling relationships in the animal kingdom. Little ones will delight in the similarities lion, turtle, and even bee siblings have with human brothers and sisters in this charming read-aloud book. It opens with 10 kinds of animal siblings and segues naturally into young human brothers and sisters. The children reprise the animal actions, from leaping and pouncing to splashing and bouncing, and finally snuggling down to sleep. Interesting facts about each featured animal are provided for further learning. Beyond cute, it's the perfect gift for little kids with a new brother or sister on the way -- and for animal lovers of all ages. An afterword by noted early child development expert Dr. Tovah P. Klein, called the "toddler whisperer" by Good Morning America,provides tips to parents for nurturing sibling harmony.
An adorable and fun celebration of sibling bonds, both in humans and the animal world, this book, with its rhyming text and full-of-life photographs, will just delight readers!
Little Larry Goes To School
The True Story of a Timid Chimpanzee Who Learned to Reach New Heights
By Gerry Ellis
A young, orphaned chimpanzee must start at a new school, where he will learn how to climb and build his confidence. Stunning photographs from award-winning photographer Gerry Ellis are sure to captivate young readers and raise awareness about chimps and the threats they face. Little Larry is an orphaned chimpanzee who doesn't know much about being a chimp. He has to go to his first day at the forest school to learn what chimp life is all about. Nestled in a primate sanctuary in Cameroon, Little Larry and his group of chimp friends go to the school each day to learn how to play, communicate, and climb like they would if they were chimps in the wild. The only trouble is, Little Larry doesn't want to learn how to climb. He's perfectly happy on the ground. Will the sanctuary keepers and other chimpanzees be able to teach Little Larry how to climb so he can graduate from forest school? This sweet story, with its beautiful photographs, explores the challenges of going to school, learning, and gaining confidence in yourself. This is a perfect read-aloud tale for children reluctant to try new things, preparing to enter kindergarten, or starting preschool for the very first time.
Readers will fall in love with Little Larry as they read about his time in chimp school, learning how to be a proper chimpanzee and survive. The sweet, factual story is accompanied by stunning photos and cool facts and info.
From Quirk Books
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers
By Fred Rogers
Illustrated by Luke Flowers
For the first time ever, the beloved songs from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood are collected here in a charmingly-illustrated treasury, sure to be cherished by adults who grew up with Mister Rogers, and a new generation of children alike. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood had a revolutionary impact on children's television, and on millions of children themselves. Through songs, puppets, and frank conversations, Mister Rogers instilled the values of kindness, patience, and self-esteem in his viewers, and most of all, taught children how loved they were, just by being themselves. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood reimagines the songs from the show as poetry, ranging from the iconic ("Won't You Be My Neighbor?") to the forgotten gems. The poem are funny, sweet, silly, and sincere, dealing with topics of difficult feelings, new siblings, everyday routines, imagination, and more. Perfect for bedtime, sing-along, or quiet time, this book of nostalgic and meaningful poetry is the perfect gift for every child--including the child in all of us.
This collection of poems and lyrics by the extraordinary Mister Rogers, with its sweetly rendered illustrations, is a wonderful treasure that will delight and charm readers of all ages!
The Karate Kid
(Pop Classics)
Based on the film written by Robert Mark Kamen and directed by John G. Avildsen
The classic movie about a boy and his karate teacher is now an adorable picture book for the whole family! When The Karate Kid appeared in theaters in 1984, its heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between a bullied boy and the Japanese maintenance man in his new apartment building became an instant classic. Now the beloved film is reimagined as a cute and colorful picture book, with charming illustrations by Kim Smith. When young Daniel is targeted by students from the Cobra Kai dojo, his neighbor Mr. Miyagi agrees to train him for the upcoming karate tournament. But why is Mr. Miyagi making Daniel wax his cars, sand his deck, and paint his house? Will Daniel ever master the art of karate? This timeless story of overcoming the odds will delight kids, their parents, and anyone who has ever had that one special teacher.
This Pop Classics book awesomely brings to life the beloved film for a new generation! Absolutely adorable and endearing illustrations perfectly capture the exciting, age-appropriate story. Sure to be a bedtime hit!
From HMH Kids
From an Idea to Disney
By Lowey Bundy Sichol
Illustrations by C.S. Jennings
From an Idea to Disney is a behind-the-movie-screen look into the history, business, and brand of the world's largest entertainment empire. With humorous black & white illustrations throughout, learn about the company behind the world's favorite mouse, Mickey!
From an Idea to Nike
By Lowey Bundy Sichol
Illustrations by C.S. Jennings
From an Idea to Nike is a fully-illustrated look into how Nike stepped up its sneaker game to become the most popular athletic brand in the world. Humorous black & white illustrations throughout. Ever wonder how Nike became the athletics empire it is today? From an Idea to Nike digs into the marketing campaigns and strategy that turned this running-shoe company into the outfitter for many athletes as well as the iconic American brand. With infographics and engaging visuals throughout, this behind-the-scenes look into the historical and business side of Nike will be an invaluable resource for kids interested in what makes this business run. Find out where the name Nike came from and how the famous swoosh became the signature logo. Learn about the company's first marketing campaign with a star athlete. (Hint: It wasn’t Michael Jordan!) Explore the ways Nike expanded marketing from running to basketball, soccer, golf, and beyond!
This is a fun, informative series that introduces young readers to the world of business, entrepreneurship, and marketing through easily understood and nicely presented concepts and the exciting histories of some of the biggest companies in the world.
**I received copies of the title above for review/feature purposes. All thoughts, opinions, and review are my own.
1 comment:
That's quite a list! I've seen the Angry Cookie in several places. I might have to grab that one.
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