Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug

by Jonathan Stutzman

Adorable! Tiny is the kindest T. Rex with the shortest arms.  How is he going to hug his friend Pointy with his short arms?  Pointy is sad and Tiny really wants to cheer him up with a hug!  Maybe dad knows what to do, maybe mom knows what to do, maybe his brother and sister know?  Hmm, maybe Tiny knows... he will do his best, and cheer up his friend.  A cute story to share, reminding us that it feels good to help others.  

The Peculiar Pig 

by Joy Steuerwald

Oh no!  There is a different kind of piglet in the pigpen! Mama pig loves all her piglets, but will the other piglets feel the same?  She doesn't dig with her snout, she digs with her paws, that's peculiar! She can't snort like a piglet, that's peculiar!  What can our peculiar piglet do to be accepted?  It is okay to be different and sometimes it is very helpful too.  Read The Peculiar Pig and find out what happens to this very special "piglet." 

Nobody Hugs a Cactus

by Carter Goodrich

Love, love, love this book!  Nobody Hugs a Cactus, for good reason...ouch! Hank the cactus loves his windowsill, the peace and quiet and being alone.  Every once in a while someone rolls past his window disturbing his peace.  Hank does not want to be bothered!  He's a very "prickly fellow", yelling at everyone who crosses his path.  Until, cowboy suggests Hank might need a hug!  He doesn't agree at first, but starts to realize a hug might help.  When Hank offers hugs and is refused, he starts to feel lonely.  Rosie the tumbleweed does something nice for Hank and he wants to repay her kindness, so he grows a flower for her.  When Rosie tries to take the flower, her and Hank become stuck in a hug!  They don't mind "After all, it's better to be stuck in a hug than stuck all alone."  Hugs are helpful.  Give someone a hug and brighten up their day!

Caldecott 2019

 

Here they are!! Our 2019 Winners.

WINNER!   Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

A Beautiful book, the detail is truly extraordinary.  The story is a view into the unique life of a lighthouse keeper and his wife.
HONOR!  The Rough Patch by Brian Lies
Sad and sweet and beautifully illustrated.  Evan has a best friend, his beloved dog.  The two do everything together. Working in the garden is a favorite past time.  Until the unthinkable happens!  Evan's dog passes away.  Losing someone you love is devastating and life changing.  Join Evan on this very really journey of anger and sadness, through the grief and back out the other side. Where life can be enjoyed again.  
HONOR!  Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
Omu (pronounced AH-moo) the Igbo term for "queen"  Omu is a generous "grandma" with a delish pot of red stew cooking on the stove.  The smell is travelling through the town and attracting many visitors, who would love a taste of stew.  Omu, shares with all, but when it's time for her to have her share, the pot is empty.  Omu is so sad she is not able to enjoy her stew. Then there is a knock at the door.  It's all the friends she shared with throughout the day, they have brought a spectacular feast.  A kind story to remind us it's important to give back to those who give to us. 
HONOR!  Alma and How She Got Her Name  by Juana Martinez-Neal
I love this book!  It is such a beautiful story with the most warm and inviting illustrations.  What's in a name, in this case a lot!  Alma has quite a long name, she thinks its too long.  One day, her Daddy explains how special it truly is.  Each part of her name represents a special person from her family tree.  But who is Alma?  Daddy says, Alma was picked just for you, you make your own story! By the end of the story, you can feel how proud she is...   "I am Alma, and I have a story to tell" 

Sleepy, the Goodnight Buddy

by Drew Daywalt

illustrated by Scott Campbell

Roderick does not like going to bed, he tries everything to avoid it. 

But, when Roderick gets a sleepy buddy from Mom and Dad he gets a taste of his own medicine.  Sleepy is supposed to help Roderick fall asleep.  It turns out Sleepy is alive and has a lot to say!  Sleepy keeps Roderick awake with his many demands.  As the story moves along, Roderick becomes very frustrated and exhausted!  Maybe Sleepy is the goodnight buddy after all. 

Another fun picture book by a great storyteller! The expressive illustration add humor and fun.   I kind of think this book was written about my daughter!  Boy can I relate to this!  I'm sure many parents and children will feel the same.  The classic tale of a child trying to avoid bedtime.  Well here's a funny story about what might happen if the tables are turned.  I can't wait to read this to my daughter, I could use a Sleepy buddy at my house.

Do You Believe in Unicorns?

by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

  Is it a unicorn?  Is it a horse?  Well, do you believe?  What will you see as you go along on a little adventure with a horse in a hat.  Wait, it's not a horse, it's a unicorn having a bad hair day!  Or is it?  Clever illustrations leave it up to the reader to decide.   I believed all along, of course it's a unicorn!

This book is a must have for all the (big) little people out there who believe in the magic of unicorns.  Two thumbs up!  Read it!

Potato Pants

by

Laurie Keller

Why do potatoes need pants?  Just because they like them!  This book is a hoot.  I love a picture book with lots of laughs!  This book delivers with fantastic illustrations and a lot to look at, and laugh at. 

It's the one day potato pants sale at  Lance Vance's Fancy Pants Store.  Every potato in town will be there and better hurry, because, once they're gone they're gone!  Potato is on his way,  he can see his favorite pair right in the window.  But he also sees Eggplant...wait, why is Eggplant at the potato pants sale?  That doesn't matter, Potato met Eggplant yesterday and thinks he's a meanie.  Eggplant pushed him into the trash!  Potato does not want to meet Eggplant again, so he avoids the pant sale.  Poor potato, if only he could face his fear.  Guess what? He does! And it all turns out great!  LOL... Read Potato pants and find out how this spud-tacular picture book ends!

STOP THAT YAWN!

Written by Caron Levis Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Did you know yawns are contagious?  It's true! Just try and stop a yawn, it's not possible. Young   Gabby begs Granny to take her away from Sleepytown.  She is not ready for bed and has had enough of bedtime.  So Gabby and Granny head for Never Sleeping City.  Will it be a party all night?  Can Gabby stop a yawn from spreading through town?  There's a lot to look at is this very relate able picture book, by a beloved author and  illustrator.  See if you can stop a yawn, I bet you can't!  Perfect for bedtime or anytime.  Enjoy!

Giraffe Problems

by Jory John illustrated by Lane Smith

Giraffe is not happy with his neck, its just not right!  He thinks his neck is "too long, too bendy, too patterned, just too necky."  No matter how he disguises it or hides his neck, nothing works.  He would much rather have the neck of another animal.  Then Giraffe meets turtle, well turtle has been admiring giraffes neck and he thinks its great!  Especially when giraffe helps turtle reach the banana he's been longing for.  This is the beginning of a friendship.  

Giraffe Problems is a story of acceptance and helping one another see the good in ourselves that we may have a hard time seeing. The illustrations are warm and inviting.  This is a sweet story that I'm sure you will enjoy sharing.

Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Soup 

by Helen Cooper

Fall is on its way, hurray!  I love all things fall, pumpkin pie, pumpkin picking, pumpkin spice coffee and of course pumpkin soup.  This book will make you excited for the season.

Cat, Squirrel and Duck are the best of friends who live in a little white cabin in the woods.  They have a great system for making pumpkin soup, each of them has a special job and they stick to it.  Until one day, Duck decides he's ready to make a change.  Without discussing his plans with his friends, Duck decides to be head chef.  This creates trouble and Cat and Squirrel are not happy with Duck.  Being very upset Duck runs away from home.  Convinced he will come back, Cat and Squirrel wait and wait, but Duck doesn't return.  Now the friends realize they made a mistake and their love for Duck means more to them than the way they make pumpkin soup.  Will Duck return?  Will they ever make soup again?  Read it and find out.  This story is featured at our StoryWalk at the park for the season. We hope you take advantage and enjoy visiting the park with your family.

The Book About Nothing

by Mike Bender illustrated by Hugh Murphy

Nothing is nothing, right?  Well it turns out even nothing can be something!  This is a clever and fun story that walks the reader through all the things we used to think were nothing.  Like an empty cookie jar, dinner plate, toilet bowl and even the strange noises from under your bed at night.  It's really NOTHING!  What's best of all about nothing, is paying nothing for something!  Read The Book About NOTHING and find out what that is.  Hurry, don't wait...go do nothing. Enjoy!

The Antlered Ship

by Dashka Slater

Illustrated by the Fan Brothers

This book is gorgeous!!  Every page is an exquisite masterpiece. The Fan Brothers are endlessly talented.  Enjoy the journey with Marco, a fox with many questions about life and  the world.  The other foxes were only concerned with eating and couldn't be bothered to help Marco find his answers.  So, Marco sets off on a life changing adventure aboard the antlered ship. He joins some deer and pigeons as they journey to wonderful island.  He may not find all his answers, but Marco learns another valuable lesson, friendship and adventure are a great start.  

Climb aboard the Antlered Ship and lets have an adventure!!

When's My Birthday?

by Julie Fogliano 

illustrated by Christian Robinson

Birthday's are so much fun, kids can't wait to celebrate and open presents.  But what will my day be like?  I want to know.    This is an exciting story about the anticipation of when, what day of the week, what season,  and how my birthday will be celebrated!  It's so hard to wait, what will we do for my birthday?  Will we sing, dance, eat, jump around!  I must have a cake for my birthday, will it be big with lots of candles?  Children will absolutely relate and love to hear this story, birthdays are so special.   Enjoy this with some birthday cake!

John Lennon 

Imagine

with foreword from Yoko Ono Lennon

This is one of my favorite John Lennon songs, when I hear this song I always get goosebumps.  It really is so powerful and important!  This book is a great addition to any collection.  As a parent I want my children to live in a world of love and peace.  It really means a lot to me to teach them tolerance and kindness.  I love the message within these pages.  A pigeon with an olive branch journeys to spread  peace and tolerance.  Share this with your children, we can all use a little more love.  Enjoy!!

Still Stuck by Shinsuke Yoshitake

Adorable!! It's bath time, and time to get undressed.  Easier said then done, especially when you want to be independent but may still need mom's help.  This is a silly story about what might happen if your shirt just won't come off!  What if you need a drink or want to play with a friend?  How can you do those things with a shirt on your head?  Well, our cute little character  just might figure it all out.

The illustrations are spot on!!  I laughed out loud, this book is funny!! It's important to keep trying even if it's hard, because it can also be fun.  I'm sure all preschoolers will be able to relate and will feel like it's not just me.  I give this story a two thumbs up!  Great Job Mr. Yoshitake!  Thank you for a great picture book.

  

Nothing Rhymes with Orange

by Adam Rex

ages 4-7

What child doesn't love to try and rhyme?  Especially with funny face fruit!  Poor orange, he is feeling so left out.  All the other fruit are having fun rhyming, even quince, kumquat and currant have a rhyme in the book.  It seems hopeless, until the others are "feeling rotten, 'cause there's someone they've forgotten."  Then it happens, his fruit friends make up a special rhyme just for him!!  "Smorange!"  Totally awesome in every way.  It's no rumor, this book has a bit of humor! (I had to try, rhyming is such fun)

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned his 

A-B-C's (the Hard Way)

by Patrick McDonnell

This is my new favorite ABC book!!  Such a great original!  I am already a big fan of Patrick McDonnell's picture books.  I love his simple, fun illustrations.   Dragons and bears and Alligators are all as lovable as cat.  This book is a gem, I am sure it will be a kid favorite.  What fun it was to read.  Little ones will enjoy figuring out what part of the illustration goes with the letter of the alphabet.  Two thumbs up!  Have a fun read! 

Pop!  The Invention of Bubble Gum

by Meghan McCarthy

Ages 4-6

A great first non-fiction title, about every kids favorite thing...Bubble Gum.  Can you blow the biggest bubble?  Did you know, gum has been around for a very, very, very long time.   But, bubble gum is a newer invention!  In this engaging title we learn about the Fleer company and a young accountant turned inventor, named Walter Diemer.  He was determined to create a very special invention and save the beloved Fleer company.  Thank you, Mr. Diemer for your awesome invention.  WARNING...this book may make you go out and buy some bubble gum!!  

BE QUIET! 

by Ryan T. Higgins

Rupert the mouse is trying to write a book.  A wordless picture book.  Unfortunately for Rupert he has two very talkative friends who are ruining his book!  They are also making it very funny.

This is another great picture book by the author of Mother Bruce and Hotel Bruce.  Mr. Higgins detailed and expressive illustrations are on point!  This is a fantastic story to share and is guaranteed to bring the laughs.  Poor Rupert is so serious about his book and so looking forward to having it all to himself.  Then, Thistle and Nibbs show up and can't stop talking!  They have a lot of ideas, but Rupert just wants them to BE QUIET!  Lots of silly and fun are included in this terrific book.  Enjoy!

Princess Cora and the Crocodile

by Laura Amy Schlitz

Illustrated by Brian Floca

Ages 5-Up

One of my new favorites!  This is a longer chapter/picture book, so I recommend this for older preschool and young elementary age children. 

Princess Cora's parents are overjoyed when she is born, she is their "perfect little snowflake." 

Then the reality of Cora's future as Queen overwhelms them and they can think of nothing else except to prepare for her future.  This means, hard work for Cora, all day everyday.  She never has a break or has any fun.  Until, Cora sends a letter to her fairy  godmother.  She needs help, and it comes in the form of a very funny crocodile.  When Cora and the crocodile trade places for the day, lots of silly is sure to follow.   Will Cora's life change?  Will the crocodile eat anyone?  This is a must read and find out!