Add these picture books to your must-read list! The School & Library team shares more about these outstanding staff picks here.
Little Fox and the Wild Imagination
Little Fox and the Wild Imagination by Jorma Taccone,
illustrated by Dan Santat
On Sale September 8, 2020
“We’ve all be there. You’ve had a bad day for one reason or another and desperately need some cheering up. This is how Papa Fox finds Little Fox after a rough day at school. Instantly he knows that a wild and wacky game of pretend is just what Little Fox needs to help him out of his funk. But once Little Fox’s BIG imagination is let loose there is no turning back and as evening approaches bathtime and bedtime become the ultimate battle of creativity. Debut author Jorma Taccone and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat are the perfect pair to bring this sweet and zany story of love and creativity to life.”
Katie Halata, Associate Director
Marie’s Ocean: Marie Tharp Maps the Mountains Under the Sea
by Josie James
On Sale September 22, 2020
“Ever since she was a little girl, traveling the country with her scientist parents, Marie Tharp was always interested in the world around her, studying every rock and creature she came across. But for a girl in early 20th century America, there were very few scientific opportunities allowed. But Marie never gave up her dream to become an earth scientist, and diligently studied and persevered until she ended up at Columbia University, helping scientists at sea draft and plot what the ocean floor looked like. She soon discovered an entire world below the sea, the 40,000 mile long Mid-Ocean Ridge and Rift Valley. Her astounding discovery supported the theory of continental drift, which led to the theory of plate tectonics. But it wasn’t an easy road, and Marie’s extraordinary accomplishments have remained largely unacknowledged. This picture-book biography, with its stunning mixed-format art, is one step in changing that. Hand this fascinating book to young readers (and explorers!) who aren’t quite ready for the Science Comics series but have that same hungry curiosity as those older readers.”
Melissa Croce, Associate Manager
Voices of Justice: Poems about People Working for a Better World by George Ella Lyon,
illustrated by Jennifer M. Potter
On Sale October 13, 2020
“Award-winning poet George Ella Lyon celebrates the groundbreaking work of activists including Nelson Mandela, Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birutè Galdikas, The Women of Greenham Common, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, the students of Stoneman Douglas High School, Greta Thunberg, Virginia Woolf, Dolores Huerta, Shirley Chisholm, Jasilyn Charger, Jeannette Rankin, and more. Read this book during poetry units and history lessons, use it to discuss current events, share it during storytime. Accompanied by stunning artwork from artist Jennifer M. Potter, this lyrical and important poetry collection honors a diverse group of activists who will inspire young readers to fight for justice, save the planet, and make the world a better place.“
Kristen Luby, Manager
Sullivan, Who Is Always Too Loud by Micol Ostow,
illustrated by Brian Biggs
On Sale October 20, 2020
“We all know someone who doesn’t have an inside voice. In Sullivan, Who is Always Too Loud, all of the adults in Sullivan’s life tell him that he’s just too loud and Sullivan has to learn that it’s ok to yell sometimes, but not all of the time. I love this story because it’s so deeply relatable. As a former loud kid, I can relate to Sullivan’s problem and Brian Bigg’s fun, cartoonish illustrations remind me of some of the classic picture books from my childhood. Sullivan is fun and relatable.“
Cierra Bland, Assistant
The Trouble with Penguins by Rebecca Jordan-Glum
On Sale November 3, 2020
“The title and art caught my eye immediately! When a wandering penguin meets a child roasting marshmallows, the new friendship (and treat!) brings joy and smiles. But when the penguin tries to share this new experience with his penguin pals, things get out of control. The penguins are impatient waiting on the one fire and one stick; soon every penguin is creating their own campfire. But of course heat and ice can be a bad combo, so now their ice home is breaking apart, with each penguin literally floating off on their own. Can the penguins balance individual desires with community goals? Of course they can! Debut author Rebecca Jordan-Glum has created a quirky teamwork and friendship story, perfect for fans of Jon Klassen and Oliver Jeffers.“
Lucy Del Priore, Director
