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BEST BOOKS

THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE WONDERFUL BOOKS FOR CHILDREN WE HAVE COME ACROSS THIS MONTH. WE HOPE TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME YOU HAVE NOT SEEN BEFORE AND ALSO INTRODUCE OTHERS BEING RELEASED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. ENJOY.

A Good Place

by Lucy Cousins Bee, Ladybug, Beetle, and Dragonfly are looking for somewhere to live. And each has a different want: Bee loves flowers, Ladybug prefers leaves, Beetle is fond of dead wood, and Dragonfly likes ponds. But every time they find what seems like the perfect spot—with beautiful flowers, a tiny pond, some dead wood, or gorgeous green leaves—they discover it’s underfoot, near traffic, or otherwise not safe. Will these four friends ever find a good place? Lucy Cousins brings her bold artwork and endearing characters to an inviting story that leads to a dazzling conclusion, showing children that even in an urban environment, encouraging wildlife and natural ecosystems can create a healthy and beautiful habitat for all of us. From the creator of Maisy, a joyful picture book with a gentle environmental message finds four insect friends in search of a good place to live. Ages 3 yrs - 7 yrs candlewickpress.com

A Dragon Used to Live Here

by Annette LeBlanc Cate Noble children Thomas and Emily have always known their mother to be sensible, the lady of the castle—if anything, a bit boring. But then they discover Meg, a cranky scribe who lives in the castle basement, leading a quirky group of artists in producing party invitations and other missives for the nobles above. Meg claims that she was a friend of their mother’s back when the two were kids—even before the dragon lived in the castle. Wait—a dragon? Not sure they can believe Meg’s tales, the kids return again and again to hear the evolving, fantastical story of their mother’s escapades (while putting their fussiest penmanship to work) and get caught up in a quest to reunite the onetime friends. Ages 7 yrs - 10 yrs candlewickpress.com

I’ll Go and Come Back

by Rajani LaRocca When Jyoti visits her grandmother halfway around the world, she is overwhelmed by the differences between India and home. At first she feels lonely and out of place, but soon, despite a language barrier, she and Sita Pati are able to understand each other. They form a bond— looking at books together, making designs with colored sand, shopping at the market, playing games, eating chapatis, and sipping warm milk with saffron to bring sweet dreams. When it’s time to part, Jyoti doesn’t want to leave, but then she remembers that in Tamil, people don’t say goodbye, they say “I’ll go and come back.” Sure enough, the two reunite the next summer when Pati visits Jyoti in America, and it’s Jyoti’s turn to make her grandmother feel welcome. Can they create some special memories that will last until the next time they see each other? Ages 3 yrs - 7 yrs candlewickpress.com

A Day for Sandcastles

by JonArno Lawson The creators of the acclaimed Over the Shop evoke a perfect summer beach day—and themes of creativity, cooperation, flexibility, and persistence—all without a word in this sun-warmed, salt-stained delight of a story. A busload of beachgoers spills out onto the sand for a day of fun and frolic. Three siblings begin work on a castle, patting and shaping the sand as the sun arcs over the sky. Time and again, their progress is halted: a windswept hat topples their creation; a toddler ambles through it; the tide creeps close, and then too close. Meeting each demolition with fresh determination, the builders outdo themselves time and again, until the moment arrives to pile back into the bus for home. An authentic portrait of sibling cooperation—and glorious inspiration for creative people of all ages—A Day for Sandcastles channels the thrill of surrendering expectations on the path to infinite possibility. Ages 4 yrs - 8 yrs candlewickpress.com

Air Miles

by John Burningham; Bill Salaman Miles was a difficult dog until he got his own motor car. But now he is growing older, and new challenges are arising. He doesn’t chase balls like he used to. His legs hurt whenever he takes walks. And sometimes he doesn’t hear when Norman calls him. So when Norman learns that Mr. Huddy’s small airplane is in need of a pilot, Miles takes to the skies. In a deeply moving, ultimately uplifting picture book, the star of Motor Miles returns in a story that will resonate with readers who know what it’s like to say goodbye to someone they love. Based on an idea by incomparable picture-book creator John Burningham, the text for Air Miles was completed by his longtime friend Bill Salaman and lovingly illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, John Burningham’s wife. A poignant exploration of love, loss, and possibility, inspired by the last story idea from the legendary John Burningham. Ages 3 yrs - 7 yrs candlewickpress.com

Peppa Pig and the Great Race

Daddy Pig has a surprise for Peppa, George, and Mummy Pig. But they’ll have to hurry to the fairgrounds to find out what it is. The car is the quickest way to go, but when it breaks down, the family has to figure out another way—and fast! Bikes are too slow, and Miss Rabbit’s fire engine isn’t available. Can they take the bus? How about Grandpa’s train, or a digger, or the ice cream truck? It’s a race against time as Peppa and her family use all manner of vehicles to reach their destination—and Daddy’s big surprise. It’s well worth the trip! Peppa and her family race to the fair to discover Daddy Pig’s big surprise in a story tailor-made for little fans who love vehicles. Ages 2 yrs - 5 yrs candlewickpress.com

Maisy Goes on a Nature Walk

by Lucy Cousins Hooray! Maisy is packed up and ready to go on a nature walk. Everyone is excited when her friends meet up at the park entrance. They’re surprised at how many plants and animals live at the pond, from lily pads to ducks to ladybugs, tadpoles to fish and dragonflies. When they head into the woods, they find the animals to be shy—is that a deer, or even a fox? Looking closely at leaves and under logs helps in spotting small creatures like ants and earthworms. And when they hear birds high in the trees, Maisy uses binoculars to get a better look. Little ones on their first nature adventure and seasoned hikers alike will be happy to share their experience with their favorite mouse and her pals. Ages 3 yrs - 7 yrs candlewickpress.com

Anna Hibiscus

by Atinuke Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa, with her mother and father, her twin baby brothers (Double and Trouble), and lots of extended family in a big white house with a beautiful garden in a compound in a city. Anna is never lonely—there are always cousins to play and fight with, aunties and uncles laughing and shouting, and parents and grandparents close by. Readers will happily follow as she goes on a seaside vacation, helps plan a party for Auntie Comfort from Canada (will she remember her Nigerian ways?), learns firsthand what it’s really like to be a child selling oranges outside the gate, and longs to see sweet snow. Nigerian storyteller Atinuke’s debut book for children and its sequels, with their charming (and abundant) gray-scale drawings by Lauren Tobia, are newly published in the US by Candlewick Press, joining other celebrated Atinuke stories in captivating young readers. Ages 6 yrs - 9 yrs candlewickpress.com

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