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ACOUSTIC ROOSTER AND HIS BARNYARD BAND  by Kwame Alexander

Acoustic Rooster wants to enter the barnyard talent show, but he needs a band! Join this jazzy rooster as he searches for the perfect band members to join him. Along the way you’ll encounter Ella Finchgerald, Mules Davis, Duck Ellington, and others. The book includes a glossary, notes on the characters and songs, and a jazz timeline. (E Fiction)

THE ART OF MISS CHEW  by Patricia Polacco

Trisha wants to study art even though her school does not offer much of an art class, so she begins lessons with Miss Chew and quickly begins to blossom into a natural artist. Unfortunately, school and test-taking do not come as naturally to her as art, and soon a substitute teacher tells Trisha she must quit art class to focus on regular schoolwork. Can Miss Chew help Trisha find a way to hold on to her newfound love of art? This inspiring story from the author’s own life affirms the importance of art education, wonderful teachers, and believing in one’s self. (J Picture)

BACKSEAT A-B-SEE  by Maria van Lieshout

Young car riders will recognize many of road signs in this book from their bright, bold colors and familiar graphics. However, the alphabet book format also emphasizes importance of the letters on those signs—and helps kids recognize that writing is all around them, an important pre-reading skill. Keep this book in the backseat of your car for impromptu road-sign scavenger hunts! (E Fiction)

THE BIPPOLO SEED AND OTHER LOST STORIES  by Dr. Seuss

Presents seven Dr. Seuss stories first published in magazines between 1948 and 1959: “The Bippolo Seed”, “The Rabbit, The Bear, and the Zinniga-Zanniga”, “Gustav the Goldfish”, “Tadd and Todd”, “Steak for Supper”, “The Strange Shirt Spot”, and “The Great Henry McBride.” (J Picture)

DEMOLITION  by Sally Sutton

Watch the old buildings come down and the new playground go up as demolition machinery swings into action. No talking dump trucks or cranes with their own minds, just the progression of a project from start to finish, and even some recycling in between. The added plus in this book is the terrific sounds the machines make – fun for readers and listeners alike! (E Fiction)

11 EXPERIMENTS THAT FAILED  by Jenny Offill

This book is sure to entertain the budding scientist in your house, although parents may want to include a warning against repeating the experiments at home. “Question: Do dogs like to be covered in glitter? Hypothesis: Dogs like everything.” Result? Well, you’ll just have to read the book and find out! (E Fiction)

GET DRESSED!  by Seymour Chwast

“Get up! Get dressed!” Author Seymour Chwast offers his readers an array of costuming options for adventures such as reading about dragons, hiding, building sand castles, singing, and going to sleep. Illustrations of clothing match the costuming ideas and provide a delightful way to enhance the learning of sight words. This is a wonderful addition to the library of a toddler or beginning reader. (E Fiction)

HERE COMES HORTENSE!  by Heather Hartt-Sussman

A young boy looks forward to a trip to WonderWorld with his Nana and her new husband, Bob. But when they arrive at WonderWorld, there’s a surprise – Bob’s granddaughter is joining them! Hortense gets to go on the scary rides with his Nana, sit beside her at lunch, and even share a room with her at night. Hortense is having all the fun! Or is she?
(E Fiction)

A HOUSE IN THE WOODS  by Inga Moore

When two little pigs find their homes accidentally destroyed, they join forces with Moose and Bear, plus a band of beavers, to build a brand new place to live. This is a warm, tender story of friendship, cooperation, and creating a home together. Beautiful illustrations convey a peaceful, cozy woodsy world. (E Fiction)

HOW DO YOU HUG A PORCUPINE?  by Laurie Isop

What would you do if you wanted to hug a cow or a bunny? How about a giraffe? Hugging animals can be a wonderful experience, especially if they have furry, warm bodies. But how in the world would you hug a spiny, prickly porcupine? When one brave little boy is given this formidable task, he uses all his ingenuity and creativity to safely hug his animal friend. (E Fiction)

I WANT MY HAT BACK  by Jon Klassen

Simple text and illustrations effectively tell the story of a bear who has lost his hat. It may not sound all that exciting, but in the hands of Jon Klassen, this simple little tale becomes a rib-tickling masterpiece. Winner of the 2012 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for picture books. (E Fiction)

KATE AND PIPPIN: AN UNLIKELY LOVE STORY  by Martine Springett

When photographer Isobel Springett finds an abandoned fawn in a field near her home, she decides to rescue and bring it into her home. With the help of her dog, a gently maternal Great Dane and a cautious cat, little Pippin’s health and confidence gradually grows to the point that she eventually returns to her natural habitat. But every once in awhile, she still visits the house she was raised in. (E Fiction)

LIVING WITH MOM AND LIVING WITH DAD  by Melanie Walsh

The narrator of this gentle and reassuring book splits her time between her divorced parents but finds love and comfort in each household. Interactive flaps creatively illustrate how things are different between her parents’ homes, and the ways she copes with common feelings and dilemmas that face kids whose parents are divorced. (E Fiction)

MORE  by I. C. Springman

Magpie has nothing until a mouse gives him a marble, and his desire for stuff is set in motion. Magpie’s excessive accumulation has undesirable results, but he is rescued by the mice and their sense of moderation. A beautifully illustrated book to introduce children to this concept, it can be enjoyed on many levels. (E Fiction)

ONE COOL FRIEND  by Toni Buzzeo

Elliot’s distracted dad sends him off to “have some fun” at the aquarium. Elliot returns and asks if he may have a penguin. Unbeknownst to Dad, Elliot acquires not a stuffed toy but a live penguin that he sneaks out in his backpack. Once home Elliot uses his wits to hide and care for “Magellan,” with hilarious results. (E Fiction)

STUCK  by Oliver Jeffers

It all started when Floyd’s kite got stuck in a tree. He tossed up his shoe to knock the kite loose, but that got stuck too. Then he threw his other shoe which also got stuck and then his cat Mitch and then… Well, you won’t believe all the things that get stuck in that tree. Will Floyd ever get his kite back? (E Fiction)

A WORLD OF FOOD  by Carl Warner

If you are contemplating building a gingerbread house with your family this holiday season, you won’t want to miss this delightful book. Each two-page spread features a different color, from golden yellow to chocolate brown. Food items of that particular color make up the scenery – for example, Swiss cheese pyramids rise from a desert of couscous and rice. A truly visual feast, this book is perfect for enjoyment and learning. (E Fiction)
 

AGGIE GETS LOST  by Lori Ries

Ben and his dog Aggie do everything together, but one day when they are at the park, Aggie chases a ball and doesn’t come back. Ben looks and looks but cannot find her. With the help of his blind friend, Mr. Thomas, Ben learns a new way of seeing things. A different approach is just what Ben needed for a happy ending! (ER Reader)

LISTEN TO MY TRUMPET!  by Mo Willems

Piggie is oh-so-excited to play her new trumpet for her best friend Gerald the elephant, but the sounds Piggie’s trumpet makes are not so musical. How can Gerald be supportive of his friend’s efforts but honest at the same time? This sweet story is full of fun sounds and expressive illustrations sure to please beginning (and experienced) readers, as well as adults. (VER Reader).
 

CHAPTER BOOKS

GHOST KNIGHT  by Cornelia Funke

Eleven-year-old Jon Whitcroft and new friend Ella summon the ghost of Sir William Longspee, who may be able to protect Jon from a group of ghosts that threaten him harm from the day he arrives at Salisbury Cathedral’s boarding school. (Scary J Fiction)

LOVE OF THE GAME  by John Coy

This title is one of four books in a new series featuring school friends Jackson, Diego, Isaac and Gig. Middle school is not proving as easy to navigate as they hoped, but they have each other to share their triumphs and troubles. Through it all, their love of sports binds them together. Not mushy or sentimental, it is definitely a series that treats the feelings, hopes and fears of middle school boys with respect. (J Sports)

MIRACLES ON MAPLE HILL  by Virginia Sorensen

Marly’s father, Dale, has finally come home after being a prisoner of war. Weary and heartsick, he desperately needs the “simple miracles” his daughter sees around them every day. With the help of neighbors, friends, and the healing power of nature they will find a way to make a miracle of their own for their community. Turn off the TV this winter and enjoy this as a family read-aloud – you will find yourselves looking for your own small miracles! (J Fiction)

THE MOON OVER HIGH STREET  by Natalie Babbit

Twelve-year-old Joe’s summer is a roller coaster. His grandmother breaks her hip and he reluctantly travels downstate to stay with Aunt Myra. Joe settles in quickly and things are going well until he encounters Mr. Boulderwall, the richest man in town. The millionaire wants to adopt orphan Joe, but the offer will require him to sacrifice his dreams. Is being rich worth that? This is Natalie Babbit at her best. (J Fiction)

MUSEUM OF THIEVES  by Lian Tanner

In the city of Jewel, children are kept as safe as possible: by being chained to either a parent or one of the Blessed Guardians from birth until the age of twelve. Goldie Roth is looking forward to Separation Day, when she will finally be free, but when a bomb explodes and Separation Day is cancelled, she manages to escape, eventually ending up at the Museum of Dunt. But all is not what is seems in the shifting museum, and the Fugleman and Blessed Guardians have jailed her parents and are determined to find Goldie. The first in a trilogy, give this one to fans of dystopian novels.
(J Sci Fi)

WAITING FOR THE MAGIC  by Patricia MacLachlan

When Papa and Mom separate, Mom promptly takes Will and Elinor to get a shelter dog. They return home with four dogs and a cat. The pets soon transform the family’s life, filling it with love and magic. The animals, amazingly, speak—first to Elinor then Will—and thus the magic of mending the family begins. A gentle tale with a happy ending, perfect for young pet lovers. (J Fiction)

WONDER  by R.J. Palacio

This is the moving story of Auggie Pullman, a boy born with severe facial deformities who has spent much of his young life recovering from related surgeries. After having always been homeschooled by his mother, 5^thgrader Auggie is about to begin attending a regular school for the very first time. It will be year filled with many challenges and triumphs.
(J Fiction)
 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN & FREDERICK DOUGLASS: THE STORY BEHIND AN AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP  by Russell Freedman

There are several parallels between the lives of President Abraham Lincoln and the famous abolitionist and author, Frederick Douglass. Both men came from impoverished backgrounds. Both were brilliant, but largely self-educated men. Each possessed high ideals and a strong moral fiber. In defiance of the customs and prejudices of the time, they moved from mutual cautious and careful regard to an authentic friendship and genuine respect. The author includes a poignant story about Mary Lincoln’s gift to Douglass a few months after her husband’s death. This book is a wonderful read for an older student or history buff. (J 973.7092)

CITIZEN SCIENTISTS: BE A PART OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY FROM YOUR OWN BACKYARD  by Loree Griffin Burns

You don’t have to be a scientist to be a part of real science experiments! Clear instructions and informative photographs show kids (and adults) how to take part in four major data-collection projects that help scientists learn more about butterflies, birds, frogs, and ladybugs. This inspiring read will have you reaching for your binoculars and log book!
(J 590.723)

EASY DESSERTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD  by Heather Alexander

Do you like to cook? Would you like to experience food from around the world? Ever wonder what Celebration Cookies, Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango, Strawberries Romanoff or Anzac Biscuits are? Then this is the book for you. Have fun creating desserts from Ghana, Thailand, Russia, Australia and many other countries in this wonderful cook book for kids. You’ll also learn some cooking terms and about cooking tools as well as a little about nutrition. Bon appétit. (J 641.86)

FORGIVE ME, I MEANT TO DO IT: FALSE APOLOGY POEMS  by Gail Carson Levine

This is just to say, if your child reads this book, they will think it is funny, and may start writing false apology poems themselves…forgive me, I recommend it anyway. (J 811.54)

GREEN CRAFTS  by Megan Friday

Do you like taking care of the planet? Do you like to make crafts? This book combines both. You will have fun making all kinds of earth-friendly crafts such as tealight holders out of baby food jars and refrigerator magnets out of the lids. Step by step instructions are included for every craft. (J 745.593)

HOW THEY CROAKED: THE AWFUL ENDS OF THE AWFULLY FAMOUS  by Georgia Bragg

Not for the faint of heart, this giddily-gruesome (and surprisingly informative) book details the unusual, gross, or mysterious demises of nineteen famous people throughout history, including King Tut, Pocahontas, George Washington, and Albert Einstein. Along the way, readers pick up tons of interesting tidbits about history, literature, politics, forensics, the history of medicine, and much more, and enjoy lighthearted line-drawing illustrations. Even reluctant readers may find themselves hooked! (J 920)

IT’S SNOWING!  by Gail Gibbons

Do you like the snow? Most kids do. Do you know where the snow comes from? How it is formed? How many sides a snow flake has? Do you know where on Earth it does snow? If you want to know the answers to these questions then this is the book for you. (J 551.57)

LET’S LOOK AT DINOSAURS: A FLIP-THE-FLAP BOOK  by Frances Barry

This is a fun, colorful introduction to dinosaurs for the youngest of prehistoric fans. With pages that have flaps, fold-outs and pop-ups, each dinosaur is introduced by name and includes an interesting fact about it. (J 567.9)

MONSIEUR MARCEAU  by Leda Schubert

Marcel Marceau was the world’s most famous mime, yet there is much more to admire about this actor without words. This book reveals the reason he became a mime, who inspired his work, and why he joined the French Resistance during WWII. An afterword provides additional biographical details and instructions for practicing mime. (J Bio Marceau)

REBEL IN A DRESS: COWGIRLS  by Sylvia Branzei

This book is about women heroes who would not accept the gender limits of their times. Whether becoming the sharpest shooter in the country like Annie Oakley or the greatest barrel racer in rodeo history like Charmayne James, it took more than knowledge of riding horses to be a true cowgirl. With adventure in their blood and determination in their hearts, these women and others pushed past the boundaries of society, the day, and themselves to earn their place in history. This book tells the true stories of twelve very independent ladies. (J 920.7097)

WHEN JACKIE AND HANK MET  by Cathy Goldberg Fishman

Jackie Robinson and Hank Greenberg were two very different people. But they both became Major League Baseball players, and they both faced a lot of the same challenges in their lives and careers. For Jackie, it was because of his skin color. For Hank, it was because of his religion. On May 27, 1947, these two men met for the first time – colliding at first base in a close play. While the crowd urged them to fight, Jackie and Hank chose a different path. (J 796.357)

Updated 11/28/2012