Great Gift Books--2022

Here you will find newly published books for children and their families from birth through twelve that would be great gifts!

Animal watching

Carson, Mary Kay, author.

j590 Carson
Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

"Rewild your life! Outdoor school includes immersive activities to get you exploring for animals by recognizing bird silhouettes, spotting nests, identifying mammals and more."

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This entire series, or any of its titles, would make a great gift for outdoor enthusiasts!
- Casey

The animal toolkit : how animals use tools

Jenkins, Steve, 1952-2021, author, illustrator.

j591.5 Jenkins
Nonfiction, Animals

Featuring cut-paper illustrations, this picture book teaches young readers all about what makes a tool a tool--and the remarkable ways animals use them to interact with the world.

Baloney and friends : dream big!

Greg Pizzoli

jREADER Pizzoli Greg
Early Readers, Graphic Novels

"Baloney and friends continue their adventures, which include a birthday cake mishap, a tricky bargain, a painting surprise, and the discovery that the best moments are shared with friends"--

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Are you ready for some "serious" Baloney? This reader series by Greg Pizzoli gets better with each installment!
- Casey

Before music : where instruments come from

Pimentel, Annette Bay, author.

j784.19 Pimentel
Nonfiction, Music

"Music doesn't come out of nothing. It always starts somewhere... with something... with someone. Discover how music is made in this survey of musical instruments from around the world."

Berry song

Michaela Goade

RECEIVED
Picture Books, Read Woke, Nature, Poetry

As a young Tlingit girl collects wild berries over the seasons, she sings with her Grandmother as she learns to speak to the land and listen when the land speaks back.

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Lyrical and visually stunning, Berry Song is a picture book for all seasons.
- Casey

Big and small and in-between

Higgins, Carter, author.

jE Higgins
Picture Books

A tribute to all the special things in the world, whether big, small or somewhere in-between, from the hole in the donut to the way the Moon looks through a telescope, and a boat below the sky and above the waves.

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This concept book is unique and surprising.
- Casey

Babies love nature

König, Susanne, artist.

jBOARD BOOK Konig
Nature

Featuring twenty different nature themes drawn in bold black-and-white art, including a beehive, a bird's nest, different groups of plants, a night scene, and ocean waves, all within heart-shaped outlines, this wordless accordion-shaped board book is created specifically for tummy time for babies.

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This high-contrast board book would make a great gift. The accordion format is perfect for babies during tummy time as well.
- Casey

Boop the snoot

Anstee, Ashlyn, author, illustrator.

jBOARD BOOK Anstee
Board Books, Animals, Humor

Adorable art paired with fun-to-read text shows tots all of the ways they can boop a snoot--as in: poke cute animal noses! They can boop one snoot or two snoots, slow snoots and fast snoots. This interactive board book begs to be poked and prodded as toddlers learn to boop the snoot!

Bug boys

Knetzger, Laura, 1990- author, illustrator.

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Knetzger Bug
Graphic Novels

Follows two bug friends, Stag-B and Rhino-B, as they explore their world and share adventures.

Cat's first baby

Nelson, Natalie, author, illustrator.

jBOARD BOOK Nelson
Board Books

Cat is curious about a new addition to the family.

Cornbread & Poppy

Cordell, Matthew, 1975- author, illustrator.

jREADER Cordell Matthew
Early Readers

"Cornbread LOVES planning. Poppy does not. Cornbread ADORES preparing. Poppy does not. Cornbread IS ready for winter. Poppy...is not. But Cornbread and Poppy are the best of friends, so when Poppy is left without any food for the long winter, Cornbread volunteers to help her out."

Cress Watercress

Gregory Maguire

jFICTION Maguire Gregory
Fiction

"When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Cress holds out hope, but her mother assumes the worst. It's a dangerous world for rabbits, after all. Mama moves what's left of the Watercress family to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a suspect owl landlord, a nosy mouse super, a rowdy family of squirrels, and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone's business. Can a dead tree full of annoying neighbors, and no Papa, ever be home?"--

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This gentle, wise, funny, sad but ultimately hopeful animal story is paired with lush illustrations and is a great family read-aloud. Mama Rabbit is an inspirational figure who carries on despite obstacles and takes care of business. Meanwhile, Cress learns important life lessons, including about the power of community.
- Anne W

Cute chibi animals : learn how to draw 75 cuddly creatures

Im, Phoebe, author.

j743.6 Im
Nonfiction, Art / Art History, Animals

"Chibi is Japanese slang for "short," and the characters in Cute Chibi Animals live up to this description, with their cute, roly-poly bodies that make them extremely lovable and huggable. Phoebe Im, the popular Instagram artist behind Bobblejot, shows you how to master this anime and manga drawing style with 75 step-by-step tutorials of your favorite animals, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and more."

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I love both of the chibi drawing books from Phoebe Im. This series is certain to be a hit with anyone of any age who likes to draw cute animals.
- Casey

Disney princess tea parties

Caron, Sarah W., author.

j641.53 Disney Princess
Nonfiction, Cookbooks

"Teatime has never been so magical with this charming cookbook featuring over 50 kid-friendly and easy-to-follow recipes inspired by the Disney Princesses. From tasty cookies and biscuits to delicious herbal teas, Disney Princess Tea Parties Cookbook includes many Disney-themed treats for the ultimate tea party."--Amazon.

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Royaltea, anyone? Kids will enjoy the fun recipes and nods to favorite Disney Princesses in this one.
- Casey

Dungeon academy : no humans allowed!

Roux, Madeleine, 1985- writer.

jFICTION Dungeon
Fantasy, Adventure

"When Zellidora "Zelli" Stormclash seeks answers to her true lineage, she embarks on a dangerous adventure"--

Endlessly ever after : pick your path to countless fairy tale endings! : a story of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, Hansel, Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, a wolf, a witch, a goose, a grandmother, some pigs, and endless variations

Laurel Snyder

jFICTION Snyder Laurel
Picture Books, Classics, Adventure, Humor

In this rhyming mash-up of many fairy tales, the reader is invited to follow Rosie down the many possible paths which may lead to a sleeping maiden, a hungry wolf, a girl locked in a tower, or a goose that lays golden eggs--but with some luck, and some smart choices, Rosie may save herself and her fellow fairy tale characters.

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What next, Rosie? Choose this title for endless fairy tale fun!
- Casey

Expedition backyard : exploring nature from country to city

Rosemary Mosco

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Mosco
Graphic Novels, Nature, Adventure, Fantasy

Mole and Vole always venture out into the world to see what nature they can find, but after an accidental move from the country to the city, the best friends have to learn to discover new plants and animals in their new environment.

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Onward adventurers! This adorable graphic novel is perfect for the season, newly independent readers, and family sharing. Simply lovely!
- Casey

Haylee and Comet : a tale of cosmic friendship

Marcero, Deborah, author, illustrator.

jREADER Marcero Deborah
Early Readers

"Haylee and Comet share one simple wish: a friend. And as with all great best-friendships, the universe brings them together in the right place at the right time. With each adventure, Haylee and Comet learn about what it takes to grow a strong and long-lasting friendship: accepting their differences, discovering the things they share, communicating with honesty, and being open to forgiveness. And just maybe, there'll be some surprises along the way."--Page [4] of cover.

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Clever, fun, and beautiful. This is a reader just right for sharing with the whole family.
- Casey

If you go down to the woods today

Piercey, Rachel, author.

jE Piercey
Picture Books

A first collection by an acclaimed poet invites readers to join Bear on his journey to meet friends and explore his woodland home during a magical year of seasons as depicted on high-detail hidden-object spreads.

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This title is part poetry, part seek and find, and all delightful!
- Casey

I love you because I love you

Van, Muon, author.

jE Van
Picture Books

"Author Mựơn Thị Văn and Stonewall Book Award-winning artist Jessica Love detail all the big and small reasons why we love the people we do within a call-and-response picture book that features families across the spectrum"--

I'm the boss!

Gravel, Elise, author, illustrator.

jBOARD BOOK Gravel

"A quirky board book about a little monster who wants to be the boss and makes demands of the adult in their life."--

Into the forest : wander through our woodland world

Dorion, Christiane, author.

j577.3 Dorion
Nonfiction, Nature

"Into the Forest is a celebration of trees and wildlife all around the world. Children will find out how trees change color through seasons, how to plant their own trees, and the importance of protecting our forests through sustainability"--

Kuma-Kuma Chan's home

Kazue Takahashi

jREADER Takahash Kazue
Early Readers

Upon receiving an invitation, a boy goes to visit Kuma-Kuma Chan, a bear who lives far away, and although they have little to talk about they enjoy spending the day together.

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It seems like an Early Reader book would be EASY to write, doesn't it? They're so short! In fact, the opposite is true. It is extremely challenging to craft a compelling story using a sharply limited vocabulary. For my money, Kuma-Kuma Chan's Home (and its companion, Kuma-Kuma Chan's Travels) are masterworks of the genre. A deceptively simple story, told in straightforward, no-frills prose, manages to make the heart swell at the truths about friendship, the loving bond between the characters, and the gently humorous obstacles, overcome with affable good cheer. The story bumps along agreeably, with the bear and the boy going with the flow on a day together that could have been awkward and stilted but is instead magical and sweet.
- Anne W

Let's do everything and nothing

Kuo, Julia, author, illustrator.

jE Kuo
Picture Books

Illustrations and text celebrate the special moments--both big and small--that a caregiver and child share.

Packing for Mars for kids

Roach, Mary, author.

j629.45 Roach
Nonfiction

"What is it like to float weightlessly in the air? What happens if you vomit in your helmet during a spacewalk? How do astronauts go to the bathroom? Is it true that they don't shower? Can farts really be deadly in space? Best-selling Mary Roach has the answers. In this whip-smart, funny, and informative young readers adaptation of her best-selling Packing for Mars, Roach guides us through the irresistibly strange, frequently gross, and awe-inspiring realm of space travel and life without gravity. From flying on NASA's Weightless Wonder to eating space food, Packing for Mars for Kids is chock-full of first-hand experiences and thorough research. Roach has crafted an authoritative and accessible book that is perfectly pitched to inquiring middle grade readers"--

Peekaboo house

Reid, Camilla, author.

jBOARD BOOK Reid
Board Books

Presents a series of household items in and around the house hidden behind a slider mechanism on every page.

Playing the cards you're dealt

Varian Johnson

jFICTION Johnson Varian
Fiction, Read Woke

"Ten-year-old Anthony Joplin has made it to double digits! Which means he's finally old enough to play in the spades tournament every Joplin Man before him seems to have won. So while Ant's friends are stressing about fifth grade homework and girls, Ant only has one thing on his mind: how he'll measure up to his father's expectations at the card table. Then Ant's best friend gets grounded, and he's forced to find another spades partner. "

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Playing the Cards You're Dealt is great for readers of all ages. Perfect for card players, fans of realistic fiction, and anyone who enjoys fabulously full characters, I can't wait to reread this one.
- Casey

Legendary and mythical guidebook : super deluxe edition

Whitehill, Simcha, author.

j793.93 Pokemon
Nonfiction

"The new Pokémon are here, and kids gotta catch 'em all! This updated guidebook features the unique and mysterious new Galar region Pokémon from the hit new games for Nintendo Switch, Sword & Shield."--

The queen in the cave

Júlia Sardà

jE Sarda
Picture Books, Fantasy, Adventure

Once upon a time there were three sisters: Franca, Carmela, and Tomasina. This is their story of adventure and discovery. A tale of hidden mysteries and new wonders, of finding a strange world beyond home and unlocking the secrets inside themselves.

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I cannot wait to share this ethereal long-form picture book at home. Look for this title on an upcoming list of great gift books!
- Casey

The science spell book : magical experiments for kids

Florance, Cara, author, illustrator.

j507.8 Florance
Nonfiction, Science

"Have you ever wished you could cast a real spell with the wave of a magic wand? Have you ever wanted to mix a real color-changing potion? Now kids can perform magical feats with a few simple ingredients and a little help from science."--

Sir Ladybug

Tabor, Corey R., author.

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Tabor Sir
Graphic Novels, Early Readers

"Ladies and gentlebugs, presenting the duke of the dandelion patch, champion of truth and justice, the one, the only -- Sir Ladybug! With his herald, Pell, and his trusty squire, Sterling, he never shies away from a quest, no matter how dangerous..."

Sisters of the Neversea

Smith, Cynthia Leitich, author.

jFICTION Smith Cynthia
Fiction

In this magical, modern twist on Peter Pan, stepsisters Lily and Wendy are spirited away to Neverland by a mysterious boy and must find a way back to the family they love.

The universe in you : a microscopic journey

Chin, Jason, 1978- author.

ON ORDER BOOK
Nonfiction, Science

"A book exploring the world of the very small, delving deep into the microscopic spaces just beneath our skin"--

Wild animals

Arrhenius, Ingela P., 1967- author, illustrator.

jBOARD BOOK Arrhenius
Board Books, Animals

"Greet the day with friendly animals from the savanna"--

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Ingela Arrhenius makes lovely and sturdy board books. Check out her "Where's The ____" series of felt lift the flaps too!
- Casey

The wolves and moose of Isle Royale: restoring an island ecosystem

Castaldo, Nancy F. (Nancy Fusco), 1962- author.

j599.77 Castaldo
Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

"On Isle Royale, a remote island national park surrounded by frigid Lake Superior, a thrilling drama is unfolding between wolves and moose, the island's ultimate predator and prey. For over sixty years, in what has been known as the longest study of a predator-prey relationship in the world, scientists have observed the importance of wolves to Isle Royale's unique ecology. But due to illness and underlying factors, the population of wolves on the island has dropped while the number of moose has increased, putting the Isle Royale ecosystem in jeopardy."--

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This is a fascinating read for young environmentalists!
- Casey

Wombat said come in

Deedy, Carmen Agra, author.

jE Deedy
Picture Books

"Safe in his burrow deep below the ground as Australian bushfires rage above, Wombat opens his home to five animals friends seeking shelter, in this heartwarming story about help in the time of trouble."--