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Casey

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Bright lights and summer nights

by Shauntay Grant

jE Grant
Kids, Picture Books, Poetry

On a hot summer night, Mother Moon soothes a little star baby who won't go to sleep.

Beautiful text and illustrations make this a lovely bedtime read-aloud just right for the season! -Casey

Do you see the tiger?

by Ardagh, Philip, author.

jE Ardagh
Kids, Picture Books, Animals, Poetry

"One rainy night, Penny and her daddy take an underground train packed with passengers. As they stand in the crowded car, Penny can't believe what she's seeing. A tiger's tail? A tiger's paw! No, that's just a person with a striped glove, assures Daddy. But when they find a seat and Penny has a clearer view, there's no mistaking the tiger's foot poking out from under a pant leg. And when this extraordinary tiger makes a sudden, marvelous leap across the floor to rescue a baby's fallen teddy, Penny can't help but join in the action!"--

Wonderful rhyming and rhythm, incredibly expressive illustrations, and a mysterious tiger make for perfect storytime reading. I can't wait to share this one out loud! -Casey

Bird bath

by Antony, Steve, author, illustrator.

jE Antony
Humor, Kids, Picture Books

These four mucky birds are in need of a bath! They've got soap, shampoo and a big bottle of bubble bath, but can they be trusted not to use it all? And will they keep the water inside the tub? Well, at least they'll be squeaky clean! The real trouble is, when bath time is this much fun, absolutely EVERYONE wants to get in!

Antony's new adorable series is bound to be a hit. Be on the lookout for Cat Nap as well! -Casey

Fireworks

by Matthew Burgess

jE Burgess
Kids, Picture Books

Part poem, part portable fireworks display with a vertical gatefold, this POB picture book from the award-winning team of Matthew Burgess and Catia Chien highlights the simple delights of a steamy July day in the city as two siblings eagerly await a spectacular fireworks display.

A perfect read for any summertime fireworks displays! Watch for this one to be featured in storytimes near you soon. -Casey

Moon bear

by Clare Helen Welsh

jE Welsh
Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Picture Books, Animals, Art / Art History

"In this enchantingly illustrated, almost wordless picture book, a story of courage and creativity unfolds when a girl who is afraid of the dark meets a magical moon bear who is afraid of the light."

This ursa is majorly gorgeous! Carolina T. Godina's picture book illustrator debut is a stunner. -Casey

We leap together

by Christopher Silas Neal

jE Neal
Kids, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

"An awe-inspiring nonfiction picture book, perfect for animal lovers, that reveals how a mama whale and a mama person care for their young in remarkably similar ways, from the illustrator of Over and Under the Snow. A little boy and his mother set off on a day trip, meanwhile, a mama whale and her calf swim towards the bay. On the way, both sing, blow bubbles, get lost--and found! Through it all, mama always stays close. The human pair board a sightseeing boat, and as the whales reach the harbor, they all converge in one spectacular scene! With lyrical text and absolutely magnificent art, here's a book that celebrates our connection to animals, and to each other"--

Beautiful illustrations and minimal text make for perfect storytime sharing! Curious readers will find backmatter that sheds more light on the comparison Neal draws between humans and whales. -Casey

Otter carries on

by Maya Tatsukawa

jE Tatsukaw
Kids, Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Philosophy, Self Help

"Otter loves floating and collecting pretty, heavy rocks all by themself. When a storm comes, Otter has so many rocks that they can't swim home -- and soon, they're lost at sea. But when a few rocks accidentally slip away, Otter feels -- lighter. And with the help of a new friend, Otter realizes that maybe they don't need to carry everything alone." --

Otters, friendship, and adventures at sea! Maya Tatsukawa's latest picture book, Otter Carries On, is gorgeous and a nice conversation starter about letting things go. -Casey

Papilio

jE Clanton
Humor, Kids, Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Science

"Told in three parts, Papilio transforms from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly"--

There's a new very hungry caterpillar in town, Papilio! This collaborative picture book has just enough information for young entomologists to gobble up and features a sweet story about finding your wings. Papilio is one big treat! -Casey

The ogre who wasn't

by Michael Morpurgo

jE Morpurgo
Humor, Kids, Picture Books, Nature

Princess Clara misses her father, the King. All Clara wants is to escape outside and make friends with the creatures that she finds there. Her best friend is a very small ogre. Ogres are usually baddies, aren't they? Not this one... and he might just be able to help make Clara's dreams come true. Maybe he isn't an ogre at all?

Morpurgo and Gravett's latest collaboration is fabulous! Pair with Munch's "Paper Bag Princess" for a wildly fun reading time. -Casey

A pocket full of rocks

by Kristin Mahoney

jE Mahoney
Kids, Picture Books, Nature

"A sweet and soulful celebration of how a child's imagination can transform ordinary objects into extraordinary treasures. You can do a lot with a pocket full of rocks... "

Sweet, beautiful, and just the right length for sharing. What can you do with a pocket full of rocks? Watch for this one at a BookWalk near you soon! -Casey

Toto

by Hyewon Yum

jE Yum
Kids, Picture Books

A little girl, self-conscious about her birthmark named Toto, worries her school friend will see her differently when her birthmark is revealed but is pleasantly surprised by her friend's reaction.

Hyewon Yum is one of my favorite author illustrators and her new story is a delight! Be sure to check out all of her other books and the Hazel Westgate Collection in the Children's Room to see one of her beautiful originals. -Casey

Bog Myrtle

by Sid Sharp

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Sharp
Fantasy, Humor, Graphic Novels, Kids, Early Readers, Early Chapter Books, Picture Books, Animals, Nature

"From the acclaimed author of The Wolf Suit comes another weirdly hilarious, masterfully thought-provoking, and lushly painted early reader graphic novel. . . . Bog Myrtle is a witty modern folktale that touches on themes of capitalism, environmentalism, labor rights, and being a nice person."--

Bog Myrtle is a true forest treasure. Don't miss out and join Arachnid Local 175! -Casey

When dogs work

by Opal Sinclair

jE Sinclair
Kids, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals

"Rhyming text and bright color photographs introduce preschoolers to the many kinds of working dogs."--

What a lovely introduction to working dogs for preschoolers and younger. Vibrant photos and great rhyming text will make this a repeat read for dog lovers! -Casey

Crows : an egg-to-sky story

by Margaret Peot

j598.864 Peot
Kids, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

"This book is an introduction to the natural history of crows for children and includes a brief discussion of the difference between crows and ravens, as well as other members of the crow family such as magpies and jays"--

Here is yet another gorgeous addition to the picture book nonfiction genre! Informative and digestible, Margaret Peot's "Crows: an Egg-to-Sky Story" is just right for sharing with young birders. -Casey

Umami

by Jacob Grant

jE Grant
Humor, Kids, Picture Books

"Umami is tired of eating cold fish. But fish is what the penguins eat. Fish for every meal and birthdays too. To find new exciting foods, Umami adventures across the sea and discovers flavors and spices that are inspiring! She has to share them. But will the other penguins share her love for these different foods?"--

Spicy is an adventure! -Casey

Mr. Lepron's mystery soup

by Giovanna Zoboli

jE Zoboli
Kids, Picture Books, Nature

Stunning artwork from the acclaimed illustrator of The Midnight Fair illuminates a sweet cautionary tale about a rabbit whose fabled soup-making gets away from him.

Incredible artwork combines with a delicious story just right for the season. This is a picture book not to miss! -Casey

The café at the edge of the woods

by Mikey Please

jE Please
Fantasy, Humor, Kids, Picture Books

"Rene and Glumfoot are ready to serve very fine cuisine at the café at the edge of the woods. But when their first customer, an ogre, demands pickled bats and battered mice, Rene is ready to give up! She can't possibly serve such rubbish. Or can she? With a little bit of compromise, perhaps she can satisfy her customer and still serve the most delicious grub"--Provided by publisher.

What a debut! This one had me in stitches. With perfectly paced rhythm and rhyme, and hilarious illustrations, Mikey Please's first solo book will be a read-aloud favorite, especially for littles who enjoy icky humor. -Casey

The Hotel Balzaar

by Kate DiCamillo

jFICTION Dicamill Kate
Fiction, Mystery, Kids, Early Chapter Books, Picture Books, Short Story

At the Hotel Balzaar, Marta's mother rises before the sun, puts on her uniform, and instructs Marta to roam as she will but quietly, invisibly like a little mouse. One day, a mysterious countess with a parrot checks in, promising a story--in fact, seven stories in all, each to be told in its proper order. As the stories unfold, Marta begins to wonder: could the secret to her father's disappearance lie in the countess's tales? --

I am beyond excited for another Júlia Sardà illustrated title! I cannot wait to read this collaboration with incredible storyteller, Kate DiCamillo. -Casey

Towed by Toad

by Jashar Awan

jE Awan
Humor, Picture Books

"A picture book about a helpful toad tow truck driver who needs some help of his own."--

Sometimes we all need a little help! Don't miss Jashar Awan's latest adorable and fun picture book, "Towed by Toad". -Casey

Godfather Death

by Sally Nicholls

j398.20943 Grimm
Classics, Kids, Picture Books

A retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale in which a poor fisherman chooses Death to be a godfather to his son.

Júlia Sardà's illustrations shine in Sally Nicholls's retelling of a classic Grimm Brothers tale. It's a beautiful and chilling read, just right for the start of fall. -Casey

A mischief of mice

by Christie Matheson

jE Matheson
Mystery, Kids, Picture Books, Animals, Nature

A menagerie of forest animals, whose temperaments match their collective nouns, try to solve the mystery of a missing group of mice.

Collective animal nouns, a mysterious disappearance, and beautiful autumnal illustrations make Christie Matheson's latest title for perfect storytime sharing this season! -Casey

Sometimes we fall

by Randall De Sève

jE Deseve
Kids, Picture Books, Self Help, Nature

Baby Bear wants to climb a tree and eat delicious plums with Mama Bear but is overcome with a progression of worrisome possibilities, until Mama Bear gently reassures Baby Bear about the importance of taking risks.

In her follow up to "This Story is Not About a Kitten", Randall de Sève weaves a tender tale about resiliency. The pacing and repetitive cadence of the text make this a wonderful candidate for storytimes, especially at the start of the new school year. Delicate gouache and colored pencil illustrations by Kate Gardiner round out a fabulous picture book right for sharing when the littles in your life need comforting. Sometimes we have problems, and it's okay! -Casey

Into the goblin market

by Vikki VanSickle

jE Vansickl
Picture Books, Classics, Fantasy, Adventure

"An ode to Christina Rossetti's classic poem and a clever homage to familiar fairy-tale villains, this story of two sisters will enthrall readers with its beautifully detailed art and enchanting writing."--

Brave the goblin market if you dare! Vansickle's perfectly paced rhyming text pairs wonderfully with exquisite ink and digital illustrations by Jensine Eckwall. Fans of Wanda Gag and fairy tale lovers will delight in this retelling of Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market", complete with extra villainy and a beautiful twist. -Casey

Sour apple

by Linda (Illustrator) Liu

jE Liu
Humor, Kids, Picture Books, Nature

"A . . . picture book about an apple who learns the importance of self-acceptance and patience after being left behind during picking season"--

Following the wonderful debut "Hidden Gem" Linda Liu's latest title does not disappoint! Perfect pacing, adorable illustrations, and a great message make for a quick and enjoyable read-aloud. Endsheets and secret covers provide extra fun for curious readers. -Casey

Viewfinder

by Christine D. U. Chung

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Chung
Graphic Novels, Picture Books, Science Fiction, Adventure

"Arriving on an Earth devoid of people, a young space traveler discovers a viewfinder that reveals how the planet used to be, in this wordless, adventure-filled graphic novel about resilience and the extraordinary place we call home"--

This debut wordless graphic novel from Christine D.U. Chung and Salwa Majoka is a stunner! It has just the right amount of suspense and world-building to keep younger readers turning pages quickly. Keen-eyed and repeat readers will notice ample opportunities for a sequel as well. Fans of The Wild Robot and adult viewers of Scavengers Reign will feel right at home. -Casey

A botanist's guide to parties and poisons

by Kate Khavari

MYSTERY Khavari Kate
Mystery, Suspense, Adventure, Science

London, 1923. Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh attends a dinner party for the University College of London. While she expects to engage in conversations about the university's large expedition to the Amazon, she doesn't expect Mrs. Henry, one of the professors' wives to drop to the floor, poisoned by an unknown toxin. Dr. Maxwell, Saffron's mentor, is the main suspect, having had an explosive argument with Dr. Henry a few days prior. As evidence mounts against Dr. Maxwell and the expedition's departure draws nearer, Saffron realizes if she wants her mentor's name cleared, she'll have to do it herself.

I devoured the first two Botanist's Guide books last summer and was pleasantly surprised to find that the latest installment is here! It did not disappoint. If you have yet to try any of the Saffron Everleigh series and enjoy dark academia or murder mysteries, now might be the time to start at the beginning! -Casey

The wild robot escapes

by Peter Brown

jFICTION Brown Peter
Fiction, Adventure, Nature, Classics

After being captured by the Recons and returned to civilization for reprogramming, Roz is sent to Hilltop Farm where she befriends her owner's family and animals, but pines for her son, Brightbill.

This is a family summer book club read and I am having a hard time following the pacing rules. Seriously, I do not want to put it down! I'm excited to get all caught up with this series now that the Wild Robot Protects is out and the movie is forthcoming in September! -Casey

The pelican can

by Toni Yuly

jE Yuly
Picture Books, Nature

"An exuberant celebration of the remarkable things that a pelican can do"--

This is my new favorite storytime read! Toni Yuly's latest combines beautiful illustrations, perfect pacing, and a predictable call-and-response structure. Adaptations for storyJAM are forthcoming already! -Casey

Mermaids' song to the sea

by Dianna Hutts Aston

jE Aston
Picture Books

"Three mermaid troubadours, draped with leis and strumming harps, sing their blessings to sea creatures everywhere, traveling the ocean to deliver a benediction to their beloved community of fish, whales, sharks, sea snails and many others"--

This picture book is adorable, fun, and great to read (or sing) aloud! Seek and find minded littles will delight in the endsheets and repeated reads. -Casey

Roy is not a dog

by Esmé Shapiro

jE Shapiro
Picture Books, Mystery, Animals

"On Lilypod Lane, everyone knows everything about everybody . . . or so they believe! When curious paperboy Weasel encounters his mysterious neighbor Roy on his route, he becomes convinced that Roy is actually a dog!"--

Dogs are people too! Wonderful storytelling and adorable illustrations abound in this latest from Esme Shapiro and Daniel Newell Kaufman. -Casey

The sea hides a seahorse

by Sara T. Behrman

jE Behrman
Nonfiction, Picture Books, Nature

"The Sea Hides a Seahorse is a subtle seek-and-find story that journeys underwater to provide a glimpse into the secrets of seahorses as they swim, hide, hunt, court, mate, and more. Included at the back is more information about seahorses and how to support their protection and conservation"--

The Sea Hides a Seahorse is a beautiful pairing of seek and find and nonfiction. Littles will love looking for and learning about the various types of seahorses and seadragons presented. Add this to the picture book nonfiction 2024 shelf! -Casey

The last zookeeper

by Aaron Becker

jE Becker
Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Science Fiction

A master of the wordless form imagines a futuristic Noah's Ark in a luminous sci-fi parable for our changing world.

Masterful! Aaron Becker's latest title is wordless picture-book perfection. -Casey

A friend for Eddy

by Ann Kim Ha

jE Kimha
Picture Books

"Eddy the goldfish makes a leap of faith to become closer to new friends"--

A Friend for Eddy is wonderful! No spoilers, check out the cover under the jacket! -Casey

Habitats : a journey in nature

by Pang, Hannah, author.

j577 Pang
Nonfiction, Picture Books, Nature

"Nature is like a magical journey that transforms with every step...Interactive split pages create an immersive experience that allows readers to take a visual journey through each unique home as they meet the incredible animals that live there"--

This is a beautiful nonfiction, seek and find, picture book! -Casey

One day this tree will fall

by Barnard Booth, Leslie, author.

jE Barnardb
Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature

A tree's life story is told from its beginnings as a seed to its survival in the wilderness until it finally falls, but continues its life as a log, an animal habitat, and finally decomposes to provide nutrition for future trees.

One Day This Tree Will Fall is a beautiful and fun read-aloud! It's a great large size for sharing in classrooms and storytime settings too! -Casey

What's new, Daniel?

by Micha Archer

jE Archer
Kids, Picture Books, Nature

A curious little boy explores his neighborhood, finding out what is new with his friends and neighbors.

Let's celebrate the spring with Micha Archer's latest, "What's New, Daniel?". -Casey

My Lists

Bert, the bowerbird : the small bird with a big heart

New Picture Books for Summer Reading!

Casey

First words with cute embroidered friends

Kids Books You Can Give--2024

Casey

Why do elephants have big ears? : questions--and surprising answers--about animals

The noisy puddle : a vernal pool through the seasons

Picture Book Nonfiction--2024 Edition

Casey

Gift Books for Kids 2023 Edition

Casey

Interests: Picture Books, Board Books, Early Readers, Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Classics, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Nature, LGBTQ+, Music, Gardening, Crafts, Memoir, Humor, Poetry, Horror, Cookbooks

About Me

Hi, my name is Casey. I am a Librarian in the Children's Department. You can generally find me downtown at the Children's Desk, StoryJAMing, helping with programming, or doing storytime at one of our community preschools.

I enjoy reading books of all shapes and sizes but have a particular interest in picture books, board books, early chapter books, graphic novels, manga, and young adult literature--basically, if it's written for young people, I'm there! Other reads I enjoy include gardening, cooking, crafting/DIY, nature, art, humorous memoirs, horror, and fairytale retellings.

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Casey

My Shelf

My Lists

New Picture Books for Summer Reading!

Kids Books You Can Give--2024

Picture Book Nonfiction--2024 Edition

Gift Books for Kids 2023 Edition

About Me