Picture Books
The shortest day
Susan Cooper
jE Cooper
Picture Books, Nature, Literary Fiction
A celebration of the winter solstice and the Yuletide season. As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper's poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before-- and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!
Sulwe
Lupita Nyong'o
jE Nyongo
Picture Books
When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade.
Lupita's story of her own struggle with being unique is portrayed beautifully through Sulwe's desire to just fit in. A great story about loving yourself. -Mari
Sulwe
Lupita Nyong'o
jE Nyongo
Picture Books
When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade.
Added by Meredith
Juana & Lucas. Big problemas
Juana Medina
jREADER Medina Juana
Picture Books
"Juana's life is just about perfect. She lives in the beautiful city of Bogotá with her two most favorite people in the world: her mami and her dog, Lucas. Lately, though, things have become a little less perfect. Mami has a new hairdo and a new amigo named Luis with whom she has been spending a LOT of time. He is kind and teaches Juana about things like photography and jazz music, but sometimes Juana can't help wishing things would go back to the way they were before. When Mami announces that she and Luis are getting married and that they will all be moving to a new casa, Juana is quite distraught. Lucky for her, though, some things will never change -- like how much Mami loves her."--Amazon.com.
Added by Meredith
Nova the Star Eater
Lindsay Leslie
jE Leslie
Picture Books
When Nova eats Earth's Sun, panicked scientists from around the world tell her why they need it back and using a little girl's suggestion, Nova is happy to help. Includes glossary and facts about the sun.
Added by Meredith
Mr. Scruff
Simon James
jE James
Picture Books
"Everyone knows that owners and their dogs belong together in a unique way. Polly belongs to Molly, Eric belongs to Derek, Berry belongs to Terry. But poor Mr. Scruff, alone in the rescue shelter, doesn't belong to anyone. Then a boy named Jim walks in, and they seem to get along. Jim and Mr. Scruff don't look anything alike, and their names certainly don't rhyme, but they may end up belonging to each other just the same. From author-illustrator Simon James comes a warm, winning story about friendship and finding a home. A sweetly silly story of a little boy and a dog who make an unlikely (but perhaps perfect) pair."--
Added by Meredith
Hair love
Matthew A Cherry
jE Cherry
Picture Books
A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self.
Added by Meredith
The undefeated
Kwame Alexander
jE Alexander
Picture Books, Nonfiction
"The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree"--
Stunning tribute to black excellence, with spot-on writing and illustrations! -Anne W
Another
Christian Robinson
jE Robinson
Picture Books
"A young girl and her cat take an imaginative journey into another world"--
Follow a young girl as she travels from one reality to another, and another, and another, or does she? Innovative, wordless and pure fun! -Casey
Lofty, elegant, and achingly beautiful, Carson Ellis's illustrations are the perfect pairing for Susan Cooper's poem. Don't miss this true winter solstice celebration from and for the ages! -Casey