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
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
Saturday
Oge Mora
jE Mora
Picture Books
When all of their special Saturday plans go awry, Ava and her mother still find a way to appreciate one another and their time together.
Added by Casey
River
Elisha Cooper
jE Cooper
Picture Books
A woman in a canoe takes the reader on a journey down the Hudson River, from its source, a lake in the Adirondack Mountains, to the point where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at New York City. Includes a note on the history of the Hudson River.
Added by Casey
Thurgood
Jonah Winter
jBIOGRAPHY Marshall, Thurgood
Picture Books
"Before Rosa Parks, before Martin Luther King Jr., before the civil rights movement there was Thurgood, fighting for African Americans - and winning. Here is the powerful story of the trailblazer who proved that separate is not equal." --Provided by Publisher.
Added by Casey
You are home : an ode to the National Parks
Evan Turk
jE Turk
Picture Books
"[A]uthor and illustrator Evan Turk showcases the beauty and importance of the National Parks in this gorgeous picture book that takes readers on an amazing tour across the United States. In simple, soaring language and breathtaking art, acclaimed author-illustrator Evan Turk has created a stirring ode to nature and nation. From the rugged coast of Maine to the fiery volcanoes of Hawaii, You Are Home reminds us that every animal, plant, and person helps make this land a brilliant, beautiful sanctuary of life." --
Added by Casey
My heart
Corinna Luyken
jE Luyken
Picture Books
"From moments of great joy and exuberance to necessary times of quiet contemplation, your heart is your guide"--
Added by 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