Carolrhoda Books | 978-1541581302 What does the world look like beyond the fences of the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp? This is the question young Kalia asks her father. She hears the aunties talk about the little-known Secret War in Laos and the river they crossed as Hmong refugees fleeing to Thailand. But Kalia, having… Read more »
Book Room
Twinkle, Twinkle Winter Night
Clarion Books | 978-0358572046 Stars shimmering, lights glimmering, snowflakes “dressing trees in coats of lace. ” Is there anything quite as magical as a sparkly winter night? Megan Litwin‘s gorgeous poem and picture book debut,Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night, (a lovely twist on the nursery rhyme), brings the season into focus, reminding readers of the warmth… Read more »
My Paati’s Saris
978-0593324608 | Kokila My Paati’s Saris is a vibrant expression of the special relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild. But it is so much more! It is colors – bold blues, muted tones – scents – jasmine and musky rose -and tastes and sounds – laddoos and spices, peddlers selling their wares, and… Read more »
The Dark Was Done by Lauren Stringer
S&S/ Beach Lane Books | 978-1534462922 A world without dark is hard for us to imagine because we’re always surrounded by light. Not only during the day. But, also, at night. Our cities and towns, homes and bedrooms are ablaze. “Nightlights, streetlights, flashlights, and table lamps…” All push the Dark away. Often, we don’t appreciate… Read more »
The Underpants by Tammi Sauer
Scholastic Press | 978-1338740271 Put the word “underpants” in a picture book and you’re guaranteed laughs – lots of laughs. Put the word in the title and it’s as good as finding the golden ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 🙂 Tammi Sauer is a master picture book author with over thirty books… Read more »
Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, A Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion
978-0593109694 | Dial Books This is a story of music. Of obstacles. Of strength and hard work. Of all you can accomplish when you dream. If you only… shhhh… listen. From the time world-renowned percussionist Evelyn Glennie heard… Read more »
Rick the Rock of Room 214
Simon & Schuster | 978-1534494640 Rick lives on the Nature Finds shelf in Room 214. Beside him sit an acorn, a clump of moss, and a piece of bark. They’ve been side-by-side companions for as long as anyone can remember. One day the teacher starts a new unit. “A rock is a mix of mineral… Read more »