Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas (Cox) ©2014 by Brian Floca
Baker, Keith. Little Green Peas: A Big Book of Colors. illus. by Keith Baker. 40p. S. & S./Beach Lane. Jul. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781442476608; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9781442476615. LC 2013019358.
PreS-Gr 2 –Picture-book sequels can be tricky to do well, but Baker continues to beat the odds with this follow-up to LMNO Peas (2010) and 1-2-3 Peas (2012, both S. & S.). Groups of irrepressibly individual legumes frolic through a rainbow of colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, silver, black, and white. Each color is given two spreads. The first shows the name of the color in large textured letters the size of buildings and surrounded by busy peas. “BLUE. Blue boats, blue seas, blue flags and…[page turn] little green peas.” On the second spread, the name of the color is gone, replaced by a more detailed landscape showing the peas’ escapades. Baker employs a good balance of predictability and surprise in the text; on the spread for green, instead of the familiar “little green peas” at the page turn, readers are treated to an utterly charming garden scene in which peas in colorful rubber boots collect “baby green peas!” from the vine. Careful readers will be rewarded by tiny details recurring throughout the book; a paper airplane thrown from the title page appears on every spread, a ladybug is hidden on every page, and the artist pea (Baker’s self-portrait as a pea?) is shown on the cover with a colorful easel and is seen again painting each color throughout the story. Simple in concept but elegant in design and execution, this title is a delight.–Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MNCarnesi, Mônica. Sleepover with Beatrice and Bear. illus. by Mônica Carnesi. 32p. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. Aug. 2014. RTE $15.99. ISBN 9780399256677.
PreS-Gr 4 –The author of Little Dog Lost (Penguin, 2012) has another winner here. When Bear sits on Beatrice’s carrots while beehive watching, he doesn’t make a very good first impression. However, despite a rocky beginning, the bear and the bunny become great friends sharing adventures all through the spring, summer, and fall. Then one day Beatrice can’t find her pal, and Squirrel informs her that he’s hibernating—a long winter sleep. Beatrice loves the idea and soon joins Bear. “Really? Bunnies hibernate too?” “Definitely!” said Beatrice. “Bunnies are GREAT hibernators.” But as Bear drops off to sleep, poor Beatrice can only toss and turn. Finally giving up, she leaves the den declaring, “Winter is ruined!” But with the help of Squirrel, Beatrice puts her friendless time to good use, and when Bear awakens, she greets him with a scrapbook of the season. This wonderful book is filled with pictures, drawings, and notes that they can read together again and again. Carnesi’s sweet illustrations perfectly capture the joys of friendship, the frustration at being left behind, and the satisfaction in making something for a friend. The spare text is an excellent complement to the lively illustrations, and the addition of speech balloons for Beatrice’s big emotions really lets her perky personality shine. Sure to be a hit in every library.–Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH
Chung, Arree. Ninja! illus. by Arree Chung. 40p. Holt. Jun. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780805099119.
K-Gr 2 –Readers riding high on the ninja craze will find this treatise on how to be a successful one quite enlightening. For instance, ninjas need special equipment—a thick stick, silent footwear, sticky gloves, etc. A ninja sneaks, creeps, and is fast on his feet. He will face danger (look out, family pets), show courage, and, most importantly, master the art of SURPRISE! Readers follow the main character through comic-book-style panels as he moves with stealthlike precision, covertly navigating each room and the furniture, to fulfill his mission of capturing his prize: his sister’s snack. Silent as a spider, this cartoonish little guy is regaled in makeshift black ninja fashion (where is Dad’s necktie?), with only his wide eyes (and several teeth) visible to his enemies. Acrylic paints and mixed media enhance the comic-strip portrayal of a modern ninja on his quest. Heavy, dark tones are enhanced with bursts of color, such as brightly hued, fiery dragon images in keeping with the theme. Oversize heads and exaggerated expressions round out the laugh-out-loud fun. Prospective ninjas, take notice!–Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH
Cox, Lynne. Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas. illus. by Brian Floca. 48p. websites. Random/Schwartz & Wade. May 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780375858888; lib. ed. $20.99. ISBN 9780375958885; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780375987694. LC 2011023586.
K-Gr 3 –Cox opens this fact-based story on just the right note: “There was once a lovely elephant seal who lived in the city.” A boy named Michael is fascinated with the marine mammal that chooses to live by or swim in the tranquil Avon River that passes by Christchurch’s botanical garden. When the seal, named after the Queen of England, narrowly avoids death after relaxing on a warm city street, residents volunteer to move her to an elephant seal colony. After she makes her way back, they try two additional times to relocate her. Finally, knowing that city dwellers were secretly happy to see Elizabeth return to Christchurch, the city erects a “Slow. Elephant Seal Crossing” sign near her favorite sleeping place. The author generally avoids anthropomorphizing Elizabeth’s motivation for continuing to return to the city by suggesting a few possibilities for readers to consider. Some basic facts about these huge marine mammals are woven into the highly approachable narrative, and a few paragraphs at the conclusion further explore more about their habits. A black-and-white photo of the famous seal sleeping on the pavement closes the book and reinforces its factual nature. Floca’s gentle pen-and-ink and watercolor paintings perfectly capture Elizabeth’s watery world. Double-page spreads nicely complement pages that feature smaller vignettes echoing the seal’s rounded body. Especially effective is a page where Michael, who after nearly three months without his friend, wishes on the stars reflected in the river’s water; the page turn reveals the seal’s head poking through radiating rings of water while the boy shouts, “Welcome home, Elizabeth!” Children are likely to request multiple readings of this compelling told and lovingly illustrated true story.–Ellen Fader, formerly at Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
Daly, Cathleen. Emily’s Blue Period. illus. by Lisa Brown. 56p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. Jun. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781596434691. LC 2013016727.
Gr 1-3 –A lovely, contemplative picture book. The text is short, with no more than a few sentences per page, but the writing is evocative and does a wonderful job of portraying the complicated emotions and behaviors experienced by children during confusing times. Divided into five vignettes labeled as chapters, the story is that of Emily, a young girl who loves art—particularly Pablo Picasso’s unique way of portraying the world through cubism. When her parents separate, both she and her younger brother struggle to cope with the new reality. This book does a beautiful job of using the arts to show Emily’s process as she grieves, accepts, and adapts to the changes in her family. The pencil and watercolor illustrations are appropriately muted, sticking to a soft blue, green, and brown color scheme with highlights of yellow and red. The subtle addition of some digital imagery creates lively, relatable illustrations. Despite the difficulties that Emily’s family may be having, their imperfect life is full of love, and that comes through in both art and text. This is not a straightforward “What is divorce” story but rather a window into one girl’s complicated emotional journey. It’s a first purchase for libraries that have a section of picture books for older readers, and a high-quality, nondidactic book for parents and caregivers looking to start conversations about divorce.–Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN
JOHNSON, Angela . All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom . illus. by E. B. Lewis. 40p. chron. glossary. notes. websites. S. & S. May 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780689873768; ebk. ISBN 9781481406475. LC 2011038273.
Gr 3 Up –Previous picture books about Juneteenth (the holiday celebrating the day slaves were freed in Texas—two years after the rest of the country) have focused on contemporary children discovering this quirk of history. Valerie Wesley’s Freedom’s Gifts (S. & S., 1997) and Carole Boston Weatherford’s Juneteenth Jamboree (Lee & Low, 1995) fall into that category. Johnson imagines what it would be like to be a slave one minute and a free person the next. Spare text, structured as free verse, hones in on the smell of honeysuckle and breakfast routines as the day begins, like any other. The titular phrase appears three times: first to build suspense, then to indicate the earthshaking import of the message spreading from the port, and, finally, to reflect on the consequences. Lewis paints details not mentioned. The protagonist is a girl living in the slave quarters with her siblings and mother. They are working in the cotton fields when the news arrives. Skillful watercolor renderings depict nuanced changes in lighting and focus, thereby capturing individual responses to a community’s new reality—from incredulity and quiet contemplation to rapture. Occasional panels indicate passing time; the brilliant clarity of the fields at noon fades to a green-blue gauze over the revelers heading home from a late-night celebration. A time line, glossary, overview, list of websites, and notes by author and illustrator provide deeper understanding. With a narrative notable for its understated simplicity and lack of judgment, this title allows readers to draw their own conclusions. An affecting entrée to a challenging conversation.–Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library
Tan, Shaun. Rules of Summer. illus. by Shaun Tan. 48p. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. May 2014. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780545639125.
Gr 1-4 –Right from the endpapers featuring an ominously shadowed street on which two boys stand in silhouette—one clearly older whispering into the younger child’s ear—readers are clued into a familiar sibling dynamic: big brother sets the rules; little brother is always one step behind, doing his best to follow along. It’s too bad for little brother that the rules are nearly impossible to anticipate: “Never leave a red sock on the clothesline” is accompanied by the image of the terrified boys hiding from a house-sized red rabbit on the hunt for the crimson article. Some rules seem designed to teach (“Never eat the last olive at a party”), while others simply reinforce the power dynamic (“Never ask for a reason”). Tan’s oil paintings, with their masterful layering of color and impressionistic plays on light and shadow, toy with the ordinary and the surreal. At its heart, this is a story about sibling relationships, and Tan artfully captures the frustration, sadness, and joy of what it means to be brothers. The sophistication of the visual narrative paired with the simplicity of the text invites multiple readings and opportunities for discussion. Sumptuous and sincere—this title is a winner.–Kiera Parrott, School Library Journal
Thong, Roseanne Greenfield. Green Is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors. illus. by John Parra. 40p. Chronicle. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781452102030; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9781452136059. LC 2013021561.
PreS-Gr 2 –The creators of Round Is a Tortilla (Chronicle, 2013) are back with another Mexican American culture–infused concept book with universal appeal. A little girl and boy walk around their town pointing out the vivid palette that permeates their home and community. “Green are the cornstalks./Green are the pails./Green is a bench/for abuela’s tales.” The Spanish translation of the featured color is also provided on each spread. Excellent for building vocabulary, this work introduces festive customs such as the Day of the Dead and Mexican folk dance, which are further explained in an extensive glossary. The diversity of the characters refreshingly reflects the diversity of the Latino community. Thong’s buoyant rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud and Parra’s stunning folk-art illustrations offer vibrant scenes that children will return to again and again. The exuberant depictions of cooking, outdoor parties, and fun craft-making invite myriad extension activities. A choice book for bilingual or STEAM-powered storytimes.–Shelley Diaz, School Library Journal
Picard, Matthias. Jim Curious: A Voyage to the Heart of the Sea. illus. by Matthias Picard. 52p. Abrams. 2014. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781419710438.
Gr 1-4 –In this wordless picture book–esque graphic novel, Picard gets to the heart of visual storytelling with a beautifully illustrated 3-D deep sea adventure. At the outset, Jim Curious leaves his house in a clunky diving suit. With each step, he bongs and klangs as he awkwardly makes his way to the sea. Once the title character descends the ladder into the water, he immediately floats into another world, as do readers. This kind of trip to the darkest depths is a solitary one, and the lack of text reinforces the isolation of deep sea diving. But Jim Curious is anything but alone as he encounters a multitude of fauna, flora, and forgotten ruins. Picard’s whimsical and detailed drawings take viewers on a journey that has to be seen to be believed. This kind of interactive experience (two pairs of cardboard anaglyph glasses are included with the book), can sometimes be gimmicky, but it works here, as the 3-D images make this title completely immersive, with layers and depth that enhance the visual narrative. Readers will forget that these pages are flat and will find themselves trying to reaching into the story with smiles on their faces. An amazing adventure for all ages, especially graphic novel aficionados.–Billy Parrott, New York Public Library
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The following titles are reviewed in this month's print issue.
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Adler, David, A. Young Cam Jansen and the Knock, Knock Mystery. illus. by Susanna Natti. 32p. (Young Cam Jansen). Penguin. May 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780670012619. LC 2013027008.
Allen, Elise & Halle Stanford. Autumn’s Secret Gift. illus. by Paige Pooler. 160p. (Jim Henson’s Enchanted Sisters). Bloomsbury. Aug. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781619632561; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9781619632547.
Appelt, Kathi. Mogie: The Heart of the House. illus. by Marc Rosenthal. 40p. S. & S./Atheneum. Jun. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781442480544; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9781442480551.
BAdescu, Ramona. Pomelo’s Big Adventure. tr. from French by Claudia Bedrick. illus. by Benjamin Chaud. 40p. Enchanted Lion. Jun. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781592701582.
Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta. Tyrannosaurus Wrecks! illus. by Zachariah Ohora. 32p. Abrams. 2014. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9781419710353. LC 2013022197.
HBeebe, Katy. Brother Hugo and the Bear. illus. by S. D. Schindler. 34p. glossary. Eerdmans. 2014. RTE $17. ISBN 9780802854070. LC 2013031001.
Bently, Peter. Meet the Parents. illus. by Sara Ogilvie. 32p. S. & S./Paula Wiseman Bks. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481414838; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9781481414845. LC 2013034757.
Best, Cari. A Perfect Day for Digging. illus. by Christine Davenier. 32p. Amazon/Two Lions. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781477847060; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 9781477897065.
Bland, Nick. The Very Cranky Bear. illus. by Nick Bland. 32p. Orchard. Jul. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780545612692.
Bloom, C. P. The Monkey Goes Bananas. illus. by Peter Raymundo. 32p. Abrams. May 2014. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9781419708855. LC 2013015188.
Border, Terry. Peanut Butter & Cupcake! photos. by Terry Border. 32p. Philomel. Jul. 2014. RTE $17.99. ISBN 9780399167737. LC 2013039974.
Bottner, Barbara. Miss Brooks’ Story Nook: (Where Tales are Told and Ogres are Welcome!). illus. by Michael Emberley. 40p. Knopf. Aug. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780449813287; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9780449813294; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780449813300.
Braun, Sebastien. Whoosh and Chug! illus. by Sebastien Braun. 32p. HarperCollins/Harper. Jun. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062077547.
CABRERA, Jane . Row, Row, Row Your Boat. illus. by Jane Cabrera. 32p. ebook available. score. Holiday House. 2014. RTE $16.95. ISBN 9780823430505. LC 2013027068.
Castillo, Lauren. The Troublemaker. illus. by Lauren Castillo. 48p. Clarion. Jun. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780547729916. LC 2012039686.
Chabert, Jack. The School Is Alive! illus. by Sam Ricks. 96p. (Eerie Elementary: Bk. 1). Scholastic/Branches. Jul. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780545623933; pap. $4.99. ISBN 9780545623926; ebk. $4.99. ISBN 9780545623940. LC 2013034498.
Chin, Oliver. The Year of the Horse: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. illus. by Jennifer Wood. 36p. Immedium. 2014. Tr $15.95. ISBN 9781597020800. LC 2013001008.
Clough, Lisa. Petal and Poppy. illus. by Ed Briant. 32p. (Green Light Readers/Petal and Poppy). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 2014. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780544114777; lib. ed. $13.55. ISBN 9780606353274; pap. $3.99. ISBN 9780544113800; ebk. $3.99. ISBN 9780544302440.
Clough, Lisa. Petal and Poppy and the Penguin. illus. by Ed Briant. 32p. (Green Light Readers/Petal and Poppy). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 2014. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780544137707; pap. $3.99. ISBN 9780544133303. LC 2013020668.
Cooper, Ilene. Little Lucy Goes to School. illus. by John Kanzler. 48p. (Step into Reading). Random. Jul. 2014. lib. ed. $12.99. ISBN 9780375971792; pap. $3.99. ISBN 9780385369947; ebk. $3.99. ISBN 9780375981647. LC 2013024344.
Croza, Laurel. From There to Here. illus. by Matt James. 36p. Groundwood/House of Anansi. May 2014. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781554983650.
Czajak, Paul. Monster Needs His Sleep. illus. by Wendy Grieb. 32p. (Monster & Me: Bk. 2). ebook available. Scarletta. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781938063268. LC 2013037700.
DiPucchio, Kelly. Gaston. illus. by Christian Robinson. 40p. S. & S./Atheneum. Jun. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781442451025; ebk. $12.99. ISBN 9781442451032. LC 2012031987.
Dorémus, Gaëtan. Coyote Run. illus. by Gaëtan Dorémus. 32p. Enchanted Lion. 2014. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9781592701476.
Dumont, Jean-François. The Geese March in Step. tr. from French. illus. by Jean-François Dumont. 33p. Eerdmans. 2014. RTE $16. ISBN 9780802854438. LC 2013031003.
Egan, Kate & Mike Lane. The Vanishing Coin. illus. by Eric Wight. 160p. (The Magic Shop). Feiwel & Friends. 2014. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781250029140; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9781250040435.
Fagan, Cary. I Wish I Could Draw. illus. by Cary Fagan. 32p. Groundwood/House of Anansi. May 2014. Tr $12.95. ISBN 9781554983186; ebk. $9.95. ISBN 9781554983193.
Falkenstern, Lisa. Professor Whiskerton Presents Steampunk ABC. illus. by Lisa Falkenstern. 32p. Amazon/Two Lions. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781477847220; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 9781477897225.
Farrell, Darren. Thank You, Octopus. illus. by Darren Farrell. 40p. Dial. Jun. 2014. RTE $16.99. ISBN 9780803734388; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780698179141. LC 2013027093.
Garland, Michael. Where’s My Homework? illus. by Michael Garland. 32p. Scholastic/Cartwheel. Jun. 2014. pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780545436557.
GIFFORD, Peggy . The Great Big Green . illus. by Lisa Desimini. 32p. Boyds Mills. 2014. Tr $15.95. ISBN 9781620916292.
GODIN , Thelma Lynne . The Hula Hoopin’ Queen . illus. by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. 40p. Lee & Low. May 2014. RTE $18.95. ISBN 9781600608469. LC 2013015548.
Goodall, Jane. Doctor White. illus. by Julie Litty. 32p. Minedition. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9789888240746.
Goodrich, Carter. Mister Bud Wears the Cone. illus. by Carter Goodrich. 48p. S. & S. Jun. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781442480889; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9781442480896.
Gray, Joanna. The Little Raindrop. illus. by Dubravka Kolanovic. 28p. Sky Pony. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781628738216.
Grey, Mini. Hermelin the Detective Mouse. illus. by Mini Grey. 32p. Knopf. Aug. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780385754330; lib. ed. $20.99. ISBN 9780385754347; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780385754354.
Hale, Bruce. Big Bad Baby. illus. by Steve Breen. 32p. Dial. Jun. 2014. RTE $16.99. ISBN 9780803735859. LC 2013027092.
Hapka, Catherine. The Camping Trip. illus. by Anne Kennedy. 32p. (I Can Read!/Pony Scouts). HarperCollins/Harper. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062086655; pap. $3.99. ISBN 9780062086631; ebk. $4.99. ISBN 9780062086662. LC 2013938898.
Helakoski, Leslie. Big Pigs. illus. by Leslie Helakoski. 32p. Boyds Mills. 2014. RTE $16.95. ISBN 9781620910238. LC 2013947713.
Hemingway, Edward. Bad Apple’s Perfect Day. illus. by Edward Hemingway. 32p. Putnam. Aug. 2014. RTE $16.99. ISBN 9780399160363. LC 2013017564.
Hernandez, Leeza. Cat Napped! illus. by Leeza Hernandez. 32p. Putnam. Jun. 2014. RTE $15.99. ISBN 9780399164385. LC 2013022383.
Hills, Tad. Drop It, Rocket! illus. by Tad Hills. 32p. (Step into Reading). Random. Jul. 2014. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780385372473; lib. ed. $15.99. ISBN 9780385372480; pap. $3.99. ISBN 9780385372541; ebk. $3.99. ISBN 9780385372497. LC 2013041866.
Jakubowski, Michele. Party Pooper. ISBN 9781479522828; ISBN 9781479523566. LC 2013027849.
––––. Talent Trouble. ISBN 9781479522811; ISBN 9781479523559. LC 2013027844.
ea vol: illus. by Erica-Jane Waters. 32p. (Perfectly Poppy). glossary. Picture Window. 2014. lib. ed. $21.32. pap. $5.95.
Kennedy, Anne Vittur. The Farmer’s Away! Baa! Neigh! illus. by Anne Vittur Kennedy. 32p. Candlewick. Jun. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9780763666798. LC 2013946622.
Kirk, David. Oh So Brave Dragon. illus. by David Kirk. 40p. Feiwel & Friends. May 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781250016898.
Lacámara, Laura. Dalia’s Wondrous Hair/El maravilloso cabello de Dalia. tr. from English by Gabriela Baeza Ventura. illus. by Laura Lacámara. 32p. glossary. notes. Piñata. May 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781558857896. LC 2013036485.
Lakin, Patricia. Bruno & Lulu’s Playground Adventures. illus. by Kirstie Edmunds. 80p. Dial. 2014. RTE $16.99. ISBN 9780803735538. LC 2012043897.
Lammle, Leslie. Princess Wannabe. illus. by Leslie Lammle. 40p. HarperCollins/Harper. May 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780061251979. LC 2012050673.
Lanton, Sandy. The Littlest Levine. illus. by Claire Keay. 24p. Kar-Ben. 2014. RTE $17.95. ISBN 9780761390459; pap. $7.95. ISBN 9780761390466; ebk. $6.95. ISBN 9781467724326. LC 2013002181.
Litwin, Mike. Lost in Bermooda. illus. by Mike Litwin. 144p. (Welcome to Bermooda!: Bk. 1). Albert Whitman. 2014. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780807587188; ebk. $6.99. ISBN 9781480474857.
Low, William. Daytime Nighttime. illus. by William Low. 40p. Holt. May 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780805097511; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 9781466870017.
Lurie, Susan. Swim, Duck, Swim! photos by Murray Head. 32p. Feiwel & Friends. May 2014. RTE $16.99. ISBN 9781250046420.
McCaughrean, Geraldine. The Wish-Bringer. illus. by Jana Diemberger. 56p. (The Monacello Trilogy: Bk. 2). Phoenix Yard. Jun. 2014. pap. $12.99. ISBN 9781907912061.
McKee, David. Elmer and the Whales. illus. by David McKee. 32p. Andersen. May 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781467734530; ebk. $12.95. ISBN 9781467734561.
MASS , Wendy & Michael Brawer . Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight . illus. by Elise Gravel. 112p. Little, Brown. 2014. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780316243193; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780316243209; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 9780316243216.
Merino, Gemma. The Crocodile Who Didn’t Like Water. illus. by Genna Merina. 32p. NorthSouth. May 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9780735841635.
Napoli, Donna Jo. Hands & Hearts: With 15 Words in American Sign Language. illus. by Amy Bates. 32p. Abrams. May 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781419710223. LC 2013022194.
NEUBECKER , Robert . Days of the Knights . illus. by Robert Neubecker. 32p. (Tales of the Time Dragon). chron. glossary. Scholastic. 2014. lib. ed. $15.99. ISBN 9780545548984; pap. $3.99. ISBN 9780545549004. LC 2013007397.
Nivola, Claire A. Star Child. illus. by Claire A. Nivola. 40p. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. May 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780374371821. LC 2013013079.
Parish, Herman. Amelia Bedelia Joins the Club. illus. by Lynne Avril. 32p. (I Can Read!). HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062221315; pap. $3.99. ISBN 9780062221308; ebk. $4.99. ISBN 9780062221322. LC 2013031170.
Pearson, Susan. Arlo Rolled. illus. by Jeff Ebbeler. 32p. Amazon/Two Lions. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781477847213; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 9781477897218.
Pham, LeUyen. A Piece of Cake. illus. by LeUyen Pham. 40p. HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray Bks. Jun. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780061992643.
Phillipps, J. C. The Simples Love a Picnic. illus. by J. C. Phillipps. 32p. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780544166677.
Pilkey, Dav. Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot. illus. by Dan Santat. 112p. Scholastic. 2014. lib. ed. $15.99. ISBN 9780545631068; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780545630092; ebk. $5.99. ISBN 9780545631075.
Player, Micah. Lately Lily: The Adventures of a Travelling Girl. illus. by Micah Player. 32p. Chronicle. May 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781452115252.
Poole, Helen. Clara’s Crazy Curls. illus. by Helen Poole. 40p. Capstone. 2014. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781623700430.
Portis, Antoinette. Froodle. illus. by Antoinette Portis. 32p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter Bks. May 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781596439221.
Raschka, Chris. Cowy Cow. RTE ISBN 9781419710551. LC 2013021049.
––––. Crabby Crab. RTE ISBN 9781419710568. LC 2013017138.
ea vol: illus. by Chris Raschka. 24p. (Thingy Things). Abrams Appleseed. 2014. $6.95.
Ray, Mary Lyn. Deer Dancer. illus. by Lauren Stringer. 40p. S. & S./Beach Lane. May 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781442434219; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9781442434226. LC 2012042214.
Roger, Marie-Sabine & Anne Sol. Of Course They Do!: Boys and Girls Can Do Anything. tr. from French by Nathalie Jelidi. 40p. photos. Charlesbridge. 2014. lib. ed. $9.95. ISBN 9781580896696; ebk. $6.99. ISBN 9781607346777. LC 2013004293.
Ryan, Pam Muñoz. Tony Baloney: Buddy Trouble. illus. by Edwin Fotheringham. 40p. Scholastic. Jun. 2014. Tr $6.99. ISBN 9780545481694.
Saldaña , René Jr., adapt. Dale, dale, dale: Una fiesta de números/Hit It, Hit It, Hit It: A Fiesta of Numbers. illus. by Carolyn Dee Flores. 32p. Piñata. May 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781558857827. LC 2013037331.
Samuels, Barbara. Fred’s Beds. illus. by Barbara Samuels. 40p. Farrar. Jun. 2014. RTE $16.99. ISBN 9780374318130. LC 2011012933.
Saxby, Claire. There Was an Old Sailor. illus. by Cassandra Allen. 32p. Kids Can. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781771380225.
Schaefer, Carole Lexa. Monkey and Elephant Go Gadding. illus. by Galia Bernstein. 48p. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780763661281. LC 2013943090.
Schanen, Adriana Brad. Quinny & Hopper. illus. by Greg Swearingen. 240p. ebook available. Hyperion. Jun. 2014. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781423178293.
Scotton, Rob. Splat the Cat: Up in the Air at the Fair. illus. by Rob Scotton. 32p. (I Can Read!). HarperCollins/Harper. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062115966; pap. $3.99. ISBN 9780062115959; ebk. $4.99. ISBN 9780062115980. LC 2013951080.
Sebe, Masayuki. 100 Hungry Monkeys! tr. from Japanese. illus. by Masayuki Sebe. 24p. Kids Can. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781771380454.
Senior, Olive. Anna Carries Water. illus. by Laura James. 40p. Tradewind. 2014. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781896580609.
Sharmat, Marjorie Weinman & Mitchell Sharmat. Nate the Great, Where Are You? illus. by Jody Wheeler. 48p. Delacort. May 2014. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780385743365; lib. ed. $15.99. ISBN 9780375991097; ebk. ISBN 9780449810774.
Simon, Francesca. Hello, Moon! illus. by Ben Cort. 32p. Orchard. May 2014. RTE $16.99. ISBN 9780545647953. LC 2013035042.
Smith, AJ. Even Monsters. illus. by AJ Smith. 32p. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781402286520.
Soderberg, Erin. The Quirks in Circus Quirkus. illus. by Kelly Light. 225p. (The Quirks). Bloomsbury. 2014. Tr $13.99. ISBN 9781599907901; ebk. $9.99. ISBN 9781619631571. LC 2013033195.
Staake, Bob. My Pet Book. illus. by Bob Staake. 40p. Random. Jul. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780385373128; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780375981869. LC 2013027525.
Stower, Adam. Naughty Kitty! illus. by Adam Stower. 40p. Orchard. May 2014. RTE $16.99. ISBN 9780545576048.
Sutcliffe, Charlie. Zubert. illus. by Charlie Sutcliffe. 32p. Tate. 2014. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781849761215.
Swiatkowska, Gabi. Queen on Wednesday. illus. by Gabi Swiatkowska. 40p. Farrar/Frances Foster Bks. May 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780374374464. LC 2013019719.
Thompson, Michael. The Other Bears. illus. by Michael Thompson. 40p. Star Bright. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781595726384; pap. $6.99. ISBN 9781595726391. LC 2012036956.
Tozer, S. J. MI29: Mouseweb International to the Rescue! illus. by Rosy Salaman. 80p. ebook available. Jessica Kingsley. 2014. pap. $12.95. ISBN 9781849054966.
Tuell, Todd. Ninja, Ninja, Never Stop! illus. by Tad Carpenter. 32p. Abrams Appleseed. 2014. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9781419710278. LC 2013015966.
HTullet, Hervé. Help! We Need a Title! illus. by Hervé Tullet. 64p. Candlewick. May 2014. RTE $16.99. ISBN 9780763670214. LC 2013944015.
van Hout, Mies. Surprise. illus. by Mies van Hout. 32p. Lemniscaat. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781935954347.
Verburg, Bonnie. The Tree House That Jack Built. illus. by Mark Teague. 40p. Orchard. May 2014. RTE $17.99. ISBN 9780439853385.
Vernick, Audrey. Edgar’s Second Word. illus. by Priscilla Burris. 32p. Clarion. Jun. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780547684628. LC 2011052435.
VOAKE , Steve . Hooey Higgins and the Tremendous Trousers . illus. by Emma Dodson. 144p. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780763669232. LC 2013943994.
Weninger, Brigitte. Davy Loves His Mommy. tr. from by Andrew Rushton. illus. by Eve Tharlet. 32p. NorthSouth. May 2014. Tr $15.95. ISBN 9780735841642.
Widmark, Martin. The Diamond Mystery. illus. by Helena Willis. 80p. (The Whodunit Detective Agency: Bk. 1). Grosset & Dunlap. Jul. 2014. Tr $13.99. ISBN 9780448480671; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780448480664.
Yoon, Salina. Found. illus. by Salina Yoon. 40p. Walker. 2014. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780802735591.
Graphic Novels
Baltazar, Art Franco. Superman Family Adventures. illus. by Art Baltazar. 128p. (Superman Family Adventures: Vol. 2). DC Comics. 2014. pap. $12.99. ISBN 9781401244156; ebk. $12.99. ISBN 9781401250218. LC 2013009138.
Cammuso, Frank. Big Birthday Bash. illus. by Frank Cammuso. 96p. (The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Bk. 2). Abrams/Amulet. May 2014. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9781419710254; pap. $6.95. ISBN 9781419710261; ebk. $14.95. ISBN 9781613126233.
Chabot, Jacob & others. Hello Kitty: Surprise. illus. by Jacob Chabot & others. 64p. (Hello Kitty: Bk. 3). Viz Media. 2014. lib. ed. $18.40. ISBN 9780606354714; pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781421558806; ebk. $4.99. ISBN 9781421576374.
Clark, Todd. Brain Freeze!: Brain Freeze! illus. by Todd Clark. 176p. (The Ice Cream Kid: Bk. 1). AMP! Comics for Kids. Jun. 2014. pap. $13.99. ISBN 9781449444242. LC 2013944835.
Grimaldi. My Amazing Dinosaur. tr. from French by Carol Klio Burrell. illus. by Bannister. 48p. (Tib & Tumtum: Bk.2). Lerner/Graphic Universe. May 2014. lib. ed. $26.60. ISBN 9781467712989; pap. $6.95. ISBN 9781467721813; ebk. $19.95. ISBN 9781467724272. LC 2013036088.
Maihack, Mike. Target Practice. 176p. (Cleopatra in Space: Bk. 1). Scholastic/Graphix. May 2014. Tr $22.99. ISBN 9780545528429; pap. $12.99. ISBN 9780545528436. LC 2013934374.
Matheny, Bill. In the Clutches of the Penguin! illus. by Christopher Jones. 32p. (The Batman Strikes!). glossary. Stone Arch. 2014. lib. ed. $21.27. ISBN 9781434264831.
Richard, Laurent. Ninjas and Knock Outs! Bk. 2. ISBN 9781467732727; ISBN 9781467732734; ISBN 9781467732741. LC 2013029022.
––––. Pranks and Attacks! Bk. 1. ISBN 9781467720953; ISBN 9781467721745; ISBN 9781467725545. LC 2013027733.
ea vol: illus. by Nicolas Ryser. 64p. (Tao, the Little Samurai). Lerner/Graphic Universe. May 2014. lib. ed. $29.27. pap. $6.95. ebk. $21.95.
Pearson, Luke. Hilda and the Black Hound. illus. by Luke Pearson. 64p. (Hildafolk). Flying Eye Books. May 2014. Tr $24. ISBN 9781909263185.
Schulz, Charles M. Batter Up, Charlie Brown! illus. by Charles M. Schulz. 64p. Fantagraphics. 2014. Tr $9.99. ISBN 9781606997253.
Torres, J. The Beast Boy Who Cried Wolf. illus. by Todd Nauck & Larry Stucker. ISBN 9781434264336.
––––. Lame. illus. by Tim Smith & Larry Stucker. ISBN 9781434264671.
ea vol: 32p. (Teen Titans Go!). glossary. Stone Arch. 2014. lib. ed. $21.27.