October 2019


StoryKeepers

Stories from the Past to
Read, Share, and Treasure

Holiday Books
Preschool
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THE AUTUMN VISITORS
written/illus. by Karel Hayes, (Down East Books, 2015), 32p, Ages 3-7

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DUCK & GOOSE FIND A PUMPKIN
written/illus. by Tad Hills, (Schwartz & Wade Books, 2009 Board), 22p, Ages 2-6

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK’S HALLOWEEN
written by Alice Schertle, illus. by Jill McElmurry, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016), 16p, Ages 3-6

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OLLIE’S HALLOWEEN
written/illus. by Olivier Dunrea, (Houghton Mifflin Books, HC 2010, Board 2013), 32p, Ages 2-5

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PENGUIN AND PUMPKIN
written/illus. by Salina Yoon, (Walker Books, 2014), 40p, Ages 3-5

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SIX CREEPY SHEEP
written by Judith Ross Enderle/Stephanie Gordon Tessler, illus. by John O’Brien, (Boyds Mills Press, 1992), 24p, Ages 3-6




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Holiday Books
Ages 4 - 8
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CLICK, CLACK, BOO!:
A Tricky Treat

written by Doreen Cronin, illus. by Betsy Lewin, (Antheneum Books, 2013), 40p, Ages 4-7

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DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS
written by Sam McBratney, illus. by Ivan Bates, (Candlewick Press, 1996), 32p, Ages 4-8

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THE LITTLE SCARECROW BOY
written by Margaret Wise Brown, illus. by David Diaz, (HarperCollins, 2005), 40p, Ages 3-7


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THE RUNAWAY PUMPKIN
written by Kevin Lewis, illus. by S. D. Schindler, (Orchard Books, 2003), 32p, Ages 4-8

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THE VERY BEST PUMPKIN
written by Mark Kimball Moulton, illus. by Karen Hillard Good, (Simon & Schuster, 2010), 32p, Ages 4-8

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MADELINE AND THE OLD HOUSE IN PARIS
written/illus. by John Bemelmans Marciano, (Viking, 2013), 48p, Ages 4-8

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MRS. MC MURPHY’S PUMPKIN
written by Rick Walton, illus. by Delana Bettoli, (HarperCollins, 2004), 32p, Ages 4-8

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ONCE UPON A TWICE
written by Denise Doyen, illus. by Barry Moser, (Random House, 2009), 32p, Ages 4-8

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OTIS AND THE SCARECROW
written/illus. by Loren Long, (Philomel Books, 2014), 40p, Ages 4-7

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A PIPKIN OF PEPPER FOR THE PUMPKIN SOUP
written/illus. by Helen Cooper, (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2005), 32p, Ages 4-8

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PUMPKIN TOWN!:
Or Nothing is Better and Worse Than Pumpkins

written by Katie McKy, illus. by Pablo Bernasconi, (Houghton Mifflin, 2006), 32p, Ages 4-8

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THE GREAT PUMPKIN SWITCH
written by Megan McDonald, Illus. by Ted Lewin, (Orchard Books, 1992), 32p, Ages 5-8






Holiday Books
Ages 7 - 10
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THE SCARECROW'S DANCE
written by Jane Yolen, illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline, (Simon & Schuster, 2009), 32p,Ages 7+

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THE GHOST OF SIFTY SIFTY SAM
written by Angela Shelf Medearis, illus. by Jacqueline Rogers, (Scholastic Press, 1997), 40p, Ages 7+

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SCARLETT ANGELINA WOLVERTON-MANNING
written by Jacqueline K. Ogburn, illus. by Brian Ajhar, (Dial Books, 1994), 32p, Ages 7+

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THE SPIDER AND THE FLY
written by Mary Howitt, illus. by Tony DiTerlizzi, (Simon & Schuster, 2002), 40p, Ages 7+






Holiday Books
Ages 8 - 11
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FEATHERTOP
written by Robert D. San Souci, illus. by Daniel San Souci, (Doubleday Books, 1992), 32p, Ages 7-10

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THE STORY OF JACK O’LANTERN
written by Katherine Egen, illus. by Brandon Dorman, (HarperCollins, 2010), 32p, Ages 7+

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THE WORST WITCH AND THE WISHING STAR
written/illus. by Jill Murphy, (Candlewick Press, Aug. 2015), 280p, Ages 8-12





 


Holiday Books
Ages 10 - 13
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MAGIC DELIVERY
written by Clete Barrett Smith, (Disney-Hyperion, 2014), 288p, Ages 9+

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GOLDEN & GREY:
The Nightmares That Ghosts Have

written by Louise Arnold, (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2006), 192p, Ages 10-13





 


Holiday Books
Ages 12 - 15
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THE GHOSTS OF TUPELO LANDING
written by Sheila Turnage, (Kathy Dawson Books, 2014), 368p, Ages 11+

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THE GHOSTS OF GREENGLASS HOUSE
written by Kate Milford (Clarion Books, 2017), 480p, Ages 12-15






StoryKeepers

Stories from the Past to
Read, Share, and Treasure

Folk Literature
Preschool
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IF THE SHOE FITS
written by Alison Jackson, illus. by Karla Firehammer, Henry Holt, 2001), 32p, Ages 3-7

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SYLVIA LONG’S MOTHER GOOSE
gathered/illus. by Sylvia Long, (Chronicle Books, 1999), 112p, Ages 3+

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THE LION AND THE MOUSE
written/illus. by Jerry Pinkney, (Little Brown & Co., 2009), 40p, Ages 3-6




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Folk Literature
Ages 4 - 8
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A FLEA IN THE EAR
written by Stephen Wylie, illus. by Ken Brown, (Dutton Children’s Books, 1996), 32p, Ages 3-7

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TOPS AND BOTTOMS
written & illus. by Janet Stevens, (Harcourt Brace Children’s Books, 1995), 40p, Ages 4-8

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LOUSY ROTTEN STINKIN’ GRAPES
written by Margie Palatini, illus. by Barry Moser, (Simon & Schuster, 2009), 32p, Ages 4-8


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THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE
written/illus. by Ted Dewan, (Doubleday Books, 1998), 32p, Ages 4-8

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THE CLASSIC TALES OF BRER RABBI
Collected by Joel Chandler Harris, retold by David Borgenicht, illus, by Dan Daily, (Courage Books, 1995), 56p, Ages 6+

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GATOR GUMBO: A Spicy-Hot Tale
written by Candace Fleming, illus. by Sally Anne Lambert, (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2004), 32p, Ages 4-8






Folk Literature
Ages 7 - 10
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THE FORTUNE-TELLERS
written by Lloyd Alexander, illus. by Trina Schart Hyman, (Dutton Children’s Books, 1992), 32p, Ages 7+

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THE WILD SWANS
written by Hans Christian Andersen, retold by Amy Ehrlich, illus. by Susan Jeffers, (Dutton Children’s Books, 2008), 32p, Ages 6+

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THE VOYAGE OF THE POPPYKETTLE
written/illus. by Robert Ingpen, (minedition, 2005 ), 48p, Ages 7+






Folk Literature
Ages 8 - 12
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THE DRAGON IN THE SOCK DRAWER (Dragon Keepers)
written by Kate Klimo, illus. by John Shroades, (Random House, 2008), 176p, Ages 8-12

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EAST O’ THE SUN AND WEST O’ THE MOON
translated by George Webbe Dasent, illus. by P.J. Lynch, (Candlewick Books, 1992/2005), 48p, Ages 9+

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GENIES, MEANIES, AND MAGIC RINGS:
Three Tales From the Arabian Nights

retold by Stephen Mitchell, illus. by Tom Pohrt, (Walker Books, 2007), 192p, Ages 9-12





 


Folk Literature
Ages 10 - 13
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CHILDREN OF THE LAMP #1:
The Akhenaten Adventure

written by P. B. Kerr, (Orchard Books, 2004), 368p, Ages 10+

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THE LAND OF STORIES:
The Wishing Spell #1

written by Chris Colfer, (Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2012), 464p, Ages 10+

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THE RAT PRINCE
written by Bridget Hodder, (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2016), 272p, Ages10-14

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STRAW INTO GOLD:
Fairy Tales Re-spun

written by Hilary McKay, illus. by Sarah Gibb, (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2019), 304p, Ages 11 & up

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ONCE UPON A TOAD
written by Heather Vogel Frederick, (Simon & Schuster, 2012), 272p, Ages 10-14

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THE TOYMAKER'S APPRENTICE
written by Sherri L. Smith, illus. by Sarah Watts, (G. P. Putnam's Sons,. 2015), 400p, Ages 10-14





 


Folk Literature
Ages 12 - 15
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THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Percy Jackson and the Olympians
written by Rick Riordan (Hyperion Books, 2005), 384p, Ages 12+





 




For more information on great children's literature for reading to children and by children, visit us at:

www.tchliteracy.com

Bringing you
books that:


Touch the Heart,
Color the Imagination, and
Delight the Mind


Welcome to The Storytellers, a monthly newsletter of outstanding children’s literature to read and read aloud from preschoolers to teens.

Fall is here, the leaves are turning, the pumpkins are ripe, and it’s a great time for storytelling. The books featured represent some of the best of imagination and fun in children's literature and are presented for reading and listening enjoyment.

For more information on reading to children and great books to read and read aloud, log on to our web site at www.tchliteracy.com.


Preschool
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BEAR OUT THERE
written/illus. by Jacob Grant, (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, $17.99. June 2019, ISBN 978-1-68119-745-6), 40p, Ages 3-5

Bear and Spider, from Bear’s Scare (2018), return in a quest for a runaway kite. Spider is anxious to fly his new kite, but stay-at-home Bear would rather tidy up his house and have a cup of tea. “But plans have a way of changing.” When a gust of wind blows Spider’s kite away, Bear grudgingly agrees to help, but complains about the “filthy ground,” “itchy plants,” and “pesky bugs.” As it begins to rain, Bear decides to give up and return home, until he realizes that Spider is sad over losing his kite, and they continue the quest no matter what. Kids will love the persistence, compromise, and kindness of two opposite friends, and will love the surprise ending.
        Themes: Adventure, Animals, Bears, Friendship, Insects, Series

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BEDTIME FOR LITTLE BULLDOZER
written by Elise Broach, illuis. By Barry E. Jackson, (Henry Holt & Co., $17.99, March 2019, ISBN 978-1-250-10928-6), 40p, Ages 3-5

Meet Little Bulldozer, who needs a bit of help getting to sleep at night. After a story, bath, teeth-brushing (with a push broom), and fluid levels checked by dad, he snuggles into bed. “There was just one problem. He wasn’t sleepy AT ALL.” He checks under his bed for strange sounds (accidentally flipping it over), gathers his stuffed animals for a read-aloud (The Little Engine that Could), and gets a cup of oil to quench his thirst. When attempting to sneak downstairs, he trips and crashes to the bottom. Needless to say, mom and dad are not happy. Back in bed and lonely, he comes up with the perfect solution involving his stuffed animals and the floor in his sisters’ room.
While parents might wonder why humans are raising three construction vehicles, kids will giggle at the absurdity of the bedtime issues and will thoroughly enjoy Little Bulldozer’s antics.
        Themes: Bedtime, Families, Humor, Vehicles

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THREE CHEERS FOR KID MC GEAR!
written by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illus. by A. G. Ford, (Chronicle Books, $17.99, Sept. 2019, ISBN 978-1-485241-5582-1), 40p, Ages 3-7

The newest addition to the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site crew is a skid steer by the name of Kid McGear, who is small in size, but energetic and eager to learn. Told by the other construction vehicles that she’s just not big enough for the job, she replies, “No problem, guys, I understand. / I’ll help out some other day.”

When an emergency arises and Excavator and Bulldozer are trapped at the bottom of a hill, Kid McGear comes to rescue, overcoming obstacles and directing the rescue effort. “Now Kid McGear has joined the crew. / Five old friends—and someone new! / Six friends in the construction yard, / big and small, all working hard … / each one greater than they seem, / because they’re working as a team.” Kids will love this heroic little skid steer with a heart of gold.
        Themes: Adventure, Vehicles, Rhythm & Rhyme, Series

Others in the Series
        Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site | Mighty, Mighty Construction Site |         Construction Site on Christmas Night | Steam Train, Dream Train

 
 
Ages 4-8
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SNOWMEN AT HALLOWEEN
written by Caralyn Buehner, illus. by Mark Buehner, (Dial Books for Young Readers, $17.99, Aug. 2019, ISBN 978-0-525-55468-4), 32p, Ages 4-7

When a surprise October snowfall arrives, children have fun building snowmen and dressing them with Halloween costumes. That night after trick-or treating one boy imagines the fun the snowmen might also have while everyone is asleep.

“It’s a dark and spooky night, but the snowmen aren’t afraid— / They’ll follow one another in a Halloween parade, / Gliding down the moonlit street into the village square, / Beckoned by the twinkling lights and lanterns hanging there.” At the festival they carve pumpkins, play games, face paint, bob for apples, enjoy caramel treats, wander through a maze, listen to ghost stories, trick-or-treat for candy on their way home, and leave a special message for the children to find in the morning. Kids will enjoy the humorous costumes, as well as finding hidden pictures on each page.
Themes: Holidays, Humor, Rhythm & Rhyme, Series

Others in the Series
        Snowmen at Night | Snowmen all Year | Snowmen at Work |
        Snowmen at Christmas

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PUMPKIN ISLAND
written/illus. by Arthur Geisert (Enchanted Lion Books, $17.95, Nov. 2018, ISBN 978-1-59270-265-7), 40p, Ages 5-8

West of the Mississippi River in Northeast Iowa is Elkader City, a small quiet town, until one rainy day a small pumpkin is washed downstream to Elkader, where its seeds sprout and vines grow into the town eventually causing a major pumpkin problem.

“People made pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie, and sweet pumpkin spice to serve with their coffee.” The townspeople converted pumpkins into boats and houses, had a pumpkin festival, and played games with them. The pumpkins began taking over the town and people were forced to cart them away to a town quarry.

When Halloween came, the thousands of pumpkins were carved into Jack-o’-Lanterns through out the streets, alleys, and rooftops. Afterward the vines are cut and the pumpkins turned into mulch and next spring the town was filled with flowers, however, it is widely known that vines rarely keep to themselves. Kids will enjoy trying to count the plethora of pumpkins from Arthur Geisert’s clever illustrations.
        Themes: Food, Holidays, Humor


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THE SCARECROW
written by Beth Ferry, illus by The Fan Brothers, (HarperCollins, $18.99, Sept. 2019, ISBN 978-0-06-247576-3), 40p, Ages 4-7

A lonely, old scarecrow is the feared guardian of the fields. ”Scarecrow stands alone and scares / the fox and deer, / and mice and crows. / It’s all he does. It’s all he knows.” No one dares to come near, until one day a baby crow drops from a tree nearby and lies helplessly on the ground. Moved by kindness, the old scarecrow breaks his pole, bends down and keeps him warm in the bib of his overalls, singing a lullaby. Over the seasons they become inseparable, until the fledgling learns to fly and Scarecrow realizes that someday he will leave. Watching his friend fly off, Scarecrow now lacks both his pole and his friend to keep him upright.

All through fall, winter, and spring, Scarecrow wallows in loneliness, until a familiar face returns to make another nest for babies in Scarecrow’s bib. “And he will love them from the start, / and they will grow up in his heart. / And they will peep and perch and play / and make him happy every day. And as the seasons come and go, / they will love their dear Scarecrow” Readers and listeners will love this simple tale of love, kindness, friendship, and generosity.
        Themes: Animals, Friendship, Heroes, Holidays, Rhythm & Rhyme


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TURKEY TRICK OR TREAT
written by Wendi Silvano, illus. by Lee Harper, (Two Lions, 2015), 40p, Ages 4-7

It’s Halloween and the barnyard animals are longing for candy. Realizing that a costume is needed, they look to Turkey for a solution. He does his best to cobble together a ghost costume but, “Farmer Ben’s son looked at Turkey. ‘I can see through this trick. Halloween treats aren’t for turkeys. I’m BOO-ting you out!’” The animals then suggest a ballerina, a pirate, and a superhero costume, but every time another farmer sees through the disguise and turns him away. Time was running out, until he learns that being himself works just fine. When Mable Mayberry, blind as a bat, thinks his costume is marvelous, she and gives him all her candy. The animals agree, “It was the BEST Halloween ever!” Kids will love the facial expressions of the animals and Turkey’s inventive costumes.
        Themes: Animals, Food, Holidays, Humor


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THE SCARECROW’S HAT
written/illus. by Ken Brown, (Peachtree Publishers, 2001), 32p, Ages 4-7

When a resourceful chicken admires a scarecrow’s hat for a potential nest, a chain of events begin, which in turn produce creative solutions for other animals. Chicken is overjoyed that Scarecrow is willing to give up his hat in exchange for a walking stick to lean on. “Now Chicken didn’t have a walking stick, but she knew someone who did.” Thus begins a series of trades, in which Badger’s stick is swapped for a ribbon to tie his door open, Crow’s blue ribbon is traded for warm, soft wool for his nest, Sheep’s wool is given for glasses to help her look out for wolves, Owl’s glasses are traded for a blanket to sleep under, and Donkey’s blanket is swapped for feathers to shoo away the pesky flies, which Chicken happily supplies. After obtaining her hat, Chicken uses it for a cozy nest. “And I wouldn’t swap it for anything!” Kids will enjoy Ken Brown’s captivating and delightful watercolor illustrations, while adults will approve of chicken’s resourcefulness.
        Themes: Animals, Concept, Heroes, Humor


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STUMPKIN
written/illus. by Lucy Ruth Cummins, (Antheneum Books for Young Readers, $17.99, July 2018, ISBN 978-1-5344-1362-7), 56p, Ages 4-7

What’s a pumpkin to do when he’s a beautiful color of orange and perfectly round as a basketball, but no one will choose him for their Halloween jack o’lantern? Due to his missing stem, buyers overlook him as Stumpkin sits expectantly on the shopkeeper’s shelf as other pumpkins are purchased and displayed in windows across the street. As Halloween draws near, the shopkeeper’s black cat tries to help by squatting on top of Stumpkin to hide the missing stem, but is frightened away by a dog. Even the gourd goes home with someone. Find out how Stumpkin’s home might just be under his yet-to-be carved out nose in this delightful, charming book about differences and acceptance.
        Themes: Holidays


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SOMEONE NEW
written by Jill Twiss, illus. by E.G. Keller, (HarperCollins, $18.99, June 2019, ISBN 978-0-06-293374-4), 32p, Ages 4-7

“When Jitterbug woke up, she could already tell: Something was New. Jitterbug was a careful chipmunk. She liked it when things stayed the Same. When Something was New she got a little quiver in her tummy.” That Something is Pudding, a slow moving, slow talking snail from a flooded garden over the hill, who is looking for a new home.

Prompted by fear of change, Jitterbug orders Pudding away. Her friends, Toast the Butterfly, Geezer the goose, and Duffles and Nudge the otters, remind her that everyone was new at one time, it’s okay to make mistakes, and “even though New can be scary, kindness is stronger than fear.” Acknowledging her mistake, Jitterbug searches for Pudding, begs his forgiveness, and brings Pudding back to make a new home. Kids will enjoy the sweet illustrations and adults will love the message of change, acceptance, and kindness.
        Themes: Animals, Friendship, Heroes


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THE RABBIT, THE DARK, AND THE COOKIE TIN
written/illus. by Nicola O’Byrne, (Noisy Crow, $15.99, March 2019, ISBN 978-1-5362-0576-3), 32p, Ages 4-7

“Once upon a time, there was a rabbit who didn’t want to go to sleep” An idea pops into Rabbit’s head that if there is no darkness, then there’s no need for bedtime. At that point, he comes up with the perfect solution—catch the Dark in a cookie tin. With one cookie left, Rabbit coaxes the Dark into the tin and ignores all his pleadings. Rabbit doesn’t care that many animals (bats, owls, and fox cubs) need the dark, that grumpiness will set in without sleep, and that he’ll miss breakfast. Then, unexpected consequences occur—Rabbit’s prized carrots are wilting with too much heat. After releasing the Dark, Rabbit is amazed at the beauty of the nighttime sky, and kids will also when the pop-up is released.
        Themes: Animals, Bedtime, Humor


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CARL AND THE MEANING OF LIFE
written/illus. by Deborah Freedman, (Viking Books for Young Readers, $17.99, April 2019, ISBN 978-0-451-47498-8), 48p, Ages 4-7

Carl is a happy and contented earthworm. “He lived underground, moving, always moving burrowing, tunneling, digesting dead leaves, feasting and casting, turning hard dirt into fluffy soil, day after day . . .” until a field mouse asks him, “Why?” Carl searches for answers from a variety of animals, who tell him why they do what they do. When he comes upon a ground beetle, who can find nothing to eat because of the hard ground, Carl finally understands his purpose in life. “For hours into days, weeks into months, Carl munched, digested, left castings, and tunneled … and turned that hard dirt back into rich soil …” As he worked, the dry landscape became beautiful, the grass flourished, seeds grew, and the animals came back to the land. An Author’s Note explains the delicate balance and interconnectedness of nature and creatures.
        Themes: Animals, Nature


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LIBRARY GINGERBREAD MAN
written by Dotti Enderle, illus. by Colleen M. Madden, (Upstart Books, 2010, ISBN 978-1-60213-048-7), 32p, Ages 6-9

This clever retelling of the traditional Gingerbread Man tale finds the little cookie in a book on a library shelf at 398.2. Deciding to escape, the naughty little guy runs past the librarian, a Word Wizard (thesaurus at 423.1), a giraffe (from 599.638), a robot (at 629.892), an origami bird (from 736.982), a jokester (from 818.602,) a crowd from the biography section (at 982), a space alien (from 001.942), a philosopher (at 180), and a Cyclops (from 292.11).

As he is chased through the library, the little cookie shouts, “Run, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man!” When he encounters an Arctic Fox (at 989) waiting to eat him, the librarian knows just what to do because, “It is particularly hard to outsmart a librarian.” Kids are not only introduced to the Dewey Decimal System, but will enjoy the many humorous titles that the Gingerbread Man runs past, such as How to Build a Doo-Hickie, If You Give a Fox a Gingersnap, Mammals That Eat Cookies, 54 Hungry Wolves, Rumpled Shirtskin, and My Favorite Earrings by Anna Lobes.
        Themes: Adventure, Food, Humor

 
Ages 8-12
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SPY PENGUINS #1
written by Sam Hay, illus. by Marek Jagucki, (Feiwel and Friends, $13.99, Sept. 2018, ISBN 978-1-250-18838-0), 240p, Ages 8-11

Two adventure-loving, gadget-obsessed penguins, Jackson and Quigley from the town of Rookeryville, long to join the FBI (Frosty Bureau of Investigation). Dismissed as too young to join up, they are determined to prove their detective abilities. When one of Quigley’s inventions misfires, Secret Agent OOZero Jackson is dropped into an FBI stakeout. There they discover that rare and exotic fish are vanishing from the local aquarium.

To solve the crime, they must evade Jackson’s mother’s behavior detective skills (“She was a detective at Waddles’ Department Store. She had security camera-style eyes), avoid Frost-Wasp Bots, and outmaneuver Coldfinger, owner of the Shark’s Pit Restaurant. Kids will love this middle grade chapter book with its fast-paced action, penguin humor, and quirky inventions (wall-climbing poo-glue, the voice-activated flipper-print quadruple locking system, and sardine invisibility suits).
         Themes: Adventure, Heroes, Humor, Mysteries



Ages 10-13
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RUFF VS. FLUFF (Queenie & Arthur #1)
written by Spencer Quinn, (Scholastic Press, $17.99, March 2019, ISBN 978-1-338-09139-7), 304p, Ages 9+

Arthur is a happy, big-hearted, loyal, but not too smart dog. According to Queenie, she is a beautiful, elegant, intelligent, and choosy cat. Both love sausage; both are mortal enemies. They live with their humans, twins Harmony and Bro and their mother at the Blackberry Hill Inn in the snow county of New England. With no guests, the Inn is experiencing financial difficulties, but relief comes in the form of a guest, who is interested in hiking, specifically the old Sokoki Trail.

When Mr. LeMaire fails to return that evening and is found murdered, the bumbling local sheriff decides that Matty, mom’s cousin and the best professional trail guide in the area, is guilty. The twins are determined to solve the crime, with only an old map and postcard to go on. Arthur and Queenie realize that they have access to more information, however, they must, horror of horrors, work together.

Told from the alternating perspectives of Queenie and Arthur, kids will enjoy the animals’ quirky humor, some history surrounding the rum running era of Prohibition, and the surface of family secrets in this fun middle school mystery.
        Themes: Animals, Families, Friendship, Heroes, Humor, Mysteries



Ages 12-15
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ADDISON COOKE AND THE TREASURE OF THE INCAS #1
written by Jonathan W. Stokes, illus. by David Elliot, (Philomel Books, $16.99, 2016, ISBN 978-0-399-17377-6), 336p, Ages 12+

Addison Cooke is a smooth talking, impeccably dressed seventh grader, who has a passion for history, archeology, and adventure. He and his sister, Molly, live with their aunt and uncle, world-famous archeologists, who travel the world in search for hidden treasure and dodging danger.

When Uncle Nigel discovers a clue to ancient lost Incan gold, he and Aunt Delia are kidnapped by members of a ruthless band of thieves’ intent on stealing the riches. With a positive attitude, knowledge of the Incas, and endless optimism, Addison, Molly and friends, Raj and Eddie, fly to Columbia, South America (using Uncle Nigel’s credit card), where they begin a quest to find three Atahualpa keys to the Incan treasure, stay one step ahead of the kidnappers, and rescue Aunt Delia and Uncle Nigel. Addison leads his team through death traps, crocodile infested rivers, booby trapped caves, and wild car chases to reach the famous Machu Picchu.

Kids will enjoy the exciting adventure and nonstop humor in this story of family love, friendship, and loyalty. An Author’s Note explains the real history of the Incan treasure, which is, “stranger than fiction.”
        Themes: Adventure, Countries & Cultures, Friendship, Historical Fiction, Humor, Mysteries, Series

Others in the Series
        Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas #2 |
        Addison Cooke and the Ring of Destiny #3



Ages 14-18
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INVASION (C.H.A.O.S. Novel #1)
written by Jon S. Lewis, (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2010), 321p, Ages 14-18

16-year-old Colt McAlister, youngest son in a family of eight brothers, is a typical California teen who loves surfing. However, he is far from normal whether he knows it yet or not. When his parents are killed in a mysterious car accident, Colt is sent to live with his grandfather, an old World War II hero, known by only a few as the "Phantom Flyer", on which a popular comic book is based.

After learning of his parents’ assassination for his mother’s investigation of Trident Industries, a company specializing in biotechnology and mind-control, Colt and his friends investigate and find themselves in the middle of a secret war to thwart an alien invasion. Teaming up with C.H.A.O.S. (Center Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural), they fight to expose the underground world of alien monsters, who are trying to take over Earth. Kids will enjoy the flying motorcycles, jet-packs, flashy gizmos, mechanical men, and shape-shifters.
        Themes: Adventure, Heroes, Mysteries, Science Fiction, Suspense, Series

Others in the Series
        Alienation #2 | Domination #3



Over the years, we have researched thousands of children's books, and can recommend some of the best in outstanding children's literature for parents to read aloud and children to read.

Our recommendations must meet certain criteria: fun, creative and imaginative stories, delightful illustrations, and excellent for age appropriate listening and reading. We hope that you enjoyed our recommendations. If you desire further information some of the best in children's literature, please visit our website, www.tchliteracy.com.

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