The Shark King


R. Kikuo Johnson - 2012
    Award-winning cartoonist R. Kikuo Johnson transports young readers to the lush tropical shores of his native Hawaii. Fluent or not, young readers will be thrilled when they experience the transformative powers of a stirring literary work.

Gobble You Up!


Sunita Sunita - 2013
    Beautifully illustrated . . . this handsome volume is an art object in itself."- Kirkus Reviews"Punchy writing and bold images make this a promising readaloud prospect. It’s a work of art, too" -Publishers WeeklyMeet the most wily jackal in the forest. Too lazy to hunt for food, he decides to trick his friend the crane, and soon gets carried away, gobbling up every animal he encounters. This lighthearted story, told in cumulative rhyme, is an adaptation of an oral trickster tale from Rajasthan, north India. It is illustrated with finger painting by the talented Sunita, a young woman artist who hails from the Meena tribe. In this handmade, silkscreen printed children's book, Sunita adapts a traditional Meena art form called Mandna, which is traditionally painted by women on the walls and floors of their village homes.This is the first time that Mandna--rarely seen outside the confines of Meena villages--has been used in a children’s book. Each book is made completely by hand, and numbered out of a limited edition.

The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse


Mac Barnett - 2017
    This is a story about a mouse, and how he got swallowed up by a wolf, and who he met down in its belly, and what happened after that.

The Seven Chinese Sisters


Kathy Tucker - 2003
    Each one had a special talent. When baby Seventh Sister is snatched by a hungry dragon, her loving sisters race to save her.

Same, Same But Different


Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw - 2011
    They are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are actually similar. Same, same. But different!Through an inviting point-of-view and colorful, vivid illustrations, this story shows how two boys living oceans apart can be the best of friends.

Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia


Jeanette Winter - 2010
    What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution—a traveling library! He buys two donkeys—Alfa and Beto—and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages. Beautiful!Complete with an author's note about the real man on whom this story is based.

A Normal Pig


K-Fai Steele - 2019
    Suddenly she doesn’t like any of the same things she used to . . . the things that made her Pip.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales


Nelson Mandela - 2002
    Creation myths tell us how the land, its animals, and its people all came into existence under a punishing sun or against the backdrop of a spectacularly beautiful mountain landscape. Whether warning children about the dangers of disobedience or demonstrating that the underdog can, and often does, win, these stories, through their depiction of wise animals as well as evil monsters, are universal in their portrayal of humanity, beasts, and the mystical. Translated from their original languages—Karanga, Nguni, Xhosa, and many others—these folktales are a testament to the craft of storytelling and the power of myth.

Salma the Syrian Chef


Danny Ramadan - 2020
    Between English classes, job interviews, and missing Papa back in Syria, Mama always seems busy or sad. A homemade Syrian meal might cheer her up, but Salma doesn’t know the recipe, or what to call the vegetables in English, or where to find the right spices! Luckily, the staff and other newcomers at the Welcome Center are happy to lend a hand—and a sprinkle of sumac. With creativity, determination, and charm, Salma brings her new friends together to show Mama that even though things aren’t perfect, there is cause for hope and celebration. Syrian culture is beautifully represented through the meal Salma prepares and Anna Bron’s vibrant illustrations, while the diverse cast of characters speaks to the power of cultivating community in challenging circumstances.

Take Me Out to the Yakyu


Aaron Meshon - 2013
    This debut picture book from Aaron Meshon includes audio and is a home run—don’t be surprised if the vivid illustrations and energetic text leave you shouting, “LET’S PLAY YAKYU!”

Don't Read This Book!


Jill Lewis - 2009
    He's the real star of this show!

John Henry: An American Legend


Ezra Jack Keats - 1965
    in full color. The Caldecott Medalist's powerful classic is now reissued in a handsome paperback edition, as well as a library edition.

The Market Bowl


Jim Averbeck - 2013
    But slicing the bitterleaf, grinding the pumpkin, measuring out the shrimp--it just takes too long. Yoyo is confident that her variation on the stew will be good enough.As Mama C�cile and Yoyo set off to market, Mama reminds Yoyo what will happen if she refuses a fair price for the stew--Brother Coin, the Great Spirit of the Market, will put a curse on their market bowl. When Yoyo refuses to heed Mama's advice, she is faced with the task of trying to regain a blessing from the god himself.An original folktale set in modern-day Cameroon, THE MARKET BOWL teaches readers a lesson about patience, humility, and the value of a fair price. Back matter includes further information about Cameroon and its people and traditions as well as a recipe for ndol�--Cameroon's national food dish.

The Night Box


Louise Greig - 2017
    When he turns the key in the lock – WHOOSH!Day slips inside as Night sweeps out. Darkness tumbles into the air.It dances and whirls around the room. It goes under the bed, under the chair – everywhere!

SumoKitty


David Biedrzycki - 2019
    But when eating like a sumo wrestler slows our feline hero down, he realizes he must train like a wrestler, too. Through hard work and perseverance--and with a little help from a big buddy--SumoKitty is born!