The Capybaras

The Capybaras

The Capybaras by Alfredo Soderguit

In this beautiful and simple book, hens and their chicks are living safe and secure in their coop, or at least it seems that way... until the day the capybaras appear! As time passes and days change, minds begin to open and new possibilities appear. Can the hens accept the capybaras after all?

Corner

Corner

Corner by Zo-0

A quirky and relatable story about balancing creativity and connection

A crow finds itself in an empty corner and begins to make the space its own. First, it furnishes the corner with a bed, a bookshelf, a rug, even a potted plant. In the newly decorated space, the crow reads and eats, listens to music and waters the plant, but something’s missing. What is it?

The crow decides to decorate more, drawing geometric patterns on the walls in yellow. The corner is filled with color and shapes, but something is still missing. The crow adds a window, and finally discovers what it needed all along―a way to connect with the world outside and to make a new friend.

This highly original, almost-wordless picture book is the first title by award-winning Korean author and illustrator Zo-O to be published in English. Soft, detailed illustrations of the cozy corner will inspire kids to express themselves in their own spaces, and the crow’s problem-solving skills encourage readers to think about how they can comfortably step outside of their comfort zone.

 

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris

Meet Teeny-Weeny! A pint-sized unicorn in this funny, modern fairy tale about perception and self-confidence from a Caldecott-Honor winning creator.

Once upon a time, in a land where horses were mythical beasts, there lived a unicorn—a Teeny-Weeny Unicorn. He lived with his family in a palace—one that was extra-large for him, full of extra-large rugs and extra-large food. And when his brother and sister played chess, they used him in place of a pawn.

When it’s just too much to take, Teeny-Weeny Unicorn runs away—and has a chance encounter with a salty gnome. It's then that he suddenly starts to wonder... IS he teeny weeny? Or is he just the right size?

Every kid will relate to Teeny-Weeny Unicorn, as he figures out how to live in a world not made for his stature. With wit and charm, as well as delightful illustrations, Shawn Harris creates a modern classic made for sharing—be it at bedtime or on a story time rug.

Ivy Lost and Found

 

Ivy Lost and Found

by Cynthia Lord

Ivy was Anne the librarian's doll when she was a young girl. But now she has moved to Anne's library to be its newest Book Buddy--a toy that can be checked out just like a book. Ivy isn't sure she wants to be borrowed, though. She'd rather go back to just being Anne's favorite toy. Fern, a child who visits the library with her stepfamily, also wishes things could go back to the way they were, when Fern had her dad all to herself. When Fern takes Ivy home, an unexpected outdoor adventure helps both of them find confidence and belonging in their changing worlds. This heartwarming story by Cynthia Lord, with a classic feel and gentle illustrations by Stephanie Graegin, is the first in a chapter-book series that pairs friendly toys with child characters who need them.

In a Jar, Out of a Jar

In a Jar

Out of a Jar

While in Marcero’s In a Jar, little bunnies Llewellyn and Evelyn collected things they loved. When moving homes separates them, they remain connected through teir collections. In Out of a Jar, Llewellyn is trying to contain his huge emotions. When he is extremely frightened, exuberantly excited, or steaming mad, he shoves all his color-coded emotions into jars and locks them in a closet. Yet, it isn’t long before he discovers the dangers of his methods.

Letters From Bear

 

Letters From Bear

by Gauthier David

A longer picturebook for ages 4-8, Letters From Bear is an enchanting story of Bear, who misses his friend, Bird. 

"Dear Bird,
I've made up my mind.
I'm coming to find you on the other side of the world.
All our friends have wished me a safe journey.
"Don't get too hot," said Badger.
"Bring me back a coconut," said Fox.
"We'll be thinking of you," said Beaver.
                  Here I come, Bird!
                  Yours,

                   Bear

An epistolary book that would be perfect to teach letter writing. Such a sweet ending, too!  

I Dream of a Journey

I Dream of a Journey

by Akiko Miyakohi

Evocative, I Dream of a Journey takes us travelling along with the many guests of the Solitude Hotel, who send the innkeeper postcards from their adventures. Black and white ink drawings are juxtaposed with full colour images of sunnier days on the road.

The pandemic has left even the armchair traveller ready for the next trip. Freedom and solitude play chess in this otherwordly picturebook.

A Gift for Nana

A Gift for Nana

by Lane Smith

Rabbit wants to find the perfect gift for his Nana, and embarks on a quest adventure, asking various animals advice. The illustrations are etheral, created with paints and wax. 

In the end, Rabbit finds the perfect gift and Nana loves it. A bit predictable, but sweet nonetheless.

Cat Problems

By Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith

Grouchy cat has problems. Sometimes he gets dry food - not wet! Sometimes the other cat is in his spot. Or his other spot. Or his third spot! And sometimes the vacuum cleaner turns on and becomes a furocious monster!

The worst part is the squirrel who mocks him from the outside world, informing him that he has it MUCH better on the inside.

Absolutely the most hysterical book of 2021, whether or not you have a cat at home.

In a Jar

In a Jar

By Deborah Marcero

Deborah Marcero studied visual arts at university and creative writing in graduate school, and although she did not set out to write children’s books, she can now look back and clearly connect the dots that led her to such tour de forces as her latest, In a Jar.

Llewellyn is a collector. Into glass containers he stores regular collectables such as leaves and heart-shaped rocks until the day he walks down to the river and meets a new bunny friend, Evelyn, sharing with her a jar full of “the color of tart cherry syrup”. This “cherry light” is just one of the intangible things Llewellyn and Evelyn begin to gather together, as their world fills with friendship, the sound of the ocean, the wind just before the snow falls, snowball fights and rainbows.

On the fateful day Evelyn tells her friend their family is moving; the two bunnies’ friendship becomes even more resilient. When Llewellyn sends Evelyn a jar stuffed with a meteor shower and it explodes all around her in a burst of magical realism, we see the strength of friendship. Alluring language, sophisticated drawings, and a marvelously vivid experience for all!