Curious contemplations on the daily wonders of the natural world are offered by Josephine, a remarkably long-necked and highlighter-hued giraffe, the eponymous philosopher in this peaceful board book for older toddlers.
Starred Review of the Week
The Lions’ Run
In Nazi-occupied Lamorlay, France, in 1944, gentle, sensitive Lucas works as a delivery boy and lives at the abbey where he was raised. When a group of his peers cruelly tries to drown a mother cat and her kittens, Lucas (white) fails to intervene but manages to rescue several of the kittens from the water afterward. Sheltering them in an abandoned stable, Lucas is surprised to encounter Alice, a bold, brave British girl who is using the stable to hide her beloved mare, Bia, from the Germans.
102
In this magical and masterfully illustrated fever dream of a story, George (white) is at home at 102 Greenbriar Drive on October 2 with a 102-degree fever. Tucked into bed by his doting mom, George is awakened at 1:02 a.m. by a chirping cricket who beckons to him.
Talking Books: Audiobook Inventor Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read
Nowadays, readers might take the existence of audiobooks for granted, given the ever-increasing number of listening devices and availability of titles. Thanks to the ingenuity and persistence of Dr. Robert B. Irwin, the concept of “talking books” is an accessible and popular way of enjoying books.
Winter White: A Modern Retelling of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale
Pia and Max (white) live with their controlling father on a remote Maine farm, isolated from the outside world. Their father sells eggs and wool in town, but when he falls and breaks his leg, the deliveries fall to Pia. Pia relishes the opportunity to get off the farm, even if she’s confused by the wads of cash her father’s customers hand over in exchange for the modest wares.
When Tomorrow Burns
The bonds of Nomi, Vi, and Arthur’s childhood friendship have begun to fray. Nomi (white) is mystified by Vi’s preoccupation with her cell phone, while Arthur (white) has pulled away from both girls due to his sudden, intense crush on Nomi.
Houdini’s Library: How Books Created the World’s Greatest Magician
Harry Houdini’s astonishing magic tricks and escape acts enchanted and thrilled audiences the world over. Houdini himself, though, found magic in something more commonplace: books.
Is It Spring?
Anyone who has experienced a long, cold winter is familiar with the hopeful titular plea, “Is it spring?” “Yes” is the answer provided by the flowers, budding branches, and birds in the blue, blue sky. “Yes, it is spring.”
The Moon Without Stars
Seventh grader Luna (Chinese American/white) is comfortable with a quiet, observant life on the edges, as long as she’s with her best friend Scott (white). He gets her, and she gets him. After inheriting a box of books from a neighbor, Luna decides to share the books with classmates who might benefit from their messages. Soon, she and Scott are running a book dispensary during lunchtime.
Poems for Every Season: A Year of Haiku, Sonnets, and More
A handsome volume translated from the Dutch offers poems in many forms for every season as well as ample inspiration for classroom use. A petal-filled haiku on a two-page spread bursting with lush greenery awakens readers to spring; on the following page, a knobby-kneed lamb and a rondel about new life signal March’s arrival.