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Old Friends for the New Year

Old Friends for the New Year

Remember Eloise? How about Anatole the mouse? Have you ever met a stranger who makes the seasons change? Do you know Corduroy, Lisa's teddy bear? When was the last time you took a look at the night sky? Can you recognize the Big Dipper and other constellations? Meet these and other old friends and ideas in these books recommended for kids ages 0-9.

Anatole

Anatole

By: Eve Titus
Illustrated by: Paul Galdone
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Anatole, a mouse who lives with his wife and children near Paris, earned his position in Monsieur Duval's factory as its First Vice-President in Charge of Cheese-Tasting by his astute judgment and clear ratings. Anatole's work is most appreciated by Duval even though his identity remains secret. Readers will appreciate the gentle humor and practical wisdom of this lighthearted tale.

Anatole and the Cat

Anatole and the Cat

By: Eve Titus
Illustrated by: Paul Galdone
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Anatole's position as First Vice-President in Charge of Cheese-Tasting is endangered when Monsieur Duval's cat, Charlemagne, begins coming into the cheese factory, interfering with Anatole's cheese taste and confidence. However, Anatole's bravery and ingenuity save the day and his job - and he even invents a new cheese recipe along the way! Anatole the mouse is as marvelous in this sequel as in the first book.

Corduroy Lost and Found

Corduroy Lost and Found

By: B.G. Hennessy
Illustrated by: Jody Wheeler
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The well-loved stuffed bear is back for another nighttime adventure, this time in search of the perfect present for Lisa's birthday. The small bear finds himself lost but in good hands at Mr. Gonzales' newsstand until Lisa finds him the next morning. In this new story by the original author's art director, both the text and illustrations convey the gentle warmth and verve of Don Freeman's original Corduroy stories.

Eloise

Eloise

By: Kay Thompson, Hilary Knight
Illustrated by: Hilary Knight
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

By all accounts, Eloise is an extraordinary child. Who else has spent her lifetime in New York's Plaza Hotel with all of its amenities? Eloise charms us with her precocious nature and her ability to transform an adult world into a giant playground. This 50th anniversary edition also provides a glimpse at her creator and illustrator.

Find the Constellations

Find the Constellations

By: H.A. Rey
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Hans Augusto Rey, best known as the creator of a small monkey named Curious George, was an amateur astronomer as well. He created this easy-to-follow guide to the night sky so that young people could get to know the constellations visible from their own backyards. A conversational, open text with simple but informative illustrations is sure to entice and inspire young star gazers.

Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook: Recipes Inspired by Dr. Seuss

Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook: Recipes Inspired by Dr. Seuss

By: Georgeanne Brennan
Illustrated by: Frankie Frankeny
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Eat chocolate rocks? Or sizzling hot pebbles? Real — and edible — recipes inspired by green eggs and ham and other zany Seuss characters are presented in an easy-to-follow, clearly organized (from breakfast to dinner) cookbook illustrated with Seuss' own illustrations as well as an occasional food photo. This is an ideal book for young cooks and the adults in their lives — all while sharing or even creating their own Seussian recipes!

My Very First Book of Numbers

My Very First Book of Numbers

By: Eric Carle
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Sturdy, split pages encourage active engagement and support a toddler's rough handling. Numerals and corresponding blocks appear on one part of each page, and match the number of brightly colored objects on the other. Adults and young children will count, identify and play!

The Happy Lion Roars

The Happy Lion Roars

By: Louise Fatio
Illustrated by: Roger Duvoisin
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The Happy Lion was quite unhappy because, unlike the other animals in the zoo, he was alone. That is, until he met the Beautiful Lioness from a small circus who comes to share the Maison du Lion with him. The once again Happy Lion roars loudly to make the humans understand that he does not want to lose his new companion. Sketchy, childlike line drawings are appealing and expressive.

The Stranger

The Stranger

By: Chris Van Allsburg
Illustrated by: Chris Van Allsburg
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Who is the stranger that Farmer Bailey accidentally bumped in his pickup truck? The young man recovers but can't remember who he is until one day it becomes clear that autumn has arrived everywhere except the Bailey farm. Richly colored, highly realistic illustrations convey the story's mystery and beauty.

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