Start the New Year with a Spark!

A group of young men from Liverpool changed the world of music and they enjoyed a good laugh — often on themselves. The Fab Four and their humor are presented in appealing stylized illustrations and a lighthearted narrative well suited to the material presented.

Even though Emily’s teacher is distressed that Emily daydreams during science, both recognize that Emily’s wandering mind just might lead to creativity and new ways of thinking. A lighthearted take on a serious topic reminds readers that imagination can lead to many positive things.

Poor Gerald just doesn’t understand Piggie when he pretends to be a frog. But Piggie persists until his friend catches on in this humorous homage to dramatic, imaginative play all presented with Willems’ signature humor.

Dots abound in lots of colors all around, everywhere and every day. Some are heavy, others are light; some are even edible. This color-filled, playful, cheery look at everyday things in which dots are seen is sure to inspire creative examinations of the world around.

What causes the remote, or just one sock to disappear? Dr. Zooper provides the answers in his guide to the Mischevians. Young artists can add to the list of these silly critters as they laugh and share this pseudo-serious take on why things disappear.

What does any letter of the alphabet represent? Can you find the “embrace” in the letter E? Graphic artist Thurbly shows the action or the object created from each upper case letter from A to Z. The result is sure to inspire young artists to create while building vocabulary.

What can you see in shadows? A girl imagines she sees a crocodile and more — until the light returns with a click. Limited colors energetically depict her imagination. Her musings are reminiscent of shadow puppetry (and just may inspire creation of them, too).

Stravinsky, a composer, and a dancer named Nijnsky each worked alone until they met. Their collaboration initially surprised Parisians but has become a classic. Meet the composer and choreographer who created “The Rite of Spring” in evocative, swirling text and image.