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Three animals did indeed go up in a hot-air balloon in the 18th century, but not quite the talented sheep, rooster, and duck who propel this funny and clever tale forward. Fact and fiction, cameo appearances by historical figures, and lots of illustrations are used. An author’s note reveals the history, effectively separating real from imagined.

A word (or more) for each day of each month is presented and defined with a pronunciation guide, pleasingly illustrated. At the end of each month, a story is presented that uses all the words, with an audio version (accessed by QR code) so kids can hear it spoken aloud. Clever and appealing!

Is hiding who you are worth staying invisible? That’s what Jillian confronts as she navigates 5th grade. Can Jillian break out of her shell as fast as her chick in the classroom experiment? Readers will relate to the plausible characters in a realistic setting in this debut novel.

A cyber-enhanced cat is sent into space to stop rats from eating the moon. Absurd humor propels this outlandish tale through the galaxy with unending gags, sure to make readers laugh aloud. It’s the first in a series which was inspired by Instagram video shorts created during the pandemic.

Two boys, best friends, live next-door to each other. Marco is academically talented and short; Isaac is a basketball whiz but struggles with his studies. How the boys help each other cope with school, parents, and more is realistic, plausible, and totally engaging.

Everyone knows their five senses — sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing — right? But there are two more: proprioception (letting you touch your nose with your finger without seeing either body part) and the vestibular system (in charge of balance). Informal language and lighthearted illustration add a touch of humor in the presentation of solid information, sure to engage.

What makes an activist? The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Tennessee in 1968 so effected young Kathlyn, she started tirelessly working to improve the lives of African Americans and make MLK’s birthday a national holiday. She tells her own story in verse, contextualized by the time in which she lived

Twenty years after being injured, rehabilitated, and living in a South African aquarium, Yoshi traveled home. The true story of the loggerhead sea turtle’s 1003-day journey was tracked by scientists around the world as he traveled 25,000 miles to Australia. Dramatic illustrations and complete backmatter create a book that can be shared on many levels.

Follow a bowhead whale over her very long life in the Arctic. The world’s longest living mammal starts over 200 years ago and continues to today in an ever-changing sea. Accessible text and evocative illustrations conclude with additional information and further resources.The author is a Smithsonian marine specialist. 

When a young and very hungry chickadee wants to eat a caterpillar, Sir Ladybug must cook up a delicious alternative. This easier to read graphic book is humorously illustrated and broken into chapters by a Caldecott honor winning creator. 

Sharks have been around since prehistoric times. Discover the well-researched history of these ocean-dwelling creatures (and some of the scientists who study them), presented in a large, heavily illustrated format just right to dip into or to read cover to cover.

Plum is one of the Athensville Zoo’s feathered ambassadors though a jealous, wily rodent thinks it would be better than Plum, a mere peacock. Lively language and jaunty illustrations combine to make a funny, memorable tale with enough tension to keep readers going to the very end.

Cassie has moved from the big city back to her family’s Texas hometown. Joining her parents in a community celebration of Juneteenth, Cassie learns about the day when slaves in Texas were freed some two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and wonders why the news took so long to reach them. She is introduced to Juneteenth traditions and while making red velvet cake and witnessing the joy of the locals downtown, learning Juneteenth’s history helps her to realize that she is, indeed, home.

On June 19, 1865, a Union soldier traveled to Texas to tell the enslaved people who lived there that they were free — that slavery was now illegal in every state. The people danced and sang in celebration of their freedom. Today, we pay tribute to this historical day with a special holiday on June 19 called Juneteenth. This colorfully illustrated story takes kids on an exciting journey through all the events that led up to the first Juneteenth, the day itself, and the impact it had on the future of the U.S.

Evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and honor a holiday whose importance reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas.

Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.

Juneteenth’s story started long before it was celebrated. The history of this now widely recognized celebration is presented in measured, accessible, and informative text and colorful illustrations. An afterword by the author reveals her connection to Junteenth.

The Children’s Terra Carta is introduced in stunning illustrations by 33 artists. A foreword by The Prince of Wales is followed by four sections (nature, people, planet, and the Terra Carta, UK’s document to address climate change). Double page spreads of text and art invite and encourage readers’ engagement.

We may know more about her younger brother, but Maria Anna was also a child prodigy who composed and played music. While her father encouraged Wolfgang, he neither encouraged nor allowed Nannerl (as she was known). Her story is revealed here through Nannerl’s lively narration and charming illustrations. Backmatter provides additional information. 

People and animals share many things: they play, move around, make homes, use tools and more. The more we know, the greater the respect we have for those with which we share the planet. Stylized, colorful illustrations and tidbits of information are presented in bitesize bits in a handsome format.

It was said that Fatima al-Fihri’s first word was “read.” Not surprisingly, it was this 9th century girl who grew up to start a university for all in Morocco. Beautifully illustrated and simply told, Fatima’s story continues into current times.     

Have you ever wondered about video games, like what came before the Xbox? What inspired the hardworking German immigrant boy who invented them? Readable narration and childlike illustrations tell Ralph Baier’s story. Photographs concludes this playful, inspiring biography.

Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, beautiful Africa, with her large and happy family. The sparkling language echoes the Nigerian author’s storytelling background and reads well independently but also makes a good read aloud. This is the first in a series of realistic stories about Anna and her marvelous family.

“A rooftop garden is what we need — Friends and family all agree.” So, the diverse residents of the apartment gather tools, seeds and begin! Lively, rhyming language combines with bright illustrations to present the activity. Information needed to grow a rooftop garden and music to sing the narrative conclude the book. Be sure to link to the QR code to hear a toe-tapping rendition of the song.