babies/tots
First Snow
by Nancy Viau
illustrated by Talitha Shipman
Albert Whitman, 2018, $16.99
Celebrate the first snowflake with a read-aloud the whole family will
enjoy. Short, jaunty verse and colorful pictures depict the frolics of a
brother and sister through the season’s first snow. Accompanied by their
“frisky puppy” and neighborhood friends, they go sledding, make a “silly
snowman” and finish with mugs of hot cocoa. Little ones will love looking
for the dog in every double-page spread and seeking out the elusive
cardinal, which functions, especially at the beginning and end, like a
bright outdoor mascot. The infectious beat encourages clapping or
toe-tapping to lines such as “Perky faces. Scrambling feet. Snowflakes
falling! What a treat!”
ages 3 – 7
Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins
by Sue Fliess
illustrated by Mark Chambers
Two Lions, 2018, $17.99
When Santa gets sick, who takes his place on Christmas Eve? Mrs. Claus, of
course! In a stylish green coat and goggles, she climbs onto the gift-laden
sleigh and proves an unflappable match for the tornadoes, blizzards and
sleet that almost blow her “off of her seat.” Popular local author Sue
Fliess tells a riveting, giggle-ripe story in rhyme, and Mark Chambers amps
up the energy with playful artwork that features Rudolph with an entirely
red muzzle and an exhausted Mrs. Claus, elves and reindeer catching 40
winks at the very end.
Light the Menorah!
by Jacqueline Jules
illustrated by Kristina Swarner
Kar-Ben, 2018, $18.99
Acclaimed author Jacqueline Jules creates a lovely Hanukkah guide that
includes a poem for each of the eight nights, songs, stories and
reflections. Kristina Swarner’s gentle palette and blurred lines create a
timeless soft focus to pictures of both contemporary and historic scenes,
in keeping with the traditional nature of the text. Kids can help with
preparations, thanks to easy-to-follow recipes for potato latkes and jelly
doughnuts and step-by-step craft instructions for cardboard menorahs and
dreidel decorations. Sure to be a treasured family favorite.
The Girl with a Mind for Math
by Julia Finley Mosca
illustrated by Daniel Reiley
Innovation Press, 2018, $17.99
Perfect for Kwanzaa is this lively, rhyming picture book biography of Raye
Montague, who embodies the Kwanzaa principles of self-determination,
purpose and creativity. Montague was a fiercely talented engineer and Navy
ship designer who refused to let near-constant sexism and racism hold her
back. Parents and educators will appreciate the informative back matter,
with timeline and additional details. Readers will be inspired by the photo
of Montague and her friendly note at the end, which emphasizes inner vision
and work ethic: “If you have a dream like I did, study hard and stay
focused! Always remember that just because someone says ‘you can’t,’ that
doesn’t have to stop you.”
The Snowy Nap
by Jan Brett
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2018, $18.99
Each book by Jan Brett is a feast for the eyes, with detailed renderings of
expressive animals, and this new tale is especially charming. Like a
youngster who balks at bedtime, Hedgie, the hedgehog, fights his instinct
to hibernate. He wants to stay up and see the icicles, frozen pond and snow
described by the chickens, geese and sheep in his neighborhood. Lisa, the
farm girl, finds him shivering and barely awake and brings him indoors
where he can witness all the winter wonders from a warm perch by the
window. Finally satisfied, Hedgie trundles back to his snuggly den, little
dreaming of the funny surprise that the animals orchestrate for Lisa.
Little Whale
by Jo Weaver
Peachtree, 2018, $17.95
Looking for a gift that will connect with a child’s sense of wonder and
curiosity about the natural world? Pick up this exquisitely illustrated,
lyrical tale of a whale calf’s journey with his mother, Gray Whale. The two
swim alone from the “warm southern sea” to the “cool, rich waters of the
North,” where they can rest and feed with their family. Along the way,
Little Whale experiences coral reefs, shimmering fish, enormous cruise
ships and starry “midnight skies.” He must contend with danger, including
hungry orcas and his own tiredness, as he travels 12,400 miles on what “is
believed to be the longest annual migration of any mammal.” With beautiful
language and captivating facts, Weaver weaves a piece of narrative
nonfiction that reads like a reassuring lullaby.
ages 8 – 12
My Father’s Words
by Patricia MacLachlan
HarperCollins, 2018, $15.99
The Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan is at the top of her game with
this poignant, powerful novel about finding purpose and an outlet for grief
at a shelter for animals. As they read to and befriend rescued dogs, the
narrator and her younger brother share memories of their father, who has
died in a recent car accident. Hopeful that he can find a way to reach a
very withdrawn dog, the little boy sings his father’s favorite song – which
leads to the small dog eventually rediscovering his true home. This story
demonstrates how compassion and kindness ripple out and connect others in
unimagined ways.
