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Surprise by Mies Van Hout

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Surprise

By Mies Van Hout

Format: Book

Who’s it for: Kids

Another international children’s treasure, Surprise was originally published in New Zealand in Dutch by Mies Van Hout. The complex and emotional world of planning, parenting and raising children are depicted by colorful bird representations. Surprise (following Happy and Friends) provides another wonderous chalklike, kaleidoscope printed canvas by Van Hout. Children and adults alike will enjoy following the journey of yearning to letting go.

Find Surprise in the catalog here.

My Heart is Laughing ~ A New Zealand Treasure

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My Heart is Laughing by Rose Lagercrants, Translated by Julia Marshall and illustrated by Eva Eriksson is another treasure from New Zealand.

Format: Book

Who’s it for: Kids

Dani and Ella are together again joined by their classmates – some are nice like Cushion and others not so nice like Mickey and Vickey. The two best friends, Dani and Ella along with pet hamsters, Snow and Flake are off on new adventures. Ella has recently moved to a new town and Dani is struggling with the loss of her closest friend. When Cushion chooses Dani over Mickey and Vickey they bully Dani by pinching her repeatedly until she is so upset she acts totally our of character. When Dani’s Dad goes to school to address the harm she has suffered Ella appears and helps Dani remember all the great things to be happy about.

Find My Heart is Laughing here.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret By Brian Selznick

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The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Format: Book, audiobook, DVD

Who’s it for: Kids, Teens, Adults

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is an enticing and atmospheric work of children’s literature with a cast of characters cloaked with mystery and charm. This hybrid work, a mix of prose and full-page graphics, engulfs the reader in the wonder and magic of 1930s Paris. Orphaned Hugo Cabret has skills beyond his years as he keeps the train station’s clocks operating and attempts to rebuild a peculiar invention left by his father in hopes of uncovering a secret message.

Find The Invention of Hugo Cabret here. If this artistic hybrid novel/graphic novel format appeals to you, check out Brian Selznick’s other books, Wonderstruck and The Marvels.

Norman, Speak! By Caroline Adderson

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Norman, Speak!

By Caroline Adderson & Qin Leng

Format: Book

Who’s it for: Kids

 

This heartwarming international children’s picture book has a surprising twist. A boy and his family visit an animal shelter and select the dog that has been in the shelter the longest, a special dog named Norman. Norman is friendly and funny but, does not respond to the usual dog commands. His new family loves him anyway! On an outing in the park Norman’s family learns something about him that changes everything! It turns out that Norman is super smart and has many things to teach and share with his new family.

 

Awards: 2015 United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) and 2015 Outstanding International Book (OIB).

Find it in the catalog here.