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Bob and Joss Take a Hike!

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Submitted by Ms. Andrea!

Bob and Joss Take a Hike by Peter McCleery. Bob and Joss are back and picking up right where they left off in Bob and Joss Get Lost! This time they are sure to get things right… or are they? Join this two lovable characters as they explore the great outdoors. The lovable characters are sure to be a big hit, Bob with his boredom inducing adventures and subsequent panic attacks, and Joss with his laid back, easy going style. Grab the whole family and take an adventure with Bob and Joss in this laugh-out-loud book. See this book listed in our catalog

Pup and Bear

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Submitted by Ms. Sue!

Pup and Bear by Kate Banks, illustrated by Naoko Stoop. The Arctic is a big place. The Arctic wolves know that the Big Freeze is on its way. They shelter in a snowdrift. When the bitter-cold turns warm and the Big Melt begins, one lone little wolf pup finds himself afloat on a sheet of ice. He slides into the water and swims and swims until he finally reaches land. He pulls himself onto a snowbank and falls asleep. When he wakes he is face to face with Polar bear. “Will you eat me?” he asks. “Not this bear.” She takes him to her den where she licks him, cleans him, feeds, and keeps him warm. “I am not your mother but I can keep you safe.” Another Big Freeze comes and goes. The bear nudges the wolf who is not a pup anymore. The wolf nuzzles back. Then the wolf sets out into the big wide world. The wolf finds other wolves. Soon he is leading his own pack when he comes across a polar bear cub huddled in a snowdrift. “Where is your mother?” But the cub didn’t know. The wolf sniffs the cub and rubs its fur with a wet nose. “I am not your mother,” said the wolf, “but I can cuddle you and keep you warm.” See this book listed in our catalog

If You Plant a Seed

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Submitted by Ms. Karen!

If You Plant a Seed written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. I love books about growing things so it is no wonder I love this book, with its simple presentation of how seeds provide us with food. However it is just as much about growing people, and communities, through even the smallest “seeds” of kindness. Mouse and Rabbit dream of a garden and plant a few seeds. When the plants are grown, the birds arrive, super-interested in eating some of their yummy veggies. Rabbit and Mouse refuse, and an argument quickly ensues, which devolves into an all-out fight, destroying the little garden in the process. Sadness, despair, and resentment all abound, until little Mouse decides to offer the last unbroken tomato to… their enemies, the birds! You’ll love how this one small act of kindness, recognized and returned, changes everything and gives Rabbit and Mouse a garden beyond their wildest dreams with lots of new friends thrown into the bargain. There are very few words here; the ground-eye view paintings of the animals and birds carry most of the story. The close-ups of plants and animals are astonishing! We can see the wonder on an animal’s face as it gazes at a new seedling, and feel the anger and tension that erupt into violence when the creatures “plant seeds of selfishness” and refuse to share. By turns sweetly funny, sad, and heartwarming, If You Plant a Seed gently encourages readers of all ages to use their power for kindness and compassion with its non-preachy, beautifully told story. This author also wrote Baby Bear and We Are the Ship. See this book listed in our catalog

1 Big Salad

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Submitted by Ms. Sam!

1 Big Salad by Juana Medina is a delicious counting book that kids and adults will equally love with it’s nutritious fun elements. From 1 through 10, each ingredient for the big salad is depicted as a fun little animal. We begin with 1 Avocado Deer and move to 4 Carrot Horses to 7 Radicchio Lions to 10 Clementine Kitties. Each page will help kiddos practice their counting skills as well as use their imagination to see the fruit/veggie animals. All ten ingredients make up a wonderfully healthy salad that might even grab the attention of the pickiest eaters. There is also a quick and simple recipe for salad dressing in the back! See this book listed in our catalog

A Piece of Home

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Submitted by Ms. Sue!

A Piece of Home by Jeri Watts, illustrated by Hyewon Yum. In Korea Hee Jun was ordinary. Hee Jun and his family have just moved from Korea to West Virginia. In Korea, his grandmother was a wonderful teacher and could find the extraordinary out of the ordinary especially in her garden. At school he was just like everyone else. His father accepted a position in a West Virginia school and the family has moved. Grandmother seems different too and her eyes don’t gleam anymore. Here, he is different. As time goes by, he am surprised. He learns new words like bathroom and please. He makes friends. Grandmother and little sister Se Ra are learning too. Se Ra’s teacher gets advice from Grandmother. One day when my friend Steve invites him over, they discover a plant in Steve’s mom’s garden, a “Rose of Sharon.” It’s the same as a plant Grandmother had in Korea called Mugunghwa. Steve’s mom sends a blossom and a shoot home for Grandmother. “A piece of Heaven,” Grandmother says. “A piece of home.” She plants the shoot and at summers end, she sews a blossom onto her new teacher friend’s wedding dress, like the family did in Korea. See this book listed in our catalog 

Diana’s White House Garden

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Submitted by Ms. Sue!

Diana’s White House Garden by Elisa Carbone and illustrated by Jen Hill. Diana who is ten years old lives in the “white house.” Her dad Harry Hopkins was the president’s chief adviser in 1943. She lived there with lots of other people that worked there including President Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor. President Roosevelt wanted every citizen to help with the war effort. When he asked that everyone plant a garden to grow food for our soldiers, Diana wanted to help too. The gardens were called “Victory Gardens.” Diana worked with George the grounds keeper to turn the soil, fertilize, and plant the seeds. She went every day before and after school to tend the garden. When the plants were almost grown reporters came to see it. They asked Diana “how does it feel to inspire the whole country and help with the war effort?” “It feels very good,” she said. An article went out a few days later and the headline read “Diana Farms Her White House Plot”. It explained how the president’s plan was working and how she was an important part! See this book listed in our catalog