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Picture Book

The Passover Guest

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The Passover Guest by Susan Kusel
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Kids

The Passover Guest, written by Susan Kusel, and illustrated by Sean Rubin, is inspired by the classic story The Magician, and the art of famous painter Marc Chagall. It takes place in depression-era Washington D.C. It’s spring, the cherry blossoms are blooming, and it’s the first night of Passover, the Jewish holiday celebrating the exodus from Egypt. A young girl named Muriel is concerned. Her father, like so many others, has lost his job. They don’t have enough money to buy food for the seder, the traditional Passover meal, not even a cup of wine for Elijah, the prophet who is symbolically invited to every Passover seder. As she dejectedly makes her way home, she meets a peculiar stranger at the Lincoln Memorial. He performs a magic trick, and Muriel gives him the only penny left in her pocket.

When Muriel arrives home, she finds her family dressed in their finest clothes, with nothing on the table. There is a knock at the door. It is the man Muriel gave her last penny to! He asks if he can join in their seder. As they begin to explain they have nothing to share, a feast suddenly appears on their table! Muriel’s family is astounded, and apprehensive about eating food that wasn’t there moments ago. Muriel runs to ask the Rabbi what they should do. The Rabbi accompanies Muriel to her family’s home, along with most of their friends and neighbors. When they arrive, the stranger is gone, but the feast remains. The Rabbi declares it a miracle, and the whole community enjoys Muriel’s family’s seder together. In all the excitement Muriel remembers the mysterious stranger… and notices not a drop remains in Elijah’s cup of wine!

This magical holiday story was the recipient a Sydney Taylor Award this year; a well-deserved win for an exceptional book!

Find The Passover Guest in our catalog.

Southwest Sunrise

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Southwest Sunrise by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Wendell Minor
Format: Book
Who Its For: Kids

Jayden is a New York City boy through and through. He does NOT want to move to the New Mexico desert with his family, not even a little. Already missing the skyscrapers and the familiar sonic background of the city, he expects this desert to be a “place of shadows”, all “browns and tans”, which does not appeal to him at all! However, Jayden is a curious boy by nature and the brilliant gift of a field guide from his mom prompts this desert newbie to begin exploring. He finds beauty enough to be grateful for in the colorful flowers, trees, rocks and wildlife, and begins to think that, just maybe, he could call this place home after all.

Nikki Grimes’ gorgeous poetic language is stunning, and the watercolor illustrations are beautiful (I LOVED the emotion in the picture of Jayden on the plane). Any child who has ever had to move or is facing an unwelcome move will certainly relate to this lovely book.

Find Southwest Sunrise in the catalog.

The Snowy Day

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The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Format: Picture Book
Whose it’s for: Children

Winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal and The Library of Congress’s Books that Shaped America award.

A young boy named Peter awakens to find that while he was sleeping, snow has piled up outside his window. Peter puts on his red snowsuit and heads outside for a winter adventure. Peter makes snow angels, snow balls, and marvelous tracks in the snow. All the things a child would do when their city is blanketed in snow. Young children will relate to Peter and his wintery adventures, where snowbanks seem like like mountains waiting to be climbed, and snow so deep it’s hard for little legs to walk through.  Like Peter’s desire to play with older children, young listeners are reminded that sometimes you are just too small and you’ll have to wait until you get bigger.

While reading The Snowy Day to a child, it’s hard not to reminisce about your own fun childhood memories of playing in the snow. Peter’s adventures are familiar, realistic and oh so charming! Children and adults will appreciate Ezra Jack Keats simple story and beautiful illustrations. Share this story with a child, talk about your own snowy memories and ask them about theirs. Then, on the next snowy day, head outside and have an adventure, just like our beloved protagonist Peter.

In 2020, The New York Public Library announced that The Snowy Day was the most checked out book in the 125 year history of the Library!

In 2017 the U.S. Postal Service issued a collection of Forever stamps featuring four images from The Snowy Day.

 

Find The Snowy Day in the catalog.

Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest

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Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest by Phoebe Wahl
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Kids

In this four-season volume, Little Witch Hazel follows a tiny witch who lives in the forest. Hardworking and kind Hazel raises a baby owl, learns how to slow down and rest, and helps her friends and neighbors however she can. The world that Wahl creates with her beautiful illustrations and storytelling is whimsical, but also rooted very deeply in connection with nature and community. Hazel has a steadfast, quiet confidence and a commitment to being of service to others.

Little Witch Hazel is a soft hug of a book, with talking woodland creatures, homes made in tree stumps, and witches who heal. A sweet and gentle read for children ages 4-8.

Find Little Witch Hazel in the catalog here!

Girl Versus Squirrel

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Girl Versus Squirrel by Hayley Barrett, illustrated by Renée Andriani
Format: Book
Who it’s for: kids, everyone

Pearl likes putting up bird feeders and watching the birds snack on the seeds and peanuts in her yard, but when a pesky squirrel comes and dines instead, she is determined to do what it takes to keep the squirrel away from her bird feeders! Will Pearl be able to outsmart the squirrel, or are her plans no match for such a speedy opponent?

This was such a cute book, and the factual information in the back of the book about squirrels is a wonderful addition to the story. This book can serve as a young readers’ introduction to bird (and squirrel!) watching, and maybe it’ll even inspire some readers to set up bird feeders in their own backyard – maybe even some squirrel feeders, too!

Find Girl Versus Squirrel in our catalog!

 

Mindful Mr. Sloth

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Title: Mindful Mr. Sloth by Katy Hudson
Format: Picture Book
Who it’s for: Kids

Do you know someone who just won’t slow down? Well, you might just need a friend to help you see the world at a different pace!
Sasha Patience Pruitt is a little girl with little patience and little time for stillness until a newly made friend enters her life with a new perspective. Mr. Sloth is slow at talking, playing, and everything else Sasha loves to do. Maybe a bike race will bring her new friend up to speed, or maybe Sasha will learn that enjoying the moment is worth the “waaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiittttttt.”

This adorable picture book is a great read aloud for young movers and shakers as a gentle introduction to self regulation (the ability to pause between thought and action to respond appropriately to a situation) and practicing mindfulness (the ability to be aware and present with thoughts and feelings in the moment). Slowing down can be difficult and that’s why we have friends to show us that taking time to enjoy life can be exactly what we need. If you have a little one in your life who only knows one speed, this picture book is for you! Find Mindful Mr. Sloth in the catalog!