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Review: Both Sides Now

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Both Sides Now: A Story About Young Joni Mitchell By Lydia Corry New York: Godwin Books, 2026. Comics. 144 pgs. Joni Mitchell is undeniably one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, and this graphic novel biography - chronicling her early childhood - introduces her to a new generation of fans. Growing up on the prairie in Saskatchewan, Joni identified as an artist at a young age and found a sense of wonder in her surroundings. She begged her parents for piano lessons, but was penalized by her teacher for creating her own compositions. She contracted polio and painfully relearned to walk. Finally, an encouraging teacher introduced her to poetry and ignited her artistic spirit. This is a truly captivating, highly illustrated biography of Joni Mitchell. Filled with colorful, swirling illustrations (that feel incredibly reminiscent of 1970s designs) this book is a treat for Joni Mitchell fans. Focusing mostly on her young childhood and early adulthood, this book explains how...
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De la hora del cuento: Semana 1 de verano

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  Cuentos Adoptar un dinosaurio Por José Carlos Andrés y Ana Sanfelippio [Málaga, Spain] : NubeOcho, 2018. Libro ilustrado. "Ale quiere una mascota, pero sus padres siempre dicen que no, hasta que encuentra un huevo muy grande del que nace un saltasaurus." --Editor Cuentitos Juntos en familia Escrito por Dan Saks Ilustrado por Brooke Smart New York : Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2024. Pequeño libro ilustrado. "Este libro de cartón es una apreciación del amor incondicional y la comodidad compartida dentro de una familia. A través de escenarios específicos pero universales, desde cantar canciones juntos hasta compartir comida juntos, desde bailar juntos hasta quedarse quietos juntos, este libro invita a los niños a celebrar estar juntos en familia." --Editor
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From Story Time: Summer Week 1

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Stories in the Park Dino Duckling By Alison Murray New York, NY : Little, Brown and company, Hachette Book Group, 2018. Picture Book. A funny and touching celebration of difference, based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling. Dino Duckling can dive, swim and fish just like his duckling brothers and sisters. But when the time comes for the family fly south for the winter, Dino Duckling finds he really is different! --Editor Stories in the Park There's a Dinosaur in Your Book By Tom Fletcher New York: Random House Children's Books, 2025. Picture Book. The reader helps Little Dino make new friends while avoiding the task of waking up the Big Dinosaur. --Editor Canopy Capers and Summer Story Time This Is a Story Written by John Schu Illustrated by Lauren Castillo Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2023. Picture Book. Children's literacy advocate John Schu and Caldecott Honor recipient Lauren Castillo celebrate the power of finding the perfect book--in a story that...
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If You Like...Books About America

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  It is the time of year when people like to start dreaming about the 4th of July, fireworks, and the history of the USA. As a person who grew up in a household that loved to celebrate the founding of this country, I tend to read a lot of books that make me want to go out and cheer for the red, white, and blue. Here are five books that are all about the United States and what makes it great. Enjoy!  America is Wild!: A State-By-State Encyclopedia of American Wildlife   Written by Brad Timm  Illustrated by Jill De Haan and Margaux Samson Abadie  Beverly, MA: Wide Eyed Editions, 2026. 207 p.  This is a great encyclopedia that celebrates all the plants, animals, and insects that are found around the 50 states. The book is organized according to state, so readers who want to know what the main trees, bugs, or whatnot in each state are can find things that way.  America’s Dreaming   Written by Bob McKinnon  Illustrated by Thai My Phuong  New ...
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Five Faves: Picture Books About Family

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Story time is a wonderful time for families to come together. This collection of picture books centers on family: families playing together, learning together, and celebrating their histories and differences. All families will be able to relate to the stories found in these pages, regardless of their own backgrounds.  Mama Car Written by Lucy Catchpole  Illustrated by Karen George New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2025. Picture book.  A child notices the similarities between her tricycle, her dad's big car, and her mom's Mama Car. The Mama Car can take them on expeditions, leading way to exciting adventures before heading back home. The Mama Car is special in many ways, but the most important thing is who it contains: Mama.  Let's Rumble Written by Rachel G. Payne Illustrated by Jose Pimienta  New York: Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2025. Picture book.  This "rough-and-tumble book of play" depicts a mom and her two children rough housing together. The illustr...
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Five Faves: Social Media Stories

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When I was in elementary school, our internet safety training was pretty simple: don't go to online chatrooms and don't give out your personal information. That was before the big social media platforms took off and became a huge part of communicating. Now there's a lot more complexity towards being safe online. If you want to find a story to start a conversation about the effects of social media and online safety, check out one of these new books! So Over Sharing By Elissa Brent Weissman New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2025. Fiction. 326 pages. Hadley and Willow are different, but have one major thing in common: both of their moms are influencers who post their daughters on social media for content. Tired of the over-sharing and double lives, they create a private Instagram account @WeAreNOT_Content, where they share the realities of being children of content creators. A great story to talk about the effects of internet fame and children. Confessions of a Mango By ...
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Display: Jay Hosler

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  The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler New York: Harper Alley, 2021. Comic. 136 pages.  " Nyuki is a brand-new honey bee, and she has a lot of questions. Follow her on a lifelong journey as she annoys her sisters, avoids predators, and learns to trust her inner voice as she masters the way of the hive." --Publisher  Ant Story by Jay Hosler New York: Harper Alley, 2024. Comic. 156 pages.  "Meet Rubi, a tiny ant with a big personality and an even bigger love for stories. Who knew the small world of her colony could be full of unexpected friendships, epic adventures, and death-defying escapes?" --Publisher Santiago!:  Santiago Ramón y Cajal--Artist, Scientist, Troublemaker by Jay Hosler New York: Holiday House, 2022. Comic. 217 pages.  "A graphic novel biography of Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the father of neuroscience." --Publisher Sandwalk Adventures by Jay Hosler Scotts Valley, CA: CreateSpace Publishing, 2013. Comic. 162 pages.  "The Sandwalk Adventures is ...
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