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From Story Time: Around the World

Read in Book Babies

Hello Hello
By Brendan Wenzel
Chronicle Books, 2018.  Picture Book.

Say hello to many amazing animals.  Some are huge.  Some are tiny.  Some are soft and shaggy.  Some are rough and scaly.  Some are brightly colored.  Others are richly patterned.  It's easy to see how they are different from one another.  But can you tell what makes them the same?  In the hands of Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Brendan Wenzel, a seemingly simple look at similarities and differences becomes a story of connection--a joyous ode to the natural world, in all its diversity and wonder.  --Publisher




Read in Toddler Time

One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree
Written by Daniel Bernstrom
Illustrated by Brendan Wenzel

One day in the leaves of the eucalyptus tree hung a scare in the air where no eye could see, when along skipped a boy with a whirly-twirly toy, to the shade of the eucalyptus, eucalyptus tree.  Join a shifty serpent, a clever little boy, and a disappearing cast of animals in a cumulative tale that will have children captivated.  Daniel Bernstrom's original folktale combines the delightful feel of Kipling, the musicality of Peter and the Wolf, and the fun and delight of Simms Taback, while Brendan Wenzel's sumptuous palette brings together a world of color, movement, and character that is rarely seen.  --Publisher




Read in Preschool Time

The Water Princess
Written by Susan Verde
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2016.  Picture Book.

With its wide sky and warm earth, Princess Gie Gie's kingdom is filled with Beauty.  But clean drinking water is scarce in her small African village, and despite her commands, Gie Gie cannot bring the water closer; she cannot make it run clearer.  Every morning, she rises before the sun to make the long journey to the well, and every evening, after the voyage home, Gie Gie thinks of the trip that tomorrow will bring.  And she dreams.  She dreams of a day when her village will have cool, crystal-clear water of its own.  --Publisher




Read in Preschool Time

Salam Alaikum:  A Message of Peace
Written by Harris J
Illustrated by Ward Jenkins
Salaam Reads, 2017.  Picture Book.

Salam Alaikum, or Assalamu Alaikum, means "Peace be upon you."  It is the greeting that Muslims around the world use to say "hello" and "goodbye."  International music sensation Harris J has taken that greeting and created a call to action.  Spread peace on the earth.  Treasure the love, let it surround us.  Always be kind, always remind one another:  Peace on the earth every day.  Using the lyrics to the hit song of the same name, and accompanied by heartwarming illustrations that depict the power of paying it forward, this sweet and charming picture book celebrates kindness and community.  --Publisher




Read in Cuentos

By Christianne C. Jones
Illustrated by Zachary Trover
Picture Window Books, 2007.  Spanish Picture Book.

Al gusano Guillo no le gustan la tierra ni el lodo.  Le desagradan tanto que les paga a sus amigos para que caven túnéles por él.  ¿Le gustarán algun dÍa la tierra y el lodo?  --Publisher

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