Concrete Rose

"This is the perfect example of a narrative that straddles the beauty and pain of belonging and having the courage to make your own choices.... Thomas writes with a depth of humor and clarity that really allows readers to bond with the characters." -School Library Journal "This literary DeLorean transports readers into the past, where they hope, dream, and struggle alongside beloved characters from Thomas' The Hate U Give.... Thomas proves Game of Thrones-esque in her worldbuilding ability, deepening her landscape without sacrificing intimacy or heart." - Kirkus Review "Thomas brings her trademark wit, nostalgic love of the 1990s and...
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Wren

"Lehman's story is so sweet and realistic and often funny, and Beer's detailed illustrations provide endless enjoyment for my daughter (3). There's always something fun to look at in the background, and everyone's expressions, including the baby's, are so on point. I love books that are so well illustrated I can see and hear the sound." - Baby Librarians "A cacophony of chaotic sound brings a new brother and sister together...Yet the heart of the story lies in its sibling love. Wren's eventual relationship with his new baby sister will be a welcome addition to the ranks of such new-baby...
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Arno and His Horse

"When Arno loses his wooden horse, everyone helps hunt for the small carving...[Grandpa] is introduced as the now-deceased carver of the horse. That's what makes it special. After Arno dreams about his grandpa, he knows where to find the horse...Grandpa is seen fording the river, both in Arno's memory of his grandfather's stories and in his dream. Does it matter? The book's emphasis on the relationship between the older man and the young boy is comforting."- Kirkus Reviews "Beautifully written with a rhyming text, matched with exquisite illustrations, Arno and His Horse deftly explore the themes of love, memory, loss...
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Too Crowded

Kids may still get a kick out of Gil's rotund body walking around unfishlike in a pair of shoes. -The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books I loved the illustrations in this story--bright, bold, and showed the hilarious expression of Gil on his adventures. I think children will enjoy seeing his new home choices and deciding for themselves if those choices would be right for Gil. - Youth Services Book Review
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Sunrise Summer

"With irrepressible enthusiasm and an astute sense of detail, the child recounts the elaborate preparations (almost all supplies have to be brought in), the connection to nature and a close-knit community, and the grueling but exciting work itself. . .Readers may not be ready to sign on, but they'll feel grateful for being afforded a spectacular front-row seat." - Publishers Weekly "Paired with ebullient first-person prose, the illustrations immerse readers in the changing colors of the sky and waves throughout the thrilling event . . . An informative first-person story that combines family history with STEM concepts for a summer...
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The Boy Who Loved Everyone

Dimitri, who has dark hair and light tan skin, spends his first day at a new preschool telling everyone and everything "I love you.". . . Shearring's mixed-media illustrations present simple yet vibrantly patterned spreads, with people of various skin tones and hair textures populating Dimitri's world. A gentle, resonant narrative for children navigating new social-emotional spaces. -Publishers Weekly Leaves fallen upon the ground, characters bundled in chunky scarves and sweaters, and a generous infusion of yellows and reds into each mixed-media illustration combine for a tender story of a child full of love learning the many ways it can...
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Once Upon a Dragon’s Fire

"This enchanting picture book regales with the power of story....Blue presents sweeping cinematic scenes rendered in a friendly yet intricate style, highlighted by vibrant colors and expressive, dynamic characters amid gorgeously immersive fantastical landscapes. A creative origin fable offering a tender reminder to abstain from stereotyping and to extend care to others." - Publishers Weekly "This sweet tale of adventure, courage, and compassion is a warmhearted reminder of the dangers of stereotypes and the power of perspective and hope....A page-turner of an adventure story about challenging preconceived notions and building empathy and compassion." - Kirkus
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The Midnight Fair

In Mariachiara Di Giorgio's beautiful and atmospheric paintings, wild creatures watch a grassy fairground from a safe distance as carnies set up tents, rides and food stands. . .Wordless and eloquent, "The Midnight Fair" offers true enchantment for children ages 3 to 8. -The Wall Street Journal Captivating spreads by Di Giorgio ( Professional Crocodile) tell a wordless story about a night of magic for a forest's animal denizens. . .Watching a whole forest full of creatures encounter the fair delivers a sheaf of unexpected delights--especially when they take pleasure in all the same things their human counterparts do. -Publishers...
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The Accidental Apprentice, Volume 1

"Interweaving whimsicality with harsh realities, Foody's (Queen of Volts) middle grade debut introduces a richly realized fantasy world, populated by monsters both magnificently unknowable and all too human. A deeply immersive and auspicious series starter."- "Publishers Weekly, starred review" "Absolutely enchanting! Reminiscent of classic middle grade tales, with a highly unique and enthralling world and characters you can really root for."-Claribel A. Ortega, author of The Ghost Squad "Exciting, adventurous, and wild in its own right, The Accidental Apprentice had me riding on the winds and howling at the sky. When the wilds call, you should listen."-Sean Easley
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Hello, Rain!

"Maclear ( Story Boat) celebrates the unbounded joy of discovery in ordinary things, chronicling events with a poet's powers of observation. . . Digital, retro-style spreads by Turnham ( National Parks of the USA) give the pages a memorable look with a palette of unexpected hues. . . . Together, the creators conjure a child who fully inhabits each present moment until the sun arrives again."- Publishers Weekly "Grab some galoshes and raid the lost and found for umbrellas because readers will be enamored with inclement weather after reading this beautiful book. . . . The story's language and illustrations...
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