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"Cara Florance has created a delightfully witchy and educational book with magical activities that are accessible to kids of all ages. The goal of the book is to inspire kids to appreciate nature through wonderful spells, potions, and inventions that are accompanied by explanations of the scientific concepts behind magic." - Ashley F., Edgewater Library
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2) Home
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"Two children, and their parents, must leave their home after a big life change and go through a period of uncertain housing and homelessness. They end up at a shelter and then, finally, in a new home. Written by a social worker who experienced homelessness as a child, this is a gentle way to talk to children about this problem and to encourage empathy. She includes resources as well for readers who may need them or feel called to help. I would recommend this book to families who are looking for a way to talk about this topic with younger children. It’s a way to open the door to discussion and understanding." - Teresa F., Odenton Library
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3) Farmhouse
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"This gorgeous picture book is the latest from Sophie Blackall, who has won the Caldecott Medal twice and is one of my favorite author-illustrators. Based on a real farmhouse and the family that once lived there, she takes the reader into the past and into their daily life. She imagines the rhythm and details of their days and their years. Eventually the house stands empty and becomes home to squirrels and a hibernating bear. Blackall’s illustrations are layered with beautiful and charming details. I love the message at the end, that we should treasure the past and our own family stories. I would recommend this to anyone who loves picture books and for cozy bedtime reading with little ones." - Teresa F., Odenton Library
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"A little bull is convinced that he is a unicorn because he was born with one horn, and his books say that one horn equals a unicorn! But further reading reveals that unicorns also *** rainbows, cry lollipops, and sparkle in the sun. The little bull feels like an imposter, especially when some real unicorns come around. Luckily, the unicorns all agree: one horn = unicorn! The little bull is accepted by his cousins, and is even given some special fruit to help with the rainbow poops. This book is guaranteed to make children laugh, and teaches the important lesson of being true to yourself." - Ashley F., Edgewater Library
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"It was a simple and effective retelling of the classic fairytale with a large twist at the end, and Jon Klassen's illustrations perfectly capture the tone of the story." - Sarah M., Eastport Annapolis-Neck Library
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6) It's a sign!
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Elephant & Piggie like reading! volume 9
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"This recent addition to the Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! series for early readers is clever and fun. Four critters form a club, and each one contributes a skill or talent. The friends are supportive of each other and you get the feeling that they would welcome you into the club as well. I know my children at that stage of learning to read would have been excited to recognize many of the words and build some momentum in the repetition and rhyme." - Teresa F., Odenton Library
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"This non-fiction picture book is a perfect introduction to gender for the preschool through second-grade crowd. Written in a graphic novel style with bright, kid-friendly illustrations, it’s an engaging and fun way to talk about a sometimes difficult topic. It leaves room for the kid reader (or listener) to express their own thoughts and feelings and make discussion more natural. Ultimately, Gravel leads readers to the importance of acceptance and being your true self. I would recommend it to families with kids in the preschool to second-grade age group and to their older siblings too." - Teresa F., Odenton Library
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"Get ready for wrestling school! El Toro and his friends learn lessons about lucha libre, friendship and teamwork at Ricky Raton's School of Lucha in this colorful, action-packed book featuring graphic novel elements. El Toro and friends like La Oink Oink, Armor Dillo and Lizarda pop off the pages as they traverse their Mexican neighborhood and share bilingual vocabulary throughout the story. Absolutely fun to read!" - Sharon L., Odenton Library
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9) Sir Ladybug
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Sir Ladybug volume 1
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"Sir Ladybug and his band of loyal insect friends aspire to face adversaries with courage, skill and wit. When they face off with a very hungry Chickadee, Sir Ladybug and friends must quickly come up with a plan to save themselves from becoming Chickadee's snacks. Perhaps a sweet dessert can save them! Sweet and humorous illustrations bring royal merriment and the joys of friendship to this book." - Sharon L., Odenton Library
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"This colorfully illustrated picture book features a family that has moved into a new neighborhood as they walk around and meet all of their new neighbors and find all the local spots to visit (such as the library!). A good one for sitting and looking at each page closely, as there is so much in the illustrations to point out and discuss." - Leann C., Library Headquarters
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"Eighth-grader Cory wants nothing more than to hang out with his dance crew friends to practice moves for an upcoming dance competition.. But his parents want him to spend most of his free time improving his school grades, and find him a math tutor. Imagine Cory's surprise when Sunna, his science lab partner and so-called "super nerd," shows up to tutor him. Sunna, meanwhile, wants time outside of school to perfect her yo-yo tricks. This graphic novel offers lively, colorful illustrations and a genuine story about middle school dreams, family expectations, and friendship." - Sharon L., Odenton Library
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"Mirha is excited to start school, but soon finds out that no one pronounces her name right. She feels alone and wonders if she should change her name to something else, but her mother helps to show her that her name is special, perfect, and, most importantly, hers. This book has beautiful illustrations and an important message delivered in a warm and loving way." - Christine M., Edgewater Library
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13) I am golden
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"Mei is a first-generation Chinese American and sometimes she feels different from the kids around her, but her family teaches her how loved she is and that there is power in being different. With beautiful artwork, this book is a meaningful story about self-love with a focus on loving your family history and heritage." - Christine M., Edgewater Library
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"Thirteen-year-old Mei loves to cook new recipes and play her favorite virtual game, Chop Chop Chef, with her friends. It helps pass the time while her father, a doctor at the Wuhan Hospital, starts spending more and more time treating more and more patients for a mysterious respiratory illness. Once widespread illness shuts down the entire city, Mei is forced to rely on her wits and her cooking skills to help her friends, neighbors and herself survive what becomes a global pandemic. A fast-paced and heartfelt children's novel that provides a child's perspective on a life-altering event. Mei's recipes are included throughout the book for interested readers." - Sharon L., Odenton Library
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