News from Youth Services Category: Picture Books

The Rhino Suit

Posted by

by Colter Jackson

the rhino suit book cover
E JACKSON, C.

The author describes how her feelings overwhelm her, especially when seeing the world, or people, or animals in pain. “Everywhere she looked there were beautiful things. But there were sad things too. She felt so much, sometimes her feelings overwhelmed her.” So she made herself a thick-skinned rhino-suit, where she lived in to hide her pain. 

She came to realize that having a “thick skin”, also kept out the happy things, as well. “When she was in the rhino suit, she also couldn’t feel the breeze on her skin, smell the flowers, or hear the birds singing.” She realized that not all people have a special gift of being sensitive to others when they are hurting, and she could use her feelings to actually do something to help the world around her. Being a “deeply feeling person is a wonderful thing to be.”   

Mid-Autumn Festival

Posted by

Today marks the holiday of the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is celebrated by millions in East Asia. This is celebrated around the time of the harvest moon which can change each year.

Many will participating in activities like moon gazing and lantern. The symbol of a rabbit on a moon is used by many Asian countries. For more information about this festival visit, How Different Countries in Asia Celebrate the Mid- Autumn Festival.

yellow moon in starry sky
image courtesy of Pixabay Images

Check out some of our favorites all about the Mid- Autumn Festival. If you would like more options please contact the youth desk.

Moon Messenger: A Family Reunion During the Mid-Autumn Festival book cover
Moon Messenger: A Family Reunion During the Mid-Autumn Festival by Jie Wei
Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival book cover
Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival by Grace Lin
the shadow in the moon book cover
The Shadow in the Moon by Christina Matula
Celebrations Around the World book cover
Celebrations Around the World by DK

It Fell From the Sky

Posted by

by Terry Fan and Eric Fan

It Fell from the Sky book cover
E FAN, T.

A wonderful thing falls from the sky on a Thursday. The insects debate what exactly this wonder could be. While they are busy deciding, the clever spider takes the wonder for his own. For him, the wonder is more than a mysterious beauty; it is an opportunity for wealth. Fueled by greed he gains power– until finally, it pushes everyone away.  

This morality tale is beautifully illustrated in mostly black and white with brilliant pops of color. The whimsical drawings are so expertly crafted that they look 3D. Text does not crowd the page which allows the illustrations to truly shine. Younger children will appreciate the pictures. Older children will be able to discuss the lessons about the adversarial relationship between avarice and friendship. 

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree

Posted by

by Jamie L.B. Deenihan

when grandma gives you a lemon tree book cover
E DEENIHAN, J.

This little girl was excited her birthday finally arrived. She had a rather lengthy wish list, with lots of cool gadgets she wanted for her birthday. However, when Grandma came over, she gave her grand-daughter a very unexpected gift. How surprising! She didn’t know how to react! See how this story evolves as one sweet youngster turns her unwanted gift into something simply amazing. As you may have heard, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

I’m not Scared, YOU’RE Scared

Posted by

by Seth Myers

E MEYERS, S.

Is it okay to be afraid? Comedian and late night television host Seth Meyers, will immediately trap his new preschool audience with his first picture book, I’m Not Scared, YOU’RE Scared.  Bear will not admit he is afraid of just about everything. When rabbit suddenly needs rescuing, Bear overcomes all his fears to rescue his friend. You will love this read-a-loud with its repetitive text.