In early 1900’s Japan, Misuzu Kaneko became a beloved children’s poet. Her life ended prematurely, her poetry was soon forgotten. After the Japanese tsunami in 2011, her poetry was rediscovered, and this beautiful book tells Misuzu Kaneko’s life story, which ends tragically and which the book describes sensitively.  The book includes many of her poems…

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There are ten quintillion insects in the world and they have contributed to how this world has been shaped. For instance, did you know that the red color in some foods, drinks, and clothing is from crushed insects? Or that some bugs suck blood out of your body, eat dead people, or can make you…

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Have you ever heard a mysterious creaking or clanging  sound in your home? This informative picture book matter-of-factly explains why houses make weird noises (especially when you are trying to fall asleep).  I wish I would have read this book when I was a kid! Book reviewed by Amy M., Youth Services Assistant…

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Imagine taking a walk in the woods and coming upon an old cemetery. It’s by a pond that is covered in algae and it looks as if no one has been there in a very long time. It’s quiet, but kind of creepy, and you think that maybe you are not alone. That is exactly…

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Have you ever heard the saying, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure?” It basically means that the things you don’t want or like could be wanted by someone else. This book is all about that. Mike Wolfe is from the show, American Pickers, which airs on the History Channel. In this show, Mike goes…

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This longer non-fiction picture book immerses the reader in the early life of John Howland, an indentured servant who, in the year 1620, sailed across the ocean on the Mayflower with his master to become one of the first settlers in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The incredibly rich illustrations and  first-person narrative detailing the unbelievable challenges he…

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Out of the Woods, by Rebecca Bond, is an amazing story. It is a true tale written about an event that took place during the childhood of the author’s grandfather. Living in the deep woods of Ontario, Canada, five-year-old Antonio grew up in his family’s hotel. It was surrounded by thick forest of trees. It…

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This over-sized gem is so much more than an atlas. Each of the 50 states is featured and the beautifully illustrated pages include key facts about the states  and moments to remember from each state’s history. Inspiring people from all the states are included, some well-known, others that may be new to young readers. Did…

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This sweet picture book biography tells the story of poet E.E. Cummings.  Edward Estlin Cummings grew up in Cambridge, MA and had an idyllic childhood, perfect for inspiring creativity and poetry.  Edward saw beauty in his surroundings and with support from his teachers and family, he created poems at a young age and continued creating…

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This is a great book to read if you are looking for something that you can put down sometimes and then come back to it later, and that is because each chapter is about a different person and there are some great comic style pictures throughout the book. While this is a nonfiction book, it…

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