What’s new at the Smiley you ask? Well, I’m happy to share with you… oversize picture books! There is quite a selection of these gems in the New Book section in the Young Readers’ Room. Let me start with “I’m So Happy You’re Here, a Celebration of Library Joy” written by Mychal Threets, the literacy ambassador and librarian. Filled with colorful illustrations of kids in the library participating in different activities including reading (of course!), cooking, games, gardening, and getting a library card! A fun read that I’m pretty sure will bring you some library joy!
Next up is “Dad” by Christian Robinson (Caldecott Honor winner). This picture book is a special one for all of you dads out there. Simple, large text, mostly on just one page per spread seems so tiny compared to the extra-large illustrations on the double-page spread. A sweet story about dads will have daddies everywhere receiving a big hug!
“I Built a Rocket Ship,” written by Anna Lazowski and illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury, is a sweet remembering story about a child who is building a rocket ship in memory of the mother they lost. This story is focused on the love between the mother and child as the father is there to offer support. This story will bring fond memories for some and perhaps a tear or two down your cheek.
The University of California San Diego’s Geisel Library hold the Dr. Seuss Collection of books, as told in the back of “Sing the 50 United States.” The back story, at the back of the book, is an exciting couple of pages to read for history buffs, and those who adore the work of Dr. Seuss. Now, on to the book itself: in perfect Dr. Seuss fashion, each page is filled with rhyming text of all 50 states! The flow of the text just rolls off the tongue and is quite fun to say out loud. Check this one out and try it yourself!
Story time holds different memories for different people. I remember attending preschool story time at our local branch library where the story room was round with accordion style doors and we sat on a braided rag rug, just like the one in this story! One of my favorite authors, Sophie Blackall (two-time Caldecott Medal winner), has written another fabulous story: “Story Rug” which is illustrated by Phoebe Wahl. The story rug in this story is created by students in Ms. Moreno’s class 203 when they start braiding all sorts of textures including hair on their classmates, toys, and shoelaces. Poor Noah didn’t have anything to braid, so he asked Ms. Moreno for an idea… As with any great teacher, Ms. Moreno found the perfect solution and set Noah off to braid. Not only did Noah continue braiding during class, he continued for days! Check out this treasure of a book to find out what happens with the braiding project in class 203.