PETE THE CAT, JUST HIT THE DANCE FLOOR!

Pete the Cat wants to have fun and dance. His moves are not always flawless, but who really gets it right the first time? With some encouragement from a wise friend, Pete the Cat decides to just get up and move.

From the creators of Pete the Cat, Kimberly & James Dean write another smash hit, Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie, that offers a celebration of your true self, talent, and abilities. For parents and teachers to share with children who can use a boost of Pete the Cat’s optimism and perseverance.

 For ages 2-8

THE ONE AND ONLY TRULY

Truly knows herself very well. Just turn the pages and you’ll feel her sense of self and boundless energy.  

Kelly Greenawalt’s story, Princess Truly in I Am Truly, Amariah Rauscher’s lined drawings and whimsical shades of color bring Truly and other characters a powerful yet gentle touch; her girl-power, individuality, self-confidence, and diversity shine through in each scene.  A wonderful picture book story to share with young children.

For ages 3-6.

JUST BE YOURSELF

Like all of Todd Parr’s books, this book also sends a great message to children about always loving yourself and embracing uniqueness.  The colorful and child-like illustrations with simple text make the simple message of the book clear to its audience.

Be Who You Are by Todd Parr, is a great addition to any collection.  Children as young as newborn to first grade will enjoy this title.  

EMBRACE WHO YOU TRULY ARE

Nory Horace is a sweet girl who possesses a special, magical talent. Although she has the ability to turn into an animal, she's unable to maintain its shape for very long.  Instead of turning into just a kitten, she'll turn into a 'bitten (beaver plus kitten) or a 'skunkephant' (skunk plus elephant').  What can be the cause of this?  By her father's request, Nory is sent away from home to attend a new school, one that offers a class to those who have upside-down magic.  Nory is frustrated with her abilities, but she soon finds hope when her teacher Ms. Staff shows her the secret to discovering her true self.

Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins are a great team of writers who show that unusual talents can also be quite special in Upside Down Magic.  

For 3rd-5th grade.

WHAT ARE YOU, SOME KIND OF CHICKEN?

Lily is a quintessentially mild-mannered animal--she stays within the lines when she's coloring, doesn't like to raise her wing in school even when she knows the answers, and is definitely not ready to take off her training wheels on her bike even when she's being left in the dust by her friends. And she certainly can't imagine getting up onstage in front of everyone for the Grand-Slam Poetry Jam when everyone else around her can't wait. What's a poor chicken to do? 

This warm and gentle picture book by Lori Mortensen, with charming illustrations by Nina Victor Crittenden, explores childhood social anxieties in a authentic but lighthearted way, reassuring introverts of all ages that sometimes the risk of putting yourself out there comes with great rewards. 

Chicken Lily is a perfect read for preschoolers through second graders, especially those timid ones in need of a helpful--not didactic--boost of confidence for dealing with the everyday jitters. 

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT, OWEN?

A review by Mr. B. from the Grandview Branch:  

It’s all about doing the right thing. It’s all about finding yourself. It’s really all about finding yourself by doing the right thing for your friend. In this role-model series title, Owen Foote, Soccer Star, Stephanie Greene shows young readers that doing what’s right can be tough but satisfying.

Second grader Owen Foote has been playing soccer for several years, but his best friend, Joseph, is new to the sport; naturally awkward; inexperienced; unsure of himself; and only playing to please Owen. Owen, in turn, has promised to protect and mentor best friend Joseph. When Coach separates the team by skills and plans to play just the best players, Owen has to make some tough choices and a very difficult phone call.

Reading level: 3-4

Age: 6-8

WHERE DO YOU FIT IN?

Emma Freke is a 6th grade girl who doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. I mean with a name like EMM-A FREKE, she is constantly getting teased. It doesn't help that her mother is a little on the goofy side. She's never met her father, but one day receives a mysterious invitation to meet that side of the family. Finally, a place for Emma to fit in! Or is it? I, EMMA FREKE by E.J. Atkinson is actually a wonderful story, that's not too long and not too short, and keeps you reading without wanting to take a break. For 4th-8th grades.

LOVE DANCING?

From Kristine at the Library Connection @ Adams Square:

Miss Tutu’s star by Leslea Newman is an encouraging story about a girl who loves dancing. Regardless of her clumsy ways, she is determined to learn to dance. Will her hard work and determination pay off?

The rhyming text and delightful illustrations makes it a great book for storytime as well as one-on-one read aloud.

A DANCING STAR

From Kristine at Adams Square and Pacific Park:

Miss Tutu’s star by Leslea Newman is an encouraging story about a girl who loves dancing. Regardless of her clumsy ways, she is determined to learn to dance. Will her hard work and determinations pays off? The rhyming text and delightful illustrations makes it a great book for storytime as well as one-on-one read aloud.