Ages 2 and up.
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Egg is Kevin Henke’s 50th book. He has given us lots of great ones over the years, like Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, Chester’s Way, and Chrysanthemum. Egg shows Henkes’ brilliance, and his ability to connect with children with a simple and engaging story. Here we have four cheerfully coloured eggs. Three hatch. One doesn't... Which of course leads to a lot of waiting... The green egg does hatch, eventually, but the birds get a big surprise. This picture book is understated, and reveals a seemingly simple story that will leave readers with lots to talk about. A perfect read aloud. I sure hope that Kevin Henkes continues to create and add to his stellar list.
Ages 2 and up. This is it! Our last list for 2016. Our favourite children's non-fiction. The non-fiction list always fun because it covers such a wide range of topics, including a cookbok, science, spooky stories, a folk tale, poetry and more! Please let us know if you have any questions, or need book recommendations. The Children’s & Teen Services team reads a lot, and we are always happy to share our favourite books. We’re already looking forward to the books of 2017. And, the lists continue! We read a lot of good children's novels this year, with a wide range of themes and lots of colourful characters. Here are ten favourite... We also read some really good graphic novels. We haven't had a graphic novel category in past years, but this year three were submitted, so I thought they deserve a special mention. This is a bittersweet list for us. It is the last time an Elephant & Piggie book will be on the list. There has been an Elephant & Piggie book on this list every year since they debuted in 2007. Starting with There is a Bird on Your Head, we have been huge fans and have put the series into the hands of many young readers. The Thank You Book marks the end of the series, but I am sure Mo Willems will be back with lots of fun books full of new and memorable characters. Fortunately, there are lots of great books to make up our list. Please enjoy our favourite easy readers... Here at Kitchener Public Library we LOVE picture books. When I asked the Children's & Teen Services team to send me a list of their favourite books of the year, I received 38 titles! 2016 was clearly a great year for picture books. I have whittled it down to a top ten list, which was not easy. Scroll through the covers below. Click on the ones that capture your imagination. Put a few on hold. They will make your day brighter. How can it be November 30th already? My stack of books to read in 2016 is still too big! I have been working on my list of favourite picture books of the year, and this week I have gotten stuck on one - They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel. I have read it to every person who has innocently ventured into my office. This is how I know it is a winner; if I cannot stop myself from reading it to adults it has to be special. It is the story of a cat out walking in the world “with its whiskers, ears, and paws” and all of creatures he encounters along the way. The text is simple and crisp. The illustrations are perfect. The style and perspective change to match who is seeing the cat: I love picture books that tell a story cleanly and efficiently, without losing the fun and whimsy, and which are a jumping off point for great conversations. There is a lot to talk about here. This one is definitely going to be on my best of 2016 list, and it may well show up under more than one Christmas tree.
The Night Gardener by Terry and Eric Fan A little magic comes to the rather grey Grimlock lane. One morning, young William wakes to find the tree in front of the orphanage has been transformed into a wise old owl. The next day brings a fox. Each night the community is awed by a new creation. William is so enchanted he waits up to meet the night gardener, who has inspired his imagination. Toronto’s Fan brothers have created a quiet, beautiful masterpiece. Ages 4 - 7. The Cow Said Meow by John Himmelman This is a story of clever animals versus near-sighted old woman. One a cold, rainy day cow observes cat walk up to a door, meow, and get let into the nice warm house. She tries, she walks up to the door, meows, and she is let in too. So, begins a parade of wayward farm animals testing out their meowing skills. A simple, almost wordless story, full of humour and animal sounds – a winning combination. Ages 3 - 5. Cat Knit by Jacob Grant Anyone who owns both a cat and a ball of yarn will relate to this story. When Girl brings home Yarn Cat is elated, he has a friend to play with. Cat’s joy wanes when the Girl insists on playing with Yarn too. It wanes even more when Cat discovers that Girl has transformed Yarn into a sweater for Cat to wear. This is a good story about dealing with change, accompanied by fun illustrations. Ages 3 - 5. If I Had a Gryphon by Vikki VanSickle; illustrated by Cale Atkinson Sam has a new pet hamster. Sam is not impressed. She wants more. She dreams of having a magical creature for a pet, maybe a unicorn or a kraken or a gryphon. As she dreams of each one, and weighs the pros and cons, she comes to realize that a hamster might be a good choice after all. Rich illustrations and a bouncy, rhyming text will make this a great read aloud. Ages 4 - 7. PA Day Drop-in Drop by the library any time during this hour and a half for fun games and crafts! Grades K-6 No registration required Central Library: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Grand River Stanley Park: 10:00 am – 11:30 am Country Hills: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Forest Heights: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm PA Day Art Optical Illusions Using simple art doodle patterns, make exiting optical illusion arts and crafts. Challenge your mind with optical illusion books and patterns. Grades K-6 No registration required. Pioneer Park: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm PA Day - Marvel or DC Join us for an afternoon of superhero activities. We'll play superhero trivia and find cool ways to use old comics before watching a superhero movie in the Theatre. Grades 5 and up No registration required. Central (Theatre): 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM For more information please visit www.kpl.org or call 519.743.0271 x258.
This holiday season give the gift of reading and literacy to a child in need. We are happy to be supporting the Waterloo Region Record’s annual Books for Kids campaign. Drop off a new, unwrapped children’s or teen book to any Kitchener Public Library location by December 11. The books will be distributed by the Salvation Army to children throughout our community. For more information visit: http://www.therecord.com/community-static/2877753-therecord-charities. Also, watch for us with our friends from the Waterloo Public Library at the Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 19. We will be collecting books along the route. Hungry Bird by Jeremy Tankard Bird is back! And, he is as self-focused as ever. Bird and the gang are together again, and they are going on a hike. A few steps in and Bird’s tummy is growling, a little bit farther and he is pretty sure he is going to collapse from starvation. To make it worse, none of his friends brought a snack he wants to eat. Grass, sticks, berries, or a carrot is just not what Bird craves. Fortunately, before he completely succumbs to the hunger, he decides to give something different a try. Tankard beautifully captures the drama of being a hungry toddler or preschooler. The tone is perfect, and it is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Ages 3 and up. Lucy & Company by Marianne Dubuc A new picture from Marianne Dubuc always makes me happy. I love her whimsy and attention to detail, and she so clearly understands children. This new volume includes three stories, each featuring Lucy and her friends, a tortoise, a mouse, a rabbit and a snail. The first story is all about snack time. It would be a great companion to Hungry Bird, as we see what snacks each friend prefers, and we get a good subtle message about sharing. Just lovely. Ages 3 - 6. Wonderfall by Michael Hall “In this book you will discover 1 colorful tree, 2 scurrying squirrels, and 15 blended words created to celebrate the wonder of fall,” (inside flap). You will definitely find all of these things along with vibrant illustrations and simple poems that roll off the tongue. This is a must read. It is celebrates the best season of the year! Ages 4 - 8. I Will Not Eat You by Adam Lehrhaupt & Scott Magoon Theodore likes to hang out alone, in his nice quiet cave. He watches all day as different creatures, everything from a bird to a tiger, wanders past his cave. Each time he considers if he should eat that creature or not. Finally, a little boy wanders by and Theodore, who emerges as a big, red dragon, decides he is hungry and will eat the boy. Worry not, this picture book, though dark, has a happy ending. Laughter, as it often does, saves the day. Ages 4 and up. |
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