Monday, September 2, 2013

New Year, New Books!


The box of new books arrived on my doorstep just the other day. Couldn't wait to tear open the box and see what delightful books would become my favourites this year. But first, let's set the scene... fresh pot of hazelnut coffee, fresh croissant, new jar of strawberry jam...ready!



I dreamt... I dreamt...A book about hope written and illustrated by Gabriela Olmos

Children whose daily lives are afflicted by violence dream of a different world in this powerful book created by Mexican artists as a fundraiser for the IBBY Fund for Children in Crisis.  In many parts of the world, including North America, children are living with violence. Wars, gangs, guns, crime, bullying, harassment and fear keep many kids from living the full, free lives that every child should enjoy. This book was created in Mexico, where for the past six years a vicious war against drugs has brought fear and insecurity into every child’s life. Many children’s dreams have become nightmares. Some of Mexico’s best illustrators have donated their art to create this book, which gives children a way to talk about their fears, a reason to hope and the inspiration to resist falling into grief and depression. Like some city trees they have the possibility to grow strong and, despite everything, to try and make the world a better place. (www.houseofanansi.com)

Doug Unplugged written and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Doug is a robot. His parents want him to be smart, so each morning they plug him in and start the information download. After a morning spent learning facts about the city, Doug suspects he could learn even more about the city by going outside and exploring it. And so Doug . . . unplugs. What follows is an exciting day of adventure and discovery. Doug learns amazing things by doing and seeing and touching and listening—and above all, by interacting with a new friend. Read the review in GoodReads. (www.goodreads.com/book/show/14823951-doug-unplugged)


Circles of Round written by Signe Sturup, illustrated by Winnie Ma

Despite the odd bump in the road, all the Circles in the town called Round live happy lives. Until, one day, an obtuse stranger comes to visit, with an even stranger machine. Called the Corner Transformer, the stranger boasts that it will give them all a new angle on life, and a better shape, too. All the circles eagerly try it out... but changing from Circles to squares and triangles isn't quite what they expected... Simply yet strikingly illustrated with photos of three-dimensional shapes made of paper, this story is a great way to introduce children to the powers of advertising. (http://www.simplyreadbooks.com)

Cover image for Best Thing About Kindergarten
The Best Thing About Kindergarten written by Jennifer Lloyd, illustrated by Qin Leng

It’s graduation day and Ms. Appleby asks her students,  “What is the best thing about Kindergarten?” They all have an answer—and every answer is different. But Ms. Appleby has a secret answer that will surprise them all! (http://www.simplyreadbooks.com)

What are some of your favourites? Post a comment and let us know 

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