KIDS BOOKS

NOTE: We have the current list and stock of the Battle Books for the Pikes Peak region.
For your convenience when looking up series for children: http://www.mymcpl.org/books-movies-music/juvenile-series

In pictures without words, the reader follows the journey of one brown paper bag from a tree in the forest through the years it is used by three generations of one family until eventually the old bag becomes the container in which a new tree is planted.

Get to know the gorilla who was raised like a human in this “captivating” ( School Library Journal) picture book classic inspired by a true story from the brilliant mind that brought you The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.Gertrude Lintz loved animals. And she had dozens, never mind that she lived in New York City. But one baby was her favorite, and she took care of this baby just like any other mother would. Except there was one difference: The baby was actually a baby gorilla named Buddy. Gertrude raises Buddy like a civilized human, but can–or, rather, should–wild animals be civilized? Based on the true story of Gertrude Lintz, the most famous dog breeder of the 1930s, Buddy is a moving, high-spirited adventure about a gorilla’s life in the city, and how the urban jungle can’t really compare to a real one.

This clever send-up of every child’s biggest challenge — being patient! — is a STEM-friendly, laugh-out-loud comedy about metamorphosis.

In this lush and playful picture book from E. B. Goodale, illustrator of Windows, Kate feels ignored by her mother and sister and so decides to run away. In a neighboring yard, she builds a fort and enjoys a sense of independence–until she finds herself making room for her family in her new home . . . Under the Lilacs is the perfect celebration of striking out on your own–while still making room for everyone.

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Celebrate growth and self-acceptance in this simple, sweetly illustrated story about a bunny who is getting too big for baby things– but who is just right all the same.The boy in this book is too big for his crib, his shoes, and his tricycle. And he is too big for Grandpa to pick up.But he is just right for his big-boy bed, his new shirt, and his bicycle. And he is just right for a hug from Grandpa, for his sister, and for this book.David McPhail’s simple story and softly colored, warm illustrations create a book that’s just right for preschoolers and kindergarteners, who are growing up themselves. It’s just right to share with the little ones in your life.

EARLY / MIDDLE GRADE READERS

When Tom’s brother gets sick, he’s shipped off to spend what he’s sure will be a boring summer with his aunt and uncle in the country. But then Tom hears the old grandfather clock in the hall chime thirteen times, and he’s transported back to an old garden where he meets a young, lonely girl named Hatty. Tom returns to the garden every night to have adventures with Hatty, who mysteriously grows a little older with each visit. As the summer comes to an end, Tom realizes he wants to stay in the garden with Hatty forever. Winner of the Carnegie Medal, Tom’s Midnight Garden is a classic of children’s literature and a deeply satisfying time-travel mystery. This newly repackaged sixtieth-anniversary paperback is the perfect entrée for readers of all ages to the vivid world that The Guardian called “A modern classic.” Features new interior spot art by Jaime Zollars.

Declan O’Brien always had a gentle word to share, odd phrases he liked to repeat, and songs to sing while he played basketball. His favorite song was “Dona Nobis Pacem,” “Grant Us Peace.” His family loved him deeply and always knew they were loved in return. But a terrible accident one day changes their lives forever, and Fiona and Finn O’Brien are left without a father. Their mother is at a loss. What words are there to guide them through such overwhelming grief? At the suggestion of their friend Luke, Fiona and Finn volunteer at an animal rescue shelter, where they meet two sweet dogs who are in need of comfort, too. Perhaps with time, patience, and their father’s gentle words in their hearts, hope will spark once more.

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I​s the sweet town of Appleton ripe for scandal?Consider the facts:

• Appleton Elementary School has a new librarian named Rita B. Danjerous. (Say it fast.)
• Principal Noah Memree barely remembers hiring her.
• Ten-year-old Reid Durr is staying up way too late reading a book from Ms. Danjerous’s controversial “green dot” collection.
• The new school board president has mandated a student dress code that includes white gloves and bow ties available only at her shop.

Sound strange? Fret not. Appleton’s fifth-grade sleuths are following the money, embracing the punny, and determined to the get to the funniest, most rotten core of their town’s juiciest scandal. Don’t miss this seedy saga!

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