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Over and Under the Rainforest

2020

by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal

"Under the canopy of the rainforest hundreds of animals make their homes, but up in the leaves hides another world. Turn the pages of this beautiful and educational book to discover in words and mesmerizing illustration: Animals like the slender parrot snake and the blue morpho butterfly. The canopies where toucans and pale-billed woodpeckers chatter and call. Capuchin monkeys who swing from vines and slow-moving sloths who wait out daily thunderstorms. And much more! Discover the wonder that lies hidden among the roots, above the winding rivers, and under the emerald leaves of the rainforest in this glorious nature book for children and adults alike. Perfect for anyone who can't get enough of the rainforest and all the animals living in it." -- publisher

Any Child Informational

Bloop

2021

by Tara Lazar and Mike Boldt

"Bloop, the little green alien, must conquer Earth, and his first step is figuring out who’s in charge. The answer? Dogs! This adorable picture book about an alien who looks like a pug is laugh-out-loud funny—and full of heart, too! In his quest to become the next Emperor of Planet XYZ, Bloop makes too many bloopers. So he’s sent to Earth to conquer that crazy planet first. Who’s in charge there? One visit to the park and Bloop knows: dogs, of course! Bloop tries to master these maddening mutts and prove that he’s top dog. But once Bloop gets a taste of the good life on Earth, what will he do when he’s summoned back to XYZ? Readers will cheer as the little puglike alien realizes the love of family makes Earth his real home." -- publisher

Any Child

I Love You, Baby Burrito

2021

by Angela Dominguez

"From Pura Belpré honoree Angela Dominguez, a modern classic picture book celebrating the act of swaddling a newborn into a "baby burrito." One of the first things new parents learn is how to swaddle their newborns to keep them safe and cozy, "like a baby burrito." Inspired by that phrase, I Love You, Baby Burrito depicts the love and care that goes into the act of wrapping a little one up: tucking in each piernita, each bracito, everything except the baby's sweet carita. With gentle text, simple Spanish words, and irresistible illustrations, this new baby book is delectable." -- publisher

Any Child

The Old Boat

by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

"The creators of The Old Truck set sail with an old boat and an evocative, intricately crafted exploration of home and family. Off a small island, an old boat sets sail and a young boy finds home. Together, boy and boat ride the shifting tides, catching wants and wishes until fate calls for a sea change. Brothers and collaborators Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey’s newest picture book is a masterfully crafted celebration of the natural world and tribute to the families we make and the homes that we nurture." -- publisher

Any Child

Bird Boy

2021

by Matthew Burgess and Shahrzad Maydani

"Take flight in this heartwarming story about a boy who learns to be true to himself at school while following his love of nature. Nico was new, and nervous about going to school. Everyone knew what to do and where to go, but Nico felt a little lost. So, he did what he loved to do: Watched the insects Sat in the grass And most importantly... befriended the birds. Before he knew it, Nico was known as BIRD BOY. But Nico didn't mind. Soon, he made one friend, then two, as the other kids learned to appreciate Nico for who he was. Before long, Nico learned he could be completely, delighfully, himself. This dreamy story will encourage all readers to express who they are unapologetically." -- publisher

Any Child

The Not-So-Scary Dog

2021

by Alanna Propst and Michelle Simpson

"Tommy’s fear of dogs is keeping him away from the birthday party of the year, so he and his mom hatch a step-by-step plan to overcome his fear in time for the party. This is a lighthearted, straightforward introduction to the concept of exposure therapy for kids dealing with phobias. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers about how to support kids working through exposure therapy. Tommy is terrified of dogs. When he gets an invitation to a big birthday party at his neighbor’s house, his heart sinks—he can’t possibly go, the dog is enormous and scary! But instead of staying away, he and his mom hatch a step-by-step plan to face and overcome his fears in time to enjoy the party. This gentle introduction to the concept of exposure therapy for kids will help them deal with phobias. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers about how to support kids working through exposure therapy." -- publisher

Any Child

The Big Leaf Leap

2022

by Molly Beth Griffin and Meleck Davis

"The leaves are down. The rakes are out. But one girl can’t do it alone. Neighborhood kids join forces to build a big, huge, enormously enormous mountain of leaves. Ready, set . . . leap! The girl wants a leaf pile to leap in. A big leaf pile, a huge leaf pile, an enormously enormous leaf pile! She rakes and rakes and rakes, but there are not enough leaves in her yard to make the leaf pile of her dreams. And she can’t do it alone. She will need some help. And so it begins: one neighbor kid here, a couple of neighbor kids there, others from down the street. They all have leaves to contribute as they build a pile together in a nearby vacant lot. Beautiful leaves from so many trees: maple, oak, ginkgo, aspen, birch, locust, sumac, catalpa. Beautiful children from so many families, all in pursuit of a single goal. The result is a dream come true. And now what? These kids know just what to do. In The Big Leaf Leap, playful phrasing evokes fall’s crisp air, warm sun, and rustling leaves. Energetic illustrations—with characters based on the illustrator's own neighborhood kids—depict the satisfying effort of new friends working together to create something wonderful. A deep, soft, crunchy, springy leaf pile. A tall, wide leaf pile. A big, huge, enormously enormous leaf pile! And when all the work is done, it's time to play. To count down together. To leap." -- publisher

Any Child

Meesha Makes Friends

2021

by Tom Percival

"This new title in the Big Bright Feelings series by Tom Percival is about a girl who loves making things, but finds it hard to make friends. Meesha loves making things . . . but there’s one thing she finds difficult to make—friends. She doesn't know quite what to do, what to say, or when to say it, and she struggles reading and responding to social cues. But one day, she discovers that she has a special talent that will help her navigate challenging social situations and make friends. A warm and affectionate look at the joys and difficulties of making and keeping friends, relating to others, and finding your place in the world, Meesha Makes Friends is an empowering and resonant new title from the author of Ruby Finds a Worry and Ravi's Roar." -- publisher

Any Child

Grandad’s Camper

2021

by Harry Woodgate

"Discover a wonderful grandfather-granddaughter relationship, as a little girl hatches the perfect plan to get her Grandad adventuring again. Gramps and Grandad were adventurers. They would surf, climb mountains, and tour the country in their amazing camper. Gramps just made everything extra special. But after Gramps died, granddad hasn't felt like traveling anymore. So, their amazing granddaughter comes up with a clever plan to fix up the old camper and get Grandad excited to explore again. This beautiful picture book honors love and reminds us not only to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate them. " -- publisher

Any Child

Sir Tim Has a Secret

2020

by Judith Koppens and Eline van Lindenhuizen

"A sweet and recognizable book about keeping secrets. Real knights are always honest. But when Sir Tim accidentally rips his cape, he tries to blame his friend Max. And when Mom leaves a strawberry shortcake on the table, he sneaks a bite. Keeping all these secrets begins to give Sir Tim a bellyache . . ." -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group