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A Neighborhood Walk, A Musical Journey

2021

by Pilar Winter Hill and Olivia Duchess

"Based on the story of an internationally renowned violin prodigy of color. One bright city morning, Penelope and her mom make their way to the farmer's market. On street corners and train platforms, musicians and performers enchant Penelope, speaking to her through their floating, booming notes. The noise of the city keeps the pair moving—until Penelope hears a sound so magical she knows she has to play the instrument that makes it." -- publisher

A Sled for Gabo

2021

by Emma Otheguy and Ana Ramírez González

"The Snowy Day meets Last Stop on Market Street in this heartwarming classic in the making about a young boy who is in a new town and doesn’t have much, but with the help of a loving community discovers the joys of his first snowy day. On the day it snows, Gabo sees kids tugging sleds up the hill, then coasting down, whooping all the while. Gabo wishes he could join them, but his hat is too small, and he doesn’t have boots or a sled. But he does have warm and welcoming neighbors in his new town who help him solve the problem in the sweetest way possible!" -- publisher

Any Child

Adventures with My Daddies

2021

by Gareth Peter and Garry Parsons

"A diverse family embarks on a series of whimsical adventures in this Own Voices bedtime read aloud, perfect for LGBTQ+ and adoptive families! Set off on a series of incredible adventures with an endearing, diverse family as the bedtime stories they read burst into colorful life. Together, the daddies and their little one battle dragons, dodge deadly dinosaurs, zoom to the moon, and explore the world in a hot air balloon, before winding down to sleep in a wonderfully cozy ending. Own voices author and illustrator team Gareth Peter and Garry Parsons deliver an imaginative, heartwarming tale filled with bright, optimistic acrylic and pencil illustrations that celebrate the magic of books and unique family stories as well as the beauty of diverse families." -- publisher

Any Child

All Eyes On Ozzy!

2021

by K-Fai Steele

"A funny and charming picture book about a girl who realizes that there are even better things than getting attention, from the author of A Normal Pig. Ozzy loves attention. And the person she wants it from most of all is her music teacher, Ms. Bomba. So when it’s time to choose an instrument for the school recital, Ozzy picks the biggest, loudest, most attention-grabbing one of all: the DRUMS! It’s hard to stay on beat, though, when all you want to do is stand out. But getting in tune with her classmates—with a little help from her favorite teacher—just might turn out to be even better than a solo in the spotlight." -- publisher

Any Child

All I Want is an Octopus

2021

by Tracy Gunaratnam and Valentina Fontana

"A lively story about selecting the perfect family pet. Persuading your family that you want a pet is never easy, but even more so when it is an octopus! An engaging story with a family situation that many will recognize! The little boy wants a pet, but he doesn't want any regular pet like a dog, which barks all day long and wants to go walkies or a feline friend whom sleeps all day. No, the little boy wants something special, something that goes in the water, something that no one else will have! AN OCTOPUS! The boy goes to Dad first and pitches his idea to him, but Dad replies, "a creature like that belongs in the sea". Unhappy with Dad's answer, the little boy goes to Mom explaining "my octopus would make you laugh, style your hair and run your bath". The little boy asks his gran who seems to be all for it, saying, "He'll roller skate and jump in puddles, play mini golf and give wonderful cuddles". But Gran gets an ORANGUTAN instead! All I Want Is an Octopus is sure to become a new family favorite with its diverse range of characters and eye-catching illustrations!" -- publisher

Any Child

All We Need

2021

by Kathy Wolff and Margaux Meganck

"For fans of All the World, a poetic celebration of simplest things we need to be happy, and the beauty of sharing with others. From basic essentials like the air and water – whispering through trees and encouraging deep breaths, bursting from playground sprinklers and filling our cups – to the wonderful warmth of family and friends – cooking delicious meals and volunteering together – All We Need distills each simple element of a full life so young readers can appreciate and be thankful for them. Kathy Wolff's melodic verse and up-and-coming artist Margaux Meganck's lush and cozy city scenes culminate in a joyous celebration of community and giving, with a message: When we have all we need, plus a little to spare, the only need left . . . is to share." -- publisher

Any Child

Amara and the Bats

2021

by Emma Reynolds

"Environmental activism gets a nocturnal twist in this utterly charming picture book about a young girl and her mission to save the bats! Amara loves bats! Her favorite thing to do is to collect bat facts and watch the amazing mammals fly at night by her house. But when Amara moves to a new town, she learns that her beloved bats no longer roost nearby because so many trees are being cut down. Amara is upset. What can she do to help? She’s just one person, and the problem feels so much bigger than her. But after doing some research, she discovers that there are many young people making big changes all around the world. Inspired to take action, Amara gathers her new friends to help save the bats. Together, she knows they can make a difference! Emma Reynolds crafts an inspiring story about community action, perseverance, and what to do in the face of climate anxiety. At its heart, this is a story about hope and finding a place to call home." -- publisher

Any Child Informational

Andromeda, Princess of Ethiopia / ʼItyap̣yāwitwa Leʻelt ʼAndromédā

2021

by Ellenore Angelidis, Leyla Angelidis, Worku L. Mulat and Daniel Getahun

"Since the beginning of humanity, Ethiopia was the origin of some of the most remarkable and important people in history. The bones of one of the first hominids, Lucy, were found in Ethiopia, and stories of legendary Ethiopians stretch back into ancient history. Some of these legends were so famous that they were recorded in ancient Greek Mythology. One of these is the story of the daughter of ancient Ethiopian King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia: Princess Andromeda. Andromeda’s beauty was so renowned that it ignited the jealousy of Poseidon, who sent a great sea monster to devour her. But her plight inspired the Greek hero Perseus to intervene in her rescue, and then to marry her. Their story of love and hardship was immortalized as constellations which are still visible in Ethiopian night skies." -- publisher

Folklore

Antonia

2021

by Dipacho

"Perfect for fans of Oliver Jeffers and Jon Klassen, this nearly wordless picture book tells a heartwarming and hopeful story of loss and new beginnings as a little girl and her dog, Antonia, journey with their family across a river to start a new life. Like so many people around the world facing difficult times, the little girl and her family in this eye-catching and emotionally satisfying picture book have had to leave their home. The girl has brought along her belongings and her friendly, curious dog, Antonia. While waiting for a boat to take them across a river, she plays with other children who’ve also brought pets—a duck and a bird. But on the other side of the river, Antonia goes missing in the brush. The girl is distraught, until a new friend releases his own pet bird from its cage in an extraordinary gesture of solidarity and freedom. With colorful, whimsical illustrations and an uplifting message of resilience, this US debut from a talented Colombian creator will leave readers with a full heart." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

Anxious Andy

2021

by Adam Ciccio and Myriam Berenschot

"Anxious Andy wants to do fun things with his friends. He watches them climb, run, and play, but he won’t join them because his worries keep getting in the way. His friends try to help him worry less and have fun, but it’s up to Andy to learn that there’s nothing to fear in trying." -- publisher

Any Child