There were many books released this week. Today we are sharing four of them about animals, community, friendship and more. They are all picture books, and each has a lesson in it. We will start with one about a hummingbird's annual migration. It is Hummingbird's Big Trip by G. Brian Karas. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
This triumphant story about a nervous hummingbird who faces his fears of migrating will remind readers that even the biggest challenges can be overcome through perseverance, courage, and self-confidence.Hummingbirds love summertime, flying and having fun! But when the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, that means one thing – the big trip is coming. All the hummingbirds are talking about the big trip…except for one who can’t help but worry.
While his friends are busy preparing for the journey, this little hummingbird is too anxious. All he can think about are the long days flying alone. What if I get lost? What if my wings get too tired to flap? Will I be able to find my winter home? he wonders. Luckily, his friends are there to reassure him, letting him know that he CAN do it—he has done it before! But when the day finally arrives, the hummingbird has a choice to make: will he stay, or will he spread his wings and fly south?
Young readers will find reassurance in this jubilant story, told in first person, about working through fears that seem impossible. Cheer on this little hummingbird as he discovers that, with patience and encouragement, even the tiniest creatures can overcome big challenges!
From Me:
Hummingbirds are such interesting birds. They are so small and have amazing abilities. This book the story follows one hummingbird who is nervous about his big flight south. He needs to face his fears and find his courage and strength to make the big trip. Can he do it?
I love how this book teaches a bit about hummingbirds and their big migration but does it in a way where one of them has to face fears, find courage and strength and believe in himself to do it. It is a story that teaches about self-confidence and a bit about the life of a hummingbird. The illustrations are fun and colorful and the message is educational. To learn more about hummingbirds check out these posts.
Our next book introduces a literary classic to a much younger group in a very fun way. The book is Call Me Moby by Lars Kenseth. It shares the whale's point of view and is recommended for ages 3 to 6.
About the Book:
An adorable white whale tries to make new friends with hilarious results in the debut picture book by New Yorker cartoonist Lars Kenseth.Meet Physeter Macrocephalus – but you can call him Moby.
He’s got the BIGGEST toothy smile, and he's always up for a game of tag. Plus his backflips can’t be beat! Who wouldn’t want to be his pal?
So when Moby encounters a ship full of sailors, he's eager to make a bunch of new friends. What could go wrong…?
Illustrated in bold full color, this funny, charming riff on the Herman Melville classic, Moby-Dick, is at its heart a story about making friends and belonging – and finding those who accept you for who you are. Perfect for fans of Jory John and Jon Klassen.
From Me:
Moby is looking for a friend. When he sees a ship on the horizon, he gets excited assuming new friends will be on board. The problem is the people on the ship do not see him as friendly but rather dangerous. When they are attacking him, Moby thinks they are tickling him and when he is tickled his tail goes a bit crazy and of course cause large waves. Moby realizes the people will not be his friend, but he moves on to find someone who will be his friend.
Our next book is about a young boy adopting a magical pet and having trouble taking care of it. He discovers his whole family will help and enjoy the pet. The book is Leo's Lobo by Melissa Cristina Márquez and illustrated by Maria Gabriela Gama. It is recommended for ages 5 to 8.
About the Book:
Melissa Cristina Márquez pens another story perfect for young readers and pet owners! Leo is on the search for the “perfect” pet and stumbles upon one in an unexpected place. But in this colorful and quirky picture book, he quickly learns that sometimes raising a pet requires a village.Leo is thrilled when he and his family enter a shelter so he can adopt a new pet, but after searching for a while, Leo doesn’t feel the connection he had hoped for and leaves feeling disappointed. On the way home, he and his family see a busy marketplace and find another shelter hidden inside: one for magical creatures! There Leo connects with an alebrije, their bond forming before they can even leave the shelter. But he quickly learns just how much responsibility comes with raising a pet.
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, globally renowned shark scientist, and author of Mother of Sharks and Sea of Constellations, returns celebrating Mexican culture, fantastical creatures, and community in this picture book encouraging readers to seek support when needed. Maria Gabriela Gama’s whimsical art brings the story to life and draws readers in as they learn alongside Leo the importance of asking for help, a lesson we can all use.
From Me:
In this book Leo does not connect with any of the animals at the shelter. His brother reassures him they will find the right pet for him. As his family is out and about, they discover a hidden shop that has alebrijes for adoption. Alebrijes are magical creatures in Mexico, so it teaches a bit of culture in the story as well. When Leo is picked by one of the alebrijes, he is so excited. He takes home his bright colored wolf. He is ready to take care of his special pet but discovers it is a lot of work and he really needs help. He learns that it is okay to ask for help and his family is happy to help him.
I love the colorful pictures and the story in this book. It is a wonderful reminder that everyone needs to ask for help every once in a while, and it is okay to do so. I love that Leo wants to do everything for his new pet but also learns to ask for help when it is too much. It is a fun book with humor and lots of bright colors! For more resources about Mexico check out these posts.
Our final book is a sweet picture book about the importance of community and neighbors. The book is The Sweater: A Story of Community by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Teagan White. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.
About the Book:
An unforgettable picture book about the power of kindness and the importance of community.As Holly takes her morning stroll in the thicket, she comes across a small bird. It was plain to see he’d been through some things. The bird is alone and trying to find shelter for the winter. And Holly knows exactly what to do to help.
Illustrating the transformative role a community can play in caring for its members, The Sweater is a powerful and poignant tale of compassion and acceptance.
From Me:
In this sweet book, Holly is out for a walk, and she discovers a new neighbor looking for a home. Holly changes her plans and walks through the neighborhood telling her neighbors about the new resident in their thicket. Each neighbor gives what they can, and Holly collects it all and checks on the bird before going home to begin her knitting. As fall is turning to winter Holly brings the bird a gift from all of the thicket--a new sweater to keep him warm for the winter. Then Holly shows the bird how to fill some of the holes so the wind cannot get into his house and the other animals of the thicket come to help as well. The winter is long and the animals are in their homes protected but some are lonely. The bird is grateful and as soon as the wind dies down for a bit he sings a song that helps tie the community together.
I love the community in this book. Holly sees a newcomer and stops what she was doing to help. She tells the other residents in the thicket of the newcomer and each of them shares something. Each also remembers being the newcomer and the toughness that life can bring. The animals take care of the bird but also of each other. The thicket is a neighborhood where they each care for one another. It is such a wonderful message of how helping others ties us all together.
I love the community in this book. Holly sees a newcomer and stops what she was doing to help. She tells the other residents in the thicket of the newcomer and each of them shares something. Each also remembers being the newcomer and the toughness that life can bring. The animals take care of the bird but also of each other. The thicket is a neighborhood where they each care for one another. It is such a wonderful message of how helping others ties us all together.
