My Beautiful Birds

Written and Illustrated by: Suzanne Del Rizzo

A very timely book about how families are being displaced in Syria told from the perspective of a young boy who could not bring his pet pigeons with him.  Del Rizzo says a lot by the kinds of birds she uses, going from pigeons, what most think of as a not very clean bird to the new birds the boy discovers -- a canary, finch and dove.  Who the little boy finds in the end as he comes to learn and accept the refugee camp.  Also of note is Del Rizzo's illustrations which appear to be made of clay giving them an almost three dimensional effect on the page. 

Good Night, Planet

Written and Illustrated by: Ricardo Liners

A cute story of what a beloved stuffed animal does when the child goes to sleep.  This is also a level stage 2 book for emerging readers.  From the title, Planet is the name of a stuffed rabbit who encounters the family dog and a house mouse who go on an adventure to find cookies.  Kids will love reading and listening to what happens with the stuffed animals after they go to sleep, but don't worry, Planet is back safe and sound snuggling with the little girl before she wakes up.

The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse

Written by: Mac Barnett
Illustrated by: Jon Klassen

A unique take on what happens when a wolf eats a smaller animal and how they can become unlikely friends.  The majority of the story is about life inside of a wolf and it ends up that it is pretty pleasant, until life gets a little too rowdy for the wolf and the eaten animals need to come on out and they all must face the hunter together. 

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned his ABCs the Hard Way

Written and Illustrated By: Patrick McDonnell

A fantastic new take on the ABCs.  A red cat goes on a wild goose chase away from an alligator and a bear.  McDonnell adds in some kooky elements like a chicken, who then lays and egg, who also end up on the chase.  Things take a turn when a dragon gets involved and the letters are then represented by items and barriers they encounter along their way.  

Welcome: A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivals

Written By: Mo Willems

A very cute welcoming book for babies and their parents.  Willems writes it in a matter of fact way, and includes everything from important information to funny and true comments.  The graphics are bright and bold and generic, like you would expect from an instruction manual. 

Hey, Boy

Written By: Benjamin Strouse
Illustrated By: Jennifer Phelan

This story is very similar to The Giving Tree in that the tone is very somber and it follows the same kind of cadence.  A boy meets a dog and loves him like only a boy can, but then the mom says he is not ready for the dog because he gets hurt.  The boy promises to be reunited again very soon but something always gets in the way.  If anything, this book will open up a lot of questions for young minds about life and aging.

I am Jim Henson

Written by: Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by: Christopher Eliopoulos

A story about Jim Henson and how he started his love of puppets and his life creating The Muppets and Sesame Street.  The book focuses on how Henson focused on doing what he loved and the love and support he received from his family that helped him get there.