A Horn is Born
By Borders, Bill
Illustrator Chernov, Melizza

2020-11 – Hardcover
Blue Whale Press
9781950169399
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“It’s a welcome addition to not just picture books about music, but those encouraging flexibility, adaptive thinking, and approaches to reinventing one’s life purpose. Very, very highly recommended as a standout picture book story.”–D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review.

“It’s a welcome addition to not just picture books about music, but those encouraging flexibility, adaptive thinking, and approaches to reinventing one’s life purpose. Very, very highly recommended as a standout picture book story.”–D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“I can’t think of a better way to introduce a young reader to the magic of music and tempt them to discover, like Old Shoehorn, where their musical talents may lie. The story is beautifully told, and the illustrations bring life to everything imagined.” — Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of musicians in a backstage room, Shoehorn has nothing to do but slide stocking feet into shoes and life is dull. But he knows he is destined for something greater-something that will rival the group’s trio of bullies: Trumpet, Trombone, and Flute. Shoehorn takes their bullying in stride and refuses to let those blowhards dent his pride. He waits patiently for his big break until one day, with a twist of fate, Shoehorn saves the day and shines brighter than the best-in-the-band.

” . . . an excellent teaching tool for introducing different instruments to children. The theme of bullying is also well represented, as it shows to young readers how looking down on others is not only unacceptable: it shows that there may come a time when that bullied individual is needed to help save the day” — Bruce Arrington for Readers’ Favorite

The Couch Potato
By John, Jory
Illustrator Oswald, Pete

2020-11 – Hardcover
HarperCollins
9780062954534
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Feeling fried? Peel yourself on the couch and meet your new pal-tato The winning fourth picture book from the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, and The Cool Bean, Jory John and Pete Oswald, will get you and your kids moving.

The Couch Potato has everything within reach and doesn’t have to move from the sunken couch cushion. But when the electricity goes out, Couch Potato is forced to peel away from the comforts of the living room and venture outside. Could fresh air and sunshine possibly be better than the views on screen?

Readers of all ages will laugh along as their new best spuddy learns that balancing screen time and playtime is the root to true happiness.

Check out Jory John and Pete Oswald’s other funny, bestselling books for kids 4-8 and anyone who wants a laugh:
• The Bad Seed
• The Good Egg
• The Good Egg Presents: The Great Eggscape
• That’s What Dinosaurs Do

The Little Mermaid
By Pinkney, Jerry

2020-11 – Hardcover
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
9780316440318
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In this captivating reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic, Caldecott medalist and bestselling artist Jerry Pinkney conjures a poignant friendship story and an epic tale of redemption — the definitive new version for our time.

Melody, the littlest sea princess, is not content just to sing in the choir of mermaids like her sisters. She is an explorer who wonders about what lies above the water’s surface . . . especially the young girl she has spied from a distance. To meet her requires a terrible sacrifice: she trades her beautiful voice for a potion that gives her legs, so that she may live on land instead. It seems like a dream come true at first. But when trouble stirs beneath the ocean, Melody faces another impossible choice — stay with her friend, or reclaim her true identity and save her family.

Legendary artist Jerry Pinkney’s singular reinvention of this tale about love and sacrifice empowers young, twenty-first century girls with the strong message that “you should never give up your voice . . . for anyone.”

And the People Stayed Home
By O’Meara, Kitty

2020-11 – Hardcover
Tra Publishing
9781734761788
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“Kitty O’Meara…offers us wisdom that can help during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. She is challenging us to grow.”–Deepak Chopra, MD, author, Metahuman

“Kitty O’Meara is the poet laureate of the pandemic”–O, The Oprah Magazine

“An eloquent, heartwarming reflection that will resonate with generations to come… encouragement for a brighter tomorrow.”–Kate Winslet

“And the People Stayed Home is an uplifting perspective on the resilience of the human spirit and the healing potential we have to change our world for the better.” –Shelf Awareness

“Images of nature healing show the author’s vision of hope for the future…The accessible prose and beautiful images make this a natural selection for young readers, but older ones may appreciate the work’s deeper meaning.”– Kirkus Reviews

“This is a perfectly illustrated version of a poem that continues to be relevant.”–School Library Journal

“A stunning and peaceful offering of introspection and hope.”–The Children’s Book Review

“It captured the kind of optimism people need right now.”–Esquire (UK)

And the People Stayed Home is a beautifully produced picture book featuring Kitty O’Meara’s popular, globally viral prose poem about the coronavirus pandemic, which has a hopeful and timeless message.

Kitty O’Meara, author of And the People Stayed Home, has been called the “poet laureate of the pandemic.” This illustrated children’s book (ages 4-8) will also appeal to readers of all ages.

O’Meara’s thoughtful poem about the pandemic, quarantine, and the future suggests there is meaning to be found in our shared experience of the coronavirus and conveys an optimistic message about the possibility of profound healing for people and the planet. Her words encourage us to look within, listen deeply, and connect with ourselves and the earth in order to heal.

O’Meara, a former teacher and chaplain and a spiritual director, clearly captures important aspects of the pandemic experience. Her words, written in March 2020 and shared on Facebook, immediately resonated nationally and internationally and were widely circulated on social media, covered in mainstream news media, and inspired an outpouring of creativity from musicians, dancers, artists, filmmakers, and more. The many highlights include an original composition by John Corigliano that was premiered by Ren e Fleming.

A Long Road on a Short Day
By Schmidt, Gary D.
Author Stickney, Elizabeth
Illustrator Yelchin, Eugene

2020-11 – Hardcover
Clarion Books
9780544888364
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A tender story of a father-son adventure with themes of community and kindness, in short chapters with vivid full-color illustrations, by bestseller and Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt and acclaimed artist Eugene Yelchin.

In a story of perseverance and determination told with warmth and sparkling with humor, a short winter day finds Samuel and Papa walking a long road on Samuel’s first trading trip. Meeting strangers, practicing good manners, and proud to be in Papa’s company, Samuel watches and learns as Papa trades up from almost nothing to the milk cow Mama is yearning for. Simple text combines with vivid illustrations for a satisfying tale that will resonate with readers who enjoy an adventure with dad.

Llama Llama Loose Tooth Drama
By Dewdney, Anna
Illustrator Morrow, Jt

2020-11 – Hardcover
Viking Books for Young Readers
9780593206034
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Llama Llama loses his loose tooth in this new hardcover adventure, part of Anna Dewdney’s New York Times bestselling series

Llama Llama’s tooth is wiggling Is it time for his first tooth to come out?

He’s excited, but anxious. Who is this tooth fairy everyone talks about? Mama Llama reassures him; the tooth will come out when it’s good and ready. But no one is ready for what happens next…Suddenly, the tooth is GONE Where did it go? And will the tooth fairy come at all, now?

Anna Dewdney’s fun-to-read rhyme is full of humor and comfort, and of course, a very happy ending.

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