Big Papa and the Time Machine

Big Papa and the Time Machine
by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2020

A young boy is nervous about starting school. His grandfather shows up in his 1952 Ford to take them way, way back. They visit points in Big Papa's life, from his childhood in Arkansas to working high up in the sky in Chicago. Along the way, the boy learns that being brave can mean many different things.

Illustrated in gorgeous shades of blue, green, and yellow, this book takes you on a journey through the decades. Looking at moments in African American history, the story shows us what courage looks like.

Rocket Says Look Up!

Rocket Says Look Up!
by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola
New York: Random House, 2019

Rocket Says Look Up! is the story about Rocket, a little girl who is fascinated by space exploration. She wants to be just like Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, when she grows up. When she finds out the Phoenix Meteor Showers will be visible that night, she makes flyers and gets her entire neighborhood interested. But will her big brother Jamal ever look up from his phone?

This wonderfully illustrated story is perfect for aspiring explorers and space fans of all ages. It shows how one person's enthusiasm can impact an entire community.

 

The Kid and the Chameleon

The Kid and the Chameleon
by Sheri Mabry, illustrated by Joanie Stone
Chicago: Albert Whitman & Company, 2019

The Kid and the Chameleon is the first book in a new series. Tessy the human girl meets Newton the chameleon and says they can be friends. Newton isn't too sure. Tessy and Newton show each other things they like to do and foods they like to eat, but nothing is fun for both of them. Is there a way they can still be friends?

This early reader book has five chapters and lots of great illustrations. It shows how friends don't have to like the same things to still have fun together, as long as they listen to each other.

I Voted: making a choice that makes a difference

I Voted: making a choice that makes a difference
by Mark Shulman, illustrated by Serge Bloch
New York: Holiday House, 2020

This book is an easy to understand explanation of what voting is, why it is important, and how it affects people, from kids to grownups. No matter how old you are, you've got opinions (is ice cream better than cupcakes?) and any time you choose, you've voted! People can vote on things from a classroom pet all the way up to the President of the United States.

This fun book talks about the basics of choice and voting, and its importance throughout life. The branches of the national government are described in the back and humorous illustrations capture politics throughout the pages.

Trio of Art Books for Young Readers

Three great new books on artists and their styles recently arrived in the Children's Room at Galesburg Public Library! You can find them in the new book spinner by the giant pencil.

Kahlo's Koalas: 1, 2, 3, Count Art with Me 
by Grace Helmer
Missouri: Andrews McMeel Universal, 2019 

Kahlo's Koalas is a fantastic board book that teaches kids how to count to ten with a variety of animals and artistic styles. Inside, the koalas on the cover have dark eyebrows and flowery headdresses, Picasso's panda is shown in his distinctive style, and more. A very brief biography and description of each artist's style is listed in the back two pages. Modern art style has never been my strong suit, and I really enjoyed this book as a basic introduction to matching names with images.




                                        Jackson Pollock Splashed Paint and Wasn't Sorry.

Yves Klein Painted Everything Blue and Wasn't Sorry.

by Fausto Gilberti
New York City and London: Phaidon Press, 2019


Fausto Gilberti is an award-winning illustrator and author whose children's books have recently been translated into English. Yves Klein Painted Everything Blue and Wasn't Sorry. and Jackson Pollock Splashed Paint and Wasn't Sorry. are both charming biographies that follow their subjects with fun illustrations (and lots of blue and splashes, respectively). 

The Runaway Princess

The Runaway Princess
By Johan Troianowski
New York: RH Graphic, an imprint of Random House Children's Books: 2020

The Runaway Princess is a graphic novel about Robin who constantly finds herself away from her home. From being kidnapped, to meeting (and trying to help) other kids like herself, to fighting pirates and meeting doodlers, Robin's life is full of adventures. Will she ever find her way back home?

The graphics in this book are bright and colorful and engaging. Readers will even be faced with some puzzles along the way to help the characters solve problems and make decisions. 

The Princess in Black and the Bathtime Battle

The Princess in Black and the Bathtime Battle  (#6)

By Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2019

The next book in the Princess in Black series is full of foul-smelling humor. When a cloud of stink takes over the goat pasture, it is up to Princess in Black and other masked heroes to figure out what is causing the smell and how to get rid of it. 

This book (and series) is perfect for those who are beginning to read chapter books and love a little adventure and humor.