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Pre K to 2nd grade
Sam & Dave Dig a Hole. Written by Mac Barnett & illustrated by Jon Klassen
Have you ever wondered what happens if you dig far enough into the ground? What kind of treasures lay hidden beneath the surface? Is it really possible to dig a hole to China? Barnett and Klassen, also known for Extra Yarn, are back in a new collaboration that begs to be read aloud. Readers will cheer on Sam and Dave as they get close to something so spectacular. With an unexpected and open-ended conclusion, children will want to read this adventure again and again.
Gone Fishing. Written by Tamera Will Wissinger & illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Sam eagerly awaits his first fishing trip with his father, until his pesky sister Lucy wriggles her way into the middle of their fun. Nominated for a Volunteer State Book Award 2015-2016, this book will hook you right away. Wissinger makes use of poetic forms such a Haiku, counting poems, and list poems, capturing the excitement of making the “big catch.” A great pick for beginning chapter book readers, Gone Fishing will appeal to both brothers and sisters, and anyone who has ever baited a hook.
Mousetronaut Goes to Mars. Written by Mark Kelly & illustrated by C.F. Payne
Meteor, a pocket-sized space explorer, returns in this newest book by retired NASA commander Mark Kelly. Embarking on a six-month journey to Mars, Meteor stows away to become the red planet’s first mouse. Stargazers ages 3 to 8 will enjoy the colorful artwork and informational details on space included in the afterward. Bring Moustronaut along this summer when you campout under the stars.
3rd to 5th graders
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. Written by Chris Grabenstein
Fans of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory will gobble up this fun summer read. The children of Alexandriaville learn that the world’s most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed a new library in the old bank. They soon discover that getting out is more fun than getting in. Readers will have their knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System and classic children’s books put to the test. This puzzling read will transport your child into a world of epic game proportions. Put on your thinking cap for this New York Times Bestseller and Children’s Book of the Year treasure.
A Snicker of Magic. Written by Natalie Lloyd
Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, a fictional town once revered for magic, welcomes its newest residents. Felicity and Frannie Jo Pickle find themselves wondering if Midnight Gulch will, in fact, be their new home. Suffering from a free-range heart, their momma has never kept them in one place long enough to make a real friend. Felicity discovers that her special and topic secret talent, word collecting, is extraordinary in its own way. With the help of characters such as the Beedle, readers will find themselves transported to an especially magical place this summer.
The Fourteenth Goldfish. Written by Jennifer L. Holm
Winner of three Newberry Honors, Jennifer L. Holm invites readers on the unpredictable journey of Ellie Cruz and her grandfather, Melvin, who discovers the impossible: how to reverse aging. Intermediate students will eagerly tag along as Ellie maneuvers the uncertainty of a new middle school, making and keeping friends, and her budding love of science. Not only is this new book a New York Times Bestseller, but Literacy Mid-South has selected this as the Citywide Book Club 2015 Book of Choice. Copies are available for purchase at The Booksellers at Laurelwood.