What’s the Difference: 40+ Pairs of the Seemingly Similar

A fascinating look at pairs of seemingly similar things with side by side comparisons that clarify subtle but important differences.  The pairs that we’re intrigued with so far — rabbits and hares, clementines and mandarins, the Netherlands and Holland, basilicas and cathedrals and seas and oceans.  A great way to satisfy curiosity, learn about those little details you’ve always wondered about and get in a good dose of engaging nonfiction during the summer.

What’s the Difference: 40+ Pairs of the Seemingly Similar was written by Emma Strack, illustrated by Guillaume Plantevin and published by Chronicle Books.

The Dress and the Girl

So much more than about a girl and her favorite dress, this poignant story is about inevitable change, journeys, separation, reunion and the story of our days.  It’s also about how our possessions become a part of who we are and part of our life’s narrative.  And how they endure, either in memory or eventually taking on a new life of their own.  One of our absolute favorites this year.

The Dress and the Girl was written by Camille Andros, illustrated by Julie Morstad and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers.  It’ll be out on August 7.

Mae’s First Day of School

Little Mae’s got the worst case of first day jitters in the history of first days of school.  She flat out IS. NOT. GOING.  It’s up to Mae’s very understanding and creative teacher to allay Mae’s fears and she does so in a pretty brilliant way.  Let’s hear it for amazing teachers...and that unforgettably nervous but magical energy of the first day of school.  We highly recommend Mae’s story for any reluctant kids who might need a little laugh and easing of nerves before their momentous first day.

Mae’s First Day of School was written and illustrated by Kate Berube and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Picnic with Oliver

Best friends Oliver and Philbert do everything together.  When their plans to go on a picnic are derailed more than a couple of times, their quick thinking and inventiveness gets their merry day back on track.  A delightful and lighthearted tale of friendship and misadventure.

Picnic with Oliver was written and illustrated by Mika Song and published by HarperCollins.

The Truth about My Unbelievable School

School might be the furthest thing from our minds at the moment, but you won’t want to miss this amusing story about the unbelievably absurd school that Harry attends.  Harry is asked by his teacher to give a new classmate a school tour.  He feels like there’s not much to see, but readers might disagree when they see the class pet (a jellyfish of Brobdingnagian proportions), an entire amusement park in the branches of a tree out in the schoolyard, and the boat ride one has to take through the underground cavern to get to the principals’s office.  Oh, and let’s not forget the peculiar otherworldly teachers on staff.  A great and quirky story to keep in mind for when back to school rolls around.

The Truth about My Unbelievable School was written by Davide Cali, illustrated by Benjamin Chaud and published by Chronicle Books.