Keep our oceans & waterways clean

 This book has gorgeous, inviting illustrations that make you fall in love with Sydney and his generous, helpful heart. *The lesson is clear...humanity's reliance on disposable items is a bad idea for all of nature. :( Included are facts about seals and ideas about how to take better care of the earth. Some small simple changes in our lifestyles can make a world of difference! I like that we learn that our behaviors can have implications that we do not necessarily see or think about. This is a good thing to think about, even as a child!

Sweetness

 

This gorgeous book emphasizes that everyone matters, no matter how small and no matter how different! A library promotional campaign created a poster and bookmarks using the artwork in the book as the theme. Perfect!

A celebration of lap-sit!

I loved how this book showed the joy of sharing a book by sitting on a loved one's lap. It reminded me of a cool catchphrase from a few years back..."There is no app to replace your lap."

A strong picture book about white privilege

A white child's growing awareness of problems of racism (around her) is central to this book. I love that white activist librarian Juliette Hampton Morgan is featured in the book. Also, that the author/illustrator explains that she has been making books by hand her whole life to cope...and that we (the readers) can, too. Finally, I like that listening to Toni Morrison compelled Anastasia to create this book.

The world is colorful!

This is a gorgeous book that introduces the reader to Holi, Day of the Dead, and Chinese New Year. Cultures and places are noted. The message is that colors are significant to all cultures and we personally identify with certain colors. Very nice!

Perfect graduation gift for anyone!

When in doubt, pretend to be Todd Parr!

A most excellent article:
https://www.npr.org/2019/10/28/773550158/when-in-doubt-pretend-to-be-todd-parr