by Pat Keough

We are so fortunate that our area is filled with talented authors/illustrators.  These are just a few new titles I have seen this spring.

Mordecai Gerstein’s A Book is not only entertaining but brilliantly executed. The unusual perspective and design bring to life a young girl’s search to find her own story.

Mo Willems keeps on turning out clever Piggie and Elephant early readers.  Elephants Cannot Dance uses graphic elements to tell a fine story wrapped with a gentle message.

Anna Alter’s recycling and reuse title, What Can You Do with an Old Red Shoe? features endearing illustrations and project ideas that  make this a treasure. Lots of ideas for summer entertainment!

Are you aware of the tallyman’s role in American history?  Jacqueline Davies’ Tricking the Tallyman:The Great Census Shenanigans of 1790 is a fine tale on its own but would work well also in early American history units. S.D.Schindler’s illustrations add to the humor of the story.

Giles Laroche wrote and illustrated the amazing What’s Inside?: Fascinating Structures around the World.  Join Giles on a world tour of building facades and their unexpected and glorious interiors.

Jarrett Krosoczka’s Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute is the first in a graphic series about a lunch lady who serves justice as well as lunch. Sure to amuse!

Grace Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon , a full-length novel with sensational color plates throughout,  is the story of Minli, a young Chinese boy eager to change his family’s fortune. Will his quest prove successful?

One book on my night table is Julie Berry’s fantasy, The Amaranth Enchantment by first-time novelist Julie Berry.

Another book on my night table is the YA  Secret Keeper, a novel of a young girl’s identity issues in Calcutta in the 1970s, by Mitali Perkins.

And if you are looking for a delightful afternoon read for yourself try Alan Bennett’s The Uncommon Reader.

And to think it’s only Spring!  Lots more good books yet to come!

Pat Keogh is a retired Library Teacher