All the Colors of the Earth, written and illustrated by Sheila Hamanaka
This book shows paintings of happy children with a variety of skin and hair colors.  This book is also available in eAudiobook format through Overdrive.

Bein' With You This Way, written by W. Nikola-Lisa, and illustrated by Michael Bryant
Several children from different backgrounds have a fun time at the park.    This book is also available in Spanish book format and Spanish Kit CD format.

Being Friends, written by Karen Beaumont, and illustrated by Joy Allen
Two young girls have some similar interests and some different interests.  They are very good friends, and love to spend time together.

The Colors of Us, written and illustrated by Karen Katz
Lena, the young daughter of an artist, has many friends and neighbors, each with differen skin and hair colors.

I Love My Hair!, written by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, and illustrated by E.B. Lewis
A young girl named Keyana loves her hair, because she can wear it in a variety of styles created by her skillful and loving Mom.

This is the Way We Eat Our Lunch, written by Edith Baer, and illustrated by Steve Björkman     
Children all over the world enjoy a variety of foods for lunch with their families and friends.   This book includes three recipes as well as a glossary of different types of food.  

Whoever You Are, written by Mem Fox, and illustrated by Leslie Staub  
This book shows that children all over the world have many similarities, including loving their families, having emotions, and thinking about the future.    This book is also available in Spanish. 

Yo! Yes?, written and illustrated by Chris Raschka
Two boys meet and have a conversation using one word at a time.   This is a fun book for all children, including children learning how to read.   This is a Caldecott Honor book.

April is National Jazz Month.   Here are some books children and their loved ones may enjoy reading together:

The Candystore Man, written by Jonathan London, and illustrated by Kevin O'Malley
In the 1950's, the Candystore Man plays saxophone and sells candy and other treats to the neighborhood children and teens.  If you look closely, you will see a newspaper with the heading "Charlie 'Bird' Parker Dead at Age 35."

Jazz Baby, written by Carole Boston Weatherford, and illustrated by Laura Freeman
Young children play a variety of musical instruments, dance, and have fun.

Jazzmatazz!, written by Stephanie Calmenson, and illustrated by Bruce Degen
A baby notices a mouse start to play jazz music on the piano.  Dog soon starts to accompany Mouse with his dog bones and bowl.  Who else will join the jam session?

Jazzy Miz Mozetta, written by Brenda C. Roberts, and illustrated by Frank Morrison
One evening, Miz Mozetta dresses up in a snazzy red outfit and takes a walk.   While walking, she thinks about dancing again.  What will happen next?

Lookin' for Bird in the Big City, written by Robert Burleigh, and illustrated by Marek Los
A teenage trumpet player looks for Charlie "Bird" Parker, a famous saxophonist.   This story is inspired by the famous trumpet player Miles Davis.

Rent Party Jazz, written by William Miller, and illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb
Sonny goes to school, works part time, lives in New Orleans in the 1930's.   When Sonny's mom loses her job, Sonny learns about a special way to help out.

Rum-a-Tum-Tum, written by Angela Shelf Medearis, and illustrated by James Ransome
A girl who lives in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the early 1900's observes street vendors selling their goods with poetic and jazzy words.  Whom will she see next?

Hurray for Three Kings' Day, written by Lori Marie Carlson and illustrated by Ed Martinez is a story about a girl named Anita and her family, and how they celebrate the Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany.   The family's celebration begins on the evening of January 5, and continues into the evening of January 6.   This book is also available in Spanish.   

The Legend of Old Befana: an Italian Christmas Story, retold and illustrated by Tomie de Paola is a gentle story about Old Befana, who visits the children of Italy on the Feast of the Three Kings to leave them gifts.

Strega Nona's Gift is another delightful story by Tomie de Paola.  The reader learns about many Italian holidays, including the Eve of Epiphany, where it is believed that all animals can talk.   The author recommends another book, Celebrating Italy by Carol Field for additional information about Italian holidays.  

All of these books have interesting plots, cultural details, and beautiful illustrations.   Happy Reading!

Ringing in the New Year is done in many cultures, in many different ways, and at many different times of the year. Emery Bernhard's book, Happy New Year!, brightly illustrated by Durga Bernhard, introduces children to many different traditions from around the world. The book explores ancient and modern traditions from such varied places as Rome, Egypt, Bali, Ecuador, China and Japan. Adults are bound to learn new things from this book too!

During the month of October and the first few days of November, kids at the Edenvale Branch Library voted for their favorite books and series.   After the 151 votes were counted, we discovered that these are the most popular books in order of number of votes they received: 

Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park

Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney

Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald

Ivy + Bean series by Annie Barrows

Happy Reading!