Primary (ages 6-9)

Material appropriate for primary age groups

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse

Rediscover the tale of the simple country mouse, magically retold by Helen Ward. Beguiled by his cousin’s amazing tales, the country mouse visits the electric city. Unfortunately the town mouse forgot to mention that the city has a lot of noise, tall buildings . . . and dangerous dogs! Helen Ward’s 1930s New York at Christmas is at once gorgeous and frighteningly busy. In the end the reader understands both why the town mouse loves his exciting life and why the country mouse is content with his peaceful home.

Hands around the Library: Protecting Egypt’s Treasured Books

In January 2011, in a moment that captured the hearts of people all over the world, thousands of Egypt’s students, library workers, and demonstrators surrounded the great Library of Alexandria and joined hands, forming a human chain to protect the building. They chanted “We love you, Egypt!” as they stood together for the freedom the library represented.

Illustrated with Susan L. Roth’s stunning collages, this amazing true story demonstrates how the love of books and libraries can unite a country, even in the midst of turmoil.

Miss Sally Ann and the Panther

Miss Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind and Fireyes the panther engage in an epic wrestling match before becoming “great and glorious” friends.

Oliver

Oliver is different. He enjoys his solitude. He likes playing with his friends, who are puppets, stuffed animals, and other toys. With his rich imagination, Oliver’s day is never dull. There are bridges to cross, sharks to fight, and treasures to find! But maybe toys don’t always give a boy everything he needs. Maybe he needs another kind of companion. Will Oliver discover a way to be, well, different? When his tennis ball rolls across the lawn into the yard of the girl next door, he just might be surprised.

But I’ve Used All of My Pocket Change

A sweet, funny lesson in economics as only Lola can teach itLola has lots of pocket money and is very excited to buy a new toy in the gift shop on a trip to the zoo. But she spends a little here and there, and before she knows it, she doesn’t have enough left for her toy. Big brother Charlie shares his money, but then isn’t able to get the book he wanted. With her typical exuberance, when Lola finds this out, she begins saving everything: a tangerine from lunch, bread for the ducks at the pond, and most importantly, her pocket change. Finally, she is able to help out her big brother when he needs a few extra coins.With a focus on frugality, the latest in the award-winning series is a terrific helper for those just learning about money.

The Greatest Liar on Earth: A True Story

There is not a whisper when Louis de Rougemont steps onto the stage to recount his astonishing experiences on the sea and in lands far away. It is a breathtaking tale of catastrophe and miraculous events. A monster with enormous tentacles! A sea turtle big enough to ride! Fish raining from the sky! Cannibals! But critics say he is an imposter with a gift for spinning yarns. Are Louis’s tales true? Or is he the greatest liar on Earth? Bold, whimsical artwork brings to life the tale of an early-twentieth-century man who held audiences rapt while his critics dubbed him a hoaxer of the highest degree. A fun slice of history sure to inspire a lively discussion of truth, fabrication, and the gray areas in-between.

Brave Squish Rabbit

Squish, a little rabbit who is afraid of nearly everything, ventures into the night during a storm to find his friend, Twitch, who he fears may have encountered chickens.

Monsieur Marceau

Marcel Marceau, the world’s most famous mime, enthralled audiences around the world for more than fifty years. When he waved his hand or lifted his eyebrow he was able to speak volumes without ever saying a word. But few know the story of the man behind those gestures…

Distinguished author Leda Schubert and award-winning artist Gerard DuBois bring their own artistry to this picturebook biography.

Going to Mecca

We are led on the journey of a lifetime to the city of Mecca – the pilgrimage known to Muslims as the Hajj. The pilgrims walk with heads bare and feet in sandals; they call to Allah; they kiss or point to the Black Stone, as the Prophet did. Arriving at Mecca, they surge round the Ka’aba, shave their heads and travel to Mount Arafat. Finally, though their bodies are tired and aching, their spirits are uplifted, knowing that with thousands of others they have performed the sacred pilgrimage. This is a window on to a sacred journey for Muslims the world over – beautifully described and illustrated for younger children in mixed media and collage.