Primary (ages 6-9)

Material appropriate for primary age groups

Kokeshi Kimonos

Inspired by traditional Japanese dolls, this book introduces readers to the Kokeshis’ kimonos and hair-dos as well as Japanese culture. This book contains die-cut pages, flaps and gatefolds.

Friends: True Stories of Extraordinary Animal Friendships

What makes a camel friends with a Vietnamese pig?  Or a wild polar bear with a sled dog?   In a young preschool book, Catherine Thimmesh makes us wonder at the truth and mystery of unlikely animal friendships.  Because the stories behind these friendships are true, not contrived, they not only give readers insight into animals, but challenge preconceived notions about compatability.  Without becoming didactic or laden with message, this book expresses tolerance of differences and makes us look the kindness of animals — and humans — a little differently.

Moon Rope: Un Lazo a la Luna

An adaptation of the Peruvian folktale in which Fox and Mole try to climb to the moon on a rope woven of grass.

Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India

Monkey is hungry for the delicious mangoes on the island in the river, but he can’t swim! How will he get there? Crocodile offers to carry Monkey across the water on his back, so Monkey hops aboard. Trouble is, Crocodile is hungry, too—for Monkey! Will clever Monkey come up with a way to get the mangoes and escape Crocodile’s sharp teeth?   Master storyteller and artist Gerald McDermott brings the vibrant colors of India to his telling of this classic trickster tale, which has plenty of cleverness and a sprinkling of mischief.

The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont

While the Wright Brothers were gliding over Kitty Hawk, the charming Brazilian Alberto Santos-Dumont was making his own mark on the history of flight. Alberto loved floating over Paris in his personal flying machine called a dirigible. He would tie it to a post, climb down, and spend the day shopping or meeting friends for coffee. But he wanted to make his invention even better. By 1906, Alberto had transformed his balloon into a box with wings! But now there was competition. Another inventor challenged Alberto to see who would be the first in flight. Alberto’s hard work paid off, and his airplane successfully soared into the air, making him the first pilot to lift off and land a completely self-propelled plane.

Cattle Kids: A Year On The Western Range

Presents a photo essay about boys and girls who live and work on their families’ cattle ranches, taking part in many activities including calving, branding, and rounding up the herd.

See the review at WOW Review, Volume 4, Issue 1

Buffalo Dreams

Having traveled with her family to see a newly born white buffalo and give her gifts, Sarah Bearpaw experiences a magic moment with the special calf. Includes a legend of the white buffalo and instructions for making a dreamcatcher.

See the review at WOW Review, Volume 4, Issue 1

George Flies South

A little bird waiting in his nest for his mother to bring back food is blown into the sky, nest and all, by a great wind. Will he be able to fly? Autumn is coming, and George sits in his little nest, not quite ready to learn to fly even though his mom says it is time to head south for the winter. But when a gust of wind swoops George and his nest out of the tree and onto the roof of a car, George is off whether he likes it or not! With his mom following along chirping encouragement, George must gain the confidence to fly before his nest blows away entirely.

The Rooster Prince of Breslov

This picture book brings a light touch and engaging silliness to the story of a prince who rejects the lavish luxury of his upbringing in favor of a life as . . . a rooster. The only person who can persuade the prince to reconsider is neither a doctor nor a magician but a wise teacher who is willing to become a rooster too.