Hiromi’s Hands

Growing up in New York City, Hiromi Suzuki misses spending time with her father, a sushi chef who works long hours in the family’s Japanese restaurant. So one day when she is eight years old, Hiromi begs her father to take her to the Fulton Fish Market, where he buys fresh fish. Hiromi is fascinated by what she sees and learns; by the time she is thirteen, she is ready to take the next step. She asks her father to teach her to make sushi. Little does Hiromi realize that her request would lead her to the forefront of a minor culinary revolution, as women claimed their place in the once all-male world of sushi chefs. Hiromi’s Hands is the true story of a young girl’s determination to follow her dream, and a tribute to the loving family who supported her.

Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur!: A Palestinian Folktale

There was once a woman who had a little pot for a child. The little pot made lots of noise as she rolled everywhere. Unfortunately she wasn’t old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. That naughty pot ran off with things that did not belong to her until she learned her lesson.

Good Night, Animals

A playful nighttime story for animal loversBubble and Pearl are going to sleep in a tent outdoors all night. How exciting! They each have a sleeping bag and a pillow, and Bubble has brought his flashlight. Good thing, too, as it’s getting dark. But what are those strange noises? Who is padding around outside the tent? Does someone want to come in?

Mechanimals

There was a farmer who had lots of animals that got swept away by a tornado. The twister left behind a mountain of scrap metal and machine parts.  When a tornado leaves a farmer with a heap of scrap metal and no animals, his neighbors are sure it’s all over for him. But the determined farmer refuses to admit defeat. His plans are big, and when his neighbors dismiss them with the words, When pigs fly, they grow bigger still. The farmer sets to work to turn that scrap metal into some surprising creatures.

Who’s Scaring Alfie Atkins?

Alfie is not afraid of ghosts, but when it’s getting late, he is worried that ghosts would come. When he is alone or it is dark, he is scared of ghosts.

Franny’s Friends

Franny and her friends are going on an outing. They find a cozy little place under a tree for a picnic. After a delicious snack, it’s time for an expedition. But Franny has so many friends to keep track of. And suddenly Itty Bitty Kitty and Little Heddy are gone. But no worries, they can’t have wandered too far off. And when the group searches together, it isn’t long before the missing friends are located.

The Strongest Man in the World

Strongman and circus owner Louis Cyr captured the world’s imagination with his remarkable feats of strength and mammoth proportions. Set in Quebec at the turn of the 20th century, this visual biography features the celebrity in his old age, recalling his glory days for his young daughter. In vivid detail he recounts his adventures traveling through Europe performing feats of strength that astounded audiences and remain unsurpassed today. Nicholas Debon’s vibrant illustrations and moving text bring the world of circuses and celebrities from long ago to life for young readers.

Bear’s Day Out

Bear usually spends his days singing to himself and wading playfully through the water in his cave by the sea. But then, one day, he hears the noises of the city traveling on the wind, and he decides to give city life a try. At first, the sights and smells are new and exciting. But when the hustle and bustle of the people, the markets, and the traffic all become too much for Bear, it will take a little bit of kindness from some helpful young strangers to get him back home again. Bestselling author Michael Rosen’s rhythmic text and Adrian Reynolds’ adorable, lively illustrations make this a perfect read-aloud for story time.

Once Upon a Wedding

The bride and groom had always dreamed of having little angels in their wedding party. Instead they get Agnes, John, and Paul. On the day of the wedding, Agnes wants to be a bride, not a flower girl; John discovers a loose tooth; and Paul has a serious case of ants in his pants. All three find out that a wedding, while beautiful, can get a bit boring. It’s much more fun to play African jungle under the banquet tables.