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  Michael Le Soufflé and the April...

  Peter Welling

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  “[A] slapstick story about the possible origin of April Fools’ Day” from the award-winning author of Shawn O’Hisser, the Last Snake in Ireland (Booklist).   Once upon a time in 1564, Charles IX, the king of France, ruled that the first day of the year would be January 1 instead of April 1. Those who forgot the change and celebrated New Year’s Day on April 1 were ridiculed by having fish thrown at them.   In the skilled hands of Peter Welling, this history takes on a hilarious dimension. In the French town of Bakonneggs, there exists a rivalry between the Mayor Melon de Plume, a pig, and a prankster rooster, Michael Le Soufflé. The mayor lacks a sense of humor and is annoyed to be disturbed from his slumber by Michael’s crowing laughter. He issues new laws (including a ban on all feathers), but the town continues, under the rooster’s leadership, to laugh and play.   Then one day, Michael posts a law, signed by the king, on the official oak tree: New Year’s Day will no longer be April 1. Melon rebels, and when he still celebrates April 1 as New Year’s Day, the king orders that he be pelted with fish until he comes to his senses. Undaunted, Melon scoops up the fallen fish and hosts a big party, starting an annual day of celebration we now know as April Fools’ Day.   Populated by a menagerie of animals and creatures real and imagined, including a crafty crew of gargoyles, Michael Le Soufflé and the April Fool is sure to keep readers young and old coming back to discover new laughs on every page.

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  Te Hiakai Tangata - The Taniwha...

  Hirini Moko Mead

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  This is a story of a taniwha that lives beside a track between villages and menaces travellers and the surrounding iwi. When a chief's son is taken by the taniwha, Te Hiakai, the people devise many plans to trap and kill the taniwha, but each time Te Hiakai outwits them. In the end, Pōhutukawa, a chief's daughter, speaks to the taniwha. Through her words a spell is broken, and the taniwha transforms into a young warrior, Te Haeata, who had been cursed by a tohunga long ago. Pōhutukawa and Te Haeata fall in love and live out their lives together. But Te Haeata never quite shakes off the spell, and in old age, he transforms into an eel and becomes a guardian in the Rangitāiki river.

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  The Scent of Apples

  Jacquie McRae

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  Libby has an idyllic life on an apple orchard and is close to her grandfather, a cider maker. When he dies in a freak accident, Libby is devastated. She finds it difficult to talk to her parents about her feelings as her mother seems cold and her father says little. Grieving, angry, and feeling distant from her parents who are struggling with their own relationship, she begins compulsively pulling her hair out. To get away from the unhappiness, Libby unwillingly goes to boarding school. There, she befriends Charlie, and goes to stay with her family, which is warm, friendly and fun. While there, Libby enjoys being part of all the outdoor adventures and gains new perspectives on herself and her parents. This young adult novel is a story of strong friendships and growing understanding that combine to overcome difficulties.

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  Catherine the Great and Her...

  Karen Swensen

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  “Your child will make you read this one over and over and over again. The best part is that your kids will learn life lessons without even knowing it!” —Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of the Today show   Catherine is an only child, but she’s never alone. She has Baby Doll, Lamb, Mr. Elephant, Lady Ladybug, and Bonnie Bunny to keep her giggling all afternoon with their stories and antics. While the tagalongs tease each other about their shortcomings, Catherine the Great, with her insightful, big brown eyes, sees the goodness in them all.   In the end, everyone has learned to share and be good to one another, and Catherine is ready to take on more adventures.   Filled with charming dialogue and plenty of silly situations, this makes for a wonderful read-aloud book.  “With each turn of the page you seem to share a kindred spirit with Catherine and her ‘tagalong crowd,’ and you almost secretly wish that she would invite you, too, to join in the tea party.” —Frank Davis, Naturally N’Awlins host, WWL-TV

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  Grown-ups Never Do That

  Benjamin Chaud, Davide Cali

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  A picture book reminding us that everyone is human and makes mistakes . . . even grown-ups: “Hilarious.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)   Whether it’s forgetting to do chores, running late, or burping, no adult would ever behave so poorly—at least, that’s what you might think. By the end of this outrageous, laugh-out-loud picture book, you’ll know better . . .   From the duo behind Junior Library Guild selection I Didn’t Do My Homework Because and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School, this relatable and rollicking tale will have kids (and the adults who read with them) in stitches—and remind them that it’s okay not to be perfect all the time . . . and that manners exist for a reason.   “Illustrated with irony-laden wit . . . Delightfully droll text.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A fun, simple, and goofy read for both adults and kids.” —School Library Journal   “Comically elegant, jewel-toned vignettes by Chaud, which detail an entire page of adult klutzes, a cheating chess player, and an amusing four-panel sequence of a father staring at his phone from breakfast to bedtime, hit the mark every time.” —Publishers Weekly

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  Know-It-Alls! Predators

  Kenn Goin

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  As part of the unique, science Know-It-Alls! Series that features stunning covers and engaging text, this book puts the spotlight on Predators! Did you know in one leap the black panther can cover 25 feet (7.6m)? A panther can also jump 12 feet (3.6m) high! Learn all about the black panther, tiger, wolf, sea otter, mamba, snake, praying mantis, spider, scorpion, killer whale, great white shark, and bald eagle! Awesome life-like illustrations and informative stat boxes, filled with interesting facts, make this 24-page book fun and exciting for young science enthusiasts age 4 and up! Titles in the Know-It-Alls! Series  include: Butterflies, Crocodiles, Dinosaurs, Farm Animals, Safari Babies, Snakes, Sharks, Spiders, Whales, Wolves, Puppies, Wild Cats, Bugs, Birds of Prey, Fish, Frogs, Apes, Seals, Bats, Bears, Predators, Mummies, Volcanoes, Lizards, Kittens and Horses.

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