Nubia: The Awakening
Omar Epps and Clarence Haynes

This looks like a fantastic new YA Fantasy book, which I love. After reading it, I'd love to talk about it with my 7–12th grade theater students, who also tend to read a lot of YA fantasy.

Books I'd like to give:

Moo, Baa, Fa la la la la!
Sandra Boynton

The incomparable Sandra Boynton writes “Seriously silly books for seriously silly kids” and her latest board book is no exception. I’d love to have a child on my lap exploring the ways cows, pigs, chickens, and lambs celebrate in this delightful book.

Attack of the Black Rectangles
Amy Sarig King

When sixth-grader Mac discovers several words in his textbook are blacked out, he, his friends, and his eccentric family set out to do something about the censorship imposed by one teacher and the school board.

One Winter Up North
John Owens

Without words, this lovely picture book shows the delights of being outdoors on a winter day in northern Minnesota.

A book I'd like to give:

The Ogress and the Orphans
Kelly Barnhill

This is an insightful fantasy and about generosity, kindness, and the importance of seeing through deception.  The book is a celebration of the capability of youth to” think outside the box,” and be able to recognize true friends when others about them fail to see the sorry state of the Emperor’s new wardrobe. I intend to give this book to some young people who delight in unmasking deception.

A book I'd like to receive:

The Christmas Book Flood
Emily Kilgore, illustrted by Kitty Moss

Because I have been to Iceland and have learned about many of their traditions, this book appeals to me and I hope to receive it. The very idea of a book flood seems like something to experience!

A book I'd like to give:

The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Mac Barnett, illustrations by Jon Klassen

The rich brown tones in the art style of this book is what drew my attention. As an adult I like to appreciate the books I’m reading to little ones in the family. Plus, a great story!

A book I'd like to give:

Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
Robin Wall Kimmerer, Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt

The original Braiding Sweetgrass is a book that touches you to the core: it comes to mind often, and gently nudges your perspectives on a variety of topics. What a fine source of discovery for almost any young adult!

Books I'd like to receive:

The Magic of MinaLima
MinaLima, Nell Denton

Oh my goodness! I’m frustrated that I can’t open the book right now and see what it contains! Harry Potter graphics! HARRY POTTER GRAPHICS!

The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

I have a small collection of special children’s books chosen for both their illustrations and their stories. The description of the book in Beagle’s online store and the brilliant cover illustration make me confident that this will be a prized addition to my mini library. And it’s the first in a series!