The Library Link December/January 2017 | Page 19

#EPISDlibraries / 19

"Sayonara!" to his alarmed mother as he runs out of the room with his sister on his back. The text in this book is large, multi-colored, and energetic, synthesizing perfectly with the illustrations, which are bold and full of pizazz. Filled with humor to the brim, students will have a blast listening to and interacting with this story during library time. Highly Recommended by Bonnie LeClair-Gaenzle

MR. FLUX by Kye Maclear. (K-3) Martin's world is predictable place, that is until Mr. Flux arrives in a noisy, old van. Mr. Flux moves into the neighborhood, and his claim is that he is an artist, but not your typical artist. In fact, he doesn't paint or draw or sculpt. His art includes things like a tuba filled with tennis balls and a phone collection. Nobody in the neighborhood likes change, and this is what Mr. Flux brings... A note from the author in the back of the book says that the character of Mr. Flux is loosely based on truth and the Fluxus art movement of the 1960s, where the artists "shared a love of humor and playfulness and change." Matte Stephens' illustrations are done in gouache in muted color. They are quirky and fun, conveying the sense of humor paramount in this book. This is a philosophical book to show that although change can be hard, it nonetheless broadens our horizons and helps us grow as individuals. Recommended by Bonnie LeClair-Gaenzle

LITTLE ELLIOT BIG CITY by Mike Curato. (K-3). Little Elephant is a small, pastel polka-dotted elephant, who lives in New York City circa 1930s--1940s. He loves living in the big city, but nobody seems to notice him. This is especially problematic when Elliot tries to buy a cupcake, one of his favorite things in life. After his unsuccessful attempt, he walks home in despair. Things look bleak until Elliot spots Mouse, who is much smaller than he is, and who can't reach some food in a trash can. Elliot can help, and he does! The next day, Mouse helps Elliot buy his cupcake. The world is not only a better place because Elliot finally gets his cupcake, but now he has made a new friend. The brevity of the simple sentences work perfectly with the realistic and detailed artwork. The bold lines and the earth-tones in the drawings are stunning. This book is the perfect addition to elementary school libraries or high school libraries with a child development lab, and it will encourage discussion of the importance of friendship and helping others.. Recommended by Bonnie LeClair-Gaenzle

GLAMOROUS GLASSES by Barabara Johansen Newman. (K-3) Bobbie and Joanie are cousins and best friends, and they do everything together. So, when Joanie needs glasses, it becomes a family affair to take a trip to the eyeglass store to buy some. Joanie is not happy about wearing glasses, and even the wide selection of beautiful glasses doesn't help to make her feel better. On the other hand, Bobbie believes if she could wear a pair of these amazing glasses, she would be even more glamorous. Thus, her scheme to get herself a pair of glasses is set in motion... Her plan works! Bobbie's teacher calls home and tells her mother that she believes Bobbie needs glasses. Her plan is shortlived, however, when the eye doctor tells Bobbie to come back when she is forty. Meanwhile, Joanie still dislikes wearing her glasses because they make her feel different. Another plan unfolds, and Bobbie and Joanie trade glamorous glasses for a glamorous purse. When they both can't see, and some mishaps occur, they decide that it is better to be who they are. The vivavious cartoon-like illustrations work wonderfully well with the text. This quirky and fun story about being yourself will be one to remember, especially for children who must wear glasses. Recommended by Bonnie LeClair-Gaenzle