It’s that time of year, folks! We at Read to Them are excited to share that we’re adding four new titles to our catalog – along with a new picture book companion perfect for your youngest readers. We can’t wait for you to share these stories with your school community! Dive into the new titles below:
Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield
What awaits the Watercress family when they leave their warren home and set off for the Broken Arms apartment house? A new home, a new life without Papa, and a new beginning for young Cress. They will face dangers from a hungry fox, a sneaky snake, a deceptive skunk, and a raging river. With their new neighbors, though, they can overcome any challenge and celebrate in the moonlight. With lyrical prose from Gregory Maguire and luminous full-color illustrations from David Litchfield, this woodland story is one your families will savor as they explore what it means to be a community.
The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Kevin Hong
Plum leaves her farm home and her beloved grandparents for the Guardian Academy, hoping to fulfill her late mother’s dream. Once there, Plum must learn to trust her friends as she finds the confidence to trust herself. In this first-in-the-series story, Christina Soontornvat brings the lush, tropical Lotus Island to life with its exotic plants and fantastical animals. The manga-style illustrations and brisk pacing will help guide families as they root for Plum and her classmates to find their true Guardian forms.
Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein
Step right up and meet young Luigi Lemoncello – the boy who will grow up to mastermind Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. In this prequel, Luigi hones his puzzle and entrepreneurship skills by manning Mr. Marvelmous’s midway booth at the summer carnival. The experience teaches him that while his talents might be unconventional, they are valuable and will carry him far. With a more streamlined plot but all the heart of the rest of the series, this book is sure to delight even your younger students.
Winnie’s Great War by Lindsay Mattick and Josh Greenhut, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Winnie’s Great War tells the origin story of Winnie the Pooh as a bedtime story about Mattick’s great grandfather, told to her young son. Harry Colebourn, a Canadian soldier in WWI, purchases a bear cub to be his brigade’s mascot. Little Winnipeg – Winnie for short – endears herself to soldiers and horses alike with her playful hijinks. Before heading to the front, Harry takes Winnie to the London Zoo where she meets Christopher Robin Milne and becomes the center of the fictional Hundred Acre Wood. Told with gentleness and dotted with whimsical illustrations, this book is perfect for families to share.
Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Read to Them is pleased to offer this Caldecott-medal winning picture book as a Picture Book Companion to Winnie’s Great War. (Read to Them provides additional classroom and home materials for the Picture Book Companion.) With full color illustrations and streamlined text, the picture book tells the story of Harry Colebourn and the orphaned bear cub he names Winnie. Use the picture book for your youngest students or other students who would benefit from more support.
Let us know which title you’re most excited to read with your school in the comments below. Happy reading!
