“The words and illustrations in this book are incredibly uplifting and gave me such positive affirmations. I wish that I had books and messages like this when I was growing up. Reading this book felt like my inner child was receiving a big, warm hug!” – Van, ATS

This gorgeous picture book exudes joy and celebration of identity. Through a young, first-generation Chinese American girl named Mei, readers are empowered and uplifted through messages from her parents of why she is amazing.

“Katy Wu’s beautiful illustrations really brought this story to life! It is a very sweet story about one little girl following her passion.” – Gina, Circulation 

This is the story of Chinese-American Chef, Joyce Chen, and how she popularized Chinese food in the United States.

“It’s pizza. It’s jokes. It’s even a little bit sciencey. It’s also Kyle Scheele, who I was delighted to find was the same guy I follow on social media. This is a hilariously high-energy and silly read that I think would make a fantastic Mystery Reader picture book (or read-out-loud-together-at-home book) for a hilarious, high-energy, and silly reader!” – DG Library Staff

What happens when your dad owns a pizza shop? You can put anything you want on a pizza! But, what if you try to add *literally* everything?

“As a longtime fan of The Muppets and the movie, I thought Illustrator Luke Flowers did an amazing job of capturing all the charm and cheer of the original Muppet adaptation of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The book is a great way to get into the holiday spirit no matter how many sleeps ’til Christmas!” – Grace, Public Relations

The classic holiday film “The Muppet Christmas Carol” comes to life in this illustrated storybook for kids. Narrated by The Great Gonzo as Charles Dickens, with help from his pal Rizzo the Rat, this fully illustrated children’s book retells the classic story of the beloved original film starring Michael Caine as Scrooge, Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, and Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cratchit.

“The text in this book is simple: the song lyrics. The pictures woven around them are lovingly filled with 143s (Rogers’ quiet way of saying “I love you”), a diverse cast of different neighbors, even someone dressed like the modern-day Daniel Tiger! We really enjoy reading it as a quick, feel-good, snuggle together book- the toddler insists that it must be sung, and will always finish singing along with the final, sweet, “it’s you I like” ” – DG Library Staff 

A thoughtfully illustrated board book version of the classic Mister Rogers song.

“This sweet story became an instant classic in my house. I loved the illustrations and Bears expressions throughout.” – Gracie, Kids Room

“Wherever you’re going, I’m going too. Whatever you’re doing, I’m sticking with you”. It’s a nice idea, but what do you do when you want to be “unstuck” from a friend? Bear and Squirrel are the best of friends but sometimes Bear can just be too much. A great tale about sticking by each other (even after needing a little space).

“This book is a family read-together win. The photos are large and clear enough to catch even a baby’s eye. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy pointing out the different foods they see and can practice identifying facial expressions as well as learn a couple of new vocabulary words for ways they may feel. School-aged kids may be inspired to create (and hopefully eat) their own foodie faces, and adults can sit back and giggle at the clever compositions!” – DG Library Staff

Bill Wurtzel plays with his food, and after the photoshoot, Claire Wurtzel eats it! This book showcases large, clear photos of their breakfast plates turned into faces showing different emotions.

“Elise Gravel’s cute illustration style immediately caught my eye, and the way she presents the information has me hooked! I love insects, bats, and other critters often considered “creepy”. But for younger readers with more average interests, Gravel takes away a whole lot of the gross, and replaces it with funny! The whole series (10 books so far- The Fly, The Slug, The Rat, The Worm, The Spider, Head Lice, The Toad, The Bat, The Cockroach, and The Mosquito) does a great job presenting non-fiction in a fun, and easy to read, way.” – DGPL Staff

Elise Gravel’s Disgusting Critters series is an eye-catchingly cute and very silly non-fiction introduction to a number of gross, sometimes misunderstood, creepy creatures- including rats, spiders, worms, and cockroaches!

“This book made me laugh! It starts out like an old folk tale and somehow veers off into the realm of sci-fi. It’s also probably the sweetest book ever written about a cranky old lady just yelling at everyone to leave her alone.” – DGPL Staff

An exasperated old woman leaves on a quest to find the impossible- a quiet, calm place to sit so she can knit sweaters for all of the children before winter comes. “Leave me alone!” she shouts repeatedly along the way- first at the horde of children, then at bears, at mountain goats, even at little green moon-men!

“The illustrations are beautiful!” – Traci, Kids Room 

Gorgeously illustrated picture book put to the lyrics of “With a Little Help from My Friends.”

“This adorable picture book was barely in my hands before my not-yet-reading preschooler daughter grabbed it from me and announced “I can read this one by myself, Mama”. The bright gorgeous illustrations of trains, houses, and where the mouse is hiding on each page was a joy to read together.” – Joy, Adult & Teen Services

A short lovely rhyming book that is perfect for the 2-5 set. A little mouse is hiding on each page, exploring the different colored trains, houses, and other little items that are a delight for little ones to explore together with a caregiver or in a teaching setting.

“I loved this witty take on what can be an embarrassing situation for little ones. Reuben the bear has such great friends that help him come to terms with who really wet his pants. No need to be ashamed because accidents happen!” – DGPL Staff

Reuben the bear has a mystery to solve… WHO WET MY PANTS? After getting donuts for his scout troop, he discovers a wet spot on his pants and starts to blame his buddies. His friends try to tell him there is no crime, it was just an accident and it’s OK. After all, accidents happen to everyone. However, Reuben doesn’t give up on finding the culprit that wet his pants – even when all the clues start pointing in his direction.

“A charming but not too cutesy story about Santa’s childhood origins. A fun addition to a holiday storytime out loud read for ages 3-5.” – Joy, Adult & Teen Services

What was Santa like as a kid? Author Jon Agee tells a marvelous tale of a young Santa who grows up with a grumbly family who hates living at the North Pole. One day, they’re all snowed in all the way up to their chimney, and it’s up to Santa to shimmy up that chimney and find some help–in the form of reindeer and elves, of course!

“This book became a fast favorite and bedtime staple in our house! My 2-year old loves pretending to eat and make mooncakes with Little Star, and I can relate all-too-well to my own Little Star sneaking out of bed. This book is equal parts heartwarming and silly, and is a treat all around!” – Cindy, Public Relations

A beautifully illustrated and creative story about the phases of the moon, by way of the traditional Chinese treat. Little Star keeps sneaking out of bed to take a tiny little nibble of the delicious mooncake- will her mama notice?