April 2019 New Books

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini (Ages 10+)

Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders. Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances. The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost? ~Amazon


The Fork, the Witch and the Worm by Christopher Paolini (Ages 10+)

A wanderer and a cursed child. Spells and magic. And dragons, of course. Welcome back to the world of Alagaësia. It's been a year since Eragon departed Alagaësia in search of the perfect home to train a new generation of Dragon Riders. Now he is struggling with an endless sea of tasks: constructing a vast dragonhold, wrangling with suppliers, guarding dragon eggs, and dealing with belligerent Urgals and haughty elves. Then a vision from the Eldunarí, unexpected visitors, and an exciting Urgal legend offer a much-needed distraction and a new perspective. This volume features three original stories set in Alagaësia, interspersed with scenes from Eragon's own unfolding adventure. Included is an excerpt from the memoir of the unforgettable witch and fortune-teller Angela the herbalist . . . penned by Angela Paolini, the inspiration for the character, herself! Relish the incomparable imagination of Christopher Paolini in this thrilling new collection of stories based in the world of the Inheritance Cycle. Includes four new pieces of original art by the author. ~Amazon 


Cardboard by Doug TenNepal (Ages 10+)

Cam's unemployed father can only afford a cardboard box for his son's birthday present. However, this cardboard is special: it animates itself. A cardboard boxer becomes a man called Bill, a magic cardboard machine actually spits out new pieces of magic cardboard, and a figure of Cam's dead mother chastises his father for not moving on. This cardboard powerfully projects the thoughts and desires of its users and becomes dangerous when Cam's wealthy, spoiled neighbor, Marcus, uses it to create an army of monsters. Rich colors printed on glossy pages, along with dramatic cuts between panels, give the comic a cinematic feel, and the illustrations' sharp angles and sinewy lines are striking. This action-filled adventure is not only highly entertaining, but also contains provocative points about the power of imagination. The ending, in which a reformed Marcus has shed his goth stylings and Cam's father has found a job and a girlfriend, is a little too tidy, but this is a thoughtful and gripping read.-Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library


Babysitter's Club Graphic Novels #1-4 by Raina Telgemier (Ages 8+)

(Book #1) Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey are best friends and founding members of The Baby-sitters Club. Whatever comes up -- cranky toddlers, huge dogs, scary neighbors, prank calls -- you can count on them to save the day. Baby-sitting isn't always easy, and neither is dealing with strict parents, new families, fashion emergencies, and mysterious secrets. But no matter what, the BSC have what they need most: friendship. ~Amazon 




Where's Waldo Now? by Martin Handford (Ages 1+)

A childhood classic! Waldo is hiding, can you find him? We're boosting our Seek-and-Find collection!


Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Debora Heiligman (Ages 13+)

Printz Honor Book • YALSA Nonfiction Award Winner • Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winner • SCBWI Golden Kite Winner • Cybils Senior High Nonfiction Award Winner. From the author of National Book Award finalist Charles and Emma comes an incredible story of brotherly love. The deep and enduring friendship between Vincent and Theo Van Gogh shaped both brothers' lives. Confidant, champion, sympathizer, friend―Theo supported Vincent as he struggled to find his path in life. They shared everything, swapping stories of lovers and friends, successes and disappointments, dreams and ambitions. Meticulously researched, drawing on the 658 letters Vincent wrote to Theo during his lifetime, Deborah Heiligman weaves a tale of two lives intertwined and the extraordinary love of the Van Gogh brothers. ~Amazon

Ashes: Seeds of America Trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson (Ages 12+) 

The final book in the trilogy finds escaped slaves Isabel and Curzon three years into their grueling search for Isabel's little sister Ruth and deeply divided in their beliefs of who is fighting for their freedom: the Patriots or the British. In 1781, the American Revolution rages on. When Isabel and Curzon discover 12-year-old Ruth on a plantation near Charleston, SC, they rejoice; agree to bring Ruth's friend, Aberdeen, with them; and quickly begin their secretive return journey north. After struggling to survive in the wilderness, the runaways are emboldened to separate and blend into the turmoil of the Patriot encampments, first at Williamsburg and then at Yorktown. Curzon becomes a Patriot soldier, Aberdeen lives a dual life as a spy for the British, and Isabel and Ruth find work in a laundry. When the sisters are threatened with recapture, they flee again and reinvent themselves as cooks for the soldiers at Yorktown. Their plight offers a less explored perspective on the motivations and hopes of black soldiers during the American Revolution—freedom from slavery, not just from England. Fascinating facts, anecdotes, and real personalities and events are smoothly woven into this fictional story. The unheralded supportive role of women on the battlefield is depicted. Ruth's stubborn nature adds emotional complexity that challenges and ultimately deepens Isabel's compassion and understanding of others. VERDICT A rich cast of characters, nonstop adventures, lively dialogue, vivid battlefield descriptions, budding romance, and an informative appendix are hallmarks of this excellent novel and this compelling, must-have historical fiction series.—Gerry Larson, School Library Journal 


A Couch for Llama by Leah Gilbert (Ages 1+) 

The Lago family’s couch needs replacing, so they set off for the furniture store, where, after a few Goldilocks-style tries, they find a couch that’s just right—a bright red, swoopy armed number. While driving home, the ropes securing the new couch to the Lagos’ car come undone and, unbeknownst to the family, the couch flies off into a field. There, an astonished llama cautiously approaches the large red visitor and tries to welcome it by braying hello and sharing some tasty grass—to no effect. After a quick nibble of the upholstery (disgusting!), Llama’s interest fades into frustration over the couch’s uselessness. So he pounces on it and is flung gleefully upward in a series of entertainingly illustrated bounces, until settling on the soft cushions, utterly smitten. Llama’s expressively depicted interactions with the sofa are priceless, and his emotional journey verges on heartbreak when the Lagos show up to retrieve their missing couch. Luckily, their old one is perfect for llama lounging. This fun read is guaranteed to put a spring in any reader’s step. —Booklist


Inky's Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home  by Sy Montgomery (Ages 5+)

Acclaimed nature writer Montgomery has written about octopuses for adults and middle-graders (The Octopus Scientists, 2015). Now she brings the curious cephalopod to the pre- and primary-school sets. Inky achieved worldwide fame after escaping from New Zealand’s National Aquarium via a floor drain. Montgomery tells Inky’s story by imagining his life as a young hatchling in the Pacific Ocean, noting the food he would eat, how he’d use his suckers (to grip and taste!), and his driving desire to explore. Drama enters in the form of a moray eel, which injures Inky, who then hides in a lobster trap. Luckily, the fisherman who finds Inky takes him to the aquarium, and the rest is history. The mixed-media illustrations make good use of dynamic spreads, color, and texture—perfect for a book on a master of camouflage. Montgomery seamlessly incorporates interesting facts about octopuses into the narrative, such as octopuses’ tendency to change color to match their mood. An author’s note provides more information on Inky, observations about octopuses in captivity, and fun facts. — Julia Smith


Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings (Ages 1+)

Arfy, a floppy-eared mutt on Butternut Street, is on a mission to find his forever home. He writes a letter listing all of his admirable attributes (he is potty trained and has his own squeaky toy) to the people in the yellow house. The mail lady delivers Arfy's letter. Unfortunately, the people turn him down. Arfy keeps trying, writing more letters delivered by the mail lady. All write him back and decline his offer. Feeling sad and dejected, Arfy cries himself to sleep in his soggy box. When he wakes he finds a letter from the mail lady asking to be Arfy's person. Arfy, full of glee, sprints to the mail lady with his reply letter. Vibrantly colored digital illustrations, with no white space, captivate readers from the first page. Loosely placed shapes and textures artfully create Butternut Street. The story is told in illustrated, personalized letters. Arfy's are written in crayon and signed with a paw print. Readers will be cheer Arfy on and feel relief when he finds a person to love. The last page lists ways readers can help a homeless animal. VERDICT No bones about it; this humorous picture book will be a hit with storytime audiences and emergent readers.—Mindy Hiatt