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	 Picture books are especially fun to browse. The picture book titles below 
	are all wonderful stories, but they initially caught my eye (literally!) 
	because of their gorgeous artwork and photography. They are wonderful picks 
	for children, pre-K through grade 2.  
	 
	 
	The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend  
	by Dan Santat, c2014 
	 
	Let’s start out with the 2015 Caldecott Medal winner! The Caldecott Medal is 
	given annually to the “most distinguished American picture book for 
	children”. The story of Beekle, an imaginary friend, on a quest to find the 
	perfect match is sweet and clever. After he is born, he waits on his island 
	to be chosen by a real child, but is always overlooked. Taking matters into 
	his own hands, he journeys to the real world, determined to find his 
	“unimaginary friend”. Will he find the one he’s been waiting for? This 
	charming tale is accompanied with rich color schemes and truly breathtaking 
	art. Children will love this gorgeous book and adults will enjoy sharing it 
	with them.  
	  
	
	  
	
	 
	Have You Seen My Dragon?  
	by Steve Light, c2014 
	 
	A small boy has lost his dragon in the city. Where could he be? 
	 
	If your children enjoy seeking, they will love this engaging picture book by 
	popular author Steve Light. They’ll laugh as they search and find the dragon 
	in each spread, while the young hero of the book keeps overlooking his 
	naughty friend. This is a perfect book for counting practice (up to 20) and 
	color recognition. The items to count are highlighted in bold color against 
	the backdrop of black and white. Adults will soak in the details of Steve 
	Lights’ finely drawn pen and ink illustrations.  
	 
	If you enjoy this title, keep an eye out for “Have You Seen My Monster?” 
	which will be out in early April. We’ll have a copy at the library! 
            
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            Raindrops Roll  
			by April Pulley Sayre, c2015 
			 
			Fans of “Rah, Rah, Radishes!” and “Go, Go, Grapes!” will love 
			Sayre’s newest picture book. Gorgeous up-close photography will 
			delight young readers when paired with simple language exploring 
			rain and the water cycle. Rhyming words that mimic the sound of 
			water add a lyrical feel to the book. Children will want to reach 
			out and touch the life-like photos where water glistens on spider 
			webs, insects and plants. This is a great non-fiction read-aloud for 
			preschool age children. It also includes detailed information on the 
			back inside cover about the water cycle for more advanced readers. 
			It’s a perfect pick for Spring! 
			
            Spots in a Box  
			by Helen Ward, c2015 
			 
			Maybe being just like everyone else isn’t all it’s cracked up 
			to be...  
			 
			This story begins with a young guinea fowl, who just wants look like 
			everyone else. Missing spots, he decides to send away for some. When 
			the mail arrives he realized that the spots aren’t quite right. He 
			tries small spots and big ones, even spots that glow in the dark! 
			Finally he finds the spots that are meant just for him. An 
			enchanting look at an animal that children may not be familiar with, 
			along with an important life lesson, this is a great pick for kids. 
			They will love all the different types of spots----some patterned 
			and textured, just begging to be touched---and they will cheer for 
			the young guinea fowl’s choice to be himself.  
			 
			To check out these books or get recommendations for other great 
			reads, please come see us at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin 
			Street.  
              
			[By 
			MELISSA OXBORROW, 
			Lincoln Public Library District]  |