Scholastic Canada | Dewey Diva Picks

Dewey Diva Picks - Spring 2018

Baby Monkey, Private Eye

Caldecott medalist Brian Selznick and author David Serlin bring Baby Monkey's adventures to life in an exciting new format that blends elements of picture book, beginning reader, and graphic novel. With pithy text and over 120 black and white drawings accented with red, it is ideal for sharing aloud and for emerging readers. This is a genre buster full of beauty and wit.

Ducks Away!

Count along with Mother Duck as her ducklings try to waddle across the bridge. When a sudden gust of wind sweeps one of Mother Duck's ducklings into the river, she doesn't know what to do. With four ducklings on the bridge and one below, Mother Duck is torn as to which way to go. Suddenly, a second duck falls and Mother Duck grows more panicked. As she paces and frantically quacks, the remaining ducklings playfully plop one by one into the river until all of the siblings are happily floating along. Now that all five ducklings are safely in the water, Mother Duck flies down to join in the fun, relieved to have all her ducklings together again.

Feathers

As a lone sandpiper’s feathers drift down from the sky during its long flight, they shine a powerful light on the importance of kindness, hope and security for the children below.

It is time for the sandpiper to make the journey to its winter home, half a world away. Along the arduous journey, it loses a feather which floats down and provides a glimmer of softness and beauty for a young boy whose home has been reduced to rubble. Another lost feather provides a playful, loving moment for a girl and her little brother, migrants on a long dusty road to a better life. Yet another feather falls, giving a family a moment of hope in their flooded out village. Finally arriving at its winter home, the bird loses one more feather, grasped out of the air by a little girl. Both bird and child are safe and sound in their cozy home by the water . . . and realize how lucky they are.

I Can Be Anything!

By Diane Dillon | ISBN 9781338166903
Ages 4-8 | HC | Picture Books | March 2018

Like most girls and boys, Zoe enthusiastically embraces the wonders of our world and its infinite possibilities. "I can be anything I want to be!" she tells us, presenting herself in a range of careers. "But what if you fail?" asks a voice of doubt that attempts to undermine her confidence. Bold and sassy, Zoe swats the voice away at every turn, declaring her certainty with a charisma that will encourage us all to silence the fears projected onto us by our world.

Rabbit Moon

By Jean Kim | ISBN 9781338036398
Ages 3-5 | HC | Picture Books | February 2018

Bedtime prayers take flight on paper airplanes, travelling all the way to the moon. There Rabbit gathers the night's haul, grinds the wishes into stardust, and fills the sky with their starlight. It is a beautiful sight to behold, but lonely work. So one night, Rabbit takes a wish and makes it float down to earth; when it comes true he makes new friends and the star work takes a back seat to some well-earned fun. But as each day fades, so do the night stars. And with the first starless sky, Rabbit realizes it's time to make the journey home. It is a sad departure, but Rabbit's friends make one last wish, and send an astronomical gift.

Sleepy Bird

By Jeremy Tankard | ISBN 9781338157857
Ages 3-5 | HC | Picture Books | March 2018

Bird’s friends are getting ready for bed, but Bird isn’t ready to sleep. “Whee!” says Bird. “It’s party time!” He tries to coax his pals into joining his fun, but they are tired and want to sleep. They offer to settle Bird with their bedtime rituals — reading a book, cuddling a stuffed animal, singing a lullaby — but he just ramps up with every suggestion. Finally, after exhausting all possibilities and tiring himself with a signature melt down, he collapses into slumber . . . at least for a little while.

The Little Red Fort

Ruby's mind is always full of ideas. One day, she finds some old boards and decides to build something. She invites her brothers to help, but they just laugh and tell her she doesn't know how to build. "Then I'll learn," she says. And she does! When she creates a dazzling fort that they all want to play in, it is Ruby who has the last laugh. With sprightly text and winsome pictures, this modern spin on a timeless favourite celebrates the pluck and ingenuity of young creators everywhere!

The Word Collector

By Peter H. Reynolds | ISBN 9780545865029
Ages 4-8 | HC | Picture Books | February 2018

In this extraordinary new tale from Peter H. Reynolds, Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him — short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multi-syllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower. From the creator of The Dot and Happy Dreamer comes a celebration of finding your own words — and the impact you can have when you share them with the world.

Truck Full of Ducks

By Ross Burach | ISBN 9781338129366
Ages 4-8 | HC | Picture Books | April 2018

Bernie is on the road to make a duck delivery when one of the ducks EATS the directions. Oh no! How will he find his customer? Join the flock on this wacky call-and-response ride to find out just WHO ordered a truck full of ducks — and why! Ross Burach's screwball comedy is filled with surprise twists and crafty jokes that will quack you up!

Unplugged

By Steve Antony | ISBN 9781338187373
Ages 3-5 | HC | Picture Books | March 2018

Meet Blip. Blip loves being plugged into her computer. When a blackout occurs, Blip trips over her wire and tumbles outside. Suddenly, Blip's gray world is filled with colour and excitement. She plays with her new friends and has adventures all day long. When Blip finally returns home, she realizes that the world can be even brighter once you unplug.

When Sophie Thinks She Can’t

By Molly Bang | ISBN 9781338152982
Ages 4-8 | HC | Picture Books | January 2018

When Sophie can't solve a math puzzle, she feels upset and inadequate. "I CAN'T DO IT!" she shouts, expressing the frustration all of us feel when we try and fail. Will she ever be "smart" like her sister? Maybe she isn't smart at all! Luckily, Sophie's teacher steps in. What does it mean to be smart? Using current, popular "mindset" techniques, Sophie's class is taught that we get smarter when we exercise our brains, such as when we work harder at solving a puzzle. Struggling to solve a problem doesn't mean "I can't do it!" Sophie and her classmates just can't do it . . . yet!

Bears of the Ice #1: The Quest of the Cubs

By Kathryn Lasky | ISBN 9780545683043
Ages 8-12 | HC | Middle Grade | March 2018

For generations, the noble polar bears have ruled the Northern Kingdoms. But now, their society is on the brink of collapse. A group of power-hungry bears has seized control, and darkness is creeping across the snow. Cubs First and Second don't know any of this. Although they're twins, they couldn't be more different. First loves imagining stories, while his daring sister, Second, wants to live them. Kids everywhere will welcome this wonderful new series from Kathryn Lasky!

Don’t Tell the Enemy

By Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch | ISBN 9781443128391
Ages 10-14 | PB | Middle Grade | January 2018

During the Soviet occupation of Ukraine during World War II, some of Krystia’s family are harassed; others are arrested and killed. When the Nazis liberate the town, they are welcomed with open arms. Krystia’s best friend Dolik isn’t so sure. His family is Jewish and there are rumours that the Nazis might be even more brutal than the Soviets. Krystia can’t bear to see her friends suffering and begins smuggling food into the ghetto. When rumours circulate that the ghetto will be evacuated and the Jews will be exterminated, Krystia must decide if she’s willing to risk her own family’s safety to save her friends.

The Elephant Thief

By Jane Kerr | ISBN 9781338188431
Ages 8-12 | HC | Middle Grade | April 2018

When young pickpocket Danny accidentally buys an elephant at an auction, he finds himself swept up on an unforgettable adventure. Offered a job by a zookeeper, all he has to do is ride Maharajah from Edinburgh to Manchester in one week. Everyone in the country is watching, even the Queen, but the journey soon proves to be filled with drama and danger. A rival zookeeper will stop at nothing to make sure they fail, and soon Danny's shady connections from his past threaten to overturn the mission... This is a class middle-grade story that is perfect for reading aloud.

The Erth Dragons #2: Dark Wyng

By Chris d’Lacey | ISBN 9780545900577
Ages 8-12 | HC | Middle Grade | February 2018

The dragon Wearle is in turmoil: a human boy named Ren has bonded with a pair of baby dragons, and their connection has given him shocking and extraordinary new powers. Though some of the dragons suspect he is plotting against the Wearle, his dragon allies will do anything to save him. But Ren has an agenda of his own.

Hurricane Child

By Kheryn Callender | ISBN 9781338129304
Ages 8-12 | HC | Middle Grade | April 2018

Caroline Murphy is a Hurricane Child. Being born during a hurricane is unlucky, and twelve-year-old Caroline has had her share of bad luck lately. She's hated and bullied by everyone in her small school on St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands, a spirit only she can see won't stop following her, and — worst of all — Caroline's mother left home one day and never came back. But when a new student named Kalinda arrives, Caroline's luck begins to turn around. Kalinda, a solemn girl from Barbados with a special smile for everyone, becomes Caroline's first and only friend — and the person for whom Caroline has begun to develop a crush. Now, Caroline must find the strength to confront her feelings for Kalinda, brave the spirit stalking her through the islands, and face the reason her mother abandoned her. Together, Caroline and Kalinda must set out in a hurricane to find Caroline's missing mother — before Caroline loses her forever.

Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond #1: The Serpent’s Secret

By Sayantani DasGupta | ISBN 9781338185706
Ages 8-12 | HC | Middle Grade | March 2018

On the morning of her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala is just a regular sixth grader living in Parsippany, New Jersey . . . until her parents mysteriously vanish and a drooling rakkhosh demon slams through her kitchen, determined to eat her alive. Turns out there might be some truth to her parents' fantastical stories — like how Kiranmala is a real Indian princess and how she comes from a secret place not of this world.

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Sink or Swim: Exploring School of Fish: A Branches Book

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Monster Power: Exploring Renewable Energy: A Branches Book

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Carlos Gets the Sneezes: Exploring Allergies: A Branches Book

Seatbelts, everyone! The Magic School Bus is back and ready to ride again. Professor Frizzle's kid sister Fiona might be the new teacher at Walkerville Elementary, but she's got the same old motto: take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

One True Way

By Shannon Hitchcock | ISBN 9781338181722
Ages 9-12 | HC | Middle Grade | March 2018

Welcome to Daniel Boone Middle School in the 1970s, where teachers and coaches must hide who they are, and girls who like girls are forced to question their own choices. One True Way sheds exquisite light on what it means to be different, while at the same time being wholly true to oneself. Through the lives and influences of two girls, readers come to see that love is love is love. Set against the backdrop of history and politics that surrounded gay rights in the 1970s South, this novel is a thoughtful, eye-opening look at tolerance, acceptance, and change, and will widen the hearts of all readers.

Out of the Wild Night

By Blue Balliett | ISBN 9780545867566
Ages 8-12 | HC | Middle Grade | April 2018

Ghosts are alive on the island of Nantucket. You can hear them in the wind and in the creaks of the old homes. They want to be remembered. And, even more, they want to protect what was once theirs. The ghosts have chosen a few local kids to save the island against the adults who would do it harm. But the kids can't be sure how the ghosts are going to act. Things tend to disappear when ghosts are around. People tend to get trapped — especially if they're up to no good. Only the kids can make things right . . . if the ghosts will let them.

Supergifted

By Gordon Korman | ISBN 9781443157155
Ages 8-12 | HC | Middle Grade | January 2018

Donovan Curtis has never been what anyone would call “gifted.” But his genius friend Noah Youkilis is actually supergifted, with one of the highest IQs around. After years at the Academy for Scholastic Distinction, all Noah dreams of is the opportunity to fail if he wants to. And he’s landed in the perfect place to do it — Donovan’s school. When a freak incident suddenly makes Donovan a hero, he can’t tell anyone about it, so Noah steps in and becomes “Superkid.” Now he’s gone from nerd to titan at school. And it may have gone more than a little bit to his head.

The Journey of Little Charlie

By Christopher Paul Curtis | ISBN 9781443142632
Ages 9-12 | HC | Middle Grade | February 2018

Twelve-year-old Charlie is down on his luck: His dad just died, the share crops are dry, and Cap'n Buck — the most fearsome man in Possum Moan, South Carolina — has come to collect a debt. Fearing for his life, Charlie strikes a deal with Cap'n Buck and agrees to track down some thieves. It's not too bad of a bargain for Charlie... until he comes face-to-face with the fugitives and discovers that they escaped slavery years ago and have been living free in Detroit. Torn between his guilty conscience and his survival instinct, Charlie needs to figure out his next move — and soon. It's only a matter of time before Cap'n Buck catches on...

Toy Academy: Some Assembly Required

Grumbolt is a weird little hand-made stuffed animal: his arms are two different lengths, his head is too big, and no what knows what he is. But he's sure he has the potential to be something great — to be someone's toy. So when he reaches Toy Academy, he's determined to prove that he can be just as much of a hero as the best action figure. But when the Evil Toy Academy threatens to bring down his school, it's up to Grumbolt to go where no good toy has gone before and prove he's truly a great toy after all. This is a laugh-out-loud story about trying to fit in — and learning you're stand out.

Wings of Fire Graphic Novel #1: The Dragonet Prophecy

Clay has grown up under the mountain, chosen along with four other dragonets to fulfill a mysterious prophecy and end the war between the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia. He's not so sure about the prophecy part, but Clay can't imagine not living with the other dragonets; they're his best friends. So when one of the dragonets is threatened, all five spring into action. Together, they will choose freedom over fate, leave the mountain, and fulfill their destiny — on their own terms.

Clem Hetherington and the Ironwood Race

Clementine Hetherington and her robot brother, Digory, have run away from the orphanage they've been living in since their parents died. Clem and Dig want to follow in their famous archaeologist mother's footsteps, but no one will take them seriously. Their chance arrives when a man from their past saves Digory's life, and to repay the debt they enter a multiday rally race... to recover stolen artifacts! Clem and Dig hope to win so they can give them to a museum, but their opponents want to sell them on the black market. The Ironwood Race has no rules, and Clem and Dig might be in over their heads!

And She Was

By Jessica Verdi | ISBN 9781338150537
Ages 14 and up | HC | Young Adult | April 2018

Dara's lived a sheltered life with her single mom, Mellie. Now, at eighteen, she's dreaming of more. When Dara digs up her never-before-seen birth certificate, her world implodes. Why are two strangers listed as her parents? Dara confronts her mother, and is stunned by what she learns: Mellie is transgender. The unfamiliar name listed under "father"? That's Mellie. She transitioned when Dara was a baby, after Dara's birth mother died. She changed her name, started over. Reeling, Daria sets off on an impromptu road trip with her best guy friend, Sam, in tow. She is determined to find the extended family she's never even met. What she does discover — and what her mother reveals, piece by piece, over emails — will challenge and change Dara more than she can imagine. This is a gorgeous, timely, and essential novel about the importance of being our true selves. The back matter includes an author's note and resources for readers.

Don’t Cosplay with My Heart

By Cecil Castellucci | ISBN 9781338125498
Ages 12 and up | HC | Young Adult | January 2018

When Edan Kupferman dresses up like her favourite character, Gargantua, she feels tall and powerful. That's important right now, because her family is a mess, her best friend is gone for the summer, her crush is confusing, and Edan's feeling small and not sure which end is up. When Edan's cosplaying, she can be angry, loud, and not the good girl everyone thinks she is. And when she's at conventions, she feels like she's found her own Team Tomorrow. But when her personal life starts to spiral out of control, Edan has to figure out whether she needs a sidekick, or if she has the strength to be the hero of her own story.

Ink

By Alice Broadway | ISBN 9781338196993
Ages 14 and up | HC | Young Adult | January 2018

From the second you're born, every achievement, every failing, every significant moment are all immortalized on your skin. There are honourable marks that let people know you're trustworthy. And shameful tattoos that announce you as a traitor. After her father dies, Leora finds solace in the fact that his skin tells a wonderful story. That is, until she glimpses a mark on the back of his neck . . . the symbol of the worst crime a person can commit in Saintstone. Leora knows it has to be a mistake, but before she can do anything about it, the horrifying secret gets out, jeopardizing her father's legacy . . . and Leora's life.

In her startlingly prescient debut, Alice Broadway shines a light on the dangerous lengths we go to make our world feel orderly — even when the truth refuses to stay within the lines. This rich, lyrical fantasy with echoes of Orwell is unlike anything you've ever read, a tale guaranteed to get under your skin . . .

The Call Book 2: The Invasion

By Peadar O’Guilin | ISBN 9781338045628
Ages 14 and up | HC | Young Adult | April 2018

After so much danger, Nessa and Anto can finally dream of a happy life. But the terrible attack on their school has created a witch-hunt for traitors — boys and girls who survived the Call only by making deals with the enemy. To the authorities, Nessa's guilt is obvious. Her punishment is to be sent back to the nightmare of the Grey Land for the rest of her life. The Sídhe are waiting, and they have a very special fate planned for her.

Meanwhile, with the help of a real traitor, the enemy come pouring into Ireland at the head of a terrifying army. Every human they capture becomes a weapon. Anto and the last students of his old school must find a way to strike a blow at the invaders before they lose their lives, or even worse, their minds.

The Pros of Cons

Drummer Phoebe Byrd prides herself on being one of the guys, and she's ready to prove it by kicking all their butts in the snare solo competition at the Indoor Percussion Association Convention. Writer Vanessa Montoya-O'Callaghan has been looking forward to the WTFcon for months. Not just because of the panels and fanfiction readings but because WTFcon is where she'll finally meet Soleil, her internet girlfriend, for the first time. Taxidermy assistant Callie Buchannan might be good at scooping brains out of deer skulls, but that doesn't mean it's her passion. When a crazy mix-up in the hotel lobby brings the three girls together, they form an unlikely friendship against a chaotic background of cosplay, competition, and carcasses!

Marley Dias Gets It Done (And So Can You!)

By Marley Dias | ISBN 9781338136890
Ages 10 and up | PB | Non-Fiction | February 2018

In this accessible "keep-it-real" guide, Marley explores activism, social justice, volunteerism, equity and inclusion, and using social media for good. Drawing from her experience, Marley shows kids how they can galvanize their strengths to make positive changes in their communities, while getting support from parents, teachers, and friends to turn dreams into reality. Focusing on the importance of literacy and diversity, Marley offers suggestions on book selection, and delivers hands-on strategies for becoming a lifelong reader.

Éléphant et Rosie : Nous sommes dans un livre!

By Mo Willems | ISBN 9781443164085
Ages 3-5 | HC | French | January 2018

Dans cette histoire, Gérald et Rosie découvrent les joies d'être les héros d'une histoire. Mais qu'arrivera-t-il à la fin du livre?

In this book, Gérald and Rosie discover the joy of being read. But what will happen when the book ends?!
Original title: Elephant and Piggie: We Are in a Book!

Éléphant et Rosie : Partons en balade!

By Mo Willems | ISBN 9781443164092
Ages 3-5 | HC | French | January 2018

Gérald et Rosie veulent prendre la route! Mais même les projets les mieux préparés tournent parfois mal.

Gérald and Rosie want to hit the road. But the best-laid plans of pigs and elephants often go awry.
Original title: Elephant and Piggie: Let’s Go For a Drive!

Imagine

Rejoignez un petit pigeon dans sa mission de paix, sur la trame de la chanson emblématique Imagine. Ce livre est à mettre entre les mains de tous les admirateurs de John Lennon qui veulent honorer sa mémoire et transmettre à la nouvelle génération le message de paix et de tolérance de leur idole.

Pour chaque exemplaire vendu, une redevance sera versée à Amnistie internationale.

Join one little pigeon on his mission to spread the word of peace around the world. Set to the lyrics the iconic song Imagine, this book brings John Lennon's enduring message of peace and tolerance to a new generation.

A royalty from every copy sold will go to charity Amnesty International.
Original title: Imagine

Le loup, le canard et la souris

Un amusant clin d'œil aux fables traditionnelles! Le duo à succès composé de Mac Barnett et de Jon Klassen est de retour avec ce conte d'une ironie déroutante.

Une souris est engloutie par un loup. Elle croyait bien que c'était la fin, mais elle rencontre un canard confortablement installé dans l'estomac du loup. La souris et le canard se plaisent dans leur nouvel habitat : ils n'ont plus à craindre de se faire dévorer… du moins jusqu'au jour où un chasseur tente de s'en prendre au loup!

This is a story about a duck and mouse who get swallowed by a wolf, and then decide to live in his belly.

When a woeful mouse is swallowed by a wolf, he quickly learns he is not alone: a duck has already set up digs! Turns out it's pretty nice in there, with delicious food and elegant table settings, courtesy of the wolf's unchecked gluttony. And there's something even better: no more fear of being eaten by a wolf!

With a nod to traditional fables and a wink to the reader, the award-winning Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen offer a tale of cooperation and creative cuisine that is sure to go down easy.

Original title: The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse