Ocean State Libraries

The little blue cottage waits each year for summer to arrive--and with it, the girl. Through sunny days and stormy weather, the cottage and the girl keep each other company and wile away the long days and nights together. Until one year, and then another, the cottage is left waiting and empty season after season. In this heartfelt story about change, Kelly Jordan's lilting text and Jessica Courtney-Tickle's lush art captures the essence of cherishing...

"From award-winning author Sara Zarr comes a story of the small moments that show us who we are, and how family is not just something you're part of, but something you make. Lou and her family don't have much, but for Lou it's enough. Mom. Her sister, Casey. Their apartment in the city. Her best friend, Beth. It would be better if Dad could stop drinking and be there for her and Casey, and if they didn't have to worry about money all the time. But...

"Toddler Oliver says "no" to everything-from brushing his teeth and cleaning to swinging on the swings-until his cousin Jess comes to visit and Oliver discovers all that is possible when you say "yes.""--

"Gabriela is offered a dance opportunity she cannot pass up during her already busy sixth grade year, but she finds herself wishing she could work on her poetry instead and wonders if her dreams have changed." --

"Charlie did everything the same, every day. He was afraid something bad would happen if he didn't. When an emergency disrupts his routine, Charlie discovers that sometimes change can lead to something wonderful." --

"The child in this story observes the sun by playing with her shadow, though sometimes it disappears. She listens to the wind tell stories, even when it howls like wolves. She tastes snowflakes -- sometimes sweet and delicate; other times sharp on her cheeks. And finally, she finds hope in the buds on a cherry tree that survive through the winter to blossom in spring."--

"A worm and a caterpillar are best friends and when one of them is about to go through a big change, they both learn what is inside is what counts."--

Illustrated throughout with classic artwork from various Dr. Seuss classics, including "The Lorax," "Horton Hatches the Egg," "Horton Hears a Who!" and many others, the unrhymed text gently reminds readers of all ages that every voice counts and that many voices combined together have the power to create change.

In 1899, an immigrant named Oscar opens a barbershop and a century later, after becoming a lady's clothing store, soup kitchen, bodega, and more, the building is torn down but Oscar's legacy remains. Includes historical notes.

"Displaced by the robots' technological triumph, humans abandon Earth in search of a new planet to call home. But what happens to the robots when newer, faster, smarter, better robots replace them? What happens when civil unrest grows between robot generations?"--