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April Events:
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4/2 -James Tabor: Frozen Solid (Burlington)
4/6 - Saturday Story Time (Burlington)
4/6 - Nancy Sterns Bercaw: Brain in a Jar (Burlington)
4/9 - Educator's Appreciation Day (Essex)
4/11 - Howard Coffin: Something Abides (Burlington)
4/13- Saturday Story Time (Burlington)
4/18 - Guide Mase: The Wild Medicine Solution (Burlington)
4/20 - Saturday Story Time (Burlington)
4/20 - The First Annual Poetry Reading with the PSOV (Burlington)
4/25 - Building a Sustainable Future: Greening Vermont and Rebuilding the Foodshed (Burlington)
4/27 - Saturday Story Time (Burlington)
4/27 - Daniel Lusk: The Inland Sea: Reflections (Burlington)
4/29-5/5 - Screen Free Week (Essex)
4/30 - Teatime with Tea Rex (Essex - Screen Free Week)
4/30 - Phoenix Books Burlington Reading Group
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Saturday Story Time
Saturdays at 11am
Phoenix Books Burlington
Listen to and enjoy stories with your little ones! Keep an eye on our website listings and Facebook page for the details of each story time.
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James Tabor:
Frozen Solid
Tuesday, April 2nd at 7:00pm at
Phoenix Books
Burlington
Join us for a book launch for James Tabor's latest novel, Frozen Solid - a chilling tale of suspense set against the forbidding backdrop of the South Pole.
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Nancy Stearns Bercaw:
Brain in a Jar
Saturday, April 6th
at 6:30pm at
Phoenix Books Burlington
Join Nancy as she introduces Brain in a Jar to the world from her home bookstore in Burlington, Vermont. Nancy will read a chapter from the book and sign copies. Cake included!
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Educators' Appreciation Day
Tuesday, April 9th
Reception from
4 to 7pm
Author's Panel at 5:30pm
Phoenix Books Essex
Teachers and librarians are invited to join us for giveaways, drawings, a special author event with Rebecca Rupp and Linda Urban, and more!
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Howard Coffin:
Something Abides
Thursday, April 11th at 7pm
Phoenix Books Burlington
Discover the Civil War in today's Vermont with Howard Coffin.
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Guido Mase:
The Wild Medicine Solution
Thursday, April 18th
at 7:00pm at
Phoenix Books Burlington
Join Guido Masé, co-founder of The Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, to learn how health care can be easy, delicious, and effective with The Wild Medicine Solution.
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First Annual Poetry Reading with PSOV
Saturday, April 20th
at 2:00pm at
Phoenix Books Burlington
Join members of the Poetry Society of Vermont for a celebration of National Poetry Month!
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Solar Presentation by
Tuesday, April 24th
at 6:00pm at
Phoenix Books Essex
Come learn how you can save money by going solar with SunCommon. We'll cover solar from A to Z including why it works in Vermont, state policy, tax credits, financing options, leasing versus owning, and how to design the best system for your home. We hope you'll join us and bring all of your questions!
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Building a Sustainable Future
Thursday, April 25th
at 7:00pm at
Phoenix Books Burlington
What does sustainability look like? How can we be resilient enough to endure potentially rough times ahead? Join us for a special Earth Day week event with Elizabeth Courtney and Philip Ackerman-Leist to learn the answers!
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Daniel Lusk:
The Inland Sea Release Party
 Saturday, April 27th
at 7:00pm at
Phoenix Books Burlington
Join us for a release party with poet Daniel Lusk!
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Screen Free Week!
Teatime with Tea Rex
Tuesday, April 30th
at 10:00am at
Phoenix Books Essex
Come for story time. Stay for lunch. Home for nap.
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...and stay tuned
for more
Screen Free Week events in May!
April 29th - May 5th
Phoenix Books Essex
Screen-Free Week is a national celebration when
children, families, schools, and communities spend seven days turning
off entertainment screen media and turning ON life! It's time to unplug
and play, read, create, garden, explore nature, and spend time with
family and friends.
Keep an eye out on our website for details of events like Family Game Night, Bob's Birthday Bash, How Carrots Won the Trojan War with Rebecca Rupp, and more!
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Phoenix Books Burlington Reading Group
Tuesday, April 30th
at 5:30pm at
Phoenix Books Burlington
Join us for the second meeting of the Phoenix Books Burlington Reading Group! We'll discuss Home by Toni Morrison.
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April is
Peter Rabbit
Month!
20% Off* Select Picture Books featuring Peter Rabbit
*Discount only applies at Phoenix's "brick-and-mortar" locations
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Make the Connection 
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Thank you for choosing local & indie!
 | at the Essex
Shoppes & Cinema
21 Essex Way #407
Essex, VT 05452
802.872.7111
Downtown Burlington
191 Bank Street
Burlington, VT 05401
802.448.3350
Phoenix Books Essex
Winter Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-7pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm
Phoenix Books Burlington
Winter Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 10am-7pm
Fri-Sat: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm
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Dear Friends,
Sincerely,
Mike, Renee, Adam, Beth, Billy, Christy, Colleen, Dan, Donna, Evelyn, Heather, Kari, Kathy, Kelly, Kit, Kristen, Nick, Phil, Rachel F., Rachel O., Scout, Sean, Tod, and Wendy
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| NEWS FROM THE MAGAZINE RACK
Ready to start planning vacations to warmer places? Burlington has a great selection of travel magazines! Get money-saving tips, destination ideas, and up-to-date information with magazines like Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, and Travel and Leisure.
If you're looking for something to keep you busy during the fire and ice months of spring, Essex is expanding its craft magazine selection. Knit 'n Style came in this past week to accompany our other knitting magazine Interweave Knits. Soon to come: Simply Handmade, a diverse magazine on handmade projects of all kinds, and Bound and Lettered, a how-to magazine on all things book-related from calligraphy to hand-binding.
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FICTION
Rage Against the Dying, by Becky Masterman
Brigid Quinn's experiences hunting sexual predators for the FBI have left her with memories she wishes she didn't have and lethal skills she hopes never to need again. Having been pushed into early retirement by events she thinks she's put firmly behind her, Brigid keeps telling herself she is settling down nicely in Tucson with a wonderful new husband, Carlo, and their dogs. But the past intervenes when a man named Floyd Lynch confesses to the worst unsolved case of Brigid's career. With a fiercely original and compelling voice, Becky Masterman's Rage Against the Dying marks the heart-stopping debut of a brilliant new thriller writer. (Hardcover, Fiction)
 Life After Life, by Jill McCorkleLife After Life is filled with a sense of wonder at our capacity for self-discovery at any age. And the residents, staff, and neighbors of the Pine Haven retirement center (from twelve-year-old Abby to eighty-five-year-old Sadie) share some of life's most profound discoveries and are some of the most true-to-life characters that you are ever likely to meet in fiction. As each character begins to connect with another, the mysteries and consequences of their lives are revealed. What they eventually learn about themselves and one another will profoundly transform them all. (Hardcover, Fiction.)
 The Sunshine When She's Gone, by Thea GoodmanOne frigid, January morning in Manhattan, a new father, racked by sleep deprivation, decides to let his wife sleep in - then spontaneously flees lower Manhattan with the baby, for a weekend in the Caribbean. When the wife awakes, truly rested for the first time in nearly a year, she feels great - and embarks on a city adventure as misguided in its own way as her husband's impulsive escape. Lucky, highly-educated Americans, this couple barely survives making the first real sacrifice of their lives. But survive it they do. In a hilarious, touching tour de force debut about passion, ambivalence and love. (Hardcover, Fiction.)
 Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald,
by Therese Anne Fowler Kari's staff pick!A dazzling novel that captures all of the romance, glamor, and tragedy of the first flapper, Zelda Fitzgerald. It is the Jazz Age, when everything seems new and possible - except that dazzling success does not always last. Surrounded by a thrilling array of magnificent hosts and mercurial geniuses - including Sara and Gerald Murphy, Gertrude Stein, and the great and terrible Ernest Hemingway - Zelda and Scott find the future both grander and stranger than they could have ever imagined. (Hardcover, Fiction.)
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NONFICTION
Urban Gardening for Dummies, by Paul Simon & Charlie Nardozzi
A townhouse yard, a balcony, a fire escape, a south-facing window - even a basement apartment can all be suitable locations to grow enough food to save a considerable amount of money and enjoy the freshest, healthiest produce possible.
Urban Gardening For Dummies helps you make the most of limited space through the use of proven small-space gardening techniques that allow gardeners to maximize yield while minimizing space. If you're interested in starting an urban garden that makes maximum use of minimal space, Urban Gardening For Dummies has you covered. (Paperback, Gardening)
The Wild Medicine Solution, by Guido Mase
Kristen's staff pick!
"In The Wild Medicine Solution, Guido Mase suggests that three classes of herbs - aromatics, with their soothing and uplifting qualities; bitters, which function as digestive stimulants; and nourishing tonics - are uniquely suited for balancing the physical and psychological stresses of modern life. This book offers insights for even experienced herbalists but - with a writing style that is both articulate and conversational - The Wild Medicine Solution will appeal to anyone looking to get or stay healthy in a challenging world." (Paperback, Health)
 How Stella Saved the Farm, by
Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble
How Stella Saved the Farm is a parable about a farm in trouble--a farm managed by animals. The farm will succeed only if the team pulls together and innovates to create new profits; otherwise, it will be bought out by a hostile human competitor. The main characters in the story--Stella, Deirdre, Bull, Mav, Einstein, Rambo, Maisie, and Andrea--are all like people you know, maybe even yourself. With eight simple lessons to guide innovation initiatives to success, it prepares business readers to avoid some of innovation's most toxic myths, teaches how to build the right kind of team, and shows how to learn quickly from experience. (Hardcover, Business)
 Put 'Em Up! Fruit, by Sherri Brooks VintonKristen's Staff Pick!A preserving guide and cookbook all in one! This creative collection has 80 inventive recipes for preserving 18 kinds of fruit, from apples, blackberries, blueberries, and cherries to cranberries, lemons, quince, plums, rhuburb, and tomatoes, but it also has 80 recipes for using your preserves (whether you've made jelly, jam, chutney, curd, liqueur, pickles, or salsa) in main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and cocktails. Putting up the harvest has never been so delicious! (Paperback, Cooking)
 How to Be Interesting, by Jessica HagyYou want to leave a mark, not a blemish. Be a hero, not a spectator. You want to be interesting. (Who doesn't?) But sometimes it takes a nudge, a wake-up call - and a little help. This is where Jessica Hagy comes in. A writer and illustrator of great economy, charm, and insight, she's created How to Be Interesting, a uniquely inspirational how-to that combines fresh and pithy lessons with deceptively simple diagrams and charts. (Paperback, Self Help)
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YOUNG ADULT PICKS
Panic, by Sharon Draper
This gripping and chillingly realistic novel from New York Times bestselling author Sharon Draper shows that all it takes is one bad decision for everything to change. Diamond knows not to get into a car with a stranger. But what if the stranger is well-dressed and handsome? On his way to meet his wife and daughter? And casting a movie that very night - a movie in need of a star dancer? What then? From New York Times bestselling author Sharon Draper, this is a riveting exploration of power: how quickly we can lose it-and how we can take it back. (Hardcover, Ages 14+)
 Fat Angie, by e.E. Charlton-TrujilloBeth's staff pick!Angie is broken--by her can't-be-bothered mother, by her high-school tormenters, and by being the only one who thinks her varsity-athlete-turned-war-hero sister is still alive. Hiding under a mountain of junk food hasn't kept the pain (or the shouts of "crazy mad cow!") away. Having failed to kill herself--in front of a gym full of kids--she's back at high school just trying to make it through each day. That is, until the arrival of KC Romance, a girl who is one hundred and ninety-nine percent wow! With an offbeat sensibility and characters both outrageous and touching, this darkly comic anti-romantic romance will appeal to anyone who likes entertaining and meaningful fiction.(Hardcover, Ages 14+)
The Summer Prince, by Alaya Dawn Johnson
 The lush city of Palmares Tres shimmers with tech and tradition, with screaming gossip casters and practiced politicians. In the midst of its heat, June Costa creates art that's sure to make her legendary. But her dreams of fame become something more when she meets Enki, the bold, new Summer King. The whole city falls in love with him (including June's best friend, Gil). But June sees more to Enki than dark chocolate eyes and a lethal samba. She sees a fellow artist. Together, June and Enki will create art that Palmares Tres will never forget. They will add fuel to a growing rebellion against the government's strict limits on new tech. And June will fall deeply, unfortunately in love with Enki. Because like all Summer Kings before him, Enki is destined to die. (Hardcover, Ages 14+)
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BEGINNING & MIDDLE READERS
Chasing the Prophecy, by Brandon Mull
Jason and Rachel were not born in Lyrian. They did not grow up in Lyrian. But after all of the battles and losses, the triumphs and adventures, and most of all, the friendships forged in this fantastical world, Lyrian has become home to them in a way they never could have imagined. And so, armed now with the prophecy of a dying oracle, they have gone on their separate quests - each surrounded by brave and powerful allies - knowing that the chance for success is slim. But Jason and Rachel are ready at last to become the heroes Lyrian needs, no matter the cost. (Hardcover, Ages 8-12.)
 The Center of Everything, by Linda Urban
Local author!
For Ruby Pepperdine, the "center of everything" is on the rooftop of Pepperdine Motors in her donut-obsessed town of Bunning, New Hampshire, stargazing from the circle of her grandmother Gigi's hug. That's how everything is supposed to be -- until Ruby messes up and things spin out of control. But she has one last hope. It all depends on what happens on Bunning Day, when the entire town will hear Ruby read her winning essay. And it depends on her twelfth birthday wish-unless she messes that up too. Can Ruby's wish set everything straight in her topsy-turvy world? (Hardcover, Ages 9-12.)
The World Belongs to You, by Riccardo Bozzi 
You belong to the world, and the world belongs to you; inspiring words for graduating students and anyone experiencing a time of change in their life. This beautifully crafted book is an uplifting gift for people of any age. Stylish graphic art paired with a deceptively simple text make this a book to be read over and again. (Hardcover, Ages 8-12.)
Garden Princess, by Kristin Kladstrup
Kristen's Staff Pick! 
Princess Adela is not a typical princess. She's neither particularly beautiful nor particularly graceful, and she'd rather spend her days digging new plots for her garden than listening to teatime gossip. But when her friend Garth is invited to a garden party hosted by Lady Hortensia, Adela can't resist coming along, even if it means stuffing herself into a too-tight dress and donning impractical shoes. But the moment Adela sets eyes on Hortensia's garden, she knows something is amiss. Every single flower is in bloom - in the middle of October! Not only that, there is a talking magpie flitting about the garden and stealing the guests' jewels. Is it possible that Hortensia is a witch and the magpie an enchanted prince?(Hardcover, Ages 10+.)
White Fur Flying, by Patricia MacLachlan 
Zoe's family rescues dogs in need. There is always the sweet smell of dog and a warm body looking to cuddle or play. There is always a new dog to be saved and loved. Fur flies everywhere. It covers everything. Zoe's house is never silent. But the house across the street is always silent these days. A new family has moved in and Phillip, the boy, has stopped speaking. He doesn't even want to try. Zoe knows that saving dogs and saving boys are different jobs, but she learns that some parts are the same. (Hardcover, Ages 7-11)
The Legend Thief, by E.J. Patten Sky thought he had problems before. "Before" as in when his uncle disappeared, he had to move to an odd new town with his family, and, oh yeah, it was up to him to make sure the world's deadliest monster didn't escape from his prison. But none of that compares to now. "Now" as in when the entire Hunters of Legend are coming to Exile with one mission: Kill Sky. Well, Sky thought there was only one mission, but the longer he stays alive, the more he realizes that there is something else afoot. (Hardcover, Ages 8-12)
Return to Exile, by E.J. Patten 
Eleven years ago, a shattered band of ancient hunters captured an unimaginable evil, and Phineas T. Pimiscule rescued his nephew, Sky, from the wreckage of that great battle. For eleven years, Sky Weathers has studied traps, puzzles, science, and the secret lore of the Hunters of Legend, believing it all a game. For eleven years, Sky and his family have hidden from dark enemies while his uncle Phineas sacrificed everything to protect them. But on the eve of Sky's twelfth birthday and his family's long-awaited return to Exile, everything changes. Phineas has disappeared, and Sky finds himself forced to confront the mysterious secrets of his past. (Paperback, Ages 8-12)
Look Up, by Annette LeBlanc Cate
This conversational, humorous introduction to bird-watching encourages kids to get outdoors with a sketchbook and really look around. Quirky full-color illustrations portray dozens of birds chatting about their distinctive characteristics, including color, shape, plumage, and beak and foot types, while tongue-in-cheek cartoons feature banter between birds, characters, and the reader. Interactive and enjoyable tips bring an age-old hobby to new life for the next generation of bird-watchers. (Hardcover, Ages 8-12)
Middle School: My Brother is a Big, Fat Liar,
by James Patterson & Lisa Papademetriou 
Georgia Khatchadorian plans to excel at Hills Village Middle School in all the places her troublemaking brother failed. She's even bet him that she'll quickly become one of the most popular girls in school. But Rafe left a big mark at HVMS, and no one will give Georgia a chance! Even worse, Rafe has sneakily signed up her band to play at the school dance, and she's terrified to embarrass herself in front of the snooty "Princesses" who run the school and the boy who's caught her eye. Will she be able to overcome her fears and win her bet with Rafe? (Paperback, Ages 8-12)
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| RAISING PASSIONATE READERS
Exclamation Mark, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
From the bestselling creators of DUCK! RABBIT!, an exciting tale of self-discovery! It's not easy being seen. Especially when you're not like everyone else. Sometimes we squish ourselves to fit in. We shrink. Twist. Bend. Until -- ! -- a friend shows the way to endless possibilities. In this bold and highly visual book, an emphatic but misplaced exclamation point learns that being different can be very exciting! Period. (Picture Book, Ages 4-8.)
 Lois Ehlert's Growing Garden Gift SetA boxed set of three hardcover books by Lois Ehlert: Planting a Rainbow (A concept book about colors and 21 different flower varieties.), Eating the Alphabet (With a glossary of 75 fruits and vegetables.), and Growing Vegetable Soup (Includes a recipe for a healthy, tasty vegetable soup.). Packaged in a beautiful slipcase with a flower garden poster. (Picture Book, Ages 4-8)
Otis and the Puppy, by Loren Long 
Otis and his farm friends love to play hide-and-seek. Yet when the newest addition to the farm - a bounding puppy who can't sit still and has a habit of licking faces - tries to hide, he finds his attention wandering and is soon lost in the forest. Night falls and Otis, knowing his new friend is afraid of the dark, sets out to find him. There's just one problem: Otis is also afraid of the dark. (Picture Book, Ages 3-7)
Inside Outside, by Lizi Boyd
Vermont Author! 
What is happening outside today? Peek through the window to find out. What is happening inside? Peek again! Whimsical die-cuts throughout lead to charming and surprising reveals with every turn of the page. Filled with fun details (can you find the two mice playing throughout?), this deceptively simple book is one readers will visit again and again. (Picture Book, Ages 4-6)
Rain!, by Linda Ashman
In this endearing picture book, a rainy-day cityscape comes to life in vibrant, cut-paper-style artwork. A grumpy man grumbles, "Rain." The boy in his green frog hat splashes in puddles-"Hoppy, hoppy, hoppy!"-while the old man curses the "dang puddles." Can the boy's natural exuberance (and perhaps a cookie) cheer up the grouchy gentleman and turn the day around? (Picture Book, Ages 4-8)
Pranklopedia, by Julie Winterbottom
Every day is April Fools' Day. Pure heaven for the prankster, Pranklopedia includes over 70 pranks, with step-by-step directions; a full-color, sixteen-page insert of supplementary materials, including "tasty" soup can labels (mmm, Cream of Sparrow Soup!) and a "winning" lottery ticket; recipes for such essential prank-stuff as fake vomit; tips on how to pull the perfect prank; profiles of famous pranks and pranksters; even a prank woven right into the book. (Paperback, Ages 5+)
Pug, by Valerie Worth
Perfect for animal lovers! Eighteen funny and elegant poems from Valerie Worth and Caldecott Honor illustrator Steve Jenkin. In the follow-up to the well-received Animal Poems, Pug: And Other Animal Poems examines a wide range of animal behavior, from the fleetingness of a fly sipping spilled milk to the constant steely presence of a powerful bull; the greedy meal of a street rat to a cat's quiet gift of a dead mouse on the doorstep. Steve Jenkins's bright collage art brings these small moments to life. (Hardcover, Ages 4-9) 
Red Hat, by Lita Judge
In this almost wordless springtime picture book, an adorable crew of baby animals borrows a familiar-looking red hat (last seen on the head of Red Sled's unsuspecting protagonist) and embarks on a joy-filled escapade - until all that is left is a long piece of red string! Their playful romp is gorgeously depicted in bold watercolor and complemented by humorous expressions and pitch-perfect sound effects. With a timeless tone and classic characters, Red Hat promises to be an instant favorite.(Hardcover, Ages 2-5)  Snippet the Early Riser, by Bethanie Murguia
A staff favorite!
Snippet is a typical snail. But unlike other snails, he loves to wake up early. While his family is snoozing the morning away, he is wide awake and ready to race to the flowers, make leaf sculptures, and get piggyback rides. With the help of his bug friends, he tries and tries to wake his family up - but nothing works. Until Caterpillar gives him an idea. Celebrating early birds and late snoozers alike, this story will ring true for the many families with little early risers. It's the perfect tale to fall asleep (or wake up!) to. (Hardcover, Ages 3-7)  Let's Go, Hugo?, by Angela Dominguez
Hugo is a dapper little bird who adores the Eiffel Tower - or at least his view of it from down here. Hugo, you see, has never left the ground. So when he meets another bird, the determined Lulu, who invites him to fly with her to the top of the tower, Hugo stalls, persuading Lulu to see, on foot, every inch of the park in which he lives instead. Will a nighttime flying lesson from Bernard the Owl, some sweet and sensible encouragement from Lulu, and some extra pluck from Hugo himself finally give this bird the courage he needs to spread his wings and fly? (Hardcover, Ages 3-5)  Wee Rhymes, by Jane Yolen
A baby's day is full of meaningful moments: Time for cuddles, time for play, time for games, time for a nap, time for dinner, time for a bath, time for bed...and always, always, time for love. This joyous collection of more than fifty original poems and rhymes is divided into sections that celebrate each part of a young child's daily routine. An anthology of new and favorite rhymes accompanied by gentle, evocative illustrations is a perfect gift for showers and a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf. (Hardcover, Ages 4-8)
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