April 2025 Additions

April showers might bring May showers, but here at the Center April children's book additions bring June Drag Story Times, as we're adding a bunch of recently donated books in time to bring some to our Pride in the Park celebration to spread the joy. We'll start with The Great Space Adventure by Ryka Aoki and Cai Steele, which is a vibrant and colorful look at possibility and imagination. From the publisher:

The planets all all unique, and never feel embarrassed or self-conscious in their difference. Join Nande in their out-of-this-world journey of exploration and learn with them about all the special and awe-inspiring parts of our solar system as they find they have a family in space.

Next up is The Boy & The Bindi by Vivek Shraya and Rajni Perera, which looks at expectations, gender, and community. From the publisher:

In this beautiful children's picture book by Vivek Shraya, author of the acclaimed God Loves Hair, a five-year-old boy becomes fascinated with his mother's bindi, the red dot commonly worn by South Asian women to indicate the point at which creation begins, and wishes to have one of his own. Rather than chastise her son, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.

Beautifully illustrated with hand paintings by Rajni Perera, The Boy & the Bindi is a joyful celebration of gender and cultural difference.

All Families Are Special by Philly Chinchilly with Erica Lee and Ksenia Matiikiv is an adorable look at families through the eyes of a small and furry chinchilla!

Philly Chinchilly lives in Pennsylvania with his two moms. He has fans across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube and is known for his extensive wardrobe and his ability to hold objects with his tiny paws.

In this story, Phil explores the different kinds of families. Phil knows that the most important part of a family is the love they share.

Prince & Knight by Wisconsin native Daniel Haack and illustrator Stevie Lewis is a classic fairy tale with some updated sensibilities—and it's about time! From the publisher:

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far from here, there was a prince in line to take the throne, so his parents set out to find him a kind and worthy bride. The three of them traveled the land far and wide, but the prince didn’t quite find what he was looking for in the princesses they met.

While they were away, a terrible dragon threatened their land, and all the soldiers fled. The prince rushed back to save his kingdom from the perilous beast and was met by a brave knight in a suit of brightly shining armor. Together they fought the dragon and discovered that special something the prince was looking for all along.

Next we're adding 47,000 Beads by Koja Adeyoha and Angel Adeyoha and Holly McGillis, a fantastic look at family, honesty, and love. From the publisher:

Peyton loves to dance, and especially at pow wow, but her Auntie notices that she's been dancing less and less. When Peyton shares that she just can't be comfortable wearing a dress anymore, Auntie Eyota asks some friends for help to get Peyton what she needs.

And finally we have Grandad's Camper by Harry Woodgate, a Stonewall Honor Book that looks at loss and grief but also at healing and family. From the publisher:

Gramps and Grandad were adventurers. They would surf, climb mountains, and tour the country in their amazing camper. Gramps just made everything extra special. But after Gramps died, granddad hasn’t felt like traveling anymore. So, their amazing granddaughter comes up with a clever plan to fix up the old camper and get Grandad excited to explore again.

This beautiful picture book honors love and reminds us not only to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate them.