Children's Books New and Notable
It is a golden age for children's books. On this page we will feature new, recent, and classic books that must be kept in mind always. Although categories are more flexible than ever, we will try to dedicate this page to what we call picture books, illustrated books to share between children from 2 to 92. Carlisle is extraordinarily fortunate to be home to Amy June Bates, an ever-rising and nationally-acclaimed children's book artist. Amy has a separate page dedicated solely to her work.
Ten Beautiful Things
Ten Beautiful Things
There's nothing beautiful here.
Lily doesn't want to live in Iowa with Gran. Iowa is a long car ride away, and Lily feels terrible, all empty inside. Even Gran's favorite car game—name ten beautiful things—is useless. There's nothing beautiful in the April slush and cloudy sky.
But beauty is hiding where Lily least expects it: the smell of spring mud, a cloud shaped like a swan, a dilapidated barn. After a furious rainstorm, Lily discovers the tenth and most beautiful thing of all: Gran and their love for each other.
This heartfelt journey through the heartland captures the struggle to navigate change and loss, and the comfort found in mindful attention to the present.
"Ten Beautiful Things is a lyrical celebration of love, family, and the beauty that surrounds us even in very difficult times."
—The Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, MN