The Blue Whale by Jenni Desmond

This beautifully written and illustrated narrative nonfiction book by Jenni Desmond is full of interesting facts about this beloved mammal.  Includes facts that help to make the size and habits of the blue whale interesting and easily understandable.

Anything But Ordinary Addie by Mara Rockliff

This biography tells the true story of one fearless magician’s rise to glory.  After Addie’s husband, Herrmann the Great dies, she is determined to perform their magic show all by herself. Magic lovers beware…this book also includes instructions for performing one of Addie‘s original tricks.

Red A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

This is a funny book about a serious topic and you are going to enjoy reading  it again and again.  A blue crayon is mistakenly labeled as “red” suffers AND suffers AND suffers an identity crisis. Michael Hall reminds us of the importance of being true to our inner selves and following our own paths, even when obstacles are put in our way.

Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry

Tom Lichtenheld’s illustrations make Beth Ferry’s characters come alive. This is a simple rhyming text that includes an anti-bullying message.  This book is sure to please fans of Elephant and Piggie, Frog and Toad, and George and Martha.  Teachers, counselors and parents will find this book helpful anytime the issue of bullying arises.

How to Read A Story by Kate Messner

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie

This book is for anyone who has ever wanted to change their name.  If you like Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, you will thoroughly enjoy Sherman Alexie and Caldecott winner Yuyi Morales new book.  This picture book has already started winning 2016 book awards.  Will this book get your vote for the Sakura Medal this year?

Diamonds and Daggers by Elen Caldecott

Hollywood star Betty Massino has come to town Piotr and his friends Andrew and Minnie couldn’t be more excited! But when the famous actress’s hugely expensive diamond necklace goes missing, Piotr’s dad is a prime suspect.  With the help of Sylvie and her twin sister Flora, can Piotr, Andrew and Minnie solve the crime or will Piotr and his family have to move back to Poland?

Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Roz, the robot, discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island with no memory of where she is from or why she is there. Her only hope of survival is to try to learn about her new environment and the animals that live there. This is picture book writer, Peter Brown’s first book for middle grade readers.

Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

Near the start of World War II, young Manami, her parents, and Grandfather are evacuated from their home in Washington state and sent to Manzanar, an ugly, dreary internment camp in the desert for Japanese-American citizens.  This is a very readable historical fiction book about a dark time in American history.

For more Sakura Book Trailers  (click here).