Oregon is known for many things. We can claim the Columbia River, Lewis and Clark, the Spruce Goose, Portlandia, and rain. In addition to these wondrous things, we can also claim a long literary history. And if you look beyond adult authors such as Ken Kesey (much as we adore him), you will find a rich tradition of children’s literature in Oregon.
From classic geniuses like Beverly Cleary, to contemporary favorites like Cynthia Rylant, to soon-to-be-adored writers like Kari Luna, Oregon has more children’s authors than it has ducks and beavers. If you’re looking for a book for a baby or a tome for a teen, think local first, and support an Oregon author!
Walt Disney’s Cinderella
By: Cynthia Rylant
“This is a story about darkness and light, about sorrow and joy,Image may be NSFW.
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about something lost and something found. This is a story about love.”
Cinderella’s story has been told over and over, but never has it been touched by the kind of magic created by the contributors of this book. Mary Blair painted the original pictures for Walt Disney’s incomparable animated film, and here her elegant art is gathered together as a picture book. Cynthia Rylant’s stories about hardscrabble lives have won not only awards and honors, but hearts. Who better to take a young girl from the darkness of her garret room to the light and brilliance of a ballroom? Together these two great artists have created something quite astonishing: a Cinderella that is breathtaking, heartrending, and joyous, both for those who are coming to the tale for the very first time, and for those who think they know it well. (Publisher’s Marketing) Ages 4-8
Extra Famous (Calvin Cocunut)
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Graham Salisbury
There are zombies at Kailua beach!! Well, kind of. Fourth-grader Calvin Coconut and his friends have been recruited by Benny Obi (the boy from Kung Fooey who liked to tell crazy stories and ate bugs) to be extras in his uncle’s movie: Zombie Zoomba! And who ends up with an actual part? Calvin’s babysitter, Stella. (Publisher’s Marketing) Ages 7-10
The Theory of Everything
By: Kari Luna
One part Libba Bray’s Going Bovine, two parts String Theory, and three parts love story equals a whimsical novel that will change the way you think about the world. Sophie Sophia is obsessed withImage may be NSFW.
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music from the late eighties. She also has an eccentric physicist father who sometimes vanishes for days and sees things other people don’t see. But when he disappears for good and Sophie’s mom moves them from Brooklyn, New York, to Havencrest, Illinois, for a fresh start, things take a turn for the weird. Sophie starts seeing things, like marching band pandas, just like her dad.
Guided by Walt, her shaman panda, and her new (human) friend named Finny, Sophie is determined to find her father and figure out her visions, once and for all. So she travels back to where it began—New York City and NYU’s Physics department. As she discovers more about her dad’s research on M-theory and her father himself, Sophie opens her eyes to the world’s infinite possibilities—and her heart to love. (Publisher’s Marketing) Ages 12-17
Famous Fenton Has a Farm: Sign Language for Farm Animals
By: Dawn Babb ProchovnicImage may be NSFW.
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Story Time with Signs & Rhymes presents playful stories for read-aloud fun! This rhythmic tale invites readers to chant along and learn American Sign Language signs for farm animals such as pigs, cows, and goats. Bring a new, dynamic finger-play experience to your story time! Looking Glass Library is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO Group. (Publisher’s Marketing) Ages 4-7
Beneath
By: Roland Smith
What waits Beneath? Pat O’Toole has always idolized his older brother, Coop. He’s even helped Coop with some of his crazier plans—such as risking his life to help his big brother dig a tunnelImage may be NSFW.
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underneath their neighborhood in the suburbs of Washington, DC. Coop is…different. He doesn’t talk on the phone, doesn’t use email, and doesn’t have friends. He’s never really cared for anything but the thrill of being underground and Pat. So it’s no surprise to anyone—even Pat—that after a huge fight with their parents, Coop runs away. Exactly one year later, Pat receives a package containing a digital voice recorder and a cryptic message from his brother. He follows the clues to New York City, and soon discovers that Coop has joined the Community, a self-sufficient society living beneath the streets. Now it’s up to Pat to find his brother—and bring him home. (Publisher’s Marketing) Ages 10-14
Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You
By: Nancy Tillman
“I wanted you more than you’ll ever know, “Image may be NSFW.
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“so I sent love to follow wherever you go…”
Love is the greatest gift we have to give our children. It’s the one thing they can carry with them each and every day.
If love could take shape it might look something like these heartfelt words and images from the inimitable Nancy Tillman. Here is a book to share with your loved ones, no matter how near or far, young or old, they are. (Publisher’s Marketing) Ages 4-8
Ribsy
By: Beverly Cleary
Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives Henry’s dog, Ribsy, the center stage in thisImage may be NSFW.
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dog’s-eye view of the adventure of a lifetime.
Good ol’ Ribsy’s ever-curious mind has always gotten him into scrapes, but this time he may have gone too far. After a comical turn of events, Ribsy finds himself in the wrong station wagon with the wrong children. Ribsy will do anything to find Henry, but there’s plenty of excitement to be had along the way—and scoring a touchdown for a local high school team is only part of the fun! (Publisher’s Marketing) Ages 8-12
Wild About You!
By: Judy Sierra
The tree kangaroo at the zoo would like nothing more than a baby of her own. So, when a new eggImage may be NSFW.
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arrives via the endangered species van, the ‘roo jumps at the chance to take care of it, even when no one else wants it. Soon, out comes a penguin and all the animals chip in to help because, as the tree kangaroo says, “Penguins eat fishes.”
Told in Judy Sierra’s classic rollicking rhyme, and paired with Marc Brown’s breathtaking folk-art style paintings, Wild About You! is another delightful collaboration from this “New York Times” bestselling duo that fans of Wild About Books and ZooZical will want to adopt for their own book collections. (Publisher’s Marketing) Ages 4-7
Super Silly School Poems
By: David Greenberg
This school-themed collection contains wacky, wonderful poems about a recess secret, aImage may be NSFW.
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show-and-tell mystery, a handful of homework excuses, and a sneaky, slithering, escaped class pet. These poems are sure to tickle the funny bone of any kid who’s ever endured a gross cafeteria lunch or a teacher with eyes in the back of her head.
David Greenberg’s silly school poems will speak to kids, parents, and teachers alike. Liza Woodruff’s fun illustrations are a perfect fit for these poems. (Publisher’s Marketing) Ages 6-8
Brownie Groundhog and the February Fox
By: Susan Blackaby
Happy Groundhog Day! But when Brownie steps outside, there’s not even the slightest sign ofImage may be NSFW.
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spring—just her shadow, a frosty field, and a hungry fox who wants to munch her for lunch. Determined not to become a meal, Brownie finds a clever and tasty way to melt the ice and turn Fox into a friend…and make the wait for winter’s end a little warmer.
Susan Blackaby’s deliciously witty writing and Carmen Segovia’s adorable animals and stunning landscapes combine to create a picture book filled with springtime joy. Just right for reading with a cup of cocoa and cinnamon toast…Brownie’s favorite meal! (Publisher’s Marketing) Ages 3 and up
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