Here are three new picture books you and your children will enjoy. In "Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead" by Judy Goldman, Lupita and her beloved Tio Urbano watch the monarch butterflies return every year, just in time for Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). Elderly Tio Urbano cautions Lupita never to hurt or capture the monarch butterflies because they are the souls of their loved ones returning to participate in the holiday. But Tio Urbano passes away before Day of the Dead and Lupita and her family must complete the celebration themselves, finding comfort in age-old traditions. I learned so much about the Day of the Dead from this book and I know your little ones will be fascinated by the different customs, too.
"The Red Sled" by Patricia Thomas is the perfect book for your littlest readers! Large colorful illustrations and two word text on each page (fat hat, knit mitt) will grab their attention as a boy and his father have an exhilarating time sledding at night.
Budding graphic novel and superhero lovers will delight in "Traction Man Meets Turbodog" by Mini Grey. The first illustration shows a father chastising his son to please stay out of the mud as the boy plays with his superhero toy. The boy's imagination kicks in as Traction Man and TurboDog fight off germs and tromp through mud and water to find Traction Man's missing pet Scrubbing Brush. A dip in the tub revitalizes Traction Man and Scrubbing Brush but what will happen to poor battery- powered TurboDog? A lovely romp through a young child's imagination!