Aug. 28, 2024 – Local children's author Charlotte Gunnufson will visit the Downtown Library on Tuesday, Sept. 3 for a very special story time. Join her from 10-10:30 am to hear her read her newest picture book "Dream Submarine." Discover fascinating facts about marine animals, play collaborative games, and groove to fun fish-themed music!
Before her visit, we asked her to share some of the other books she loves. She provided the list below, as well as her reasons for picking each title. Click on the covers to put them on hold in our catalog.
"I adore picture books, poring over the art, reveling in the words, writing them, and, especially, sharing them with kids," she said. "I could compose several lists of favorites. This is a list of fresh nonfiction that I’ve truly enjoyed and believe kids will, too. These books allow kids to get into the story and geek out on facts. The writing is lovely, lyrical, funny and a joy to read aloud. The fascinating information will fuel kids’ natural curiosity."
"Parrotfish Has a Superpower" by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Bob Shea
In this hilarious story, Parrotfish has a real superpower (plus many other cool abilities!) and is determined to convince Hammerhead Shark. Iowa author Jill Esbaum delivers a ton of fun and amazing facts.
"Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist" by Linda Skeers, illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Kids love dinosaurs! This lovely book by Iowa author Linda Skeers shares how dinosaurs were discovered, how they’re studied, how our understanding has developed, and just might inspire kids to pursue paleontology or other field of science.
"Diplodocus Finds Its Family" by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia, illustrated by Marie Bollman
Another terrific book about dinosaurs by another talented Iowa author! “A tiny sound echoes through the morning mist,” coming from a bowling ball-sized egg. Adorable Diplodocus hatches and begins searching for family.
"Zap! Clap! Boom! The Story of a Thunderstorm" by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Elly MacKay
Author Laura Purdie Salas (from Iowa’s neighbor to the north, Minnesota!) tells the story of how a thunderstorm is formed. It’s written in easy-to-read rhyme with a fun-to-repeat refrain. Kids will love saying, singing or even shouting, “Zap! Clap! Boom!”
"Sparrow Loves Birds" by Murry Burgess, illustrated by Tamisha Anthony
Dr. Murry Burgess is an environmental educator and scientist, cofounder of Field Inclusive and author. Sparrow is a curious kid who discovers a love of birds, observing them and learning how to identify them. Readers will be inspired to become fledgling ornithologists. This title is not yet available at the library. Be sure to request it!
