Can you guess what these objects have in common? Give up? Well they are all characters in three brand new concept books you can find at the San Jose Public Library. Most children’s librarians will agree that a concept book is “a book intended for young children that focuses on colors, shapes, sizes, number and counting, and the alphabet.”  The following are new ones that I enjoyed and I think children will too:

Perfect Square by Michael Hall: It starts with a “perfect square that has four matching corners and four equal sides and is perfectly happy.”  As the week progresses our perfect square changes into things that are different but make him just as happy. Beautiful colors, beautiful shapes, a perfect book. Enjoy!

Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray: A young girl bakes an apple pie and her pup wakes up to the delicious smell. He definitely wants a taste! He is Eager for it, he Jumps for it, he Ogles it, he Pines for it and so on through the alphabet. Will pup ever get a taste of that apple pie? Check out Apple Pie ABC to find out and learn the alphabet too!

Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin: Meet Pete the Cat who is wearing white shoes that he just loves so much that he sings about them.  But do they stay white, of course not. Follow Pete throughout his day as his shoes turn so many colors. Here’s a great clip of the author, Eric Litwin and illustrator James Dean performing their book!