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Calgary Herald

Hesson: Children's books for May

Article content Article content What Makes A Bird? Article content By Megan Pomper, Illustrated by Maia Hoekstra Article content The information and colourful illustrations in this picture book will challenge readers to think about the characteristics that make up a bird. Is it feathers, a beak or wings? Is it the fact that they make nests and can lay eggs, or that they can fly? Children will learn about the differences and similarities between these special creatures in comparison to other animals and will be encouraged to take a close look at the natural world around them. The back pages provide a search and find activity, as well as the names of the birds featured in the book. Article content Article content Article content Do Not Turn The Page Article content Article content By Jane Blondie, Illustrated By Marcus Cutler Article content Charlie hates anything to do with bath time. As he warns that turning the pages will lead him there, he gets dirtier and dirtier. He plays in the sandbox, then enters his favourite place, the mudroom. He prompts readers to read faster to get him past the fancy living room and into the kitchen to enjoy sticky jam. The craft room provides glue, paint and sparkles. At the sound of footsteps, he knows the tub is next. Once there, however, he discovers bubbles and rubber duckies are quite enjoyable. Humorous illustrations engage readers in some good, clean fun. Article content Article content Dex only knows life at The Pines retirement village. He is beloved by all the senior citizens there and has learned everything from them since the age of six. When a truant officer orders him to attend a real school, he realizes he is not like other kids. Dex dresses and talks like the people he has lived with. He also knows how to fix things, which leads him to some misunderstandings and trouble. This hilarious, laugh-out-loud story introduces young readers to many old-time phrases and antiquated ways of viewing the world. A fun, feel-good read. Article content Article content Article content By Ava Reid Article content In this YA post-apocalyptic world, people are controlled by the Caerus corporation. Caerus encourages everyone to assume massive debt. When that debt is impossible to pay, people are tasked with a sacrifice. They must nominate someone to participate in the live-streamed Lamb's Gauntlet. Inesa and her brother run a taxidermy shop that specializes in non-mutated animals. When their mother's credits are mismanaged, she nominates Inesa to run the Gauntlet. With help from her brother, she must survive for 13 days while being pursued by Melinoe, a modified superhuman assassin. Told in the voices of Inesa and Melinoe, this page-turning science fiction is also a romantic thriller.