Children Services

Neighborhood friends greet eight different trucks until the truck they're really waiting for--the ice cream truck--finally arrives. A sweet and colorful celebration of vehicles, community, friendship, and ice cream!

So many trucks drive down our street,

each with a job it must complete.

We'll wave to all and wish them luck,

until we see the ICE CREAM TRUCK!

The sweet anticipation of waiting for the ice cream truck is tempered by the arrival of eight other trucks--a dump truck, a mail truck, a fire truck, a news truck, a utility truck, an excavator, a garbage truck, and a cement truck--in this picture book celebration of vehicles, professions, community, friendship, and delicious ice cream. Illustrated by Terry Runyan and featuring a lively call-and-response text by Sorche Fairbank, Good Luck, Ice Cream Truck! will appeal to preschoolers everywhere. A great choice for readers who love things that go!

From the creators of Paletero Man and La Guitarrista--Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player--comes a rollicking and rhyming story about a boy and his family who have all the right tools to help their community.

No job is too big, no task is too small. We're the Fix It Familia. We help one, we help all!

Chavo and his family are always there to lend a helping hand. So when the main parade float crashes at a neighborhood fiesta, Chavo has the perfect plan to help his community. With a load of creativity and a truck full of love, nothing can stop Chavo's ideas from becoming reality!

This empowering tale of resilience, community, and the power of creativity is perfect for lovers of all things construction tools and trucks. Fans of Saturday by Oge Mora, The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith, and Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy, Theresa Howell, and Rafael López will also love this story.

The book includes Spanish words and phrases throughout and an author's note from Lucky Diaz about his inspiration behind the story.

When a curious kitten encounters its young owner's string ball craft project, an amazing adventure ensues! The kitten squeezes inside the ball and begins to roll . . . right out the open front door. Yikes! Kitten and ball encounter playful pups, pecking birds, a baby in a carriage, and one very slippery slide. Whee!

In the tradition of Kitten's First Full Moon and Spot, the Cat, author-illustrator Chris Monroe takes readers on a journey they won't soon forget in this nearly wordless picture book.

A stunning picture book from acclaimed author Katherine Applegate, adapted from the #1 bestselling middle-grade novel that spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list!

Odder spends her days playing underwater and learning life lessons from her mother. But when Odder’s life takes a dramatic turn, she is rescued by humans. The people are kind, and introduce Odder to other rescues. Soon, it’s clear that Odder has a talent for teaching other pups how to otter. Adapted from Katherine Applegate’s bestselling novel of the same name (with over 80 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list!), and inspired by the true story of a program that pairs orphaned otter pups.

"Storytelling at its most brilliant--and whimsical." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Everything is on the line for crabby, cranky Crow. But why, exactly, is Crow so moody? The reason will delight readers in three-time Geisel Medal and Caldecott Honor winner Corey R. Tabor's funny and surprising twist on friendship, science, and saving the world.

Cranky, crabby Crow does not want to play with Squirrel or do loop-de-loops with Hummingbird. He doesn't have time for Rat or Bat. From high atop a telephone pole, Cat warns Crow that he will soon be all alone if he turns his friends away with his very cranky "kaw!" one more time. But, unbeknownst to all, Crow has bigger, world-saving fish to fry--he must protect planet Earth from an asteroid headed our way!

With playful illustrations and a classic "Tabor twist," Cranky, Crabby Crow is an excellent choice for readers who love Mo Willems and Jon Klassen. Kirkus Reviews calls Corey R. Tabor "a master of the early reader" with good reason, and here he once again proves himself an innovative and unforgettable storyteller. Cranky, Crabby Crow explores perennial, age-appropriate social and emotional themes through Corey R. Tabor's signature subtlety and silliness. Includes a secret code.

A hilarious story about how far one little roll of toilet paper can go, framed by a fun animal cast and an adorable father-son duo.

One sunny morning, something interesting is left behind in the woods. Is it a headband? A kite? A toy? No! It's a roll of toilet paper. But the possibilities for play are endless.

That is, until the rain comes and destroys the evidence. Oh no! Whatever will they do?

Ready, Set, Roll! is a laugh-out-loud picture book that shows how even ordinary items can inspire extraordinary imagination and play. Perfect for fans of The Squirrels Who Squabbled and The Leaf Thief.

An excellent choice for Father's Day gifting! From literary powerhouse and Coretta Scott King Honor- and Boston Globe / Horn Book Honor-winning author of The Parker Inheritance Varian Johnson and New York Times bestselling illustrator Reggie Brown comes a heartwarming father-son story about the importance of stepping up...and finding time to play.

Elijah can't wait to take his brand-new kite for its first flight! But with a new baby in the family, Daddy has to work this weekend. Elijah finds a clever way to help out and pitch in with his family while also reminding his dad how to still have a little fun.

Beloved children's book author, Varian Johnson's debut picture book highlights the fun journey of a young child building his confidence as he steps up into the big kid role, specifically as the little big man of the house.

The perfect gift or Father's Day!

Every friendship faces challenges. Orris and Timble are back in a poignant and evocatively illustrated tale of trust from a two-time Newbery Medalist.

Orris the rat and Timble the owl are unlikely friends. Each night, Timble visits Orris in the barn and listens to his stories. But Timble is growing up, and one evening when the owl doesn't appear as usual Orris wonders if Timble has forgotten him. Is their friendship over? Or could it be that Timble has a tale of his own to share? Illustrated with wistful tenderness, the second title in a projected trilogy to feature this charmingly offbeat pair masterfully explores the stories we tell ourselves, the stories we tell each other, and the binding magic of friendship.

DON'T SCREAM! There's something scary out in the forest, but you're in good hands in this story by Jess Hannigan, author of the wryly silly Spider in the Well. Just make sure you keep a cool head, and watch out for any intruders...

The signs are clear--there's a BEAR OUT THERE!

You're lucky to be safe in this cabin in the woods, with a host who is levelheaded, trustworthy, and smart about bear safety.

There's certainly no need to worry about any dark shadows or sneaky schemes in this book...RIGHT?

Jess Hannigan is back with another bold and brazen tale that's not too silly, not too scary, but just right.

A love letter to books, showing how many elements and people contribute to making something beautiful, from Caldecott honoree Elisha Cooper



In this poetic and beautifully illustrated ode to creativity and the process of making books, Caldecott honoree Elisha Cooper takes readers on a journey showing how words and art move from one person to another.



From writer to reader, and everyone who contributes in between: Here is a book, made with love.



An artist's studio overflows with sketches, drafts, a wastebasket, and wonder.

A publisher's office hums with computers, layouts, coffee, and teamwork.

A printer makes a layout into a book using presses, ink, paper, and time.

And that book travels to a school, to a library, to a student, to a home.

WALL-E meets THE RABBIT LISTENED in this tender picture book about a little wagon who learns to set his own boundaries, by Caldecott Honor-winning creator Cindy Derby.

Wheetle just wants to help. He's a wagon after all, and that's what he's meant to do. So when his friends ask him to carry slimy things, fragile things, heavy things, even squiggly-wiggly things, he always says yes.

But one morning he wakes up with a wobbly wheel. Oh no! he thinks, but decides he can still help his friends. When he hears a loud POP, he suddenly finds he is the one who needs help. Will his friends come through for him, this time?

Cindy Derby introduces us to a lovable character, Wheetle, in this new evergreen classic by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Outside In.

Sebastian the tortoise knows which daddy is the best of all (his own!) in this heartwarming picture book about all the amazing things a dad can do. 

Little tortoise Sebastian is having the perfect day with his dad when he wonders, what are some things a dad can do? His dad playfully asks him to guess which daddy chirps to his chicks (Daddy Bird), which daddy teaches his kits how to hop and run (Daddy Rabbit), and which daddy shows his pups how to sleep upside down (Daddy Bat)! But Sebastian knows which daddy is the best . . . his own!

The perfect picture book to cuddle up with, this loving ode to fathers has a soothing call and response that encourages children to guess along with Sebastian which daddy animal is being described.

It is Mother's Day tomorrow, and the shops are sparkling with lights and gifts, with people, laughter, and excitement--looking for the perfect gift to bring a smile of joy to moms at home.

Among the candles and balloons, the orchids and chocolate hearts, one young girl searches for a card that features a mom who looks like hers. Her mom has gold bangles that jingle-jangle when she washes the curry pots. Her mom wears silk kameez when she buys papaya at the market. Her mom has dark eyes that flash when she dances the bhangra. What will the little girl do if she can't find a card with a mom who looks like hers?

This is a lively, inclusive picture book about identity and belonging that joyfully celebrates moms and motherhood.

In a world where it's easy to punch back, Badger's friends choose to patch things up. Perfect for kids navigating big emotions!

When Badger bullies his friends Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear, they teach him an unforgettable lesson about empathy, kindness, and forgiveness in this funny and thematically rich social and emotional read-aloud from the acclaimed creator of Red: A Crayon's Story.

Badger, Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear are best friends. But when Badger experiences a personal loss and his emotions are too big to contain, he goes looking for trouble and takes his sadness out on his friends. He trips Frog, shoves Moose, kicks Elephant, and pokes Bear with a shovel. So Bear gathers the others, and they come up with a plan to teach Badger a lesson. Only that lesson is not what Badger--or readers--expect. In fact, Badger's friends treat Badger with kindness, offering him what he needs the most to sooth his raw emotions--a surprising turn of events that Badger takes to heart when Bear needs a little comfort in return.

Illustrated in Michael Hall's signature cut-paper collages, Punch! sparkles with inventive wordplay, rhythm, repetition, homonyms, and plenty of suspense and action. Rich with social and emotional hooks, this picture book is a terrific choice for story time and family sharing.

Colorful cats in construction hats are on the job to build a house in this adorable, bouncy, rhyming picture book! Kids will delight in learning about colors while giggling at the hilarious antics of these forklift driving kitties.

Yellow cat. Green hat.
Dig this. Clear that. 

Green cat. Orange hat. 
Mix this. Pour that. 

Six colorful cats work together to build a house...with just a little help (and mischief) from some tiny rat friends. Little readers will delight in following along with the simple rhyming text, big construction vehicles, and the failures and triumphs that come with a big project! Bulldozers, cement trucks, excavators, and even a giant crane feature in this story, but each read through also offers smaller details to discover!

From debut author Brittany Pomales comes a hilarious tale about a young king who, on the morning of his birthday party, decides everything that starts with the letter P must go!

King Liam is known for his king-sized meltdowns. So when he has a dream that his birthday party was going to be ruined, he takes drastic measures. The only problem is that he can't remember what was going to ruin the party, just that it started with the letter P! Everything must go! Obviously the party is postponed, but he also says goodbye to pepperoni pizza, piñatas, pants (long, short, old, new, smarty, fancy), parrots; even the royal goat, Percival (after he's eaten all of the abandoned pants), and more.

But... when he sends away all of the people, he finds himself positively alone. On his birthday. Will King Liam ever discover what that pesky and problematic P is?

Brittany Pomales's gift for humor and heart shines in this book that children and adults alike will relate to. Illustrated by the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Dr. Seuss's Horse Museum, Andrew Joyner, It Started with a P will delight and entertain readers of all ages.

From #1 New York Times-bestselling Marissa Valdez comes a hilariously zany and uproariously fun story of an underwear-obsessed hedgehog — perfect for fans of Dragons Love Tacos and Something's Wrong! 

Derrière to be different with Jacques the Hedgehog! 

Jacques is a little hedgehog with a BIG secret — he loves wearing underwear! But the hedgehog world has rules . . . You see, hedgehogs eat grubs. They make nests. They snort with their sniffly snouts. They do NOT. WEAR. UNDERWEAR. So what's a critter to do about his undercover love of underpants? 

Will Jacques muster the bravery he needs to fully embrace himself and share his love of tighty-whities with the world? 

Get ready to fall head over heinie for this hilarious and unforgettable tale of identity, self-acceptance — and undies.

Fall in love with a turtle wearing a bear suit--determined to prove that he's a "for-real" bear--in this laugh-out-loud silly friendship story from the award-winning Bob Shea, author-illustrator of the popular Dinosaur VS. series and Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great



When a turtle in a bear suit claims he is a "for-real" bear, he must prove himself to another turtle who just so happens to be a for-real bear expert. Hilarity ensues as Bearsuit Turtle proves he can climb trees, hibernate, and do other for-real bear stuff . . . like riding bikes, eating ice cream, and smashing pumpkins.



But when Bear-Expert Turtle reveals a secret, Bearsuit Turtle has to admit a truth of his own. Whether or not these two turtles are for-real bears or experts, they just might become for-real friends.



With a fabulously endearing, offbeat, and memorable new character; playful, true-to-life child dynamics; and a goofy, kid-perfect sense of humor, Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend is sure to charm readers everywhere. Includes a page of "for-real bear facts" at the end.

A slow-moving jellyfish finds his groove transporting deep sea tourists in this story about the power of community

Slowpoke the jellyfish bus loves his job transporting fellow sea creatures, but he struggles to keep up with demands for faster travel. After he's called into headquarters and told to consider a different career, he feels sad and decides to set out on a sightseeing vacation.

Down in the deepest, darkest parts of the ocean, Slowpoke encounters an anglerfish who needs help navigating to the ocean's night bazaar up above. Slowpoke offers a ride. And as he travels through unfamiliar terrain and obstacles, he collects a diverse crew of excited passengers who are also headed to the bazaar and eager to see different parts of the sea. Slowpoke finishes the journey feeling inspired to start a new career that suits him perfectly--a deep ocean jellyfish tour bus!

Told in graphic novel-style panels and illustrated in a striking palette of aquatic hues, this funny, friendly story is a lighthearted look at finding community and turning a salty situation into an epic adventure.

Dad tells Bluey and Bingo a fairy tale in this fun storybook. There will be a mean brother, a curse, and even a princess! Based on the wildly successful animated series Bluey, as seen on Disney+

Dad tells Bluey and Bingo a story set in a wild place call the eighties. When Dad was little, he was jinxed by his older brother, Rad, after he was being mean to his younger brother, Stripe. Will Dad break his curse, or will he never speak again? Read along to find out!