List

Category
Audience
Tags

Odder: An Otter's Story (Picture Book)

Katherine Applegate

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.

View Details >>

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World)

Corey R. Tabor

"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.

View Details >>

Ready, Set, Roll!

Alessandro Montagnana

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.

 

View Details >>

Little Big Man

Varian Johnson

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!

View Details >>

Orris and Timble: Lost and Found

Kate DiCamillo

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.

View Details >>

The Bear Out There

Jess Hannigan

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.



 

View Details >>

Here Is a Book

Elisha Cooper

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.

View Details >>

Wheetle

Cindy Derby

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.

View Details >>

The Best Daddy of All

Peter Horn

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.

View Details >>

A Card for My Mom

Bashabi Fraser

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.

View Details >>

Punch!

Michael Hall

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.

View Details >>

Cats in Construction Hats

Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

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!

View Details >>

It Started with a P

Brittany Pomales

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.

View Details >>

Hedgehogs Don't Wear Underwear

Marissa Valdez

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.

View Details >>

Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend

Bob Shea

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.

View Details >>

The Jellyfish Bus

Suhyeon Lee

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.

View Details >>

Bluey: Fairytale

Joe Brumm

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!

View Details >>

Growing Green: a First Book of Gardening

Candlewick Press

Dig in to a fun and stylish collection of sixteen step-by-step edible gardening projects for young children.

From strawberries in galoshes to herbs in recycled tin cans, this easy-to-follow gardening book contains fifteen simple (and delicious!) projects for budding young gardeners. Kids can learn all they need to know to grow their own fruit, herbs, and vegetables in whatever space they have at home, whether it be a windowsill or yard. Bright, engaging illustrations and clear instructions make this a great gift for any young child curious about where their food comes from and eager to grow some delectables themselves.

View Details >>

Hazel the Handful

Jamie Michalak

What happens when a new baby moves in--and the doted-on "older sibling" is a pampered pooch?

People stop to say, "Oh, what a cutie patootie baby!"
What? Is it not clear? I am the patootie.

Follow the adorable puppy Hazel through a typical day at home, where she rules the roost. Check out the dozens of toys, the nifty stroller, the comfy places to take her (many) naps, the various tasty snacks, and most of all, lots of quality time with her girl, Bea. Together, Hazel and Bea are sensational. Until the baby arrives, that is, and everything changes. Now Hazel isn't always the center of attention--even Nana barely has time for a cuddle. Things have gone too far! But when Hazel runs off to hide, the family is desperate to find her, and Hazel is reminded just how much she is loved. In this endearing comedy for dog lovers and expanding families from a stellar creative team, there's room for everyone in the hug circle--and messy new arrivals who drop enticing crumbs turn out to be not so bad after all.

View Details >>

Mistaco

Eliza Kinkz

* “[W]ith magnificently scrawled artwork, Kinkz offers a story that blends deep empathy, raucous candor, and a useful ritual for dealing with shame.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review 

A chaotically funny debut picture book about a girl who's had a terrible day full of mistakes and finds that making mistacos could be a delicious solution.

After an awful day at school (including a tragic but plausibly deniable mishap with a pudding cup), Izzy wants to be left alone. But it's Friday, and that means making tortillas with Lito.

As the mistakes pile up, they come tumbling out of Izzy—and Lito surprises her by saying everyone makes mistakes, and if she makes a tortilla out of her mistakes, he will EAT it. 

"Mmmm. . .spicy! And boogery! With a hint of courage. My favorite taco EVER!" 

Suddenly, the whole family is confessing and getting mistakes off their chests with a feast of mistacos! A delightfully silly picture book for fans of Dragons Love Tacos and The Book of Mistakes. Includes instructions on how to make and enjoy your own mistacos!

View Details >>

Grumpy Monkey Mom for a Day

Suzanne Lang

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The Grumpy Monkey series returns with a celebration of relationships between mothers and their children. Grumpy Monkey offers to babysit the little animals in the jungle but when things go haywire, help comes from an unexpected source. Includes two bonus pages of stickers!

When Jim Panzee offers to step in as a temporary mom, he thinks, It will be fun. How hard can it be? But when he’s immediately bombarded with a chorus of needs such as “Carry me, mommy,” and “I’m hungry.” Grumpy Monkey doesn’t know what to do first.

He tries his best but when the baby animals start falling out of a tree, Jim is completely overwhelmed. That’s when his mom swings down, picks him up, calms the baby animals, and makes everything right. Jim understands and appreciates the power of parenting and the unconditional love his mom has for him.

Two pages of full-color stickers are included for extra fun!

View Details >>

Party Animals

Tara Lazar

Any time is party time with the Party Animals!

A delightful picture book that is equal parts silly and thoughtful, perfect for read-aloud parties and library-going parties and learning-to-be-friends parties.

Meet Beatrix, Theodore, and Phoebe- the Party Animals!

They can make a party out of anything.

Sour milk? PARTY!
Hole in your pants? PARTY!

Now meet Horace. He's a party pooper. "You can't have so many parties!" he says.

SCREEEECH.
Could Horace be right?

Join the Party Animals in this whimsical celebration of friendship and empathy.

View Details >>

Dino-Birthday

Lisa Wheeler

Every dino has one day / to spend in their own special way.

Playful rhyming verse from Lisa Wheeler and action-packed illustrations from Barry Gott highlight four dino birthday parties in four different seasons. Each party has a kid-friendly theme, and there are presents, cake, and lots of games for everyone!

View Details >>

Echo

Adam Rex

New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Adam Rex has created a funny and timely conversation starter about how dull life might be if everyone always agreed

Everyone always agrees with Junior, including the mysterious voice from across the valley.

“Junior Junior is the greatest in the world!” he shouts.
“Junior Junior is the greatest in the world!” the echo shouts back.

Until one day, a new girl moves in next door. A disagreeable, rude girl who doesn’t think Junior is right all the time. Unable to stand living next door to someone like that, Junior runs to the valley to meet his echo. But when being around someone who agrees with him all the time is less fun than he imagines, Junior must decide if a new friend is worth admitting he was wrong.

View Details >>

Rap It Up!

Carole Boston Weatherford

Aspiring young rappers will delight in this infectious, read-aloud introduction to the poetry and craft of rap.

From scribbling words on the page to spitting rhymes on the mic, a joyful narrator guides readers through the emotions, literary techniques, structures and motifs that help make rap so amazing. With vibrant illustrations that leap off the page, this book urges readers to believe in themselves and the power of their creativity.

Celebratory and informative, Rap it Up! invites us to see where our imaginations may lead. Get ready to drop some beats, express yourself, and let the world hear what you've got to say!

View Details >>

POP! Goes the Nursery Rhyme

Betsy Bird

In this laugh-out-loud spin on a classic nursery rhyme collection, a feisty weasel continuously interrupts the narrator's carefully prepared recitation--adding exuberant mischief to the timeless rhymes we all know and love.



The sensible Secretary Bird wants nothing more than to get on with their job of properly narrating a classic nursery rhyme book. But something is afoot in the orderly land of nursery rhymes . . . a zippy little Weasel has entered the scene! As the Secretary Bird tries to get through the rhymes--from Little Miss Muffet to Jack and Jill--the Weasel bursts in, throwing everything into a comical tailspin. Can the Secretary Bird put an end to the chaos?



In POP! Goes the Nursery Rhyme, influential children's librarian Betsy Bird and acclaimed illustrator Andrea Tsurumi remix beloved nursery rhymes, serving up a classic-in-the-making packed with hilarious surprises that will have little listeners riveted.

View Details >>

Little Blue Truck and Racer Red

Alice Schertle

The #1 bestselling Little Blue Truck meets a zippy red race car with a need for speed.

Little Blue Truck and good friend Toad are out for a drive when a flash of red whizzes by--then whizzes back to stop and say hi. Sleek and low, Racer Red is made for speed and loves to go fast! When she challenges Blue to a race, Blue knows that win or lose, it's fun to try! Beep! Beep! Zooooom!

View Details >>

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn's Great Big Wish

Shawn Harris

The fan-favorite pint-sized unicorn makes a wish to be big in this modern fairy tale from the Caldecott-Honor winning creator of Have You Ever Seen a Flower?.

Once upon a time, there was a teeny-weeny unicorn that wished to be big. But he never saw a shooting star, and a ladybug never landed on his arm. So when he comes across a dandelion poof, he decides to give his wish one last try. With a little help from a gust of lucky wind and a clever princess, the Teeny-Weeny Unicorn sets off on a quest to find something littler than he is.

Little does he know, he is in for a BIG surprise...as he becomes a BIG brother! With characters that will crack you up and illustrations to brighten any day, here is a perfect picture book to share at storytime, again and again.

View Details >>

Will the Pigeon Graduate?

Mo Willems

From #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems comes this class-ic graduation book.



The Pigeon had better graduate! He did the work! He paid attention to the little details! He overcame some BIG obstacles! The Pigeon's got this . . . Or does he?



Do YOU think The Pigeon will graduate?



Grab your caps, don your gowns, and raise your hands for The Pigeon's biggest adventure yet in this uplifting, hilarious, and inspirational graduation picture book from three-time Caldecott honoree Mo Willems. It's a PhD* in fun! 



(*Pigeon-y hilarious Diatribe)

View Details >>

Home

Matt de la Peña

From a Newbery Medal-winning author and a bestselling illustrator, the powerhouse duo behind the #1 New York Times bestseller Love, comes a deeply moving ode to the places we feel safe, loved, and true to ourselves—wherever they might be.

*”Beckons readers from the first page . . . Simply divine.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Home is a tired lullaby
and a late-night traffic that mumbles in
through a crack in your curtains.

Home is the faint trumpet of a distant barge
as your grandfather casts his line
from the edge of his houseboat.

So begins this stirring celebration of home in its many forms. For home is an idea more profound than the walls we build up around ourselves. It’s the family that shows its love through small gestures every day. It’s the community that sees one another through hard times. And it’s the wonder of the natural world, a refuge we share with every living thing on Earth.

With lyrical text and expressive artwork, Matt de la Peña and Loren Long’s meditation on the universal pull of home, whatever its form, is destined to become a new classic that will be cherished by readers of every age.

Don't miss the Spanish-language edition of this book, Hogar.

View Details >>

The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever

Sandra Salsbury

Every family who ever spent a sleepless night with a newborn baby will feel seen in this hilarious new book about the uncanny ability of babies to stay awake FOREVER—from a mom who's been there.

They tried lullabies, they tried cuddles, they tried soothing words. But now it's 3 a.m. and the baby has achieved a new level of consciousness. Throwing binkies, climbing the crib . . . Is this baby going to stay awake forever?!? (Even the neighbor would like to know.)

Parents and siblings of new babies will share some BIG laughs together as they follow a VERY tired family trying to get just a few minutes of rest while their precious one jumps, pounds, yells, and even throws a 1 a.m. dance party. 

It's the perfect baby shower gift for parents and soon-to-be-big-siblings to say "Congratulations!" and also "I feel your pain."

View Details >>

Banana Bop!

Sandra Boynton

Introduce little ones to their soon-to-be-favorite word with this seriously silly board book from the one and only Sandra Boynton.

Banana Bop! is a book of few words—and most of them are “banana.” But we challenge you to find a better word to repeat over and over again without smiling.

First food, first word, first cascade of giggles: this irresistible board book is sure to make everyone go BANANAS!

View Details >>

The World Needs the Wonder You See

Joanna Gaines

New York Times bestselling author Joanna Gaines welcomes you on an imaginative adventure through nature’s small surprises and invites you and your children to be curious, slow down, and take in everyday wonders. With vibrant art by Julianna Swaney that is full of dreamy details, this whimsical picture book will inspire your family to pause busy schedules and explore together.

Inspired by Joanna’s young son’s insistence to “look up!” and the shift to a slower perspective she enjoyed after having her last child, this book shares the delight of taking a friend by the hand, getting your boots muddy, and discovering the secrets just waiting to be uncovered.

In The World Needs the Wonder You See, you and your kids will

  • slow your pace, look closely, and find joy as you make discoveries together;
  • join a diverse cast of children on a journey below leaves, amidst treetops, under ocean waves, through rabbits’ tunnels, and into the clouds;
  • imagine hidden worlds in which ladybugs live in tiny cabins, snails journey through mushroom fields, and stars paint stories across the sky; and
  • learn to notice the amazing beauty that children naturally see.

This companion book to The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be is perfect for

  • children ages 4–8;
  • grandparents, parents, teachers, and librarians;
  • classroom story times and discussions about valuing others’ ideas and perspectives;
  • households that enjoy watching Chip and Joanna on Magnolia Network and HGTV’s Fixer Upper; and
  • holiday or Christmas gift-giving, birthdays, graduations, or other celebrations.

Celebrate the wonder of the world through a child’s eyes in this imaginative book about all the beauty, hope, and surprise hiding in plain sight. Look up. Lean in. Bend low. Reach for new heights. Every day, from every place, there’s more to see in this great big world of possibility.

View Details >>

Safe Crossing

Kari Percival

How does an amphibian cross the road? With the help of the Amphibian Migration Team! Learn all about a citizen scientist who acts as a crossing guard for migrating amphibians and helps build them a tunnel to safety in this delightful nonfiction picture book!

From Kari Percival, Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author of How to Say Hello to a Worm, comes an entertaining and informative children’s book perfect for curious, nature-loving young readers.

Every spring, frogs and salamanders must travel from wooded uplands where they were born to vernal pools where they will mate. Unfortunately, roads constructed through their habitats have made the journey dangerous for these slow-moving animals. Many never reach their destinations. But with the help of the Amphibian Migration Team, there is hope for a safe crossing!

Readers will learn so much about amphibians and their habitats and get a great introduction to civic participation, too. The citizen scientist at the heart of this story presents her proposal for a wildlife tunnel to her local City Council and coordinates with stakeholders in the process like a wildlife biologist, a herpetologist, a roadway engineer, a surveyor, the Conservation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Transportation, contractors, and reporters. It’s a fascinating way to find out how local government works and how kids can actively create social change.

Playful and educational, Safe Crossing offers an empowering example of how even the youngest citizens can raise awareness about a meaningful cause, drive change, and unite people locally and globally.

BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST: Citizen scientists are rallying around the world. You, too, can train to be an amphibian crossing guard! Protecting amphibians as they migrate to and from laying eggs means protecting many endangered species.

CONNECTION AND CONSERVATION: Doing citizen science gives kids and caregivers a meaningful way to connect with neighbors, friends, and their local ecosystem. This book offers a powerful example of how children can make a difference by raising awareness and uniting a community around causes they care about.

FASCINATING BACKMATTER: There’s so much to learn! Additional resources at the back of the book include information on amphibian life cycles, crossings, and safety, wildlife tunnels, road safety, becoming a community scientist, and a glossary. As an added bonus, the front and back endpapers feature scavenger hunts for spring peeper tadpoles, spotted salamander eggs, tiny fairy shrimp, and much more!

Perfect for:

  • Kids who love science, nature, and animals
  • Teachers, educators, and librarians seeking classroom books with STEM content
  • Scout troop leaders and parents looking for engaging nature books for kids
  • Environmental activists and club leaders
  • Fans of Over and Under the Pond, We Are All Connected: Caring for Each Other & the Earth, and National Geographic Kids books
View Details >>

The Interpreter

Olivia Abtahi

A sharp and heartfelt picture book about a young soccer-loving girl who’s an interpreter for her Spanish-speaking parents.

Some kids have one job: to be a kid! Cecilia has two. When she isn't on the soccer field scoring goals, she's accompanying her parents to all kinds of grown-up places, like the DMV, the accountant's office, and the auto shop. She helps them translate from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish. It’s an important job, and it can even be fun. It’s also hard work. 

Sometimes Cecilia's second job is so much responsibility, it feels like she'll split in two! Is it time for Cecilia to blow her whistle and call for a time-out?

Olivia Abtahi’s clever text and Monica Arnaldo’s charming illustrations capture a common aspect of life for immigrant and bilingual families while offering a model for teamwork that helps everyone feel understood.

View Details >>

Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Other Stories

Lucy Cousins

With Goldilocks leading the way, Lucy Cousins retells three favorite fairy tales in all their original power, with a spare text and bold art exuding her cheerful wit.

“Someone’s been eating my porridge,” said Papa Bear. 

An opportunistic little visitor. A billy goat who takes no prisoners. An industrious (and self-preserving) red hen. From best-selling, award-winning author-illustrator Lucy Cousins, here are three classic children’s tales—Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and The Little Red Hen—showcased together in one rousing volume. These well-loved stories take on new energy as Lucy Cousins brings them to vivid life in a not-to-be-missed collection.

View Details >>

Soy Sauce!

Laura G. Lee

A joyful picture book for kids and foodies of all ages (with real soy sauce as paint!) that celebrates the iconic kitchen staple and the magical way food connects family and friends across the world.

Salty, savory, rich, and even sweet, soy sauce is as fascinating to make as it is delicious to eat!

Luan makes a classic Chinese soy sauce. Haru uses his own recipe at his family's traditional Japanese brewery. And Yoo-mi's Korean soy sauce features special ingredients to make it spicy and sweet.

With unique ingredients that reflect different Asian cultures, and a brewing process that can take years, even decades, soy sauce holds deep meaning and flavorful history in every drop.

Praise for Soy Sauce!:

✭ "Lee's lively watercolor illustrations of the children gleefully celebrating each stage of the long process pair beautifully with the upbeat text for an informative, engaging story.... A joyful ode to soy sauce that's delicious to the last drop." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Soy Sauce! is a charming celebration of one of our favorite condiments. Delicious!" --Grace Lin, author of Chinese Menu and A Big Mooncake for Little Star

"I can't wait for children and families to learn about the colorful history and process of soy sauce." --Kristina Cho, James Beard-winning author of Chinese Enough and Mooncakes and Milk Bread

"A loving ode to the ways we connect at the table through taste and tradition....A perfect read for your budding epicurean." --Cecily Wong, author of Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide

View Details >>

Saturday Morning at the 'Shop

Keenan Jones

Spend Saturday morning at the barbershop in this upbeat picture book celebration of the spaces and places that bring communities together.

It’s Saturday morning. We hop in the car. Mom’s heading to work, and I’m geeked to go spend the day at the ’shop!

The barbershop is a sound booth, an art gallery, a playground, a classroom, and so much more. It’s a place for artistry and comradery and, most importantly, community. Come spend the day feeling all the style and wisdom and joy at the ’shop!

View Details >>

Lily's Dream

Bea Jackson

A flightless fairy befriends a human girl and discovers her magic in this enchanting picture book from the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Parker Looks Up.

Lily is a young fairy determined to learn to fly just like the others who soar on shimmering, jeweled-colored wings, but she’s worried her own colorless wings will never lift her off the ground. Then she meets a young girl named Willow who helps her not only discover her special magic, but the truly magical gift of friendship.

View Details >>

Heartfelt

Elaine Vickers

From the creators of the “wonderfully evocative” (BookPage) Thankful comes a cozy picture book about a child who finds that small acts of kindness can change the world.

A child makes paper hearts to give to her teacher, to a friend, at the library, and more. As she spreads kindness around her neighborhood, she soon finds that sharing love is the best gift of all. With Samantha Cotterill’s stunning diorama illustrations, this loving story is sure to capture hearts and inspire acts of kindness.

View Details >>

On Our Way! What a Day!

JaNay Brown-Wood

A journey, a challenge, and a party with Gram make one day super special for a group of siblings.

It’s Gram’s birthday, and the grandkids can’t wait to celebrate with her. There’s just one thing missing: a gift! So on their way to the party, the search is on. They spot lots of interesting things—a scritchy-scratchy pine cone, three jingly-jangly quarters, some clicky-clacky stones—but are any of them good enough for Gram?

Fortunately, there’s no quashing the enthusiasm and creativity of these siblings, who have a marvelous time scouting and singing as they shimmy over to Gram’s, making the journey its own celebration. Their combined discoveries will make this a very special day indeed!

This dynamic story shows the big impact a thoughtful gift from the heart can have, no matter how small it might be.

View Details >>