It’s July, and your kids have another month for summer reading (and maybe even time this fall!).They may be searching for some new titles and I just might have a solution. Instead of books from long ago, I’m focusing on books from the recent past. These titles are books I’ve reviewed and adored, but because they are older, you may not know about them. You may know the authors from their more recent books, but their earlier ones are books you’ll also want to know (and books you’ll find on your library’s shelves!). What are some of your favorites from the past? Please let us know in the comments.

The Space Between Lost and Found This story helps us to understand those diagnosed with Alzheimers, and how it affects everyone in the family.

The Boy at the Back of the Class a book that will help all who read it to understand the meaning of what a refugee truly is and how important it is that refugees are treated with respect and kindness

Dan Unmasked a story about comic books, superheroes, baseball, grief and most of all the power of friendship.

The Lonely Hearts of Maybelle Lane a story about friendship, family and gaining the understanding that taking care of someone else not only helps the recipient, but also yourself.

We Could Be Heroes this memorable tale about two delightful neurodivergent children who find friendship for the first time, will grab your heart

The List of Things That Will Not Change A book about divorce, step families, therapy, gay parents

Camp Clique story about friendship, acceptance and trust

Here In the Real World a touching tale of friendship, family, the knights’ code of chivalry and heroes. 

Here is my annual list of favorite middle grade books. These weren’t necessarily published in 2019, but I read each of them this year and loved them all! There are so many titles, because it was a great year for MG fiction. Happily, 2020 also promises to bring us many more memorable MG stories.

I’m hoping you’ll find some to suggest to your middle grade reader or some to tuck into their stocking. And keep this list handy when you’re at the library over the break or next summer, looking for a memorable book and your middle grader doesn’t know what to choose. It might come in handy!

My list of favorite picture books will be coming soon. I promise you, you’ll find the perfect gift on one of these lists!

all the impossible things

By Lindsay Lackey

Oh, this is a book I will remember for a very long time. I was so caught up in this tender, wondrous story, I didn’t want it to end. Although at times, it was difficult to read about the cruelty of some of Red’s foster homes, about the mother Red adored ignoring her and about the hopelessness of her mom’s addiction, at other times it was a joy to sink into every page. (more)

TO NIGHT OWL FROM DOGFISH

By Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer

This story was absolutely delightful. It’s told in a series of emails mostly between two girls who didn’t even know each other existed at the beginning of the book. Avery and Bett are two random twelve year olds living on opposite sides of the country with absolutely nothing in common. That is until their dads fall in love and decide the girls need to go to a primitive sleep away camp in Michigan to meet and bond.(more)

anthem

By Deborah Wiles

Molly is 14 and her family is in turmoil. Her beloved older brother, her hero, disappeared a year ago after a huge fight with their father about the Vietnam War. And now Barry’s draft notice has arrived demanding he report for his physical in five weeks. Molly’s mom and her mom’s best friend, Pam (who happens to be Molly’s aunt and the mom of her cousin and close friend, Norman) are desperate to find Barry to make certain he reports on time. They concoct a crazy plan for 14 year old Molly and 16 year old Norman to drive Norman’s rattletrap school bus across the country to San Francisco to retrieve Barry in time for his physical. Alone! (more)

The Echo Park Castaways

By M.G. Hennessey

This story broke my heart, but also left me a little bit hopeful. You will learn about the stark realities of the foster system through the stories told by the four children living together in a foster home. It’s a foster home that is better than many, because there is no hitting and there is food to eat. However, there’s little adult supervision, very few hot meals, just the barest amount of clothing and supply essentials and very little love. (more)

The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue

By Karina Yan Glaser

Very often I am asked for book recommendations. The Vanderbeeker series is always my go to choice for kids of any age! In addition to being a great book to read to yourself, it’s also a perfect family read aloud or the ideal choice if you’re looking for an audio book to please everyone in the car. So I was delighted when the third book in the series landed in my mailbox. (more)

Summer of a Thousand Pies

By Margaret Dilloway

Oh, this book! A book about summer, baking, The Great British Bake Off, dessert and most of all finding your family. What could be better?! 🥧
Ok, let’s start with the cover. First of all, it prompted me to move Summer of a Thousand Pies to the top of my TBR pile! I knew with one glance I was in for a summer treat. For a lover of flowers and pie, as I am, the artwork says it all. It made me want to curl up with a glass of lemonade, OF COURSE a slice of pie, and dive into this lovely story. I was delighted that I did! (more)
the class

Extraordinary Birds

By Sandy Stark-McGinnis

This tender, beautiful story will touch your heart and stay with you for a very long time. You’ll remember December’s strength and her steadfast belief she’ll soon become a bird. You’ll remember Eleanor’s thoughtfulness, insight and patience. You’ll remember Cheryllynn’s kindness, love of pink and purple and her decision to no longer be Charlie. Your heart will break when you realize December’s certainty she is truly a bird, is actually because of the awful scar on her back; the scar she has convinced herself conceals her wings and wasn’t really caused by her mother’s abuse. And finally you’ll learn more about birds than you could have ever imagined! (more)

The Benefits of Being an Octopus

By Ann Braden

This is one of those books you won’t forget. You won’t forget seventh grader, Zoey’s bravery and determination to rescue her family from her mom’s abusive boyfriend and extreme poverty. You won’t forget her kindness and patience toward her younger brothers and sister when her mom is either working or exhausted. You’ll remember her struggles to complete her homework, and cry for her when she forgets it, because she was rushing to make sure her 5 year old twin siblings have their shoes for school. (more) 

the Lost Boy’s gift

By Kimberly Willis Holt

This sweet story is full of heart, magic, endearing characters and talking animals. It takes place on a storybook street lined with rainbow colored houses full of caring neighbors who notice the world. In one of those houses you’ll find Tilda Butter, who has lived there since her parents dropped her off when she was seven years old and never returned to take her home. Soon after Tilda arrived Aunt Sippy said something rather remarkable. She told Tilda that everyone has a special gift and it’s up to us to discover it and use it. “For a gift should never be wasted.” (more)   

the class

By Francis O’Roark Dowell

Oh, how I loved this MG book! The story is told from the point of view of everyone in a sixth grade class. Each chapter is told by a different student in the class. You learn about their families, their background and their insecurities. You gain so much insight into their thoughts about themselves and about each other. The teacher is a very caring person who always puts her students first, even though it might result in bending the rules a bit. She’s the teacher we would all want to have; demanding, caring, fair and patient. (more)   

Fish in a Tree

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

This story of a girl desperately trying to fit in as she hides her disability from the world will break your heart. But the friendship, the caring family and most of all the understanding and supportive teacher will have you cheering as you read each chapter. (more)

the true history of lyndie b. hawkins

By Gail Shepherd

Lyndie has a very happy life. She loves history, her dog, the library and her best friend, Dawn. She lives in a perfect white cottage with her mom and dad and they go on lots of adventures together researching the history that surrounds their small town of Love Forge TN in 1985. But this all suddenly changes when her daddy loses his job. They quickly sell their house, move in with grandpa and her very strict grandmother, Lady, and leave her beloved library and favorite librarian behind.(more)

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

By Dan Gemeinhart

Coyote and her story captivated my heart from the first page. She and her dad, Rodeo, are on a road trip zigzagging around the country in a yellow school bus, as they try to run away from the memories that broke their hearts five years earlier. 🚌 From the moment Coyote bought a slushy for a very hot little boy in a gas station, I knew she was a kind soul with a huge heart. (more)

operation frog effect

By Sarah Scheerger

It’s the first day of fifth grade and the kids in Miss Graham’s room are feeling hopeful and quite pleased with themselves, because they’re the top kids at White Oak Elementary.
We quickly meet eight of them. They’re an assorted bunch; lots of ethnicities, lots of different home lives…They learn to be leaders, to be creative problem solvers and to think for themselves. And most importantly she teaches them about “the butterfly effect”, which they quickly paraphrase as “the frog effect” in honor of their class frog. (more)

drop of hope

By Keith  Calabrese

This heart print story reminds us that the small kindnesses we encounter everyday make our lives worth living. You’ll also read about friendship and caring teachers, as you begin to understand the struggles and repercussions suffered by a small midwestern town when their factories close one by one until there is only one left. You’ll begin to understand how this stress affects everyone, adults and children, in so many ways. But most of all, you’ll read about how a small kindness can blossom into so much more; how it can lead to another and another. And you will wonder, could this really happen or is it just a story? (more)

Revenge OF THE ENGINERDS

By Jarrett Lerner

The Enginerds are back! I loved meeting this group of middle school boys, who have been friends since kindergarten, who share a love of science and inventions and who agreed they should absolutely NEVER eat lunch in the cafeteria in Enginerds. In that book, they sent the 18 robots they invented out into the world, with disastrous results. Luckily, they captured 17 of them, but what about number 18? And since it’s been gone, VERY strange things have been happening. (more)

the eleventh trade

By Alyssa Hollingsworth

When a family leaves their home to immigrate to a new country or to seek asylum, they very seldom want to leave. Don’t we all find comfort in the familiar; whether it be the familiar sights, familiar foods, friends or family? Immigrants and refugees have the same feelings, just as we do. However, those who flee war torn countries in pursuit of a safe place to live and raise a family, have no choice. They are simply choosing to survive and to be safe. ⚽️ We learn about one of these families in The Eleventh Trade. This story tells the heartbreaking story of a young Afghan refugee.(more)

right as rain

By Lindsey Stoddard

🌼Rain lives in a BEFORE and AFTER life. BEFORE is her life when her older brother was still alive. When he protected her, joked with her and played his guitar; when her family was happy and loving. AFTER has been every day since that awful night when she and her parents received the phone call all parents dred. The one that says “come quickly; your child has been in an accident”. 🌼 (more)

planet earth is blue

By Nicole Panteleakos

This story, set in 1986, is about the fierce love between two sisters who are all alone in the world. Nova doesn’t speak, so her case worker, her teachers and most of her foster parents all assume she “Cannot read. Cannot speak. Severely mentally retarded”. But Bridget knows that’s not true. As she tells all who will listen, “Nova is not dumb. She’s a thinker, not a talker.” Even as they are bounced from foster home to foster home and school to school, they have one thing to look forward to – the launch of the Challenger.  (more)

wish

By Barbara O’Connor

I listened to this story this summer and I didn’t want Charlie’s story to end. I was immediately transported to her aunt and uncle’s porch on the side of a mountain watching the sunset. I felt the warmth and caring of her aunt and uncle, the support of a new friend and his family and the love of her dog, Wishbone. This is the dog Charlie finds after wishing every day since fourth grade for a dog of her own. This story has been out for awhile, but if you haven’t read this gem, promise me you will!

roll with it

By Jamie Sumner

I couldn’t have loved this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ story more! I smiled, I cheered, I clinched my fists in frustration and I felt a warm cozy feeling as I read this sweet story about a spunky, determined girl. Not only did Ellie have to deal with the usual middle school angst (lunch table drama, living on the “wrong” side of the tracks, giving a how-to speech) she also had to deal with CP and spending her life in a wheelchair. (more)

Disaster Days

By Rebecca Behrens

Oh, it’s been a really long time since I read a MG book that kept me on the edge of my seat like this one did. And I loved it! I loved the suspense, the adventure, the ingenuity and the love that filled every page. Hannah is 13 and lives on a small, sleepy Seattle island. Her day begins like any other; she misses the bus (not unusual), her mom is over protective when Hannah realizes she forgot her inhaler, she feels a nagging worry her best friend is slipping away. Looking back, Hannah so wishes she’d let her mom hug her when she dropped her off at school, she hadn’t picked a fight with her best friend and she’d told her dad “love you” when he called from his business trip. But Hannah had no idea what would happen later that day… (more)

pay attention, carter jones

By Gary M. Schmidt

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. The story of Mary Poppins was fresh in my mind and I thought this might be a similar story. Oh, I was so wrong! It is much, much more. This sweet story stole my heart. and in the process taught me more about cricket than I ever dreamed I’d know! 🏏
It is the first day of school and the Jones household is in an uproar. Not surprising with four kids, one crazy dog and a single mom! (more)

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I feel like we’ve only had a few weeks of summer – how could it be time for a new school year? However, it’s been a lovely summer, even though it’s been a short one. We’ve had lots of family and friends visit our Michigan house, which is a big reason we have this special place. We’ve had lots of great conversations, boat rides, bonfires and even caught a few fish! We traveled to Nashville for our niece’s beautiful wedding and were joined by some of our favorite people. We’ve had relaxing times in our gardens, wonderful time in the sun and lots of time to read. So I’m very thankful for the past few months, but I know school is starting very soon for many of you!

Although, we don’t have any little ones beginning school, I remember the angst that arrives both before and after the first day. There are so many worries. Will there be friends? What about Mom who is left at home? What about lunch? What about riding the bus? And the worries continue… To help with that, I’ve assembled a list of my favorite picture books to share with your children during those first few uneasy days. I hope you find some that lead to lots of good conversations and lots of comfort for all of you.

THE DAY YOU BEGIN

by jacqueline woodson

illustrated by rafael lopez

This book tells the story of how hard it is to walk through the door into someplace new; a place where everyone is a stranger; a place where no one is quite like you. It can be a lonely experience, especially if everyone in that room knows each other and has a lot in common. If everyone thinks your accent may be a little different and the food in your lunch box a little strange. But hopefully, there will be a caring teacher who will want to hear your stories and learn more about you; who will help your classmates understand that different is okay. 

This story offers so many opportunities for discussion. You can pause on almost every page, and ask questions to help your little ones understand that different is okay; to understand how it feels to be the different one in the room; to understand how their kindness can make all the difference. It’s a book to read now, but please also share it a few days before school begins, so when someone new walks into your child’s classroom, your child will have the empathy and understanding to be the one who offers a smile and makes room. 

This remarkable picture book needs to be in every school and public library, and in your family’s library as well.

ALL ARE WELCOME

By Alexandra Penfold

Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

This is a picture book that needs to find its way into every preschool and early elementary classroom this fall. It’s the perfect book to share at the very beginning of the new year. The vibrantly colored illustrations help to tell the story of the first day of school for many children and their families. It reminds us that all children, no matter the color of their skin, where they are from, what clothes they wear, what religion they practice or who makes up their family, have a place in the school family.  Your children will recognize many familiar moments of their day from circle time, to lunchtime, to recess, to the walk home, to sharing time at dinner. It offers reassurance to children that no matter their differences, they are welcome. Something we all need to think about, wherever we are. All are welcome!

SCHOOL’S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL       

By Adam Rex

Pictures by Christian Robinson

Did you ever think about how the school feels when school starts? School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex tells the story from the school building’s perspective. I love imagining what inanimate objects might be thinking and feeling and this story certainly does that. School is brand new and doesn’t realize what the first day of school means, but his friend the janitor tries to prepare him. When that first day actually arrives, School isn’t so sure he likes the children being there. The children are everywhere and some actually say “this place stinks”. School’s feelings are hurt! When a kindergartener’s mother has to carry her little girl into school, School worries that he must be an awful place. Then lunch time comes and children spill food and milk all over School. School isn’t too happy about that! But afterwards the children sit in a circle and learn about shapes. School learns too and is very excited!  AND the little kindergartener makes a sparkly picture of School, which he really likes and which makes her feel so much better. At the end of the day, School confides to Janitor that he is probably lucky to be a school! This book is a great one to teach about perspective and point of view, as well as helping those first timers get over their anxiety about the new school year.

GOODBYE BRINGS HELLO

Words by Dianne White

Pictures by Daniel Wiseman

This charming picture book showcases many goodbye and hello moments in a preschooler’s life ranging from saying goodbye to a too small sweater to moving on from Velcro shoes.The vibrant, colorful illustrations help the reader visualize each situation, as well as to imagine the feelings the little ones are experiencing. Each set of pages offers a scenario that provides a perfect conversation starter about transitions in a child’s life. Of course, some of these changes might bring lots of anxiety to your little one, so seeing these worries come alive on the pages of the book will let them know they are not alone. They will learn that other children have the same concerns they do such as jumping into a swimming pool for the first time, attempting to ride a bike without the training wheels or even walking into school on their first day. By talking about these challenges, they will gain the courage to face them.

This is picture book that I’m sure will prove to be a family favorite and will be a frequently requested bedtime story. It’s also one mom and dad will want to read whenever those new situations prove to be a little scary, and their little ones need to bravely face the next new thing in their lives.

GOODBYE FRIEND! HELLO, FRIEND!

by Cori doerrfeld

One of my favorite books from last year was Cori Doerrfeld’s THE RABBIT LISTENED. Her latest picture book doesn’t disappoint. In fact it is a delightful look at goodbyes and hellos in our lives. It will make you pause and think about how many of those we face everyday. We not only greet our friends and families, but we also greet new seasons, new situations, new places and new activities throughout our day. We may be sad to say goodbye to snowmen, but we love saying hello to spring; we’re disappointed our day at the beach is ending, but it’s so much fun to say hello to campfires and marshmallows; we say goodbye to hesitating to try something new and hello to jumping in and giving it a try. 

The softly colored illustrations in the story introduces us to our main character, a little girl who tearfully bids her mom goodbye on her first day at school, but soon realizes that this goodbye can lead to lots of hellos. You’ll find the sweet facial expressions on each of the characters add so much to the story and will help your little ones understand exactly how each one is feeling.

You’ll see our little girl experience lots of hellos and goodbyes during the next year; some happy and some sad, but always hopeful. Not only will you have lots of fun reading this charming story with your children, but you’ll also find there’s so much to talk about. You can talk about the clues that tell us the days of the little girl’s year are passing: the puppy growing up, her strengthening friendship with Charlie, the clues the seasons are passing; the characters’ feelings. And as this new school year begins, you can talk about how saying goodbye to mom when school starts can lead to so many hellos on the bus, in class, at lunch and on the playground.

I highly recommend adding this book to your family’s library or to your library list! And if you’re not familiar with THE RABBIT LISTENED, add that one, as well. You’ll be so happy you did!

I WALK WITH VANESSA: A STORY ABOUT A SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS 

by Kerascoet

This charming wordless picture book won my heart when I saw the cover and after “reading” the story I knew I needed a copy of my own. It tells the story of a young girl who has just moved into the neighborhood and is new at school, a boy who isn’t very kind, and a teacher and classmates who show little empathy to the girl’s plight. No one asks her to join the class basketball game or to sit with them. After school she’s left to walk home alone, ignored by all except one little boy who says some unkind things. Since it’s a wordless book, we don’t know what was said, but the colorful and expressive illustrations – especially the interaction of the two children which is contained within a bright red cloud of color, leave us no doubt as to what unkind words might have been said. We quickly realize no one has noticed the altercation, except for one little girl. She is obviously bothered by what she saw and shares her concern with her friends. Overnight she isn’t able to forget, and the sadness lingers during her happy family breakfast. But then she suddenly has an idea about how to help the little girl.

Your little ones will be able to find so many details in this book as you all retell the story over and over again.  The vivid illustrations of the characters’ expressions will leave no doubt in children’s minds about what they are thinking and feeling.They will recognize the familiar situation of a moving truck arriving and a new family moving in, whether they have moved themselves or they have a new neighbor. They will be able to imagine how a new girl feels, and they can theorize why someone might choose to bully a newcomer. The story will provide you with the perfect introduction to talk about what they can do to welcome newcomers to their neighborhood and school, about teasing, about name-calling and about being an ally, and especially about how one small act of kindness can mean so much. 

The book offers a useful guide with suggestions about helping someone who is being bullied, as well as some helpful words to use during your discussions. And finally, don’t forget to notice the difference in the end papers from the beginning of the story to the end. Those alone are a wonderful thing to discuss with your children! I recommend this book be added to your home library, as well as to every public and school library for ages 4 – 7.

BE KIND

By Pat Zietlow Miller

illustrated by Jen Hill

We need so much more kindness in our world! A great place to start making this happen is during read alouds with our little ones. Be Kind is the perfect conversation starter! It not only tells the story of how kindness in a classroom can happen, but also in the neighborhood and at home. It helps children to understand that kindness is friendliness, patience and working to right a wrong. It can be a small gesture, or something more, that will lead to a greater kindness. I highly recommend this very special book be shared with children 3 – 8 years old, both in classrooms and home. It’s definitely one you’ll want to add to your family library.

THE SMALLEST GIRL IN THE Smallest GRADE

 by Justin Roberts

illustrated by Christian Robinson

Sally is the “smallest girl in the smallest grade” and no one notices her. However, Sally notices everyone and everything from Tommy “tripping” in the hall to the 27 keys on the janitor’s ring. She notices how a whisper can ruin someone’s day and how someone feels when they were pushed off the slide. She finally has enough and announces to her classmates “I’m tired of seeing this terrible stuff! Stop hurting each other! This is enough!” Her outburst inspired not only the children, but also the adults of the school to be a bit kinder and be feel a bit more connected, all because Sally had been paying attention.

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I love wordless picture books, but that hasn’t always been true. When I first picked up a wordless picture book, I immediately dismissed it. At the time, I was searching for read alouds for kindergarten and first grade classes, so of course that genre wouldn’t be appropriate, because how in the world would I share a book with no words? Granted, wordless picture books almost always have amazing illustrations, but… That all changed when my son gave me A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka for Mother’s Day in 2011. It had recently received the Caldecott Award for 2010. and I had read amazing things about the illustrations, the story and the author, so I was excited to add it to my collection, even though I was disappointed not to be able to share it with my classes. But then I began to think… I couldn’t just leave a gift from my son on display on the coffee table. I wanted to share it and that’s exactly what I did. I shared it with my first grade classes and we had the best time!! We first looked at the cover and made predictions about the story. Who are the main characters? What is the setting? What is the problem? Then we proceeded to “read” the story. I asked for volunteers to tell the story of each page and oh, did the hands go up! They noticed almost every detail in every illustration and if the “reader” missed something, his neighbor was quick to help! You might think we flew through that book and we were left with nothing to read at the end of our thirty minute session, but that was not the case. In fact, the teacher ended up waiting for us to finish! It was so much fun for all of us, and extra fun for me to see the kids who might not always answer questions or join in, raise their hands and beg for a turn. Everyone was sure they could see the details and tell the story, because they didn’t feel like there were any “wrong answers”, which often inhibits the quiet, less confident kids from raising their hand. From that week forward, the kids begged for wordless picture books. Through the years I shared many wordless picture books, but I’ll never forget my first experience when I learned about their true magic.

Here are some favorites. Some titles I’ve shared in the past, and some are new. I hope you’ll find many new wordless picture books you’ll want to share with your little ones.

A Boy and a House

By Maja Kastelic

This wordless picture book follows a curious little boy as he wanders down a city street filled with tall, old houses. He follows a friendly cat through a door and into the lobby of an apartment building where he finds a drawing on the floor. As he trails after his new friend, he spots another drawing and another and another as he climbs the dark stairs. Along the way he passes through intriguing rooms filled with curious objects and walls covered with mysterious pictures, but he doesn’t pause to look. His curiosity gets the best of him so he just keeps climbing. What he finds at the top is a delightful surprise.

The soft, muted colors of the story made me think it was dusk as the boy set off on his adventure. They lent a mysterious tone to the story, but it wasn’t at all scary. All of the characters faces were full of gentle, friendly expressions and led me to believe the little boy was surrounded by kind and caring neighbors, although he was by himself.

This book will lead to lots of discussions with your little ones as you take turns telling the story. I love the opportunity for children to both use their imaginations and to express themselves as they tell their version of a wordless picture book. This is available now.

Friendship, imagination

Journey

by Aaron Beckman

This tells the story of a lonely girl and the magical world she creates with a red marker. It is a wordless picture book that was the Caldecott winner in 2014. It’s the first of a trilogy, Journey, Quest and Return. You’ll want to read all three!

Mystery, imagination, courage, kindness, wordless picture books

How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham. This book is great for a read aloud and gives the kids the opportunity to create a conversation for each page. The story describes a little boy’s kindness and his parents support as he helps a bird with a broken wing. Read aloud, wordless picture book, kindness.

Hank Finds an Egg by Rebecca Dudley. This is a wordless picture book which will help an adult to initiate a conversation with a child about kindness. Wordless picture book, kindness.

Little Bird by Germano Zullo. This is another wordless picture book that is a very unusual story about generosity and kindness. It gives lots of opportunities for discussion due to the minimal amount of text and wonderful, expressive illustrations. Wordless picture book, kindness.

THAT NEIGHBOR KID

By Daniel Miyares

This is a heartwarming wordless picture book about a friendship that develops between a boy and a girl when she moves in next door. They are both a little lonely until they collaborate on building a tree house together. The drawings are black and white in the beginning, but as their friendship blossoms and each of them contributes to building their playhouse, colorful leaves begin to appear. The illustrations show us the sweet expressions on the friends’ faces as they dream and relax together in their new hideaway. It’s definitely one you’ll want to add to your family library.

Kindness, empathy, friendship, school

I WALK WITH VANESSA: A STORY ABOUT A SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS 

By Kerascoet

This charming wordless picture book won my heart when I saw the cover and after “reading” the story I knew I needed a copy of my own. It tells the story of a young girl who has just moved into the neighborhood and is new at school, a boy who isn’t very kind, and a teacher and classmates who show little empathy to the girl’s plight. No one asks her to join the class basketball game or sit with them. After school she’s left to walk home alone, ignored by all except one little boy who says some unkind things. Since it’s a wordless book, we don’t know what was said, but the colorful and expressive illustrations – especially the interaction of the two children which is contained within a bright red cloud of color, leave us no doubt as to what unkind words might have been said. We quickly realize no one has noticed the altercation, except for one little girl. She is obviously bothered by what she saw and shares her concern with her friends. Overnight she isn’t able to forget, and the sadness lingers during her happy family breakfast. But then she suddenly has an idea about how to help the little girl.

Your little ones will be able to find so many details in this book as you all retell the story over and over again.  The vivid illustrations of the characters’ expressions will leave no doubt in children’s minds about what they are thinking and feeling.They will recognize the familiar situation of a moving truck arriving and a new family moving in, whether they have moved themselves or they have a new neighbor. They will be able to imagine how a new girl feels, and they can theorize why someone might choose to bully a newcomer. The story will provide you with the perfect introduction to talk about what they can do to welcome newcomers to their neighborhood and school, about teasing, about name-calling and about being an ally, and especially about how one small act of kindness can mean so much.

The book offers a useful guide with suggestions about helping someone who is being bullied, as well as some helpful words to use during your discussions. And finally, don’t forget to notice the difference in the end papers from the beginning of the story to the end. Those alone are a wonderful thing to discuss with your children! I recommend this book be added to your home library, as well as to every public and school library for ages 4 – 7.

Kindness, empathy, friendship, school

Professional Crocodile

By Giovanna Zoboli and Mariachiara De Giorgio

This delightful wordless picture book is one you’ll thoroughly enjoy with your little ones. There are several panels on each page, which will lead to lots of conversation. You’ll both love finding the many, many details every time you experience the book. It’s so much fun to share wordless picture books and to let the kids create their own dialogue. The story is different every time! And you’ll love the surprise ending, too! This is definitely one to add to your collection.

Comfort, humor, wordless picture book

Sidewalk Flowers 

By Jon Arno Lawson and Sydney Smith

In this wordless picture book, a  little girl walks through a gray city with her distracted father and picks flowers along the way. The flowers become gifts to those she encounters, and in the process transforms the city and it’s inhabitants. May your children find beauty in their world and share it with others.

Kindness, beauty, wordless picture books

Do you have some favorite wordless picture books? How do you share them with your children? Be sure and let us know in the comments!

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I’ve always thought that The Invisible Boy by Trudi Ludwig and llustrated by Patrice Barton is an important book to share with our children. I read it during many story times and recommended it to countless teachers. However, it had slipped my mind until I read this post by Lauren on her delightful site, Happily Ever Elephants. Although she wrote this almost a year ago, it’s a great story to begin your year. I hope you’ll read her post and then add The Invisible Boy to your next library or order list. And most importantly, I hope you’ll curl up with your kids, no matter what their age, and share this story. It will be the perfect opening to a conversation about friendship, kindness and how they can help an invisible child in their class.

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

For the past two years, during the month of December, I have shared book titles for you to add to your shopping list for the children in your lives.  This year, I have decided to take a different approach. This month, I plan to share lists of my favorite picture books and my favorite middle grade books published this year. It’s going to be  a difficult task, because I’ve loved so many! I do want to say, however, that there are many books from the past that would make wonderful gifts, as well. I’ve written about these titles in many additions of “Kids’ Books to Remember”. I hope you’ll check those out, as well!

Kids’ Books to Remember, Number 6

Kids’ Books to Remember Number 19

Kids’ Books to Remember Number 17

We’ll begin this week with my favorite middle grade books from 2017. I’ve written a short description about each book and linked the title to my blog post or Instagram post where you will find my complete review. I’m also including the subjects of each book, as well as a link to the Good Reads summary. Many of these books offer both “windows and mirrors” to the reader. The stories offer both a window to help us understand the characters’ experiences  and a mirror to many of us who might be dealing with some of the same issues. It’s always reassuring to know that you’re not alone in your feelings and experiences, as well as to develop empathy for those around you.

 Things that surprise you

Good Reads – Things that Surprise You

By Jennifer Maschari 

Emily is about to begin middle school and is feeling all of the usual angst that goes along with that. However, she’s also trying to adjust to her parents’ divorce, her older sister’s absence due to the fact that she’s in residential care for her eating disorder and her best friend’s decision to try new things with lots of new friends.

 Middle School adjustments, divorce, friendship, eating disorders

halfway Normal

Good Reads – Halfway Normal

By Barbara Dee 

Norah Levy desperately wants to be a normal middle schooler, but she’s just returning to seventh grade after missing two years for cancer treatments. Add to that, her parents have laid out a huge list of crazy rules (in her opinion) to keep her rested and germ free, some of her friends are acting like she might break and some are jealous of the special treatment she’s receiving.

Middle school adjustment, cancer, friendship, family

short

Good Reads – Short

By Holly Goldberg Sloan

Julia is struggling with several obstacles as she begins summer vacation. To give Julia something to focus on, her mom registers her and her little brother to appear in the community production of The Wizard of Oz. Of course, much to her horror, Julia is cast as a Munchkin.

Friendship, dwarfism, mourning a pet, multigenerational

me and Marvin Gardens

Good Reads – Me and Marvin Gardens

By Amy Sarig King

Obe is struggling with a lot of things in his life. The only good part of his life, is his friend, Annie, and a mysterious animal he discovered down by the creek. He’s not quite sure about Marvin, who might be part pig, is definitely not a dog and eats plastic, But he knows he’s something very special. 

Friendship, family

wishtree

Good Reads – Wishtree

By Katherine Applegate

This story is full compassion and humor, and as a bonus, lots of facts about animals I didn’t know!  Most importantly, it’s about kindness to people and animals, even if they are different than we are. And it’s one of the best read alouds for the ENTIRE family that I have read this year.

Kindness, animals, diversity, family read aloud

The peculiar incident on shady street

Good Reads – The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street

By Lindsay Currie

This is a story about ghosts, friendship, family and Chicago that I couldn’t stop reading! This is a great choice for kids who are coping with middle school friendships, acceptance of their not so normal family or quirky friends.

Bravery, friendships, middle school adjustments, moving, acceptance of differences

the vanderbeekers of 141st street

Good Reads – The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

By Karina Yan Glasser

This is a story about community, diversity, city living and love. It’s a perfect read aloud for the entire family. I highly recommend gathering all the kids, whatever age, cuddling up under a fuzzy blanket and reading this delightful story together. Especially recommended for Penderwick lovers!

Family Read, Families, Kindness, Communities, Diversity, City Living, 

Macy Mcmillan and the rainbow goddess

Good Reads – Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess

By Shari Green

This free verse story is about Macy, who has been deaf since she had meningitis when she was four, and the many challenges she is facing as she finishes sixth grade.  I loved this poignant book as Macy faced her challenges, and with her elderly neighbor’s help, began to understand that “Hearts are waiting, worrying, hurting – in need of a message you can send.”

Families, multigrenerational

The Unlikely story of a pig in the city

Good Reads – The Unlikely Story of a Pig in a City

By Jodi Kendall

This is a charming story about family, friendship, teamwork and of course, animals. Josie is one of five children in a loving, lively family living in a small townhouse in an Ohio city who often feels overlooked. When her brother brings home a piglet on Thanksgiving, the runt of the litter from a nearby farm, Josie falls in love and knows in her heart that she was meant to save Hamlet. This is another great family read aloud and a special one for Charlotte’s Web fans and Penderwick fans!

Families, city living, friendship, animals, family read aloud

Vilonia beefe takes charge

Good Reads – Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge

By Kristin L. Gray

This story will have you laughing out loud, but will also leave you in tears. It’s a wonderful book about kindness, thoughtfulness, resourcefulness and family.  This is the first middle grade book I’ve read that addresses depression and describes the effects that it can have on the entire family.

Humor, kindness, thoughtfulness, family, mourning a grandparent, depression

Kat greene comes clean

Good Reads – Kat Greene Comes Clean

By Melissa Roske

Kat is a sixth grader who is dealing with so much in her life, but she is also very fortunate to be surrounded by lots of caring and supportive people, both children and adults. She bravely deals with the repercussions of her mom’s cleaning OCD as she faces the changing friendships of sixth grade.

Bravery, compassion, friendship, flexibility, OCD

Karma Khullar’s Mustache

Good Reads – Karma Khullar’s Mustache

By Kristi Wientge

Karma, who is half Sikh, half Methodist has lost her dear dadima (grandma) who lived with and cared for her family, her dad has lost his job, her mom has gone from being home and always available for Karma, to working full time in a very demanding job. Add to all of that Karma’s best friend has decided to be friends with her new “mean girl” neighbor and the fact that Karma has suddenly sprouted a 17 hair mustache, means Karma couldn’t be more nervous about middle school.

Adjustment to middle school, diversity, mourning a grandparent, friendship, family

greetings from witness protection

Good Reads – Greetings from Witness Protection

By Jake Burt

Nikki (Charlotte) has never known her mother, her dad’s in prison and her grammy has died so she’s in “the system”. But suddenly she is given an unexpected choice – remain at the children’s home for her next foster placement or become the daughter of a family entering witness protection. She proves herself to be a loyal friend, a great problem solver and a caring daughter as she grows more accustomed to her new life.
I would highly recommend this for grades 5 – 8. There is so much adventure, as well as so much heart in this story, that it will appeal to everyone. I couldn’t put it down!

Adventure, family, friendship, adjustment to middle school

There were so many more, but I’m trying not to completely overwhelm you! If you need more suggestions, please check out my Instagram account.  I’ll be back soon with my favorite picture books of 2017. Have a great week!

It’s hard to believe that school will be starting very soon. I don’t know about you, but the summer has flown by! We’ve spent a lot of time in Michigan and we’ve had the oportunity to renew old friendships and spend lots of time with family and friends. We’ve tried to enjoy every minute and we’re tired, but very happy!

I know there are a lot of anxious kids out there who are ready to begin school. Maybe it’s a new school because of a move, maybe it’s new because it’s middle school or maybe it’s just a new grade. No matter the situation, it’s always reassuring to know that whatever you’re worried about or whatever you’re feeling, you’re not alone. These books do that! Your tween may identify with Tessa’s fear about starting a new school, with Macy’s concern about moving and having a new family, with Abbie Wu’s feeling that she’s “totally freaking out” or with Lucia and Elyse’s feelings when their best friends turn to someone new. The books are about courage, acceptance of differences and kindness. They are perfect for kids as they begin middle school, but will also be great for 4th and 5th graders. I hope your kids will find a new favorite that will give them just the courage they might need to begin a new school year.

Bubbles

By Abby Cooper

• Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book – all opinions are my own.

Sophie has been in mourning for four months, because four months ago she is certain she caused her mom to break up with her long time boyfriend, as well as lose her job. As a result, her mom either sits on the couch reading boring magazines or cries in her room, instead of sharing lots of adventures with Sophie as they’ve always done And now Sophie has a new problem. She sees speech bubbles, just like those in cartoons, above people’s heads. She can tell what everyone is thinking!

Here are some of the many reasons that this book is definitely a 5 star review!

♥Sophie’s strength and courage to share about the speech bubbles with her mom and her friends

♥Sophie’s courage to talk to her counselor about her life

♥Sophie’s courage to creatively tackle her problems.

♥Sophie relationships with the adults in the story

♥Sophie’s friendship with her two best friends

Bubbles shows upper elementary and middle schoolers that struggling with friendships and self confidence, is very normal and it’s okay to be sad once in awhile. As Sophie said “…a sad thought every so often didn’t mean a sad life.  …And as long as I have my friends and family with me…I’d never have to deal with any of these things alone.”

The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street

By Lindsay Currie

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network and @lindsayncurrie for providing me with the review copy of this book – all opinions are my own. It will be released 10/10/17.

This is a story about ghosts, friendship, family and Chicago that I couldn’t stop reading! It is based upon a true story from Graceland Cemetery in Chicago and at first was really scary (at least for someone who NEVER reads ghost stories!). In fact I told my husband one evening that I had to stop reading or I’d never sleep! However, the mystery, the characters, the friendships and the great story had me quickly picking it up the next day. As more of the characters were revealed, and the more I learned about the ghost of the  little girl who was haunting Tessa (the strong, brave, resourceful and likeable main character) the more I wanted to quickly finish the book.  I know this is going to be a perfect story for all of those kids who ask for a scary book! And there are definitely a LOT of those kids in every library. But more importantly, this is a great choice for kids who are coping with middle school friendships, acceptance of a not so normal family or quirky friends.  5 stars for sure!

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess

By Shari Green

Thank you to @Kidlit Exchange for telling me about this great new title!

Macy, who has been deaf since she had meningitis when she was four, is facing many challenges as she finishes up sixth grade. Her mom is getting married, they are preparing to move in with her new stepfather and his six year old twin girls, she isn’t speaking to her best friend, her mom is insisting she help with both the wedding AND her elderly neighbor’s moving preparations and she has a final sixth grade genealogy assignment to finish.  Shari Green tells Macy’s story in free verse, which I wasn’t sure I would like, but it turned out to be the perfect literary device. I loved reading about the relationship that unfolded between Macy and her neighbor, Iris, The Rainbow Goddess, as Macy helped her prepare to move into an assisted living facility. I loved this poignant book as Macy faced her challenges, and with Iris’s help, began to understand that “Hearts are waiting, worrying, hurting – in need of a message you can send.”

This is Shari Green’s second middle grade book. Now I can’t wait to read her first one, Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles!

Frazzled: Everyday disasters and impending doom

By Booki Vivat

When I was an elementary school librarian, I often heard the question “what book is like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate?” Well I wish Frazzled, Everyday Disasters and Impending Doom was available a few years ago, because it would have been flying off the shelves! Frazzled is not a graphic novel, but is filled with illustrations on every page, which makes it into a very inviting book for even reluctant middle grade readers. Frazzled tells Abbie Wu’s story about starting middle school and how she is “totally freaking out.” She is the middle child in her family and she isn’t brilliant and cool like her older brother or cute and adorable like her little sister. She is just Abbie who is struggling to find “her thing.” Will it be drama club like her best friend Maxine who has wanted to be an actress since third grade, or possibly the coding club like her friend Logan who has always been a whiz with puzzles? Or maybe cooking, or dance or sports? The trouble is is that Abbie is terrible at all of these and couldn’t be less interested. This book will both entertain your middle grader, as well as reassure anyone who is dreading the transition to middle school. In the end, Abbie decides maybe she’s not “100% doomed!” and you find yourself hoping that September 26th comes very quickly so that you can read the next installment about Abbie Wu!

Moon Shadow

By Erin Downing

This fantasy is all about Lucia who was born during a lunar eclipse. As the story opens, it is her thirteenth birthday and the night of the next lunar eclipse. Her mother insists that this will be a very special evening for Lucia, but all Lucia cares about is trying to get her best friend back, trying to be friends with the boy next door again and learning to cope with her parents’ divorce. However, something very mysterious happens to Lucia. As the moon passes through the shadow of the earth and Lucia falls asleep, Lucia’s shadow appears. It turns out Lucia’s shadow only makes itself known while Lucia sleeps, but the shadow’s behavior is very different from Lucia. Lucia’s shadow has a lot more confidence and courage than Lucia, which leads to some interesting situations. This story was intriguing and I didn’t want to stop reading! Although, older kids would fly through this, I recommend it to anyone looking for a magical, mystical book for their next read.

These are just five of my most recent favorites that will help your fourth grader, your fifth grader or your middle schooler find the courage to face the challenges of a new school year. Do you have any more to add to the list? Please let us know in the comments. Finally, I wish you and your family a great start to the new school year!

I’m so excited to share my big news! I have a post on Nerdy Book Club Blog!  It is titled TEN BOOKS TO HELP YOUR CHILD BECOME MORE COMPASSIONATE.  It describes ten books about compassion, kindness, acceptance of differences, empathy and caring. Hopefully, some of these title might lead your children to, as R.J. Palacio describes in her middle grade novel, Wonder, “choose kind”.

I would love for you to pop over and read my post! Then, while you’re there, explore The Nerdy Book Club. You’ll find lots of titles to add to your kids’ TBR lists, interesting information about children’s book authors and some books to use in your classrooms. I have gained so much from reading the articles on this website, and I’m very honored to be posting on it today! And finally, I’d really appreciate it, if you would both, “like” the post and share the post on Facebook or Twitter! Thank you for all of your support!

School’s out! The kids are thrilled and hopefully you are, as well. After all, you have a little more down time, a few less lunches to make and more time to enjoy your children. Personally, I am loving the warmer weather, the sunshine (finally!), the lush green trees, the flowers and the freedom to walk out the door without a jacket. I’m spending a lot more time reading books, both children’s and adult, rather than reading the internet (although I’m not sure why!), trying new recipes and basically enjoying life. I guess there’s just something about the open windows and summer breezes that energizes me. My reading has led me to five middle grade chapter books that I want to share with you. I hope your kids will enjoy them as much as I did! You might even want to add them to your TBR list, too!

middle grade books: harlem charade by Natasha Tarpley 

Are you looking for a good mystery for your middle grade reader that will pull them into the story from the first page? This might be the one! Harlem Charade, set in the diverse streets of Harlem, has  many twists and turns. The main characters, Elvin, Alex and Jin, who are each struggling with problems at home,  work together to solve the mystery behind the attack on Elvin’s grandfather. Could the attack be a part of the councilman’s plan to shut down the local family businesses and force everyone to move out to make room for Harlem World? The story helps the reader understand both the meaning of, and the repercussions of gentrification, as the kids work together to solve the mystery and save their neighborhood. This is an action packed story that keeps the reader guessing until the end. I highly recommend it!

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS: short  BY holly goldberg sloan

I was looking forward to reading the new book by the author of one of my favorite middle grade reads from the past few years, Counting by 7s, and I wasn’t disappointed. Julia is struggling with several obstacles as she begins summer vacation. She’s the smallest in her class, by far, her best friends are gone for the summer, and she is mourning the loss of her beloved dog, Ramon, her closest friend and buddy, who  suddenly curled up and died unexpectedly of a heart attack. To give Julia something to focus on, her mom registers her and her little brother to appear in the community production of The Wizard of Oz. Of course, much to her horror, Julia is cast as a Munchkin.

I immediately identified with Julia’s grief, which she tries to keep inside, because I have lost so many dogs through the years, and it’s very difficult. And I had the opposite problem about size – I was always the tallest in my class, which is equally horrifying! So I was pulled in from page 1!

I especially loved Julia’s relationships that develop with the adults in the story: her neighbor, Mrs. Chang, the director of the play, her parents and her fellow actors. They showed her so much respect, support and understanding throughout the summer, which helped Julia deal with her grief and improve her self confidence.

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS: one hundred spaghetti strings BY jen nails

This book certainly pulled at my “mom heart strings”! I wanted to hug Steffy and Nina and protect them from the unfairness of their world. They have been happily living with their aunt Gina since their mom’s traumatic brain injury in an auto accident and their dad’s subsequent abandonment, which is almost as long as they can remember. But now their dad is coming home and their beloved aunt is moving out. This poignant tale tells the story of how each of the girls deal with the situation, Steffy by cooking and Nina by dancing, how they are forced to grow up far too early and how they learn that sometimes you need to rewrite your family’s recipe, even though it may be far different than you hoped.

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS: a rambler steals home BY carter higgins

Derby, her brother and her dad lead a vagabond life. They travel the country hauling their rambler to ball parks and fairgrounds selling hamburgers and fries. But every summer, they can’t resist returning to Ridge Creek, Virginia, for the Rockskippers season, a minor league baseball team.. They’ve been spending every summer there as long as Derby can remember, and their many friends always look forward to their return. I admired Derby’s strength as she tells the story of missing her mom who walked out years ago, her determination to find a way to help her dearest friend in Ridge Creek and her struggle to understand what home truly means.  As her dear friend, June, tells her, “Your home has wheels, but your heart has roots right here.” This is really a winner!

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS: the summer i saved the world in 65 days 

BY michele weber hurwitz

I don’t usually post things twice, but I think this book warrants breaking that rule! I’m hoping a lot of people who didn’t see it last summer, or may have forgotten, will see it today. Now that school is out for your kids, or very nearly so, the search for a special book begins. This would be a great one to read first!

Nina is spending her summer between middle school and high school pretty much on her own. Her parents, both lawyers, go to work early and return late, her older brother is always busy, her best friend has discovered boys and only wants to talk about clothes and makeup and Nina’s beloved grandma has died. So Nina spends a lot of her day in her room looking at all of the houses in her cul-de-sac. On the first day of summer she watches her next door neighbor, Mrs. Chung, who lives by herself, struggling to plant her garden full of marigolds as she always does, even though she has a broken leg. After Mrs. Chung gives up and goes inside, Nina remembers something her favorite teacher told the class on the last day of school. He said, “It is very often the ordinary things that go unnoticed that make a difference.” At that moment, Nina comes up with a plan that will change her summer and change her neighbors’ summers, as well. Nina decides to do something unnoticed every day for the 65 days of summer and see if she can really make a difference. This is an inspiring story for a beginning of summer middle grade book for kids going into fourth grade and older. Maybe we could all decide to do something ordinary and unnoticed for someone for one day or for 65 days this summer and see if it makes a difference. I’ll bet it does!

Do your kids have some books to suggest? Please let us all know in the comments.

Happy Summer!

First of all, you may be wondering about the flowers.  These were a special gift from my son-in-law that brightened my day! Even though we’ve had unusually warm weather, my garden is a long way from blooming. These are helping me wait! Now, on to what I want to share today. There are so many picture books published every week. I follow lots of publisher websites and Twitter accounts, as well as Instagram accounts to help me learn about all of these. I often add the titles to my reserve list at the library, and thankfully I have a great local library which usually has every one. And if they don’t, they are happy to order it! Once I get the books, if I like them, I share them on Instagram. If you’d like to see my favorites, be sure and follow me there. The link is toward the bottom of this page on the right hand side. Or another option is to wait for me to share them on Red Canoe Reader. That’s what I’m doing today! Here are seven picture books you don’t want to miss!

MY WASHINGTON, D.C.

BY KATHY JAKOBSEN

Are you planning a family trip to Washington, DC this spring to see the cherry blossoms and visit some of the museums and monuments? If so, My Washington, DC, is a great book to prepare your kids for the experience. Kathy Jakobsen’s lavish paintings illustrate each stop that the two characters, Becky and Martin, make along their way as they explore our capital. The kids learn lots of little known facts, as well as a lot about history. The book ends with some fun facts about Washington, along with a seek and find throughout the pages in the book. The paintings contain so many details, that your kids will pour over the book for hours. It might even keep them occupied during your travels!

Washington, D.C.; history

the unexpected love story of alfred fiddleduckling

by timothy basil ering

I was completely enthralled by this story. The illustrations are exquisite from the first endpaper to the last. Timothy Basil Ering’s words and paintings draw you into the story as you find yourself rooting for Alfred Fiddleduckling, Captain Alfred, his dog and his wife.  You are hoping they can all find each other in the end, and the magical conclusion on the final pages of the book convinces you this will happen. In between, Ering uses his beautiful words and colorful illustrations to describe Alfred Fiddleduckling’s voyage, his love for the violin and the beautiful music Alfred creates as he drifts through the sea. I heartily recommend this story, that will warm your heart as you cozy up with your kiddos and get to know Alfred.

Caring; friendship; family; perseverance 

that’s me loving you

by amy rosenthal

This sweet book is the perfect one to share with your little one before his or her first day of school, or anytime the two of you will be separated. Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s reassuring text promises that “wherever you are, wherever you go, … that feeling you always have in your heart? That’s me loving you.” I could see this as a graduation gift for your child before they leave for college, or a book that will help your little ones as they struggle to work through their grief over losing a loved one. The simple, muted and whimsical illustrations add to this tender family story. Be sure and look for this on your next trip to the library!

Families; love.; grief

teacup

by rebecca young

Rebecca Young’s lyrical text and Matt Ottley’s magical illustrations tell the story of a young boy who is forced to leave his home and everything he has ever known to find another. All he carries with him is a backpack filled with a water bottle, a book and a blanket, along with a teacup filled with a speck of soil and a few seeds. Sometimes his days are peaceful and sometimes they are filled with peril. But as he travels, the seeds begin to grow, and grow, until he has an apple tree to protect him from the sun, to give him food to eat and to provide a cozy nook for reading. This beautiful story reminds us of what it must be like for the children who are currently fleeing their homelands in search of safety. And of how, even though we all face hardships, with bravery and determination we can succeed.

Determination; bravery; immigration; refugees.

the friend ship

by Kat Yeh

The Friend Ship ✨by Kat Yeh ✨illustrated by Chuck Groenink. Hedgehog is lonely and craves to be surrounded by friends, so he bravely sets sail in search of The Friend Ship. As he and a curious beaver sail along, they encounter animal after animal who also would love to find some friends, but no one has seen The Friend Ship. After sailing the world, Hedgehog’s boat is full of animals, but he’s so sad that he hasn’t found The Friend Ship. He’s instantly surrounded by his shipmates who offer encouragement “you can count on me”, we’ll stick with you till the end!”, and “don’t give up!” He vows to sail on, after all of the reassurances that he will indeed find The Friend Ship, until he meets an elephant on a very small island, who asks “isn’t that it right there?” This tender story will lead to a discussion with your little ones about friendship and the fact that friends are out there waiting for us. We just need to be a friend and to remember to keep looking!

Friendship; kindness; perseverance.

barefoot book of children

BY tessa strickland, kate depalma and david dean

Barefoot Book of Children will help your kiddos better understand the diversity of our world. It reminds us, that although children live in many different places and in many different situations, they all need a home to live in and people to teach them about the world. Barefoot Book of Children will help your little ones understand that there are many different families in our country and in our world. Some may be large, some may have a mom and dad, some may have two dads, some may be a foster family or some families may be yearning for someone who is very far away. The colorful illustrations will lead to a better understanding of our differences and to the fact that even though we eat different foods, play different games, speak different languages and worship differently, we all have love to give and we all have our own story to share.

Families; diversity; differences.

found

BY salina yoon

After reading and loving Salina Yoon’s, Be a Friend last fall, I decided to look for more of her books and I wasn’t disappointed after reading Found. Bear finds a lost bunny in the forest and decides to help the sad little rabbit find it’s home. He posts flyers all over the forest, by the pond and even on the top of the highest tree on the mountain. Sadly, he doesn’t get a response, so he decides to take the sad bunny on a picnic. They have an absolutely perfect day, until…they encounter Moose who is thrilled to find his long lost Floppy. However, Moose knows that sometimes passing along a special toy to someone who will love it very much is the kind thing to do. This heart warming book is full of empathy and kindness messages to share with your little ones.

Empathy; kindness.

That’s all for this time, but look for a post about more of my favorite picture books next month. Meanwhile, have you found some picture books lately that have become family favorites, old or new? We’d love to hear about them in the comments!