I love picture books! I always have a few on my coffee table and friends never fail to pick them up and begin reading (at once upon a time when we were able to have friends come for dinner!). Every year, I find more and more favorites and this year was no different. These books will bring back memories of long ago, will teach you a bit about remarkable people from history, bring a giggle and tug at your heartstrings. I hope you find some you’ll want to share with your children and perhaps add to your family library. 

I want to close by thanking you for allowing me to share my love of children’s books with you. Please remember I post frequently on Instagram @redcanoereader. I hope to see you there. 

Finally, I wish you a December full of cozy times with your family. May 2021 be a year of peace.

the old truck

By Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

The gentle, muted illustrations in this story took me back to my childhood. It was a time when I lived in a small Indiana town surrounded by old farms. These were farms passed down through multiple generations; usually a bit worn with multiple buildings surrounding an old farmhouse and very often old trucks scattered around on the property. We would pass by these farms as we made the trek to visit both sets of grandparents on almost a weekly basis. I sat in the front seat because I was always hopelessly carsick, which gave me the perfect view of the countryside and gave me the opportunity to daydream about the scenery we passed. I had questions flying through my mind. Who lived there? How long had the farm been there? Did children live on the farm?

The authors of this story must have had similar experiences, because this lovely story strives to answer some of these questions. It follows a farming family through the years, working hard and always using an old red truck to help them achieve their dreams. And there’s always a little girl there to help and to love the old red truck. That is until the red truck doesn’t run anymore. That’s the time it’s parked in the barnyard and forgotten about by almost everyone, except the little girl. Time passed and they both dreamed and rested and grew older, until a new farmer came a long. It’s a new farmer who looks amazingly like the little girl from long ago; it’s a little girl who grew up, became a farmer and rescued the old red truck to help her achieve HER dreams.

Thank you, @jpumphrey and @wjpumphrey for taking me back to my childhood and bringing some of my daydreams to life. Your charming book felt like a warm blanket and is one I want to read over and over. It’s going to be one of my “coffee table” books (high praise!). Those are the special ones I leave out so anyone and everyone who visits will have the opportunity to be wrapped up in that warm blanket, just as I was.

if you come to earth

By Sophie Blackall

Have you ever thought how you might introduce a visitor from outer space to our world? This exquisite picture book from two-time Caldecott Award winner @sophieblackall offers so many suggestions about what you can share. As you experience this book with your little ones, you’ll find yourself pausing on every page to have a conversation. You might talk about the expressions and the feelings on the diverse children’s faces. You might discuss how families can be different or how kids wear different clothes depending upon their climate. You might ask about the occupations of the characters or their modes of transportation or their homes. In fact every time you read this book, I promise you, you’ll find more details sprinkled throughout the pages you’ll want to talk about.
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The endearing illustrations with their softness and the sweet expressions on the children’s faces will give you a cozy feeling from beginning to end. And please take time to peak beneath the book jacket and to linger on the end papers. They are completely charming!
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This is a book you’ll want to put on hold at the library, however I’m quite certain you’ll want to add it to your forever family bookcase. It’s going on my coffee table, because once we can open our house to friends again, I know they’ll love this as much as I do. It’s that special!

It began with a page

By Kyo Maclear; illustrated by Julie Morstad

When my son was a baby, we discovered some remarkable board books. They were charming stories full of sweet animals, diverse children with angelic expressions and gentle words that were perfect to hear before I tucked him in each night. I always remembered the author, Gyo Fujikawa, and her special books, which have been my “go to” baby shower gift for 25 years. So I was delighted when I learned there was a new picture book biography about her, and even more excited when I learned it was illustrated by Julie Morstad, one of my favorite illustrators.

Gyo Fujikawa was a Japanese American girl who loved to draw. Unfortunately, she was also a girl who was invisible to the white students in her school and to most of her teachers. Happily though, one teacher recognized her talent and gave Gyo the money to attend art school. This changed her life. It gave her the courage to face the discrimination she would encounter for years to come, because she was Asian American, as well as because she was a woman. It gave her the courage to write a children’s book with multiracial children in the 1960’s and to insist her publisher break the rules and publish it. When the publisher finally agreed, Babies became a bestseller and is still in print today. She went on to create 50 more picture books for children.

This story of courage and determination gives you a peak into not only Gyo’s life, but also into the lives of Asian Americans during the last century. Julie Morstad’s illustrations will give you a glimpse into the charm you’ll find in all of Gyo’s books. You’ll see the rainbow of faces of naughty, nice and very busy babies which are similar to the little ones you’ll find in so many of Gyo’s books. And you’ll begin to understand why I’m such an admirer of Gyo Fujikawa, and why I’ll continue to tuck her books into every baby shower gift I give.

green on green

By Dianne White; illustrated by Felicta Sala

This is a gentle story about the seasons of a family’s quiet country life in the rolling hills by the sea. We are offered a glimpse of the wonders and joys of their everyday world.
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The richly colored illustrations add depth to the lovely words of Dianne White’s poem. Beginning with the lush end papers, you follow this young family through the seasons of their year. You’ll see the colors, feel the air and hear the sounds. You’ll want to join the young boy as he jumps in rain puddles, runs on the beach and tastes the apples from the tree. You, too, will marvel at the beauty of the snow and feel the amazement of the first flowers of spring. In fact, everytime you read this story, you and your little one will find something new to talk about. This is one you’ll remember!

one girl

By Andrea Beaty; illustrated by Dom Phuminruk

Andrea Beaty’s lyrical text and Dom Phumiruk’s gentle, muted illustrations in One Girl help us understand how books and education can change a child’s life. From the first page we are invited to go along on one young girl’s journey as she discovers the magic of a book. When she is given the opportunity to attend school, she not only shares the wonder of stories with her classmates, but is given the encouragement to write her own books. She  goes on to share her books with the children of the world, inspiring them to catch the spark of reading and shine their own lights into our world.

This touching story shows the importance of education and how one person can inspire change. It’s one that reminds us how vitally important it is that ALL children have the opportunity to receive an education. Finally, it’s one for the book lovers in your life, no matter what their age.

i am every good thing

By Derrick Barnes

Illustrated by Gordon C. James

A young black boy shares all that is good about himself.  He begins by telling us, “I am good to the core, like the center of a cinnamon roll. Yeah that good.” And then we’re off, following him through his life. He’s a ball of energy, ready to discover the world. He’s a daredevil and scientist. He’s courteous and respectful to friends and strangers alike. He’s full of curiosity and lots of humor. He’s a sportsman, he’s a brother, son, nephew, grandson, friend. He can give tight hugs and offer a hand to hold. He is brave and only answers to his name, whatever name he may be called. He is worthy of “respect, of safety, of kindness, of happiness… and to be loved.” He’s like children everywhere who have a right to be safe, successful and happy. 

The rich illustrations perfectly capture the mood of this story which will touch your heart, and if you read the dedication, bring tears.  It’s a book to share and discuss with your children now, and as they grow older. It’s one for all ages.

in a jar

Written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero

Oh, I’m simply in love. This picture book is a pure delight. I requested it be ordered at my library months ago. As the release date came and went, I impatiently waited for the library copy to be ready. I was thrilled when I picked it up and saw it was just as special as I hoped. When you open IN A JAR you’ll first notice the gentle colors exploding on every page. I absolutely want to cover the walls of my office with Marcero’s paintings! Then you’ll meet the characters in her story and they will steal your heart. It is a joy to be a part of their happiness and friendship as they discover and savor the beauty of their world. Every joy is saved in a jar, until the walls are covered with shelves full of jars. All of this sadly ends when Evelyn moves away. And with Evelyn gone, “Llewellyn’s heart felt like an empty jar.” When I saw the image of Evelyn driving away and turned the page to see the empty jar, I was immediately taken back to the time my best friend moved away; a best friend I still miss so many years later. Perhaps if I had been as wise as Llewellyn, I wouldn’t have been so heart broken. 

This is a story that reminds us to savor the joys and the beauty we see and experience everyday: the wonders we glimpse, the sounds we hear, the adventures large and small and most of all the love of the friends and family who surround us. It’s truly a story for all ages. It’s going to be a part of my library and will be a gift to those dear to me.

my brother the duck

By Pat Zietlow Miller; Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

Oh how I love this book! I read it to my nephews and their mom and aunt, and I think the adults liked it as much, or even more than the kids! Here are some of the reasons why.

• The vocabulary: fledgling scientist, research, waddling, evidence, scrawny and hypothesis, to mention a few. These fun words give you lots of opportunities to pause and have a conversation with your little ones
• The colorful illustrations and the facial expressions add so much to the story. For example, when you look at the picture with the family, you immediately understand the dad’s stress and Stella’s seriousness.
• The introduction of the scientific method
• The diverse characters
• Finally caregivers are going to have so much fun reading it, and will find so many things to talk about, they won’t mind reading it at least a hundred times!
  This book is available now and would make a great addition to your family’s library. It’s also the perfect gift for a family who will shortly be adding a new sibling.
  

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the keeper of wild words

By Brooke Smith; illustrated by Madeline Kloepper

This gorgeous, gentle story is one you will long remember. It’s a story of a grandma, Mimi, and her young granddaughter, Brooke. It’s a story of nature, of memories and words. It’s a story about a grandma’s fear that words of nature are being forgotten and of her determination to help Brooke become THE KEEPER OF WILD WORDS. 

The illustrations are full of color and full of joy. The story inspires us to make certain the words and wonders of nature are shared with our children. It will inspire parents and grandparents (or even aunts and uncles) to take our children out into the world to view the beauty that surrounds us. It’s a wonderful gift for a new grandparent or even for parents to be. It’s one I am giving to my sister so she can share the wonders of the world with her grandchildren. And it even has a pocket in the back for you and your little ones to collect your wild words. It’s available now.

What we’ll build: plans for our together future

By Oliver Jeffers

This charming story is a love letter from Oliver Jeffers to his daughter. It’s the story of a parent’s boundless love for their child. It’s a story about their magical journey as they build their future together. It’s a story told in rhyming text with illustrations that simply take your breath away. It’s a story that will surround you with love as you read it to your child. It’s a must for every home library shelf.

marjory saves the everglades

By Sandra Neil Wallace; illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

Oh, how I love picture book biographies. They offer fascinating stories about nspiring individuals I know little about. This is a perfect example. I’ve never visited the Everglades, but it is on my list. In fact, my husband and I had hoped to go this spring and add it to our growing list of National Parks we’ve visited, but with Covid we decided to stay close to home. After reading this book, I’m glad we still have our first visit to the Everglades to look forward to. I know so much more about the history and the ecological importance of the glades. I know the animals, the birds, the insects and the flora and fauna we might see. All of that is there thanks to a determined, brave woman who made a difference and saved the Everglades.

The truly remarkable illustrations help us to see the beauty and the tranquility of the Everglades, as we watch spunky Marjory Stoneman Douglas grow from a young girl into a 108 year old woman who made it her life’s work to save an ecosystem. They help us feel the sunshine, the oppressive heat and the mosquito bites Marjory experienced during her explorations of the park.

The story inspires kids to understand how they can make a difference, just as Marjory did. It explains the importance of research, perseverance and courage. It teaches them to speak up without being a nuisance and to never give up, just as she did when the Everglades were threatened. We learn because of Marjory’s determination to save the ecosystem, the government was finally convinced to restore the Everglades to its original state, after allowing almost one hundred years of destruction.

The book includes several pages of back matter, including a page of illustrations of animals of the Everglades, Marjory’s “tips for protecting the environment” and a timeline of her life.  It’s one you’ll want to share with your children about another inspiring woman in U.S. history.

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There are so many children’s books about the problems Black kids face in their day to day lives. It’s vitally important to share these with our children to allow them to see themselves in a book or to give children a window into children’s lives which are different from their own. However, Black kids are just like all children who try to find joy with their families everyday. These stories are about kindness, fears, family outings and joy. You’ll smile, you’ll laugh and you’ll discover loving, diverse families who are finding happiness in their daily lives.

Jabari Jumps

By Gaia Cornwall @gaiacornwall

Published by Candlewick Press

Jabari reminds me so much of myself when I was his age. I was terrified of jumping into a pool, even though my mother had sent me to countless swim lessons. To stand on the side of a pool, let alone a diving board as everyone was expecting me to jump, was completely overwhelming. Even though Jabari feels the same, he announces to his dad “I’m jumping off the diving board today.” Of course, though, that’s a little easier said than done! Gaia Cornwall’s illustrations capture his fear, but also his determination and courage. I loved that every page included “pool turquoise” in some way, whether it was the sky, the water or the surrounding trees. This helped me feel like I was standing right there on the board with Jabari as he curled his toes around the edge. If you have a little one who may be wondering if they have the courage to jump in, this is a wonderful book that might provide just the encouragement they need to succeed.

Saturday

Written and illustrated by Oge Mora @oge_mora

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

First of all, look at this cover. Do you see the pure love and delight between Ava and her mother? After a long week of being apart, they get to spend one entire day together, just the two of them without interruptions. But one disappointment after another greets them as they move through their day. First, story time was canceled, then an exploding puddle ruins their new hairstyles, the park is too noisy and finally Mommy loses the tickets for the puppet show. But as the long day draws to a close and they return to their apartment, they realize something rather amazing. Their day was truly splendid because they were together.

This small moment story will draw you in with it’s vibrantly colored collage illustrations, as you feel the warmth and love of Ava and Mommy’s day. It’s a true joy to read and you’ll want to share it with someone special in your life.

The Thing about Bees: A Love Letter

Written and illustrated by Shabazz Larkin @shabazzlarkin

Published by Readers to Eaters @readerstoeaters

This delightful journey describes a day in the life of a black family when they go on a picnic in the park. You see the joy on the faces of Dad and his sons as they chase a balloon and fly a kite, as well as their distress when they encounter some bees. Yes, dad says, there are bees in the park, and they can be annoying and their sting can hurt, but he points out without the bees all of the yummy food on their overflowing picnic table wouldn’t exist; no strawberries, no watermelon, no apples for pies, no cucumbers for pickles, no fruit for smoothies. And then he makes my favorite observation in the book. He lovingly compares his boys to bees, reminding them they can be a bit annoying, too, but he never stops loving them. 

This book came to be because the author always had a “ridiculous fear of bees.” When his sons were born he was determined NOT to pass his fear along to his children. To accomplish this, he learned all he could about bees, and as he did the less scary they seemed. Not only did he create this sweet story, but he also included simple drawings illustrating what happens when “a bee and a flower love each other,” which are perfect for teaching your little one the importance of bees in our world. Finally, he has included lots of information in the back matter including bee etiquette and types of bees from “kind to kinda mean”.

Me and Mama

By Cozbi A. Cabrera

Published by Denene Millner Books/Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers

One rainy morning a little girl creeps down the stairs to find her mama. She’s hoping for some quiet time just with mama, while her brother and Papa are still asleep. The word choice and the vibrant, expressive illustrations immediately invite you into the little girl’s world. You feel the coziness of the home and the smell of cinnamon in the air. You hear Mama’s cheerful voice as she calls out good morning and then optimistically finds joy in the rainy day, when she declares “the perfect day for boots and puddles”. You understand the little girl’s joy in their familiar everyday rituals they do together. You see her happiness when they help each other choose their clothes and dress, eat breakfast together, brush their teeth, take their dog for a walk and splash in the puddles. 

All in all, it’s a book about joy and family. It’s a book your little ones will find familiar and comforting as you share it together.

hair love

By Matthew A. Cherry      @matthewacherry  

Illustrated by Vashti Harrison @vashtiharrison

Published by @kokilabooks

It’s a very special day and Zuri’s hair needs to be perfect. There are only two problems. First, her curly, kinky hair has a mind of it’s own. Secondly, her daddy is exhausted from getting her to school, working, bringing her home, going on a bike ride and fixing her dinner, so Zuri really doesn’t want to disturb him. Soooo, Zuri and Rocky (her faithful cat) decide to take care of it themselves. All is well, until she drops her tablet and wakes Daddy. That’s when Daddy swoops into to save the day. After MANY attempts and some online help, Zuri has the perfect hairdo.

The love between this little girl and her daddy is a joy to see. Even though Zuri has doubts about her hair, Daddy assures her it is truly beautiful making her beam with pride.This reminded me of some everyday moments with my daddy very long ago. When I was doubting myself and lacking confidence, he assured me I truly was beautiful and I just needed to be myself. It’s a reminder that these small moments are so important to our children. 

You will love the illustrations, too. The love between Zuri and Daddy pours out of every page. Their eyes, especially, are full of adoration and joy. These, along with the sweet story, will speak to all children and make lots of little girls think of special times with their daddy.

you matter

Written and Illustrated by Christian Robinson @theartoffun

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

This gentle book is for all of us, young or old, any color, any gender. The lovely diverse illustrations, along with the simple text remind all of us that we matter. Even if we fall down, even if we need to start over, even if we feel lost or alone, even if we are small or old, we matter. It’s a story that will touch your heart and make you pause. It’s a story to share with your children and discuss with your children as you remind them, they do indeed matter.

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coming soon!! 

2020 picture book and mg favorites!

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This post all began when my son gave me It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way for Christmas. It had special meaning to us because I read Gyo Fujikawa books to him almost every night for years. There was something about her sweet, calming stories and illustrations we both loved. As I was reading the biography on Christmas day, an idea was forming. I had read so many wonderful picture book biographies recently and learned the life stories of so many people I knew of, but didn’t really know. I decided I wanted to share these remarkable people with you. In these books you’ll learn the stories behind some famous people and some not so famous, but all fascinating.

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

By Kyo Maclear @kyomaclear

Illustrated by Julie Morstad @juliemorstad

Published by Harper Collins @harpercollins @harperkids

When my son was a baby, we discovered some remarkable board books. They were charming stories full of sweet animals, diverse children with angelic expressions and gentle words that were perfect to hear before I tucked him in each night. I always remembered the author, Gyo Fujikawa, and her special books, which have been my “go to” baby shower gift for 25 years. So I was delighted when I learned there was a new picture book biography about her, and even more excited when I learned it was illustrated by Julie Morstad, one of my favorite illustrators.

Gyo Fujikawa was a Japanese American girl who loved to draw. Unfortunately, she was also a girl who was invisible to the white students in her school and to most of her teachers. Happily though, one teacher recognized her talent and gave Gyo the money to attend art school. This changed her life. It gave her the courage to face the discrimination she would encounter for years to come because she was Asian American, as well as because she was a woman. It gave her the courage to write a children’s book with multiracial children in the 1960’s and to insist her publisher break the rules and publish it. When the publisher finally agreed, Babies became a bestseller and is still in print today.  She went on to create 50 more picture books for children. 

This story of courage and determination gives you a glimpse into not only Gyo’s life, but also into the lives of Asian Americans during the last century. Julie Morstad’s illustrations will give you a glimpse into the charm you’ll find in all of Gyo’s books. You’ll see the rainbow of faces of naughty, nice and very busy babies which are similar to the little ones you’ll find in so many of Gyo’s books. And you’ll begin to understand why I’m such an admirer of Gyo Fujikawa, and why I’ll continue to tuck her books into every baby shower gift I give.

The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown

By Mac Barnett @macbarnett

Illustrated by Sarah Jacoby 

Published by Balzer and Bray @balzerandbray @harpercollins_publishing

You may end your days tucking your little one in by reading Goodnight Moon or The Important Book, but do you really know anything about the author, Margaret Wise Brown? I certainly didn’t before I read this delightful picture book biography by award winning author, Mac Barnett. 

There are so many things I loved about this book. 

• I love how the author and the illustrator skillfully interweave the theme of The Important Book, as well as the covers of so many of her books into their story. 
• I loved learning that the New York Public Library, as well as many others, stamped Margaret Wise Brown’s books “NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PURCHASE BY EXPERT”!!
• I loved Sarah Jacoby’s gentle illustrations that filled every page, especially the fact that the children in the library circle are rabbits, the librarian is a rabbit and every book is being held by a rabbit!
• And most of all I loved that I learned a little bit more about the quirky, fascinating person who wrote some of our most beloved children’s books.
  

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Prairie Boy: Frank Lloyd Wright Turns the Hearland into a Home

By Barb Rosenstock @brosenstock

Art by Christopher Silas Neal @csilasneal

Published by Calkins Creek #calkinscreek

I’ve been fascinated with Frank LLoyd Wright since I was in grade school. it began when my parents explained why my classmate’s house was so very different than the usual suburban ranches that filled our neighborhood. The reason the house was so unique was that it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. When I was nine years old, I didn’t realize how special that was. All I knew was that I loved that house, wished it was my house. and from that moment on loved mid century design and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Barb Rosenstock’s story guides us on a tour through Wright’s life, beginning with his childhood on the Wisconsin Prairie and throughout his career as an architect; an architect who went against the norm of designing Victorian style mansions and rather chose to design houses to fit the modern family inside and out. Christopher Silas Neal’s illustrations, which utilize the shapes of the prairie landscape and reflect Frank Lloyd Wright’s style, further help the reader gain a better understanding of the prairie houses. 

I wish my nine year old self had this wonderful book so many years ago. I would have loved to understand more about Frank Lloyd Wright and the reason his houses were so unique.  I, too had a love of shapes and creating structures with wooden blocks. Perhaps I would have been inspired to study architecture. Maybe a child who reads this book today will be inspired to follow in Frank Lloyd Wright’s footsteps!

Little Libraries, Big Heroes 

By Miranda Paul #mirandapaul

Illustrated by John Parra @johnparaart

Published by Clarion Books #clarionbooks @hmhkids

Have you ever wondered about the Little Free Library @littlefreelibrary (LFB) phenomenon like I did? Well for myself, who always seems to make up stories every time I take a walk through my hometown, these are the questions bouncing around in my head. Where do all of these unique little houses come from? Why are there more and more of them? Who makes them? How did it begin? When I discovered this inspirational story, I was delighted to find the answers to my questions, plus a few more, too!

It all began with an ordinary hero who wanted to honor his mom’s memory and her love of reading. And it spread with the help of other ordinary heroes who worked together to spread their love of reading by building the little houses, filling them with books, labeling the containers with this motto “Take a Book, Share a Book” and placing them in yards throughout the U.S. And the phenomenon didn’t stop at the U.S. borders. Soon there were LFLibraries all around the world, such as at a hospital in Ireland, on a street corner in Pakistan and in a schoolyard in South Sudan.

This is a story of the amazing things that can happen when ordinary people work together to make a dream come true; a dream to help people across the world. This story offers a wonderful starting point for conversations and brainstorming with students about their dreams to help the world, and planning to make their dreams come true.

Just Like Rube Goldberg:

The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines

Written by Sarah Aronson 

Illustrated by Robert Neubecker 

Published by Simon & Schuster Kids  @simonkids

Every year Purdue (my Alma Mater) has a Rube Goldberg competition. It’s always fascinating to see what imaginative contraptions the teams create. But even though I’ve followed this for years, I never knew Rube Goldberg’s story. Happily, after reading this, I now do! I know that his true aspiration was to be a “great cartoonist for a big-time newspaper.” Unfortunately, his family had other ideas, so to please them he became an engineer. But since he was an engineer who dreamed of drawing, he soon quit his job and became a laborer at the San Francisco Chronicle. During the day he emptied wastebaskets and filed photos, and at night he drew cartoons. Finally a few were published. This gave him the courage to move to New York City where everything changed. He became a cartoonist, a political commentator and most importantly, a creator and illustrator of an alter ego, Professor Butts, who created crazy contraptions that solved problems in ridiculous and totally unexpected ways.

This story illustrates the success one can have, if you persevere and follow your dream. It also introduces the reader to the fun and creativity of inventing, whether it be a serious invention or a ridiculous one that has loads of surprises.

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons

By Natascha Biebow 

Illustrated by Steven Salerno

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt @houghtonmifflinharcourt

Do you remember opening a new box of crayons? If you were lucky, you got a new box every school year. If you were EXTRA lucky, it was a box of 64 shiny new crayons with pointy ends that had never touched a piece of paper.  That beginning of the school year excitement came back to me whenever my kids and I used to watch Mr. Roger’s segment on a trip to a crayon factory. We always wished we could be right there with him watching the thousands of crayons coming off the assembly line. But we never knew where crayons originated, or who invented them, or why? This delightful book answers all of those questions and more.  

Edwin Benny loved colors and knew children did, too. Sadly, though, most children couldn’t afford the dull, clumsy crayons, which were available in the late 1800s. Edwin Benny listened to what children wanted and began experimenting in his lab to create a strong, colorful, safe crayon. It took years of work, but at the 1904 World’s Fair the familiar green and yellow box of Crayola Crayons was introduced and children’s lives were never quite the same. 

I like this book so much because it shows what can be accomplished with perseverance, creativity and hard work. When Edwin Benny’s wife described a problem to him – crayons were expensive, dully colored, breakable and clumsy, he became determined to solve it, even though a solution wasn’t readily apparent. I also like the back material in the book including captioned photographs of a crayon factory, a brief biography and a list of websites and videos. 

If your children are fans of crayons (who isn’t?!), please add this to your list. It will be so much fun for all of you.

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Last week I shared my favorite middle grade books from 2019. I promised to share my favorite picture books from 2019, so here they are! Remember, these may not have been published in 2019, but I discovered them this year and loved every one. These are the ones I can’t stop thinking about. Also, please keep in mind, picture books are for EVERYBODY! They will teach you so much, give you so much enjoyment and possibly most importantly, touch your heart.  I hope you’ll find some titles to add to your shopping list. These special books deserve to be in your kids’ stockings. Happy Holidays to all of you!

a House that Once Was

By Julie Fogliano @juliefogliano

Illustrated by Lane Smith #lanesmith

I’ve always loved making up stories about something I discover as I’m out walking, so when I first learned of this book, I was quite certain this intriguing and mysterious story would be a perfect choice for me. I wasn’t disappointed! This picture book gets all the stars!! On the first page, we meet a pair of children who discover an obviously long ago abandoned house, as they wander through the woods. They immediately begin to create stories about the house and it’s occupants after they crawl through the window to explore. (more)  

big cat, little cat

Written and Illustrated by Elisha Cooper

So many times I’ve received text from a friend with the sad news that a dear family pet has died. Understandably, they, along with their children are devastated. After all, the beloved pet has always been a part of their children’s lives, so now how do they face the emptiness they all feel; how do they move on? And then because many of my friends believe just as I do, that the answers to life’s really hard questions can often be found in books, they ask for one that will help their young children understand. This gentle book is a perfect choice. (more)

rosie and crayon

Written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero

First of all, I have to write about the illustrations. Oh, my!! I’ll begin by describing the title page. Deborah Marcero has created the words of the title completely out of drawings of crayons! And then we move onto the story. Rosie and her dog, Crayon, are utterly charming. Their love for each other and their appreciation for the world is immediately apparent. On each page they joyfully discover another color and in the process introduce us to some fascinating vocabulary. There are fluttering yellows, simmering reds and and smoldering pinks. You and your little one will delight in their happiness as you talk about each new description. (more)

i used to be famous

By Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie

Illustrated by Joanne Lew Vriethoff

Many thanks to Blue Slip Media for sharing this book with me. I very much appreciate it!

I loved the author’s first book, I AM FAMOUS. It reminded me of so many families who simply can’t get enough of the new star in the family, especially if it’s child number one! The camera is never still and every move is recorded for all of posterity in the memory book. But then… baby number two arrives and nothing is quite the same for child number one. Where are the cameras, the accolades, the personal attention?! Where is the fame? This is the story of I USED TO BE FAMOUS.  (more)

because

By Mo Willems

Illustrated by Amber Ren

This remarkable picture book will touch your heart, especially if you’re a music lover. It made me think about my own children who both became music lovers at a very young age, just as it happened to the little girl in Because. I always wondered what prompted my boys to pursue music. Was it my constant singing when they were small? Was it their aunt’s piano playing? Was it the intriguing piano at Grandma and Grandpa’s house that was like a magnet to them when they walked through their door?  (more)

we are (not) friends

By Anna Kang @annakangbooks

Illustrated by Christopher Weyant @christopherweyant

Again, many thanks to Blue Slip Media for sharing this book with me. I very much appreciate it!

All of us knows how it feels when you and a friend are having a great time, just the two of you, until suddenly someone else joins in. This can happen if you’re 3 or 73, or anywhere in between! Once the third friend appears, things are just not quite the same. 🔸
Our two fuzzy bear friends encounter the same problem when a new friend bounces in and wants to play. They soon discover three’s a crowd! Feelings are hurt, tears are shed and voices are raised as alternating twosomes face off against the third. The imaginative bears create game after game, but each one is only for two friends. This continues until they finally realize MAYBE exciting games can be imagined for three players instead of two, so three bears CAN actually be friends. (more)

max attacks

Words by Kathi Appelt @kathi5cats
Pictures by Penelope Dullaghan @penelope_dullaghan

Again, many thanks to Blue Slip Media for sharing this book with me. I very much appreciate it!

Meet Max! He’s full of curiosity and mischief as he prowls through the house making one discovery after another, even though his main objective is, and always will be, the fish bowl! BUT there are just so many tempting things to grab his attention first. Can Max really be expected to ignore a lizard crawling up a window screen, a dangling shoe lace or a basket of dirty socks? They are calling his name and then there is that fish bowl… (more)   

the day you begin

By Jacqueline Woodson @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 is different and the food in your lunch box is 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. (more) 

truman

Written by Jean Reidy
🐢
Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

I absolutely loved this book. First, I fell in love with the cover and then with the charming story. When I studied the cover, I immediately felt the love between Sarah and her tortoise, Truman. Their faces told me they were completely absorbed in listening to one another and were obviously best friends. When I opened the book, I found many more of Lucy Ruth Cummins sweet illustrations which make Jean Reidy’s gentle story come alive. The soft colors in the details of their apartment and the busy city streets, as well as the expressions on their faces invite you into their quiet, everyday world full of friendship and fun. (more)   

will you miss us if we go?

By Paige Jaeger

Illustrated by Carol Hill Quirk

This beautifully illustrated nonfiction book is the second in the series by @authorpaigjaeger. The book, which is told in verse, introduces us to 14 endangered species who are asking for our help. This engaging story, with a challenging vocabulary, introduces us to the animals’ geographic locations, descriptions of their habitats, their physical descriptions, and the reasons they are threatened, all of which I’m sure will lead to many heartfelt discussions when the book is shared. (more)

goodbye, friend! Hello, friend!

Written and illustrated 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. (more) 

the scarecrow 

By Beth Ferry

Illustrated by The Fan Brothers

Autumn may be fading away, but please don’t let it go before sharing  The Scarecrow with everyone in your family. As always, the illustrations by Eric and Terry Fan are amazing. The soft autumn colors and and even the tiniest details add so much to the story. I loved the gentleness of the snow, the quietness of the spring night and the joy on the scarecrow’s face as he makes a friend. And then there is Beth Ferry’s lyrical text that tells the story of the lonely, but respected scarecrow. The scarecrow who breaks his pole to save a baby crow; the scarecrow who cheers the baby as he learns to fly, despite knowing it means his friend will soon be gone. The scarecrow whose kindness leads to so much joy.

This memorable book about friendship and kindness is one of my favorites of 2019. I’m sure you’ll love it too!

dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever

By Matt Tavares

This magical book, created by Matt Tavares, who is also the author-illustrator of one of my favorites, Red & Lulu, has once again mesmerized me with his latest book, Dasher! The gorgeous, dreamy illustrations in Dasher will first capture your attention and then the story will delight you. Dasher, a young doe, who along with her beloved family, spends her days trekking through the countryside with a traveling circus. Their life is not an easy one as they endure long days crammed together under the relentless sun, but there are happy times too. The children are kind to her and Dasher gets to be with her family. And at night Dasher’s mama shares stories about a faraway, dreamy place beneath the North Star where she and Papa once lived; a place where “the air was crisp and cold and the ground was always covered with a cool blanket of white snow”. Dasher loves these stories and dreams of actually feeling the crisp air and walking on the cool snow, even if it would mean leaving her family. One blustery night when the gate of the pen blows open, Dasher gets her chance. She runs away, flying like the wind through the forest, all the while following the North Star. Just as she realizes she is lost, she encounters a kind man dressed in red with a sparkling sleigh, a tired horse both in need of help. And the story of Christmas changes forever. 

This enchanting story is sure to become a family Christmas favorite you will look forward to bringing out each year. It’s one for young and old alike; for anyone who would like a little bit of magic in their lives this month. I know it’s going to be added to my holiday book collection!

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A short time before Halloween, my niece, Kelly’s friend asked if I had a list of Halloween titles appropriate for preschoolers. I created one, and both she and my niece were delighted. In fact, Whitney liked it so much she asked if I had a list of preschool Christmas titles! My reply was “no”, but I promised to compile one before Christmas, and here it is! It may seem a little early to be talking about Christmas books, but if you want to have the chance to get these at your library, now is the time to put them on hold! Of course, you may also find some you’ll want to add to your family’s library, so I’ve included links to the Good Reads summary to help you do that.

Please know many of these titles are fun for all ages, not just preschool. In fact, I’ll have most of these on my coffee table for the entire month of December! And there are so many more titles which I love. I just didn’t want to exhaust you with a crazy, long post! I hope you find some stories which become family classics you’ll look forward to sharing year after year.

What are your family favorites? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Snow Bunny’s Christmas Wish

By Rebecca Harry

Oh, this is such a sweet story about friendship, kindness, Santa and of course a bunny. (This is chosen especially for my nephew, Zeke!)

The Christmas Baby

By Marion Dane Bauer; illustrated by Richard Cowdrey

These delightful illustrations describe the animals’ and angels’ celebration on the night Christ was born,

Twas the Evening of christmas

By Glenys Nellist; illustrated by Elena Selivanova

Oh how I wish we had this beautiful book to read on Christmas Eve when my boys were growing up! This is the story of the first Christmas, but it is told in the pattern of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, which makes it a perfect companion to the traditional book. (more)

santa’s story

By Will Hillenbrand

Does your family share The Night Before Christmas every year? Well, Santa and his reindeer ALSO share that much loved tradition. All goes well until Santa forgets! The cozy illustrations allow us to witness the reindeer antics and Santa’s puzzlement and add so much to this delightful story.

when it snows

By Richard Collingridge

Magic happens when snow covers the ground and a little boy and his teddy bear follow footsteps into a wondrous, glowing world. The luminous illustrations help you imagine the magical night that all began with a story.

Construction Site on Christmas Night

By Sherri Duskey Rinker and Ag Ford

Playful, rhyming text tell us the story of the five construction trucks who work all night long on Christmas to create a a very special project. Happily their hard work is rewarded when each receives a thoughtful gift.

Room for a Little One

By Martin Waddell; illustrated by Jason Cockcroft

It’s a cold winter’s night in the stable and so many stray critters are looking for a warm, safe place to rest. One by one they arrive and one by one they hear, “There’s always room for a little one here.”  This includes a tired donkey carrying a weary woman and a very cold man.

Harvey Slumfenburger’s christmas present

By John Burningham

I’ve read this special story to children of all ages for many, many years. I’ve given copy after copy as gifts. It tells the story of Santa forgetting to deliver one gift to one little boy and Santa’s determination, kindness and selflessness as he tries his best to fulfill his promise.

arthur’s perfect christmas

By Marc Brown

This has to be one of my favorites! Arthur wants everything to be perfect this year – the snow, the tree and the turkey, but he’s not sure this is possible. His friends all have different traditions and and different ideas of what makes a perfect celebration. This story is about thoughtfulness, traditions and learning friends and family are what truly make a perfect Christmas.

the wild christmas reindeer

By Jan Brett

This Jan Brett classic leads us on a countdown to Christmas as a little girl helps Santa get the reindeer ready to fly. What’s so memorable about Ms. Brett’s books are the enchanting and detailed illustrations which border each page. There’s a lot of text in this story, but the pictures tell us so much. You’ll have a great time creating your own story about what Teeka discovered about kindness.

the berenstain bears’ christmas tree

By Stan and Jan Berenstain

Papa Bear is determined to find the most perfect Christmas tree in the forest, but he and Brother and Sister Bear experience one crazy adventure after another before they find the true meaning of Christmas.

the animal’s merry christmas

By Richard Scarry

Unfortunately, this gem is out of print, but if you’re lucky you’ll find a used copy online. This was a must read every Christmas when my boys were small. The stories are short and full of love and fun. You won’t want to miss it!

Dasher

By Matt Tavares

 The gorgeous, dreamy illustrations in Dasher will first capture your attention and then the story will delight you.

This enchanting story is sure to become a family Christmas favorite you will look forward to bringing out each year. It’s one for young and old alike; for anyone who would like a little bit of magic in their lives. I know it’s going to be added to my holiday book collection!

the polar express   

By Chris Van Allsburg
I’m certain you all know the movie, but do you know the book, The Polar Express? Chris Van Allsburg’s glowing, dreamy illustrations bring this favorite story to life. I hope you’ll share this with your family and consider it as a part of your family’s holiday book collection. Even if you just own a few, this needs to be one of them!

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Watch for the annual post of my

favorite reads of the year

coming soon!

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.

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Here it is, December and the holidays are beginning. Lights are up and the stores are bustling. If you’re like me, you’re looking for some books to add to your shopping list. My plan (I hope it’s not too ambitions!) is to share a book gift guide for picture books, early chapter books and middle grade books over the next few weeks. For the most part, these are my favorites published during the past year. However, I may also slip in some old favorites. Today we’re beginning with picture books. I hope you find some titles you’ll want to share with the children in your lives! Please tell us about any you’re planning on giving in the comments below!

Everything You Need for a Treehouse  

By Carter Higgins; illustrated by Emily Huges

Oh, my! I was so looking forward to this book and I can happily say it was absolutely worth the wait! This delightful story, along with Emily Hughes’ charming illustrations transport us into the woods and to that treehouse we’ve always dreamed of owning. It describes the adventures we’ve always hoped of experiencing and are definitely on our wish list for our children.  more

Outdoor adventures ~ imagination ~ creativity ~ friendship ~ cooperation

The worry box

By Suzanne Chiew; Illustrated by Sean Julian

Murray Bear is afraid to go to the waterfall with his sister, Molly. What if it’s too loud? What if it’s too big? Then Molly shares a secret with him. She has a worry box and whenever she is scared or worried about something, she writes it down and puts her worries in the box. Her worry doesn’t go away, but it doesn’t stop her from having fun. (I’m so glad the story stresses that the worry doesn’t disappear, but rather just become bearable.) When Murray tries her technique, it works! Sure enough, the waterfall turns out to be both big and loud, but also beautiful and so much fun!

This is such a great book to share with kids of all ages, and even adults! We all have worries that prevent us from enjoying our lives. I know I do! This books offers us a strategy for dealing with those worries. Just as Molly advises Murray, I once had a wise friend suggest that the worries I was finding unbearable needed to be put into a box on the shelf. And you know what? It helped then and it still helps me now. I want to give children the power to deal with their worries, big or small, and this book does exactly that! I strongly recommend that it be a part of both your home and classroom libraries so that it’s there to curl up with and share whenever a need arises.

Strategies for dealing with worries ~ dealing with fears ~ courage

Operation Rescue Dog 

Written and Illustrated by Maria Gianferrari 

When I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to review it! We have rescued three greyhounds over the past twelve years. In every case, we feel that we were actually the ones who were rescued. These sweet girls brought so much joy to our lives, as well as companionship, humor and of course, love. Operation Rescue Dog sweetly describes just such a situation, although this time the one who is rescued is a lonely little girl. more

Compassion ~ families ~ animals

The Boy and the Giant

Written and Illustated by David C. Litchfield

Everyone in Billy’s town has been working together to paint a beautiful mural, but Billy is worried. He asks his grandad how they can possibly finish the top since it’s higher than any ladder in the village. Grandad reassures him there is someone who can help, The Secret Giant. However, Billy is convinced the giant is just a legend. That is until Grandad reminds him about so many ways the citizens of the town have been mysteriously helped. It seems as if they have a true guardian angel. more

Kindness ~ community ~ accepting differences

I walk with vanessa: A story about a simple act of kindness

By Kerascoët

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.  more

Kindness ~ empathy ~ friendship ~  school ~ wordless picture books

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. It’s the perfect book to share on any day of the 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!

Immigration ~ Acceptance of Differences ~ Windows and Mirrors

I Am human: A book of empathy

By Susan Verde; Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

This amazing author and illustrator team have created another meaningful picture book for all of us to read and thoughtfully share. The colorful, endearing illustrations portray a little boy’s journey as he ponders what being human really means. He learns that not only does he have dreams that are full of possibilities, but he also can make mistakes that hurt those around him. But he realizes that he can learn from these mistakes and make other choices, such as choosing to be kind, compassionate and fair. more

Making choices ~ kindness ~ compassion ~ fairness ~ empathy ~ mindfulness

Accident!

By Andrea Tsurumi

We’ve all had lots of accidents. I know I certainly have! The story begins when Lola, the armadillo, spills orange juice on the living room chair, declares “I’ve ruined everything!” and decides that the only solution is to hide in the library until she’s grown up. But oh, no, on her way she runs right into a friend who has accidentally broken a swing, and quickly joins Lola in the race to the shelter of the library. That is until they encounter ANOTHER friend who has accidentally clipped the water hose when he’s trimming the hedge! This parade continues and adds friend after friend as they rush to get to the security of the library. more

Compassion ~ forgiving other’s mistakes ~ forgiving ourselves for mistakes ~ fixing our mistakes

The dress and the girl

By Camille Andros; Pictures by Julie Morstad

A little girl and her dress, a dress made by her mother on a Greek Island, long to do something “singular, stunning or sensational. For something extraordinary.”  Thus begins this lovely and charming story. It’s a familiar story for so many of us, that memory of a special dress you can’t forget. I have one of those I just can’t part with. It was a “Cinderella” dress chosen in a special shopping trip with my mom. Whenever I see that pink party dress in my memory bin, I’m suddenly once again gathering chocolate Easter eggs with my brother, or bouncing out the door to one of the countless birthday parties I attended. Happily, I can say this story once again brought back those warm memories of a time long ago.  And isn’t that one of the reasons we read stories? more

Immigration, memories, dreams for the future

What do you do with a chance?

By Kobi Yamada; Illustrated by Mae Besom

This is the third book from this creative duo. I loved What Do You Do With an Idea? And What Do You Do With a Problem? However, this is definitely my favorite! This exquisite picture book once again follows a little person as he wanders the countryside and on this adventure is visited by a chance. He wants to grab the chance, but has his doubts. Does he have the courage? What if he misses the chance? Would he feel foolish? more

Courage ~ belief in oneself

There are so many more remarkable picture books I could have added to this post. If you’re still looking for some ideas, please check these posts from the past year.

Two Picture Book Biographies

More Favorite Kids’ Books to Read this Summer

Favorite Books for your tbr list

Look for a post of my favorite middle grade books soon!

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It’s November and in two weeks it is Thanksgiving! How did this happen? The year is passing by so quickly, but I have to admit, autumn is my favorite time of year. I love shuffling through the leaves on my daily walks, seeing all of the pumpkins and gourds at Trader Joe’s, making lots of yummy soups and smelling my spice candles. I’ve been trying to enjoy every moment, although I’ve been a little overwhelmed during the past few months with Kid Lit. I’ve been lucky to have so many books to read and review! I’ve also been really busy with Kid Lit Exchange. We’re a group of kid lit lovers who read, review and exchange new books, many before they’ve been released. Our goal is to support the Kid Lit authors and to help our readers know about the great books that will be coming soon.  In August, the founder, @kate.olson.reads decided to step back and hand over leadership to a team. It’s been a huge project for us, but we’re succeeding. We feature the new releases each week on our blog and have lots of reviews on Instagram #kidlitexchange. I invite you to visit soon.

Now, here are some of my current favorites. I hope some will be your favorites, as well!

In Your Shoes by Donna Gephart

This is a story I will remember for a long time. It’s a story about twelve year olds, grandparents, grief, disabilities, anxiety, friendship and most of all love. There is kindness shown toward a new girl desperately searching for a friend in a new school in a new town, toward a boy who is missing his grandma and has a loving, but complicated relationship with his grandpa and with Miles’ quiet understanding and concern about Amy’s disability. ~~~
I loved so many things about this book…
~The narrator, who pops up throughout the book to add just a bit more to the story; especially the page where she writes “A Sad Truth” about losing someone. It is so true and offers comfort and understanding to those of us who are feeling that pain.
~Miles determination to save enough money to take his grandfather to the Bowling Hall of Fame
~Amy’s mom, who is always surprising her with encouraging and loving thoughts, as well as that extra little push that we all need to do the right thing.
~Finally, I loved the epilogue about Miles grandparents and Amy’s mom. I want to think of my parents experiencing the same sweet moments as they watch over all of us. ~~~
This is a book that needs to be in elementary and middle school libraries. I know it’s going to be on my bookshelf!

Middle grade ~ family ~ friendship ~ disabilities ~ kindness ~ grief

Operation Rescue Dog

written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Luisa Uribe

When I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to review it! We have rescued three greyhounds over the past twelve years. In every case, we feel that we were actually the ones who were rescued. These sweet girls brought so much joy to our lives, as well as companionship, humor and of course, love. Operation Rescue Dog sweetly describes just such a situation, although this time the one who is rescued is a lonely little girl.
🐶
Alma desperately misses her Mami who has been in Iraq for three months. She convinces her Abeula (grandma) that they need to rescue a dog to surprise Mami when she returns. The dog must be the color of Mami’s eyes and have a new yellow leash, Mami’s favorite color. The adoption process proves to be quite an adventure for all of them.
🐶
This engaging story, with heartwarming, colorful illustrations and told from both Alma’s and her new dog, Lulu’s points of view, is a perfect one to share with families who have adopted a dog, or who are pondering the possibility. I must warn you though, after listening to Operation Rescue Dog, your little ones may convince you that an immediate trip to your local humane society for an “operation rescue dog” is absolutely essential for your family.

Picture book ~ families ~ animals

Run Wild Written and Illustrated by David Covel 

It may be November and the winter winds are blowing, but what do so many of us wish for our children and ourselves – one more opportunity to RUN WILD. David Covell’s words and watercolor illustrations encourage you and your little ones to do just that! These pictures leap off the page as the story follows a boy and girl gleefully romping through a forest and wading in a lake. The intriguing vocabulary will initiate lots of conversations and questions as your family’s imaginations soar. You’ll find yourself yearning for one more hike through the park or forest preserve, or maybe even a weekend at a cabin in the woods. This is definitely a title you’ll want to add to your library or shopping list!🌲

Picture book ~ nature

Finding Esme by Suzanne Crowley

Esme is twelve years old and lives on a peach farm in Texas with her stoic grandmother, her mother, who isn’t really aware of her or anything else, and her little brother. Until three years ago, her dad lived there, too, but then one day he simply said goodbye and never returned. Her grandpa also lived in their old farm house until three months ago when his heart simply stopped working. Esme desperately misses Paps and the love, acceptance and attention she only received from him. I found myself wanting to hug Esme for a very long time, to tell her she really will feel better one day and to allow her the freedom to just be a child, rather than the adult everyone expects her to be.
🍑
This story is full of magic, mystery, adventure and family. I loved Esme’s resourcefulness and determination as she worked to solve her family’s financial crisis. I loved her fierce loyalty to her friends and family, including to her beloved dinosaur, Louella Goodbones, who she discovered on the farm. And finally, I loved her courage as she began to understand her gift of finding all things, as well as her ability to see ghosts.
🍑
This is a good choice for students in grades 4-7 who are looking for a magical story, with a lot of love and adventure mixed in. It would be perfect for those students who are looking for a book “just like a Wendy Mass book”! I recommend that it be added to both elementary and middle school libraries.

Middle Grade ~ families ~ magic ~ mystery

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito                       by Shelley Johannes

Beatrice is back in her second book, and I think I may have liked it even more than the first (which is saying a lot)! Beatrice is just beginning third grade and along with her best friend, Lenny, has a secret plan, Operation Upside. They plan to make a lot of people happy by presenting “Award of Recognition” certificates.
🔹
Here are some reasons for you to order Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito
TODAY!

🔹The characters are so much fun!
🔹I loved the quiet kindness shown by Wes as he held the school door open for his classmates every single morning, his willingness to share his art supplies, and his thoughtfulness when he handed out kindness rocks to friends who might need them.
🔹Beatrice’s love of animals, her insistence that she thinks much better upside down, her creativity as she stealthily sneaks over to her neighbor’s window and her code names for Operation Upside members all added to this charming story.
🔹Ms.Johannes delightful illustrations bring so much life to the story. I would definitely love to have some of her artwork hanging in my office. You can’t help loving every character when you see their faces!
🔹The central theme of kindness in the story including the certificates, Beatrice’s plan to reward her teacher (even though it’s not too successful!) and the empathy shown by Beatrice and Lenny toward their classmates.
🔹
This is a great book to read aloud to all ages. Those ready for a chapter book are going to devour this latest addition to the Beatrice Zinker series and will be eagerly waiting for the news of her next adventure. I know I will!

Read aloud ~ humor ~ kindness ~ beginning chapter book ~ series

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