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. 

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.

In these books we meet three characters who have left behind everything and everyone who is dear to them, when their families make the decision to travel to a new country and to find a home that is safe. The characters are brave and resourceful, but also lonely as they encounter prejudice from people who don’t have an understanding or empathy for their experiences. But happily the characters also discover friendship, kindness and acceptance from so many they encounter.

All of the stories provide windows into the lives of immigrants and refugees, which is important for both children and adults to understand. In each book you’ll witness the prejudice these children encounter, simply because of their Muslim faith. But you’ll also understand the hope the immigrants experience as they begin to feel at home in their new country. And you’ll see the kindness, acceptance and support that is shown to them by their classmates, teachers and community as they search for home.

I not only hope you’ll suggest these books to your middle grade children, but I hope you will read them as well. They will break your heart a bit, but they will also offer you hope about the kindness that is possible in our country.

---

The Eleventh Trade 

By Alyssa Hollingsworth

This book tells the heartbreaking story of a young Afghan refugee. Sami is living in a small apartment in Boston with his grandfather. We slowly learn of the trauma and the cruelty they endured at the hands of smugglers, in refugee camps and in confinement after fleeing from the Taliban. We learn of Sami’s strength, his fierce love for his grandfather, his struggle to understand American customs and his fear of both remembering and forgetting his past.

This is a compelling story you won’t be able to put down. It’s fast paced, with adventure, friendship and soccer. You’ll learn much about Afghan culture, customs and the Muslim faith. I loved every single character, who each in their own way, was so interesting and endearing.

I was especially encouraged by the friendships Sami makes and the kindnesses he encounters  as he valiantly tries to make the necessary trades to buy back his grandfather’s prized possession, a traditional Afgan instrument called a rebab, after it is stolen. Although Sami encounters much prejudice in his new hometown of Boston, he also finds so many who are empathic and anxious to help a young refugee.  

The Eleventh Trade is another necessary #windowsandmirrors book for today. This compelling story will captivate the reader as they gain a better understanding about what a Muslim immigrant might experience as they try to make a new home for themselves in the United States.

---

Nowhere Boy

By Katherine Marsh

This compelling book tells the terrifying saga of fourteen year old Ahmed and his father who flee war torn Syria. During their long, perilous journey across the sea and Europe, Ahmed’s father disappears and Ahmed is alone. He finally makes it to Brussels, but he has nowhere to live and nothing to eat. That is, until he meets Max, a thirteen year old lonely American boy, who along with his family, is spending the school year in Brussels.

In this fast paced adventure story, we experience Ahmed’s year in Brussels. We understand his yearning to go to school, to play soccer and to find friends, but we also feel his crushing sadness and grief about missing his family and his homeland. And we have a window into the loneliness and terror he constantly feels about being discovered by the police. Because there are two options for immigrants who are found: 1) being sent to live in an immigrant detention center 2) being sent back to Syria.

In this middle grade novel, which is told from both Ahmed’s and Max’s point of view, we witness the growth of the friendship between Max and Ahmed. Not only is Ahmed amazingly brave and resourceful, but the experience of helping Ahmed leads Max to gain strength and confidence in himself. It leads him to have the courage to approach his Belgium classmates to join him in helping Ahmed.

You’ll have a hard time putting this compelling book down. It’s an adventure that will make you hold your breath, but you’ll need tissues as well. You’ll be rooting for both boys to find the happy endings they are hoping for. And you’ll remember Ahmed and Max for a very long time.

---

Other Words for Home

By Jasmine Warga

Thank you to the author @jassiewarga for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

When I received this book, I immediately noticed author, Jason Reynolds, quote on the front of the book. “This is a necessary story. We’re lucky to have it in our world.” After reading this moving MG book, I so agree.

Jude lives in Syria with her Mama, Baba and her older brother. It’s the only home she’s ever known and it’s always been a happy one. But now the fighting is getting closer and closer, her brother has moved out to join the freedom fighters and her mama is pregnant. It’s decided that she and Mama will go to America to live with her uncle’s family.  They move into her uncle’s 100 year old house on A tree lined street in Cincinnati with her uncle who is a doctor, her aunt who loves to garden and create healthy meals and her less than friendly cousin. Her aunt and uncle offer them a warm welcome, but her cousin Sarah, would rather they not be there at all.

This story, which is beautifully told in verse, offers a true glimpse into the world of an immigrant. You see the world through Jude’s eyes as she navigates the halls of her new middle school, struggles to understand the American colloquialisms she constantly hears and feels an overwhelming loneliness. You begin to understand the haven of the ESL classroom where she finds other kids, who like her, are doing their best to learn not only English but also the customs of American preteens. And as the weeks and months pass by, you understand Jude’s confusion when she feels not only love for her new home, but also an aching yearning for the people and world she left behind.

This is such an important #windowsandmirrors book, not only for MG students, but for ALL of us. It is one that needs to be on the shelf of every elementary and middle school library. PLEASE add it to your order list, right now! It will be released 5.7.19.

---

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

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!

---

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

 

---

---

 

How can it suddenly be Labor Day? Every year on Memorial Day weekend I vow to make every moment of summer count. Ever since I read this column almost 20 years ago, I’ve kept this in mind. Summer is precious.

This summer we’ve had some special family visits with our children, siblings and nieces and nephews. We’ve enjoyed many long hikes both in nature and in our own city. We’ve spent countless hours on our patio reading so many, many books. We’ve walked the neighborhood with Brandy, our greyhound, and had many wonderful conversations with our neighbors. We’ve tried new restaurants and laughed with friends. These are all things we could do almost any time of the year, but somehow summer makes these memorable experiences all that much more special.

I hope you’ve had some equally great experiences and moments this summer! I especially hope you found some time to lounge with some good books. Maybe even some beach reading?! I’m sharing some of my recent finds that I don’t want you to miss. Did you find some new titles you think we should try? Please share those in the comments. Have a great Labor Day!

---

The Dress and the Girl

By Camille Andros

Pictures by Julie Morstad

Thank you to @kidlitexchange and @abramskids for the free review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 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  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?
🚢
The Dress and the Girl is made even lovelier when the lyrical words of @CamilleAndrosare are joined by the amazing illustrations of @JulieMorstad, one of my very favorite illustrators. Together they help us to understand the dreams of a little girl immigrating to the United States; the dream that maybe “now was the time for something singular, stunning or sensational. For something extraordinary.” The dream shared by immigrants a hundred years ago, as well as today.
🚢
This book is available now. It’s a “must read” to add to your library holds list or your shopping list. I know it’s going on my bookshelf!

Immigration, memories, dreams for the future

---

the truth as told by mason buttle  

by leslie connor  

Oh my, I just added another title to my “best of 2018” list!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mason is in seventh grade, lives in a “tumbledown” with his grandma and his uncle (his mom died in a traffic accident years before), is very large for his age, has dyslexia and lost his best friend a little over a year ago. Mason and Benny were inseparable and stood together against the neighborhood bullies. Their refuge was always their treehouse in Mason’s family’s apple orchard. At least it used to be their happy place, until one day Mason found Benny in a heap at the bottom of the ladder, dead. And Mason’s life has never been the same. The police suspect it was his fault, as do most of the town’s people, and the lieutenant won’t let him be, even though Mason has truthfully told him his story many times.

I loved everything about this book, which is a first person narrative, but the characters in this story are especially remarkable. 🌳Mason – You feel that you know exactly how Mason is feeling. You understand his sadness, his loneliness, his frustration that he is not believed, but you also admire his trust, his kindness and his optimism that all will be better. 🌳Grandma’s faith and love for her family and her fierce determination to protect Mason.🌳Ms. Blinny’s optimism, resourcefulness and support of Mason and the other kids in her social work office, The Swoof.🌳Calvin’s sense of humor, his adventurous spirit and his kindness🌳Uncle Drum’s complete trust in, and love for Mason, even though he is dealing with many problems of his own. 🌳Moonie, Mason’s neighbor’s dog who in Mason’s opinion is “the best dog” and becomes Mason’s dog.
And more. As you can see – remarkable!
🌳This was such a hard book to stop reading! It is full of unfairness and cruelty, but is also full of so much kindness and love. It’s one you will remember for a long, long time.🌳I recommend it to middle graders in grades 4-7. You’ll find in your library now, but be prepared to wait! It’s that good!

Grief, kindness, friendship, dog stories

---

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!

Immigration, Acceptance of Differences, Windows and Mirrors

---

 no fixed address

 by susin nielsen

Thank you to @randomhousekids and @kidlitexchange for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
🚌
This is a book you truly need to read the moment it is released on 9.11.18! Felix’s story will grab you from the very first page. We immediately feel his fear about being in a police station and being questioned by a kind, but nonetheless a police officer, about his iffy living arrangements and about his quirky, but loving mom. We learn about his astute P.O.O. (powers of observation) that help him to better understand the world around him. And then we learn a little more of Felix’s story about how he and his mom have been living in a stolen van for the past four months; a situation he insists is only temporary. He insists he’s definitely NOT homeless.
🚌
This book provided everything I’m looking for in a good story. It had family, friendship, resourcefulness, lovable characters and most of all kindness. I loved that Felix was surrounded by so much kindness. Even though his quirky mom stretches the truth and is a little distrusting of the world, she has a great deal of love for Felix and so much pride. Felix’s friends, Winnie and Dylan, as well as their families, were extremely welcoming and kind to Felix. Monsieur Thibault was the caring and supportive teacher we all hope our children will have. Even Mr. and Mrs. Ahmadi showed great kindness to Felix, once they realized his situation, even though he had stolen a banana from their store. I loved how all of these characters worked together to support Felix and his mom, when they finally understood their situation.
🚌
This is my first Susan Nielsen book, but I’m sure it won’t be my last! It needs to be in every public and middle school library. Be sure it’s on your fall order!

Kindness, Homelessness, Friendship, Resourcefulness, Pride

---

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

---

 

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!