When I published my post Picture Book Gift Guide 2018 last week, I promised a middle grade version and here it is! These aren’t necessarily the best books of 2018, but these are the books that touched my heart, and even though I may have read them months ago, their stories are still there. Some of them may not have even been published this year, but I was lucky enough to discover them, read them and love them in 2018. The links are to the Good Reads listing of each book, where you will also find a link to purchase them at many different venues. Many were shared with me by the authors, publishers and Kid Lit Exchange. I am very grateful to all! So here we go in no particular order!

On Christmas Eve by Ann Martin

We’ll begin with this lovely book, because this is one of my favorite middle grade December books to reread each year!

Tess truly believes in magic and that includes Santa Claus. And she has a secret. She’s going to meet him at midnight on Christmas Eve and thank him for all of the special gifts he has given her through the years. Her sister, who is in 6th grade,?cautions her that this can’t happen, but it must, because Tess has a very special Christmas wish. She wants Santa to help her best friend’s dad get well. This is a story about wishes, dreams, hope and friendship that gives you a very warm and cozy feeling. You’ll want to make it a family read aloud, if your little ones are a bit older. More

The Reckless Club by Beth Vrabel

Do you fondly recall the movie, The Breakfast Club, from many years ago? If so, The Reckless Club, will bring those memories flooding back! more

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen 

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. More

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Oh, my! This is a book we all need to read. It’s a book that’s perfect for reading aloud to classes from grades 4-12. It’s a book for adults to share in book clubs. It’s both a heartbreaking and joyful story that tells us about six kids who come together, and despite so many hardships and differences, grow to fiercely love, respect and support each other. More

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. More

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 said goodbye and never returned. Her grandpa also lived in their old farm house until three months ago when his heart simply stopped working. More

Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate Dicamillo 

When you see the cover of Louisiana’s Way Home, created by Amy June Bates, you know you’re in for a treat. And then you see it’s written by Kate Dicamillo, so of course you know it’s going to be a book you’ll remember for a very long time. And it is! More

DOG DAYS IN THE CITY BY JoDi KENDALL

I was so looking forward to visiting Josie and the Schilling family in their too small townhouse that’s full of love (when they aren’t in the midst of the usual sibling bickering) again and I wasn’t disappointed. This time all the familiar neighborhood characters return, including Josie’s best friends in The Three Stoops crew. More

The truth as told by mason buttle by leslie connor 

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. More 

where the watermelons grow BY CINDY BALDWIN

I absolutely loved this middle grade book! It’s definitely one of 2018 favorites! The imagery and the sense of place shines through on every page. The reader is transported to the small, close knit, coastal North Carolina town which is full of caring people who have known each other for most of their lives. More

the vanderbeekers and the hidden garden by karina yan glaser 

Oh, I simply DID NOT want this book to end! From page one I was transported to a cozy brownstone in Harlem and entered the world of the Vanderbeeker’s. I felt the love and support all five kids have for one another, as well as the love they have for their neighbors who share their brownstone. More

the right hook of devin velma by jake burt

Oh, my, Jake Burt, who wrote one of my favorite MG novels from 2017, Witness Protection, has done it again! This book definitely gets five stars! He has written a beautiful story about friendship, extended families and the impact that social media has on our lives. More 

counting thyme by melanie conklin 

This is a heartfelt and important middle grade novel with a great sense of place that I can’t stop thinking about.✨
The Owens family left their home, their beloved grandma and their friends in San Diego, and abruptly moved to the very strange and unfamiliar world of New York City. The plan is to go home once Thyme’s beloved 5 year old brother, Val, completes his trial treatment for neuroblastoma at Memorial Sloane Kettering, but Mom and Dad are making no promises. More

the last grand adventure by rebecca behrens

First of all, when I was growing up I always loved Amelia Earhart’s story and I always had the secret hope that she survived and was living happily somewhere on a desert island. When I began my freshman year at Purdue (where Amelia was a professor) and I found myself living in Amelia Earhart Hall, I was convinced it was a sign that my secret wish was true. So when I learned about The Last Grand Adventure, I knew I had to read it, and I wasn’t disappointed. More

smart cookie by ellie swartz 

Frankie is a 6th grader with a best friend, Elliott, a dad, a gram, a beagle and a hedgehog who lives in her family’s B&B in Vermont. She and her dad are terrified of thunder and lightning, because her mom died while driving home one night during a storm. So since that time when Frankie was four years old, she, her dad and her gram have been living in and running the B&B. More 

breakout by kate messner

It’s just two weeks until summer vacation and Nora and Lizzie can’t wait. That means just two weeks of homework and morning announcements until they can celebrate the last day of school with the annual field day. It also means the new girl to Wolf Creek Middle School, Elidee, only has to endure two weeks in this awful place, which is nothing like her old school in New York City. More

rebound by kwame alexander 

Oh, my! This was my first Kwame Alexander book (I’m not certain why that is!), but it certainly won’t be my last. It’s another one of those stories you can’t stop reading, but you also don’t want to end. It is the prequel to the Newberry Award Winner, Crossover, and opens in 1988. More

Finally I want to add a link to a great post about some books you’ll want to know about it!

Gift Guide: 18 Inspiring Books Young Girls Should Read in 2018

I could include so many more titles, but I’ll stop here. Check on my Instagram account to find more of my favorites. And watch for one more post this year about chapter books and series suggestions, which is coming soon!

REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:

INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER

I love trees. Not just in this season when the colors are spectacular, but during any time of year. Even in the winter when all I can see are the stark outlines against the bleak sky. I love the shapes, the hollows and the way they bend in the wind. And I especially love the thought that so many creatures call trees home.

When I do this, I can’t help but think of this page in Berenstain Bears Christmas Tree.  It’s fascinating to think that not only birds depend upon trees to hold their nests, but so many different animals do as well. Then of course, there are all of the reasons kids can tell us why we need to be grateful for trees; for the oxygen, for the shade in the summer and for the erosion that is prevented when their strong roots hold the earth in place. So, when I first heard that Katherine Applegate had written a new book called Wishtree, I thought it would be perfect for me. Until I read it recently, I had no idea how perfect it was

wishtree by katherine applegate – description

Trees can’t tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. . . .

Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood “wishtree”—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red’s branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red’s hollows, this “wishtree” watches over the neighborhood.

You might say Red has seen it all. Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red’s experiences as a wishtree are more important than ever.

Review

You see, all through my childhood,  I have always imagined that the trees, the bugs, the animals were having conversations. I was absolutely certain about this. I am delighted to tell you that Wishtree confirms my beliefs! Wishtree is written from the point of view of Red (short for Red Oak), a 216 year old tree who has steadfastly witnessed, cared for and worried about his neighborhood. Not only has he always had great concern for all of the animals who called his giant branches and deep hollows home, he has also cared for the people who surrounded him everyday. He can tell stories about the baby who was left in one of his hollows to be found, loved and raised by his maiden owner. He can tell how his present owner (who doesn’t have a lot of love for him) is that maiden’s great granddaughter. He can tell how neighbors have come and gone and how many of those neighbors have immigrated from foreign countries. He can describe how they have all supported and loved one another with very little strife through the years, at least until now. Until a Muslim family moved into the neighborhood and everything changed. And finally he can tell how many years ago that maiden had tied a wish to his branches asking for “someone to love with all my heart” and from the simple act, Red had become known as the “Wishtree”.

This story is full compassion and humor, and as a bonus, lots of facts about animals I didn’t know! For example, did you know that animals who are active at twilight are called crespuscular animals? I certainly didn’t! Most importantly, it’s about kindness to people and animals, even if they are different than we are. And it’s one of the best read alouds for the ENTIRE family that I have read this year. I hope you’ll share it with your kids and let me know how you all like it in the comments below.

Finally, be sure and visit The Wishtree website. Watch the amazing video and DEFINITELY leave a wish!

It’s hard for me to believe that it is October! The leaves are beginning to change and thankfully we’re having some cool nights, which are perfect for curling up with your favorite book. We are finally back home after our dream trip of visiting FIVE National Parks and driving over 4500 miles!! It was an amazing adventure, but it feels good to be back home, too. I’m very hopeful that I’ll be talking with you on a much more regular schedule now that our lives have quieted down. I’m beginning that conversation, by once again sharing some kids’ books to remember in the hope that you’ll find some to add to your library list. Maybe you’ll discover some new favorites, or one you might have forgotten from your own childhood.

kids’ books to remember: read alouds

Anna Hibiscus by Antinuk

Four stories about Anna and her West African family as Anna spends her time splashing in the ocean, searching for shells and dreaming of one time seeing snow.

Catwings Return by Ursela K. Le Guin

This is part of the magical series about four cats who use their wings to escape the city.

Lady Lollipop by Dick King Smith

Another book from the author of Babe.

From the publisher’s summary: “Lollipop is no ordinary pig. According to her young trainer, Johnny Skinner, she’s the smartest pig in the entire kingdom. When people stare into Lollipop’s bright, intelligent eyes, it somehow changes them for the better.”

kids’ books to remember: picture books

What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele; illustrated by Ashley Bryan

This beautifully illustrated book brings us a needed reminder about all of the small things in life that help to make our lives truly wonderful.

Time for Bed by Mem Fox

An endearing bedtime story which is perfect for all ages.

Youpala, Queen of the Jungle by Youpala and illustrated by Zau

kids’ books to remember: middle grade chapter books

Each Little Bird that Sings by Deborah Wiles

This is a charming story of a 10 year old girl’s struggles as she deals with the changes in her life in a small Mississippi town.

Alabama Moon by Watt Key

Alabama Moon is a true adventure story.

Hank Zipper: The Curtain Went Up, My Pants Fell Down by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

This is part of a hillarious series based upon Henry Winkler’s struggles in school as he was growing up. It will engage even the most reluctant reader.

 LINKS FOR MOM AND DAD

If you’re wondering how you might best help your kids this school year, just read this inspiring post.

The Lunchbox Note and storytelling: lifetime lessons

This is a great list of diverse books for your middle grader reader.

Middle Grade Books with Latino Characaters

If you have a Penderwick series fan in your house, here’s special book you need to immediately add to your library hold list!

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

I wish you all a wonderful week! Thank you for inviting me into your inbox and into your world.

First of all, I want to send my thoughts and prayers to all of those effected by Hurricane Harvey. I can only imagine how awful it is for everyone. Happily, our country has rallied together and an amazing amount of money has been raised to help those in need. One fund raiser you might not have heard about is KidLitCares: Our Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort. An author I greatly admire, Kate Messner and many other kid’s lit authors and illustrators have begun a relief effort to raise funds for The Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and Global Giving Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.   I hope you’ll check it out! Now, on to Kids’ Books to Remember!

Well, can you believe it’s September? As I write this, the evenings are getting cooler and the days are shorter. I even have some leaves on my magnolia tree turning a very pretty yellow. How can that be?

I hope school is off to a good start for all of you. Here are some kids’ books to remember to look for at the library. I wish you all cozy evenings as you curl up under a blanket for a family read aloud!

kids’ books to remember: read alouds

Elmer and the Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gann

This is part of the imaginative series from the 50s.

Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson

This is one of my all time favorites and is told from the point of view of the rabbits. It’s great for all ages, and especially for animal lovers!

Pee Wee Tales by Johanna Hurwitz

kids’ books to remember: picture books

A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon

A fun story about learning to like yourself just as you are.

Komodo! by Peter Sis

“Mad about dragons, the boy who narrates this picture book is pleased when his doting parents decide to take him to Indonesia, home of the Komodo dragon….[The boy] takes the road less traveled through the jungle, where he encounters the dragon of his dreams….Full of intriguing detail….picture book, original in concept and beautiful in design.”–Booklist.

Good Boy, Fergus! by David Shannon

Follow Fegus through his perfect doggy day, except for when it’s time for his bath!

kids’ books to remember: middle grade chapter books

Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan

This historical fiction book is about a very strong girl who is tricked into a criminal scheme after her parents die in Africa in the Influenza epedemic of 1919.

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

A Newberry Award winning classic. Amazon’s summary: “Jeffrey Lionel “Maniac” Magee might have lived a normal life if a freak accident hadn’t made him an orphan. After living with his unhappy and uptight aunt and uncle for eight years, he decides to run–and not just run away, but run. This is where the myth of Maniac Magee begins, as he changes the lives of a racially divided small town with his amazing and legendary feats.”

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

This Newberry Honor book is another historical fiction book based upon the author’s experiences of fleeing Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, and moving to Alabama.

LINKS FOR MOM AND DAD

We all hope our kids will grow up to be readers. This New York Times article will give you lots of ideas.

How to Raise a Reader

If you’re looking for some titles to capture the attention of even your most active child, these might do the trick.

8 interactive Books to captivate your Restless Reader

I always wanted to make sure my kids’ rooms would entice them to curl up and read. If you feel the same way, you’ll find lots of great ideas here!

Kids Room Ideas from the cutest kids book store ever (really it’s amazing) 

Finally, I want to thank you for inviting me into your Inbox. I realize how busy everyone is, and I really appreciate you taking the time to read about some kids’ books! Have a great week!

Last weekend my husband and I spent a wonderful weekend visiting our son and his girlfriend in Virginia. We got to tour Washington D.C. including Arlington National Cemetery, The National Art Museum, The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, The Vietnam War Memorial and of course, The Lincoln Memorial. It was a whirlwind, but so meaningful, and also so much fun to get to spend time with two of our favorite people. It was very hard to leave after looking forward to our visit for so long. I’m very grateful our son lives just an eleven hour car ride away, after living on the west coast for many years, but it’s still hard to say goodbye.  As I mentioned to him, wouldn’t he like to find a job in Chicago? Actually, though, we’re just thankful that he is happy, healthy, and surrounded with friends, because what more do we want for our kids?!

Now that we’re back home, here’s the latest edition of Kids’ Books to Remember. As always, I hope you find some new favorites!

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: READ ALOUD

Arthur Plays the Blues by Marc Brown

Emily’s Runaway Imagination by Beverly Cleary

A Llama in the Family by Joanne Hurwitz

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture books

This week’s books include an old favorite, Bark, George, that I shared with kindergarten and first grade over and over, and they never ceased to roar with laughter. I’ll bet it will have the same effect on your kids!

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

Duck at the Door by Jackie Urbanovic

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEmber: chapter books

I have always referred to these books as chapter books, but your kids may call them middle grade books. However you refer to them, they are fiction books that are on grades 4-6 reading level, with content that is appropriate for grade 3 and above. Please don’t shy away from suggesting some these to your middle schoolers, as well, as your younger children. These stories are so good, that they will entice them to keep reading, and isn’t that the goal?

The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Watsons Go To Birmingham — 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

links for mom and dad

This list is from a great website I’m sure you’ll like, and from one of my favorite librarians (an online friend I greatly admire).

Top Ten Picture Books for Read Alouds by Kate Olson

I am such a big believer in the value of reading aloud to children of all ages. This story, by one of my favorite bloggers, confirms my belief.

The Best of Jim Trelease

I always put a lot of thought into every birthday and Christmas gift for my children through the years. I hope that I gave these gifts as well, especially number 35.

35 Gifts Your Children Will Never Forget

For Mother’s Day, here’s a post and some comments that will remind us to linger awhile, cherish the journey and take time to smell the roses with our children.

Motherhood is Not a Finish Line

First of all, WELCOME SPRING!! We had some teaser days in February, but now maybe we can have the real thing. I’ve missed writing to you during the past few weeks, but we were enjoying 14 days in sunny Florida (here’s a sunset from our trip). Actually, we did have one day of rain and one hot and humid day, but other than that, the weather was great! We spent a lot of time reading, watching the birds off our balcony (Rosette Spoonbills, Ibis, Egrets and Pelicans) and hiking in state parks. We were in Cedar Key, which is very peaceful and laid back. All in all, it was a great change! Now we’re back and I want to share some Kids’ Books to Remember with you to help with your next library trip.

kids’ books to remember: read aloud

The Story of Doctor Dollitle by Hugh Lofting

The Best Loved Doll by Rebecca Caudill

The Adventures of Danny and the Dinosaur Treasury by Syd Hoff

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture books

The Man Who Lost His Head by Claire Huchet Bishop and Robert McCloskey

Daisy Gets Lost Chris Raschka

Dog Team by Gary Paulsen

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: chapter books

Two of these chapter books, Redwall and Seekers are book 1 in a series, so if your kiddos like one or both of these, there are lots more for them to read.

Redwall by Brian Jacques

When Zachary Beaver Comes to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt

Seekers, Return to the Wild, #1: Island of Shadows by Erin Hunter

Links for Mom and Dad

The world lost a remarkable person this week, author, Amy Krouse Rosenthal. I have reviewed two of her special books during the past year, I Wish You More and That’s Me Loving You. This is a touching tribute by her dear friend and editor.

Amy Krouse Rosenthal Remembered

Have Struggling or Reluctant Readers? These Hi-Lo Titles Will Keep Them Engaged

harvard PSYCHOLOGISTS reveal: Parents who raise “good Kids” do these five things

Thank you for inviting me into your inbox today. Have a wonderful week!

I hope you’ve had a good week beginning with the school holiday on Monday. It was wonderful to have such warm temperatures on President’s Day! We had a great dinner with my sister, brother-in-law and niece and nephew on Monday. It was fun to catch up! Then on Thursday, we visited old friends and on Friday we got to take one of our niece’s out for dinner. Now I’m ending my week by sharing some Kids’ Books to Remember with you.

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: READ ALOUD

Hank the Cowdog  by John R. Erickson

Agnes and Clarabelle  by Adele Griffin and Courtney Sheinmel. This is the first book of a new beginning chapter book series that you won’t want to miss.

Judy Moody Predicts the Future  by Megan McDonald

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: PICTURE BOOKS

Freedom Summer  by Deborah Wiles. This is an excellent book that will help your kids better understand our country before the Civil Rights Act was law.

Four Feet, Two Sandals  by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed. This story will help your children develop an understanding of, and develop empathy for the refugee children of our world.

Magic Beach  by Alison Lester. This story will help you prepare for your trip to the beach for spring break!

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: CHAPTER BOOKS

Trixie Belden mysteries, along with Nancy Drew books were my first true favorite series. I was surprised and so happy when I found this on the library shelf!

Trixie Belden, The Mystery at Bob-White Cave  by Kathryn Kenny

Mallory vs. Max  by Laurie Friedman

The following two books are part of a fun series that appeal to both boys and girls.

The Girls Get Even  by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Boys in Control  by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

LINKS FOR MOM AND DAD

In celebration of President’s Day:

Fantastic Kids Books about American Presidents

As you begin to get ready for spring break, here are some audio books that will help your trip go much faster.

Great Audio Books for Kids

This link tells about one of my favorite chapter books of the past year.

Survival and Wildness with Peter Brown

This is a new blog you will want to follow. The Loud Library Lady shares a new series that is bound to become a favorite with your family.

We Love Fenway and Hattie!

Thank you for once again inviting me into your inbox. I’m taking a few weeks off, so Kids’ Books to Remember will return on March 19th. Have a good few, hopefully warm, weeks!

I saw this quote on Facebook recently, and I thought it was so true. ” We need to care less about whether our children are academically gifted and more about whether they sit with the lonely kid in the cafeteria.”  I had been struggling with finding a theme for this post, and then after reading this and looking through my stack of library books, I realized so many of the ones I want to share with you are about friendship. As the new school year begins, perhaps you’ll want to share some of these with your kids, no matter what their age, to start some conversations about friendship and kindness.

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

Trent is starting middle school and he’s heard the stories about it being such a rough time. However, after his experience in fifth grade he is hoping that it’s a big improvement and he can make a fresh start! You see, Trent accidently hit his friend with a hockey puck during a casual pickup game, and his friend died. So now, Trent is quite certain everyone in town hates him. He’s never invited over to join the baseball games in the park or to go over to a neighbor’s to play. That could be because he can’t forgive himself. Then after Trent stands up for a girl in the park, Fallon, who is being teased and bullied because of her severe scar, they slowly become friends, but it’s not easy. As you read this book, you’ll find your heart breaking a bit for both of the kids, but you’ll also find yourself feeling very proud of how they tackle their problems.

 AR 4.5, Lexia 700                             Friendship, bullying, grief, middle grade chapter book

See you next year by Andrew Larsen and todd stewart

See You Next Year by Andrew Larson and Todd Stewart reminds me so much of our summer vacations each year as I was growing up. Instead of the beach, we went to a lake cottage, but my family established many traditions during that annual trip, just as the main character in this story does. And just like the little girl in the story, we were happy that nothing changed. Our days were long and lazy with lots of outside time, just as hers are.  But this year something does change. She makes a friend! It turns out that it’s nice to have someone to build sandcastles with you, to play in the waves with you and to write postcards with you on a rainy day. Reluctantly, on Saturday her family tells her new friend “see you next year” and heads for home. But on Monday when the mail arrives there’s a surprise for the little girl. . .  The muted illustrations in the story will make you reminisce about those lazy beach days with your family, and perfectly illustrate this sweet story. If you’re looking for a book to share with your little one that will lead to conversations about your families summer traditions and friendship, this is a great choice.

Friendship, beach vacations, traditions, picture book

Max and Marla by Alexandra Boiger

Max and Marla are great friends, even though Marla is an owl. Their dream is to be winter Olympians! This story tells the tale of their perseverance and teamwork as they work together to overcome the many obstacles they encounter as they struggle to achieve their goal. In the end, they realize the real prize they have earned is their friendship! The charming water color and ink illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to this endearing story about true friends.

Friendship, teamwork, perseverance, picture book 

Waylon! One Awesome thing by sara Pennypacker

Ms. Pennypacker, the author of the middle grade Clementine series and the big favorite from the past year, Pax, has written a delightful book about a new fourth grader, Waylon, who is aspiring to be a great science hero, as well as struggling to become the peacemaker, both at home and at school. You see, Arlo Brody, the largest boy in the fourth grade, is dividing the class into two groups. While part of Waylon yearns to be chosen for Arlo’s group, another part of him wants to join his friends in the other group. When Arlo actually picks Waylon, because of his resourcefulness and wacky ideas,  Waylon is torn. His friends are in the opposing group and can’t believe that Waylon has deserted them! At home, Waylon is struggling to bring his family back together. They always did everything together, but since his sister, Neon, who just turned 14, is wearing all black and only says “What’s the point?” in response to anything and everything, and wants nothing to do with her family, they are drifting apart.

Waylon is determined to make peace in both his class and  his family. It turns out that even though he feels his world is exploding, all he needs is “one awesome thing” to make everything right again! That “one awesome thing” turns out to be Waylon’s friendship, kindness, empathy and perseverance, which brings everyone together again.

This book would be a great read aloud with your child or to a class. It is a great discussion starter about class cliques and groups, bullying, friendship, empathy and kindness. At home, it’s also a book that might help your younger kids gain a better understanding about their older siblings and the struggles they are dealing with in their lives.

P.S. Be sure and notice the endpapers. They are priceless!

Kindness, friendship, family issues, bullying, class cliques, middle grade chapter book                          Lexia 650 AR 4.0

It came in the mail by Ben Clanton

This picture book is about a very unique and caring friendship between a little boy and his mailbox. Liam really wants mail, but he never receives a thing. Then, one day he had an idea! Maybe if he wrote a letter, the recipient would write back. There was just one problem – he didn’t have anyone to write to. So he decides to write a letter to his mailbox. As soon as he puts the letter into the box, it begins to rattle and shake and suddenly a fire breathing dragon appears, with a tag saying “For Liam”! Liam loved the dragon, so he wrote a thank you note. Not only did he thank the mailbox for his new dragon, but he also asked for more mail. And, my did he receive mail! So many wild and crazy creatures kept arriving that he soon had no more room! Then another idea came to Liam. Maybe his friends were wishing for mail too. He could send mail to every friend he knew! This will bring lots of giggles, but it’s also a great story to provoke a conversation about Liam’s thoughtfulness toward his friends.

Friendship, kindness, humor

Here’s another post about kindness and friendship that you might want to check out.

Kindness Picture Books For Kids

These are just a few books about friendship. There are so many! What are your favorites? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

When I was an LMC Director, I would have orientations for all of the classes at the beginning of the year. We would go over the behavior expectations for the library, as well as the “how-tos” of finding and checking out books. When it came to my expectations of the kids, I always emphasized the most important of those was kindness. The kindness principles included sharing with one another, being helpful to other kids and being respectful of each other’s feelings. The kids knew that I would tolerate many things in the library, but if I saw an unkind act, that was when there would be a consequence! I stressed that the most important thing they could do each day was to be kind to those around you. The kids who had been at Patterson since kindergarten or first grade (most of them) knew about my feelings, because they had heard and discussed many kindness picture books with me during their storytimes.

During those storytimes, I included a series of kindness picture books. I would often begin the series with Because Amelia Smiled, Lexile 760; AR 3.5. It’s a delightful story about the magic of a little girl’s smile and how that magic traveled the world. Another book with a similar theme is One Smile, AR 3.7. This is an enchanting story which describes how one little girl’s act of kindness can change lives. I would challenge the kids to try smiling at lots of people during the next week and then reporting back during the next storytime about the difference it made with others. Read aloud, kindness, circle story.

Then a few years ago a friend told me about a local author and her new book, A Girl with a Cape, by Amy Logan. Amy was inspired to write this book after becoming very concerned about adults lack of kindness and courtesy toward others. She is a big believer that children model adult behavior, so this was very distressing to her. She was also concerned about the bullying that was occurring in schools and increasing every year. Out of this concern, came the idea for her book. A Girl with a Cape is now one of my favorite examples of kindness picture books. It explains how a child’s little acts of caring and kind words, and an adult’s response and praise for those acts can add up to make a real difference. It’s also an excellent example of cause and effect. Kindness, cause and effect, read aloud.       

Kindness picture books

I have compiled a list of kindness picture books that are great read alouds for all ages for home or for the classroom. Therefore, this list is directed at both parents and teachers.  These books can prompt many discussions about kindness in the world, kindness at school and kindness at home and how it can begin with them, as well as discussions about bullying. I have included categories for each book in italics at the end of the summary to help you find the books that support your needs. Also, Lexile and AR levels, are listed, if available, but please remember these don’t apply to wordless picture books. Finally, I found all of these books in my public library and I hope you can do the same. However, I’ve included links for purchasing the books, if you would like to do that. 

A Home for Bird, Lexile 360; AR 2.2, by Philip C. Stead. Vernon, the toad, finds a silent bird while foraging in the forest. The bird is sad and Vernon is determined to help him find his home. They travel great distances and visit many places before finding Bird’s home. Because Bird never speaks, there are lots of opportunities during the story to discuss what Bird is thinking and feeling. Feelings, read aloud, kindness. 

How Kind by Mary Murphy, AR 1.1. A kind deed in the barnyard inspires a chain of kindness among the animals. pre-K, circle story, kindness. 

The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, Lexile 540; AR 3.1. The story begins with the retelling of the fable of The Lion and the Mouse, which leads to the class making an acts of kindness quilt after realizing what they do every day can be an act of kindness.

The Monster’s Monster by Patrick McDonnell, Lexile 610; AR 3.5. The giant monster teaches the three little monsters by example about gratitude.  Read aloud, bullying, kindness, gratitude.

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, Lexile 640; AR 3.4. This book is a beautiful illustration of the impact that kindness can make in the world when a little girl learns that “each kindness makes the world a little bit better.” Read aloud, kindness, bullying.

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.

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, Lexile 330; AR 3.2. In this story a little boy learns how to turn a “best enemy” into a best friend with his dad’s help. Read aloud, kindness, bullying.

Ben Rides On by Matt Davies, Lexile 730; AR 3.6. Ben’s act of kindness to a bully brings big rewards. This also includes a good bike safety message. Read aloud, bullying, kindness, bike safety.

Finally, a book I recently found while researching for this post, is Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen. This is a very simple, beautifully illustrated picture book with a soothing message to children that there are truly good people everywhere in their lives. Pre-K, kindness, read aloud, gratitude.

These are just a few of the wonderful kindness picture books. What are your favorites? What can I add to the list? Please let me know in the comments below.

On the blog: 14 Books to Help Your Child Be More Compassionate