Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and believe in a thing. Somebody somewhere at some point was just as bored you are now.” And before they know it, their imaginations lift them up and out of their boredom. Then, on a day full of quarrels, it’s time for a trip outside their minds again, and they are able to leave their anger behind. This precious skill, their grandmother tells them, harkens back to the days long before they were born, when their ancestors showed the world the strength and resilience of their beautiful and brilliant minds. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez’s dazzling art celebrate the extraordinary ability to lift ourselves up and imagine a better world.

    But to fall in love in a place like Minidoka, a place built to make people feel like they weren’t human—that was miraculous.After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Tama is sent to live in a War Relocation Center in the desert. All Japanese Americans from the West Coast—elderly people, children, babies—now live in prison camps like Minidoka. To be who she is has become a crime, it seems, and Tama doesn’t know when or if she will ever leave. Trying not to think of the life she once had, she works in the camp’s tiny library, taking solace in pages bursting with color and light, love and fairness. And she isn’t the only one. George waits each morning by the door, his arms piled with books checked out the day before. As their friendship grows, Tama wonders: Can anyone possibly read so much? Is she the reason George comes to the library every day? Beautifully illustrated and complete with an afterword, back matter, and a photo of the real Tama and George—the author’s grandparents—Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s elegant love story for readers of all ages sheds light on a shameful chapter of American history.

    After talking to his father, the boy realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before—in fact, his eyes are like his father’s, his agong’s, and his little brother’s, and they are visionary.Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his own power and strength from within.

    When the teacher talks about slavery, she can feel all of her classmates staring at her. When they talk about civil rights, she is the one that other kids whisper about on the playground. In those moments, she wants to slip away or seep into the ground; and she wonders, is that all you see when you look at me?What really matters is what she sees when she looks at herself. She is a reflection of the courage, strength, intelligence and creativity that's been passed down from generation to generation through her ancestors.Inspired by the author's daughter's experience in school as well as her own.

    Get ready for a rollicking read-aloud with a truly purrfect ending.It's cleaning day, but the family cat will do anything to avoid getting a bath. So instead of mopping the floor or feeding the fish, the family is soon busy rocking the rug, vacuuming the lawn, and sweeping the dishes. Bouncy rhyme carries the story headlong into the growing hilarity, until finally Dad restores some kind of order—but will the cat avoid getting his whiskers wet?HILARIOUS READ-ALOUD: Word scrambles are a delight in this silly rhyming picture book! Kids will love the accessible rhyming text, and emerging readers will be able to anticipate words after repeated reads, making for an engaging and interactive read-aloud experience.CATNIP FOR CAT LOVERS: This sweet and sneaky feline will do anything to get out of having a bath! Ample cat antics and scenes of increasing mischief (and increasing chaos!) will tickle young readers and entice parents—particularly those with a furry feline member of their own households.TWO DADS LEAD THE WAY: Dad and Papa are the heads of this large and loving biracial family, mirroring illustrator David Robert's own orientation and providing picture book readers with a positive depiction of LGBTQ+ characters in a fun and funny family story.WINNING AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR TEAM: Alice McGinty is a prolific author of books for children, and David Roberts is well-known for his work on the popular Questioneers series. Together, their upbeat text and energetic art with pops of neon color make for a standout picture book, just right for gifting and enjoying together at storytime.Perfect for:• Parents• Gift-givers• Cat lovers

    But Ali likes hanging out with her. So when Ali’s mom takes out a wooden trunk full of Grandma’s old photos, he sits with his grandmother, trying to figure out who is in all the old pictures. At first, his grandma doesn’t seem to remember. But with a little help from Ali, she is soon sailing through the photos—and taking Ali along with her through the wondrous journey of her life.With daring, joy, and love, Ali’s grandma shows him the importance of making and sharing beautiful memories that will live on in the ones we love. First published in Turkey, this endearing picture book is a joyous celebration of life, family, and love.

    Nothing ever bothers Mina, until one day, her father brings home a suspicious surprise from the woods. Should Mina trust her father—or listen to her own instincts?

    A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence.When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky.But it’s Career Week at school, and Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates—especially when he already feels out of place.

    And so he comes up with a brilliant plan: he tucks each of his feelings into jars and hides them away where they won't bother him anymore. But when he gets in trouble in class, Llewellyn finds he needs to put away excitement too. And when joy is quickly followed by disappointment, he decides to get rid of joy as well. After a while, Llewellyn walks around not feeling much of anything at all. And what happens when his emotions refuse to be bottled up any longer?In this richly illustrated and universally relatable picture book, Llewellyn soon discovers that life is more colorful when he sets his emotions free. And only then, by facing and embracing each of his feelings, is he finally able to let them go.

    Will she ever dance again?River wants so badly to dance at powwow day as she does every year. In this uplifting and contemporary picture book perfect for beginning readers, follow River's journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community.Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors. Author Traci Sorell is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and illustrator Madelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation.

    We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold.This joyful and lyrical picture book from New York Times-bestselling author Eva Chen is a moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Asian American children.

    It's a message that is both urgent and timeless - and offers a rich and rewarding reading experience for every child.To mirror the rich variety of the Black diaspora, this book showcases artwork from Dapo and 18 incredible Black illustrators in one beautiful, powerful, and cohesive reading experience.

    An adorable picture book about a tiny monster with a big heart trying to follow in his family's footsteps.All great Kaiju are born with a super power to strike fear in the heart of the city.But Anzu is different.Instead of mayhem, he likes May flowers.Instead of striking fear, he prefers to be sincere.Can Anzu find a way to make his family proud and stay true to his kind self?From Disney animator and illustrator Bensom Shum comes an adorable and heartwarming picture book about making your own way and the unexpected power of gentleness—perfect for fans of Ferdinand the Bull.

    On a snowy Chinese New Year’s Eve in Northeastern China, it’s Dandan’s last night with Yueyue. Tomorrow, she moves to America. The two best friends have a favorite wintertime tradition: crafting paper-cut snowflakes, freezing them outside, and hanging them as ornaments.As they say goodbye, Yueyue presses red paper and a spool of thread into Dandan’s hands so that she can carry on their tradition. But in her new home, Dandan has no one to enjoy the gift with—until a friend comes along.

     "Shh, baby bird, I've got you," are Daddy's first words.What does a daddy do? From day one, this daddy speaks love to his little one. And along with that love, his words and actions speak many other things, too: like truth, joy, comfort, and pride. Like many dads, he answers a million questions and tries to make sure that days are full of fun adventures, giggles, and hugs. Dads are good at scaring away imaginary monsters, and honest about how to confront the real ones too. They set an example for the future, speaking out for equality and justice, while sharing lessons from the past. But most of all, daddies encourage their young ones to fight for a better world, with the comfort of knowing their dads are right beside them.

    Includes an author's note that further explores how trees communicate.Britta visits her two favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia, every day. Though she can't explain it, she's sure they are best friends! Then one day, Magnolia's branches start to droop. Is there anything Britta-or Apple-can do to help? After all, unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all.With a lyrical story and vibrant art, Apple and Magnolia unveils the extraordinary connections between trees and the wondrous bonds between all living things. The book includes an author's note offering facts about how trees communicate with one another. A downloadable discussion guide with more information will be available February 2022 at flyawaybooks.com/resources.

    Her brother scoffs when she signs up for a double Dutch competition, though—how can she hope to compete when she’s never done it before? But Africa has all the tools she needs: memories of her grandmother, her bestie Bianca’s dance moves, her friend Omar’s rhythm, and her classmates’ Mary Mack timing and cartwheels. If Africa can pull everything together to jump some winning moves, she might just fly, but it’s the birthmark in the shape of her name that tells her she’s always been a winner.

    Is that Bina hiding under a lampshade? It looks like Bina . . . but it must be a lamp. Is that Bina beneath the fruit bowl? It could be . . . but it's probably just a table. Searching for Bina, Tiny realizes something is wrong—and sets out to make it right. This is a humorous yet sincere picture book about friendship, understanding, and embracing our loved ones just as they are.Godwin Books

    Love is complex. Love is utterly simple.This is what love looks like.

    When she and Mama finally go to Taipei, Kylie is shy with Amah. Even though they have spent time together in video chats, those aren't the same as real life. And in Taiwan, Kylie is at first uncomfortable with the less-familiar language, customs, culture, and food. However, after she is invited by Amah-Lái kàn kàn! Come see!-to play and splash in the hot springs (which aren't that different from the pools at home), Kylie begins to see this place through her grandmother's eyes and sees a new side of the things that used to scare her. Soon, Kylie is leading her Amah-Come see! Lái kàn kàn!-back through all her favorite parts of this place and having SO MUCH FUN! And when it is time to go home, the video chats will be extra special until they can visit faraway again.Backmatter includes author and illustrator notes and a guide to some of the places and foods explored in Taiwan.

    Every week they examine the items in her secret box and go on walks to find more—a broken robin’s egg, rusty spring, even a snakeskin that makes Grandpa squirm and make funny faces. But then Grandpa is too sick to come. She leaves him a few treasures in the hospital, but when he dies, she can’t bring herself to even open the treasure box. When Grammy brings her some treasures Grandpa wanted her to have, they open the box together and continue the tradition, showing that memories of time together are the greatest treasures of all. This poignant, gorgeously-illustrated story celebrates the special bonds kids have with grandparents, even after they are gone.

    There’s old love, new love and everything in between!But there’s a new kid who is not quite so sure... Can the gardeners’ daughter be brave and extend the love to him? Beautiful and characterful illustrations from the exceptionally talented Tisha Lee help bring this book to life, and the gentle rhyming text from Barry Timms helps underscore the message of kindness, charity, and love. This warm and charming tale, perfect for Valentine’s Day and beyond, celebrates the many different ways love grows to make a brighter world.

    B. Bedazzle! A key part of B.B. Bedazzle’s ensemble is a wig called Wig. Together they are an unstoppable drag queen team! But Wig feels inadequate compared to the other, bigger wigs. When Wig flies off B. B.’s head, he goes from kid to kid instilling confidence and inspiring dreams in those who wear him: Wig remembers what wigs can do. Wig brushes the world, bolder, brighter hues. Wig hears whispered wishes… and turns them into something true. The bigger their dreams, the bigger Wig seems. This wonderful read aloud celebrates the universal childhood experience of dressing up and the confidence that comes with putting on a costume. And it goes further than that, acknowledging that sometimes dressing differently from how we were born is how we become our truest and best selves.

    But don't call them plants--mushrooms are fungi. They're more closely related to animals like you! Through lyrical text and colorful, detailed artwork, the wonderful, mysterious, and sometimes bizarre world of mushrooms is explored. Back matter includes a glossary, additional mushroom facts, and a science activity.

    His imagination takes him to prehistoric places, and he pretends to be a triceratops, microraptor, and even a T. rex! But Daryl does not want to share his book, so when he has to return it to the library, Daryl goes wild. Using all of his dinosaur skills, Daryl tries his best to get his book back! But when a clever librarian notices Daryl's passion, she encourages him to share his favorite book and make some new friends along the way. This playful, silly, funny, tale about reading, books, and sharing is sure to be a hit with any child.

    Enter. Sit right there. The Crab Ballet is about to begin! This spectacular seaside show, starring dancing crabs, an aquatic corps de ballet, and a cast of French ballet terms, is sure to delight ballet dancers of all stripes.

    There’s a new addition to the family, but who exactly is this small being? This new arrival doesn’t meow like a cat, or smell like a cat, or even have a tail like a cat. As Cat investigates, he might just come to appreciate this loud, silly family member. After all, they both enjoy a good catnap. In Cat’s First Baby, the feline companion to Dog’s First Baby, Natalie Nelson captures the wonder and humor of a new family member through a cat’s eyes. Sure to delight kids and cat parents alike, this board book promises to be a repeat read-aloud.

    Readers looking for a next-generation Sleeping Beauty will fall in love with the vivid art and lyrical text. For fans of Woke Baby and Dreamers.  Beauty is a Puerto Rican girl loved and admired by her family and community. At first, she's awake to their beauty, and her own—a proud Boricua of Taíno and African descent. But as she grows older, she sees how people who look like her are treated badly, and she forgets what makes her special. So her community bands together to help remind her of her beautiful heritage.

    But when each candidate disappoints, the child's list of requirements grows longer and longer--and more and more ridiculous! Only when she discovers that the way to find a friend is through being a good friend does she finally find the right person for the position.This humorous picture book is sure to make you laugh and will spur great conversations with children about what it means to be a good friend.

    Tía explains the significance of her most important possessions from both her Cuban and Jewish culture, as they learn to say goodbye together and explore a new beginning for Tía.A lyrical book about tradition, culture, and togetherness, Tía Fortuna's New Home explores Tía and Estrella's Sephardic Jewish and Cuban heritage. Through Tía's journey, Estrella will learn that as long as you have your family, home is truly where the heart is.

    But with a cast of hilariously coiffed dinosaurs to teach toddlers how to stomp their feet into pant legs and reach their claws into shirts, getting dressed becomes a game. With this playful companion to How to Potty Train a Dinosaur, your little dino lover will beg to join in the fun and get dressed like a dinosaur!

    A social-emotional concept picture book that teaches readers the power of setting intentions and embracing mindfulness in our everyday.Appreciate art, become brave, and choose compassion. Pairing big ideas like generosity, respect, and joy with the letters of the alphabet, Letters to Live By is a beautiful picture book that encourages children to make the most of each day and leave their mark on the world.

    Spread your light.Sparkling eyes blink hello.Bright brown baby, you will GO!Cuddle up with your little one, read aloud, and REPEAT: This gorgeous picture book treasury is sure to become your favorite storytime anthem. Dive into these five beautiful poems that celebrate the tender, cozy, early days between parent and child, and the exuberant joy of watching a brand-new life take shape. Warm, winsome, and welcoming illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney exude joy and love on every page. Bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney rolls off the tongue and begs to be read aloud, in these poems that include "Count to Love," "Hey, Baby Girl!," and "Baby Boy, You are a Star."A celebration of Black and brown joy, babies, and families, this beautiful picture book treasury is the perfect gift item, bookshelf staple, and long-lasting classic in the making. Just right for new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and more, this book is sure to be treasured for years to come.And if you're looking for a board book edition for baby? Each poem will also be released as a separate board book edition, with Count to Love out now!

    Every day. I am creating a universe. I am communicating with the world. I think stars. I see stars. I am stars. I think myself smiling. I see myself smiling. I am smiling. I am sculpting my world. I am clay. I am motion. I am light. I am what I think. Follow along as a young girl discovers the relationship between her thoughts, actions, and her place in the world. This empowering story is all about dreaming, doing, and becoming, and how the power of positive thinking can transform our lives—and the lives of those around us—forever.

    

    But where?Though crocodile is surrounded by food, he doesn't know it. He's used to food coming in packages and boxes and in handy tins. Will the hungry crocodile figure it out?Readers big and little will laugh out loud at the simple but hysterical text and illustrations by debut author Eija Sumner and cartoonist (and now resident crocodile expert) John Martz.

    Her town is home to a factory that has provided jobs for many of her neighbors, including her mother, but it has also been dumping garbage from a pipe into the waters, threatening the creatures that live in them.  Children are used to being asked what they’ll do and be when they grow up, but the girl knows there is so much she can do today to help. Unable to forget the sight of the struggling turtle, with a fantastic act she inspires the townspeople to compel the factory to change its destructive ways.  Written in spare and evocative poetry, I Am Today is an empowering story for children who want to be the change the world needs.

    Why would she, when her life is great just the way it is? But one day, Tilda's world turns completely UPSIDE DOWN. All of a sudden, everything is topsy-turvy, and nothing feels right. Things that were once easy now seem incredibly challenging. Everything is just so different and hard. Can Tilda discover a way to move forward and embrace all this change? Bold, bright, and empowering, this inspiring story about coping with unexpected changes is perfect for helping children build resilience.The Big Bright Feelings picture book series provides kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence topics -- from being true to yourself to dealing with worries, managing anger, and making friends. These topics can be difficult to talk about. But these books act as sensitive and reassuring springboards for conversations about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence, and managing feelings.Read all the books in the Big Bright Feelings series!Ruby Finds a WorryPerfectly NormanRavi's RoarMeesha Makes FriendsTilda Tries Again

    Little Seed has a very big wish: figure out how to hug the whole world. So with a loving nudge from Mama Earth, Little Seed sets out on an adventure to meet and learn different ways to hug and love each new friend. But how do you hug a panda who’s as soft as a cloud? And how do you hug a whale who’s as big as a mountain? This adorable board book is perfect for teaching little ones how and why it’s important to find different ways to show our love. A sweet reminder that we all have the power to bring more love and light into the world, this loving story proves that all we need to do is take it one hug at time, just like Little Seed.

    As Katie and the piano become daily companions, her musical skills grow and grow. Together they play beautiful music to match her every mood. But when Katie moves away for college, the piano is left behind, untouched and silent. What happens next helps the piano–and young readers–see learning as a never-ending cycle and music as a lifelong source of joy."The Piano" is an inspirational story from the perspective of the piano. It was born from Chari's personal experience as a piano teacher. She was taught on the same piano she later used as a teacher. She witnessed her students connecting with the piano and developing their own friendship. The story is illustrated by her daughter, Elle Smith, who is an award-winning artist. They started working together on this story when COVID-19 hit, channeling their creative energy into something positive during a difficult time. "The Piano" shows that learning to play an instrument is more than practicing and performing–it's a lifelong friendship. If you like stories about friendship, connection, and the joy music brings, then you'll love "The Piano".

    B. White Read-Aloud winner Mac Barnett celebrates individuality in a story told with tenderness and subtlety.It’s John’s big day at school today—a performance for Sharing Gifts time. His bag is carefully packed and prepared, his classmates are ready, and the curtain is waiting to open. John is nervous, looking out at all the other children staring back at him. But he takes a big breath and begins. Mac Barnett’s compassionate text and Kate Berube’s understated and expressive art tell the story of a kid who finds the courage to show others his talent for dancing.

    She’s able to live out a beautiful story because God has crowned her with glory—and Azira wants you to do the same!Young readers will be inspired by this empowering, uplifting reminder to always be and love who God created them to be.

    Along the way he meets a black bear taking a swim, a moose all wobbly and slim, a goose with a gorgeous grin, and a heron all proper and prim…but things really start happening after the owl HOOs loudly on a whim.With fresh, easygoing verse from author Jenn Lynn Bailey and art full of movement and light from illustrator Maggie Zeng, This is the Boat That Ben Built is a compelling entry point for conversations about ecology, food webs, and species diversity. Ben’s excursion―watched from the shore by his mother and faithful dog―is an outdoor adventure pitched perfectly for kids who dream of independence and exploration, parents who value safety and loving supervision, and educators who seek engaging fiction enriched with information. The book concludes with an eight-page Author’s Note that spotlights facts about every animal Ben has met and invites readers to think like an ecologist about the ways in which they are all connected.

    Can Mabel find the perfect pet for her family?Not noisy or scary or covered in spikes.She’d choose something friendly that EVERYONE likes.Mabel’s family is letting her pick what kind of pet to get, and she is determined to find the very BEST one. “Any pet you like delivered to your door,” promises the sign. But what if the ants are too tiny, the hyenas too giggly, the owl too loud? What if the snake almost strangles Granddad and the skunk wants to spray the baby? None of the pets she tries out seems like the right fit. Readers will love following through several comical reveals until Mabel meets her furry match (not what you might guess!). Best-selling author Smriti Prasadam-Halls’s hilarious rhyming read-aloud and Rosalind Beardshaw’s charming illustrations will have kids laughing—and dreaming of their own quirky pets.

    But what happens when along comes BUG?! With a claim to the rug?! The two engage in a hysterical, rhyming battle of wits and strength until Slug asks the necessary questions and helps them find common ground. Rhyming is an important developmental reading skill. It teaches phonics (decodable text) and helps young readers infer content. This is a fun story to build those skills--and is an epic read aloud!

    Perfect for sharing and gifting.When you meet someone for the first time, they might ask, Who are your people? and Where are you from?Children are shaped by their ancestors, and this book celebrates the village it takes to raise a child.In the vein of I Am Enough and Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, this powerful picture book with beautiful illustrations by Reggie Brown is a joyful recognition of the people and places that help define young readers and adults alike.Don't miss this picture book debut from Bakari Sellers, author of the acclaimed New York Times bestseller My Vanishing Country: A Memoir.

    Can anyone end this crazy chase?Featuring vibrant illustrations and sprinkled with Hindi words, this fun read-aloud also includes a laddoo recipe.

    Rocio does her best to adjust to a new way of living, but there are many things she misses from her old life--Abuela's cooking, Abuela's pinata creations, Abuela's warm hugs, and of course, Abuela herself most of all. But Abuela finds a way to send Rocio something special just in time for her birthday--a gift wrapped with lots of love--and that fills Rocio to the brim.

    Rowan loves the river; it’s just like he is. On some days, it’s quiet and calm, on others it’s light and playful, and then there are the days when it roars along, wild and angry. But when Rowan goes through a particularly difficult winter, the river freezes – just like Rowan. Can Rowan find a way to release his frozen feelings, and allow the river to flow freely once more? The wise and reassuring new picture book from the creator of The Invisible and Ruby's Worry.

    Did you ever wonder who wrote that famous verse?In the days when most girls were brought up to run a home, Jane Taylor had a different kind of education in the English countryside, where she was inspired by nature and the stars, and dreamed of becoming a writer. But in the late 1700s, it was not considered proper for women to be writers. Jane and other female poets were shunned, unable to use their own names when published.But Jane did write, and she never forgot her love for the beauty of nature and the glow of stars, or her desire to write for children. Her published poetry became universally known for generations to come: Twinkle, twinkle little star.This lyrical and luminous biography shines a light on the unsung poet who wrote the words of our most enduring lullaby, and features stunning artwork reflecting the world, the stars, and the story behind the poem that we all know so well.

    Like Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns and Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets, this latest offering in the Concepts of the Muslim World series has stunning illustrations, rhyming read-aloud text, and informative back matter, and it is equally at home in the classroom or being read on a parent's lap.HENA KHAN'S AWARD-WINNING BOOKS: Hena Khan's picture books have garnered numerous awards: Parents' Choice Recommended Seal, Booklist Top 10 Religion Book for Youth, and Chicago Public Library Best Book, among many others.MUSLIM TALENT: Created by a Muslim Pakistani American author and a Muslim Pakistani British illustrator, this book reflects their shared experiences and vision.NUMBERS & COUNTING: It's a perfect introduction to counting and numbers! Children will delight in counting the items in the illustrations on each spread along the with the satisfying rhyme of the text.BACK MATTER: The back matter includes a comprehensive glossary and an author's note, making this a great classroom book!Perfect for:• Anyone looking for picture books to teach religious literacy and/or about Islam• Muslim parents and grandparents looking for picture books that reflect their culture/faith• Fans of previous books in the series, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns and Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets• Anyone looking for picture books to build early counting and number proficiency

    Lyrical, upbeat text illuminates the abundant gifts the park offers. Vibrant mixed-media illustrations show a diverse group of visitors as they explore this communal space. Children frolic; couples wander; flowers bloom and birds zoom; friends and families picnic and play ball or simply sink their toes peacefully into the present moment. Meanwhile, rolling hills and green trees enfold visitors in nature’s beauty. Encouraged by the sense of unity the park creates, the visitors come together for a joyful dance party and a march for peace and equality. Spread by spread, we see how urban parks are for everyone―whoever we are.This love letter to public parks depicts an inclusive and accessible space where community flourishes. Without a screen in sight, it gently hints at the adventures to be had offline and encourages readers to venture into nature and connect with their neighborhoods. Back matter provides a brief history of urban parks in North America and highlights park successes around the world.

    Here is the inspirational story of a singular woman and what her vision and compassion have brought to life."Justice is not three hots and a cot. Justice is having your own key." --Kip TiernanWhen Kip Tiernan was growing up during the Great Depression, she'd help her granny feed the men who came to their door asking for help. As Kip grew older, and as she continued to serve food to hungry people, she noticed something peculiar: huddled at the back of serving lines were women dressed as men. At the time, it was believed that there were no women experiencing homelessness. And yet Kip would see women sleeping on park benches and searching for food in trash cans. Kip decided to open the first shelter for women--a shelter with no questions asked, no required chores, just good meals and warm beds. With persistence, Kip took on the city of Boston in her quest to open Rosie's Place, our nation's first shelter for women.Christine McDonnell, a former educator at Rosie's Place, and illustrator Victoria Tentler-Krylov bring warmth to Kip Tiernan's story of humanity and tenacity, showing readers how one person's dream can make a huge difference, and small acts of kindness can lead to great things.

    But when a terrible storm strikes, it’s not Papa that comes ashore, but an injured white bird. Over the next few weeks, Erin helps the Storm Goose heal in hopes he can save Papa, but comes to accept that Papa will never come home and must instead oversee the Storm Goose’s triumphant return to the skies to save other sailors. But first, in a twist both heart-wrenching and inspiring, the legendary bird saves her from her grief.Set against sweeping seaside landscapes of the Shetland Islands, this compassionate tale subtly guides readers through the stages of grief and shines a light on the healing power of stories.

    When Donald is sent away to fight in a far-off war-zone, the cat waits for him to return, at Edinburgh's Waverley Station. And waits … Travelers and railway staff name him Waverley, and look after him. But he is waiting for Donald. Years go by, until one day at last he hears a voice he knows. Warfare has drastically changed Donald's life, but when the lonely cat and the forgotten man are reunited, their world suddenly seems a brighter and more hopeful place. This is a groundbreaking picture story that introduces important social issues of homelessness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and underlines the value of pets.

    --Publishers WeeklyFor use in civics units or in lessons on being a good neighbor, this provides wonderful encouragement to show that children can help in big and small ways. --School Library Journal

    Loujain watches her beloved baba attach his feather wings and fly each morning, but her own dreams of flying face a big obstacle: only boys, not girls, are allowed to fly in her country. Yet despite the taunts of her classmates, she is determined that some day, she too will learn to do it--especially because Loujain loves colors, and only by flying will she be able to see the color-filled field of sunflowers her baba has told her about. Eventually, he agrees to teach her, and Loujain's impossible dream becomes reality--inspiring other girls to dare to learn to fly. Inspired by co-author Lina al-Hathloul's sister, formerly imprisoned Saudi women's rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Loujain al-Hathloul, who led the successful campaign to lift Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving. This gorgeously illustrated story is lyrical and moving.

    He repeats throughout the story that he doesn't have a cat. Instead of a cat, he says he has a food critic, a homework helper, and a paper shredder. In the end we discover the cat is a lost cat that he's hoping to keep. But will his parents let him keep it?

    They've been told that they're not smart enough, or that their brains just aren't able to handle it. In this book, Chelsea Clinton introduces readers to women scientists who didn't listen to those who told them "no" and who used their smarts, their skills and their persistence to discover, invent, create and explain.She Persisted in Science is for everyone who's ever had questions about the world around them or the way things work, and who won't give up until they find their answers.With engaging artwork by Alexandra Boiger accompanying the inspiring text, this is a book that shows readers that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and that women in science change our world.This book features: Florence Nightingale, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Ynes Enriquetta Julietta Mexia, Grace Hopper, Rosalind Franklin, Gladys West, Jane Goodall, Flossie Wong-Staal, Temple Grandin, Zaha Hadid, Ellen Ochoa, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha & Mari Copeny, and Autumn Peltier, Greta Thunberg & Wanjiru WathutiPraise for She Persisted * "[A] lovely, moving work of children's literature [and a] polished introduction to a diverse and accomplished group of women." --Publishers Weekly, starred review"Exemplary . . . This well-curated list will show children that women's voices have made themselves emphatically heard." --Booklist"[She Persisted] will remind little girls that they can achieve their goals if they don't let obstacles get in the way." --Family Circle"We can't wait to grab a copy for some of the awesome kids in our lives . . . and maybe some of the grown-ups, too." --Bustle "A message we all need to hear." --Scary MommyPraise for She Persisted in Science: This inspiring collective biography provides a host of role models for young readers. --School Library Journal

    Richard Smythe's (Crane and Crane, The Mighty Steam Engine) colorful illustrations inspire observations and highlight the different meanings of the paired words.Perfect for celebrating father-son relationships and our relationship with nature, this charming book makes a great Father's Day gift or read-aloud for preschoolers and older children.

    Flocks of cows replace crows flying in the sky. Giant shoes (not shores!) live on the sandy beaches of her town. What could have happened to the eighteenth letter of the alphabet? Did it get lost—or stolen? One way or another, the town needs to be saved!

    She dabs dots on ladybugs and spots on butterflies, stripes on zebras and pentagons on giraffes. Finally, she comes to the very last creature—a patient beetle—and uses her special pot of gold paint. The painter is about to pack up to go home when a little gray bird flies out of the forest. The paint box is empty, but on the tip of the painter’s brush remains a tiny bit of gold, which she drops at the back of the bird’s throat. And when the painter asks the bird to sing, golden notes tumble from its beak. This timeless tale, with its stylish and striking illustrations, will appeal to children and adults alike.

    

    But home turned to nowhere and nowhere turned to anywhere. Then somewhere finally came, and finally, always.This lyrical story is timely and thoughtful, depicting the life of two children thrust into homelessness and uncertain housing situations as they move out of their house, to a motel, to a shelter, and finally another more permanent home. Throughout, the duo is challenged by uncomfortable new places and inquiries from strangers, but ultimately, never lose their optimism or determination. They have each other, no matter at home, nowhere, anywhere, or somewhere—always. Includes a poignant Reader's Note on how homelessness affects children and what we can do to help.

    Yo-Yo is a fidgety, bouncy, can't-sit-still-EVER type of bunny. Even Grandpa's yoga class won't stop her wiggling and giggling! But what will Yo-Yo do when she finds herself lost and all alone in the deep, dark, shadowy forest? Maybe Grandpa's yoga will help her find the way home . . . With a reassuring bedtime ending and three pages of simple step-by-step yoga instructions, children can stretch, breathe and feel calm with Yo-Yo. Every Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free 'Stories Aloud' audio recording - just scan the QR code and listen along!

    It’s a beautiful day for Saya, her dad and her well-loved stuffed bunny, Kunoichi, to go to the park.On their way, Saya stealthily stops a fight by flinging her floppy four-legged ninja-bunny between two snarling cats. Later, on the bus, Saya throws Kunoichi under the wheels of a child’s stroller, halting its dangerous roll toward the stairs. Dad doesn't notice as Saya uses Kunoichi to save the day time and time again on their outing and on the bus home, proving small actions can have a great impact.This wordless picture book in graphic novel format by award-winning author Sara Cassidy and illustrator Brayden Sato will bring joy to every reader who believes in the magic of stuffed animals.

    But there’s also the bittersweet feeling of doing something for the last time, like mowing the lawn one final time on a brown day in autumn, or watching the last of the geese fly south in the early weeks of winter. Whichever way you mark the changing of the seasons, every year feels like an extraordinary miracle! In this jubilant ode to seasonal rituals, Leda Schubert evokes the familiar, enchanting rhythm of the four seasons, while Clover Robin’s bold collages bring warmth and magic to everyday occurrences.

    In this delightful board book built on wordplay, toddlers will recognize each activity―getting dressed, playing, painting (including themselves), having a bath―and see how the animal makes the mischievous most of it.The bumblebee breaks its toy―bumblebee grumblebee!The cockatoo is getting dressed―cockatoo sockatoo!The pelican tries out the potty―pelican smellican!What will turtle do? Everybody gathers for the final squirtle.Each scene twists the animals' names into funny new words to share and delight in how they feel and sound.Bumblebee Grumblebee is for toddlers and adults to have fun experimenting with the way words are put together.

    During the chilly months, they can discover why birds fly south in winter, search for animal footprints in the snow, or learn to make the perfect paper snowflake. As the sun grows stronger, they're invited to weave a daisy chain, find a feather, or try their hand at growing a sunflower. Full of activities, poetry, fun facts to explore, and amazing things to see and do outside, this brightly illustrated book makes a delightful gift for all seasons.

    That splash and crash is a pod of whales, sounding.Behold, a fever of stingrays gliding by.But what do you call a group of octopuses?A tangle of octopuses? A chandelier of octopuses? A multipus of octopuses? No, octopuses prefer to be alone. The octopus is a solitary animal.This lyrical, nonfiction text honors animals who live in solitude, in contrast to others who live in groups. Against a backdrop of the specific names of various animal tribes (a parade of elephants, a tower of giraffes, a dazzle of zebras), Stein shines a spotlight on those animals who go through life on their own. With nature at his back, Stein invites readers to draw strength and comfort from the behaviors of fellow mammals. Perfect for children who tend to be alone, and their parents...as well as all children, who will be encouraged to respect the natural choices of their peers.

    Piper loves Purpa, her favorite purple sweater. She wears it everywhere--to the park, to birthday parties, and every occasion in between. But as Piper grows bigger and taller, Purpa does not, and soon Piper can't fit into Purpa anymore . . . though maybe she can find another way to keep her beloved sweater in her life. This reassuring story reminds us that growing up doesn't always mean leaving our favorites behind.

    Along the way, they hear from the Constitution, important justices, and key figures from landmark cases, such as Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education, gaining an understanding of how the court has shaped our lives.

    Reported sightings claim that their skin is blood red; their fangs razor sharp. The worms are supposedly poisonous and electrifying . . . or are they? In this funny story, we meet the Mongolian Death Worm family: Beverly, Trevor, Neville and Kevin. In spite of their deadly reputation, they’re determined to make nice and win over the other animals. Their overtures of friendship are . . . not reciprocated. But when disaster strikes, it’s the Mongolian Death Worm family to the rescue! With additional information about the legend, this book is perfect for storytime and discussions of legends and science. Perfect for fans of Ben Clanton, Sandra Fay's The Very True Legend of the Mongolian Death Worms will leave readers of all ages laughing and heartwarmed!

    

    But what exactly does that mean?As Sophie shares, teaches, helps her friends, takes care of birds, and picks up litter, she wonders which of these acts, if any, might change the world. By performing this sequence of poignant mitzvahs with an open heart, unending empathy, and a big imagination, Sophie's about to discover that what sounds like an impossible task just might be the best way to live life.In this exploration of an essential part of Jewish traditional teaching, Sophie's efforts to grant Grandpop's wish show that the smallest acts of kindness are what truly change the world.TIMELESS: Mitzvahs are a time-honored tradition and a central part of Judaic practice. This universal, timeless picture book shares a meaningful message about doing good in the world that will always be welcome and needed.A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE: This story explores an aspect of Jewish culture that is applicable to anyone interested in improving their world, making it a book that is both relevant and relatable to kids who are Jewish and non-Jewish alike.SPREAD KINDNESS: This book shows a variety of kind actions and engages with how kindness and good deeds can affect and lift up friends, family, and entire communities.BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS: The art in this book is bright and cheerful, perfect for engaging kids and getting them excited to learn how they, too, can change the world!Perfect for:• Jewish families• Jewish schools and learning centers• Teachers• Parents looking for books about kindness

    She wants to know who invented them, what the snow is made of, and how the tiny scenes look so magical when she peers inside. As she researches and experiments, Lily learns about light waves, magnification, and density--all while gathering ingredients to make her own snow globe.

    It can scale the tallest mountains and reach the deepest depths of the sea. Standing side by side with someone you love, the unimaginable can seem achievable. But not every magical moment is extraordinary. Simply being together is the best journey of all.

    But what about the first cat?Follow along on this very special tour of the People's House--you'll see who really runs things around here. . . .With detailed illustrations and chock-full of fun facts about this historic residence--and the real first cats--this picture book is the perfect way to introduce children to the White House.

    Three little frogs, 5 orange buttons, 7 green spots. One Black Cat and Other Numbers gives younger children a colorful introduction to counting from 1 to 10.

    Have fun finding out if you can remember all their names!

    He watches the great blue herons and looks for crayfish and otters. He builds forts and lies in the tall grass near the water. But one day Martin’s parents tell him they have to move away, to the city. The family spend a day in the city, exploring their future home. Martin rides the subway, visits the market, explores the museum and watches a street performer, but none of the city’s charms can compare with the river. Then his parents show him a small stream running through the park, and Martin senses something familiar in the air. When moving day arrives, Martin fills a small glass jar with river water as a keepsake. And when he returns to the stream, he discovers that his connection to nature can be just as wondrous in the city. This poetic story looks at the special relationship between an imaginative child and the natural world, and explores how that connection can be nurtured and recreated in a new place.

    Do you see me?Timeless and nostalgic, quirky and fresh, lightly educational and wholly heartfelt, this autobiography of a fox kit will delight all cuddlers and snugglers.See the world through a fox kit's eyes in a charming book about finding your place in the world. Over the course of four seasons, Kit comes of age in the forest. In spring, she gambols. In autumn, she races. In summer, she sneaks and slinks. But with her mama, she will always be a little kit.This is the second in a series of board books that pairs Kristen Tracy's enchanting, playful text with Alison Farrell's sweet, endearing art for an adorable treatment of everyone's favorite topic: baby animals!PERFECT FOR BEDTIME KISSES: The story goes through a day in the life of a baby fox kit and ends tucked into her den with her mama fox. It's the perfect book to take families through their own day, complete with a cozy goodnight moment!ENCOURAGES CHILDREN TO IMAGINE OTHER PERSPECTIVES: This book is told in the first person: "I am a fox." The unusual narrator will get the youngest readers thinking about what it's really like to be a little fox kit!TEACHES COMPARISONS: The idea of seeing through the animal's eyes using comparisons to familiar ideas (Kit is slower than a hummingbird but faster than a turtle) is a perfect introduction to comparative logic.TEACHES SEASONS: Readers will delight in following Kit through all four seasons of the year, learning what she does differently in spring than she does in summer, what she does for the first time in autumn, and how she experiences winter.CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ILLUSTRATOR: Alison Farrell is the author-illustrator of the fan favorite The Hike, along with Cycle City, Bicycle Bash, and A Cub Story, the first book in this series. Here she brings her love of science and sweet animals to a brand-new series about forest critters!BABY ANIMALS! There's one thing all babies love: baby animals! There are all kinds of animals to look at and learn about in these pages filled with wildlife and with love. Careful eyes will spot animals hidden everywhere in the detail-rich, evocative scenes.A BOOK TO BOND OVER: This is the perfect cuddly read between baby and parent, since it's focused on baby animals and their families.Perfect for:• Parents• Grandparents• Friends searching for the perfect baby shower gift• Animal lovers

    Grown-ups say it’ll get easier with time, but even saying hello is incredibly hard. Thank goodness for comforts like math, for anything that can relax a restless mind. Maybe this time a few words will come out at last…An empathetic look at anxiety and overstimulation, It’s So Difficult follows a child throughout the challenging routines of a single day. Even the smallest step forward can be an enormous triumph.

    From the Where in the Garden? series.Miguel is throwing a party at his community garden for all of his friends, and he needs help searching for sunflowers to complete the celebration. What do we know about sunflowers? They’re tall with petals and leaves―and, hold on, is that a sunflower? No, that’s an artichoke. Where, oh, where could those sunflowers be? Can you help Miguel find them in time for his party?The second title in JaNay Brown-Wood and Samara Hardy’s Where in the Garden? series stars an adorable young Latino exploring his garden while comparing, contrasting, and hunting for sunflowers among a multitude of warm-weather fruits and vegetables like apricots, artichokes, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, and more.Toddlers and preschoolers will delight as they discover the wonders of fresh produce, and after Miguel finally finds the patch of tall, yellow blossoms, a festive celebration ensues at the community garden where a diverse group of friends and Miguel’s two fathers feast on all of the fresh fruits and vegetables.Back matter includes a delicious recipe.The Where in the Garden? series features a delightfully diverse cast of toddlers, each exploring simple fruit/vegetable identification. With a reliable, easy-to-follow narrative structure, visual clues are introduced, explored, and reviewed alongside jubilantly illustrated interiors. Perfect for early childhood and elementary education units on agriculture, farming, gardening, and healthy eating.

    Emanda makes friends and finds her way back home.

    Written in the tradition of Where the Wild Things Are or The Little Prince with a touch of Grimm, this layered story can serve as the ultimate bedtime story that children will want to read again and again. It doubles as a philosophical journey for people with a bit more maturity. Due to it's layered content, this book is for all ages and is also an excellent Hi/Lo reader. It is also a good choice for people who are learning English as a second language.This book is a tribute to grandmothers who have to be mothers twice as they raise their grandchildren. This book follows a child's fantastical voyage under the sea in an imaginative attempt to avoid bedtime. A book of laughter, longing and loss. Told within the confines of a nontraditional family, children being raised by their grandparents can finally see themselves in print.Grandma I don't want to go to Sleep is an excellent storyline of inclusion utilizing people of color as characters within a universal setting. This book can also be used to help a more mature child come to terms with the concept of loss. From toddlers enjoying it as a straightforward adventure ,to high school students analyzing the prose as poetry, Grandma I don't want to go to sleep. is an entertaining journey.

    When a lonely old woman finds a polar bear cub with no mother of his own, she adopts him, and cares for him as he grows. The bear cub rides in her hood and sleeps by her side. But when he is wounded by hunters from another village, the old woman begins to understand that bears belong in the wild. A tender story of loving and learning to let go, Little Bear celebrates the relationship between a human being and a wild animal and will touch the hearts of readers young and old.

    And, over time, laughter filled my garden ... A heartfelt celebration of family, community and the seasons of life, to cherish and to share. The official story chosen for ALIA National Simultaneous Storytime 2022, to be celebrated all across Australia and New Zealand!

     The essential starting place for anyone who wants to learn about Black British History. David Olusoga’s thought provoking text charts the forgotten histories of Black people in Britain from Roman times right through to the present day. From Roman Africans guarding Hadrian’s Wall, to an African trumpeter in the court of Henry the Eighth, Black Georgians fighting for the abolition of slavery, Black soldiers fighting for Britain in the First World War, Windrush and right up today. These are the stories that brought us all together in this country.When did Africans first come to Britain? Who are the well-dressed black children in Georgian paintings? Why did the American Civil War disrupt the Industrial Revolution? These and many other questions are answered in this essential introduction to 1800 years of the Black British history. This children's edition of Black and British: A Forgotten History is beautifully illustrated in full-color with maps, portrait galleries, timelines, photos and portraits.

    But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she shound find a new one. Maybe then she'd be able to find a monogrammed keychain at the gas station or order a hot chocolate at the cafe more easily. Mama helps Mirha to see how special her name is, and she returns to school the next day determined to help her classmates say it correctly--even if it takes a hundred tries.

    This charming book encourages its young readers to use their imagination, and to look within others, and themselves, and discover all that they have to offer.Are you as joyful and bright as a daffodil? Or as bold and brave as a tiger? In You I See highlights and celebrates the various layers and attributes different people can have. With captivating, rhyming text by singer-songwriter Rachel "Maiday" Moulden and gorgeous illustrations by Jodie Howard, this enchanting book brings the magic of rhyme and nature together.Whether you are looking for a bedtime story, a beautiful gift for a special occasion, or just a book to share with your child, this charming picture book will make the perfect addition to the book shelf.

    Kang comes a tale filled with fantastic word play that will have kids laughing and insisting, "No nibbling!"One warm spring day, Derwood the goat planted a garden and patiently tended it as it grew. On that very same day, he noticed a dandelion puff--it was too early in the season, but Derwood was taking no chances. Growing a garden is risky business, after all. But as Derwood inspected the dandelion, he realized it wasn't a weed. It was a bunny! With Tabitha, a precocious bunny who is very interested in all the tasty vegetables, hopping on the scene, what ensues is a pun-filled tale that will leave you saying, "No nibbling!"

    Known for his innovative use of fonts, Piatti once said, “You can draw an owl a thousand times, and never find out its secret.” Why are these owls so happy? That’s just what the chickens, ducks, and geese want to know. But when they send a peacock over to find out why, they’re incredulous at the reply. How could anyone be happy simply to see the rain and sunshine? What could be so joyful about the flowers and butterflies? “Every imaginative child will cherish this rare and beautiful book.”—New York Times Book Review   “It should be two stars-- one for each eye. The use of brilliant color is beyond simple description-- it's an eye-fest.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

    Mom and Aunt Cheryl try to talk about it, but he feels like running away. So he picks up a shovel and starts digging a tunnel from his room, deep down and into the backyard. Out there, far from the lights of the house, it’s dark enough that he could disappear. But the quiet distance also gives him the space he needs to see his family’s love and start returning home.As he heads back, the journey upward is different. He notices familiar details and tunes into his senses. The tunnel isn’t so scary this time. The boy emerges into his room just as Mom peeks in. When she notices a twig in his hair, he is ready to talk about the tunnel and finds warmth in her gentle acknowledgment: “You came back.”Quiet, emotionally resonant text is paired with grayscale drawings accented with red in this thoughtfully layered exploration of coping with tough emotions, and taking time and space to heal.

    When her sister dies, young Fe vows to take her place, a promise she carries with her the rest of her life. In 1936 she becomes the first woman and first person of Asian descent to study at Harvard Medical School. When WWII begins in the Pacific, Fe faces a choice: remain in Boston, where she is safe, or return to the Philippines, where she is needed most. Fe follows her vision and returns home to care for the American and British children forced into the internment camp at Santo Tomas. Beautiful color drawings bring to life this gentle and courageous character, her family and her patients. The story of the courageous Dr. Fe del Mundo, recipient of the Elizabeth Blackwell Award for distinguished women “whose life exemplifies outstanding service to humanity,” and the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize, will inspire children to pursue science and medicine in the service of humanity.

    We Ask Permission builds children’s social and emotional skills and helps with teaching boundaries by encouraging children to look for body language cues and by asking before hugging or touching others. The third book in the We Say What’s Okay series, We Ask Permission follows Jovan as he learns to ask permission and become a body language detective. Using the book as a read-aloud, educators and families can model the language Jovan’s teachers use to support children as they learn to look for body language cues and respect the personal boundaries of others. The author, who hosts workshops and trainings on teaching boundaries and consent for families and early childhood educators around the country, offers additional activities in the back of the book. Digital content includes a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.We Say What's Okay SeriesCentered on a class of preschoolers, the We Say What’s Okay series helps teach young children the social and emotional skills they need to understand the complexities of consent. Each book covers a consent theme, such as how to recognize the physical sensations that emotions create, look for body language cues, ask for and listen to choices, and know that our bodies have value. With believable, everyday situations and diverse characters, children can see themselves and others reflected in each story—and develop a vocabulary to communicate consent and feelings. Every book in the series is accompanied by a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.

    I’m trying to ignore it.”    Pig can’t stop thinking about something that is bothering her. Try as Horse might to get her mind off of it—with bike rides, swims, and silly hats—it's no use. But maybe if Pig shares the something with her friend, they can talk about it and figure out how to face the something together. With charming illustrations, subtle whimsy, and a gentle approach to serious themes, Pig and Horse and the Something Scary acknowledges the fears and worries that children can feel in their bodies and minds. It encourages heartfelt conversations about emotional challenges, while also exploring the power of a supportive, caring friend.

    “Because we are not always going to feel happy, but I am always going to be your mommy.”   A daughter grows from a tiny infant to a young girl, and the years bring all the natural changes and accompanying emotions. Some emotions are big and scary. But the one constant in the little girl’s life is her mother and her magical stories. These stories stories teach her about her uniqueness, about her kindness, and about her power to face the inevitable darkness in life. But when she’s on her own, away from her mother, can she share her light? It’s never too early to teach children how to recognize and accept emotions like fear, sadness, and loneliness. Through gorgeous illustrations of the real and fantasy worlds in which children always coexist, Mommy Ever After explores the difficult idea that we won’t always be happy, but we can always be brave and we can always be kind.