You're Here for a Reason


Nancy Tillman - 2015
    If you think you're not I would just say that perhaps you forgot . . . a piece of the world that is precious and dear would surely be missing if you weren't here.Every person matters. Here, national-bestselling and beloved author Nancy Tillman shows readers how each of us fits into life's big picture, and how the world would be incomplete without you in it.

In the Tree House


Andrew Larsen - 2013
    “My brother and I spent most of that summer in the tree house. It was the best summer ever.” Sadly, everything has changed this year. His brother is now “too busy with his friends” to come to the tree house at all. But then one night the power unexpectedly goes out while the young boy is there by himself, and he's treated to an amazing view of his neighborhood, blanketed in darkness and lit only by the stars. And then, just as unexpectedly, his brother appears, wanting to join him, to savor the magic of the night. Author Andrew Larsen has created a fantasy-inducing (what child doesn't pine for a house in a tree?) and emotionally satisfying story that young children will want to revisit again and again. His unique use of the first person to tell the story along with his simple, spare style evocatively relates the feelings the young boy has toward his special corner of the world and his older brother, without being overly mushy. The emotional poignancy is further enhanced by Duýan Petričić's expressive and detailed artwork. This book makes a great resource for lessons on community, siblings or growing up. Separately, this book could also be used for classroom discussions about the environmental issues connected to the rate and severity of blackouts in recent years.

Stella, Fairy of the Forest


Marie-Louise Gay - 2002
    Butterflies, snakes, rocks and sheep provide fuel for Sam's curious little-brother questions and Stella's confident big-sister answers. Stella, Fairy of the Forest is gently humorous and perfectly captures the playful yet trusting relationship between Stella and Sam.Marie-Louise Gay's exquisite, joy-filled watercolor illustrations bring the wonder of the forest alive as the duo journey towards their fort where Sam resolves to stay forever.

Big Brother Peanut Butter


Terry Border - 2018
    Just what does a big brother do? Luckily, Peanut Butter has just the right friends to ask.Apple Pie has two little brothers, Blueberry and Cherry, and she makes it look easy. Cucumber is definitely a cool older sibling to little Dill Pickle. And Big Cheese is clearly an important friend to ask. But do any of them know how to teach Peanut Butter what to do? Will any of them be able to help him crack this nut?Terry Border brings back everyone's favorite slice of bread in his latest food- and fun-filled book, which celebrates siblinghood in all forms, whether crunchy, smooth, or anywhere in between.

Ladybug Girl


David Soman - 2008
    Her dog, Bingo the basset hound, is always by her side and the two prove that they are not too little to explore nature, build forts, and make their own big fun.For fans of Fancy Nancy and Toot and Puddle, the Ladybug Girl series honors individuality, creativity, and a love of the outdoors!

I Love You Through and Through


Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak - 2005
    A perfect first book for toddlers with sturdy cardstock pages and a padded cover with rounded corners for safe handling by little ones.

You're All My Favorites


Sam McBratney - 2004
    But one day the three little bears start to wonder: How do Mommy and Daddy know this is true? And even more worrisome to each sibling: What if my parents like my brother or sister better than me? From the team who brought us the beloved Big and Little Nutbrown Hare comesa tale that answers a timeless question with the ultimate reassurance — and offers the perfect way for parents to remind their own little cubs how very much each one is loved.

The Ear Book (Bright & Early Books)


Al Perkins - 1968
    in full color. A boy and his dog listen to the world around them. "Illustrations are big and simple; the text is in verse form."--School Library Journal.

Rain!


Linda Ashman - 2013
    The boy in his green frog hat splashes in puddles—“Hoppy, hoppy, hoppy!”—while the old man curses the “dang puddles.” Can the boy’s natural exuberance (and perhaps a cookie) cheer up the grouchy gentleman and turn the day around?

Little Miss, Big Sis


Amy Krouse Rosenthal - 2015
    Reynolds have teamed up once again to create a charming story about Little Miss. Little Miss, Big Sis is the perfect gift for any child becoming a big brother or sister and any expecting families!

Shhh! This Book is Sleeping


Cédric Ramadier - 2016
    Oh, and don’t forget to ask whether it brushed its teeth and went pee-pee! Then turn off the light. There. Shhh! This book is sleeping! Fans of Press Here and The Monster at the End of This Book will enjoy coaxing the very book they’re holding to go to sleep.From the Board edition.

No No Yes Yes


Leslie Patricelli - 2008
    Gentle pat on back: yes YES. And it's funny how dumping a bowl of food gets a very different reaction from mastering the use of a spoon. An expressive baby demonstrates familiar behaviors -- and their predictable responses -- in an amusing board book that merits a giant YES!

I Kissed the Baby!


Mary Murphy - 2003
    . . . The high-contrast pictures and exclamatory text are guaranteed eye and ear magnets for the littlest ones. -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)I saw the baby! Did you see the baby?Yes! I saw the baby, the teeny weeny thing.It's so exciting! News of the baby is buzzing from animal to animal, with each one -- fish, bird, squirrel, insect, frog -- boasting of seeing, feeding, singing to, tickling, and kissing the tiny little thing. With bold, graphic black-and-white illustrations, Mary Murphy's simple, singsong story captures the giddy commotion that only a baby can bring.

No Matter What


Debi Gliori - 1999
    I’m grim and grumpy,” says Small to Large, “and I don’t think you love me at all.” But nothing could be further from the truth--and Large knows just how to reassure Small.

Who Is Driving?


Leo Timmers - 2005
    . . the fire engine? Elephant! He is driving to the fire station.From fire trucks to convertibles and snails to elephants, here's a book that's full of toddler favorites! Kids must solve the puzzle: which animal is driving which vehicle? With bold illustrations full of funny details, kids will love reading--and playing--this simple guessing game again and again.