The Peace Book


Todd Parr - 2004
    Targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book delivers a timely and timeless message about the importance of tolerance.Along with the four other bestselling Todd Parr picture books debuting in paperback this season, It's Okay to be Different is designed to encourage early literacy, enhance emotional development, celebrate multiculturalism, and promote character growth.

What's Wrong, Little Pookie?


Sandra Boynton - 2007
    And Pookie isn't helping, either. This familiar scenario is told with Sandra Boynton's signature humor, in both story and art. Caregivers and young children will laugh their way out of their sorrow as Mom and Pookie work things out. Never fear, a happy ending is on the way! Perfect for toddlers having a meltdown, or anyone in a plain old badmood, this book will come to the rescue for kids and adults for years to come.

Playhouse


Robert Munsch - 2002
    Rene asks her father and mother to build her a playhouse, a play barn, a play cow, and more, until finally her parents decide that they'd like to have a play Rene.

The Gingerbread Man Loose on the Fire Truck


Laura Murray - 2013
    Luckily, this Gingerbread Man is one smart cookie, and he races into the fire truck, up the pole, and all through the station, staying one step ahead of the hungry dog the whole time.Then an emergency call comes in and the Gingerbread Man knows just what to do:“I’ll ride to the rescue, as fast as I can.I want to help, too! I’m the Gingerbread Man!”With snappy rhymes and fresh illustrations, the Gingerbread Man makes a sweet return in his second school adventure. Includes a poster with fire safety tips and activities.

The Emperor's Cool Clothes


Lee Harper - 2011
    A funny, clever adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale in an imaginary kingdom where emperor penguins, walruses, albatross, seals and polar bears all live - and shop - together.

Bah! Humbug?


Lorna Balian - 1977
    Margie writes to Santa Claus asking him for a new teddy bear since her teddy, Herold, is looking a bit shabby. Her bossy older brother Arthur believes that Santa Claus is a humbug and plans to prove it by creating a trap to catch him. Lorna's delightful illustrations show that Arthur might be wrong about Santa after all. An endearing Christmas tale that will delight both boys and girls alike.

A Year with Friends


John Seven - 2013
    . . July is time for fireworks . . . This beautifully formatted picture book takes young readers through every month of the year as a little boy, girl, dog, and cat celebrate each month with unique, playful images that convey what makes it special. With gentle pastel illustrations in sequential panels, A Year with Friends teaches young readers about the seasons and the delightful ways they can be experienced with those you love. Praise for A Year with Friends: "This expressive childhood tribute to the joys of nature throughout the year warmly conveys the message that anytime is best when shared with a friend." —Kirkus Reviews "A beautiful, fun, and minimalist journey through the seasons...The format is varied, with panels, spreads, and full-page pictures, and the art is delightful. Youngsters are sure to take pleasure in following the characters’ activities throughout the year." —School Library Journal "In this pleasing concept book, husband-and-wife author-illustrator team Seven and Christy introduce two children enjoying typical activities throughout each month of the year." —Booklist "This beautiful new picture book will be a great way to start the New Year in classrooms with young readers. Illustrated with soft shades and panels across double page spreads, the story line alternates between a young girl and a young boy having fun each month of the year." —Reading Today Online "Rather than mentioning specific holidays by name, the book hints at festive occasions...keeping the emphasis on the generous, sociable, and downright fun things friends do together. Christy's illustrations provide humor, energy, and entertainment with year-round appeal." —Publishers Weekly

Say Please, Little Owlet


Ellie J. Woods - 2017
     Say Please, Little Owlet is a story about family, harmony and good manners. Meet Owlet, a young adorable little Owl who lives with his Owl family in a cozy tree house. What happens inside daily is a normal peaceful routine as Mommy Owl bakes, Daddy Owl keeps updated with the latest news and Granny Owl knits the time away. He also has a sister Lily who loves wildflowers and spends countless hours painting them. Young Owlet spends most of the day playing the hours away with his pet mouse. Owlet is extremely cheerful and loves a good hide and seek game with the mouse. But not all is right in Owlet’s family and it starts when Owlet wants something. He’s impolite and rude and shouts whenever he needs something from chocolates to cakes. Will Owlet ever get what he wants? Perhaps he needs to learn the magic word from someone inspiring just so he can get a nice bite out of Mommy owl’s yummy fruit cake? “The little Owlet smelled it soon And started rattling with a spoon…“ Join and learn with Owlet in this manners book for kids as he starts his transition to becoming a well-mannered bird by learning the art of the magic word. Told through beautifully illustrated pages and verses with professional watercolor imagery, Say Please, Little Owlet will inspire parents in teaching children manners for kids while maintaining the peaceful harmony in the family. It features rhyming words like your favorite nursery rhymes and easy-to-understand terms making it a perfect companion to all sorts of other bedtime stories. Read it out loud before bedtime or when the little one starts to get very demanding and rude and teach your kids to say please. A full-colored story isn’t the only thing you will get here.Say Please, Little Owlet also teaches perseverance and patience as Mommy owl calmly and lovingly teaches the energetic Owlet to say please every time wants something. To Mommy owl’s delight, Owlet becomes a polite bird and asks nicely for a slice of that yummy cherry cake. Owlet realizes the importance of saying please as Mommy owl gives the cake. Everyone in the family is very proud of little Owlet’s polite manners as they all cheerfully enjoy Mommy owl’s freshly baked dessert. It is very important to teach manners for kids while they are still young and there is no better way to do it than a fun, interactive and enchanting bedtime story. Be like Owlet and learn these important manners and keep rereading this timeless gem and make a difference! Have fun learning simple rhyming words and poetry for all kids 3 to 5 years of age to enjoy. All you have to do is “Say Please”!

William's Doll


Charlotte Zolotow - 1972
    The long-awaited realistic handling of this theme makes it a landmark book."—School Library JournalMore than anything, William wants a doll. “Don’t be a creep,” says his brother. “Sissy, sissy,” chants the boy next door. Then one day someone really understands William’s wish, and make it easy for others to understand, too. William gets a doll, so he can learn to be a loving parent someday.Written by beloved author Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by Newbery Medal-winning author and Caldecott Honor Book illustrator William Pène du Bois, William’s Doll was published in 1972 and was one of the first picture books to deal with gender stereotypes. William's Doll has been welcomed by teachers, librarians, and other caregivers as a springboard for discussion about gender roles and intolerance, whether shared one on one or with groups in a classroom or library setting.

Up the Mountain


Marianne Dubuc - 2017
    She knows the name of every animal and every plant on the way and helps everyone in need. One particular Sunday she meets a little cat, Leo, who would like to join her on her journey. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship and many more walks up the mountain. What will happen when Mrs Badger is too old to join Leo? A heartwarming story about friendship and generosity, that will inspire you to explore the outdoors

Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten


Candice Ransom - 2017
    But when things don't go according to plan, and when a pesky girl in a pink bow decides to be her best friend, she walks out on kindergarten and joins her brother in second grade. It takes an unlikely partner to fix Amanda's terrible day--and to teach her about friendship, tolerance, and how to cope with life's ups and downs.Amanda Panda perfectly captures the spirit, motivations, and humor of a headstrong five-year-old girl--and will be sure to soothe back-to-school jitters.

Goodnight Spaceman


Michelle Robinson - 2016
    . .Inspired by ESA astronaut Tim Peake and his sons.

Too Many Carrots


Katy Hudson - 2016
    When he tries to move in with friends, more chaos ensues. Will Rabbit learn to change his selfish ways?

No Room for a Pup!


Elizabeth Suneby - 2019
    But according to her mom, there is just NO ROOM in their very small apartment. Then one day, when she and her grandma are visiting a friend who is giving away puppies, Mia falls in love with a small spotted pup who crawls into her lap. She knows she just has to convince her mom to let her keep him! With help from Grandma --- and some of her pet-owning friends --- can Mia show her mom how much room there really is in their apartment?In this charming picture book from Elizabeth Suneby and Laurel Molk, an I-want-a-dog story meets the Yiddish folk tale about how things could always be worse --- to comic effect! With a narrative and illustrations that are action-packed, this is a terrific read-aloud. The timely messages about the importance of gratitude for what one has, the need for generosity and the inclusion of others --- “there's always room for one more” --- resonate. This book makes a wonderful social studies resource for discussions about families and communities, with an intergenerational storyline full of endearing characters --- Mia, her mother and her grandmother live in the same apartment building, along with a diverse cast of neighbors. It also works for character education lessons on kindness, perseverance and initiative.

I Love My Daddy Because...


Laurel Porter-Gaylord - 1991
    . .This book begins with a heartwarming scene between a human parent and child, but moves on to loving care in many animal families. He sings me songs, says a gray wolf cub. He keeps me safe and warm, says a young penguin. Children will love reading about how baby animals spend time with their dads, and daddies everywhere will love celebrating Father's Day--or any occassion!--with this adorable gift from their little ones.