A Beach Tail


Karen Lynn Williams - 2010
    When Greg finds a stick and draws a lion in the sand, his father says, "Don't go in the water, and don't leave Sandy." The little boy follows his father's advice. But he still manages to travel down the beach quite a way before realizing he can no longer see the blue umbrella where Dad is waiting. Greg's journey takes him past such landmarks as a jellyfish, a sand castle, a big pit in the sand, a ghost-crab hole, and more. Fortunately, he has his stick-and Sandy's tail-with him the whole way.

Snails Are Just My Speed!


Kevin McCloskey - 2017
    But these slow, squishy creatures are more complicated than they appear! Did you know snails build roads like engineers, shoot arrows like archers, and go undercover in camouflage like spies? Did you know they can be smaller than a seed or bigger than a grown-up's hand? Author Kevin McCloskey mixes snail science, art, and hilarity for the newest book in his Giggle and Learn series, praised by the NewYork Times as a winning combination of facts and gross-out fun.""

Clean Your Room, Harvey Moon!


Pat Cummings - 1991
    Clothes are everywhere, sticky comic books are shoved under his desk, and there’s a cookie under his bed so old it’s turned gray and fuzzy. What a disaster! There won’t be any cartoons until his room is absolutely spotless. But what happens when Harvey discovers his idea of clean is not the same as his mom’s?

Cancer Hates Kisses


Jessica Reid Sliwerski - 2017
    And through all the stages of treatment--surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, losing her hair--she thought about how hard it would be to talk to your child about cancer while coping with it. She wrote this picture book to give other parents and their children an encouraging tool for having those conversations--a lovingly upbeat book that is also refreshingly authentic and straightforward. With its simple text and heartwarming illustrations, Cancer Hates Kisses is relatable to any type of cancer.

Sunday Shopping


Sally Derby - 2015
    That's when they go on their weekly shopping spree. Grandma flips open the newspaper to see what s advertised, and the imaginary tour of neighborhood stores begins. Toting a wallet filled with colorful pretend bills, Evie and Grandma take turns buying whatever catches their fancy. A big chunk of ham, a sofa with a secret, and a dress with spangles are just a few of the treasures they purchase. Most special of all is the jewelry box Evie chooses for the gold heart necklace Mama gave her before leaving to serve in the army and the bouquet of flowers Evie leaves as a surprise for Grandma. Overflowing with whimsy and a sweet grandmother-granddaughter relationship, Sunday Shopping is a joyous celebration of imagination and family love. Next Sunday, readers of all ages are sure to grab the newspaper and some play money and embark on their own shopping adventures.

Crayons Rock! (Pete the Cat)


Kimberly Dean - 2020
    But when Pete shows his artwork to his friends, they don’t react the way he expected them to.Will Pete put his favorite crayons down or find a way to turn it all around?

I Am Enough


Grace Byers - 2018
    Bobo.This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation.We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

Aberdeen


Stacey Previn - 2016
    BUT a balloon floated by and.... He is suddenly off on an unexpected adventure! Before long, Aberdeen follows his whims and fancy to unknown territory, a little too far away from home - and from mama.Who doesn't know the feeling of one thing leading to another leading to another - until you're not quite sure how you ended up where you did? Aberdeen's adorable antics will have readers excited to see where he lands next, and on the edges of their seats as he searches for a way back home.

Little Bea and the Snowy Day


Daniel Roode - 2011
    Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz.Little Bea is a busy, busy bee,and she loves snowy days.Snowballs!She needs to throw them.Snow angels!She needs to make them.A snowy hill!She needs to sled down it.Ice!She needs to skate on it.Hot chocolate!Yum! It's her favorite.The wide wintery world!Is there anything better than exploring it with friends?Bzzzzzzzzzzzzz.Won't you come play in the snow with Little Bea?

Alfie: (The Turtle That Disappeared)


Thyra Heder - 2017
    But he’s not very soft, he doesn’t do tricks, and he’s pretty quiet. Sometimes she forgets he’s even there! That is until the night before Nia’s seventh birthday, when Alfie disappears! Then, in an innovative switch in point of view, we hear Alfie’s side of the story. He didn’t leave Nia—he’s actually searching for the perfect birthday present for his dear friend. Can he find a gift and make it back in time for the big birthday party? From the author-illustrator of Fraidyzoo and The Bear Report comes a warm and funny ode to friendship—even when the friends see the relationship, and the world, very differently.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family


Ibtihaj Muhammad - 2019
    It’s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab–a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.Paired with Hatem Aly’s beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.

Meanwhile Back at the Ranch


Trinka Hakes Noble - 1987
    Meanwhile back at the ranch, all that happens is Elna strikes oil, inherits a fortune, and is visited by the President. Never has the West been wilder or funnier. A Reading Rainbow Feature Selection. Full-color illustrations.

Family Reunion


Chad Richardson - 2021
    Vivid, poetic language and rich illustrations bring readers along for the boy's emotional journey, as he ultimately finds himself enjoying the large and joyous gathering in spite of himself. This modern kid’s-eye view depiction of a Black American extended family celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties.

Grandad's Camper


Harry Woodgate - 2021
    They would surf, climb mountains, and tour the country in their amazing camper. Gramps just made everything extra special. But after Gramps died, granddad hasn't felt like traveling anymore. So, their amazing granddaughter comes up with a clever plan to fix up the old camper and get Grandad excited to explore again.This beautiful picture book honors love and reminds us not only to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate them.

The World Champion of Staying Awake


Sean Taylor - 2011
    But how can she sleep when Cherry Pig, Thunderbolt the puppet mouse, and Beanbag Frog are wide awake? "I’m the world champion of staying awake!" shouts Cherry Pig, bouncing on the bed. Luckily Stella is good at thinking up ways to get her toys to sleep - by taking them on a sailing Pillow Ship, a shoebox Midnight Train, and a toy-basket Starship Balloon. With luminous illustrations and an utterly charming text ("I’ve shut my eyes, but my feet are completely woken-up . . . "), this ode to a child’s imagination and boundless spirit is certain to be a winning choice at bedtime.