I vividly remember moving to Melbourne, knowing nobody, and in this large city, surrounded by millions of people, I felt lonelier than I had ever felt before. I think a lot of kids, as they enter new stages of their lives, can really relate to this feeling of loneliness, of being surrounded by people but afraid that they won’t make new friends, of feeling completely alone in the world.As I explored that theme for a new children’s book, I thought “what could be lonelier than the darkness of space?” That led me to think about how the Earth would feel if it were to wake up, surrounded by darkness, wanting to make friends.Would other planets be willing to open their hearts? Would the Earth be willing to take a chance and reach out to them? What if the other planets weren’t friendly? What if they didn’t like the Earth for who she was? Q - What do kids learn in this book? To cover the scientific bases first - I’ve been amazed at how quickly kids have learned the little facts that I brought into the story about all the planets. Like Uranus being blue and 4 times the size of Earth - when my son said that to me I was completely blown away by everything he remembered about the story.Everything in the book is based on scientific theory - some of it is debated of course, like how the moon came to be, and the age of the sun - but everything is based on our knowledge of the universe.The other thing, and the most important thing, that kids are learning, is that feeling alone in a new environment is something that everyone experiences. They learn that it’s ok to feel sad when they’re struggling to make friends. And they also learn that friendship is always only a moment (or a meteor) away. Q - What’s the feedback that has been the most surprising? I’ve been constantly surprised by, despite this being a picture book written for young children, how much this concept of feeling alone has resonated with an older audience. I know I had experienced the feeling, especially when in a new city, but so many people have reached out and told me they have felt the same. Q - Do kids love this book? I think that, when it comes to books about planets and space, it can be hard to really engage kids in the facts and the science. I’ve taken a completely different approach. I’ve built a really heartwarming story about the Earth and her emotions.

     Firenze's friends love her light, but Firenze doesn't think it's so great. How can she when it's nearly impossible to play a good game of hide-and-seek?!! When Firenze's light and a new friend's artwork unexpectedly combine, she must decide whether she will keep her light hidden or find the courage to let it shine. No bullying-Let's model healthy friendships Firenze's Light is a beautifully illustrated picture book that sets itself apart by leaving out the bullying and shame found in many traditional children's books. Readers will find encouraging, kind characters inspiring self-appreciation, gratitude, kindness and compassion. It's unfortunate that bullying will still happen in life, however Firenze's Light shows readers new ways to navigate conflict gently and compassionately, embracing rather than rejecting differences. The best book for bedtime The rich illustrations in Firenze's Light glow, creating a perfect opportunity for reading together, snuggled up in bed with a flashlight. This book will compliment a collection with titles from authors like Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar), Laurie Wright (I Can Handle It - Mindful Mantras) and Brandon Walden (Seeds and Trees). A book about loving who you are....even when it's difficult Embracing your differences doesn't happen overnight. It helps to have encouraging friends, positive language and patience. Author Jessica Collaco was inspired by authors like Rachel Hollis (Girl, Wash Your Face, Girl, Stop Apologizing), Brene Brown (Rising Strong, The Gifts of Imperfection) and Elizabeth Gilbert (City of Girls, Eat, Pray, Love) to create a book that encourages readers to shine from within. While Firenze twirled on the stage, she realized how powerful her light was. It was creating magical art, joy for her friends, and happiness in her heart. Suddenly, Firenze felt very grateful she was a firefly. Ideal for children ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, this is the first in a series of books that reflect gentle parenting and nurture universal values that inspire and empower kids. Firenze's Light is a thoughtful gift for a baptism, baby shower, dance recital and birthday. Perfect for toddlers, preschool, kindergarten, first grade and second grade. Printed in the USA with environmentally-friendly materials. "Your light makes you unique," said her Mother. "No one shines just like you."

    After Tovi’s decorated his house, the friends all meet at the farm to pick pumpkins. But what a surprise they get while they’re there! It gives them a good idea for a Halloween trick! Will their trick work? And will they get treats? Let’s find out ....Tovi books are designed in a simple animated way to give young readers the impression of watching a short film where Tovi and his friends play out their adventures.The books are aimed at children aged 2-6 (picturebooks), who hopefully will join Tovi in his mini-adventures, and learn something about life and the world around them. As the lovable characters in these books share a whole range of experiences, they learn about sharing, about helping each other, and most important, they learn the value of friendship.You'll be surprised what an exciting time little penguins can have!Tovi the Penguin is a children's book series. Also available to buy on Amazon: Tovi the Penguin - goes camping (Volume 1), Tovi the Penguin - goes away for Christmas (Volume 2), Tovi the Penguin - goes to London (Volume 3), Tovi the Penguin - goes into space (Volume 4) and Tovi the Penguin - goes into to the seaside (Volume 5).www.tovithepenguin.com

    How can he show them that he'd be a good friend? Or maybe he's just too scared to try. Poor Drake. Find out what happens to him in this fun story told in rhyme, accompanied by beautiful illustrations.Another quality children picture book from the father and daughter team of Michael and Rachel Yu.BONUS: FREE COLORING BOOK INSIDE ** Amazon Prime Members can download this book for FREE! **

    His mother would read him one book, or two, His father would sing ‘till his face turned blue, All day Michael ran and played and kicked ball, But then he’d just shrug: “I’m not tired at all.”

    Meet Tiny, a diminutive but determined T-Rex in a big world, as he embraces all obstacles against him in his quest to learn how to hug.

    A crafty bear, a timid bunny, a curious raccoon, and a few other forest animals--all peeking out from the pages of this book. Children will get caught up in the beautiful digital illustrations and laugh at the humorous text as they respond eagerly to the clues that keep them turning the pages as they try to figure out what the animals are doing out on in the woods.

    But Kayla could only imagine the worst-case scenarios as she tried to make friends at her new school. Will Kayla overcome her fear of rejection? Or will an overactive imagination get in the way?'What's the Worst that Could Happen?' tackles the subject of social anxiety in children with a deft, yet gentle hand. Children with social anxiety will find Kayla very relatable. Adults that struggled with shyness as children will also see themselves reflected in this book.

    Will separating finally make them happy? Or is it a huge mistake?Your 4-7 year-olds will enjoy getting to know these two spunky cherries and deciding which one they relate to more.Encourage the children in your life to celebrate differences while embracing similarities, with this heart-warming message about sibling and friendship love.Buy it NOW and sweeten someone's day!

     “Goodnight, Campsite,” is set in a beautiful nature park. The story follows visitors as they explore the park during the day (hiking, biking, fishing, etc.), and then returns with them to their campsite at night. Preschool-aged children will love the beautiful and colorful pictures – and searching for the squirrel hiding in the pictures. Rhyming text will keep children engaged, as they build sound associations and phonemic skills. Also included in the book is a Campsite Bingo game!

    It’s a wonderful story to read to the little ones you love. I Love My abc's Children will love learning about the alphabet in this fun book and activity. Join Little Pup and Grey Bear as they share all the things they love from A to Z! and Sweet Dreams, Little Pup One night, Little Pup went to bed early, being very excited to get to dreamland. There was just one problem. Little Pup couldn’t sleep. Watch Little Pup find a way to dreamland in this charming, beautifully illustrated bedtime story. This book encourages the imagination and helps children get themselves to sleep. What customers say: “ If you have young children who like a good story before bed then get this book! ” (Sweet Dreams, Little Pup) "The best children's learning book ever! " (I Love My abc's) " A wonderful book about caring and the meaning of love." (Why? Because I Love You!)

    Children aren't always prepared for the emotions that overcome them. Adults aren't either. Kappy is a regular little kid who feels a variety of emotions all day long. Sometimes she feels happy and glad, sometimes she feels blue and sad.Talking with her Dad about her feelings helps her understand her feelings and gives her ideas for things she can try when some days are blue.Parents appreciate the opportunity to talk with their children about happiness and sadness. It honors emotions while problem-solving how to perk up when feeling sad.Please note: if you suspect your child suffers from depression, please seek help! The National Alliance for Mental Illness can be reached at www.nami.org

    One, two, three.A book of happy animal pictures with simple rhyming text, and a happy ending!

     How long is this bear's beard? Are there really other animals with beards? And what exactly is this bear keeping tucked away in his beard? This picture book about kindness is perfect as a children's bedtime story and for fans of humorous books that encourage imagination and play.

    The young dragons all show off their new found flame, hoping the cup will dawn their name.The year of Zagonk is remembered above them all. It is forever whispered in dragon hall. It was because instead of a flame he honked at his dragon game. Not something a dragon was known to do but away his honk flew. That was also the year the Frost Giant caused all the dragons fear. But what happens when Zagonk brings his honk near? Find out what took place at dragon hall by adding another book from Pat Hatt to your wall.