Book picks similar to
Sand in My Shoes by Wendy Kesselman


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summer
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Night Light


Nicholas Blechman - 2013
    Part guessing game, part counting book, NIGHT LIGHT is a boldly imagined book for the preschool child who loves cars, trucks, and anything that goes. With die-cuts on every other page, this rhyming story features vehicles and counting, combining a high interest preschool subject with important preschool concepts.

I Always, ALWAYS Get My Way


Thad Krasnesky - 2009
    When Emmy spills juice and her dad’s pants get "orange-hosed,” she takes refuge behind Mom’s knee. Expecting a reprimand, Emmy is surprised when Mom tells Dad, "Now, sweetheart, you should let it be. After all . . . she’s only three.” Once Emmy discovers that she’s too young to be punished, she constantly wrangles her way out of trouble by proclaiming, "I’m only three!” and pulls a handy weapon from her arsenal of manipulative maneuvers. With hilarious, rhyming text and energetic ink and watercolor illustrations that capture Emmy’s expressions, from angelic to livid, readers discover that Emmy can’t get away with her outrageous behavior forever and that her actions do eventually have consequences.

Trashy Town


Andrea Zimmerman - 1999
    Gilly. He cleans up Trashy Town. There’s trash at the pizza parlor, trash at the school, and trash at every house. It’s a big job, but Mr. Gilly does it with a big truck, a big smile, and loads of style.Trashy Town features a rhythmic, repeatable refrain that will have children clamoring for repeat readings. Dynamic art from acclaimed illustrator Dan Yaccarino puts the zip in Mr. Gilly’s stride and adds style and charm to trash collection. Perfect for fans of all books about things that GO!Dump it in, smash it down, drive around the Trashy Town!An ALA Notable Children’s Book

Beach Feet


Kiyomi Konagaya - 2012
    Free and independent despite his young age and the tube around his waist, the boy gives himself over to the ocean and the pleasures to be had at water’s edge. Throughout, the boy's connection to the beach through his feet—the feel of sand, shells, water—is never lost. Unusual perspectives and a pitch-perfect voice make this a standout.Kiyomi Konagaya was born in 1936 in Shizuoka, Japan. At university, he studied English literature and published his poetry in literary magazines. After graduation, he took a job at an advertising agency. In 1977 he won the prestigious Mr. H Award (for new poets) for Little Voyage 26. He also won the twenty-first Takami Jun Prize in 1991, and the twenty-fifth Contemporary Poetry Award in 2007.Masamitsu Saito was born in 1958 in a seaside town along Kujyukuri Beach in Chiba, so he grew up to the sound of waves. He studied graphic design at Tama Art University. His work can be found in magazines and books, as well as on chocolate packages.

Beach Baby


Laurie Elmquist - 2016
    Castles, sand dollars, seals peering out of the waves and the beat of the ocean become sweet reminders of all the magical things that await baby tomorrow. A lyrical celebration of natural beauty and a soft, reassuring reminder for little ones being tucked into bed that fun and adventure will return with a new day.Elly MacKay's paper-theater worlds are a delight to behold and infuse the story with a sense of magic and wonder. Beautiful verse from Laurie Elmquist sets a calm and serene tone. A breathtaking board book that will be treasured and make a wonderful gift.

Found Dogs


Erica Sirotich - 2017
    Babies and toddlers will delight in counting up each wriggly, wraggly rescue pup and then counting back down as each doggie is adopted. A bright, bouncy rhyme, jubilant art, and scads of adorable dogs will have wee ones giggling for more. These patient pound dogs.Now they’re family!Found dogs.

When No One is Watching


Eileen Spinelli - 2013
    But when everyone's watching, this book's shy young narrator finds it far easier to hide. With her best friend, Loretta, though, she doesn't feel shy, embarrassed, awkward, or odd -- not one bit. Together they're like two peas in a pod, whether anyone's watching or not.Any readers who have felt shy will certainly recognize themselves within the pages of this adorable book, which will encourage even the most timid of audiences with its celebration of the value of a good friend.Watch the trailer

Sandy Feet! Whose Feet?: Footprints at the Shore


Susan Wood - 2019
    Rhyming text turns a sandy beach into an outdoor classroom. The tracks and habits of local wildlife, including hopping sandpipers, scuttling crabs, and burrowing turtles, are identified and explained for young ecology detectives. Even Daddy's feet make an appearance! And at day's end, it's time for tired feet to make their way home. STEM-based back matter includes information on how clues like footprints can identify the type of wildlife inhabiting any given habitat.

Zora's Zucchini


Katherine Pryor - 2015
    Fortunately the ever-resourceful girl comes up with the perfect plan--a garden swap! Author Katherine Pryor and artist Anna Raff followup with their first book, Sylvia's Spinach, with this playful story of a child who discovers not only the wonder of growing food but the satisfaction of growing a community. Shelf Awareness, says "Zora's Zucchini satisfies every appetite with its clean, happy storyline and whimsical illustrations." and Tom Watson, EcoConsumer, writes "We'll never make headway with the pressing environmental issues of our time - such as climate change, community-building and food waste - without brilliant, fun little books like Zora's Zucchini ." A Whole Kids Foundation Book Club selection.

The Frog Who Lost His Underpants


Juliette MacIver - 2013
    Frog is in a frenzy, scattering the ants. Teddy s looking too now, this place, that place. Will they ever find those jolly underpants?

Over and Under the Pond


Kate Messner - 2017
    In this book, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Over the pond, the water is a mirror, reflecting the sky. But under the pond is a hidden world of minnows darting, beavers diving, tadpoles growing. These and many other secrets are waiting to be discovered...over and under the pond.

Things to Do


Elaine Magliaro - 2017
    There are wonders everywhere. In the sky and on the ground—blooming in a flower bed, dangling from a silken thread, buzzing through the summer air—waiting ...waiting to be found. In this thoughtful and ingenious collection of poems, Elaine Magliaro, an elementary school teacher for more than three decades and a school librarian for three years, and illustrator Catia Chien provide a luminous glimpse of the ordinary wonders all around us.

Chicken Said "Cluck!" (My First I Can Read)


Judyann Ackerman Grant - 2002
    Chicken wants to help. But it seems like the only thing Chicken is good at is getting in the way.Then grasshoppers invade the pumpkin patch, and Earl and Pearl can do nothing to stop them. Suddenly it's up to Chicken to save the day!This funny and satisfying book is a delightful treat for children just starting to read.