Book picks similar to
My Island Grandma by Kathryn Lasky


picture-books
children-s-books
ccesl-1000-good-books
childhood

Grandmother's Pigeon


Louise Erdrich - 1996
    One year after Grandmother's departure, three eggs in one of the nests miraculously begin to hatch and out pops a breed of passenger pigeon long thought to be extinct. When too many visiting scientists threaten the three hatchling' freedom, Grandmother's family take matters into their own hands.

Ducky


Eve Bunting - 1997
    This engaging story based on a real event includes an author's note.

The Music in George's Head: George Gershwin Creates Rhapsody in Blue


Suzanne Slade - 2016
    Classical, ragtime, blues, and jazz—George’s head was filled with a whole lot of razzmatazz! With rhythmic swirls of words and pictures, author Suzanne Slade and illustrator Stacy Innerst beautifully reveal just how brilliantly Gershwin combined various kinds of music to create his masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue, a surprising and whirlwind composition of notes, sounds, and one long wail of a clarinet. Includes author’s note, timeline, and bibliography.

Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie


Herman Parish - 2010
    What could be better? Autumn! Hooray for apples and fall!

Katie's Sunday Afternoon


James Mayhew - 2005
    Children will come away with a deeper appreciation for fine art, as they join in Katie's museum romp.It's a Sunday afternoon, and Katie is bored. But Grandma knows just what will cheer her up -- a visit to the art museum. There, Katie once again finds herself on an unbelievable adventure through the paintings of renowned post-impressionist painters Georges-Pierre Seurat, Camille Pissarro, and Paul Signac. Children will enjoy learning about art, as they join in on Katie's exciting journey.

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love


Michelle Edwards - 2016
    Mrs. Goldman always knits hats for everyone in the neighborhood, and Sophia, who thinks knitting is too hard, helps by making the pom-poms. But now winter is here, and Mrs. Goldman herself doesn’t have a hat—she’s too busy making hats for everyone else! It’s up to Sophia to buckle down and knit a hat for Mrs. Goldman. But try as Sophia might, the hat turns out lumpy, the stitches aren’t even, and there are holes where there shouldn’t be holes. Sophia is devastated until she gets an idea that will make Mrs. Goldman’s hat the most wonderful of all. Readers both young and old will relate to Sophia’s frustrations, as well as her delight in making something special for someone she loves.A knitting pattern is included in the back of the book.

Hall-O-Ween!


Tia Perkin - 2018
    "Hall-O-Ween!" is a spooky little rhyming book about all the sweet bites and fun frights on Halloween day and night.

The Raft


Jim LaMarche - 2000
    He's not too thrilled about all the chores either—especially fishing. Before long, though, a raft appears in the nearby river, and it changes everything. As Nicky explores, the raft works a subtle magic on the obstinate young boy, opening up the wonders all around him: the animals of river and woods, his grandmother's humor and wisdom, and his own special talent as an artist.This is a serene story about a summer in the woods, appreciating things—and people—in a whole new light, and discovering one's own talents. School Library Journal proclaimed, "this dazzling picture book is an artistic triumph." A note from the author describes the similarities between LaMarche's and Nicky's life.Supports the Common Core State Standards

Toot & Puddle: Charming Opal


Holly Hobbie - 2003
    When his cousin Opal loses a tooth during a visit, Puddle dresses as the Tooth Fairy so that Opal's hope of receiving a shiny quarter will not be disappointed.

Buttons


Brock Cole - 2000
    "Wife! Wife!" he cried. "We are undone! My britches have burst and my buttons are burnt, every one!" After putting her husband to bed, the wife enlists the aid of her three daughters in replacing their father's buttons. The eldest promises to find a rich man who will give her buttons in exchange for her hand in marriage. The second daughter decides to join the army for the sake of the buttons on a soldier's uniform. And the youngest is going to run through the meadows with her apron held out before her, hoping to catch a few buttons falling from the sky. Which of these young ladies will succeed in restoring the family fortunes? The answer is the essential and satisfying stuff of fairy tales. Brock Cole's whimsical prose and pictures make this original story feel like a hundred-year-old classic.

Star Mother's Youngest Child


Louise Moeri - 1975
    The old woman had only one wish: to celebrate a real Christmas, with a tree and presents and candles and food. Just once.High up in the heavens, Star Mother’s youngest child makes a wish, too. “Mother!” he wails, “just once I want to celebrate Christmas like they do down there!” So Star Mother sends him to earth, where he finds a hut and knocks on the door . . .In this original, heartwarming fable, Louise Moeri tells the story of an unlikely friendship and how it made two Christmas wishes come true."In three words I can state clearly why I wanted to be a part of the children's book field: Trina Schart Hyman. In 1975, the year I graduated from college, I won a literary prize for my own writing and with the money I bought books. One book in particular altered the course of my life: STAR MOTHER'S YOUNGEST CHILD. Both the story and Trina's heartfelt illustrations propelled me to be a part of the wondrous world of children's books. I still have my first edition copy, a bit tattered from frequent readings and poring over Trina's artwork. Whenever I needed encouragement this book, with all its magic, gave me that artistic boost." Olivier Dunrea, author.

Anna and the Tooth Fairy


Maureen Wright - 2017
    Sophie is always up at night, her rattle looks just like a magic wand, and she’s even learning to fly! So Anna begins to teach her little sister all the skills she’ll need to be the best Tooth Fairy ever. But what will happen when Sophie is no longer in training? Will she go away? It’s up to the big sister to make sure that never happens!Maureen Wright’s charming text and Anna Chernyshova’s adorable artwork combine in this sweet story of sibling friendship.

Little Pig Saves the Ship


David Hyde Costello - 2017
    Little Pig is too small to go to sailing camp with his brothers and sisters, so his grandfather makes him a model ship, and together they sail it on the stream--until it gets carried away by the current, and Little Pig has to rescue the ship before it is wrecked.

All the Places to Love


Patricia MacLachlan - 1994
    . . no matter where you may live.” This stunning picture book is the perfect gift for parents of a new baby.“This loving book will be something to treasure."' –Booklist"The quiet narrative is so intensely felt it commands attention. . . . a lyrical celebration." –Kirkus Reviews

Minerva Louise at School


Janet Morgan Stoeke - 1996
    Here she stars in a back-to-school story that will give any young school attendee the giggles. Out for an early walk, she finds a big, fancy "barn" complete with a flag out front and paper-cutout window decorations. With typical featherheaded flair, Minerva discovers that she has a lot to learn. Full color.