Book picks similar to
Spirit of Hope by Bob Graham


picture-books
moving
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family

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

Shh! We Have a Plan


Chris Haughton - 2014
    Four friends, three big and one little, are out for a walk. Suddenly, they spot it—a beautiful bird perched high in a tree! They simply MUST have it and—SHH!—they have a PLAN. So they tip-toe, tip-toe very slowly, nets poised—"Ready one ... ready two ... ready three ... GO!" But, at the turn of the page, we find a ridiculous bunch of very tangled characters and a blissfully oblivious bird, flying away.

10,000 Dresses


Marcus Ewert - 2008
    Quite the contrary: "You're a BOY!" Mother and Father tell Bailey. "You shouldn't be thinking about dresses at all." Then Bailey meets Laurel, an older girl who is touched and inspired by Bailey's imagination and courage. In friendship, the two of them begin making dresses together. And Bailey becomes the girl she always dreamed she'd be!This gorgeous picture book—a modern fairy tale about becoming the person you feel you are inside—will delight people of all ages.

The Cow Who Climbed a Tree


Gemma Merino - 2015
    She believes that the sky is the limit and that everything is possible. But her sisters aren't convinced—and when Tina tells them she has climbed a tree and met a dragon, they decide that her nonsense has gone too far. Off they go into the woods to find her…and soon discover a world of surprises!

Tell Me a Tattoo Story


Alison McGhee - 2016
    The father tells his little son the story behind each of his tattoos, and together they go on a beautiful journey through family history. There's a tattoo from a favorite book his mother used to read him, one from something his father used to tell him, and one from the longest trip he ever took. And there is a little heart with numbers inside—which might be the best tattoo of them all. Tender pictures by New York Times bestselling illustrator Eliza Wheeler complement this lovely ode to all that's indelible—ink and love.

Harold Loves His Woolly Hat


Vern Kousky - 2018
    He wears it when he sleeps, when he goes to school, and even when he takes his monthly bath. But when a crow whisks the hat off his head and high up into a nest, Harold doesn't feel so special anymore. He tries everything to get it back--offering the crow blueberries, worms, and even shiny objects--but alas, the crow will not budge. Turns out that the hat has a new special purpose: keeping three baby crows warm. This heartwarming picture book features an irresistible bear and gently reinforces the notion that it doesn't matter what you have, it's who you are that matters.

7 Ate 9: The Untold Story


Tara Lazar - 2017
    Word on the street is that 7 ate 9. If that's true, 6's days are numbered. Lucky for him, Private I is on the case. But the facts just don't add up.It's odd.Will Private I put two and two together and solve the problem . . . or is 6 next in line to be subtracted?

The Owl and the Pussycat


Edward Lear - 1871
    Full color.

Robinson


Peter Sís - 2017
    A boy who loves adventure.A mysterious solo journey.A remote island wilderness.Peter Sís blends a true story from his childhood with the fictional adventure of Robinson Crusoe.

What If, Pig?


Linzie Hunter - 2021
    Pig is so incredibly kind, fabulously fun, but he also has a big secret—he’s a tremendous worrier! When Pig gets the brilliant idea to throw a party for Mouse and their friends, he can’t help but think of everything that could possibly go wrong. After all, what if a lion eats all the invitations? What if nobody comes? Or worse, what if everyone comes and has an awful time? In this adorable story, Linzie Hunter’s charming, bright illustrations pair perfectly with her sweet and funny story about friendship and the endless wonder of "what if" that readers of all ages can relate to. This picture book is a great conversation starter in the home or classroom.

Bobo and the New Baby


Rebecca Minhsuan Huang - 2018
    Meet Bobo.Bobo is a dog who likes his life just the way it is: at the center of his beloved parents' attention.But a new baby is about to change everything…In this warmhearted new-sibling book, Bobo proves that dogs are not only man’s best friend, but baby’s best friend, too.

Go! Go! Go! Stop!


Charise Mericle Harper - 2014
    Little Green helps them do their jobs with gusto. Until . . . there is a little too much gusto. They can go, go, go . . . but how will they stop?This bright, fun book with a bold package captures the endless energy of little boys and the timeless appeal of trucks and machines--both for building and knocking down. Plus, it has an underlying message about working together to get things done.

Bright Star


Yuyi Morales - 2021
    A gentle voice urges her onward, to face her fears and challenge the obstacles that seek to hold her back.Child, you are awake! You are alive! You are a bright star, Inside our hearts.

There's Something in My Attic


Mercer Mayer - 1988
    Full-color illustrations.

Baby Bear


Kadir Nelson - 2014
    From Kadir Nelson, winner of the Caldecott Honor and the Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator Awards, comes a transcendent picture book in the tradition of Margaret Wise Brown about a lost little bear searching for home.This simple story works on so many levels: as the tale of a bear who finds his way home with the help of his animal friends; as a reassuring way to show children how to comfort themselves and find their way in everyday life; and on a more philosophical level, as a method of teaching readers that by listening to your heart and trusting yourself, you will always find a true home within yourself--and that even when it feels like you are alone, you never really are.Supports the Common Core State Standards