Eventually our hero realizes that it's OK to be scared sometimes, and there are ways he can help himself when he's frightened.

    "This is Thunder Cake baking weather," calls Grandma, as she and her granddaughter hurry to gather the ingredients around the farm. A real Thunder Cake must reach the oven before the storm arrives. But the list of ingredients is long and not easy to find . . . and the storm is coming closer all the time!Reaching once again into her rich childhood experience, Patricia Polacco tells the memorable story of how her grandma--her Babushka--helped her overcome her fear of thunder when she was a little girl. Ms. Polacco's vivid memories of her grandmother's endearing answer to a child's fear, accompanied by her bright folk-art illustrations, turn a frightening thunderstorm into an adventure and ultimately . . . a celebration!Whether the first clap of thunder finds you buried under the bedcovers or happily anticipating the coming storm, Thunder Cake is a story that will bring new meaning and possibility to the excitement of a thunderstorm.

    In simple rhymes, Tang explains the fundamentals of how each number from 1 to 10 works. His poem "Four Eyes," for example, explains how any number multiplied by four can be merely doubled twice: "Four is very fast to do, when you multiply by 2. Here's a little good advice -- please just always double twice!" He then goes on to explain: "What is 4x4? It's 4 doubled twice. Double once: 4+4=8. Double twice: 8+8=16," and he even provides extra challenge questions below. All of his poems and problems are just as easy (e.g., a number times 6 is tripled, then doubled; a number times 9 is multiplied by 10, then subtracted once), and the book is rounded out with full practice tables in the back.Tang provides children with an excellent lesson, helping them make sense of daunting math without a bombardment of complicated rules. Kids will cheer his winsome presentation, which is wonderfully complemented by Harry Brigg's computer illustrations of animals cavorting around and having fun. Both practical and pleasing, The Best of Times is math that'll help make homework and tests a breeze. Matt Warner

    Molly Lou Melon is different, but this doesn't slow her down.

    With rhythmic writing and engaging illustrations, Breathing Makes It Better guides children to breathe through their feelings and find calm with recurring cues to stop and take a breath. Simple guided practices, like imagining you are a tree blowing in the wind, follow each story to teach children how to apply mindfulness techniques when they need them the most.

    This vibrant and funny children's book is a playful way to introduce children to the power of meditation. With full color illustrations by the author, Moody Cow Meditates is a wonderful book for parents and children to share together. It all started one stupid, rotten day when everything went wrong... Peter the cow is having a BAD day. After missing the bus and wiping out on his bike he loses his temper and gets in trouble. To make matters worse all the other kids are teasing him, calling him Moody Cow. Peter's day just seems to get worse until his grandfather comes over and teaches him how to settle his mind and let go of his frustration through a simple and fun exercise. You’ll love Moody Cow Meditates because it Teaches kids how to handle their negative emotions Encourages mindfulness ad meditation Is funny and easy-to-read Has full-color illustrations by the author throughout Includes exercises to make your own meditation jar at home “Teaching children to meditate might be as easy as herding any other group of frisky critters. Moody Cow Meditates fills a distinct void in kid literature.”—Publishers Weekly All of us, adults and children, struggle with ‘Moody Cow’ days sometimes, where we feel caught up in our anger and other emotions. This book is an accessible introduction to using mindfulness to find relief and calm.

    Through songs, puppets, and frank conversations, Mister Rogers instilled the values of kindness, patience, and self-esteem in his viewers, and most of all, taught children how loved they were, just by being themselves. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood reimagines the songs from the show as poetry, ranging from the iconic "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" to the forgotten gems. The poems deal with topics such as difficult feelings, new siblings, everyday routines, imagination, and more.

    So often as we race through life, we need the wisdom and perspective of a child to remind us what is important and what should be celebrated and remembered: the everyday joys and miracles and simple pleasures of life. Our children teach us and awaken our own inner child.

    There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV!This handsome new edition of Judith Viorst's classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages.

    Author Brian Cleary and illustrator Jenya Prosmitsky creatively clarify the concept of nouns for young readers. Nouns are printed in color for easy identification, and the playful rhymes and illustrations combine to highlight key words.

    . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside. With language that is lyrical but also direct, toddlers will be empowered by this new vocabulary and able to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions. With whimsical illustrations and an irresistible die-cut heart that extends through each spread, this unique feelings book is gorgeously packaged.

    Everyone tries to persuade her to buy a blue dress, brown hat and tan sandals, but Ann likes red instead. Red! Red! Red!

    This book will help them understand that death is a natural complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have following a loved one's death.Parents, teachers, and gift givers will find: language that is simple, direct, and easier for younger children to understandinformation on how to cope with the loss of a loved onea helpful book written by a psychotherapist and counselora whole series of books for children to explore emotional issuesThe A First Look At series promotes positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers, and encourage kids to ask questions and confront social and emotional questions that sometimes present problems. Books feature appealing full-color illustrations on every page plus a page of advice to parents and teachers.

    Free download includes songs and read-along with Joy.For Ages 4-7.

    When he's done, he put his books on the shelves. But when the children read the stories, they all wanted to meet the author... Will the library mouse finally share his secrets with his fans?