The Jelly Donut Difference: Sharing Kindness with the World


Maria C. Dismondy - 2017
    They don’t always get along. In fact, there are times they can be downright mean to each other. The ooey, gooey jelly donuts in this story are a testament to the power of kindness, caring and generosity. Find out if Leah and Dexter will ever learn to get along! Bite into the power of paying it forward by adding The Jelly Donut Difference to your family’s home collection or classroom library.

Coretta Scott


Ntozake Shange - 2008
    Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta knew, too well, the unfairness of life in the segregated south.A yearning for equality began to grow.Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision and a journey—with dreams of freedom for all.This extraordinary union of poetic text by Ntozake Shange and monumental artwork by Kadir Nelson captures the movement for civil rights in the United States and honors its most elegant inspiration, Coretta Scott.

Chicken Soup, Boots


Maira Kalman - 1993
    A dazzling series of linked portraits deftly draws us into a colorful, fantastical world full of people engaged in assorted occupations. Full-color illustrations.

The Wall: A Timeless Tale


Giancarlo Macrì - 2019
    Soon, he sees that without people with various types of talents and expertise, his kingdom can no longer flourish. Realizing his mistake, he orders the wall to be knocked down so he can meet and thank all the talented people that make the community beautiful. With simple yet profound illustrations, dimensional elements, and an important lesson about diversity that's relevant to the world today, children will see how a society can be harmed when barriers are built and thrive when people work together.From the same authors of the popular children's books We Are All Dots and Mario and the Aliens, Giancarlo Macri and Carolina Zanotti provide more tender wisdom in The Wall, along with the colorful visual aid of illustrators Mauro Sacco and Elisa Vallarino.

Tommy O'Tom in a Tub O'Trouble


J.T.K. Belle - 2018
    Recommended for ages 2-5.

A Secret Worth Keeping


Lakisha Johnson - 2013
    They are all career women with different businesses or careers, husbands and even children but something is missing, something they can't find at home, in a store or even in a book. So, they search for this missing piece in the beds, arms, cars, offices and even in storage rooms of other men who don't mind paying for what Dem Dam Divas can offer. They enjoy the thrill of sneaking, creeping and even vacationing on someone else's dime but what happens when it all becomes too much? From being found guilty with no evidence, secretly wanting someone who doesn't want you, loving only to not be loved back, caught up in a dream that you're about to be awaken from; will it be worth it in the end? Will their secret lives be revealed and will it become too much to handle? Will they regret their actions or stand by them? Will they finally question whether this secret is really worth keeping?

Papa, Daddy, and Riley


Seamus Kirst - 2020
    She loves her two fathers! When Riley's classmate asks her which dad is her real one, Riley is confused. She doesn't want to have to pick one or the other. Families are made of love in this heartwarming story that shows there are lots of ways to be part of one.

Mama Loves You Always


Lindsey Coker Luckey - 2020
    Take your child on a journey about a mother’s love in this sweet, touching children’s picture book filled with beautiful watercolor illustrations and warm and engaging rhymes that speak to the power of a mother’s love and explain to children in terms that they understand just how immense that love is.Written for children of any age, this beautifully illustrated book will inspire, comfort, and make a young heart sing with joy and love.

Ming Goes to School


Deirdre Sullivan - 2016
    She meets new friends and introduces them to old friends (including her favorite teddy). She builds sandcastles and makes snow angels; she traces, glitters, and glues. She is so fearless that when held at sword point, she even walks the plank! And when she’s playing in the mud, she reaches out and touches the worms with her bare hands. But despite those brave deeds, she isn’t quite ready for the big red slide—not yet.This is a very sweet story with soft, evocative watercolor illustrations that will help kids to grow comfortable with the idea of starting preschool. Ming is curious and playful and ready for adventure, but even she gets scared of new things sometimes. Kids will relate to her desires and fears and will be excited to see Ming at the top of the slide by the story’s end.A quiet and reassuring picture book for preschoolers (3-5), this is a wonderful going-to-school story that can be read both at home and in the classroom or childcare center. The illustrations provide a lot of diversity of characters, making this feel like any classroom in any school in the country.

Festival of Colors


Surishtha Sehgal - 2018
    Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. And when at last the big day comes, they gather with their friends, family, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship, forgiveness, and, of course, fun!

Spare Dog Parts


Alison Hughes - 2016
    In a celebration of what makes a pet unique, a little girl imagines how an odd assortment of parts combined to make the perfect dog. With spare, inviting text from Alison Hughes and charmingly offbeat illustrations by award-winning illustrator Ashley Spires, this gorgeous picture book is sure to be an instant classic.

You Are Not Alone


Alphabet Rockers - 2022
    I am enough.It can be scary to feel like you're all on your own, especially in the face of prejudice. But always remember: you are not alone. Inspired by the Alphabet Rockers' empowering song "Not Alone," this uplifting picture book reassures kids that they belong and encourages them to love their beautiful selves and their identities, use their voices against hate, and step up for one another and have one another's backs no matter what.

Little Narwhal's Day: A Secret Creatures Book


Angela Castillo - 2019
    Children will love these bright pictures and fun characters while learning about animals of the snow and ice.

Jethro and the Jumbie


Susan Cooper - 1979
    Angry at his brother for not taking him deep-sea fishing, Jethro stomps off, meets a jumbie, and enlists its help in changing his brother's mind.

Don't Fidget a Feather!


Erica Silverman - 1994
    But Duck swims faster, and Gander flies higher. So which one is the champion Then Duck gets an idea: "Don't move," she says, "Don't talk. Don't fidget a feather And the winner will be the one and only, true and forever champion of champions.But as Duck and Gander stand stock still, along come a host of visitors -- including Fox. Will Duck run? Will Gander? Which is the true champion?Gentle, funny, and true to life, Erica Silverman's story was inspired by the children next door. S. D. Schindler's rendering of Duck and Gander, which captures perfectly their spirit of rivalry -- and of friendship -- was simply inspired. The result is another irresistible book by the creators of "Big Pumpkin."