If You Lived 100 Years Ago


Ann McGovern - 1999
    Just turning on a light switch was a new experience. In 58 tantalizing questions and answers, author Ann McGovern gives readers a fascinating look at life in New York City at the end of the 19th century-where the rich and poor lived, how they dressed, traveled, dined, and entertained themselves, what kind of work they did. Readers may be surprised to learn that many children had to work for a living in horrendous conditions, that school were often inadequate and overcrowded (there could be 100 or more students in a single classroom), and that bicycling was the most popular sport in the country. (Baseball, cowling, tennis, football, boxing, golf, archery, and skating were also popular. Basketball and volleyball were new.) Together, the text and art are filled with details that bring the era to life for young readers.

Becoming a Good Creature


Sy Montgomery - 2020
    In this picture book adaptation of Sy Montgomery and Rebecca Green’s New York Times bestselling How to Be a Good Creature, learn the many surprising lessons animals have to teach us about friendship, compassion, and how to be a better creature in the world.

Sparky!


Jenny Offill - 2014
    Like the Caldecott Medal-winning Officer Buckle and Gloria, Sparky stars a pet who has more to offer than meets the eye. When our narrator orders a sloth through the mail, the creature that arrives isn't good at tricks or hide-and-seek . . . or much of anything. Still, there's something about Sparky that is irresistible.Winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award

Bees: A Honeyed History


Piotr Socha - 2015
    From Athena to Alexander the Great and from Egypt to Ethiopia, Bees explores different methods of beekeeping and uncovers the debt that humans owe this vital species. With beautifully accessible illustrations depicting everything from bee anatomy to the essentials of honey making, readers will be captivated by the endless wonders of this seemingly small speck of the animal kingdom.

The Gritty Little Lamb


Dan Allbaugh - 2020
    Includes a playable game!A 'growth mindset' children's picture book, The Gritty Little Lamb is a touching tale about joyful Lambie who loves playing games but has a hard time losing. His parents educate him about the value of hard work, perseverance and attitude to achieve his goal which, for right now, is beating Dad.With playful illustrations and spirited rhymes, this story teaches the value of determination and inspires every child to believe in the possibilities of their own abilities.Book details:*Beautifully illustrated in stunning detail.*An engaging and rhythmic read for adults with a story to which all kids can relate.*Several powerful and motivational quotes written in rhyme and easy to remember.*A great conversation starter to discuss attitude, patience, determination, goal setting, and losing with grace.*Includes a playable version of the same game that is seen throughout the book!*Great for bedtime, reading aloud, group discussion, and improving children's own reading skills.*Ideal for children ages 3-8.If you're looking for a heartwarming book that will teach your child important concepts while remaining fun to read, then The Gritty Little Lamb is for you. This engaging story will become a treasured part of your bookshelf which you and your kids will want to read again and again.

What A Bad Dream


Mercer Mayer - 1999
    Whether he's tossing in his sleep or needing a warm glass of milk, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect way to alleviate any fears of bad dreams!

If an Elephant Went to School


Ellen Fischer - 2015
    And in the end, you might find yourself asking just what would you learn.

Me and My Dragon


David Biedrzycki - 2011
    He argues his case to Mom and Dad with wit and charm, detailing the many benefits of dragon ownership: A dragon is the perfect bully deterrent! The perfect answer to snow-shoveling in the winter! The perfect trick-or-treating accessory! The perfect portable summer campfire! He swears he'll take really good care of it, too. He'll feed it, walk it, bathe it, take it to the doctor, and even teach it to fly.Clever and wry text paired with bright and comedic illustrations will make Me and My Dragon a storytime favorite for kids and adults alike.

What Is Punk?


Eric Morse - 2015
    Their crazy creativity matches the expressive spirit of punk....As [Morse] points out, the best way to learn about punk it just to listen....If invested adults love the topic, a shared reading experience can't be beat."-- Kirkus Reviews "Clay artist Yi molds...fantastically detailed Plasticine figures to create scenes of the birth of punk. Using a benign craft-project material for the skinny bodies and ragged clothing of Joey Ramone, Sid Vicious, and their rowdy, fist-waving audiences is very much in the spirit of punk (Plasticine is especially good for mohawks), and readers will spend long stretches inspecting her painstakingly modeled guitars, amplifiers, and safety pins."-- Publishers Weekly "Why It's Wild: A history of punk music for kids illustrated in Gumby-esque claymation (minus the –mation)."-- School Library Journal , 100 Scope Notes's "Wildest Children's Books of 2015""What is Punk? is fun, sophisticated and beautifully illustrated introduction to the music genre for kids--or adults."-- New York Daily News "Reading What is Punk? to [my kids] made me feel as if I was passing on something truly significant. Morse and Yi have created a comprehensive and articulate...documentary about the roots of punk rock."-- The Globe and Mail "An essential way to pass down to your son or daughter the lesson that pop culture can be political."-- The Globe and Mail , 100 Best Books of 2015"A cool book of punk history for kids by Eric Morse, with great clay illustrations by Anny Yi."-- Slate , Mom and Dad Are Fighting podcast"Eric Morse's book What Is Punk? explains the envelope-pushing genre to the younger set, and perhaps some adults, as well."--St. Louis Public Radio"Think Wallace and Grommet with liberty spikes and anarchy patches...While [Anny Yi's] images of Johnny Rotten and Henry Rollins are cute, they're presented as live action dioramas that are adorable, accurate and engaging."-- San Diego City Beat "While What Is Punk? is undeniably a children’s book, it can serve as a history lesson for potential fans of any age....What Is Punk? exposes the reader to the rebellious sub-culture in a friendly, educative manner."-- Alternative Press "A fun little book intended to serve as (rhyming) curriculum for little punks learning their Punk History 101....Sid, Glenn, and Milo meet Wallace and Gromit."-- Razorcake "Pairing Yi's Wallace & Gromit-style clay pictorials with Morse's rhyming ride through the history of punk music across the globe, the children’s book is ready to raise the next generation of riot grrrls....You're going to want to give What Is Punk? as a gift at every baby shower this year. Just don't be surprised if your niece ends up bleaching her hair blonde and tearing up her leather jacket at age 6."--Bustle"Written by Trampoline House founder Eric Morse in classically Suessical iambic, the book is lusciously illustrated with photographs of Play-Doh recreations of all mommy's and daddy's favorite punk heroes: the Ramones, Iggy and the Stooges--and Debbie Harry, David Byrne, David Johansen, Tom Verlaine, and Lou Reed all standing in front of CBGBs."--Bedford & BoweryWhat Is Punk? is a must-read pop-culture primer for children--an introduction to the punk revolution, recreated in vivid 3-D clay illustrations and told through rhyming couplets.From London's Clash and Sex Pistols to the Ramones' NYC protopunk, from Iggy Pop to the Misfits, this volume depicts some of our culture's seminal moments and iconic characters. A delightful read for kids and parents alike, illustrated in a truly unique visual style, What Is Punk? lays the groundwork for the next generation of little punks.

The Irish Cinderlad


Shirley Climo - 1996
    His new stepmother and her three daughters feed him crusts of bread and banish him to work in the fields. So Becan runs away.With the help of his only friend, a magical bull, he defeats a giant, slays a dragon, and rescues a princess. But before she can thank him, Becan disappears, leaving behind him one of his enormous boots. The princess scours the kingdom for the owner of the giant boot. Will Becan's feet give him away? And what will his fate be if they do?Folklorist Shirley Climo retells an age-old Irish tale that is an unusual twist on the popular Cinderella story. Just like his female counterpart, Becan has a mean stepmother and stepsisters. Unlike Cinderella, Becan has large feet and a magical bull for a fairy godmother. He defeats a sword-swinging giant, slays a fire-breathing dragon, and rescues a princess. But before the princess can thank him, he runs off, leaving her with only an enormous boot to aid her in the search for her rescuer. And, as in all Cinderella stories, true love prevails.

The Giraffe Who Found Its Spots


Adisan Books - 2020
    The giraffe visits a variety of different animals, trying to fit in with each group, but eventually learns that being different is normal and accepting yourself for who you are is what makes the world a wonderful place. Great bed time storybook for kids to illustrate the important lesson of being happy with yourself for who you are and accepting others for their differences. Lots of fun animal illustrations sure to make any child excited while reading and learning! Plenty of animals for whatever your child's favorite is including elephants, rhinos, hyenas, flamingos, ostriches, monkeys, gorillas, cheetahs, and of course, a giraffe!

The SheepOver


John Churchman - 2015
    Everyone in the farmyard is worried about her! Under the watchful care of Farmer John, Laddie the sheepdog, and Dr. Alison the mobile veterinarian, she slowly recovers. Dr. Alison tells Sweet Pea she can have a sleepover to celebrate as soon as she is well again. When the day finally comes, her closest friends Sunny, Prem, and Violet join her in the greenhouse for a fun and imaginative "SheepOver" celebration. This charming story of caring and friendship by farm owners John and Jennifer Churchman, brought to life with John's entrancing photo-illustrations, will enchant readers young and old. In the words of one of her many fans, "Sweet Pea brings a calming, authentic joy to my life that makes me laugh, cry and gives me hope that all is well in the world. . . . Everyone needs a little Sweet Pea in their lives!"

The Black and White Factory


Eric Telchin - 2016
    There are a few rules, though: No messes. No colors. No surprises allowed. EVER. But when the tour gets to the bar code room, some color has seeped in! It's up to the reader to try and rub it off and tilt the book so that it comes off, but nothing works! The animals then use a giant cleaning contraption and need you to help blow into the nozzle to power the machine, and it starts to work! But there's too much color to clean, and it blows color all over the factory. And the animals love it! But of course, they'll have to change the rules a bit now.

Peep and Egg: I'm Not Hatching


Laura Gehl - 2016
    No how.It is too scary out there.Peep wants Egg to hatch so they can do fun things together, like watch the sunrise, splash in puddles, and play hide-and-seek.But Egg is not cracking... Joyce Wan's bright and bold illustrations will have young chickies giggling at Laura Gehl's reassuring tale that takes the not out of I'm not.

The Buffalo Are Back


Jean Craighead George - 2010
    This stirring picture book tells the dramatic story, following bison from the Plains Indians to the cowboys, Teddy Roosevelt to the Dust Bowl, and from the brink of extinction to the majestic herds that now roam our national parks. Paired with gorgeous paintings by landscape artist Wendell Minor, Jean Craighead George’s engaging text will inspire a new generation to understand and protect nature’s delicate balance.