Book picks similar to
Keller's Heart by John Gray
dogs
childrens
picture-books
life-lessons
Shortcut
Donald Crews - 1992
The coast seems clear...This companion to Bigmama's will enthrall young readers at home or in the classroom. An exciting story with a clear implicit lesson and a happy ending, children will be on the edge of their seats as they follow along. A fun read-aloud, it also helps children ages 3 to 6 learn about how to share details of place in storytelling. Celebrate the bonds of family over generations with Donald Crews's evocative picture books Shortcut and Bigmama's.
The Invisible Boy
Trudy Ludwig - 2013
Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party... until, that is, a new kid comes to class.When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.From esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton, this gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource. Includes backmatter with discussion questions and resources for further reading.
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.
I'm a Pretty Princess
Crystal Swain-Bates - 2017
Although she has cute dresses, a sparkling tiara, and a shiny wand, she knows that being a princess isn't just about her fancy things, she has to put in work to be the very best princess she can be! By the end of this rhyming picture book, Makayla realizes that "It’s not my castle, my wand, or the dress that I’m in. What makes me a princess is what lies within!"
The Mighty Lalouche
Matthew Olshan - 2013
He was small, but his hands were nimble, his legs were fast, and his arms were strong. When his job was replaced by an electric car, he turned to boxing to support himself and his pet finch, Genevieve. But--"You? A boxer?" the fighters asked. "I could sneeze and knock you down!" Still, Lalouche refused to give up. And perhaps small Lalouche was just nimble . . . just fast . . . and just strong enough to beat his fierce competitors. This is a marvelous story, full of humor and heart, and illustrated by Sophie Blackall, winner of a New York Times Best Illustrated Award.
Annie and Helen
Deborah Hopkinson - 2012
Focusing on the relationship between Helen and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, the book is interspersed with excerpts of Annie's letters home, written as she struggled with her angry, wild pupil. But slowly, with devotion and determination, Annie teaches Helen finger spelling and braille, letters, and sentences. As Helen comes to understand language and starts to communicate, she connects for the first time with her family and the world around her. The lyrical text and exquisite art will make this fascinating story a favorite with young readers. Children will also enjoy learning the Braille alphabet, which is embossed on the back cover of the jacket.
An Ordinary Day
Elana K. Arnold - 2020
But then two visitors arrive at two houses, one to help a family say hello to a new baby and one to help a family say goodbye to a beloved pet.
No, No, Kitten!
Shelley Moore Thomas - 2015
She also wants a helmet and lasers and a puppy (!). And she wants to go to Jupiter, with that helmet, those lasers, and said puppy—don’t underestimate her. This witty picture book, about longing for what’s just out of reach, will appeal to both girls and boys who’ve always wanted to do the impossible. NO, NO, KITTEN! takes flight on the power of imagination and one feline’s ambitious dreams.
Space Dog
Mini Grey - 2014
Space Dog is zooming through Cake Space on the SS Kennel when he receives the first of many distress calls from the vast Spooniverse. Can he rescue the Cereal People, plug up the Ketchup Volcanoes, and defeat the Cheese Ants? All on his own? He might need some help. But Space Dogs, Astrocats, and Mousetronauts have always been sworn enemies! Can they put aside their differences to save the Spooniverse? This hilarious offering from the award-winning Mini Grey is a non-stop adventure, a celebration of imaginative play, and a triumphant story in which sworn enemies become . . . sworn friends!
Ish
Peter H. Reynolds - 2004
Anytime. Anything. Anywhere.Drawing is what Ramon does. It¹s what makes him happy. But in one split second, all that changes. A single reckless remark by Ramon's older brother, Leon, turns Ramon's carefree sketches into joyless struggles. Luckily for Ramon, though, his little sister, Marisol, sees the world differently. She opens his eyes to something a lot more valuable than getting things just "right." Combining the spareness of fable with the potency of parable, Peter Reynolds shines a bright beam of light on the need to kindle and tend our creative flames with care.
Sally Goes to Heaven
Stephen Huneck - 2013
In this book, Sally passes away and goes to heaven, where she lives happily and helps her family on Earth find a new pet. The book includes a removable magnetic photo frame that readers can use to hold a picture of their own beloved pet.
Praise for Sally Goes to Heaven
“Any family who has ever loved and lost a dog will find comfort in Sally Goes to Heaven. Stephen Huneck’s beautiful illustrations and simple text evoke an afterlife that is everything we could hope for our dogs—and ourselves.” —Ken Foster, author of The Dogs Who Found Me and I’m a Good Dog"The final entry in the late Huneck’s series about Sally the black Labrador is a touching account of Sally’s death from old age and her joyous experiences in heaven."--Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW"Huneck’s instantly recognizable woodcuts make each scene feel iconic, and his plainspoken prose will provide grieving young pet-owners with a measure of relief."--Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW"This title can help children remember the good times in both Sally’s or their own pet’s life."--School Library Journal"The folk art–style woodblock illustrations, in their directness and simplicity, are as comforting as the text."--Booklist
Antiracist Baby
Ibram X. Kendi - 2020
Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.
Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World
Sy Montgomery - 2012
Years later she was diagnosed with autism. While Temple’s doctor recommended a hospital, her mother believed in her. Temple went to school instead. Today, Dr. Temple Grandin is a scientist and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Her world-changing career revolutionized the livestock industry. As an advocate for autism, Temple uses her experience as an example of the unique contributions that autistic people can make. This compelling biography complete with Temple’s personal photos takes us inside her extraordinary mind and opens the door to a broader understanding of autism.
Princess! Fairy! Ballerina!
Bethanie Deeney Murguia - 2016
(We'll say only this: Keep your eye on the frog.)Princess! Fairy! Ballerina! is the perfect book for all the princesses, fairies, and ballerinas in your life!
Madlenka's Dog
Peter Sís - 2002
But her mother and father say NO! What is Madlenka to do? It just takes some imagination . . . Madlenka's friends on the block all play along, remembering the dogs of their childhood, and in the end it seems quite possible that there's more to Madlenka's dog than we can see. With his considerable charm, Peter Sís uses lift-up flaps and peek-through windows to bring us into Madlenka's magical world where play and fantasy make wishes come true.Madlenka's Dog is a 2002 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and a 2003 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.