I Wanna Iguana


Karen Kaufman Orloff - 2004
    He promises that she won't have to feed it or clean its cage or even see it if she doesn't want to. Of course Mom imagines life with a six-foot-long iguana eating them out of house and home. Alex's reassurances: It takes fifteen years for an iguana to get that big. I'll be married by then and probably living in my own house. and his mom's replies: How are you going to get a girl to marry you when you own a giant reptile? will have kids in hysterics as the negotiations go back and forth through notes. And the lively, imaginative illustrations show their polar opposite dreams of life with an iguana.

Thanksgiving for Emily Ann


Teresa Johnston - 2014
    With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, she feels a little ignored...and just a little bit sad. But just as Emily Ann prepares to do her worst, her family comes together to show her what matters most about Thanksgiving: family.With charming illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (ONE LOVE and EVERY LITTLE THING, both by Cedella Marley), this is a heartwarming holiday treat to share and treasure for many seasons to come. A celebration of family, friends, and the special day that brings them all together.

Pup and Bear


Kate Banks - 2017
     You are not my mother, said the wolf pup. I am not your mother, said the polar bear, but I can cuddle you and keep you safe.Here is a picture book that celebrates differences and promotes kindness, sure to resonate with the many fans of the beloved classic, Mama Do You Love Me? During the ice melt that follows an Arctic winter, a wolf cub finds himself spinning out to sea on a sheet of ice. He awakes lost and alone to an unfamiliar smell: a polar bear. And while the polar bear is not the wolf's mother, she takes him on her back to her den, where she feeds him, keeps him warm, and does everything a mother would do. Time passes, the cub grows into a wolf, and soon it's time for him to venture out into the wide world alone. Years later, the now grown wolf comes upon a tiny lost polar bear cub--and the cycle begins again. With poetic prose this beautiful picture book about the love and kindness of a stranger is sure to touch a deep chord, particularly with parents and children who have found each other in unexpected ways.

Little Elliot, Big City


Mike Curato - 2014
    In spite of the challenges he faces, Elliot finds many wonderful things to enjoy—like cupcakes! And when his problems seem insurmountable, Elliot discovers something even sweeter—a friend.

You Are a Beautiful Beginning


Nina Laden - 2020
    Inspired by this timeless adage, You Are a Beautiful Beginning combines lyrical storytelling and lovely art, blossoming into a celebration of self-love, friendship, and community. With beautiful simplicity and hidden depth, this meditative and magical picture book encourages readers old and young to discover their own endless potential. Kelsey Garrity-Riley's inviting, gently magical art pairs beautifully with a lyrical, deceptively simple text by Nina Laden to create a picture book that is equal parts inspirational story and peaceful lullaby.It is not wishing to be different. It is learning to love being you. It is not the end of your story. It is a beautiful beginning, too.This is another uplifting and original book from bestseller Nina Laden, the creator of Peek-A-Who and the author of If I Had a Little Dream and Yellow Kayak.

Big Bear Hug


Nicholas Oldland - 2006
    One day, the benevolent bear meets up with a human. This human proceeds to do something the bear cannot understand: he raises his axe and begins to cut down a tree. Suddenly the bear doesn't feel like hugging anymore and must make a difficult decision on how to stop this destruction in his forest.The environmental message of Big Bear Hug is both funny and powerful, while simple enough to engage very young children and show them the awesome power of a hug.

Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks


Margaret Sutherland - 2000
    Cheerful, colorful illustrations accompany the simple text in this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday that brings them all together.

My Mommy Medicine


Edwidge Danticat - 2019
    Her remedy includes a yummy cup of hot chocolate; a cozy, bubble-filled bath time; and unlimited snuggles and cuddles. Mommy Medicine can heal all woes and make any day the BEST day!Award-winning memoirist Edwidge Danticat's rich and lyrical text envelops the reader in the security of a mother's love, and debut artist Shannon Wright's vibrant art infuses the story with even more warmth.

No Such Thing


Ella Bailey - 2014
    Objects would move around the house and sometimes they even disappeared. Now, some people may have wondered (especially at this time of year) if this was the work of something spooky? But not clever Georgia! She has all the explanations and none of the fear! Join her in debunking the spookiest of ghoulish and ghostly mischief in this Halloween adventure!Ella Bailey is an illustrator and writer who recently graduated from Falmouth University, England, with a first class honors degree in illustration. Although a recent graduate, her charming characters and effortless storytelling easily belie her years. Her engaging narrative rhythm, and boundless imagination, is instantly captivating. Her art blends the plucky playfulness of a modern day Mary Blair with the whimsical sincerity of a millennial. No Such Thing is her first published work.

Leo the Late Bloomer


Robert Kraus - 1971
    But Leo's mother isn't. She knows her son will do all those things, and more, when he's ready.With its message of patience and humor, Leo the Late Bloomer is more timely than ever. As Children's Books and Their Creators commented: "Leo's reassuring 'I made it!' at the end delights young listeners who may have been scrutinized for early blooming by well-intentioned moms and dads. Deserves space on any parenting shelf."

The Berenstain Bears: Kindness Counts


Jan Berenstain - 2010
    In this addition to the Living Lights™ series of Berenstain Bears books, young readers will learn how to treat others with kindness. Children will discover ways to implement traditional values and share God’s goodness. The Berenstain Bears: Kindness Counts— part of the popular Zonderkidz Living Lights™ series of books—is perfect for:Early readers, ages 4-8Reading out loud at home or in a classroomStarting conversations with children about kindness, generosity, and grace The Berenstain Bears: Kindness Counts: Features the hand-drawn artwork of the Berenstain familyContinues in the much-loved footsteps of Stan and Jan Berenstain with the Berenstain Bears series of booksIs part of one of the bestselling children’s book series ever created, with more than 250 books published and nearly 300 million copies sold to date

Please, Mr. Panda


Steve Antony - 2014
    Panda for doughnuts?Patiently and politely, Mr. Panda asks the animals he comes across if they would like a doughnut. A penguin, a skunk, and a whale all say yes, but they do not remember to say "please" and "thank you." Is anyone worthy of Mr. Panda's doughnuts?Steve Antony has captured a cute panda, delightful animals hungry for doughnuts, and a manners lesson. With the black-and-white animals, plain backgrounds, and brightly colored doughnuts, Antony's art is bold, striking, and engaging.

Clark the Shark


Bruce Hale - 2013
    Clark zooms into school, crashes through the classroom, and is rowdy at recess. Clark loves life—but when his enthusiasm is too much for his friends, Clark's teacher, Mrs. Inkydink, helps him figure out a way to tone it down.Clark the Shark celebrates boisterous enthusiasm—and knowing when it's time for indoor voices!