All Those Secrets of the World


Jane Yolen - 1991
    When four-year-old Janie's father goes off to war, the rest of the family moves to the grandparents' on Chesapeake Bay, where Janie learns a secret of the world which helps her understand her father's long absence.

Amber on the Mountain


Tony Johnston - 1994
    Suddenly, Amber's world is filled with a new magic—and new challenges. But when Anna returns to the city, will Amber be able to keep reading on her own? Heartwarming. -- Publishers Weekly, starred reviewTony Johnston's previous books include Grandpa's Song and Yonder (both Dial and Puffin). She lives in San Marino, California.Robert Duncan is a fine artist whose paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States. He lives in Midway, Utah.

Just Me and My Babysitter


Mercer Mayer - 1986
    Whether they're making popcorn, playing checkers, or putting on jammies, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect way to help children become comfortable with their babysitter!

The Duchess Bakes a Cake


Virginia Kahl - 1955
    The Duchess put many things into the cake, adding the yeast six times for good measure. So the cake rose, and the Duchess with it - and how were they to get her down again?It is Gunhilde, the youngest of the daughters, who suggests a happy solution.This charming story, with its lively pictures and delightful combinations of words is fun for children - and fun for adults to read aloud.

When I Was Young in the Mountains


Cynthia Rylant - 1982
    Growing up in the mountains is depicted with a spare, lyrical text and beautiful, tender illustrations by Diane Goode. The book was awarded a Caldecott Honor Medal.

Cows Can't Fly


David Milgrim - 1998
    Crumb said cows were far too fat; that facts were facts and that was that. But this little boy doesn't care about facts. All he knows is that he drew a picture of some cows, and when a breeze blows it into the air, he sees cows flying everywhere. And if cows can fly, isn't anything possible?

A New Coat for Anna


Harriet Ziefert - 1986
    in full color. "A fresh and moving story of a mother's dedication to acquire a coat for her daughter in post-World War II hard times. Anna's mother decides to trade the few valuables she has left for wool and for the services of a spinner, a weaver, and a tailor. Lobel's pictures do a tremendous job of evoking the period. Insightful and informative, this may make children consider how precious the ordinary can become in times of turmoil."--(starred) "Booklist"

Papa Piccolo


Carol Talley - 1992
    Piccolo shows boys and girls about sharing their strength with those who are smaller, younger or weaker.

Lentil


Robert McCloskey - 1940
    A book that, along with its fun, truly illustrates the American scene.

Three Names


Patricia MacLachlan - 1991
    A child's great-grandfather reminisces about the times he and his dog Three Names went to school on prairie roads in a wagon pulled by horses.

Night of the Moonjellies


Mark Shasha - 1992
    A moonlight ride with Gram on a fishing boat takes them out on the ocean where thousands of moonjellies shimmer, and the boy slips his treasure back among them. Based on a childhood experience in New England, Shasha's narrative is full of small details that illuminate the story but don't impede it. His rich pastels combined with the text create a strong sense of place and time--the warmth of family relationships, the quiet companionship of the boy and his grandmother, the cheerful hard work and hustle-bustle of the concession stand, and the magic of the glowing sea. His use of light, shadows, and darkness in the luminous full-color double-page spreads invite readers right into the story. -- School Library Journal

Who Owns the Sun?


Stacy Chbosky - 1988
    On a warm spring day, a young boy asks his beloved father a simple question. "Who owns the sun?" His father wisely explains that no one can own the sun… nor can they own the wind or the stars. But when the boy overhears a shocking conversation, he must ask his father the most difficult question of all, "Can one human being own another?"Since it was first published 30 years ago, Who Owns the Sun? has touched generations of readers with its enduring message of freedom and the power of the human spirit.

Follow the Drinking Gourd


Jeanette Winter - 1988
    in full color. "Winter's story begins with a peg-leg sailor who aids slaves on their escape on the Underground Railroad. While working for plantation owners, Peg Leg Joe teaches the slaves a song about the drinking gourd (the Big Dipper). A couple, their son, and two others make their escape by following the song's directions. Rich paintings interpret the strong story in a clean, primitive style enhanced by bold colors. The rhythmic compositions have an energetic presence that's compelling. A fine rendering of history in picturebook format."--(starred) Booklist.

The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge


Hildegarde Hoyt Swift - 1942
    One day a great expanse of gray steel, which also shines a bright light into the fog and darkness, is built over it. The little red lighthouse feels insignificant and useless in comparison but soon learns that . . . small can be mighty!

The Rag Coat


Lauren A. Mills - 1991
    With paintings that capture all the beauty of Appalachia in authentic detail, this tender story about a resourceful mountain girl's special coat will touchreaders with its affirming message of love and friendship.