Praise Song for the Day: A Poem for Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration, January 20, 2009


Elizabeth Alexander - 2009
    These inspiring words by award-winning poet Elizabeth Alexander celebrate all that has made America what it is today and challenge us—as individuals, as communities, as a nation—to continue working toward the dream of a better world for all.

The Boy Who Cried Over Everything


Betsy Childs - 2011
    An experience with a slingshot and a sparrow helps him realize that it's okay to cry when you are sad, but it's best not to cry when you're mad.

Do You Know What I'll Do?


Charlotte Zolotow - 1958
     Do you know what I'll do at the seashore? I'll bring you a shell to hold the sound of the sea. In a little girl's magical question-and-answer game, Charlotte Zolotow captures, with unerring childlike simplicity, a sister's special love for her little brother.

Joan of Arc


Josephine Poole - 1998
    A biography of the 15th-century peasant girl who led a French army to victory against the English, witnessed the crowning of King Charles VII, and was later burned at the stake for witchcraft.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice


Nancy Willard - 1993
    Features watercolor and gold leaf illustrations by the Caldecott Medal-winning illustrators of Ashanti to Zulu.

WWE Undertaker


Kevin Sullivan - 2009
    It teaches children the ins-and-outs of his finishing moves, his nicknames, signature taunts and manager, as well as helping them become more comfortable with reading.

Waiting for Snow


Marsha Diane Arnold - 2016
    When his friend Hedgehog explains that everything comes in its time, Badger is as unconvinced and impatient as ever. But Badger’s friends have a few tricks up their sleeve to try to get the snow’s attention and distract their pal in the meantime. In the end, Badger sees there’s no trick—only waiting—until at last, it’s time.

A Child's Good Night Book


Margaret Wise Brown - 1943
    . . sleepy bunnies, sleepy birds, and sleepy children, too, are getting under their covers. "Jean Charlot's illustrations are first-rate." —NYT. Barbara Bader called this 1943 book, now restored to its original size and format, "the first of the true bedtime books." 1944 Caldecott Honor Book

Clancy & Millie and the Very Fine House


Libby Gleeson - 2010
    He is missing his old house terribly—the new house is much too big and much too lonely—and he wonders how he will ever make it his home. With the help of his new friend Millie, Clancy builds towers to the sky and trains to the street outside, and together they build the home that Clancy thought he had lost forever.

Love, Ruby Valentine


Laurie B. Friedman - 2006
    After Ruby Valentine misses her favorite holiday of the year, her parrot, Lovebird, convinces her that every day is the perfect day to say "I love you."

The Doll People's Christmas


Ann M. Martin - 2016
    She loves celebrating with her family, and she especially loves all the beautiful decorations Kate and Grandma Katherine put up in the dollhouse. She can't wait to have Tiffany and the rest of the Funcrafts over for their very first Christmas. But when the angel topper for the Dolls' tree breaks, Annabelle is convinced the holiday is ruined. And things only get worse when Kate and Nora decide to use the dolls to create a nativity scene downstairs, meaning Annabelle won't be able to keep her special traditions at all! But as Christmas spirit fills the Palmers' home, Annabelle realizes that all she needs for a truly perfect holiday is to share it with her friends and family.Praise for the Doll People series: The Doll People * "[A] marvelous treat." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review The Meanest Doll in the World * "Wrapped in humor and adventure are serious considerations of self-esteem, the power of intimidation, and the nature of friendship." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review The Runaway Dolls * "Fast-paced, satisfyingly developed, the book is doubly enjoyable for its foundation in a solidly imagined doll culture." -Publishers Weekly, starred review The Doll People Set Sail * "A rousing adventure that treats fans to thrilling action (on a miniature scale) and personable new dolls to discover." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

Alfie and the Big Boys


Shirley Hughes - 2007
    Alfie and Bernard wish that they could be friends with the most popular big boy, Ian Barger, but Ian never takes any notice of the little kids. One Saturday morning, mom takes Alfie and Annie Rose to a Plant Pot Sale. Alfie hasn't been there long when he spots Ian Barger screaming and yelling that he wants his mommy. Ian grabs Alfie's hand and holds onto him very tightly until his mom returns.

Can You Cuddle Like A Koala?


John Butler - 2003
    Can you cuddle like a koala, holding on tight? Or can you creep like a mouse in the pale moonlight? Join in the fun rhyme with all the little animals from around the world and copy their actions.

My Elephant


Petr Horáček - 2009
    But Grandpa and Grandma will understand — really. With his trademark vibrant, energetic illustrations, Petr Horácek introduces us to a delightfully enterprising child, some wisely laid-back grandparents, and the most endearing elephant you’ll ever want to meet.

Our Stars


Anne Rockwell - 1999
    But even though they're far away, stars are part of your world, too! Just lift up your eyes to see. Anne Rockwell explains the universe with bright pictures and simple text in a book that will delight any curious child's mind!