Book picks similar to
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The Day I Met Dr. Seuss


Anne Emerick - 2012
    Seuss tells the funny rhyming story of Annie G. Magee, a young girl who wants to meet Dr. Seuss and find out what makes him so unique. Not content to simply write to Dr. Seuss, Annie travels to his house, summons her courage and knocks upon the door. Dr. Seuss is not at home, but Annie isn’t ready to give up quite yet.

The Big Book of Happy


Natalie Marshall - 2015
    Monkeys are happy when they are swinging. I am happy when I am splashing…" Happiness can mean something different for everyone. The Happy Book is a celebration of the simple things that create happiness.

Alfie and the Birthday Surprise


Shirley Hughes - 1997
    MacNally, really does need cheering up. Alfie thinks a party might be just the thing, and there's an extra special surprise in store for Mr. MacNally. Full color.

The Queen of Colors


Jutta Bauer - 2001
    But when Matilda and Yellow begin to quarrel, not even Blue and Red can stop the argument. And before long everything in the kingdom turns Gray, until Matilda cries tears—bright colorful tears.   Jutta Bauer’s simple yet evocative story and pictures convey a rainbow of emotions as The Queen of Colors plays and jousts with her primary subjects—Blue, Red, and Yellow.

The Black Rabbit


Philippa Leathers - 2013
    There’s a large black rabbit chasing him. No matter where he runs — behind a tree, over the river — the shadowy rabbit follows. Finally in the deep, dark wood, Rabbit loses his nemesis — only to encounter a real foe! Kids who like to be in on the secret will revel in this humorous look at shadows and friendship, brought to light by a talented animator.

Borka: The Adventures of a Goose with no Feathers


John Burningham - 1963
    Soon six fine young Plumpsters hatched: Archie, Freda, Jennifer, Oswald, Timothy and Borka. But Borka was different. Borka had no feathers and could not fly. When winter came, the other geese flew off in search of warmer climates, leaving Borka all alone. But his adventure was only just beginning.

Room for Bear


Ciara Gavin - 2015
    Snead & Erin Stead’s Bear Has a Story to Tell.   When Bear wakes up one spring, he goes in search of a new home. And he thinks he’s found the perfect place. Unfortunately, things are a bit . . . snug. Can five little ducks find room for one big bear in their home—and in their hearts? Ciara Gavin’s luminous picture-book debut explores the unconditional love of families in all their colors, shapes, and sizes.

Owl Babies


Martin Waddell - 1992
    At last she does, and they all bounce up and down with joy, welcoming her home.

Hug?


Charlene Chua - 2020
    After coughing up a hairball, a girl's cat doesn't feel well. So the girl offers to give her cat a hug, which makes the cat --- and the girl --- feel better. A dog notices and asks for a hug, too. Then some ducks come along asking for hugs. And a skunk . . . and a bear --- and a porcupine! One animal after another comes asking the girl for a hug until she's simply had enough. How much more of this can she take? With spare text and wonderfully expressive illustrations, Charlene Chua has created a playful, funny picture book with an original premise. The story shows how important hugs can be to our happiness --- even the most unlikely of creatures sometimes need one! --- but that doesn't mean they're always welcome.The book is full of laugh-out-loud moments, most of which are found in illustrations that vividly portray the girl's emotions as she grows more worn out with every encounter, encouraging visual literacy. Each spread also shows a hint of the animal that will appear next, building anticipation for what's to come. There are character education connections here to compassion, tolerance and empathy, and a terrific opportunity for discussions about boundaries.

If Kids Ran the World


Leo Dillon - 2014
    In a colorful tree house, a rainbow of children determine the most important needs in our complex world, and following spreads present boys and girls happily helping others. Kids bring abundant food to the hungry; medicine and cheer to the sick; safe housing, education, and religious tolerance to all; and our planet is treated with care. Forgiveness and generosity are seen as essential, because kids know how to share, and they understand the power of love.The book closes with examples of fun ways to help others--along with FDR's "Four Freedoms" and "The Second Bill of Rights," which illuminate these concepts.A tribute to peace and a celebration of diverse cultures, this last collaboration by the Dillons captures the wondrous joy of all people, and the unique beauty within each one of us shines forth. If kids ran the world, it would be a better place--for grown-ups, too.

Visiting Feelings


Lauren Rubenstein - 2013
    Rather than labeling or defining specific emotions and feelings, Visiting Feelings invites children to sense, explore, and befriend any feeling with acceptance and equanimity. Children can explore their emotions with their senses and gain an understanding of how feelings can lodge in the body, as conveyed by common expressions like "a pit in the stomach" or "lump in the throat." Children can cultivate this emotional intelligence and nurture a sense of mindfulness. In essence, mindfulness is tuning into yourself and paying attention to the present moment without judging or analyzing what you are thinking or feeling. Practicing mindfulness can enhance many aspects of a person's well-being, help develop insight and empathy, and enhance resiliency. Taking the time to practice mindfulness as a family is a remarkable gift for parents to give to their children, and will help children as they navigate the teen years and adulthood. Includes a "Note to Parents" to provide more information about emotional awareness, and suggests ways to seamlessly incorporate mindfulness practices into your child and family's daily routines.

Wallpaper


Thao Lam - 2018
    It tells the story of a young girl whose family moves into a new house. Outside, she can hear other kids playing, but she’s too shy to say hello. So she picks at the old wallpaper in her room―revealing an entryway to a fantastic imaginary adventure world behind the walls.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Welcome to Narnia


Jennifer Frantz - 2005
    Read and learn about these four siblings and their adventures in this magical world.

On the Moon


Anna Milbourne - 2004
    You can fly into outer space, walk on the Moon and take a look at our world from a very, very long way away.

The Forever Garden


Laurel Snyder - 2017
     Every day, Honey tends her garden, thinning the lettuces, pulling up beets, and even singing to the kale. (Honey says if you listen carefully, you can hear the kale singing back!) Laurel, the little girl who lives next door, likes to help, weeding the rows, washing vegetables under the pump, and gathering speckled eggs from the chicken coop. But one day there is a FOR SALE sign in Honey's front yard. Honey's mother is sick, and she is moving away! What will happen to Honey's garden? And what will Laurel do without her friend? Here is a touching story that beautifully illustrates how friendship—just like a garden—grows. Praise for Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder: "Spare, poetic words sit as lightly as snowflakes." —The Wall Street Journal