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Hello fellow readers! Welcome to my classroom padlet! Here, you can find a variety of different books that may pique your interest. Over the course of this semester, I have been meticulously collecting handfuls of different books. Personally, this padlet has helped me brainstorm some helpful texts that will hopefully become a part of my own in-class library. Whilst this started as a personal interest, this padlet can help you as well! I hope this padlet allows you to jump into the literacy world! Whether it be for yourself or for others, this padlet can give you access to some high quality books.

As we can see, my library has been partitioned  off into certain categories. These categories include My Favorite Childhood Books, Diverse Reads, The Caldecott Books, The Newbery Medal Books, It’s Your Choice (banned books), Award Winners, There’s More (book in a series), Art, Nature, Animals, Friends & Family, and Read Alouds. Within each category you will find a variety of different types of books! with each book, I have linked a website as well as written a helpful summary of the text! I hope you enjoy looking through some of my favorite books!

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The book series “The Last Kids on Earth” by Max Brallier is a great book. This series focuses on a set of kids who are living in an apocalyptic world. The group must survive and battle zombies and monsters! This book is in a comic book like format! Be sure to look at how the text and images work together!

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A Netflix Original series!

The first book in the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling series, with over 7 million copies in print!

"Terrifyingly fun! Delivers big thrills and even bigger laughs."—Jeff Kinney, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Ever since the monster apocalypse hit town, average thirteen year old Jack Sullivan has been living in his tree house, which he's armed to the teeth with catapults and a moat, not to mention video games and an endless supply of Oreos and Mountain Dew scavenged from abandoned stores. But Jack alone is no match for the hordes of Zombies and Winged Wretches and Vine Thingies, and especially not for the eerily intelligent monster known only as Blarg. So Jack builds a team: his dorky best friend, Quint; the reformed middle school bully, Dirk; Jack's loyal pet monster, Rover; and the fiercest girl Jack knows, June. With their help, Jack is going to slay Blarg, achieve the ultimate Feat of Apocalyptic Success, and be average no longer! Can he do it?

Told in a mixture of text and black-and-white illustration, this is the perfect series for any kid who's ever dreamed of starring in their own comic book or video game.

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Read an Excerpt

chapter one

That's me.

Not the giant monster.

Beneath the giant monster. The kid on his back, with the splintered bat. The handsome kid, about to get eaten.

Forty-two days ago, I was regular Jack Sullivan: thirteen years old, living an uneventful life in the uninteresting town of Wakefield. I was totally not a hero, totally not a tough guy, totally not fighting giant monsters.

But look at me now. Battling a gargantuan beast on the roof of the local CVS.

Life is crazy like that.

Right now, the whole world is crazy like that. Check the shattered windows. Check the wild vines crawling up the side of the building.

All of these things are not normal.

And me? I haven't been normal, well, ever. I've always been different. See, I'm an orphan- I bounced all over the country, different homes, different families, before landing in this little town of Wakefield in December.

But all that moving, it makes you tough: it makes you cool, it makes you confident, it makes you good with the girls-it makes you JACK SULLIVAN.

Yikes.

Almost got a monster fist to the skull there.

I'm at CVS because I need an eyeglass repair kit-those little tool sets that dads buy for when their glasses break. I know, that's a lame thing to need. But I have a walkie and that walkie is busted and to fix that walkie, I need a really really really tiny screwdriver and the only place to get a really really really tiny screwdriver is in an eyeglass repair kit.

This was supposed to be a quick, easy trip to CVS. But one thing I've learned about life after the Monster Apocalypse: nothing's quick and nothing's easy.

This monster here is the foulest, most ferocious, and just plain horrible thing I've encountered yet. He's straight-up-

Yikes! The monster's massive fist pounds the roof until it cracks like thin ice. I trip, tumble back, and land hard on my bony butt.

It's time to stop being this monster's punching bag. See, I've kind of been the world's punching bag for a while and y'know-it just ain't a whole lotta fun.

So I'm fighting back.

I get to my feet.

I dust myself off.

I grip the bat in my hand. Not too tight, not too loose-just like they coach you in Little League.

Only I'm not trying to hit some kid's lousy curveball. . . . I'm trying to slay a monster.

Well, basically, he triumphs.

The monster's massive hand snatches me out of midair. I'm a thimble in his gargantuan grasp.

I try to grab hold of my baseball bat blade (aka the Louisville Slicer), but the monster's crushing grip pins my arms to my sides.

He pulls me in close to his face. Thick saliva, like slime, oozes down his lips. His eyes scan me over and his gaping nostrils flair as he inhales my scent. I feel like that blonde babe in King Kong. Only I don't think this beast wants to hug me and love me. . . .

He sniffs some more, blowing my hair back as he exhales. I turn my face. His breath, it's just- wow -my man here needs to floss.

I've encountered other freaky beasts over the last forty-two days, but none like this. None that examined me: looking me over, smelling me, studying me.

None that felt this terrifyingly smart. I have a sick feeling in my gut-a sense-something that tells me that this beast here is 100% pure, beyond beyond EVIL.

A smile seems to creep across the monster's face. A sinister smirk that says, "I'm not simply some primal thug. I'm a monstrous villain, a great evil, and I will enjoy inflicting pain upon your tiny human body."

With a spine-tingling moan, the beast's mouth opens wide, revealing an army of dirty fangs, with chunks of flesh between each tooth. I kick. I squirm. And, facing imminent death-by-devouring, I at last BITE. My teeth sink into monster flesh and his paw loosens slightly-just enough for me to wrap my fingers around my blade's handle, rip it free, and-

I slam the bat into the creature's thick cranium until he roars-a sound like BLARG!!!-and his palm opens and-

Uh-oh. . . .

I'm plummeting through the air, down through the hole in the roof, into the CVS. . . .

I land in the junk-food aisle. I snatch an Oreo from its package and jam it into my mouth. Mmm. . . . The Oreo is a whole lot stale, but whatever-an Oreo is an Oreo, and good snacks are hard to find these days. Plus, since the world ended, it's pretty much everything for the taking. And I'm not turning that down. No way.

Rising, I examine my predicament.

One of the monster's giant feet fills, like, the entire store. One toe in the school supplies aisle, another on top of the hair spray and deodorant aisle. Dashing up and over the monster's foot, toward the front of the store, I spot what I came for. . . .

I shove the kit into my pocket. But then-

The monster's clawed fingers tear through the roof like it's nothing. The ceiling collapses around me as I dart for the door. I'd love to stay for a while-flip through the magazines, check the sunglasses spinny thing for cool aviators, eat some Funyuns. But no time for that-y'know, giant monster and all.

I burst through the front door-

I dash past a crumpled car and through an overgrown yard, and slide beneath the caved-in porch of an abandoned house.

I pull out my camera. I always carry my camera. Always. I raise the viewfinder to my eyes, twist the lens, zoom in, and-

I photograph every monster I come across, so later on I can study their attacks and defenses and strengths and weaknesses and junk. Also, it's just rad to say, "I'm a monster photographer."

I give each monster a name, too. But what to call this guy? What to call a monster so terrifying that just looking at him scrambles my insides with french-fried fear?

The big beast roars again, a sound like "BLARG!"

Hmm. "Blarg." That's got a ring to it. . . .

Suddenly, there's a racket like a wrecking ball crashing into ten million Legos. The CVS is crumbling, collapsing, as Blarg stomps through its walls into the parking lot. When the smoke clears, I see the monster, fully, for the first time-upright, standing tall on legs as thick as tree trunks, a monumental terror. He is . . .

Blarg lowers his nose to the ground and sniffs. He lifts up a car and peeks underneath. Holy crud, he's on the hunt! He's searching! For me!

He scans the destroyed, decaying surroundings. He watches the porch. The porch I'm under . . .

I gulp. Can he see me?

I slowly inch backward, farther into the shadows.

He stares at the porch a moment longer, then raises his head to the sky. A deafening howl of frustration erupts from his lungs.

Guess he doesn't see me.

Blarg turns and stomps his way down Spring Street, away from the ruins of the CVS, sniffing along the ground as he goes. He's like a bloodhound, and now he has my scent. . . .

As I sneak out from beneath the porch, I think, "That was close."
Super way dangerous close.
But I'm getting used to things being super way dangerous close. What can I say? Life after the Monster Apocalypse? It's scary. And also a lot weird. But that's OK. I'm a lot weird, too.

Now, time to get back to the tree house. . . .

(Continues...)

Excerpted from "The Last Kids on Earth"
by .
Copyright &copy 2015 Max Brallier.
Excerpted by permission of Penguin Young Readers Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Editorial Reviews

★ 08/03/2015
Thirteen-year-old Jack Sullivan may be the world's last survivor in this terrifically funny illustrated novel from Brallier (Galactic Hot Dogs) and Holgate (the Case File 13 series). When a "Monster Apocalypse" comes to the town of Wakefield, some escape, others are "zombified," and still others-Jack hopes-are in hiding. As a foster child, Jack has had his share of hard knocks, so he tries to take his situation in stride and with wisecracking humor. With a tree house refuge "that's better-defended than Fort Knox, Stark Tower, and the X-Mansion combined," Jack searches for sustenance, other living people-especially his best friend Quint and his dream girl June-and weapons to fight hideous monsters and undead neighbors. Holgate's b&w cartoons (not all seen by PW) mix splatter-and-slime-heavy action sequences with humorous character profiles (a portrait of a "winged wretch" points out the creature's "huge, hooked talons like a freaking velociraptor"), all playing into Jack's gamified take on post-apocalyptic life. Snarky end-of-the-world fun. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House. Illustrator's agency: Shannon Associates. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"Terrifyingly fun! Max Brallier's The Last Kids on Earth delivers big thrills and even bigger laughs."— Jeff Kinney, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Diary of a Wimpy Kid

* "Middle-grade readers, particularly boys, will find Jack's pitch-perfect mix of humor, bravado, and self-professed geekiness impossible to resist. . . . The marriage of text and illustration serves as a perfect example of what an illustrated novel can and should be."— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Terrifically funny . . . Snarky end-of-the-world fun."— Publisher's Weekly, starred review

* "This book provides loads of laughs. . . . A gross-out good time with surprisingly nuanced character development."— School Library Journal, starred review

"The video-game-like plotting, gross-out humor, frequent pop-culture references, and quippy dialogue make this a great fit for reluctant readers. Recommend to Wimpy Kid fans looking for a horror-lite adventure."— Booklist

"Young zombie fans will rejoice in this new series that has all the oozing (by the zombies) and heroism (by the kids) that they could hope for."— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

From the Publisher

★ 09/01/2015
Gr 3-6-An apocalyptic monster attack has destroyed the town of Wakefield, leaving gigantic, slime-filled creatures in its wake. It appears that the entire population has been turned into zombies, except for 13-year-old Jack Sullivan. Jack is an abandoned foster kid trying to survive the catastrophe while living in a tricked-out tree house. In his daily fight for survival, which includes hand-to-hand combat using makeshift weapons, he locates two of his fellow students. One's a science geek, and the other's an oversize school bully. They unite to form a small army and set off to rescue a classmate they believe is trapped in their decimated school. The chapter book/graphic novel hybrid is fast moving and action packed. Loaded with outrageous devices such as a rolling ball of zombies, a revenge-filled creature with bad eyesight called BLARGH, and a monster-dog name Rover, this book provides loads of laughs. The characters are fully developed and honest in their adolescent interactions. Yet what sets this story apart from the typical gross-out fare is how these modern-day action heroes work through their emotions, which include love, loss, and extreme fear. Dynamic pencil sketches add to the hilarity. For readers looking to make the transition from chapter books to graphic novels, this is a foolproof initiation. VERDICT A gross-out good time with surprisingly nuanced character development.-Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library

School Library Journal

★ 2015-07-22
It's been 42 days since the Monster Apocalypse began, and 13-year-old Jack Sullivan, a self-proclaimed "zombie-fighting, monster-slaying tornado of cool" is on a quest to find and rescue his not-so-secret crush, June Del Toro, whether she needs it, wants it, or not. Jack cobbles together an unlikely but endearing crew, including his scientist best friend, Quint Baker; Dirk Savage, Parker Middle School's biggest bully; and a pet monster named Rover, to help him save the damsel in distress and complete the "ULTIMATE Feat of Apocalyptic Success." Middle-grade readers, particularly boys, will find Jack's pitch-perfect mix of humor, bravado, and self-professed geekiness impossible to resist. His sidekicks are equally entertaining, and it doesn't hurt that there are also plenty of oozing, drooling, sharp-toothed monsters and zombies and a host of gizmos and gadgets to hook readers and keep them cheering with every turn of the page. Holgate's illustrations play an integral role in the novel's success. They not only bring Brallier's characters to life, but also add depth and detail to the story, making plain just exactly how big Rover is and giving the lie to Jack's "killer driving." The marriage of text and illustration serves as a perfect example of what an illustrated novel can and should be. Classic action-packed, monster-fighting fun. (Horror. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews

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Customer Reviews

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The Last Kids on Earth (Last Kids on Earth Series #1)|Hardcover

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A Netflix Original series! The first book in the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling series, with over 7 million copies in print! "Terrifyingly fun!

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The book “Big Nate” by Lincoln Pierce is about a young sixth grade boy.  It is centered around a student's school and home life. This is quite similar books like “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”. Through these silly books, we can go on many adventures.

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Now an animated series from Paramount + & Nickelodeon!

For fans of the hilarious Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Get ready to meet Big Nate! In the very first novel in the New York Times bestselling series, Big Nate is in a class by himself!

Nate knows he's meant for big things. REALLY big things. But things don't always go your way just because you're awesome. Nate barely survives his dad's toxic oatmeal before rushing off to school-minus his lunch. He body slams the no-nonsense principal. He accidentally insults his least favorite teacher, the horrifying Mrs. Godfrey (aka Godzilla). And school has barely started!

Trouble always seems to find him, but Nate keeps his cool. He knows he's destined for greatness. A fortune cookie told him so.

Here comes BIG NATE, accidental mischief maker and definitely NOT the teacher's pet.

Get your reader into this beloved series with Big Nate: In a Class by Himself, the perfect book for anyone who's ever been to middle school.

" Big Nate is funny, big time."-Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid

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Product Details

ISBN-13:

9780062283597

Publisher:

HarperCollins Publishers

Publication date:

03/10/2015

Series:

Big Nate Series , #1

Edition description:

Reprint

Pages:

224

Sales rank:

26,794

Product dimensions:

5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.80(d)

Age Range:

8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Lincoln Peirce (pronounced "purse") is a cartoonist/writer and New York Times bestselling author of the hilarious Big Nate book series (www.bignatebooks.com), now published in twenty-five countries worldwide and available as ebooks and audiobooks and as an app, Big Nate: Comix by U! He is also the creator of the comic strip Big Nate. It appears in over three hundred U.S. newspapers and online daily at www.gocomics.com/bignate. Lincoln's boyhood idol was Charles Schulz of Peanuts fame, but his main inspiration for Big Nate has always been his own experience as a sixth grader. Just like Nate, Lincoln loves comics, ice hockey, and Cheez Doodles (and dislikes cats, figure skating, and egg salad). His Big Nate books have been featured on Good Morning America and in the Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and the Washington Post. He has also written for Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Lincoln lives with his wife and two children in Portland, Maine.

Lincoln Peirce (pronounced "purse") is a cartoonist/writer and New York Times bestselling author of the hilarious Big Nate book series (www.bignatebooks.com), now published in twenty-five countries worldwide and available as ebooks and audiobooks and as an app, Big Nate: Comix by U! He is also the creator of the comic strip Big Nate. It appears in over three hundred U.S. newspapers and online daily at www.gocomics.com/bignate. Lincoln's boyhood idol was Charles Schulz of Peanuts fame, but his main inspiration for Big Nate has always been his own experience as a sixth grader. Just like Nate, Lincoln loves comics, ice hockey, and Cheez Doodles (and dislikes cats, figure skating, and egg salad). His Big Nate books have been featured on Good Morning America and in the Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and the Washington Post. He has also written for Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Lincoln lives with his wife and two children in Portland, Maine.

Editorial Reviews

Many laugh-out-loud moments...There is so much to like here...The millions of Wimpy Kid fans will be thrilled to find another cartoon buddy to read about, this good-hearted king of detention.

Horn Book (starred review)

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Big Nate: In a Class by Himself (Big Nate Series #1)|Paperback

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Now an animated series from Paramount + & Nickelodeon!For fans of the hilarious Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Get ready to meet Big Nate! In the very first novel in the New York Times bestselling series, Big Nate is in a class by himself!Nate knows he&#8217...

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The book “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo was a Newbery Honor Winner! This book has an amazing story line that is filled with heart and friendship. It is about a young girl and her new dog. Together, they learn about many people's lives and histories. This is an amazing chapter book that is set in a more realistic setting. However, this story contains a multitude of others. It’s not just about the little girl and her dog. It is about other characters' stories that appear as well.

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Revisit Kate DiCamillo's beloved first novel with a beautiful twentieth-anniversary edition featuring an introduction by Ann Patchett.

"This book is (I hope) a hymn of praise to dogs, friendship, and the South," Kate DiCamillo said of her best-selling debut novel, which has been awarded a Newbery Honor, translated into nearly thirty languages, and turned into a major motion picture. The story of a preacher's daughter named Opal whose life is transformed by a scruffy dog named Winn-Dixie continues to touch the hearts of readers of all ages. Celebrate twenty years of Because of Winn-Dixie with a signature anniversary edition featuring a redesigned cover, an introduction by PEN/Faulkner Award-winning author Ann Patchett, and an afterword by Kate DiCamillo.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:

9781536226126

Publisher:

Candlewick Press

Publication date:

11/26/2021

Edition description:

Signed Edition

Pages:

192

Sales rank:

32,324

Product dimensions:

6.41(w) x 8.19(h) x 0.86(d)

Lexile:

670L ( what's this?)

Age Range:

9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Kate DiCamillo is the author of many adored and award-winning books for young readers, including The Tale of Despereaux and Flora & Ulysses, which each received a Newbery Medal, as well as The Tiger Rising, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Magician's Elephant,and the Raymie Nightingale sequence of novels. A former National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, she lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Hometown:

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Date of Birth:

March 25, 1964

Place of Birth:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Education:

Customer Reviews

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Because of Winn-Dixie Anniversary Edition (Signed Book)|Signed Book

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Revisit Kate DiCamillo's beloved first novel with a beautiful twentieth-anniversary edition featuring an introduction by Ann Patchett. "This book is (I hope) a hymn of praise to dogs, friendship, and the South," Kate DiCamillo said of her best-selling debut novel, which has been awarded a Newbery Honor, translated into nearly thirty languages, and turned into a major motion picture.

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This book “New Kid” by Jerry Craft is both a Newbery and Coretta Scott King Award! This book is about a black student who is 12 years old. The story centers around his journey in a new school.  It also deals with the concepts of culture and school!

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Editorial Reviews

...Jerry Craft's new graphic novel, is a gift to readers who love the genre...As a realistic graphic novel starring a kid of color, New Kid is a desperately needed addition to middle-grade library collections everywhere. This funny, heartwarming and sometimes cringe-inducing take on middle school is sure to resonate deeply with its young audience... New Kid is at once tender and tough, funny and heartbreaking. Hand this to the middle-grade reader in your life right away.

The New York Times Book Review - Victoria Jamieson

★ 11/26/2018
Riverdale Academy Day School is every parent's dream for their child: it has a beautiful sprawling campus, a rigorous academic curriculum, and ample extracurricular activities. It's also distinctly lacking in diversity. African-American new kid Jordan Banks would rather go to art school, but his parents have enrolled him, so he dutifully commutes to the Bronx from his home in Washington Heights, Manhattan. When he's not being confused with the few other students of color, he is being spoken to in slang, is receiving looks when financial aid is mentioned, or is forced to navigate many more micro-aggressions. Artwork by Craft interweaves the story with Jordan's sketchbook drawings, which convey the tension of existing in two markedly different places. The sketches show him being called "angry" for his observations, feeling minuscule in a cafeteria, and traveling by public transportation across different socioeconomic and racially segregated neighborhoods, changing his outfit and demeanor to fit in. This engaging story offers an authentic secondary cast and captures the high jinks of middle schoolers and the tensions that come with being a person of color in a traditionally white space. Ages 8-12. Agent: Judy Hansen, Hansen Literary. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

New Kid is at once tender and tough, funny and heartbreaking. Hand this to the middle-grade reader in your life right away.

The New York Times Book Review

★"Possibly one of the most important graphic novels of the year.

Booklist (starred review)

★ 11/01/2018

Gr 4-7-Jordan Banks is anxious about being the new kid at Riverdale, especially since he'd rather be going to art school. He's even more nervous when he realizes that, unlike in his Washington Heights neighborhood, at Riverdale, he's one of the few kids of color. Despite some setbacks, Jordan eventually makes a few friends and chronicles his experiences in his sketch pad. This is more than a story about being the new kid-it's a complex examination of the micro- and macroaggressions that Jordan endures from classmates and teachers. He is regularly mistaken for the other black kids at school. A teacher calls another black student by the wrong name and singles him out during discussions on financial aid. Even Jordan's supportive parents don't always understand the extent of the racism he faces. This book opens doors for additional discussion. Craft's illustrations are at their best during the vibrant full-page spreads. The art loses a bit of detail during crowd scenes, but the characters' emotions are always well conveyed. Jordan's black-and-white notebook drawings are the highlight of this work, combining effective social commentary with the protagonist's humorous voice. VERDICT Highly recommended for all middle grade shelves.- Gretchen Hardin, Sterling Municipal Library, Baytown, TX

School Library Journal

★ 2018-10-15

Jordan Banks takes readers down the rabbit hole and into his mostly white prep school in this heartbreakingly accurate middle-grade tale of race, class, microaggressions, and the quest for self-identity.

He may be the new kid, but as an African-American boy from Washington Heights, that stigma entails so much more than getting lost on the way to homeroom. Riverdale Academy Day School, located at the opposite end of Manhattan, is a world away, and Jordan finds himself a stranger in a foreign land, where pink clothing is called salmon, white administrators mistake a veteran African-American teacher for the football coach, and white classmates ape African-American Vernacular English to make themselves sound cool. Jordan's a gifted artist, and his drawings blend with the narrative to give readers a full sense of his two worlds and his methods of coping with existing in between. Craft skillfully employs the graphic-novel format to its full advantage, giving his readers a delightful and authentic cast of characters who, along with New York itself, pop off the page with vibrancy and nuance. Shrinking Jordan to ant-sized proportions upon his entering the school cafeteria, for instance, transforms the lunchroom into a grotesque Wonderland in which his lack of social standing becomes visually arresting and viscerally uncomfortable.

An engrossing, humorous, and vitally important graphic novel that should be required reading in every middle school in America. (Graphic fiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews

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Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature!Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is...

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The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

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The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

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This Caldecott winning book captures an amazing story about a twelve-year-old boy. In this story, this young boy is found working at a train station in Paris. He helps to keep the clocks ticking but his presence remains a secret. That is until one day, someone finds him. This is an amazing chapter book that engages the student through both its text and illustrations. All throughout this book, there are large chunks of images that help depict the story.

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ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together...in The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

This 526-page book is told in both words and pictures. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is not exactly a novel, and it's not quite a picture book, and it's not really a graphic novel, or a flip book, or a movie, but a combination of all these things. Each picture (there are nearly three hundred pages of pictures!) takes up an entire double page spread, and the story moves forward because you turn the pages to see the next moment unfold in front of you.

Click here if you'd like to watch the opening sequence of drawings in The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

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The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

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Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy.

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This book is an amazing take on the traditional folktale of the Three Little Pigs! Whilst the story begins the same, with the wolf knocking on each of the pigs doors, it has a very surprising ending. Instead of blowing their houses down, the pigs escape from their story book pages. They then hop into some other well known stories and make some helpful friends. It is with the aid of their friends that they find a interesting solution to beat the wolf. This book had been awarded a Caldecott medal.

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"Clever, whimsical and sophisticated." -New York Times Book Review
Taking visual narrative to a new level, this picture book from the creator of Tuesday and Flotsam begins a seemingly familiar tale of three pigs preparing to build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks. But when the Big Bad Wolf comes looking for a snack, he huffs and puffs the first little pig right out of the story . . . and into the realm of pure imagination! Dialogue balloons pepper a wide variety of illustration styles taking readers through a dazzling fantasy universe to the surprising and happy ending. You will never look at "The Three Little Pigs"-or artwork-the same way again!
"A funny, wildly imaginative tale that encourages readers to leap beyond the familiar; to think critically about conventional stories and illustration, and perhaps, to flex their imaginations and create wonderfully subversive versions of their own stories." - ALA Booklist, Starred Review

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Product Details

ISBN-13:

9780618007011

Publisher:

HarperCollins Publishers

Publication date:

04/23/2001

Series:

Edition 001 Series

Edition description:

Reinforced Binding

Pages:

40

Sales rank:

198,666

Product dimensions:

11.25(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.36(d)

Age Range:

4 - 7 Years

About the Author

David Wiesner is internationally renowned for his visual storytelling and has won the Caldecott Medal three times-for Tuesday, The Three Pigs, and Flotsam-the second person in history to do so. He is also the recipient of three Caldecott Honors, for Free Fall, Sector 7, and Mr. Wuffles. He lives near Philadelphia with his family. www.hmhbooks.com/wiesner

Hometown:

Outside Philadelphia, P.A.

Date of Birth:

February 5, 1956

Place of Birth:

Bridgewater, NJ

Education:

Rhode Island School of Design -- BFA in Illustration.

What People are Saying About This

Wiesner has created a funny, wildly imaginative tale that encourages readers to leap beyond the familiar; to think critically about conventional stories and illustration, and perhaps, to flex their imaginations and create wonderfully subversive versions of their own stories.
Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

"Children will delight in the changing perspectives...and the whole notion of the interrupted narrative...fresh and funny...Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite.
School Library Journal, Starred

As readers have come to expect from the inventive works of Wiesner, nothing is ever quite as it seems in his picture books. This version of the pigs' tale starts off traditionally enough—warm, inviting watercolor panels show in succession the tiny houses, their owner-builders and their toothy visitor. But when the wolf begins to huff and puff, he blows the pigs right out of the illustrations. Though Wiesner briefly touched on this theme in his Free Fall (fans may note a strong resemblence between the dragon in that volume and the one featured in these pages), he takes the idea of 3-D characters operating independently of their storybooks to a new level here. The three pigs land in the margins, which open out onto a postmodern landscape hung with reams of pages made for climbing on, crawling under and folding up for paper airplane travel. Together the pigs visit a book of nursery rhymes and save the aforementioned dragon from death at the hands of the knight. When they get the dragon home, he returns their kindness by scaring the wolf off permenantly.
Even the book's younger readers will understand the distinctive visual code. As the pigs enter the confines of a storybook page, they conform to that book's illustrative style, appearing as nursery-rhyme friezes or comic-book line drawings. When the pigs emerge from the storybook pages into the meta-landscape they appear photographically clear and crisp, with shadows and three dimensions. Wiesner's (Tuesday) brillant use of white space and perspective (as the pigs fly to the upper right-hand corner of a spread on their makeshift plane, or as one pig's snout dominates a full page) evokes a feeling that the characters can navigate endless possibilities—and that the range of story itself is limitless.
Publishers Weekly, Starred

With this inventive retelling, Caldecott Medalist Wiesner (Tuesday, 1991) plays with literary conventions in a manner not seen since Scieszka's The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (1993). The story begins with a traditional approach in both language and illustrations, but when the wolf huffs and puffs, he not only blows down the pigs' wood and straw houses, but also blows the pigs right out of the story and into a parallel story structure. The three pigs (illustrated in their new world in a more three-dimensional style and with speech balloons) take off on a postmodern adventure via a paper airplane folded from the discarded pages of the traditional tale. They sail through several spreads of white space and crash-land in a surreal world of picture-book pages, where they befriend the cat from "Hey Diddle Diddle" and a charming dragon that needs to escape with his cherished golden rose from a pursuing prince. The pigs, car and dragon pick up the pages of the original story and return to that flat, conventional world, concluding with a satisfying bowl of dragon-breath-broiled soup in their safe, sturdy brick house. The pigs have braved the new world and returned with their treasure: the cat for company and fiddle music, the dragon's golden rose for beauty, and the dragon himself for warmth and protection from the wolf, who is glimpsed through the window, sitting powerlessly in the distance. On the last few pages, the final wqords of the text break apart, sending letters drifting down into the illustrations to show us that once we have ventured out into the wider worl, out stories never stay the same.
Kirkus Reviews with Pointers

David Wiesner's postmodern interpretation of this tale plays imaginatively with traditional picture book and story conventions and with readers' expectations of both. . . .Wiesner explores the possibilty of different realities within a book's pages. . . . Wiesner may not be the first to thumb his nose at picture-book design rules and storytelling techniques, but he puts his own distinct print on this ambitious endeavor. There are lots of teaching opportunities to be mined here—or you can just dig into the creative possibilities of unconventionality.
Horn Book

null Children's Books: 100 Titles NYPL

Artwork explodes off the page and the layout pushes bookmaking convention as the porcine siblings and their pals explore new literary territory.
SLJ Best Books of the Year

null Best Books for Children Cahners

Editorial Reviews

Wiesner has created a funny, wildly imaginative tale that encourages readers to leap beyond the familiar; to think critically about conventional stories and illustration, and perhaps, to flex their imaginations and create wonderfully subversive versions of their own stories. Booklist, ALA, Starred Review "Children will delight in the changing perspectives...and the whole notion of the interrupted narrative...fresh and funny...Witty dialogue and physical comedy abound in this inspired retelling of a familiar favorite. School Library Journal, Starred As readers have come to expect from the inventive works of Wiesner, nothing is ever quite as it seems in his picture books. This version of the pigs' tale starts off traditionally enough -warm, inviting watercolor panels show in succession the tiny houses, their owner-builders and their toothy visitor. But when the wolf begins to huff and puff, he blows the pigs right out of the illustrations. Though Wiesner briefly touched on this theme in his Free Fall (fans may note a strong resemblance between the dragon in that volume and the one featured in these pages), he takes the idea of 3-D characters operating independently of their storybooks to a new level here. The three pigs land in the margins, which open out onto a postmodern landscape hung with reams of pages made for climbing on, crawling under and folding up for paper airplane travel. Together the pigs visit a book of nursery rhymes and save the aforementioned dragon from death at the hands of the knight. When they get the dragon home, he returns their kindness by scaring the wolf off permanently. Even the book's younger readers will understand the distinctive visual code. As the pigs enter the confines of a storybook page, they conform to that book's illustrative style, appearing as nursery-rhyme friezes or comic-book line drawings. When the pigs emerge from the storybook pages into the meta-landscape they appear photographically clear and crisp, with shadows and three dimensions. Wiesner's (Tuesday) brilliant use of white space and perspective (as the pigs fly to the upper right-hand corner of a spread on their makeshift plane, or as one pig's snout dominates a full page) evokes a feeling that the characters can navigate endless possibilities -and that the range of story itself is limitless. Publishers Weekly, Starred With this inventive retelling, Caldecott Medalist Wiesner (Tuesday, 1991) plays with literary conventions in a manner not seen since Scieszka's The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (1993). The story begins with a traditional approach in both language and illustrations, but when the wolf huffs and puffs, he not only blows down the pigs' wood and straw houses, but also blows the pigs right out of the story and into a parallel story structure. The three pigs (illustrated in their new world in a more three-dimensional style and with speech balloons) take off on a postmodern adventure via a paper airplane folded from the discarded pages of the traditional tale. They sail through several spreads of white space and crash-land in a surreal world of picture-book pages, where they befriend the cat from "Hey Diddle Diddle" and a charming dragon that needs to escape with his cherished golden rose from a pursuing prince. The pigs, car and dragon pick up the pages of the original story and return to that flat, conventional world, concluding with a satisfying bowl of dragon-breath-broiled soup in their safe, sturdy brick house. The pigs have braved the new world and returned with their treasure: the cat for company and fiddle music, the dragon's golden rose for beauty, and the dragon himself for warmth and protection from the wolf, who is glimpsed through the window, sitting powerlessly in the distance. On the last few pages, the final words of t

From the Publisher

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"Clever, whimsical and sophisticated.” -New York Times Book Review Taking visual narrative to a new level, this picture book from the creator of Tuesday and Flotsam begins a seemingly familiar tale of three pigs preparing to build houses of straw,...

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This story tells of a young girl named Sunny and her long journey to school. This book revolves around the concepts of weather and emotions. One day, as the students walked to school, it began to rain. Unlike the rest of the students, Sunny enjoyed this weather. She wore a classic yellow rain jacket and held a yellow umbrella. However, as the wind picked up, Sunny was swept aways by her umbrella up into the air. She flew over the town and over the sea! However, when over the sea she began to fall! Luckily, she landed in a boat. Throughout the book, Sunny faces many challenges on her way to school. However, she doesn’t let these events affect her outlook on a situation. Instead, she remains positive.

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SUNNY By celia Krampien
Published By Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan (2020)
"From debut author/artist Celia Krampien comes an unforgettable, transcendent story about the true power of optimism with this gorgeously illustrated picture book, Sunny.

Most people would say there is nothing good about trudging to school on a rainy day.

Most people would say that being carried away by the wind and dropped into the middle of a tumultuous sea is a very bad sort of situation.

No, most people wouldn't like that at all.

But Sunny isn't most people. Sunny likes to look on the bright side. And when things get exceedingly bleak?

Well, isn't that what friends are for?"

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Published By Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan (2020) "From debut author/artist Celia Krampien comes an unforgettable, transcendent story about the true power of optimism with this gorgeously illustrated picture book, Sunny. Most people would say there is nothing good about trudging to school on a rainy day.

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This book is about an old woman named Omu who one day decides to make an amazing stew. As the book continues, everyone seems to come to Omu to try and have a taste of her infamous stew. With each guest, Omu agrees and gives them a taste. However, by the end of the night, Omu realizes that she has left no stew for herself! Luckily, everyone who had been given a taste came back and gave Omu their own  tasty gift! This book has won the Coretta Scott King award and has need awarded a Caldecott Honor award. In the end, this book is about kindness, the act of giving, and creating a community!

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In this remarkable author-illustrator debut that’s perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street and Extra Yarn, a generous woman is rewarded by her community. Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu’s delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses...

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Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris

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Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris

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This story is about how two sisters who join forces to speak out and create change in their community. One day, the two sisters come across a brilliant idea to build a playground at their apartment. They realize that the kids there don’t have access to such things. Together, they begin to ask many adults for help and are constantly shut down. Until one adult agrees! This story talks about the power of teamwork, persistence,and community change.

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INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY FROM THE CHILDHOOD OF VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS!

A beautiful, empowering picture book about two sisters who work with their community to effect change, inspired by a true story from the childhood of the author's aunt, Kamala Harris, and mother, lawyer and policy expert Maya Harris.

"A must read for little girls around the world." -Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator from Massachusetts

"An inspiring tale." -Stacey Abrams, Former Minority Leader, Georgia House of Representatives; Founder and Chair, Fair Fight Action

"I love this book." -Megan Rapinoe, Co-Captain, U.S. Women's National Soccer Team

One day, Kamala and Maya had an idea. A big idea: They would turn their empty apartment courtyard into a playground!

This is the uplifting tale of how the author's aunt and mother first learned to persevere in the face of disappointment and turned a dream into reality. This is a story of children's ability to make a difference and of a community coming together to transform their neighborhood.

A New York Times bestseller!

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Product Details

ISBN-13:

9780062937407

Publisher:

HarperCollins Publishers

Publication date:

06/02/2020

Pages:

32

Sales rank:

50,641

Product dimensions:

8.20(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.10(d)

Age Range:

4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Meena Harris was born into a family of strong women whose legacy continues to inspire her. Meena herself is a lawyer and entrepreneur. In 2017 she founded Phenomenal, a values-driven, 360-degree media company that centers women and historically excluded communities. She currently resides in San Francisco with her partner and two daughters.

Ana Ramírez González worked as a visual development artist on Pixar's Oscar-winning film Coco and illustrated the companion picture book Coco: Miguel and the Grand Harmony by Matt de la Peña. Ana is also the illustrator of Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell. She grew up in Guanajuato, Mexico, and lives in Oakland, California.

Editorial Reviews

I love this book-the power of persistence and being bold is one of the most important lessons we can teach young people.

Megan Rapinoe

"An inspirational reminder to choose courage over fear, Kamala and Maya's Big Idea teaches a powerful lesson: if you're willing to fight with everything you've got, no dream is too big. A must read for little girls around the world."

Elizabeth Warren

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea is an inspiring tale that shows children the art of the possible when cooperation and imagination meet determined young minds. A simple but moving lesson on the power of organizing will resonate for this next generation of young leaders. More importantly, it will spark those who feel too small to chase their own big ideas and change their corner of our world.

Stacey Abrams

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea is an inspiring tale that shows children the art of the possible when cooperation and imagination meet determined young minds. A simple but moving lesson on the power of organizing will resonate for this next generation of young leaders. More importantly, it will spark those who feel too small to chase their own big ideas and change their corner of our world." %COMM_CONTRIB%Stacey Abrams

★ 2021-02-02
Before she was the first biracial, Black and South Asian female vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris was a little girl with big dreams.

One morning, Kamala and her sister, Maya, look out the window of their apartment and realize that their building is missing something essential: a playground! Following their mother's advice, Kamala writes (and Maya illustrates) a letter to the landlord asking for one in their building's courtyard. When they deliver their letter, the landlord immediately says no-but Kamala and Maya won't take that for an answer. After getting permission to build the playground themselves, Kamala, Maya, and the other kids in their building get organized. At first, most of the adults are too busy or too distracted to help them, and all they hear is no. But then Mr. Green says that maybe he could get materials for a sandbox-and, as far as Kamala and Maya are concerned, maybes can become yes es. By the end of the book, through ingenuity, perseverance, and cooperation, Maya and Kamala don't just have their playground: They also have the confidence they need to become lifelong public servants. In this sunnily illustrated picture book, author Harris-Vice President Harris' niece and Maya Harris' daughter-imagines the details of a true story her mother told her growing up. The clear and readable storyline deftly balances optimism with the challenges of community organizing.

The perfect text for both budding activists and children interested in what Vice President Harris was like as a child. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews

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INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY FROM THE CHILDHOOD OF VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS!A beautiful, empowering picture book about two sisters who work with their community to effect change, inspired by a true story from the childhood of the author's aunt, Kamala Harris, and mother, lawyer and...

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The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

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The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

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This book has be given a Caldecott medal award! The story begins from the perspective of an imaginary friend who has yet to be named. However, what the readers do know is that there appears to be an entire world of these imaginary friends. One by one, these friends are chosen by children. But not ours! As his imaginary peers disappear, ours patiently waits to be chosen by a child. Our friend then takes it upon himself to find his child. He sails to the real world to seek one. Just when all hope is lost, a young girl picks him and names him Beekle!

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Editorial Reviews

...[a] sweet, mind-bending gumdrop of a tale...

The New York Times Book Review - Sarah Harrison Smith

01/27/2014
On an island of imaginary friends waiting "to be picked by a child and given a special name," one friend-he's adorably pudgy, and wears a paper crown-resolves to wait no longer. He sets sail in a small boat, but the sea serpents and whales he encounters are not nearly as daunting as the real world, which is gray and pedestrian: "No kids were eating cake. No one stopped to hear the music." At last, his human appears: she's a geeky, mop-headed girl who likes to draw. A sweet sequence shows the two shifting and blushing next to each other; she turns to him with his new name: "Beekle." He's overjoyed. Santat (Crankenstein), a versatile and talented illustrator, ranges wide, drawing underwater ocean scenes, grim cityscapes, and appealing alien creatures. The third-person retelling weighs the story down somewhat-there's no conversation-and the pace drags as Beekle's search has more obstacles than it needs to. Affirming thoughts abound ("thinking about his friend gave him the courage to journey on"), but fans may miss the cracked humor of Santat's more irreverent work. Ages 3-6. Agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

Caldecott Medal Winner
New York Times Bestseller
#1 Indiebound Bestseller
Huffington Post Best Overall Picture Book of 2014
PBS Parents Best Picture Book of the Year
NPR "Great Read"
ALSC Notable Book for Children A Chicago Public Library Best Picture Book of the Year

"[A] sweet, mind-bending gumdrop of a tale."-The New York Times Book Review

"Bursting at the seams with charm."-The Huffington Post

* "There's something here that feels just right as an "unimaginary" friendship creates a joyous, recognizable bond. A terrific addition to any library."-School Library Journal (starred review)

"Beekle [is] a crowned white gumdrop of lovable cuteness...Welcome, Beekle. It's nice to know you."-Kirkus Reviews

"This story would comfort children looking for new friends and would also encourage children to reach out to someone different."-LMC

From the Publisher

Praise for The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend:
Dan Santat is one of the hardest working people in the industry today. And while his immense talent was always evident, Beekle takes his artistry to a new level. The story (which is just bursting at the seams with charm) begins on an island of colorful creatures, each waiting to be imagined by a special child and thus transported to the real world.... As with all great books, Beekle has an air of inevitability about it. As if somewhere out there is an island of perfect stories just waiting for the right person to come along and imagine it into being. We should all be grateful that Santat, with his brilliant use of color and humor, was here to bring Beekle to life.

The Huffington Post

★ 04/01/2014
PreS-Gr 2-How long would you wait and how far a journey would you make to find your truest friend? Born on an island for imaginary friends, Beekle waits to be "imagined by a real child." He waits and he waits, but his turn never comes. Filled with impetuous courage, Beekle does the unimaginable and heads out across deep waters until he reaches the real world. He finds that life there is so harried that no one notices him. Eventually, as he waits at the top of a star-leafed tree, a small girl with a friendly face calls out to him with a picture in her hand. They learn to be friends, share adventures and snacks, joke, "and together they did the unimaginable." Santat's attention to detail in the mixed-media illustrations shares a child's eye for laughter and movement on full-bleed spreads with strategically placed text. Gazes of wonderment, broad smiles, and changes in perspective ensure an easy transition from page to page. Beekle's round white visage and taped orange paper crown are immediately identifiable in each scene, a sharp contrast to his surroundings against variations of dark neutrals on a city street or the brightly colored dragons of a child's imagination. Like Beekle's new friend, there's something here that feels just right as an "unimaginary" friendship creates a joyous, recognizable bond. A terrific addition to any library.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

School Library Journal

2014-02-26
If an imaginary friend is unimagined, does it become a real friend? Beekle (a crowned white gumdrop of lovable cuteness) lives on a fantastic island with other creatures "waiting to be imagined by a real child." After seeing his companions leave, one by one, Beekle loses faith that he will ever "be picked and given a special name," and so he does "the unimaginable" and ventures forth to find his friend. Upon arriving at a port city, he observes adults going about their daily lives in monochrome, dingy settings that lack any spark of color or vitality. Perspectives that often isolate the tiny Beekle in corners or surround him with large figures accentuate his loneliness. Everything changes when he arrives at a playground awash in color and sees children playing with their imaginary friends-many of whom had been on his island. But even here, he still cannot find his special friend. Feeling sad, he climbs a tree, and from his perch, he hears a voice calling to him. Lo and behold, he meets his special friend, Alice. She's imagined him after all, as evidenced by the picture he retrieves for her, which is of himself handing her a picture. In a delightful comic sequence, the pair become acquainted, and "[t]he world began to feel a little less strange." Welcome, Beekle. It's nice to know you. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews

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The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend|Hardcover

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Dan Santat's Caldecott Medal-winning The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend is a humorous and thoughtful celebration of friends. This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a...

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Stacey’s Extra Ordinary Words by Stacey Abrams

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Stacey’s Extra Ordinary Words by Stacey Abrams

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This book is about a young girl who loves words! She sees their power and finds comfort in knowing more about them. She loves reading and spelling! One day, her teacher asks her to compete in a local spelling bee! Another student at her school is also competing. But he is very mean. Instead of being excited, the young girl becomes very nervous about this event. But in the end, she tries her best to win!

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#1 New York Times bestseller and NAACP Image Award Winner! The debut picture book from iconic voting rights advocate and bestselling author Stacey Abrams is an inspiring tale of determination, based on her own childhood.

Stacey is a little girl who loves words more than anything. She loves reading them, sounding them out, and finding comfort in them when things are hard.

But when her teacher chooses her to compete in the local spelling bee, she isn't as excited as she thought she'd be. What if she messes up? Or worse, if she can't bring herself to speak up, like sometimes happens when facing bullies at school?

Stacey will learn that win or lose . . . her words are powerful, and sometimes perseverance is the most important word of all.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:

9780063209473

Publisher:

HarperCollins Publishers

Publication date:

12/28/2021

Pages:

32

Sales rank:

12,724

Product dimensions:

11.10(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)

Age Range:

4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Stacey Abrams is the three-time New York Times bestselling author of While Justice Sleeps, Our Time Is Now, and Lead from the Outside; an entrepreneur; and a political leader. A tax attorney by training, she served eleven years in the Georgia House of Representatives, seven as Minority Leader, and became the 2018 Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia, where she won, at the time, more votes than any other Democrat in the state's history. She has launched multiple organizations devoted to voting rights, training and hiring young people of color, and tackling social issues at the state, national, and international levels. She is the founder of Fair Fight, Fair Count, and the Southern Economic Advancement Project. Abrams is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and sits on the boards of Climate Power 2020, the Women's National Basketball Players Association, the Center for American Progress, and the Marguerite Casey Foundation. She has received degrees from Spelman College, the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, and Yale Law School.

Kitt Thomas is a first-generation Lucian American author-illustrator and graduate of the Ringling College of Art and Design with a BFA in visual studies. Kitt's mission is to celebrate Black culture with their drawings and to encourage inclusion in all forms of art, as they found it hard to see themself properly represented in the media they enjoyed growing up. They have worked with such companies as Netflix, Hasbro, and Cartoon Network. Stacey's Extraordinary Words is their debut picture book.

Editorial Reviews

10/18/2021

With warmth and candor, politician and voting rights activist Abrams tells a fictionalized story of her first spelling bee, emphasizing the value of education, of focusing on effort over result, and of standing up to bullying. Narrating in the third person, Abrams describes schoolgirl Stacey's fascination with words ("Persnickety tickled her tongue"), including terms that comfort her when she is teased or lonely, and those that help her "explain what she was feeling." (Throughout, Abrams revels in multisyllabic words: "The days of the week were monotonous, torturous, and sluggish.") Alluring digital spreads by debut artist Thomas give Stacey, who is Black, curly pigtails and sparkly eyes filled with interest and curiosity. When an alert teacher notices Stacey's prowess and invites her to participate in a local spelling bee, the competition is intimidating, and so is her rival-Jake, a white bully who uses his knowledge to make other kids feel small. A dramatic spelling bee sequence distributes triumph and defeat in unexpected ways, and Thomas's spreads give the proceedings cinematic suspense. In competition, Abrams reminds readers, victory can take years to arrive-and integrity and courtesy are always more important. Ages 4-8. (Dec.)

Publishers Weekly

★ 10/22/2021

K-Gr 2-Abrams shares her love of words in this picture book drawn from a childhood memory. Young Stacey loves to read and write, collecting unique words in a notebook dedicated just to that purpose. When her teacher nominates her to represent the class in the school spelling bee, she isn't sure she can do it. Not only will it mean talking in front of a lot of people but it also means standing up to the kid in her class who uses words to hurt others. She knows that she will be nervous, but with lots of preparation and practice, she is ready for the bee and a showdown with the class bully. Readers familiar with Abrams, the public speaker and politician, will see the beginnings of a lifelong fascination with words, as well as the passion for fighting for others. Using clever layouts and eye-catching fonts, this book will draw in readers to the many words that fascinated the author. The tension between spellers will also come to life as words dance around the page; the struggle is visible on each speller's face. At times, the size and color of the text get lost in the dark hues of the digital illustrations, but the message of perseverance and the power of words will not be lost on the young. A word list and extensive author's notes are included at the end. VERDICT A great addition for collections looking for stories about current political figures, as well as story time with a biography emphasis.-Louie Lauer, Jefferson Elem. Sch., Fargo, ND

School Library Journal

2021-12-16
Before Stacey Abrams became today's leading voting rights activist and the first Black woman in American history to become a gubernatorial candidate, she was a spelling bee hopeful.

Stacey is a kid who understands the power of language. Ushered from infancy into the world of books by her librarian mother, she is a devoted student of the dictionary and a diligent young linguist in her own right, squirreling away words in a dedicated notebook. Quiet and awkward, she finds refuge and clarity in reading and writing. When she is nominated by her second grade teacher, Mrs. Blakeslee, to participate in the school spelling bee, Stacey is thrilled. However there is one problem-she will be competing alongside Jake, the class bully, whom she has always shrunk from; but, "perhaps at this spelling bee she would be braver." Readers follow Stacey as she painstakingly prepares, steps onto the competition stage-not once, but many times-and ultimately finds her voice with the loving support of her wise momma. The text is well turned, delivering both emotional resonance and compelling, albeit unromanticized, messages about the value of perseverance and the importance of speaking up for what is right. Thomas' bold, vibrant digital illustrations use spotlights as a motif, subtly foreshadowing young Stacey's future as a public speaker, and excel at depicting multiple scenes on the same page to create a sense of parallel action. Jake is White, and several illustrations include diverse representation.

This engaging, edifying, delightfully nerdy childhood retrospective from one of today's inspirational leaders speaks volumes. (Picture book autobiography. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews

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1 New York Times bestseller and NAACP Image Award Winner! The debut picture book from iconic voting rights advocate and bestselling author Stacey Abrams is an inspiring tale of determination, based on her own childhood. Stacey is a little girl who loves words more than...

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Becoming Vanessa by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

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Becoming Vanessa by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

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This book is about a young girl who was named Vanessa and her first day at school! At first, Vanessa feels very excited to go to school. She is so excited that she even dresses up for this special occasion. However, when she gets to school it isn’t anything like how she imagined. As the day continues, she begins to feel very self conscious about her look and the length of her name. She returns home that day noting how she wants to change it! Her mother then discusses with her what her name means.

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Get ready to go back to school with this inclusive, empathetic story that will help kids new to the classroom transform from timid caterpillars into beautiful butterflies who love exactly who they are! On Vanessa’s first day of school, her parents tell her it will be easy to make...

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This book has been identified as a Caldecott honor. This book describes an amazing adventure taken by some woodland animals. We begin with the bear who seems to be riding along on a plank of wood in the river. As the book progresses, more and more woodland animals join him on his journey down the river. However, the animals come across a waterfall! Together, they fall down and realize that the river had connected each and ever one of them! This story is about friendship and working together!

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A Caldecott Honor Book!A cheerful and action-packed adventure about the importance of friendship and community from a successful author and illustrator duo!O...

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This book is about a little dog named Roy. The book looks at Roy’s hobbies and dislikes. At the top of Roy’s list of hobbies is of course digging in the dirt. This is an everyday occurance in his life. However, at the top of his list of dislikes is taking a bath! This is a cute and fun book that can be a hilariously fun read!

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Editorial Reviews

02/17/2020

There's a classic Onion headline, "Dog Experiences Best Day of His Life for 400th Consecutive Day." One such dog is certainly Roy, a sturdy, uninhibited white pooch with black patches, pointy ears, and a gleam in his tiny eyes. Roy's raison d'être is dirt: "Roy digs dirt.... Roy eats dirt, sniffs dirt, watches dirt, and listens to dirt," writes Shannon ( Mr. Nogginbody Gets a Hammer). The filthy hound dominates every page, wallowing in mud ("dirt gravy"), creeping through a deliciously loamy "jungle" (the garden), and defending his turf ("GET AWAY FROM MY DIRT!"). The book doesn't hinge on any big plot point or obstacle-the biggest drama is the bath Roy has to have after encountering a skunk (baths, after all, "are the opposite of dirt"). But what this book offers is a real gift: the chance to spend time with an outsize personality whose happiness is pure, all encompassing, and seemingly without end-so long as the dirt holds out. Ages 3-5. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

* "The artist's familiar blotchy line and thick opaque paints capture Roy's carefree glee... Roy's raucous absurdity will appeal to beginning readers as well as delighting a storytime crowd." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review Praise for No, David!:A Caldecott Honor BookA New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year* "In this ode to bad and boisterous little boys... this book is perfect for reading aloud. Children will relish the deliciously bad behavior and the warm and cuddly conclusion." -- School Library Journal, starred review"The illustrations are wonderful, full of good-time trouble-making tomfoolery, borrowing on the energy of children's drawings and the determined strokes of their early attempts at lettering. David is a small, snaggle-toothed piehead whose mischief-for those who don't have to clean up after him-is nothing short of exhilarating." -- Kirkus Reviews"Readers won't be able to resist taking a walk on the wild side with this little rascal, and may only secretly acknowledge how much of him they recognize in themselves." -- Publishers Weekly Praise for Grow Up, David!:"The illustrations capture both the emotional intensity of David's roller-coaster world and, in hilarious close-up tableaux, a series of brotherly tussles, pranks, domestic disasters, and goofy bids for attention... Nice to see you again, David!" -- Kirkus Reviews Praise for Good Boy, Fergus!:* "Shannon's mixed-media illustrations, in the style of his David books, crackle with personality. Fergus's expressions and poses will be both funny and familiar to dog lovers, and the predominantly close-up perspective offers an immediacy that makes readers feel included in every second of the tail-wagging action. Paws down, Fergus is one memorable pooch." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review Praise for Duck on a Bike:"Shannon serves up a sunny blend of humor and action in this delightful tale of a Duck who spies a red bicycle one day and gets 'a wild idea.'... Add to all this the abundant opportunity for youngsters to chime in with barnyard responses ('M-o-o-o'; 'Cluck! Cluck!'), and the result is one swell read-aloud, packed with freewheeling fun." -- Publishers Weekly Praise for A Bad Case of Stripes:"The pictures are probably enough to attract young browsers, and the book's irony and wealth of detail may even interest readers in higher grades." -- Booklist"This very funny tale speaks to the challenge many kids face in choosing to act independently." -- School Library Journal

From the Publisher

02/01/2020

PreS-Gr 1-Roy is a little spotted dog. And he is a dog that digs dirt. He digs in it all day long. He loves to sit in dirt and roll in it. Dirt makes him happy and extremely dirty. Roy eats, sniffs, and even listens to it. He creates imaginary friends out of dirt and hunts for buried treasure in it. Roy really digs dirt. The only thing he doesn't like about dirt is getting clean-and ants! When there is no dirt around, there's usually trouble. Roy becomes mad and agitated. He tears the newspaper apart and rips the carpet. Then he scratches the door to get back to the dirt. Roy really cares about his dirt, too. He protects it against nighttime critters and dreams about it in his sleep. To Roy, there's nothing better than dirt. Shannon pens another zany, kid-friendly tale. Children will love the Roy's antics with his favorite thing...dirt. The text is simple and large, and the pictures do a good job telling the story. This is a light and breezy feel-good book that's perfect for storytime. VERDICT David Shannon fans-old and new-will enjoy this delightfully dirty book.- Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA

School Library Journal

2019-10-27
Roy the dog seriously digs dirt.

Who can blame him? Sitting, rolling around, and lying in dirt make him happy because dirt is so deliciously...well, dirty, and Roy loves being dirty. Eating, sniffing, watching, and listening to dirt are fantastic. Roy likes burying and unearthing cool, fun stuff in dirt, including some crawly critters and an imaginary friend, likewise named Roy. Surprisingly, there are things Roy doesn't dig about dirt, though: ants and mud. You see, rain makes mud, or "dirt gravy." Mud by itself is terrific; unfortunately, mud plus Roy equals very dreaded baths. Roy. Doesn't. Dig. Baths. What does Roy dig when there's no dirt around? Rugs, blankets, and newspapers suffice until he enters the jungle that is the backyard. Sadly, encounters with smelly trespassers could occur there, and-yep-baths might ensue! Still, all is well for Roy as he awakens each morning to a day filled with new dirty adventures. This is a rollicking story that will especially resonate with readers who are unapologetically messy. They'll revel in the delights of wallowing in grunge and may themselves sympathize with a bath-averse protagonist. Shannon's illustrations are comically energetic, and Roy's expressions are hilariously wild-eyed, tongue-lolling, and frenzied. Roy's white coat helps keep the focus on dirty patches.

Here's the dirt on this one: Kids will dig it. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews

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Woof! Meet Roy, an adorable white dog who is wild about digging, digging, digging in the dirt!David Shannon's picture books are loved for their endearing characters and laugh-aloud humor, and Roy's charming naughtiness will remind readers of what they love about Shannon's No,...

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This book is about a polar bear who lives by himself on his own little island. However, this doesn't last for long. Soon, a penguin comes to join him. With this appearance, the polar bear is a bit agitated but allows the penguin to stay. But then, the penguins family comes along with! This completely disrupts our polar bears life! As the book continues, we see how the polar bear must adapt to this new change. In the end, the polar bear becomes more accepting of his new residents!

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When Kirby, a fun-loving penguin, arrives on Polar Bear Island, she shakes things up—much to the dismay of Parker, the mayor. Will Parker learn to see how great it is to make new friends? Or will he chase Kirby away . . . forever?    “Welcome to Polar Bear...

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This book is a bout a young boy who goes out to play in the snow. On his way, his one of his mittens flies away. As the boy continues to play, some woodland animals come across his mitten. One by one, each animal tries to fit in the nice warm mitten! However, when the mitten becomes too packed, it blows away from the animals and back to the boy. Although now the mitten is a bit larger!

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In this bestselling modern classic, a young boy's lost mitten leads to a charming snowy adventure. Jan Brett's beautiful retelling makes a perfect holiday gift.

When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing.

One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax.

As the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see Nicki in the borders of each page, walking through the woods unaware of what is going on.

In her distinctive style, Jan Brett brings the animals to life with warmth and humor, and her illustrations are full of visual delights and details faithful to the Ukrainian tradition from which the story comes.

Jan Brett is also the creator of such wintery classics as The Hat, The Snowy Nap, Three Snowy Bears, The Animal's Santa, and The Night Before Christmas.

This book is also available in Spanish, as El mitón.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:

9780399252969

Publisher:

Penguin Young Readers Group

Publication date:

10/05/2009

Edition description:

20th Anniversary ed.

Pages:

32

Sales rank:

3,718

Product dimensions:

9.20(w) x 11.28(h) x 0.43(d)

Lexile:

600L ( what's this?)

Age Range:

3 - 5 Years

About the Author

With over thirty four million books in print, Jan Brett is one of the nation's foremost author illustrators of children's books. Jan lives in a seacoast town in Massachusetts, close to where she grew up. During the summer her family moves to a home in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.

As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."

As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."

Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."

With over thirty four million books in print, Jan Brett is one of the nation's foremost author illustrators of children's books. Jan lives in a seacoast town in Massachusetts, close to where she grew up. During the summer her family moves to a home in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.

As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."

As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."

Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."

Read an Excerpt

Mittens

By Jan Brett

Putnam Publishing Group

Copyright © 1998 Jan Brett
All right reserved.
ISBN: 0399234233

Chapter One

Once there was a boy named Nicki. He wanted mittens as white as snow.

"If you drop a white mitten in the snow, it will be hard to find," his grandmother told him.

But Nicki wanted snow-white mittens so much that Baba made them for him.

When she finished knitting, Nicki trot on the mittens and went out to play.

It wasn't long before one mitten fell off.

A little mole found it and crawled inside. It was just the right size, so he decided to stay.

A rabbit came hopping by. He wiggled in next to the mole.

A hedgehog wanted to get warm. The mole and the rabbit made room for him.

The owl didn't want to be left out. So the mole, the rabbit, and the hedgehog had to move over. The little mitten was getting crowded.

A badger looked out of his house and saw the mitten. He climbed right in.

It started to snow, so a fox pushed his way in and made himself right at home.

Then a big bear sniffed at the mitten. The animals were packed in tight, but the bear didn't care.

He crawled in anyway. The mitten was getting bigger and bigger and bigger.

Then a tiny mouse squeezed in and perched herself on the big bear's nose.

The mouse's whiskers tickled the bear's nose. "Aaaaa-aaaaa-ca-chew!" the bear sneezed. All the animals flew out of the mitten.

Continues...

Excerpted from Mittens by Jan Brett Copyright © 1998 by Jan Brett. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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The Mitten-3

Editorial Reviews

"The illustrations are exquisite . . . a charming lap book to be pored over again and again." - School Library Journal

"Readers will sit back and suspend belief and welcome this tall tale from the Ukrainian tradition." -"Grandmother knits snow-white mittens that Nikki takes on an adventure. Readers will enjoy the charm and humor in the portrayal of the animals as they make room for each newcomer in the mitten and sprawl in the snow after the big sneeze." -The Horn Book

From the Publisher

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In this bestselling modern classic, a young boy’s lost mitten leads to a charming snowy adventure. Jan Brett’s beautiful retelling makes a perfect holiday gift.When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is...

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This is a nonfiction text that looks at a multitude of different animals and their young. When reading this, the reader is open to a vast amount of information. They feel as though they are an explorer. The images/ illustrations of the book, offer a supplemental hand in drawing the readers in! The active illustrations and quality of information offer an amazing experience for kids to learn from.

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Travel around the world to meet amazing baby animals in this beautiful book by BBC wildlife expert Chris Packham and award-winning illustrator Jason Cockcroft. Every day, billions of creatures are born-and this fascinating, fact-filled book introduces kids to some of the...

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We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

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We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

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This book is about a courageous girl who takes up a mission to protect her tribe from the legend of the “black snake”. She notes how she will protect her tribe as well as those who cannot protect themselves from this coming evil. The author dives into looking a nature and pollution through an amazing and eye opening perspective. This book has won the Caldecott medal and stands to discuss the ideas of community, courage, and tradition.

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Notes From Your Bookseller

In an appropriately forceful and inspirational call to action, Carole Lindstrom's lyrical picture book about defending Earth's natural resources is a must-read regardless of age. Inspired by Indigenous-led movements across the United States, and particularly the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, Lindstrom's powerful words are matched with Michaela Goade's stunning illustrations to create a reading experience that will resonate for years to come.

Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal
#1 New York Times Bestseller

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption- a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.
Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .
When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And poison her people's water, one young water protector
Takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.

Product Details

ISBN-13:

9781250203557

Publisher:

Roaring Brook Press

Publication date:

03/17/2020

Pages:

40

Sales rank:

9,562

Product dimensions:

10.20(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.60(d)

Lexile:

AD510L ( what's this?)

Age Range:

3 - 6 Years

About the Author

September officially marks summer's end, but a new season brings brand new books to get excited about. From new books in beloved series like Percy Jackson and Dork Diaries to picture books you'll want to share with all your little ones, our most anticipated books this month are ones you won't want to miss.

From a book on our Discover Prize Shortlist to another on the Longlist for the National Book Awards year's favorite mysteries and so many in between, this has been a great year for Indigenous voices. While we are focusing on the current books by native authors, we'd be remiss if we didn't include other fantastic [...]

Editorial Reviews

...powerful...Goade's illustrations combine a mystical mood with the lovely fierceness of a child seeking justice.

The New York Times Book Review - Maria Russo

★ 01/13/2020

Metis/Ojibwe author Lindstrom ( Girls Dance, Boys Fiddle) honors those who fight to protect the Earth's fresh water. The words are spoken by a child who's shown first with her grandmother: "Water is the first medicine.... Water is sacred," the white-haired woman tells her. Bold strokes of light, limpid color wash across layered spreads by Tlingit and Haida artist Goade ( Encounter). The girl tells of the arrival of an oil pipeline, the "black snake" that will "spoil the water./ Poison plants and animals./ Wreck everything in its path." The half-bleached figures of a bird and a fish lie next to the pipeline leaking black sludge. "The plants, trees, rivers, lakes..."-Goade pulls back to view the Earth from space studded with stars-"We are all related." Observation is not enough, the book communicates: action is necessary. And the girl doesn't just participate in protest; she stands at the front, carrying a feather in one hand, as other protestors answer her call. "We are water protectors. WE STAND!" An author's note traces the story's genesis to the 2016 Standing Rock protests in the Dakotas. A passionate call for environmental stewardship. Ages 3-6. Author's agent: Kathleen Rushall, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator's agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Productions. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"Powerful....Goade's illustrations combine a mystical mood with the lovely fierceness of a child seeking justice." - The New York Times

*"This book will both educate and inspire youth." - School Library Journal

*"In this tribute to Native resilience, Indigenous author-and-illustrator team Lindstrom and Goade invite readers to stand up for environmental justice. An inspiring call to action for all who care about our interconnected planet."- starred review, Kirkus Reviews

*"Goade's watercolor illustrations fill the spreads with streaming ribbons of water, cosmic backdrops, and lush natural landscapes.... Lindstrom's spare, poetic text flows with the "river's rhythm." Written in response to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, famously protested by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe-and others-these pages carry grief, but it is overshadowed by hope in what is an unapologetic call to action." - starred review, Booklist

*"Observation is not enough, the book communicates: action is necessary... A passionate call for environmental stewardship." - starred review, Publishers Weekly

*"A gorgeous and empowering picture book with an urgent environmental plea." - starred review, BookPage

"Flowing words by Carole Lindstrom and lush art by Michaela Goade appear in immaculate synchronicity on every page of We Are Water Protectors."- Shelf Awareness

"...beautifully composed." - Horn Book

"This book celebrates indigenous-led movements to protect our planet's water. With gorgeous illustrations, it gives readers a sense of our connectivity." -Romper.com

From the Publisher

★ 04/01/2020

K-Gr 3-From swirling, detailed watercolor illustrations to lyrical text with the refrain, "We stand with our songs and our drums. We are still here," this title explores the Indigenous fight to protect water from pollution. A young Anishinaabe girl explains the prophecy of the black snake "that will destroy the land. Spoil the water. Poison plants and animals. Wreck everything in its path." The unnamed girl calls for action to protect all living things and "fight for those who cannot fight for themselves." The illustrations use rich colors and shading to show the intricate connection among all living creatures. A broken pipeline leaks into blue waters, turning fish and fowl into skeletons. Ghosts of ancestors surround children as an elder tells them the black snake prophecy. Black pipelines form the body of the snake on a red background, its mouth open and ready to strike. The author and illustrator notes focus on the need to protect water, and explain events at Standing Rock, where tribal members and their allies fought against an oil pipeline. A glossary of terms is provided, and the last page has an "Earth Steward and Water Protector Pledge" for readers to sign. VERDICT An accessible introduction to environmental issues combined with beautiful illustrations, this book will both educate and inspire youth. First purchase for all libraries.- Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Library, WA

School Library Journal

★ 2019-12-08
In this tribute to Native resilience, Indigenous author-and-illustrator team Lindstrom and Goade invite readers to stand up for environmental justice.

"Water is the first medicine," a young, unnamed protagonist reflects as she wades into a river with her grandmother. "We come from water." Stunning illustrations, rich in symbolism from the creators' respective Ojibwe and Tlingit/Haida lineages, bring the dark-haired, brown-skinned child's narrative to life as she recounts an Anishinaabe prophecy: One day, a "black snake" will terrorize her community and threaten water, animals, and land. "Now the black snake is here," the narrator proclaims, connecting the legend to the present-day threat of oil pipelines being built on Native lands. Though its image is fearsome, younger audiences aren't likely to be frightened due to Goade's vibrant, uplifting focus on collective power. Awash in brilliant colors and atmospheric studies of light, the girl emphasizes the importance of protecting "those who cannot fight for themselves" and understanding that on Earth, "we are all related." Themes of ancestry, community responsibility, and shared inheritance run throughout. Where the brave protagonist is depicted alongside her community, the illustrations feature people of all ages, skin tones, and clothing styles. Lindstrom's powerful message includes non-Native and Native readers alike: "We are stewards of the Earth. We are water protectors."

An inspiring call to action for all who care about our interconnected planet. (author's note, glossary, illustrator's note, Water Protector pledge) (Picture book. 5-12)

Kirkus Reviews

In a compelling audiovisual production of their Caldecott Medal-winning picture book, the Indigenous author/narrator and illustrator team of Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade encourage young listeners to become stewards of the Earth. "Water is sacred." An Indigenous child takes her grandmother's words to heart as she boldly encounters the "black snake" that threatens her community's water resources and fragile connections with nature. A captivating musical score and natural sound effects such as flowing water complement Lindstrom's narration. Pauses for page-turns allow listeners time to admire Goade's stunning illustrations. However, significantly more time is needed to appreciate these magical watercolors fully. The artwork provides an essential visual context for the narrative, dramatically enhancing the overall experience. Back matter includes author and illustrator notes and the Earth Steward and Water Protector Pledge. S.A.A. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

NOVEMBER 2021 - AudioFile

In a compelling audiovisual production of their Caldecott Medal-winning picture book, the Indigenous author/narrator and illustrator team of Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade encourage young listeners to become stewards of the Earth. "Water is sacred." An Indigenous child takes her grandmother's words to heart as she boldly encounters the "black snake" that threatens her community's water resources and fragile connections with nature. A captivating musical score and natural sound effects such as flowing water complement Lindstrom's narration. Pauses for page-turns allow listeners time to admire Goade's stunning illustrations. However, significantly more time is needed to appreciate these magical watercolors fully. The artwork provides an essential visual context for the narrative, dramatically enhancing the overall experience. Back matter includes author and illustrator notes and the Earth Steward and Water Protector Pledge. S.A.A. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

NOVEMBER 2021 - AudioFile

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Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal#1 New York Times BestsellerInspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption-a bold...

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This book is about a young boy named Liam who decides that his city is too gray and needs a change. He decides to plant his own garden on the roof of his building. This action sparks a city wide change. As time goes on, the garden begin to grow and spread across the city. The once gray area, turns into a colorful patchwork of greens!

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This New York Times bestselling modern classic explores the perennial topic of environmentalism in an urban world, from the creator of The Wild Robot...

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This book looks at all the events that happen in a garden. They look at the animals in a garden, from the bugs to the butterflies. They also look at how the seasons affect the garden and its inhabitants. This idea of a cycle is really emphasized. They discuss how life moves in such cycles! This book is told in poetic verse and holds beautiful pictures for students to view.

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“McCanna’s superb scansion never misses...Like its subject: full of bustling life yet peaceful.” —Kirkus Reviews Acclaimed author Tim McCanna celebrates gardens, nature, and all sorts of critters in this delightful and vibrant read-aloud picture book...

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This book is about three friends: Wren, El, and Hattie who go on a hike. Together they explore the woods and all it has to offer. The three really stop and take the time to look at the nature that surrounds them as the make some new discoveries. They take notes of their journey along the way to document their expedition!

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With lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world coupled with fun narrative featured throughout, this spirited picture book tells the victorious story of three girls' friendship&mdash;and their tribulations and triumphs in the great outdoors.

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This book is about a little girl who finds a box of yarn. With this box of yarn, she creates many helpful pieces for her friends, family, and even school mates. We come to learn that this box of yarn is magic! However, one day a nasty prince hears of this little girls triumphs and tries to steal the box of yarn away from her! In the end, the girl and her yarn box are reunited! This book explores the power of how art can be used as a tool to give to others! This story has been identified as a Caldecott honor book!

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Mac Barnett is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than thirty languages. His picture books include two Caldecott Honor-winning collaborations with Jon Klassen: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn. Among his other popular books are I Love You Like a Pig, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli, and The Magic Word, illustrated by Elise Parsley. He lives in Oakland, California. You can visit him online at www.macbarnett.com.

Jon Klassen grew up in Niagara Falls, Canada, and now lives in Los Angeles, California. He is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of several books, including I Want My Hat Back and This Is Not My Hat, for which he won the Caldecott Medal. Two of his picture books have been named Caldecott Honor books: Sam and Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn (winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award), both by Mac Barnett. You can visit him online at www.burstofbeaden.com.

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Extra Yarn (B&N Exclusive Edition)|BN Exclusive

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A young girl and her box of magical yarn transform a community in this stunning picture book. This B&N custom edition includes revised cover that features glitter for the holidays! From bestselling and award-winning author Mac Barnett and illustrator Jon Klassen comes Extra Yarn, a...

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This book is about a young and courageous girl who dives into a unknown and mysterious world. The book begins with a girl who seems to feel very lonely in a bland and boring world. One night, the little girl takes a red drawing utencil and draws a door. This door leads her to an amazing colorful world in which she faces many obstacles. However, with her red pencil, she conquers them all. This book is about a little girl unleashing her creativity as well as learning to connect with others! It is a Caldecott honor wordless picture book that holds a very powerful story within its illustrations.

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Editorial Reviews

...a masterwork...Though [it] will make you think of Crockett Johnson's Harold and the Purple Crayon, Becker's book has a beauty distinctly its own.

The New York Times Book Review - Sarah Harrison Smith

Becker develops concepts for film studios, and his wordless picture book debut reads like a cinematic tribute to Harold and the Purple Crayon. Drab sepia drawings introduce a lonely girl whose afternoon is jolted into life (and full color) when she uses a piece of red chalk to draw a door on her wall, walking through it into a lantern-lit forest with a winding river. Drawing a red boat, she drifts toward a breathtaking castle city whose gleaming turrets and domes promise adventure and intrigue. Yet she does not linger-she draws a hot-air balloon, takes to the air, and encounters a squadron of magnificent, steampunk-style airships manned by soldiers who have trapped a phoenix-like bird. Her release of the bird earns the ire of the airmen, the bird in turn rescues her, and a clever resolution leads the girl to a friend with his own magic chalk. Wonder mixes with longing as the myriad possibilities offered by Becker's stunning settings dwarf what actually happens in the story. Readers will be both dazzled and spurred on imagined travels of their own. Ages 4-8. Agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

A masterwork.
-The New York Times

An imaginative adventure story whose elaborate illustrations inspire wonder, careful examination and multiple reads.
-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Wonder mixes with longing as the myriad possibilities offered by Becker's stunning settings dwarf what actually happens in the story. Readers will be both dazzled and spurred on imagined travels of their own.
-Publishers Weekly (starred review)

[An] auspicious debut... [a] captivating wordless story... The strong visual narrative makes this an appealing choice for a wide range of ages. By the turn of the last page, children will immediately begin imagining the next adventure.
-School Library Journal (starred review)

First-time author Becker sweeps readers away on the very best kind of journey, allowing a complex color scheme, intricate fantasy environments, and a stirring sense of adventure to tell the story without a single word. ... Laudable for its adventuresome female protagonist, scope, and sense of fun, this title will draw girls and boys back to it again and again.
-Booklist (starred review)

There is much to pore over in the watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations, and when the boy and girl ride off together at the end on a tandem bicycle with one red wheel and one purple wheel, readers will want to follow them.
-The Horn Book

This is a wordless picture book that will be transcendent for readers and appeal to a wide variety of children. ... This is a beautiful tale that will visually delight for years to come.
-Library Media Connection (highly recommended)

We live in a time with a lot of flash and beep and tweets. Mr. Becker has made a beautiful reminder that there are times we need to turn it off. Sometimes we need a book, some quiet, and our imagination. It's so well done.
-Erin Stead, 2011 Caldecott Medal Winner for A Sick Day for Amos McGee

I fell into this breathtaking adventure and didn't want to leave. This is a book of extraordinary magic and beauty.
-Julie "Jules" Danielson, Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

[A] gorgeously illustrated, imaginative take on the wordless picture book... It's a true feast for both the mind and eye!
-Favorite Things (FamilyFun blog)

Dreamlike... Like Harold and his purple crayon before her, the child discovers that she can use a crayon to make an imaginative escape - and what an escape it is! ... Dazzling.
-The Wall Street Journal

[A] wordless tour de force... Completely original. ... Becker's breathtaking urban and bucolic scenes map out a visual narrative that reflects the girl's journey-both external and internal. ... Here's hoping there's more to come from this talented newcomer.
-Shelf Awareness for Readers (starred review)

Talk about making your own adventure! ... [E]xtraordinary kindness and a couple of crayons produce an ending so original and satisfying you can't but shake your head and smile. This gorgeous, wordless book is a gem.
-Redbook

[A]n absolutely magical tale... Becker's picture book is one of the finest get-lost-in-your-own-imagination tales of loneliness, escape, adventure, and, ultimately, new friendship that I've read in quite some time.
-USA Today Online

Becker launches readers into a wordless adventure amid exotic lands and narrow escapes-thanks to the bright red marker-wielding heroine. Think Crockett Johnston's 'Harold and the Purple Crayon' crossed with Neil Gaiman's 'Stardust.' A lonely girl steps from her black-and-white world into a vast, colorful journey. Some stories, including this one, don't need words to fire the imagination.
-The Boston Globe

With its fine attention to detail and jaw-dropping storyline, Becker has created a modern day classic in the midst of an overpopulated genre. ... I don't get to use this word very often when I'm talking about books for young children but I'm going to dust it off and use it now: Beautiful. There's no other way to describe Journey.
-Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production (SLJ Blog)

This absolutely gorgeous wordless picture book is a testament to the skill of author/illustrator Aaron Becker. As Journey ends, you'll want to immediately return to the beginning to experience it again.
-NPR Books

A lonely girl takes her red crayon, draws a door on her bedroom wall and walks into a world of steampunk flying machines and turreted canal cities. She navigates this fantasy realm via boat, balloon and flying carpet, all drawn with her crayon. Journey is a clear nod to Crockett Johnson's Harold and the Purple Crayon, but this version doesn't have words; instead Aaron Becker tells his story through meticulous watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations.
-NPR Monkey See

Becker's wordless masterpiece is both timely and timeless, drawing inspiration from the classic "Harold and the Purple Crayon" to draw the reader into an entirely new and beautifully-rendered world.
-The Huffington Post

Worldless picture books are nothing new, but it takes a special touch to create one that appeals to both pre-readers (have them "narrate" their own story to you as you leaf through) and older students who can appreciate the layers of silent storytelling. 'Journey' accomplishes this feat and just might be the perfect title for one last summer roadtrip ... Film illustrator Aaron Becker's creation is at once simple and nuanced, a beautifully tactile version of the best Pixar shorts.
-Austin-American Statesman

With this wordless tour de force, Aaron Becker gives a nod to the likes of Crockett Johnson and Shaun Tan-but in a completely original work. ... Becker's breathtaking urban and bucolic scenes map out a visual narrative that reflects the girl's journey-both external and internal. By the conclusion, readers see that all she needs is a likeminded friend. Here's hoping there's more to come from this talented newcomer.
-Twenty by Jenny

From the Publisher

Gr 1-4-In this auspicious debut picture book, a lonely girl escapes the boredom of a sepia-toned world by drawing a doorway to a magical realm. Harkening back to Crockett Johnson's Harold, this child uses a red crayon and a lot of imagination to venture across a Venice-like kingdom, fly among a fleet of steampunk airships, and take off on a magic carpet ride. When an act of compassion and bravery lands the heroine in a cage, it's her magic crayon and a bit of help from a new friend that save the day. This captivating wordless story has all the elements of a classic adventure: unknown lands, death-defying stunts, and a plucky lead. Finely detailed pen-and-ink line drawings combine with luminous washes of watercolor to create a rich and enchanting setting. Becker builds a sense of suspense by varying colorful full-page spreads with smaller vignettes that feature the girl and her red crayon surrounded by ample white space. The final page shows the youngster and her new friend riding a tandem bicycle pointing onward. Endpapers spotlight all manner of transportation: ships, trains, cars, and even space shuttles. The strong visual narrative makes this an appealing choice for a wide range of ages. By the turn of the last page, children will immediately begin imagining the next adventure.-Kiera Parrott, Darien Library, CT

School Library Journal

Ignored by her digitally distracted family, a girl draws a red door on her bedroom wall and steps through. A lush green forest twinkles with lanterns and strung lights; a dizzying castle towers, its gates, turrets and halls linked by complicated waterways; a hovering aircraft festooned with propellers and wheels holds an imprisoned purple-plumed bird. Amid these marvels, the girl appears markedly ordinary with her common pageboy haircut, minimal facial features and simple clothes. She could be anyone, really, and readers will easily appropriate her journey as their own. Putty-colored grays and flat, boxy city shapes defined the girl's urban reality, but here, color rules, modulating from mossy greens to slate blues to dusky purple--all punctuated with her crayon's brilliant red and the yellow of a golden bird cage. White pages highlight action (the girl's crayon whips up a boat, a hot air balloon and a magic carpet when needed), but most spreads deliver fantastically intricate pen, ink and watercolor architectural illustrations that remain playfully engrossing. They conjure contextual questions with no clear answers, or perhaps with so many answers one's imagination finds itself opening door upon door and crossing thresholds, just as the girl did to escape loneliness. After freeing the bird, she needs its help for a quick escape through a small purple door back to her everyday street and back to a boy who wields an equally powerful purple crayon (an obvious and moving homage). An imaginative adventure story whose elaborate illustrations inspire wonder, careful examination and multiple reads. (Picture book. 2-6)

Kirkus Reviews

Read More

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A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination - and unexpected friendship.A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a...

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The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

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The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

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This book tell as story how one day a box full of crayons quit their jobs! The young boy who opens his crayon box is hit with this saddening event. All old his crayons have left him. However, the crayons don’t say goodbye without giving the young boy some explanations for their disappearance. With each page, the readers can read the remarks made by a certain color crayon from their perspective. This is a fun and hilarious story that lets students explore the concept of arts fluidity! This book is apart of a larger set about crayons and their perspectives!

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Includes an original art print by Oliver Jeffers! The two most popular, colorful picture books in a generation are now available together in a joint slipcased edition—the perfect gift for the holiday season!

In 2013, Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers' picture book, The Day the Crayons Quit, became a #1 bestselling smash-hit. It featured a boy named Duncan and his funny, disgruntled cast of crayons who decided enough was enough—it was time to walk off the job. Luckily, Duncan managed to convince them to come back to work and a second book was born, The Day the Crayons Came Home, in which a new cast of crayons found themselves displaced—and not all in one piece—in need of finding a way home. Now these two books are available together for the first time in a joint slipcased edition.

What's better than receiving a copy of The Day the Crayons Quit or The Day the Crayons Came Home? Receiving them both! A must-have gift purchase for the holiday season, The Day the Crayons Quit Slipcase is a timely and handy offering for fans who've already fallen in love with these funny books and those who will take delight in discovering these colorful tales.

Praise for The Day the Crayons Came Home

One of Parents Magazine's Ten Best Children's Books of 2015!

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year!

"Highly anticipated (yes, even for adults)" - Entertainment Weekly

"Mr. Daywalt's text blends with Mr. Jeffers's illustrations to make a picture book that will have children clamoring for more crayon adventures."- The Wall Street Journal

* "A masterwork of humor and design . . . Sure to be as popular as The Day the Crayons Quit."- Booklist, starred review

* "A brilliant, colorful tale that begs to be read aloud and a must-have for all collections."- School Library Journal, starred review

* "Once again, Daywalt and Jeffers create rich emotional lives and personalities for their colorful cast, and it's hard to imagine a reader who won't be delighted."- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers once again offer perceptive and frequently hilarious insights... The Day the Crayons Came Home will have readers of all ages chuckling-and will inspire kids' empathy and imagination in equal measure."- BookPage

Praise for The Day the Crayons Quit

The #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon - over two years on the bestseller list!

Winner of the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award

Amazon's 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year

A Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2013

Goodreads' 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year

* "Hilarious . . . Move over, Click, Clack, Moo; we've got a new contender for the most successful picture-book strike." - BCCB, starred review

"Jeffers . . . elevates crayon drawing to remarkable heights." - Booklist

"Fresh and funny." - The Wall Street Journal

"This book will have children asking to have it read again and again." - Library Media Connection

* "This colorful title should make for an uproarious storytime." - School Library Journal, starred review

* "These memorable personalities will leave readers glancing apprehensively at their own crayon boxes." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Utterly original." - San Francisco Chronicle

Product Details

ISBN-13:

9780399548925

Publisher:

Penguin Young Readers Group

Publication date:

10/25/2016

Pages:

88

Sales rank:

562,825

Product dimensions:

10.50(w) x 10.60(h) x 1.30(d)

Age Range:

3 - 7 Years

About the Author

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Includes an original art print by Oliver Jeffers! The two most popular, colorful picture books in a generation are now available together in a joint slipcased edition—the perfect gift for the holiday season! In 2013, Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers' picture book, The...

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Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis 

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Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis 

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This book is a classic! It is about a little girl who uses fashion to express her emotions! With each couple of pages, we can see this young girl experience a variety of different emotions. This book helps young children identify their emotion as well as how to process them. It also looks at how emotions can be displayed  and expressed in artistic ways.

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Jamie Lee Curtis has had many firsts: her first (and only) marriage to Christopher Guest, her first time holding her children, Annie and Tom, her first time pretending to be a customer in an episode of Quincy, and her first time she wrote words that became her first book. She lives in Los Angeles, the first city she ever lived in, and is always first in line, first to arrive, first to leave, and first to sleep.

Laura Cornell lives in New York City with her daughter, Lily (first and only), but they spend much time in California, Laura's first state in her first home. She was asked to illustrate Jamie's first book, and that became ten. Lucky is the first word that comes to mind.

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Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day|Hardcover

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From the #1 New York Times bestselling team of Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell, authors of I'm Gonna Like Me and Where Do Balloons Go?, Today I Feel Silly helps children understand and appreciate their shifting moods.Jamie Lee Curtis's zany and...

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The Cricket in Times Square, by George Selden

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The Cricket in Times Square, by George Selden

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This book is about a cricket named Chester. One day, he hops into a basket and is transported all the way to NewYork! In New York, he meets a lot of friends. These friends include Tucker Mouse and Harry the Cat. Throughout the book he gains new life experiences. This was a Newbery Honor!

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If you are already registered on our website, you can sign in by selecting your partner organization below, then entering your email address and password on the next screen.

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Watercress by Andrea Wang, Illustrated by Jason Chin

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Watercress by Andrea Wang, Illustrated by Jason Chin

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This book is about a young Asian girl and her family reconnecting with their Asian heritage. One day the family is driving and spots a patch of watercress. The family then goes into the mud to collect the watercress. Whilst this was embarrassing at first, the young girl learns of its history and gains a new experience.

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Watercress
Author: Andrea Wang
Illustrator: Jason Chin
Published: March 30, 2021 by Neal Porter Books

Summary: Gathering watercress by the side of the road brings a girl closer to her family's Chinese Heritage.

Driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl's parents stop suddenly when they spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road. Grabbing an old paper bag and some rusty scissors, the whole family wades into the muck to collect as much of the muddy, snail covered watercress as they can.

At first, she's embarrassed. Why can't her family get food from the grocery store? But when her mother shares a story of her family's time in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food they foraged. Together, they make a new memory of watercress.

Andrea Wang tells a moving autobiographical story of a child of immigrants discovering and connecting with her heritage, illustrated by award winning author and artist Jason Chin, working in an entirely new style, inspired by Chinese painting techniques. An author's note in the back shares Andrea's childhood experience with her parents.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!

Ricki's Review: This book took my breath away. A girl's family stops by the side of the road, and she is embarrassed as they fill paper bags with muddy watercress and eat it for dinner. Her mother shares a story of her childhood and talks about a brother who has passed on. I will be recommending this book over and over again. The story is stunningly written and captures painful memories that are passed intergenerationally. The author writes that it is "both an apology and a love letter" to her parents. I imagine the story would make her parents very proud. There is a bond between the family that reaches off the pages and pulls readers into the story. I highly recommend this book.

Teachers' Tools for Navigation: Teachers might use this book to ask students to share moments that they were embarrassed about a family or friend situation. They might then add layers to that story-what do these stories tell? How do these stories reveal layers of their lives?
Discussion Questions:

How does the author write about emotion? What feelings does the narrator have, and how do these feelings change?

How are stories passed intergenerationally?

What does the narrator learn, and how does this knowledge change her?

Flagged Spread:
Read This If You Love: Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard; A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin; Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

**Thank you, Sara, from Holiday House and Pixel+Ink for sending a copy for review!**

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Watercress by Andrea Wang, Illustrated by Jason Chin

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Watercress Author: Andrea WangIllustrator: Jason ChinPublished: March 30, 2021 by Neal Porter Books Summary: Gathering watercress by the side of the road brings a girl closer to her family's Chinese Heritage. Driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl's parents stop suddenly when they spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road.

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Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

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Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

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This book is about a young Asian girl named Minli. This book follows her journey based upon some old Asian folklore. The journey entails that she meets with the Old Man of the Moon so that her family’s fortune can change. The man lives on what is know as the bare fruitless mountain. This is an interesting read that emphasizes the concept of giving and perseverance. This was a Newbery Honor.

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“I don’t think that, in the fourteen years I have worked as a children’s bookseller and the 16 years I have been a mother buying books for her children, I have ever seen such a magnificently illustrated, beautiful gem of a book hit the shelves.”
— Tanya from Books4yourkids.com

“This is a flawless little gem of a book, written in a straightforward, warm tone that always has a hint of a smile in it…There is a lovely sense of satisfaction as one link after another is connected, until the entire shape of the book is revealed like a Chinese knot – seemingly complicated yet pleasing and harmonious.”
—  Eva from Eva’s Book Addiction

Booklist
*Starred Review* In this enchanted and enchanting adventure, Minli, whose name means “quick thinking,” lives with her desperately poor parents at the confluence of Fruitless Mountain and the Jade River. While her mother worries and complains about their lot, her father brightens their evenings with storytelling. One day, after a goldfish salesman promises that his wares will bring good luck, Minli spends one of her only two coins in an effort to help her family. After her mother ridicules what she believes to be a foolish purchase, Minli sets out to find the Old Man of the Moon, who, it is told, may impart the true secret to good fortune. Along the way, she finds excitement, danger, humor, magic, and wisdom, and she befriends a flightless dragon, a talking fish, and other companions and helpmates in her quest. With beautiful language, Lin creates a strong, memorable heroine and a mystical land. Stories, drawn from a rich history of Chinese folktales, weave throughout her narrative, deepening the sense of both the characters and the setting and smoothly furthering the plot. Children will embrace this accessible, timeless story about the evil of greed and the joy of gratitude. Lin’s own full-color drawings open each chapter. Grades 3-6. –Andrew Medlar

School Library Journal
*Starred Review* Gr 3-6 Living in the shadow of the Fruitless Mountain, Minli and her parents spend their days working in the rice fields, barely growing enough to feed themselves. Every night, Minli’s father tells her stories about the Jade Dragon that keeps the mountain bare, the greedy and mean Magistrate Tiger, and the Old Man of the Moon who holds everyone’s destiny. Determined to change her family’s fortune, Minli sets out to find the Old Man of the Moon, urged on by a talking goldfish who gives her clues to complete her journey. Along the way she makes new friends including a flightless dragon and an orphan and proves her resourcefulness when she tricks a group of greedy monkeys and gets help from a king. Interwoven with Minli’s quest are tales told by her father and by those she meets on the way. While these tales are original to Lin, many characters, settings, and themes are taken from traditional Chinese folklore. The author’s writing is elegant, and her full-color illustrations are stunning. Minli’s determination to help her family, as well as the grief her parents feel at her absence, is compelling and thoroughly human. Jennifer Rothschild, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, Oxon Hill, MD

Kirkus Reviews
*Starred Review*To change her family’s fortunes, a poor Chinese girl embarks on a fantastical quest to discover she already has everything she needs to be happy. Minli and her parents live in the shadow of Fruitless Mountain, where they toil endlessly. Bitter and resentful, Minli’s mother complains when her husband fills Minli’s imagination with enchanting tales of Never-Ending Mountain and the Old Man of the Moon. “Eager for adventure,” Minli sets out alone seeking advice from the Old Man of the Moon. En route she befriends a dragon who joins her quest. Together they encounter a talking goldfish, a boy with a buffalo, a king, a fierce green tiger and laughing twins before scaling Never-Ending Mountain. Lin deftly incorporates elements from Chinese folk- and fairy tales to create stories within the main story and provide context for Minli’s quest. With her “lively and impulsive spirit,” Minli emerges a stalwart female role model who learns the importance of family, friendship and faith during her amazing journey. Richly hued illustrations reinforce the Chinese folk theme. (author’s note) (Fantasy. 8-12)

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Where the Mountain Meets the Moon – Grace Lin

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“I don’t think that, in the fourteen years I have worked as a children’s bookseller and the 16 years I have been a mother buying books for her children, I have ever seen such a magnificently illustrated, beautiful gem of a book hit the shelves.”— Tanya from Books4yourkids.com

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Ramona and Beezus Series by Beverly Cleary

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Ramona and Beezus Series by Beverly Cleary

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This is a fun series to read! The books are all about a little girl named Ramona. Ramona is in 3rd grade. Each book notes the various experiences Ramona goes though at that age. We get to see both her family and student life. These book are very relatable for students at this age!

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Newbery Award-winner Beverly Cleary delivers a humorous portayal of the ups and downs of sisterhood. Both the younger and older siblings of the family will enjoy this book. This...

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This series teaches our children/students about friendship the series revolves around two girls who are very different from one another. These books include both images and text! The images help guide the readers imagination and deepen their experience. When reading these books, it is important to emphasize the theme of friendship within them.

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This is where you'll find all sorts of good stuff about Ivy and Bean and me, Annie Barrows. There's info about each of the books, an interview with me, and some reviews (boring!). Be sure to check out the section called "Crafts and Ideas from Ivy and Bean."

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This series branches off the Judy Moody one (which was already discussed). Stink is Judy Moody’s little brother and these books focus on him. They look at his scientific stories in a new and exciting way for readers. Whilst this is a fun series, it is really amazing how large the “Moody” book universe is! These are fun and quick reads!

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Did you know that Stink's full name is James Edison Moody?

Short is the new tall!

Did you know that Stink's name in the Dutch language editions of his books is Rutger?

Did you know that glow-in-the-dark ink was used on the hardcover edition of Judy Moody & Stink: The Big Bad Blackout?

Did you know that Stink was cast as the planet Pluto in a class play?

Pluto was once the ninth planet in the solar system. Then, in 2006, it got the boot. Now it's a puny "dwarf planet."

If you really <heart> stink,
You've come to the right place!

Give the right-not-wrong answer to a question and you will unlock a treasure trove of stink-y facts and fun.

Click on the heart to enter

Did you know that some of Judy Moody's nicknames for her brother Sink, include: Stinkbug, Stinkerbell, The Nose, Kimo, James, Dr. Stinkelstein and Shark Hammersmash?

1. a fact freak

2. a math maniac

3. a science star

4. an encyclopedia enthusiast

5. all of the above

In short, he's smart and thinks knowledge is pretty awesome. In every book in the Stink series, readers see him questioning, investigating, and discovering the world around him. As a result, teachers and parents love sharing Stink books with their own young explorers. ALL-NEW Teachers' Guides are chock-full of ideas and things you can do with your students in or out of the classroom, all inspired by Stink's own insatiable curiosity.
Download them here

(T.P. Club)

On creating stories all about Stink, Megan McDonald says, "Once, while I was visiting a class of Judy Moody readers, the kids, many with spiked hair a la Judy's little brother, chanted 'Stink! Stink! Stink! Stink!' as I entered the room. In that moment, I knew that Stink had to have a book of his own."

Megan shares a birthday with a famous princess, a race-car driver, a Rolling Stone, and a racehorse named Smarty Jones - February 28.

As a children's librarian, Megan told stories in sign language. That's where she learned the expression "same-same."

One summer, Megan and her four sisters tried to read ALL the kids' books on the bookmobile.

Megan still owns her original mood ring from the 1970s. She keeps it right next to her troll doll collection.

Who doesn't love insects? Megan has written five books about bugs, one of which is about eating them!

Megan's sister in Minnesota has a mailman named Jack Frost. No lie!

If ever there was a Crazy Socks Club, Megan could be a member. She has socks with sock monkeys, planets, gnomes, endangered animals, jellyfish, Popsicles, Girl Power, and comics. Ka-Pow!

Megan is the proud owner of many Popsicle sticks with jokes on them, a sugar packet collection featuring U.S. presidents, and what just might be the World's Biggest Jawbreaker.

Her favorite TV show is Jeopardy! Her secret wish is that someday Judy Moody will be a Jeopardy clue.

Guess who used to live near the real Mount Trashmore? Yours Truly. For real and absolute positive!

Megan McDonald is the creator of the popular and award-winning Judy Moody and Stink series. She is also the author of the Sisters Club trilogy, two books about Ant and Honey Bee, and many other books for children. She lives in Sebastopol, California.

He has a twin brother, Paul. When their mother found out she was having twins, she laughed so hard that she went into labor early! Paul was born first, fourteen minutes before Peter decided to arrive.

He's part-owner of a children's book and toy shop called The Blue Bunny, located in the Massachusetts town where he lives.

He is vertically challenged (aka, short!).

His mother is from England, his father is from Argentina.

He made his first animated film while he was in high school. He's been creating animation ever since, and even started his own animation company, FableVision.

He sometimes paints with tea instead of water - whatever's handy!

He keeps a sketch pad and pen on the nightstand by his bed. That way, if an idea hits him in the middle of the night, he can jot it down immediately. Sometimes, he even draws or writes when he's half-asleep!

His favorite candy is: a tie between Reese's peanut butter cups and Raisinettes (same as Megan McDonald!)

One of his favorite books growing up was The Tall Book of Make-Believe by Jane Werner, illustrated by Garth Williams, the same man who illustrated Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little by E.B. White, and many of Margaret Wise Brown's picture books.

And the Number One thing you never knew about Peter H. Reynolds is: He shares a birthday with James Madison, Stink's favorite U.S. president.

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Did you know that Stink's full name is James Edison Moody? Short is the new tall! Did you know that Stink's name in the Dutch language editions of his books is Rutger? Did you know that glow-in-the-dark ink was used on the hardcover edition of Judy Moody & Stink: The Big Bad Blackout?

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Frog and Toad is a series about two friends! Naturally, these books look at the themes connected to friendship and are quite fun to read. These are books intended for first graders and are quite thin. Also, along with the text, the book includes special illustrations that help comprehension. Each story follows a new adventure!

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We Rank Our 10 Favorite Frog and Toad Stories - B&N Reads

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Did your favorite Frog and Toad story make this list?

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This series is really informative and engaging. Each story focuses on a moment in history. This is just one way that readers can learn and still have fun! These books can often attract those who are interested in history and historical facts. If one is not a fan of history’, these books offer a unique storyline as well!

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Each book in my series tells a terrifying and thrilling story from history, through the eyes of a kid who lived to tell the tale.

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Mango, Abuela and Me by Meg Medina, illustrated by Angela Dominguez

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Mango, Abuela and Me by Meg Medina, illustrated by Angela Dominguez

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This book is about a Hispanic family. In the beginning, they note how their grandma is coming to stay with them. As the book progresses, we see how there is a bit of a language barrier between the grandma and granddaughter. To help fix this the little girl gets the grandma a parrot to help! The grandma begins to learn some English and the little girl begins to learn some Spanish!  This book won the Pura Belpre Award!

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Mia's abuela has left her sunny house with parrots and palm trees to live with Mia and her parents in the city. The night she arrives, Mia tries to share her favorite book with Abuela before they go to sleep and discovers that Abuela can't read the words inside.

While they cook, Mia helps Abuela learn English ("Dough. Masa."), and Mia learns some Spanish too. But it's still hard for Abuela to learn the words she needs to tell Mia all her stories. Then Mia sees a parrot in a pet-shop window, and she gets the perfecto idea for how to help the whole family communicate a little better.

This endearing tale speaks loudly and clearly about learning new things and the love that unites family members - no matter how far apart they may live.

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Mia's abuela has left her sunny house with parrots and palm trees to live with Mia and her parents in the city. The night she arrives, Mia tries to share her favorite book with Abuela before they go to sleep and discovers that Abuela can't read the words inside.

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This book is about a witch and her assistant who work together to help those in her village. In this book, the assistant accidentally affects the witch’s magic pasta pot. As a result, the pasta almost floods the village. Thankfully the witch saves them by noting a funny punishment. This book was banned because of its focus on witchcraft.

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Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman

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Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman

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This iteration follows the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood! The story of a little girl who is bringing aid to her ailing grandmother in the words. As she is on her way, she meets a sneaky fox who tries to trick her! This book was challenged because in Littles Red’s basket she has a bottle of wine! There was a fear that alcohol was being advertised to children.

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Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman: 9780823404704 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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Traveling alone, deep in the woods, Elisabeth suspects her basket of treats isn’t the only thing a sly wolf is after. A classic of children’s literature, this retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy...

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and tango makes three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole

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and tango makes three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole

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This is a very cute book that depicts a penguin family. This book was based off of a real life story of how two boy penguins became mates and had a family. This story is quite controversial and has actually been removed from many libraries. Overall, this book was challenged due to the presence of homosexuality.

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Find out more about And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, Henry Cole at Simon & Schuster. Read book reviews & excerpts, watch author videos & more.

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Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd 

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Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd 

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This book notes the process by which the main character (a bunny) goes to bed. When getting ready for bed, the bunny says goodnight to each object. The way this is done is through a sort of rhyme that guide the story forward. This books original illustration were actually altered. In the altered versions, the illustrations do not include a cigarette or ashtray.

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In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.

In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room-to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one-the little bunny says goodnight.

One of the most beloved books of all time, Goodnight Moon is a must for every bookshelf and a time-honored gift for baby showers and other special events.

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In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny.

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This book depicts an interesting story. The pages are filled with flying fogs who visit a town one Tuesday night! The illustrations guide the reader though a fantasy packed storyline and enrich the readers experience. It is fun to point out that this book was noted as a wordless picture book. So the readers really have to investigate the images that they are being shown. This will help to spark children’s curiosity!

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Why Frogs?
Why Tuesday?
David Wiesner's Caldecott Medal
Acceptance Speech forTuesday
Bufo marinus, the Australian cane toad, secrets a toxic substance when it is attacked. This substance is lethal to nearly all predators, including dogs and other large animals, and it can have an incapacitating effect on humans.

In the early 1970s, some adventurous young Australians discovered an interesting use for the cane toad. After the toad is boiled down into a broth or resin, it can be ingested as a liquid or smoked as a powder. The toxin, bufotenin, produces a hallucinogenic reaction in the user. To this day, it is a criminal offense to smoke a cane toad in Australia.

I'm often asked where I got the idea for Tuesday. The question is usually accompanied by a suggestion or two. Did I have a pet frog while growing up? Do I live near a swamp? Do I have a "thing" for frogs? I have discovered only recently that quite a lot of people have a special affinity for frogs. My favorite comment, though, was a rhetorical question that came from Laurence Yep, who gave me a funny look and asked if I had been importing cane toads.

The truth is that the imagination needs no outside stimulus. To watch children at play is to see the mind in all its uninhibited glory. Growing up in New Jersey, my friends and I re-created our world daily. The neighborhood would become anything from the far reaches of the universe to a prehistoric jungle. To believe that giant Pterodactyls were swooping down on us required only a small leap of faith.

Dinosaurs were an important part of my world as a child. Just as the caves of Lascaux, France, are full of images of the animals hunted by pre-historic man, so my room was full of drawings of the dinosaurs I hunted in my backyard. In an attempt to make them more real and alive, I drew them over and over again.

I had many books about dinosaurs. My favorites were the ones that had the best pictures, and the pictures I liked were in a World Book Encyclopedia supplement about the evolution of the Earth. It wasn't until many years later that I realized the pictures in the book were by the artist Charles Knight, the man who first visualized what dinosaurs looked like, and on whose work all subsequent dinosaur renderings were based.

The dinosaurs were executed in exacting detail, with solid musculature, giving the animals a real presence. Thinking about it now, I'm aware it probably wasn't the greatest printing job, but back then the washed-out quality of the black and white reproductions created a real sense of atmosphere for me. I thought they were photographs. Even after I should have known better, I thought they just might be photographs.

The realization that the pictures were painted by an actual person was a revelation. The reality I perceived in those scenes was totally captivating. At the time, I couldn't imagine being able to paint so convincingly. But now, as I work, I'm continually trying to recapture for myself that total belief in the world I'm creating on paper.

As I moved from dinosaurs, I discovered other imagery that exerted a powerful hold on me. In the stacks of Bound Brook (New Jersey) Public Library, I would sit and pore over the Time-Life books on the history of art. I was drawn immediately to the Renaissance artists—Dürer, for one, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci—before they were Ninja Turtles. The Mona Lisa is a compelling portrait, but it's the landscape she sits in front of that I found fascinating. It's a wonderfully alien-looking place, more like Mars than Italy. Hieronymus Bosch made a deep impression on me, too, and landscapes of Pieter Brueghel the Elder fascinated me even more. Your eye can wander in and out of his paintings, from the extreme foreground to the distant horizon, with incredible clarity and detail. I was also intrigued by the surrealists—Magritte, de Chirico, Dali—who depicted the dream world with an unsettling precision.

Every painting seemed to be a scene in a story, like a frame in a film. I longed to be able to switch on a projector that would show me what happened before and after the image that was captured on the canvas.

And, of course, I went on trying to put my own reality down on paper, not always with welcome results. When I was in the fourth grade, we'd find a short assignment on the blackboard every morning that we were supposed to work on until the bell rang to start class. This was called "a.m. work," and we did it on paper that was about six by nine inches and sort of an ochre color. It was cheap paper, but it had a nice bit of tooth to it and was great for drawing. One morning I looked up from a scene I was creating to find our teacher, Miss Klingibel, standing next to me. She was not amused. She took my picture and wrote an angry note to my mother: "David would rather be drawing than doing his a.m. work." In my opinion, that was the most astute comment she made all year.

I went on to study at the Rhode Island School of Design. I was finally in a place where everyone would rather be drawing than doing "a.m. work."

During my freshman year, my roommate, Michael Hays, casually described to me a book that would become a catalyst for many of my own visual ideas. He had seen this book in the rare books collection in the Hunt Library at Carnegie-Mellon University. It was an allegorical novel for adults about good and evil, life and death, and spirituality. And it had no words. The story was told in a series of about 130 woodcuts.

I couldn't get the idea of this book out of my head. A year and a half later, I visited Mike in Pittsburgh. I arrived in the evening, and we were at the library first thing the next morning.

The book is called Mad Man's Drum and is by Lynd Ward, whose book The Biggest Bear, won the 1953 Caldecott Medal. Sitting in the artificial air of the library's climate-controlled rare book room, I read the book in amazement. Each turn of the page opened a door in my mind a little wider.

Back at school, I began to explore the possibilities of wordless storytelling in some of my assignments. It was in my senior degree project that I had the chance to investigate the form more fully. I created a forty-page wordless book based on Fritz Leiber's short story "Gonna Roll the Bones." I began to understand the process by which a story is distilled, and the essential information presented in visual terms.

When I graduated and began working as an illustrator, my goal was eventually to publish a wordless picture book of my own. I was very fortunate to make a connection with Dorothy Briley, who believed in the vision I had and let me bring it to fruition in an uncompromised form. Free Fall was the culmination of many ideas about an impressionistic kind of storytelling that I had been forming since art school.

There were many other possibilities I wanted to explore. I longed to do a book that was wildly humorous, almost slapstick. When I talked about this, people who knew my work found it a little hard to believe. I was offered a number of manuscripts to illustrate, but none that seemed to fit the particular mood and tone I had in mind. I knew that I would have to make up my own story someday. That "someday" turned out to be Tuesday.

So what was the inspiration for the book?

My first professional job, which I got while I was a senior at RISD, was the March 1979 cover for Cricket Magazine. So when I was asked to do the March 1989 cover for Cricket, I was very pleased—two Cricket covers exactly ten years apart would make nice "bookends," for my first decade in children's books.

Another reason I was happy to accept this job from Cricket is that their instructions for a cover are the perfect assignment: "Do anything you want to do." They let me know, as food for thought, that because this was the March issue, there would be stories about St. Patrick's Day and about frogs—the link there being green, I think.

St. Patrick's Day didn't strike a chord—but frogs, they had potential. I got out my sketchbook and some old National Geographic s for reference. Frogs were great fun to draw—soft, round, lumpy, and really goofy-looking. But what could I do with them?

I drew one on a lily pad. That shape . . . the round blob with the saucerlike bottom. Suddenly, old movies were running through my head: Forbidden Planet and The Day the Earth Stood Still. Together, the frog and lily pad looked like a fifties B-movie flying saucer! As I drew, I saw that the frogs and toads weren't actually flying. It was the lily pads that had the power of flight, like a carpet from The Arabian Nights.

For the Cricket cover I showed a group of frogs rising up out of a swamp, heading off to who knows what mischief. I liked the picture a lot, and I began to like the frogs and toads themselves. They had distinct personalities. They looked pretty silly, yet up in the air they clearly felt dignified, noble, and a bit smug. I wanted to know more about them. As I did when I looked at a painting as a child, I wondered what happened before and after this scene. Now I could find out.

Appropriately, I was in midair when I finally got around to thinking seriously about "the frog book." I was sitting in an airplane, looking through my sketchbook, and I thought, Okay, if I were a frog, and I had discovered I could fly, where would I go? What would I do?

Images quickly began to appear to me, and for fear of losing them I hastily scribbled barely legible shapes onto the page; a startled man at a kitchen table; a terrified dog under attack; a roomful of frogs bathed in the glow of a television. A chronology began to take shape, and within an hour I had worked out a complete layout, which remained essentially unchanged through to the finished book. Everything was there, the use of the panels, the times of day, and the title.

At least as often as people ask me where I came up with the idea for the book, they want to know, "Why Tuesday?" When I decided to punctuate the story with the times of the day, it became clear that the mysterious element had to do with the particular day of the week when these strange things happened. So I tried to decide what the funniest day of the week was. I immediately discounted the weekend; Saturday and Sunday had too many connotations, as did Friday. Monday was next to go, being the first day of the work week, which left Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Wednesday's spelling had always bothered me, so it was out. Thursday was all right, but the more I said "T-u-e-s-d-a-y," the more I like the "ooze" quality it had. It seemed to go with frogs.

A wordless book offers a different kind of an experience from one with text, for both the author and the reader. There is no author's voice telling the story. Each viewer reads the book in his or her own way. The reader is an integral part of the storytelling process. As a result, there are as many versions of what happened that Tuesday night as there are readers. For some, the dog in the story is rightfully defending his territory against amphibian invaders, and their sympathy lies with the dog when the frogs get the best of him. For others, the dog is a humorless bully who gets his comeuppance. As the author of a wordless book, I don't have to concern myself about whether the reader's interpretation of each and every detail is the same as mine. My own view has no more, and no less, validity than that of any other viewer. Since my intent was for the book, as a whole, to make people laugh, all that matters is that the pictures are funny.

A series of individually funny pictures, however, does not necessarily add up to a successful story. The book was very carefully plotted, and details were developed in ways that move the story forward as logically as possible, from the full moon that rises slowly in the sky that first Tuesday night, to the gibbous moon that appears a week later at the end. By placing my characters in the context of a familiar reality, I hoped to entice readers to take that great leap of faith and believe that frogs, and perhaps pigs, too, could fly—if the conditions were just right.

One result of winning the Caldecott Medal is the opportunity to travel and meet a wide variety of people who are interested in my book. Readers can be quite passionate about their perceptions. I've heard heated arguments over what Tuesday sounds like. Some people are sure it's a silent squadron of frogs gliding through a still summer night. Others are equally positive it's full of zooming cartoon sound effects accompanied by Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries."

It has been great hearing children tell me how much they love "those frogs" and how funny they think the book is. One first grade class wrote their own book, Wednesday. In it, their school is subjected to some interesting revenge fantasies involving scissors and math papers.

I keep waiting for letters telling me how frightening Tuesday is. I'm waiting only because many people—and by people I mean adults—keep bringing up this possibility, whether I'm at a signing, a speaking engagement, or on the "Today" show. Fortunately, kids know funny when they see it. If, after reading Tuesday one evening before bed, they look out the window and see frogs flying by—well, we should all be so lucky.

I'm always delighted when teachers and librarians tell me about the ways they use wordless books. These books have become springboards for all kinds of writing, bookmaking and even drama classes. Teachers of English as a second language tell me that wordless books are particularly useful in helping students express their thoughts in English. The students aren't inhibited by the burden of having to translate literally. That kind of interaction between books and children is very exciting. To know that my own pictures may be inspiring imaginations with the same wonder I felt as a child is a very satisfying feeling.

In 1989, when Free Fall was given an Honor Medal, I felt supported in my interest in the wordless format. By awarding Tuesday the 1992 Caldecott Medal, this year's committee has challenged the perception of the wordless book as a novelty. I thank all the committee members for the great honor of being included among the distinguished roster of medal winners. I hope Lynd Ward would be pleased.

I would like to thank a few others who have played a part in my being here tonight.

My thanks to my family for a lifetime of encouragement and support.

To Tom Sgouros and David Macaulay, two unfailingly generous teachers.

To everyone at Clarion for making it such a fun place to publish books, and to Carol Goldenberg and Dinah Stevenson for good advice and great humor.

To Dorothy Briley, who was the first person to give me a chance to be an author. When I presented her with the pencil dummy of Tuesday, which was not the book she was expecting, I thank her for laughing.

To Dilys Evans, who has been with me every step of the way, always ready with biscuits and a pot of tea.

Finally to my wife, Kim, who is a part of every book I do. Thank you for asking me to the Sadie Hawkins Dance.

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Why Frogs? Why Tuesday? David Wiesner's Caldecott Medal Acceptance Speech forTuesday Bufo marinus, the Australian cane toad, secrets a toxic substance when it is attacked. This substance is lethal to nearly all predators, including dogs and other large animals, and it can have an incapacitating effect on humans.

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Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho

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Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho

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This book is about a young Asian girl coming to terms with the idea of diversity. She takes note of how her physical appearance differs from others and in the end is able to see their innate beauty. I think this would be great for younger kids when they first start noticing these differences.

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Eyes that Kiss in the Corners — Joanna Ho Writes

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She begins to wish for eyes like theirs until she realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, Amah’s, and Mei Mei’s. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future—they are beautiful.

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The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez 

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The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez 

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In this text we see how everyone is important! The main character (Angelina) begins the story by noting how she felt somewhat left out due to her peers extravagant summer adventures. As the book continues, the student constantly compares herself to her peers. The book also looks at other students who have different cultural backgrounds and explores how these backgrounds affect their school life. Overall, this book promotes the idea of the celebration of individuality.

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* "National Book Award winner and national treasure Jacqueline Woodson teams up with two-time Pura Belpré Award recipient Rafael López to deliver an empowering message to any child who has ever felt too different. . . . Woodson and López offer a needed message of comfort to preschool and early elementary students. Woodson's lulling free verse reassures the reader that the world will 'make some space,' while López's dreamy, near-translucent mixed-media illustrations thrum with playful joy. This gentle, powerful ode to diversity and acceptance belongs with all children."-Shelf Awareness, starred review

* "A beautiful and inclusive story that encourages children to find the beauty in their own lives and share it with the world. . . . Each child feels very alone until they begin to share their stories and discover that it is nearly always possible to find someone a little like you. López's vibrant illustrations bring the characters' hidden and unspoken thoughts to light with fantastic, swirling color. Shifting hues and textures across the page convey their deep loneliness and then slowly transition into bright hopeful possibilities. Full-bleed illustrations on every page are thick with collaged patterns and textures that pair perfectly with melodic prose that begs to be read aloud. . . . There's an essential acknowledgment that everyone will experience a time when no one is quite like them, when they can't find their voice, or when they feel very alone. Woodson's superlative text sees each character turn that moment of desolation into an opportunity to be brave and find hope in what they have in common. This masterful story deserves a place in every library."- "A bright jewel-toned palette and clever details, including a literal reflection of a better future, reveal hope and pride. . . . This reassuring, lyrical book feels like a big hug from a wise aunt as she imparts the wisdom of the world in order to calm trepidatious young children: One of these things is not like the other, and that is actually what makes all the difference. A must-have book about the power of one's voice and the friendships that emerge when you are yourself." "Woodson's poetic lines give power to each child's experience. . . . López paints the book's array of children as students in the same classroom; patterns and colors on the children's clothing and the growing things around them fill the spreads with life. Woodson's gentle, lilting story and López's artistry create a stirring portrait of the courage it takes to be oneself." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Woodson's lyrical text is gently reassuring as it moves between broad discussion and specific examples of difference and discomfort, which emphasize children moving across cultures but will speak to children from all backgrounds and experiences. Mixed-media illustrations . . . combine bold with soft colors and textures in a slightly shaded tropical palette; compositions employ creative and insightful perspectives to suit the characters' feelings. . . . The artist frequently incorporates a ruler into the illustrations, which perhaps speaks to the children's perceptions of how they measure up to others. This lovely and sensitive treatment of adjustment deserves a spot in any collection for youngsters."-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

"Woodson catches the uncertainty, even fear, that comes with new situations. But her lyrical language also captures the moment when confidence sparks and friendships are born. . . . The bold, bright artwork features a diverse cast of kids. . . . The important message plays out in a striking design that mixes the everyday with flights of fancy. Woodson, a recent National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, is one of kidlit's brightest stars, and this should find lots of eager hands."-

"What will it take for a child who feels different to share her stories? . . . Like Woodson's memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, this story places great value on literacy, reading, and imagination. The matte-finished pages feature illustrations in vivid, brilliant colors, with repeated appearances of flying birds and lush, twining vines and flowers."-

ALA Notable Children's Book WINNER

ALSC Notable Children's Books WINNER

Jane Addams Children's Book Award WINNER

New York Times Editors' Choice WINNER

Notable Books for a Global Society Award WINNER

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The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson: 9780399246531 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices! National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré...

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Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martines- Neal

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Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martines- Neal

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This book is about a young girl who has a seemingly very long name. The young girl become curious as to why her name is so long and asks her father for some help. The father then begins to note how each part of her name holds a significant meaning. As he notes the different names that are included within hers, we can see how she was named after several people. This book emphasizes the idea of cultural traditions as well as the impact one has on another.

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I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A.Bobo

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I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A.Bobo

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This book emphasizes how we are often more that what we seem or think of ourselves. It guides the reader to take a more reflective stance when thinking about themselves. Initially, people have a tendency to focus on the more surface level comparisons. However, as they dive deeper we begin to note how we are complex beings that are made up of a multitude of pieces. Overall, this book helps to push for inner reflection and acceptance!

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A #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner! This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation.

This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.
We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it. Plus don't miss I Believe I Can-the next beautiful picture celebrating self-esteem from Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo!

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A #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner! This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation. This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and

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This books centers around the idea of self acceptance within society and school. The story is about a young Korean girl who is new to school and is from another country. When at school, she is confronted with the fact that no one will be able to pronounce her name. As a way to solve this problem, she comes up with an idea! She asks the students in the class to give her some name suggestions to choose from. However, at the end of the book she chooses her original name!

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"Unhei's reflection and inner strength are noteworthy; cultural details freshen the story, and Choi's gleaming, expressive paintings are always a treasure." - The New York Times

Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Master List WINNER 2003

Arizona Young Readers Award NOMINEE 2005

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The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi: 9780440417996 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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A heartwarming story about the new girl in school, and how she learns to appreciate her Korean name. Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what happens when nobody can pronounce your name?...

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This book is about a family and their puppy! However, one day Ginger Pye (the dog) goes missing. In an attempt to solve this mystery, the family goes all over town. They talk to their neighbors to get some more help. Later, they learn that a boy had stolen Ginger and that their puppy was located in a shed. In the end, the puppy ends up back home!

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This Newbery Award-winning book is now back in print.

Ginger Pye steals everyone’s heart in the Pye family, especially the hearts of Jerry Pye and his sister Rachel. But then, someone steals Ginger on Thanksgiving Day!

Cover art by Arthur Howard; B&W interior illu…

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The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

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The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

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This story notes the relationship between a gorilla (Ivan) and a young elephant (Ruby). The story begins by noting how Ivan lives in mall and feels quite content about his living conditions. Then one day, a young elephant (Ruby) comes to stay with another elephant (Ivan’s friend) at the mall. Ivan’s elephant friend sadly dies and leaves Ruby all alone. Before she goes, she ensures that Ivan promises to take care of the young elephant. As time progresses, Ivan comes to the shocking reality that his life in the mall is not all that great.

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Home | The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

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The Giver is a story about a seemingly perfect society. In this society, each person is designated/assigned a job. This is just one way that the people of this society are being controlled. The main character, Jonas, is given the job of being a “Memory Keeper”. As the story progresses, we see that in reality, the society that these people are living in is quite flawed. Jonas is forced to face these flaws and awaken the others in his society.

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It was almost December, and Jonas was beginning to be frightened. No. Wrong word, Jonas thought. Frightened meant that deep, sickening feeling of something terrible about to happen. Frightened was the way he had felt a year ago when an unidentified aircraft had overflown the community twice. He had seen it both times. Squinting toward the sky, he had seen the sleek jet, almost a blur at its high speed, go past, and a second later heard the blast of sound that followed. Then one more time, a moment later, from the opposite direction, the same plane.

At first, he had been only fascinated. He had never seen aircraft so close, for it was against the rules for Pilots to fly over the community. Occasionally, when supplies were delivered by cargo planes to the landing field across the river, the children rode their bicycles to the riverbank and watched, intrigued, the unloading and then the takeoff directed to the west, always away from the community.

But the aircraft a year ago had been different. It was not a squat, fat-bellied cargo plane but a needle-nosed single-pilot jet. Jonas, looking around anxiously, had seen others-adults as well as children-stop what they were doing and wait, confused, for an explanation of the frightening event.

Then all of the citizens had been ordered to go into the nearest building and stay there. IMMEDIATELY, the rasping voice through the speakers had said. LEAVE YOUR BICYCLES WHERE THEY ARE.

Instantly, obediently, Jonas had dropped his bike on its side on the path behind his family's dwelling. He had run indoors and stayed there, alone. His parents were both at work, and his little sister, Lily, was at the Childcare Center where she spent her after-school hours.

Looking through the front window, he had seen no people: none of the busy afternoon crew of Street Cleaners, Landscape Workers, and Food Delivery people who usually populated the community at that time of day. He saw only the abandoned bikes here and there on their sides; an upturned wheel on one was still revolving slowly.

He had been frightened then. The sense of his own community silent, waiting, had made his stomach churn. He had trembled.

But it had been nothing. Within minutes the speakers had crackled again, and the voice, reassuring now and less urgent, had explained that a Pilot-in-Training had misread his navigational instructions and made a wrong turn. Desperately the Pilot had been trying to make his way back before his error was noticed.

NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE WILL BE RELEASED, the voice had said, followed by silence. There was an ironic tone to that final message, as if the Speaker found it amusing; and Jonas had smiled a little, though he knew what a grim statement it had been. For a contributing citizen to be released from the community was a final decision, a terrible punishment, an overwhelming statement of failure.

Even the children were scolded if they used the term lightly at play, jeering at a teammate who missed a catch or stumbled in a race. Jonas had done it once, had shouted at his best friend, "That's it, Asher! You're released!" when Asher's clumsy error had lost a match for his team. He had been taken aside for a brief and serious talk by the coach, had hung his head with guilt and embarrassment, and apologized to Asher after the game.

Now, thinking about the feeling of fear as he pedaled home along the river path, he remembered that moment of palpable, stomach-sinking terror when the aircraft had streaked above. It was not what he was feeling now with December approaching. He searched for the right word to describe his own feeling.

Jonas was careful about language. Not like his friend, Asher, who talked too fast and mixed things up, scrambling words and phrases until they were barely recognizable and often very funny.

Jonas grinned, remembering the morning that Asher had dashed into the classroom, late as usual, arriving breathlessly in the middle of the chanting of the morning anthem. When the class took their seats at the conclusion of the patriotic hymn, Asher remained standing to make his public apology as was required.

"I apologize for inconveniencing my learning community." Asher ran through the standard apology phrase rapidly, still catching his breath. The Instructor and class waited patiently for his explanation. The students had all been grinning, because they had listened to Asher's explanations so many times before.

"I left home at the correct time but when I was riding along near the hatchery, the crew was separating some salmon. I guess I just got distraught, watching them.

"I apologize to my classmates," Asher concluded. He smoothed his rumpled tunic and sat down.

"We accept your apology, Asher." The class recited the standard response in unison. Many of the students were biting their lips to keep from laughing.

"I accept your apology, Asher," the Instructor said. He was smiling. "And I thank you, because once again you have provided an opportunity for a lesson in language. 'Distraught' is too strong an adjective to describe salmon-viewing." He turned and wrote "distraught" on the instructional board. Beside it he wrote "distracted."

Jonas, nearing his home now, smiled at the recollection. Thinking, still, as he wheeled his bike into its narrow port beside the door, he realized that frightened was the wrong word to describe his feelings, now that December was almost here. It was too strong an adjective.

He had waited a long time for this special December. Now that it was almost upon him, he wasn't frightened, but he was . . . eager, he decided. He was eager for it to come. And he was excited, certainly. All of the Elevens were excited about the event that would be coming so soon.

But there was a little shudder of nervousness when he thought about it, about what might happen.

Apprehensive, Jonas decided. That's what I am.

"Who wants to be the first tonight, for feelings?" Jonas's father asked, at the conclusion of their evening meal.

It was one of the rituals, the evening telling of feelings. Sometimes Jonas and his sister, Lily, argued over turns, over who would get to go first. Their parents, of course, were part of the ritual; they, too, told their feelings each evening. But like all parents-all adults-they didn't fight and wheedle for their turn.

Nor did Jonas, tonight. His feelings were too complicated this evening. He wanted to share them, but he wasn't eager to begin the process of sifting through his own complicated emotions, even with the help that he knew his parents could give.

"You go, Lily," he said, seeing his sister, who was much younger-only a Seven-wiggling with impatience in her chair.

"I felt very angry this afternoon," Lily announced. "My Childcare group was at the play area, and we had a visiting group of Sevens, and they didn't obey the rules at all. One of them-a male; I don't know his name-kept going right to the front of the line for the slide, even though the rest of us were all waiting. I felt so angry at him. I made my hand into a fist, like this." She held up a clenched fist and the rest of the family smiled at her small defiant gesture.

"Why do you think the visitors didn't obey the rules?" Mother asked.

Lily considered, and shook her head. "I don't know. They acted like . . . like . . ."

"Animals?" Jonas suggested. He laughed.

"That's right," Lily said, laughing too. "Like animals." Neither child knew what the w...

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It was almost December, and Jonas was beginning to be frightened. No. Wrong word, Jonas thought. Frightened meant that deep, sickening feeling of something terrible about to happen. Frightened was the way he had felt a year ago when an unidentified aircraft had overflown the community twice. He had seen it both times.

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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson 

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Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson 

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This chapter book focus on a friendship between two 5th graders. One is a boy named Jess Aarons and the other is a girl named Leslie Burke. Leslie had just moved to town and is quite new. They meet when Leslie beats Jess in a race. As time continues, they begin to form a friendship. Together, they also begin to explore and imagine and new land that is titled “Terabithia”!

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1977 ALA Notable Children's Books
1977 School Library Journal Best Book of the year
1978 Newbery Medal
1978 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award
1981 Janusz Korczak Medal (Poland)
1981 Silver Pencil Award (Netherlands)
1986 Le Grand Prix des Jeunes Lecturs (France)
1986 Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award

Jess Aarons had to be the Fastest runner at Lark Creek Elementary School, the best, but when he was challenged by Leslie Burke, a girl, that was just the beginning of a new season in Jess's life. Leslie and her parents were new comers to the rural community where Jess Lived, and were thought to be a bit odd, for they didn't even own a TV, though their house was filled with books. Some-what to Jess's surprise, he and Leslie became friends, and the worlds of imagination and learning that she opened to him changed him for ever. It was Leslie's idea to create Terabithia, their secret Kingdom in the woods where they reigned supreme. There is no enemy - not their teacher Monster Mouth Meyers, their schoolmates Gary Fulcher and Janice Avery, Jess's four sisters, or even Jess's own fears and Leslie's imaginary foes - could defeat them. The Legacy that Leslie finally brought to Jess enabled him to cope with the unexpected tragedy that touched them all.

PUBLISHER: HarperCollins
ISBN 9780064401845

Adaptations

In 2007, Bridge to Terabithia was adapted into a major motion picture from Walt Disney Pictures. The film was directed by Gábor Csupó, written by David L. Paterson and Jeff Stockwell, and stars Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Robert Patrick, Bailee Madison, and Zooey Deschanel.

Watch it on Amazon and iTunes.

Watch the Trailer:

Praise

"Set in contemporary rural America, the story is one of remarkable richness and depth, beautifully written."
THE HORN BOOK

"Eloquent and assured."
KIRKUS REVIEWS

"15 Banned Books Every Tween and Teen Should Read."
BRIGHTLY

Extras
Free Teaching Guide (PDF)
[yotuwp type="playlist" id="PLbxIKLDOeavbNTqQZoeeR0jY2Pxz5Q1l1″ ]

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Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Paterson

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1977 ALA Notable Children's Books1977 School Library Journal Best Book of the year1978 Newbery Medal1978 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award1981 Janusz...Read More

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This story is about a young boy, Stanley Yelnats, who also seems to have bad luck. As noted by their family, they were cursed a long time ago. Due to his bad luck, Stanley gets caught stealing. But, he didn’t do it! The judge then sentences him to a rehabilitation camp. There he meets other boys who had previously committed crimes. Whilst at the camp, Stanley gains new friends and even has the chance to break his family curse!

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Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnatses. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is no lake at Camp Green Lake. But there are an awful lot of holes.

It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. But what could be buried under a dried-up lake? Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment-and redemption.

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Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnatses. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep.

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This story is about a young boy and his journey of belief. Initially, the young boy was told that Santa does not exist. However, he is then awoken by the strange sound of a train. As the story progresses, the boy is taken on a journey to the North Pole! There, he witnesses Santa and his preparation for Christmas. The boy is chosen to receive the first gift and is given a bell from the famous sleigh. As the boy is retuned home, he sadly loses the bell. However, that next morning, his sister and him find it wrapped under their tree! This book has some very smooth illustrations that engage the audience from the beginning.

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Take a ride aboard the Polar Express in this award-winning, classic holiday story, complete with an ornament gift, perfect for every child's library. A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole. The Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish. This is a story for all who believe in the spirit of Christmas and those who treasure the sound of a reindeer's silver bell. The Polar Express is the 1986 Caldecott Medal winner, and reading the story together is a beloved holiday tradition held by generations of families. It was also made into an animated feature film starring Tom Hanks. In this special edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is highlighted with a new jacket design and expanded interior layout. Includes an author's note and downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson.

Related collections and offers

Product Details

ISBN-13:

9780544580145

Publisher:

HarperCollins Publishers

Publication date:

09/15/2015

Edition description:

Anniversary

Pages:

32

Sales rank:

1,791

Product dimensions:

9.10(w) x 11.50(h) x 0.50(d)

Age Range:

5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Chris Van Allsburg is the winner of two Caldecott Medals, for Jumanji and The Polar Express, as well as the recipient of a Caldecott Honor Book for The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. The author and illustrator of numerous picture books for children, he has also been awarded the Regina Medal for lifetime achievement in children's literature. In 1982, Jumanji was nominated for a National Book Award and in 1996, it was made into a popular feature film. Chris Van Allsburg is a former instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design. Visit him at chrisvanallsburg.com.

Hometown:

Providence, Rhode Island

Date of Birth:

June 18, 1949

Place of Birth:

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Education:

University of Michigan College of Architecture & Design, 1972; Rhode Island School of Design, MFA, 1975

Editorial Reviews

The best book about Santa."- Entertainment Weekly

"The Polar Express is magic indeed. "- The New York Times

"Allsburg's mix of meticulousness and mysticism is his own, and his quiet Christmas bell, now run, will not stop ringing."-Adam Gopnik, author of The King in the Window

"The sumptuous pastel effects make this one of Van Allsburg's most treasured visions."- Newsweek

"As always, the forms are sculptured, the perspectives as dazzling as they are audacious, the colors rich and elegant, the use of light and shadow masterly."- Horn Book Guide

"Even the most hardened Santa doubters might find in The Polar Express the faith to believe again."- American Bookseller

1986 Caldecott Medal Winner
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year
ALA Notable Book for Children
Booklist Editors' Choice
Horn Book Fanfare Selection
Reading Rainbow Review Book

From the Publisher

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The Polar Express (30th Anniversary Edition)|Hardcover

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Take a ride aboard the Polar Express in this award-winning, classic holiday story, complete with an ornament gift, perfect for every child’s library. A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole. The Polar Express makes its way...

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Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

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Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

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This book is about a young donkey who find a magic pebble. He comes to understand that this pebble can grant his wishes whenever he is holding onto it. However, he soon accidentally wishes that he be turned into a rock! As a rock, he could no longer touch the pebble and thus be turned back. His family mourns him. But then, Sylvester manages to transform back into himself and reunite with them. This is an amazing story that helps students understand and appreciate all that they have.

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Description

On a rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his true self makes a story that is beautifully tender and filled with magic. Illustrated with William Steig's glowing pictures, this is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere.
Selected as one of the 100 Best Books of the Century by the National Education Association.

Standards

SL.1.2. Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

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On a rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his true self makes a story that is beautifully tender and filled with magic.

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This books is quite simple.  It is about a little boy named Peter. One morning, Peter peers out of his window to look outside. To his surprise, he finds that it has snowed! During the day, Peter then plays in the snow. Whilst he was rejected from playing with the others, he does other fun activities like build a snow man and make snow angels. When night time comes, the little boy returns back inside and tells his mother all about his activities when out in the snow. This book has some amazing illustrations! They guide the reader through this characters day in a unique way.

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Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

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Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

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This is an amazing book about a little kittens trials to reach a bowl of milk that is seemingly placed in the sky. One attempt included the kitten climbing up a tree to reach the bowl of milk. When climbing, the kitten notices an even bigger bowl of milk below. Sadly, this bowl is actually a pond, which the kitten falls into. But, when the kitten returns home, there is a bowl of milk waiting! This story is told with the help of some amazing black and white illustrations.

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Description

What a night! The moon is full. Kitten is hungry, and inquisitive, and brave, and fast, and persistant, and unlucky....then lucky! What a night!

Reviews

"Joan Allen provides flawless narration for this animated production, eliciting concern and triumph in all the right places. Ernest Troost's musical accompaniment is pitch perfect, employing woodwind and piano to adroitly accent the story's drama." - School Library Journal

Awards

School Library Journal Best Book Caldecott Medal ALA Notable Book Charlotte Zolotow Award

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What a night! The moon is full. Kitten is hungry, and inquisitive, and brave, and fast, and persistant, and unlucky....then lucky! What a night! "Joan Allen provides flawless narration for this animated production, eliciting concern and triumph in all the right places.

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Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

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Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

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This book is about a young boy(Max) who goes on a great journey. One night, Max’s mother sends him up to bed with out dinner. They have a bit of a fight and Max storms off to his bedroom. There, he falls asleep. When he wakes up, he notices that he is no longer in his room. Instead, he travels across the ocean and though the forest. In this new environment, Max meets some very scary “wild things”. Although they try to scare Max, they realize that this little boy should be crowned king of the wild things. After some time with the wild things, Max begins to miss his mother. So, he sails off to return back home. The illustrations of this book help to engage the reader in this exotic setting.

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wild things maurice sendak classic storybook caldecott award pictures monsters creatures max imaginary imagination voyage journey celebrated favoritebedtime 0060254920

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Share a classic story with your child in this anniversary edition of Maurice Sendak?s award-winning book. When naughty Max gets sent to his room, he travels to the land of wild things where he makes the rules. But soon, Max longs for home.

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This series is about two siblings (Jack and Annie) who venture off on and new and exciting adventures via their backyard treehouse. On these missions, they are sent off to different times and places throughout our history! I hope that you pick up a book today and join them on their next adventure!

After reading these books, I always felt very spontaneous! I would often want to try and mimic these character’s lives and explorations within my own. This book is special because, as a child, it expands your knowledge about history. It also makes you feel as though you are apart of the books as well! What I remember the most was how confident I felt about reading these books. This was my first real successful attempt to read chapter books o my own. I also remember how unique my journey felt with these character, because I didn't need to read the books in order. Instead, I was able to choose which adventure we went on next!

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The #1 bestselling Magic Tree House series is ready to whisk you away across the world with Jack and Annie–this time as World Turtle Experts!

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This book is about the relationship of a young boy and an apple tree. As time progresses and the relationship between the two grows, the boy learn a very crucial lesson about the idea of being selfless and the concept of giving. This is book about true friendship!

I remember how this book made me feel very reflective. I am sure at the time, I just really enjoyed the story due to the intriguing plot. However, as I grew up, I noticed that this book impacted me in a different way each time I read it. In this sense, this concept made this book timeless to me. I think that the message of this book is very special in that everyone (no matter their age) can relate or learn something from it. Personally, I just remember my mother reading me this story at night before I went to bed. Whilst other books faded in and out, this book remained a constant in my collection!

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b&w

From Shel Silverstein, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, comes a poignant picture book about love and acceptance, cherished for over fifty years. This classic is perfect for both young readers and lifelong fans. "Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."
So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation.

The Giving Tree is a meaningful gift for milestone events such as graduations, birthdays, and baby showers.

Shel Silverstein's incomparable career as a bestselling children's book author and illustrator began with Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. He is also the creator of picture books including A Giraffe and a Half, Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?, The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, and the perennial favorite The Giving Tree, and of classic poetry collections such as Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, Every Thing On It, Don't Bump the Glump!, and Runny Babbit plus Runny Babbit Returns.

Discover all Special Editions!

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b&w From Shel Silverstein, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, comes a poignant picture book about love and acceptance, cherished for over fifty years. This classic is perfect for both young readers and lifelong fans. "Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."

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These books follow the life of a young girl named “Judy Moody”and they focus on a multitude of different obstacles she faces as a third grader. This series is great for those who are trying to navigate their way through the crazy life of an adventurous student, which includes both family and friendships!

When reading this series, these books made me feel less alone. I found that this character was very relatable in terms of how she felt with life. I think that the main chapter of this book is very special. Whilst I found myself perplexed by the situations she found herself in, I learned the definition of confidence from her. I read these book independently. Personally, I remember how interesting each book within the series was! I also remember how proud I was that I finished the series!

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Judy Moody rules! Boys and girls everywhere are relating to Judy's many moods and laughing at her hilarious adventures.

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This book is about a little mouse who is very excited to attend her first day of school! However, as the school day progresses, her excitement dwindles as her classmates begin to bully her about her unique name. In the end, this little mouse learns an important lesson about self acceptance and confidence.

This book made me feel quite special. Like the main character, I had a very unassuming name that I felt as though other would not accept. However, this book taught me that self acceptance is key in life. I think that this book is very special, because of its message and connection tot he school setting. I feel like this book could help many children feel more comfortable in their own skin. This book was another favorite within my own personal collection when I was younger. I remember my mother reading this book to me before bed as well.

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Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. "I'm named after my grandmother," said Victoria. "You're named after a flower." Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn't improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed....

"Perfectly executed in words and illustration. . . . Few illustrators write as well as they draw; Kevin Henkes demonstrates once again that he belongs to that select company." -The Horn Book (starred review)

ALA Notable Children's Book
Horn Book Fanfare
NCTE Notable Children's Trade Book in the Language Arts

Downloadables & Activity Sheets

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BUY THE BOOK Chrysanthemum Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. "I'm named after my grandmother," said Victoria. "You're named after a flower."

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This story is about a anxious young woman getting ready for the first day of school. The reader follow her story and experience the varying emotions that come with this experience. In the end, the readers are presented with a pleasant surprise and plot twist!

This book made me feel a bit more relaxed. I found that the plot twist was very important to this story. It taught me that it was very important to look at a situation from multiple points of view. My first encounter with this book was when I was very young. Before my first day of school, my mother would often read this to me to help settle my nerves.

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📚READ ALOUD: First Day Jitters By Julie Danneberg #firstdayjitters

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This is a series of chapter books that focus on the adventures of a brother and sister. In these books, Alex and Conner Bailey are transported into a world of fairytales! Whilst they grew up hearing these stories, they soon find out that this world does not contain the expected “happy ending” that they are used to. Instead, in this new land, they learn that not everything is as it seems!

This series made me feel so whimsical and curious. I loved the idea of fairy tales and reality mixing. I found that this concept was very important to the novels. It helped me understand that books can often feel as an escape from real life for many people. Personally, I remember how quickly I read this series. This was my first clue that told me how magical reading could be!

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The Land of Stories Series - THE LAND OF STORIES by Chris Colfer

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The Land of Stories tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner. Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, they leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with fairy tale characters they grew up reading about.