A Little Bit of Courage by Claire Alexander
Ploofers are back for a heartwarming exploration of fear and finding courage. They've been practicing something very special and it requires extra teamwork... But Little One is too scared to go on this new adventure. Will some kind and encouraging words from Toasty help him find a little bit of courage? With a subtle yet powerful message on overcoming anxiety and finding the courage to live life to its fullest, this book will resonate with children and adults alike.
Thank You, Mr Panda by Steve Antony
Generous Mr. Panda is giving away presents to all his animal friends, including a mouse, an octopus, an elephant, and a lemur, but they aren't being very grateful about the gifts they receive. It may be because the presents aren't quite right. Mouse receives a sweater that's too big, and Octopus gets six colorful socks even though he has eight legs. Fortunately, thoughtful little Lemur knows that even if the present isn't perfect, it's the thought that counts most of all.
Wanda and the Wild Hair by Barbara Azore
Blue-eyed freckle-faced Wanda has a problem: she loves her wild hair dearly, but it drives all the adults in her life to distraction. She loves the way it feels when she touches it. She loves the way it looks when she pats it in front of the mirror. But her mother always nags her to wash it, her father wants to take her to the poodle parlor for a trim, and her teacher threatens to ask the principal to cut it off. What can poor Wanda do? A series of mishaps with a magpie, a cat, and a large English sheepdog finally convince Wanda that her beautiful hair has to be changed. Kids who love their hair will identify with Wanda’s playful solution to make her adults happy.
When Sophie Gets Angry by Molly Bang
"Bang captures the intensity of Sophie's feelings with strong, broadly brushed forms and colors: images of flames and a volcano; blue eyes glaring up from a red background that looks as if it's exploding; then harmonious, leafy greens and browns; and concluding scenes of domestic amity....Sophie finds a way to cope with her anger, quite laudably, without a helping adult hand." -- Kirkus Reviews
Chicks Rule! by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallan
Nerdy Chick has been waiting all day for the Rocket Club meeting. But when she gets there, she finds a disturbing sign tacked to the door: “NO CHICKS ALLOWED!!!” Puzzled, then baffled, then just plain mad, Nerdy Chick sets out to change the rules. A celebration of girl power and community action, Chicks Rule! is the playful, diverse, victorious anthem chicks everywhere will love.
Thank You for Me! by MArion Dane Bauer
In this lyrical text, a young child lists body parts from nose to toes, giving thanks for each along the way.
A subtle reminder of our deepest core values, Thank You for Me! is a delightful celebration of gratitude that belongs on every bookshelf.
Sloth at the Zoom by Helaine Becker
One day, a sloth accidentally gets delivered to the Zoom! She was supposed to be dropped off at the Zzzzzoo, a much more laid-back, slow-paced place.
When the sloth tries to make friends, nobody has any time—until the sloth meets a creature who’s a little more her speed, and everyone stops to notice. This is a surprising, delightful, and funny picture book about slowing down to enjoy the little things and making time for what matters.
Not Norman by Kelly Bennett
Norman the goldfish isn’t what this little boy had in mind. He wanted a different kind of pet — one that could run and catch, or chase string and climb trees, a soft furry pet to sleep on his bed at night. Definitely not Norman. But when he tries to trade Norman for a "good pet," things don’t go as he planned. Could it be that Norman is a better pet than he thought? An unexpected — and positively fishy — tale about finding the good in something you didn’t know you wanted.
Giraffe and Bird by Rebecca Bender
Giraffe and Bird are not friends. Not even a little bit. The bird pesters the giraffe with his face-making, feather-pruning, and disgusting eating habits. The giraffe annoys the bird with his bad breath, ear-swatting, and lack of respect for personal space. Of course they are always fighting. Of course they would be better off without each other. Except, it turns out, maybe they wouldn't be.
Nightsong by Ari Berk
Sense is the song you sing out into the world,
and the song the world sings back to you.
With these words, Chiro's mother sends him off into the night for the first time alone. It's an adventure, but how will he find his way? And how will he find his way home? As the young bat discovers, navigating the world around him is easy as long as he uses his good sense.
This beautiful and touching coming-of-age story conveys a heartwarming and universal message: No matter how far away you go, you can always find your way home.
The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright
A funny rhyming story about a reluctant Koala who finds change just a little bit worrisome.
Kevin likes to keep things the same. Exactly the same. But when change comes along uninvited one day, Kevin discovers that life can be new and wonderful!
King Pig by NIck Bland
King Pig is grand ruler of the sheep. He can make them do whatever he wants (clean his castle), whenever he wants (the middle of the night). But for some reason, he can't seem to make them like him.
When King Pig finally thinks of a way to make amends, it may not be perfect ― but it's a pretty good start.
Nick Bland's playful, wonderfully humorous illustrations will leave kids and parents grinning, even as they share an important lesson about treating others the way they would like to be treated.
My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown
A young boy named Bobby has the worst teacher. She's loud, she yells, and if you throw paper airplanes, she won't allow you to enjoy recess. She is a monster! Luckily, Bobby can go to his favorite spot in the park on weekends to play. Until one day... he finds his teacher there! Over the course of one day, Bobby learns that monsters are not always what they seem.
The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
The Way I Feel uses strong, colorful, and expressive images which go along with simple verses to help children connect the word and the emotion. Children will learn useful words giving parents, teachers, and caregivers many chances to open conversations about what’s going on in their child’s life.
Try a Little Kindness by Henry Cole
In this funny picture book, bestselling illustrator Henry Cole shows kids different ways to be kind with his hysterical cartoon animal characters.Each page features a different way to be a good person, like using proper manners, telling someone they are special, or sharing a treat! The text is accompanied by two or three related vignettes of different animals giving examples of ways to be good. And in one illustration out of each set, one animal (like a cat peering into a fishbowl!) may not be doing the best job of being kind!
When Things Aren't Going RIght, Go Left by Marc Colagiovanni
Told through creative language play, and with depth and whimsy, this picture book reminds readers of their own agency and the power they have to direct their own path. Marc Colagiovanni’s lyrical text and Peter H. Reynolds’s stunning art create an enduring message of strength and perseverance that is both universal and personal, and one that readers will be drawn to over and over again.
When Pigs Fly by Valerie Coulman
Ralph wants a bicycle, but as everyone tells him, cows don't ride bicycles! His father unwittingly offers a glimmer of hope when he tells Ralph he can have a bicycle "when pigs fly." But pigs don't fly, right? "Not yet," replies a determined Ralph. With vivid, charming illustrations and a can-do attitude, this award-winning picture book shows young readers that positive thinking can triumph over all the no’s in the world.
The Baddies by Julia Donaldson
The Baddies are the meanest, nastiest ghost, witch and troll in the land. They just adore being bad, and fight over who is the worst. When a little girl moves into a nearby cottage, the Baddies can't wait to scare her out of her wits. But the little girl quickly shows them that you don't have to be big to be brave, and baddies don't always win.
I Knew You Could by Craig Dorfman
The determined Little Blue Engine is back, bringing inspiring and enlightening words of wisdom to graduates of all ages as they make the transition from one phase of life to the next. I Knew You Could! provides familiar comfort in changing times and serves as a wonderful gift that will be treasured for years to come. Readers will revisit the story again and again as they move forward along life's path. From "I think I can" to "I knew I could," The Little Engine That Could helps kids of all ages realize that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it!
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont
High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.
Caramba! by Marie-Louise Gay
Caramba the cat is very worried because, unlike other cats, he can't fly. When his cousins teach him how to fly he discovers that he has a unique talent.
Small Saul by Ashley Spires
Small Saul the pirate is better at singing sea shanties and baking than holding a sword and being a real pirate, and he is forced to prove his worth to his shipmates or else walk the plank.
The Smart Cookie by Jory John
This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls in the bakery. Will a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be enough to help her learn that perfect scores and having all the answers aren’t the only ingredients for intelligence?
The Cool Bean by Jory John
Everyone knows the cool beans. They’re sooooo cool.And then there’s the uncool has-bean . . Always on the sidelines, one bean unsuccessfully tries everything he can to fit in with the crowd—until one day the cool beans show him how it’s done.
With equal measures of humor, wit, and charm, the #1 New York Times bestselling duo Jory John and Pete Oswald craft another incredible picture book, reminding us that it’s cooler to be kind.
The Good Egg by Jory John
Meet the good egg. He’s a verrrrrry good egg indeed.
But trying to be so good is hard when everyone else is plain ol’ rotten.
As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect.
So, he decides enough is enough! It’s time for him to make a change…
A funny and charming story that reminds us of the importance of balance, self-care, and accepting those we love (even if they are sometimes a bit rotten).
The Sour Grape by Jory John
The Sour Grape holds grudges for every reason under the sun. Lime never returned a scarf they borrowed? Grudge! Orange never called back? Grudge! But when a friend holds a grudge against the Sour Grape without listening to an explanation, the Sour Grape realizes how unfair grudges can be. Could a bunch of forgiveness and compassion be enough to turn a sour grape sweet?
Quiet Please, Owen McPhee! by Trudy Ludwig
Owen McPhee doesn't just like to talk, he LOVES to talk. He spends every waking minute chattering away at his teachers, his classmates, his parents, his dog, and even himself. But all that talking can get in the way of listening. And when Owen wakes up with a bad case of laryngitis, it gives him a much-needed opportunity to hear what others have to say.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend...
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in class ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class.
When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.
Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds
Be curious...
Be adventurous..
Be brave...
BE YOU!
Discover a joyful reminder of the ways that every child is unique and special. Reynolds reminds readers to "be your own work of art." To be patient, persistent, and true. Because there is one, and only one, YOU.
Red: a crayon's story by Michael Hall
This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone.
A Good Thing Happened Today by Michelle Figueroa
A rhythmic collection of happiness and hope inspired by real-life good news, this book reminds us that there are positive things happening every day and we can all be a part of it.
A Rainbow of Friends by P.K. Hallinan
Friends come in all colors and sizes; they can be funny or serious, musical or athletic, outgoing or quiet. This book reminds children to celebrate their differences because that is what makes each of us so special.
Sheila Rae the Brave by Kevin Henkes
Sheila Rae wasn't afraid of anything—not thunder, not lightning, not the big black dog at the end of the block. And when she wanted to walk home a new way and Louise wouldn't, she called her sister a scaredy-cat and set out alone. But all the bravado in the world failed to help when Sheila Rae found herself lost. Luckily, her sister was not far behind.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
This is an ideal break-the-ice book for the first week of school. It get children thinking about and bonding with their own names and the names of everyone else in the class, and it's the perfect vehicle for starting a discussion about treating classmates with tolerance, kindness, and compassion.
I WIll Try by Marilyn Janovitz
Ella is in awe of Jan, the star of her gymnastics class. Jan can spin and leap on the balance beam. Can Ella? Her first attempt is a failure, and Ella is ready to give up. But Jan is a star at friendship too; and with her encouragement, Ella tries again--and succeeds!
Valuable, age-appropriate lessons in kindness, sportsmanship, and how important it is to try, try again.
Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors are Otters.
OTTERS!
But he doesn't know anything about otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends?
Just treat otters the same way you'd like them to treat you, advises Mr. Owl.
The Boy With Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee
The Boy with Big, Big Feelings is relatable for any child -- especially for a child experiencing anxiety, extreme emotions, a child identified as a Highly Sensitive Person, or a child on the autism spectrum. Beautifully illustrated and written in rhyming verse, children and adults explore the whole spectrum of feelings and readers navigate the emotional challenges they face throughout the day.
Brave Every Day by Trudy Ludwig
Most kids love hide-and-seek, but Camila just wants to hide. Hiding is what she does best when she worries, and she worries a LOT.What if... I can’t... I’m scared!
A class trip to the aquarium causes her worries to pile up like never before. But when an anxious classmate asks for help, Camila discovers that her heart is bigger than her fears.
A tale of courage and compassion that will embolden readers to face their own fears.
Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty
Much more than how one looks on the outside, true beauty is found in conquering challenges, showing kindness, and spreading contagious laughter. Beautiful girls are empowered and smart and strong!
BEAUTIFUL breaks barriers by showing girls free to be themselves: splashing in mud, conducting science experiments, and reading books under a flashlight with friends. This book will encourage all girls to embrace who they are and realize their endless potential.
The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth
Young Nikolai is searching for the answers to his three questions: When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?But it is his own response to a stranger's cry for help that leads him directly to the answers he is looking for. This profound and inspiring book is about compassion and being engaged in each moment.
Ruby FInds a Worry by Tom Percival
Meet Ruby -- a happy, curious, imaginative young girl. But one day, she finds something unexpected: a Worry. It's not such a big Worry, at first. But every day, it grows a little bigger . . . and a little bigger . . . . Until eventually, the Worry is ENORMOUS and is all she can think about.
But when Ruby befriends a young boy, she discovers that everyone has worries, and not only that, there's a great way to get rid of them too . . . she just has to share her feelings.
Penelope and the Humongous Burp by Sheri Radford
Too thirsty to heed her mother's warnings, Penelope soon learns the disastrous consequences of gulping a few glasses of grape soda too quickly! This zany misadventure will win kids over from the very first page – and teach them a thing or two about manners by the last
How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath
Each of us has an invisible bucket. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When it’s empty, we feel awful. Yet most children (and many adults) don’t realize the importance of having a full bucket throughout the day.
Follow along with Felix as he learns how easy it can be to fill the buckets of his classmates, teachers and family members. Before the day is over, you’ll see how Felix learns to be a great bucket filler, and in the process, discovers that filling someone else’s bucket also fills his own.
Me and You in a Book Made for Two by Jean Reidy
An excellent read-aloud to be shared again and again, Me and You in a Book Made for Two puts kids at the forefront and asks them to be the authors of their own stories. With its empowering and aspirational themes that celebrate the power of friendship, collaboration, and teamwork, this book fits the canon of timeless, classic books about how we’re stronger together than we are apart.
Hooray for You by Marianne Richmond
A welcome appreciation of the wonderfulness in us all in the vein of The Wonderful Things You Will Be and I Wish You More! It's the perfect kindergarten book to celebrate what makes your kids unique!
I Love You So by Marianne Richmond
This comforting story embraces the reader like a warm hug and gently reassures a child that love is for always, despite the grouchy moods or physical separation.
You Matter by Christian Robinson
In this full, bright, and beautiful picture book, many different perspectives around the world are deftly and empathetically explored—from a pair of bird-watchers to the pigeons they’re feeding. Young readers will be drawn into the luminous illustrations inviting them to engage with the world in a new way and see how everyone is connected, and that everyone matters.
The OK Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
In this clever and visual play on words, OK is turned sideways, upside down, and right side up to show that being OK can really be quite great.
I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Some books are about a single wish. Some books are about three wishes. The infallible team of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld have combined their extraordinary talents to create this exuberant book of endless good wishes. Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for friendship and strength, laughter and peace. Whether celebrating life's joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet and uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age.
Yes Day by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
No matter how silly the request, there is one day a year when kids always receive a positive response: Can I have pizza for breakfast? YES! Can we have a food fight? YES! Can I stay up really late? YES!
The simple text coupled with delightful illustrations will send kids on a journey into their wildest wishes. With humor and appreciation for life's little pleasures, Yes Day! captures the excitement of being a kid.