Children

One day Benny the woodpecker awakens to the best tummy-rumbling smell ever and discovers it’s something called “waffles.” He MUST taste them! Lots of laughs as Benny has his own plan on how to get them.

When Ben reads his fortune-cookie fortune, he's alarmed and inspired. Immediately, he begins drafting a bucket list of unfinished tasks and lifelong dreams. As Ben marches himself in and out of trouble, takes useful risks and helps both his parents to see the bigger picture, readers discover how something that seems scary can instead be empowering. Picked it up because I liked the title and was delighted to read such a fun graphic novel with great illustrations by Robbi Behr.

Princess Pinecone knows exactly what she wants for her birthday this year. A BIG horse. A STRONG horse. A horse fit for a WARRIOR PRINCESS! But when the day arrives, she doesn't quite get the horse of her dreams in this laugh-out-loud story of brave warriors, big surprises and falling in love with one unforgettable little pony.

Gorgeously illustrated by Loren Long, this is an eye-opening exploration of the many types of work that go into building our world – from the making of a bridge to a wind farm, an amusement park and even the very picture book that you are reading.

Poetry can have both a rhyme and a rhythm. Sometimes it is obvious; sometimes it is hidden. But either way, make no mistake, poetry is as vibrant and exciting as it gets. And when you find yourself clapping your hands or tapping your feet, you know you've found poetry with a beat! Includes more than 50 remarkable poems and songs – from Queen Latifah to Langston Hughes.

Celebrate the joy, wonder, and innocence of being a child with this love letter to the loved ones in your life that encourages them to celebrate their own special qualities now and into the future.

Fun and lively book to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, with terrific illustrations by Andy Elkerton. Start a new St. Patrick's Day tradition in your family by building leprechaun traps of your own at home or in the classroom!

When a young girl sees a strong woman on TV labeled as "too assertive" and "too ambitious," it sends her on a journey of discovery through past, present and future about the challenges faced by women and girls and the ways in which they can reframe, redefine and reclaim words meant to knock them down. Regardless of one’s politics (which I am sick of hearing about – lol!), I think most of us can agree that having the first woman Vice President of the United States is truly inspiring (and long overdue).

I’m guessing Gorman needs no help from me in publicizing her book, after her stirring poem delivered at the recent Presidential Inauguration. She was so eloquent, and in this book Gorman shows us that anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes – big or small – in the world, in their communities and in most importantly, in themselves. Simply beautiful.

Have my friend Cynthia McDermott to thank for this lovely book about empathy and kindness. When something sad happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to act, and one by one they fail to offer comfort. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen…which is just what Taylor needs. Good lesson for us all these days, no?

The first volume of the hilarious and heartfelt Akissi comics, this great “tweener” that can be enjoyed by all ages. Laugh out loud at the misadadventures of Akissi in these girls-will-be-girls comics, based on Abouet's childhood on the Ivory Coast.

What starts as an ordinary Sunday at the Heckelbeck house turns into a hair-raising adventure for the whole family when one of Henry’s toys gets stuck in Heidi’s hair! Mom’s only solution is to cut a chunk of Heidi’s hair, but when the salon can’t undo the horrible hairdo, Heidi must use magic to save the day. But will her magical hairdo become a hair don’t? Includes delightful illustrations by Priscilla Burris.

In a sad attempt to interest my children in one of my favorite adult comedies, I had to grab this. Michael Scott is Line Leader at Dunder Mifflin Elementary. It’s a very big job, but Michael is sure he can live up to the “World’s Best Line Leader” title printed on his water bottle. There’s just one problem – Michael doesn’t know how to lead the line. Filled with colorful, detailed illustrations and brimming with nods to iconic moments from the show, this hilarious reimagining features a pint-sized cast.

A pesky fly gets into Pig’s face and starts to ruin his day. Should he let it? This book talks us through Pig’s ideas, thoughts and coping strategies. Terrific way for parents to share with their children tips about managing frustration.

The final book in the highly acclaimed Toys trilogy, which includes the companion books Toys Go Out and Toy Dance Party and chronicles the unforgettable adventures of three brave and loving toys. Fans of the series, as well as newcomers, will happily discover how Lumphy, StingRay, and Plastic came to live with the Girl. In six linked adventures, readers will also learn how the one-eared Sheep became one-eared, watch a cranky toy meet an unfortunate end, and best of all, learn why it’s okay for someone you truly love to puke on you. This is perhaps the most charming of three inimitably charming books. Featuring Paul Zelinsky’s adorable illustrations.