Children

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.

God bless Dav Pilkey! The creator of Captain Underpants is my hero for all he has done to attract reluctant boy readers to read. In this ninth edition of his popular Dog Man series, Dog Man's really done it this time! He hands over his badge and clears out his desk, but while he may be out of a job, he's not yet out of hope. With his friends at his side, can Dog Man dig himself out of this hole and paw his way back onto the force?

Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow lies a secret world of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals making their winter home under the snow. This beloved nonfiction picture book exploring the subnivean zone reveals the tunnels and caves formed beneath the snow but over the ground, where many kinds of animals live through the winter, safe and warm, awake and busy, but hidden beneath the snow.

I LOVED Zoom, and this one is just as great. Open this wordless book and take off on mind-bending visual journeys full of twists, turns, and surprises. Zoom from an Egyptian pyramid to an exotic jungle to a sandy beach. But if you think you know where you are, guess again. For in Istvan Banyai's mysterious landscapes of pictures within pictures, nothing is ever as it seems.

As a child, Katherine Johnson loved to count. Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations, she longed to know as much as she could about math, about the universe. From Katherine's early beginnings as a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent mathematician at NASA, this book tells the story of the mathematical genius who made sure that Apollo 13 returned safely home.

Alex has a very close relationship with his Grandpa Joe. They’re best friends. Alex even works at his grandpa’s neighborhood bike shop, Speedy Wheels. One day something terrible happens. An accidental fire starts in the bike shop, and Alex blames himself. What’s Alex to do? Alex Bigsby is a little boy with big ideas. But has he bitten off more than he can chew? Forgetting to unplug his grandfather’s old coffeepot at Grandpa Joe’s Bike Shop teaches Alex and his friends a valuable lesson in fire safety, and their eagerness to earn quick cash without carefully doing their work educates them on the importance of follow-through. One of the pillars of character is responsibility, and this is a great book to teach children how to take responsibility for one’s actions.

It’s time for the little red chicken’s bedtime story — and a reminder from Papa to try not to interrupt. But the chicken can’t help herself! Whether the tale is Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood or even Chicken Little, she jumps into the story to save its hapless characters. Now it’s the little red chicken’s turn to tell a story, but will her yawning papa make it to the end without his own kind of interrupting?

The first time Melanie Ross meets April Hall, she’s not sure they have anything in common. But she soon discovers that they both love anything to do with ancient Egypt. When they stumble upon a deserted storage yard, Melanie and April decide it’s the perfect spot for the Egypt Game. Before long there are six Egyptians, and they all meet to wear costumes, hold ceremonies, and work on their secret code. Everyone thinks it’s just a game until strange things start happening. Has the Egypt Game gone too far?