Children

It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they’re so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. Hilarious read aloud.

What happens when a writer learns that he doesn’t quite have as much control over his book as he thinks? When the author’s characters, led by a panda bear named Spike, take over his book and begin telling a story of their own, pandemonium ensues in this playful romp about making books.

For me, the best picture books make me laugh while teaching important lessons. Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it, so they encourage him not to hunch, to smile and to do things that make THEM happy. But Jim can’t take all the advice...and he has a bit of a meltdown. Excellent case study in the dangers of putting on a happy face that teaches kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings. More importantly, the book facilitates discussions about how to deal with negative feelings.

Lovely book celebrating all girls to be exactly who they are. It is so important that we remind children every day how unique and beautiful they are. In fact, a lot of adults could use that reminder, too.

Part of the Explorer Academy series which has become a craze among upper elementary school boys. Cruz Coronado sets sail for the shores of Iceland and Norway aboard the Explorer Academy ship to continue his studies at sea. But things take a turn while exploring the icy north, when he embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the first piece of an important puzzle his mother left behind.

Every year, a boy and his family go camping at Mountain Pond. Usually, they see things like an eagle fishing for his dinner, a salamander with red spots on its back and chipmunks that come to steal food while the family sits by the campfire. But this year is different. This year, the boy is going into first grade, and his mother is encouraging him to do things on his own, just like his older brother. And the most different thing of all: this year, a tiger comes to the woods! With lyrical prose and dazzling art, Pulitzer Prize finalist Susan Choi and Caldecott-honor winning artist John Rocco have created a moving and joyful ode to growing up.

Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school and play in the same park, but while Sofia’s fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she’ll keep this discovery a secret. But because Sofia wants to help her friend, she’s faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi’s empty fridge. Filled with colorful artwork by Vin Vogel, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust and helping others. Great book for all families.

Great graphic novel for tweens. All Vera wants to do is fit in – but that’s not easy for a Russian girl in the suburbs. Her friends live in fancy houses and their parents can afford to send them to the best summer camps. Vera’s single mother can’t afford that sort of luxury, but there’s one summer camp in her price range: Russian summer camp. Vera is sure she’s found the one place she can fit in, but camp is far from what she imagined. And nothing could prepare her for all the "cool girl" drama, endless Russian history lessons and outhouses straight out of nightmares!

This girl is determined to express herself! If she can’t draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can’t do that, she’ll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream. Stunning mixed media illustrations by Mike Curato accompany this lyrical text that makes for great read-alouds.

Bear likes to keep his house clean and tidy. In fact, the only thing Bear loves more than cleaning is taking care of his small stuffed friend, Ursa. Then Bear sees a sticky spiderweb – and where there’s a web there is certainly a spider! The messy guest must be found, but what Bear and Ursa finally discover might just be an unlikely friend. Opposites attract in this adorable story, where new friends come in all shapes and sizes.

I have my pal Cynthia McDermott to thank for introducing me to this gem. With lovely illustrations by Barry Root, this story talks about how the curmudgeon General and his wife Mrs. Pinch impose their will and endless rules against the residents of Liberty Street. But when the Araboolies move in, the rigid conformity stifling the neighbors is shattered by the newcomers’ joyous and eccentric behavior. Now, the General has called in the army to reestablish order – only to find resistance from the children of Liberty Street determined to ensure the freedom of their newfound friends, the Araboolies. I tell you – children’s literature is often the most important literature, and this book is truly masterful.

Fun read aloud that encourages children to embrace their “inner nerds” as well as their “outer nerds.” After all, if a dog is a nerd, then it has to be a cool thing to be! Includes great illustrations by John Woods.

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. Hilarious read aloud that will delight your young and old students alike!

Frieman tells the remarkable true tale of a nine-year-old boy that proves that no one can be too small - or too young - to have his voice heard.

What have you done with your kids lately? Rob Shallenberger challenged his daughter Bella to help other kids by writing a book, and walla! Here’s the hardcover. Not bad for a kid not even in high school yet!