In a forest of seedlings, only one refused to let go of its leaves season after season. The tree's sad, cowering posture helps early grade school readers see that fear hinders the little tree's growth. Eventually with coaxing and reassurance, it lets go and is able to realize its full potential—to grow and to serve. A wise message, simply illustrated for easy comprehension.

Heartwarming watercolor illustrations depict the delight Harry Coleburn, military veterinarian took in his new charge, Winnifred the black bear. While the storyline follows the endearing role Winnie played among soldiers at military camps, it conveys the critical role animal health played during World War I, a time when horses played the role of today's heavy equipment. The well-woven story comes ...

This Caldecott winner employs curves and movement on each page that accommodate the story's gentle flow. Narrated by a mom speaking to her young child, the book's clean, soft, subtly-shaded illustrations provide a calm, pleasing visual experience. Notably, both the storyteller and artist incorporate a winding pattern that repeats throughout, creating a familiar reference point that completely sati ...

While this is primarily Pedro Martinez's biography, it is equally a celebration of the relationship he shared with his talented baseball-player brother, Ramon. A humble upbringing challenged them both to creatively pursue their love of baseball, and eventually dedicated practice and big dreams gave way to major-league contracts, friendly rivalry on national stages, and a championship win. Gorgeous ...

Although Ella and Maddy's playtime is threatened by Toby's wild antics, Marmalade (the girls') cat can't help falling under his wild, fun-loving charm. But when Toby's "help" accidentally douses Marmalade, she runs to a tree's precarious safety. Cooperation proves a powerful key to rescue both a cat and a friendship. Young readers will cheer this triumph of patience, self-control, and cooperation. ...

Obstacles are simply opportunities in disguise. Marisol refuses to let disappointment cloud her ability to solve a problem; instead she opens her eyes to see the familiar as new. Maybe if challenge didn't stand in our way, we'd never have the chance to see differently -- to live a little more richly and create something better from having had the experience. Reynolds offers a refreshing tale of po ...

The ability to focus on one task at a time is a learned skill. When the solution to Leo's growing to-do list appears as a multiplication of Leos because surely many hands lighten the load, the tasks multiply. Exhausted, Leo finds refuge in sleep and a dream made only for one. An adult-sized lesson, "What if I did less, but did my BEST?" written as a parable for kids. Classic Peter Reynolds.

This wordless story comes alive through the wonder and kindness of a little girl. As a bright light would shine in a dark room, the young heroine wears red, the only spot of color at the story's black and white outset. Trailing her distracted Dad along city sidewalks, she collects simple beauty -- weeds and wildflowers in crevices amidst a cement jungle -- and then gives it away little by little. ...

We can't get enough of this author/illustrator duo. They discover the most interesting individuals and masterfully shape the telling by relating familiar, present-day experiences with their characters' experiences, enabling details to stick. In this telling, William Carlos Williams faces the difficulty of balancing the need to earn a living with pursuing his artistic endeavors. He manages to estab ...

This tale stages a meetup between extraordinary and ordinary. The learning is messy and extraordinary turns out to be unconventional, but Bloom the magical fairy believes her new "ordinary" friend, Genevieve, can save the kingdom. Genevieve's confidence grows with each success under Bloom's gentle direction. Lively, airy illustrations capture the delight and strength of a heart and mind equipped t ...

The extreme simplicity of The Storm Whale's text belies layers of symbolism that emerge with second, third, and fourth readings — father's reawakening to his son's need for friendship; the treasures that can be left behind by a storm. Readings are more like experiences, as Davies' cinematic illustrations draw readers in with visual details and varying scope. A new favorite that's repeatedly ...

Fogliano draws the reader into the memory of each season's sensory delights and opportunities for reflection: hot sand on the edge of the sea in summer, November showers that are "practice for snow". Poems are concise and rhythmic for sharing aloud and each is dated to further draw young readers into a journal-like experience of the year in all its glorious variety. A beautiful addition to the par ...

At 4 years old, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews found the music of his New Orleans hometown irresistible. He joined crowds of musicians, mimicking them with homemade instruments, and eventually playing right along on a found, beat-up trombone. His insatiable appetite for playing music sends a powerfully important to readers; hard work doing something you love and are gifted to do is not only fulfil ...

Gentle, uncluttered illustrations prompt empathy for Rocket. They show his kind, open wonder and the roadblock that could derail his mission. But friendship and a listening heart lead him to discover his potential that dovetails his love for words and for others beautifully. A beautiful message in a tale told simply.

Expect the unexpected! Houses, apartments, underground lairs, giant shoes and hollow trees capture the imaginations of young readers dreaming of home. Ellis encourages children to ask and answer questions (‘Whose home is this?’ ‘Why would someone live here?’) in a way that evokes wonder and inspires creativity. Kids will be redecorating their rooms and building forts afte ...

A hungry bear finds himself in the big city...or does he? Text with just enough figurative language for early listeners, and active, painterly pictures complement each other beautifully. A humorous surprise ending provokes thought about narrator's voice, truthfulness and perspective—and compels you to "Read it again!"...and again.

Charming, find-a-new-detail-every-time illustrations enliven a father's hard work and loving relationship with his daughter. Rhythmic text in the style of "The House That Jack Built" gives young listeners the chance to memorize and chime in with repetition. The world is depicted as full of wonder, beauty and warmth for those who will joyfully dive into hard work and caring relationships.

Curiosity can take a young boy anywhere, even down the bathtub drain! This imaginative story entertains and gently promotes asking questions and pursuing answers.