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The House Without Lights

Reem Faruqi

In this heartwarming holiday picture book, House misses being decorated for the winter holidays . . . but is delighted to be lit up for Eid instead.

After seeing all of its neighbors' twinkling lights for the winter holidays, House hopes to shine too. When Huda and her family move in, House thinks its time to sparkle has finally come.

But, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Christmas come and go without a shimmer. Quickly, House learns that every family celebrates joy and togetherness in their own way, no matter the season. And a few months later House will see that this new family has its own holiday to shine for.

This book is sure to be a holiday classic, complete with back matter about the holidays mentioned, including the one House lights up for–Eid.

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Tamales For Christmas

Stephen Briseño

Before the first Christmas light is strung, Grandma is hard at work, making thousands of tamales to sell so she can buy gifts for her family! This heartwarming tale, based on a true story, explores a grandmother's boundless generosity, and the irresistible magic of tamales.

A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

When the weather changes, but way before the Christmas tree is decorated, Grandma begins her preparations. With so many children and grandchildren in her family, she finds a way to put gifts under the tree-- she sells as many tamales as she can! Masa in one hand, corn husks in the other, Grandma’s just getting started. 15 dozen tamales. As Halloween passes, and Thanksgiving, Grandma is still toiling away in the kitchen: 150 dozen tamales, 700 dozen tamales, 850 dozen tamales. When it’s time to string the lights for Christmas, she’s inching closer to 1000 dozen tamales! Enough to give some to those in need and enough to sell to earn money for Christmas gifts.

Based on the author’s own grandmother, who was the heart of the familia, here is a warm story about Christmas, generosity, and, yes, tamales.

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The Snow Thief

Alice Hemming

From New York Times bestselling author of The Leaf Thief comes the funny snowy companion picture book that teaches kids about winter, adapting to change, and the seasons.

Squirrel and Bird are back, and this time it's winter! But squirrel has never seen snow before. Will he like it? You bet he will! Except, just as Squirrel starts to get used to the snow, it disappears. Is there a snow thief on the loose?

With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of winter is captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along Squirrel's forest adventure. Is there truly a snow thief on the loose, or is something else going on in Squirrel's forest? A perfect exploration of change--both seasonal, and the anxiety that change sometimes causes. Bonus material explaining about the changing of the seasons. Poised to be a new fall classic.

Pick up The Snow Thief if you are looking for:

  • A classic read for ages 4 and up
  • Back to school books, ideal for your classroom, homeschool curriculum, and more!
  • Seasonal and educational stories about the changing seasons
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Harold Hates to Hibernate

Vern Kousky

In the sweet and charming follow-up to the beloved picture book Harold Loves His Woolly Hat, little bear Harold is NOT ready to to go to sleep—and, just like kids everywhere, he makes every attempt to stay awake.

Harold loves the springtime flowers. And spending time with friends on summer days. In the fall, he loves the bright, bold colors. But now winter is coming, and Harold will have to go to sleep...only he really doesn't want to. 

Harold is determined to stay awake. So, with help from his friends the crows, he tries everything—from filling his belly with delicious berries to wearing cozy pajamas to keep him warm. Finally, snow starts to fall, and Harold finds he needs to rest his eyes, just for a minute. When he finally dozes off, the crows return—with his woolly hat—to snuggle up for some winter rest.

All kids will see themselves reflected in this sweet, cozy read aloud about bears (ahem, kids) who are NOT ready to go to sleep.

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Hello, World! Snow

Jill McDonald

The hit Hello, World! board book series teaches toddlers all about snow! Includes easy-to-understand facts about chilly weather, snowflakes, storms, snowplows, and winter fun.

Young children love to play in the snow. Now Hello, World! can teach them all about winter weather—with colors, shapes, sizes, and super-simple facts. ("Snowflakes come in different shapes, but they all have six sides and six points.")

Told in clear and easy terms and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. Each page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child.

It's a perfect way to bring science and nature into the busy world of a toddler, where learning never stops.

Look for all the books in the Hello, World! series: 
• Solar System
• Weather
• Backyard Bugs
• Birds
• Dinosaurs
• My Body
• How Do Apples Grow?
• Ocean Life
• Moon Landing
• Pets
• Arctic Animals
• Construction Site
• Rainforest Animals
• Planet Earth 
• Reptiles
• Cars and Trucks 
• Music
• Baby Animals
• On the Farm
• Garden Time
• Planes and Other Flying Machines
• Rocks and Minerals
• Snow
• Let's Go Camping
• School Day
• Baking
• From Seed to Pumpkin

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Dog's First Christmas

Natalie Nelson

In this follow-up to the beloved board book Dog’s First Baby, Dog and Baby explore the delightful and puzzling ways their family prepares for Christmas.

See these branches? They’re not for tugging.
See this ball? It’s not for fetching.
 
It’s the holiday season, and Dog smells a change in the air. With his new friend Baby by his side, Dog investigates the many strange occurrences in their home—like a tree in the living room, fragile balls that are not for fetching, and friends new and old—as he gets into the Christmas spirit with his family.

Humans and canines alike will love celebrating the season with this latest book in a beloved series!

Celebrate new experiences any time of the year with Dog's First Baby and Cat's First Baby.

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Ready to Sign: Baby Signs

Poppy Partridge

Babies have a lot to say! Help strengthen your bond and enhance communication with your little one through this delightful introduction to sign language. Each page introduces three to four first signs that will help you teach your baby to express what they are feeling and what they want. Lift the tab for a description of how to make each sign. Then read and sign the simple story. Charming pictures reinforce the meaning for your toddler. Using baby sign language helps reduce frustration for both parents and children. Parents who learn sign language alongside their baby can be more responsive to their baby's needs, which can foster a closer bond.

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We Celebrate the Light

Jane Yolen

A celebration of seven different winter holidays observed in the US and the traditions that unite them all.

Diwali, Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and Lunar New Year are visually depicted in turn, accompanying a stunning, read-aloud text that speaks of the traditions that link them all together. The warm yet accurate imagery is explained in simple secondary text on each spread, and further in the backmatter. Beloved author Jane Yolen and daughter, author Heidi Stemple, have crafted a loving and poignant story with true reverence for our shared traditions of celebrating light, love, food, and family. An empowering, informative, and inclusive holiday book for families of all traditions.

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Beam of Light

Elisa Boxer

The first piece of Judaica in the White House's permanent holiday collection was introduced for Hanukkah in 2022. This lovely picture book tells the history and importance of its creation.

The official White House menorah is a symbol of strength and perseverance against seemingly insurmountable odds. It was created from a piece of reclaimed wood salvaged during a Truman-era renovation of the building. That beam of White House wood sat in storage for seventy years, through thirteen different presidents. It might have been destroyed, but instead it waited for its new purpose. And so, in 2022, it was transformed into a menorah that will shine its beams of light every year, celebrating the resilience and permanence of Jewish people in America and abroad.

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Kids in the Kitchen

Rossini Perez

Kids in the Kitchen is the ultimate cooking companion for your budding little chefs!

Say hello to a world of hands-on fun that will ignite a passion for cooking and creativity in your kids. No more kitchen boredom- it's time to let their culinary imaginations run wild! Let their kitchen dreams take flight with our carefully curated healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts, anddrinks that not only tantalize taste buds but also foster independence and confidence. You'll also find fun facts about different food favorites such as bagels, lemonades, chocolate, and empanadas, among much more, as well as nutritional facts, kitchen term definitions, and advice for picky eaters. 

Get ready to cultivate a new generation of confident cooks and enthusiastic eaters with our delicious and kid-friendly recipes.

 Here are some yummy examples:

  • Chocolate Chip Protein Pancake Muffins: Whip up a batch of these delightful and nutritious treats that will have your little chefs beaming with pride as they conquer the art of baking.
  • Rainbow Fried Rice: Watch as your kitchen transforms into a palette of vibrant colors and flavors with this whimsical take on the classic fried rice. It's not just a meal; it's a masterpiece in the making!
  • Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas: Ignite the spirit of culinary adventure with these scrumptious, handheld delights that will have your little ones feeling like kitchen superheroes.
  • Easy One Pot Mac and Cheese: Unleash the magic of simplicity and taste with this creamy, cheesy classic that's perfect for their solo kitchen escapades.
  • Strawberry Drink Refresher: Let their creativity flow as they concoct their own refreshing and fruity beverage that's as delightful to make as it is to sip.
  • 2-Ingredient Red Velvet Cake: Unveil the secret to baking wizardry with this unbelievably easy yet stunning red velvet cake that will leave everyone in awe of their newfound kitchen skills.
  • Pear and Apple Nachos: Transform snack time into a gourmet adventure with these fruity and fun nachos that are as fun to make as they are to munch on.

Join us on a cooking journey that sparks creativity,builds confidence, and nurtures a love for cooking. Kids in the Kitchen is not just a cookbook; it's a gateway to a world of endless possibilities and unforgettable food adventures. Let the kitchen magic begin!

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Rising

Sidura Ludwig

A quiet, joyful story celebrating a Jewish mother's tradition of making challah with her child merges a lyrical text with stunning illustrations--and includes the author's favorite recipe.

Melt into the nooks and crannies of this book's unhurried pages, offering a place to rest and a pregnant pause for counting your many blessings--current and imminent! Here, a child and a mother measure, mix, knead, shape, and tuck their dough under a towel like a sleeping baby. Then, as they do every week, they wait while their dough rises, soon to be baked and gratefully shared at a Shabbat gathering with loved ones. Author Sidura Ludwig's poetic narration captures the experience of a Jewish family as they make challah--a lesson in patience, slowing down, faith, and family. Illustrator Sophia Vincent Guy brings light and warmth to the scene, from a sun-bleached, gossamer curtain to the rising steam from the bread, all rendered in delicate, decorative patterns. Whatever their background, readers will be happy to find the author's go-to recipe for challah at the end, along with a glossary and an author's note describing the personal meaning of her family's weekly ritual.

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The Disney Christmas Cookbook

Joy Howard

Get ready for Christmas with your favorite Disney and Pixar characters! This holiday cookbook for kids makes learning how to cook fun and downright magical.

Inspired by fan-favorite Disney and Pixar films, these 50 recipes will have beginner chefs whipping up everything from hearty breakfasts to sweet desserts in no time.

Featuring 50 beginner-friendly recipes with simple step-by-step instructions--plus mouth-watering photos of every dish--this cookbook invites readers to craft delicious holiday-themed treats while enjoying captivating illustrations of beloved Disney and Pixar heroes. 

Kid chefs will get a thorough introduction to kitchen basics, a difficulty rating for each recipe, and an index of vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free recipes. Some of the delicious recipes inside include:
 

  • Breakfast: Belle's Classic Winter Porridge and Pooh Bear's Mini Honey Buns
  • Lunch: Rapunzel's Pumpkin Hazelnut Soup and Encanto-inspired Arepas de Queso
  • Dinner: Lightning McQueen's Pot Pie and Woody's Cowboy Chili
  • Sides: Wreck-It Ralph's Smashed Potatoes and Ratatouille-inspired Christmas Ribbon Salad
  • Snacks: Ariel's Starfish Dip and Zootopia-inspired Hoppy Holidays Veggie Garden Wreath
  • Drinks: Never Land Hot Chocolate and Stitch's Hawaiian Eggnog
  • Desserts: Sugar Rush Popcorn-Gumdrop Garland and Baymax S'mores Brownie Bites


Don't miss these other delightful Disney cookbooks for kids!
The Disney Princess Cookbook
Tiana's Cookbook
The Disney Villains Cookbook

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Winter

Kelsey E. Gross

From debut author Kelsey Gross and New York Times bestselling artist Renata Liwska comes a gentle and lulling picture book celebrating the magic of the Winter Solstice with a group of animal friends in a quiet forest.

Tonight is the longest night of the year—solstice is here! Deep in the forest, the dark, cold, and quiet of winter is all around. Owl, Mouse, and Deer all watch the light fades and dark surrounds them, but they have a gift of hope to share with their neighbors. The moon and stars shine down on a lone tree in the forest, and the animals gather around to bask in its light. Winter Solstice arrives as the winter sky brings magic for all to share.

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A Cozy Winter Day

Eliza Wheeler

New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Eliza Wheeler welcomes readers to Acorn Village, where a community of adorable forest animals celebrates all the wonder that winter offers.

The busy animals of Acorn Village love to spend winter days doing all sorts of cozy activities together, whether they’re indoors reading, baking, and doing art projects or outside playing in the snow. And at the end of the day, the coziest activities await—sharing songs, hot drinks, and stories in front of a crackling fireplace, and then snuggling into bed and drifting off into dreamy sleep. Eliza Wheeler’s charming illustrations give her story the feel of a beloved classic and are full of rich, cozy details sure to ignite imaginations and make readers want to visit Acorn Village again and again.

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Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers

Jessica Kulekjian

A beautiful exploration of how animals face the challenges of winter. When the autumn days grow shorter and temperatures cool, animals prepare for winter. The hiders find someplace to rest and wait for spring, huddled under the ground or snuggled in a sheltered spot. The seekers migrate to new locations with milder weather and better food sources. And the finders keep warm and fed by adapting to the harsh conditions. Every creature knows just what to do to survive winter — following an ingenious plan that’s just right for them! The perfect book to curl up with on a snowy day. Readers will be transported through the magic of the seasons alongside the animals.

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Snow

Kirsten Chang

No two snowflakes look the same! But do you know how they form? This book introduces emergent readers to how snow forms and how it can affect us in our daily lives. Leveled text and vibrant photos introduce the subject, while unique features help readers visualize snow formation, highlight snowy day activities, and more. This title will keep readers engaged and excited to learn more about this chilly weather event!

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Cat Sees Snow

Laura Gehl

From Laura Gehl, author One Big Pair of Underwear and Goat Wants to Eat, comes another side-splitting Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read about three animal friends on their first snow day!

Cat sees snow. Dog cannot blow the snow. Pig is slow in the snow. Can they still have fun in the snow?

Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, Cat Sees Snow was written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with a hilarious story with words they can read on their own?

Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story, and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. In this book, readers will learn six sight words and six words from one word family.

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Tierra, Tierrita / Earth, Little Earth

Jorge Argueta

“My name is Earth / but people call me Little Earth.” In the fourth installment of their award-winning Madre Tierra / Mother Earth series of trilingual picture books about the natural world, Jorge Argueta and Felipe Ugalde Alcantara collaborate again to introduce Mother Earth, who is “full of all the colors / and all the flavors.” She is the mother of water, fire, wind and earth. Some call her planet, others nature or creation. “I am Mother Earth / a globe spinning around the sun, / creating sunrises, sunsets and nights.” She is the song of all the plants and animals, she is “dew, snow, heat,” she is life. A Junior Library Guild selection, this book about Mother Earth reflects Argueta’s indigenous roots and his appreciation for the natural world. Felipe Ugalde Alcantara’s stunning illustrations depict streams, mountains and wildlife in their habitat. Containing the English and Spanish text on each page, the entire poem appears at the end in Nahuat, the language of Argueta’s Pipil-Nahua ancestors. This is an excellent choice to encourage children to write their own poems about nature and to begin conversations about the interconnected web of life.

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Snowy Mittens: A Winter Adventure (A Let's Play Outside! Book)

Shauntay Grant

The picture book Snowy Mittens: A Winter Adventure is a celebration of Black joy and the simple pleasures of a day in the snow from award-winning poet and picture book author Shauntay Grant.

Follow along as a young boy spends the day sledding and ice skating with his family in this spare and poetic picture book. With a simple story—and simply stunning color illustrations from Candice Bradley—Snowy Mittens is an ode to celebrating winter’s coziest wonders, big and small.

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Skating Wild on an Inland Sea

Jean E. Pendziwol

Let’s go! Experience the magic of skating on wild ice.

Two children wake up to hear the lake singing, then the wind begins wailing ... or is it a wolf? They bundle up and venture out into the cold, carrying their skates. On the snow-covered shore, they spot tracks made by fox, deer, hare, mink, otter ... and the wolf! In the bay, the ice is thick and smooth. They lace up their skates, step onto the ice, stroking and gliding, and the great lake sings again.

In her signature poetic style, Jean E. Pendziwol describes the exhilarating experience of skating on the wild ice of Lake Superior, including the haunting singing that occurs as the ice expands and contracts. Accompanied by Todd Stewart’s breathtaking illustrations, this book will make us all long to skate wild!

 

Key Text Features

illustrations

 

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3

 

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On a Flake-Flying Day

Buffy Silverman

On a feather-fluffing, seed-stuffing, cloud-puffing day . . .

Weasels whiten. / Cardinals brighten. / Frost glistens. / Owl listens.

From Buffy Silverman, author of On a Gold-Blooming Day and On a Snow-Melting Day, comes the third installment of a seasonal celebration. With winter's arrival, plants and animals hunker down for the cold season. Rhyming text and eye-catching photos sparkle in this wonderful read-aloud that encourages kids to closely observe the natural world. Back matter offers more information on the featured animals, plants, and weather conditions.

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It's Really Cold Outside

Harriet Ziefert

Join Really Bird and his friends who play outside in the snow while Really Bird keeps warm inside and directs the others in a game of throwing snowballs. 

Meet Really Bird, a small bird who lives in a large city park with his friends, Cat, Rabbit, and Pup. In each story, Really Bird finds himself really wanting something - to be bigger, to have his fair share, or to be a leader - to be really silly, funny, strong, cool, happy, or brave. And when he feels something, he really feels it.

Each story is an entertaining, character-driven caper based on relatable social/emotional themes, delivered with surprise twists, high drama, and expert timing. Along the way, lessons are learned about qualities such as teamwork and compassion. The emphasis is on character growth and development through creative problem solving. Friendship and emotional engagement are at the heart of every story.

In It's Really Cold Outside!, Really Bird manages to stay warm while his friends play outside in the snow. By coming up with a creative idea, the friends manage to include everyone even if one member of the group isn't quite feeling up to facing the cold snowy weather.

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Whose Prints?

Kari Allen

Go on a snowy adventure through the woods and match animals to their tracks in this beautiful board book with die-cuts throughout!

Who tiptoed across the snow? Who scurried and skittered? Who slink-slink-slinked along? Little readers will love looking at different tracks in the snow and figuring out which animal made each one.

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Little Red

Will Hillenbrand

"Very small motor enthusiasts are the ones to relish Will Hillenbrand's sweet Yuletide story." --The Wall Street Journal



"A warm Christmas read and a reminder of the best gifts: friendship, kindness, helpfulness, and cooperation." --Kirkus Reviews



"A fun story that introduces vocabulary and colors, packaged in a holiday adventure." --School Library Journal



"A visually appealing picture book that's fun for reading aloud." --Booklist



"There are so many details to love, from the text's patterned repetition to the unique personality-filled vehicles to the color-coded speech bubbles and sound effects." --Horn Book



For fans of Katy and the Big Snow, meet everyone's hero, Little Red--a pick-up truck with a mighty spirit and a heart of gold. He's determined to help his many vehicle friends in this winter holiday offering that includes foil on the cover!



The annual tree-lighting is one of the most beloved nights of the year. But a snowstorm has blanketed the streets and made it difficult for the community to get around.



Enter Little Red! A cute-as-a-button pickup truck with a mighty spirit and a heart of gold. Little Red will stop at nothing to help his neighbors--the show must go on!

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The Snowy Day

Ezra Jack Keats

The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. Young readers can enjoy this celebrated classic as a full-sized board book, perfect for read-alouds of all kinds and a great gift for the holiday season.

In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. This big, sturdy edition will bring even more young readers to the story of Peter and his adventures in the snow.

Ezra Jack Keats was also the creator of such classics as Goggles, A Letter to Amy, Pet Show!, Peter’s Chair, and A Whistle for Willie.
 
(This book is also available in Spanish, as Un dia de nieve.)
 

Praise for The Snowy Day:
“Keats made Peter’s world so inviting that it beckons us. Perhaps the busyness of daily life in the 21st century makes us appreciate Peter even more—a kid who has the luxury of a whole day to just be outside, surrounded by snow that’s begging to be enjoyed.” —The Atlantic

"Ezra Jack Keats's classic The Snowy Day, winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal, pays homage to the wonder and pure pleasure a child experiences when the world is blanketed in snow."—Publisher's Weekly

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So Much Snow

Kristen Schroeder

A beautifully illustrated, rollicking read-aloud about forest animals who are caught—literally up to their ears and antlers—in a snowstorm.

On Monday, it starts to snow.
Silent swirling.
How high will it go?

Follow seven forest creatures, from a tiny mouse to a giant moose, as they hunker down in a snowstorm. As the week progresses, the snow piles up and up--even past Moose's antlers!

On Sunday, the sun starts to melt the snow, and it seems that, as the next week passes and it grows sunnier, spring has finally sprung. But wait...is that more snow?! This cumulative picture book is at once beautiful and lyrical and playful and joyful, with charming illustrations by a highly acclaimed illustrator.

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I'm Going to Build a Snowman

Jashar Awan

In this sparkling picture book celebration of winter and creativity, a boy’s snow day efforts show that perfection is relative and what’s important is taking pride in what you do!

When a little boy wakes up to see a blanket of snow covering the world outside, there’s only one thing to do: make a snowman, and not just any snowman—he wants the best snowman ever. But when his perfectly packed and powdery dreams clash with cold, slushy reality, he realizes the best snowman ever may be out of reach…but he can make his best snowman yet.

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We Want Snow!

Jamie Swenson

In this raucous, rhyming plea for snow, a group of youngsters imagines the cold-weather delights they'll enjoy once winter arrives. From sledding down hills and skating on ponds to building snow forts and snowmen to sharing crackling fires and mugs of hot cocoa, they want snow and plenty of it! The snow can't arrive soon enough. But once the flakes start to fall, are the youngsters in for more than they bargained for? Readers young and old will enjoy this celebration of winter's snowy activities, recalling past pleasures and imagining future ones.

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Pete the Cat

Eric Litwin

Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as we steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries and other big messes! But no matter what color his shoes are are, Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song...because it's all good.

Ages: 3 - 7

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Ripley Goes to School

Tracy Schlepphorst

From local author, Tracy Schlepphorst, comes the latest installment in the Emotion Belly Books series, Ripley Goes to School. 

"Dogs have a unique way of expressing their emotions through body language and actions. Follow Ripley to school and learn to read what she is feeling as she navigates a challenging classroom experience."--Publisher's description.

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Giant-Sized Butterflies On My First Day of School

Justin Roberts

Find out how butterflies in your tummy are a good thing in this fresh take on being nervous for the first day of school.

When a little girl wakes up on the first day of school, the butterflies in her stomach feel positively giant-sized! She really wants her mom to stay with her, on this first day.
As she and her mom make their way to school, Mom explains how the butterflies are a good thing. Everyone gets them (including parents) and they are a sign of something exciting happening—that we're about to learn and grow from a new experience and they can help us through it.
So with the butterflies as her guide, the girl soars into her first day.
Beloved children's songwriter Justin Roberts brings one of his most popular songs to the page, alongside beautifully tender illustrations by Paola Escobar, in a story guaranteed to help readers of all ages reframe their first-day nerves as first-day excitement.

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The Crayons Go Back to School

Drew Daywalt

The hilarious crayons from the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day The Crayons Quit are ready to go back to school!

The crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they're looking forward to the most. They're also ready to meet new friends. . . and let loose during their very favorite time of day: art class. A humorous, small hardcover back-to-school story from everyone's favorite school supplies.

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The Wishing Flower

A.J. Irving

An LGBTQ-inclusive story about understanding your peers, your feelings, and yourself, The Wishing Flower is a love letter to longing, belonging, and longing to belong.

Birdie finds comfort in nature and books, but more than anything she longs for connection, to be understood. At school, Birdie feels like an outsider. Quiet and shy, she prefers to read by herself, rather than jump rope or swing with the other kids. That all changes when Sunny, the new girl, comes along. Like Birdie, Sunny has a nature name. She also likes to read, and loves to rescue bugs. And when Sunny smiles at her, Birdie’s heart balloons like a parachute.

From the acclaimed author of Dance Like a Leaf, with stunning illustrations by Kip Alizadeh, this book will inspire readers to honor their wishes and show the world their truest selves.

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Ruby's Tools for Making Friends

Apryl Stott

A little fox uses tools to overcome anxiety and make friends at her new school in this heartfelt picture book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light!

It’s Ruby the fox’s first day at a new school. She’s a little nervous, but luckily, she has her tools to help: a tape measure to count her breaths if she feels overwhelmed, pliers to remind her to be flexible, and safety goggles to see things in a new way.

When Ruby finds out her class is having an egg drop competition, she wants to share her ideas, but she feels shy surrounded by all her talkative classmates. Can she use her tools to find the confidence to speak up, and maybe even make some new friends?

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Daddy Dressed Me

Michael Gardner

Celebrate the creative and empowering bond between a father and his daughter in this picture book that “exudes creativity, joy, and daddy-daughter love” (Kirkus Reviews) from the real-life creators of the blog Daddy Dressed Me following a single dad’s sewing journey as he makes clothes to inspire his daughter.

It’s Move Up Day for Ava and her kindergarten class, and Ava is chosen to recite a poem! She worries about remembering the words, but her daddy reassures her he will help her practice until she’s confident. But Daddy struggles with self-doubt himself when he decides to sew Ava a new dress for the occasion but isn’t sure he knows the stitches and techniques to make her a one-of-a-kind creation.

Word by word and stitch by stitch, father and daughter work together, helping each other stand tall, proud, and confident, wrapped in love.

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How to Be Confident in Kindergarten: A Book for Your Backpack

D.J. Steinberg

From the best-selling author of the hugely popular Kindergarten, Here I Come!, here's a guidebook that shows children how to be confident in the new and exciting world of kindergarten.

"This is one to read and reread to calm back-to-school jitters."–Kirkus Reviews


Small enough to fit in a child's backpack, this collection of short poems offers sweet and simple tips on how kids can become their most confident self, from gaining the confidence to try new things to not letting nerves prevent presenting at show-and-tell. Spanning the entire year of kindergarten, this is the perfect companion to D. J. Steinberg's Kindergarten, Here I Come! and How to Be Kind in Kindergarten.

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On the Night Before Kindergarten

Rosemary Wells

Beloved author-illustrator Rosemary Wells tells the story of a young cat who goes to bed worrying about what might happen on the first day of school—only to be pleasantly surprised in this engaging and reassuring picture book!

On the night before kindergarten, Milo’s dreams are not happy ones and make him worry about all the ways things at school could go wrong. On the morning of the big day, he’s nervous and wants Mama and Daddy to come with him, but they aren’t allowed. How can Milo face kindergarten alone? But over the course of the day, Milo makes new friends and learns new things. Kindergarten turns out to be pretty great!

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Mr. S

Monica Arnaldo

Prepare for plenty of giggles as a kindergarten class arrives for their first day of school but can't find their teacher--only a delicious-looking sandwich and the words "Mr. S" scribbled on the chalkboard. Chaos ensues as the kids argue whether the sandwich must be their teacher. A comical first-day-of-school book of mayhem and chaos by Monica Arnaldo, perfect for fans of Miss Nelson Is Missing.

"This might be the funniest first-day-of-school book I've ever read." --Adam Rex, New York Times bestselling author of School's First Day of School

It was the first day of school.

But even the kindergarteners of room 2B could tell something was seriously wrong. . . . Where was the teacher? Who left this sandwich on the desk?

The only clue, written on the chalkboard, were three simple letters: Mr. S

Praise for Mr. S:

"Confusion, mystery, and laughs are on the menu in Arnaldo's deliciously goofy back-to-school tale." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The tale's genuinely absurd situation, the mystery of the teacher's identity, and the deadpan storytelling make this a memorable read-aloud choice." --ALA Booklist (starred review)

"Mysteries for young readers are few and far between and this one is fun and entertaining." --School Library Journal (starred review)

An Amazon Best Book of the Month * A Junior Library Guild Selection * Indigo Staff Pick of the Month * Governor General's Literary Award Finalist * Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * Indigo Best Book of the Year * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best List * New York Public Library Best Book of the Year * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * Booklist Editor's Choice

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Ready for Kindergarten

Bethany V. Freitas

A reassuring and empowering book for all incoming kindergarteners, especially those who wonder: Am I ready? You are!

 

 

The unknown can be scary and the first day of school intimidating, for kids and the grownups who love them. Perfect for easing nerves and increasing excitement, Ready for Kindergarten is about all the things kids love to do that show they are ready to start school. Created in consultation with education experts, the book highlights skills that teachers will build upon in the classroom--like imaginative play, recognizing colors and shapes, and cooperating with friends--and encourages kids to enjoy and practice them. Look who is ready for kindergarten!

Ready for Kindergarten makes a perfect preschool graduation or back-to-school gift, and is an ideal summer read leading up to the big first day. With both cheerful reassurance and expert guidance, this book helps kids and their caregivers feel ready for anything! Backmatter includes tips from early childhood educators about kindergarten preparedness.

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The Little Book of Joy

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Nobel Peace Prize winners His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu share their own childhood struggles to show young readers how they can thrive and find joy even during the most challenging times in this picture book adaptation of the international bestseller The Book of Joy.

If you just focus on the thing that is making you sad, then the sadness is all you see. But if you look around, you will see that joy is everywhere.
 
In their only collaboration for children, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu use their childhood stories to show young people how to find joy even in hard times and why sharing joy with others makes it grow. The two spiritual masters tell a simple story, vibrantly brought to life by bestselling illustrator Rafael López, of how every child has joy inside them, even when it sometimes hides, and how we can find it, keep it close, and grow it by sharing it with the world.
 
Sprung from the friendship, humor, and deep affection between these holy men, the book is a perfectly timed and important gift from two revered spiritual leaders to children. It is a reminder that joy is abundant—no matter what challenges we face—and has the power to transform the world around us even in the darkest of times.

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Yasmin the Director

Saadia Faruqi

Cut! Yasmin's class is putting on a play, and her job as director is turning out to be harder than she thought. The actors aren't happy, and Yasmin is quickly losing control. Then Yasmin realizes the director is in charge, so she directs some big changes to the save the play! Best-selling author Saadia Faruqi shares another delightful story featuring Yasmin and her multigenerational Pakistani American family.

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Mara Hears in Style

Terri Clemmons

Mara takes on the world with her flashy purple hearing aids and sassy, hot pink earmolds.

Mara's first day at her new school is filled with ups and downs surrounding her hearing aids: her teacher doesn't remember to turn on her microphone, the lunchroom is too chaotic for lip-reading, and she keeps reading the same question over and over on her classmates' lips: "What's in her ears?" After a morning spent navigating these challenges, Mara makes a connection on the playground and finds that her hearing aid superpowers are perfect for making new friends.

Accessible and engaging, Mara Hears in Style will encourage readers to respect hearing differences and inspire kids who worry about making new friends. The book is filled with American Sign Language depictions--including a full alphabet spread--so readers can sign alongside Mara as they discover new ways to bridge communication gaps in their own communities.

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Piper Chen Sings

Phillipa Soo

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An empowering story about a girl who turns her performance jitters into confidence when faced with singing a solo at her school concert. Inspired by the childhood experience of award-winning actress Phillipa Soo who originated the role of Eliza in HamiltonPiper Chen loves nothing more than to sing. She sings to the sun, and she sings to the moon. She sings to her stuffed animals and with the birds outside her window. So, when her music teacher asks if Piper would like to sing a solo in her school’s Spring Sing, all she can say is “yes!” But as practice continues, doubt and worry creep in and Piper’s confidence wavers. She feels like butterflies are having a dance party in her belly. At home, Piper finds Nai Nai, her grandmother, at the piano. They’ve always shared a love of music, and Piper knows if anyone can help her through the unsettling feeling in her stomach and to shine her brightest at the Spring Concert, it’s Nai Nai.

First time picture book writers and sisters-in-law, Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran along with acclaimed illustrator Qin Leng have created a cheerful intergenerational and stunning story that inspires confidence in the face of nervousness

 

 

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Eva for President: a Branches Book (Owl Diaries #19)

Rebecca Elliott

In the next installment of this New York Times bestselling early chapter book series, Eva runs for class president!

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

It's a special week at Treetop Elementary because it's time to choose a class president! Eva is excited because she loves to make choices and vote for things! But when Sue announces she's running for president, no one else steps up to run against her. So Eva makes a quick game-time decision to run for president herself! Who will win the big vote to become president of the class?

With speech bubbles, easy-to-read text, and adorable characters, this New York Times bestselling series is perfect for newly independent readers!

 

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Stay Curious and Keep Exploring: Next Level

Emily Calandrelli

#1 New York Times Best Seller

The national-bestselling, must-have science experiment series is back! MIT engineer Emily Calandrelli, host of Netflix's Emily's Wonder Lab and FOX's Xploration Outer Space, is taking curiosity to the next level with 50 big, bold, brand-new experiments that sparkle, bubble, and explode.

With this follow-up to the national bestseller Stay Curious and Keep Exploring, scientists of all ages will have a blast learning about STEAM concepts, playing, discovering spectacular Did You Know? facts, and being introduced to Who to Know, diverse biographies of rock stars in the science and technology world.

Using easy-to-find items you'll learn to think like a scientist and conduct jaw-dropping experiments, including:

 

 

 

 

  • Color-changing slimes to discover if dogs really do see the world in black and white
  • A glow-in-the-dark jellyfish to explore the science behind bioluminescence
  • An unpoppable bubble to learn about why toothpaste never dries out
  • Egg geodes to play with supersaturated liquids and crystallization
  • And more!


Get ready to explore subjects like Superhero Science, Kitchen Science Lab, and Science in Color. This latest installment of the Stay Curious and Keep Exploring series is sure to light sparks of curiosity and fuel a passion for science.

EVERYONE LOVES EMILY: Common Sense Media calls Emily Calandrelli "the science teacher we all wish we had as young kids." And Bill Nye the Science Guy celebrated the first Stay Curious book with these words: "Here are 50, count 'em, 50 home experiments you can count on. Each is a crowd, or home experimenter, pleaser. Emily wrote this book for kids of all ages, and it's full of references to women who changed the world--with science. It doesn't matter where you start--be curious; open to any page; take some notes; Emily will keep you exploring." This new volume features 50 brand-new experiments to keep the fun and learning going.


GREAT FOR SCIENCE FAIR & HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM: A must-have for parents and homeschool educators! Colorful illustrations accompany every experiment, along with instructions and materials you'll need to get started, sections to record notes, and real-life examples connecting your STEAM experiment to the world around you. There are also fascinating facts about important people to know in science history.


GIFT FOR SCIENCE KIDS & NON-SCIENCE KIDS: With experiments that use supplies that can be easily found at home or online, this book makes a fantastic gift for parents, kids, clubs, schools, and teachers for events from playdates and birthday parties to rainy-day indoor activities.


Perfect for:

 

 

 

  • Fans of Emily's Wonder Lab, Emily Calandrelli and her social media channels, and Stay Curious and Keep Exploring looking for their next experiment book
  • Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers looking for engaging activities and STEAM projects for kids ages 5-12
  • Birthday, graduation, holiday, or summer activity gift for kids and families interested in science and encouraging STEAM learning
  • Classroom guide or gift for teachers
  • Readers of The Daring Book for Girls, The Dangerous Book for Boys, Geek Dad, and Awesome Science Experiments for Kids
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Pete the Cat for Class President!

James Dean

Vote for Pete the Cat for class president in this storybook by New York Times bestselling author-illustrator team Kimberly and James Dean. Includes over thirty stickers!

Pete the Cat is running for class president! And so is Callie. Her posters are super cool and so are her ideas. Pete has lots of groovy ideas too, and he loves baking cookies and playing guitar onstage for his campaign. Which cat will be the next class president?

Find out in this Pete-tastic story full of kindness and friendship! Includes a glossary of election-day vocabulary.

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All is Nat Lost

Maria Scrivan

The fifth book in the New York Times bestselling series that began with Nat Enough!

 

Nat's class trip is a bigger adventure than she imagined!

 

Nat is on an overnight class trip to Philadelphia, which is her first time in a big city without her parents. And it's a big deal because Nat's mom and dad are finally giving her the independence she's been longing for. But the trip is off to a bad start -- with one disaster after another -- and if things keep up, Nat's on track to lose her newfound freedom for good!

 

Can she turn things around in time, or will her first chance with liberty be her last?

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Emergency Quarters

Carlos Matias

Author Carlos Matias and Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning illustrator Gracey Zhang deliver a stunning picture book based on a finalist in the New York Times Metropolitan Diary "Best of the Year," about a young boy in the city who tries his best to avoid spending his precious quarters on tempting local treats in case of an "emergency." A poignant, playful tale for fans of Matt de La Peña, Antwan Eady, and Jacqueline Woodson.

 

 

Ernesto has waited his whoooole life to become a niño grande. A big boy. Now he's finally old enough to walk the six blocks to school without his parents.

Every morning, his mom hands him a shiny new quarter and reminds him they're for emergencies. If Ernesto needs her, she's only a pay phone call away. But each day reveals a tempting new treat to enjoy with his friends: crisp packs of baseball cards, arcade games, hot tamales, and fresh juices! Ernesto has the coins jingling in his pocket, so how will he choose to spend them

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Swim School: A Bluey Storybook

Penguin Young Readers Licenses

Go to swim school with Bluey and her family in this fun storybook based on the successful animated series Bluey, as seen on Disney+

Bluey and her family are playing Swim School! But their swimming lessons are proving to be difficult. Can Mum, Dad, and Bingo pass without dobbing on each other? Read along to find out!

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We Both Read: Dragons Do Not Go to School! - ¡Los Dragones No Van a la Escuela! (Bilingual in English and Spanish)

D J Panec

Winner of two Teacher Choice Awards and a Mom's Choice Award, the We Both Read series now has over 120 titles and 7 million copies in print! The books in this innovative series are designed to invite parents and children to take turns reading aloud, and with the bilingual editions they can choose to read in English or Spanish. Parents read the left-hand pages, and children read the right-hand pages, which are shorter and easier to read. With many different reading levels, these innovative books for reading together offer an easy way for parents to support beginning and struggling readers.

Dragons Do NOT Go to School! / ¡Los dragones NO van a la escuela!: In this bilingual English/Spanish read-aloud book, Rex is supposed to start school in two days, but he doesn't think dragons should go to school. He would much rather run through the hills pretending to fly. With gentle encouragement from his mother, he goes to the first day of school. At school, not only does he find that he enjoys learning, but he also finds a new friend.

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The First Week of School

Drew Beckmeyer

Follow along as an ensemble cast of characters experience an extraordinary first week of school in this hilarious picture book that’s perfect for fans of Jon Klassen and Lucy Ruth Cummins!

It’s the first day of school. An artist wonders if her drawings are good enough to show. An inventor is excited for show and tell. A group of competitive friends call themselves the Sport Kings (but nobody else does). Pat, the class pet, listens to the weird sounds humans make. The teacher is ready to start.

When the new student gets to class, things take a turn for the unusual. There’s something a little strange about the visitor—maybe even something out-of-this-world.

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Crunch the Shy Dinosaur

Cirocco Dunlap

From Cirocco Dunlap (This Book Will Not Be Fun) and Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner Greg Pizzoli (The Watermelon Seed) comes a charming, giggly read-aloud that illustrates the particular art of making a friend!

Crunch is a lovely and quiet brontosaurus who has hidden himself in some shubbery and is rather shy. He would like to play, but it will require some gentle coaxing from you! If you are patient and encouraging, you will find yourself with a new friend!

This book is a warm, funny example of how to engage with someone new, who is perhaps a bit different from you. Lessons in friend-making (such as minding personal space and demonstrating interest in another's hobbies) are delivered so subtly that children will absorb them unconsciously as they delight in Crunch's silly hat and dance moves!

Cirocco Dunlap (This Book Will Not Be Fun) and Greg Pizzoli (The Watermelon Seed) enchant and surprise us with their first collaboration.


A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2018!

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S Is for Sea Glass

Richard Michelson

The tickle of sand on the bottom of bare feet... the taste of salt from a spray of water... the rumble-roar as waves come ashore. These are just a few of the many sensory experiences a day at the beach can bring. S is for Sea Glass: A Beach Alphabet uses a variety of poetry forms such as free verse, haiku, and ode in this celebration of the beach and seaside life. From a walk down the boardwalk to collecting sea glass to imagining the life of a shell's former occupant, poet Richard Michelson reminds beach-lovers of all ages the many reasons why we're drawn to the shore.

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If You Plant a Seed

Kadir Nelson

Kadir Nelson, acclaimed author of Baby Bear and winner of the Caldecott Honor and the Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator Awards, presents a resonant, gently humorous story about the power of even the smallest acts and the rewards of compassion and generosity.

With spare text and breathtaking oil paintings, If You Plant a Seed demonstrates not only the process of planting and growing for young children but also how a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit.

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Beach Day

Karen Roosa

In this charming picture book, a cheerful family tumbles out of the car and onto the beach, ready for a perfect day. Buoyant verse just right for reading aloud and bright, playful illustrations capture the singular feeling of a hazy, lazy day by the ocean, complete with a ball game with new friends, water-skiers and sailboats, and a picnic lunch of fried chicken and deviled eggs. This book is a captivating introduction to the beach for young children and an irresistible gift for beach lovers of any age.

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Summer Song

Kevin Henkes

"A vibrant and sophisticated ode to nature." --Kirkus (starred review)

From Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes and acclaimed painter Laura Dronzek, the bestselling and award-winning creators of Winter Is Here, When Spring Comes, and In the Middle of Fall, this book about summer celebrates the sights, sounds, and smells of the season.

Bees buzz, birds sing, and children roll in the grass and feel the heat of the summer sun. With striking verbal imagery, repetition, and alliteration, Kevin Henkes introduces basic concepts of language and the summer season. Laura Dronzek's glowing paintings beautifully illustrate the wonders of summer.

In the Middle of Fall, Winter Is Here, When Spring Comes, and Summer Song make for a beautiful quartet of seasonal-theme picture books to share at home or in the classroom. Ideal for introducing the season, for story time, and for bedtime reading.

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Summer Color!

Diana Murray

A celebration of the wonder and colors of every child's favorite season--summer!

In this celebration of the outdoors, two rambunctious children take off on an adventure from their own backyard. In each new scene they discover the wondrous details--and beautiful colors--of nature. Even when a little summer rain threatens to dampen their grand adventure, the fun continues as woodland scenes come to life in a whole new way.

Diana Murray's spirited verse paired with Zoe Persico's charming illustrations hits a wonderful balance of sophisticated and sweet, with details that young children will immediately relate to and layered verse that will enchant readers of all ages.

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Our Pool

Lucy Ruth Cummins

On a hot day, people come from all over the city to spend the day at the pool in this joyful picture book that’s a love song to summer, the city, community, and staying cool!

Today is a pool day in the city! The sun is shining, so what are you waiting for? Friends and family. Kids and grandparents. Big bodies and small bodies. Everybody is welcome at our pool! Get ready for swimming and splashing, zigzagging and dunking, and racing and laughing.

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Together We Swim

Valerie Bolling

A joyful, encouraging ode to a mother and son's relationship and the unforgettable experience of a child's first swimming lessons.

Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom's steady arms there's no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family's cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool.

Embrace the feeling of accomplishment in this joyous, reassuring story about perseverance and new experiences. With lyrical rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, Together We Swim is destined to become a family read-aloud favorite!

VIBRANT & JOYFUL: Rhythmic text paired with dynamically illustrated kicks, flutters, and splashes against a palette of deep blue create a bright portrait that is both encouraging and warm for any child learning to swim.

A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR NEW SWIMMERS: The perfect book for any child facing nervous excitement or trepidation about learning to swim!

THE JOY OF A FIRST SWIM LESSON: Who can forget the first time they learned how to swim? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to swim.

A GREAT READ ALOUD: This lyrical, upbeat text is a great fit for story time in any household.

PERFECT GIFT FOR MOM: If you're looking for a Mother's Day gift or a birthday gift for mom, look no further! She will love the child/parent relationship portrayed in these pages!

Perfect for:

  • Mother's Day gift giving
  • Going-to-the-pool book for little ones approaching the big milestone of learning to swim
  • Parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for books about swimming for kids
  • Teachers, educators, and librarians
  • Readers who enjoyed Jabari Jumps, Llama Llama Learns to Swim, and Hair Love
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Jabari Jumps

Gaia Cornwall

“This simple and sincere tale of working up courage to face fears makes quite a splash.” — Kirkus Reviews

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.

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Jump In!

Shadra Strickland

This bright, joyful picture book celebrates a community at play!

It's a sunny spring day, and the tic tac tic tac sound of jump ropes hitting the ground floats through the wind.

"Jump in!"

Everyone lines up for a turn. The Delancy twins, double dutch divas. Leroy Jones with the hip-hop tricks. Even Ms. Mabel, showing the youngstas how it's done. And after a day of fun, when the street lights start to flicker, it's time to . . . jump out!

With a bold graphic style, read-aloud enhancing gatefolds, and an exuberance that leaps off the page, acclaimed artist Shadra Strickland's author/illustrator debut will make readers of all ages get up on their feet!

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A Place Called America

Jennifer Thermes

Through the lens of the land that has come to be known as America, award-winning picture book creator Jennifer Thermes captures centuries of history.



A Place Called America takes the long view of the land's history, from its earliest formation and inhabitants up through today, and challenges its readers to think critically about the stories we tend to take for granted about our own history. Meet those indigenous to the deserts, prairies, forests, and shores of the land called Turtle Island and their relatives whose ideas formed the basis of the Constitution and who contributed in unique ways to World War II and more. Meet immigrant communities who came to the land from all around the world--at different times and against all odds, even with staunch United States immigration policies. And meet enslaved ancestors who were brought to the land against their will and whose labor and experience changed the story forever.



Expert picture book maker Jennifer Thermes deftly weaves the threads of these communities' narratives together, giving each the spotlight they deserve and using the land itself as a unifying lens. Illustrated with colorful, dazzling maps, A Place Called America is a visual delight. It is an info-packed read, with sidebars, an author's note, and a timeline supplementing the accessible text.

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Deadliest Animals on the Planet

National Geographic Kids

Kids love the Cutest Animals on the Planet, so for daring readers, the animal kingdom's fiercest, fastest, and most dangerous creatures are sure to thrill!

But don't be fooled. Even tiny animals like cute little jewel-toned frogs or massive, sleepy-looking, plant-eating hippos can pack a deadly punch. Earth's oceans, forests, grasslands, deserts, and even cities are home to a wide variety of amazing animals with crazy-cool slaying skills that help them hunt for food and defend themselves. In this lively and browsable book, readers find out where these impressive creatures live, what makes them tick, how they beat the odds in harsh habitats, and just what makes them so deadly.

Meet the Nile crocodile and learn about its astonishing bite force. Discover the elephant seal's deafening roar. Explore how the jaguar's speed and night vision help it ambush prey. Encounter enormous harpy eagles, bone-crushing snakes, venomous spiders, and more. Jaw-dropping photos and surprising facts bring readers up close and personal to the world's most fearsome--and fascinating!--animals.

Like Cutest Animals on the Planet, the previous book in this new series, this often humorous, snackable content provides great entry points for readers of all levels and lots of fascinating facts to share with friends and family.

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Food Network Magazine The Recipe-A-Day Kids Cookbook

Food Network Magazine

A recipe a day keeps the boredom away in this kids cookbook full of fun activities and 365 sweet and savory treats from the Food Network Kitchen!

Make every day special with an easy and exciting recipe, whether it’s the first day of school, a big birthday, or just a lazy Sunday.

Kids will flip through this book to find a great idea for every day of the year, starting today, including:

 

  • 365 sweet and savory recipes and photos—one for every day of the year!
  • Holiday cookies and gifts (like doughnut snowmen)
  • Easy food crafts (some use ready-made shortcut ingredients!)
  • Fake-out snacks (ice cream sandwiches that look like mini burgers)
  • Cupcake decorating (flower cupcakes made with snipped marshmallows for petals)
  • Cute bites for April Fool’s Day, Earth Day—and leapfrog cookies for Leap Year!
  • Fun food trivia throughout


It makes an excellent boredom-buster and summer activity book for kids and families or a perfect gift for kids who love to cook!

What’s your birthday? Anyone who picks up this book will turn straight to that date to see which treat falls on their special day! Perhaps it’s the miniature chicken and waffles, or homemade chocolate lollipops, or even a giant pretzel!

Of course, all the big holidays are represented, too—like flag tarts for the Fourth of July or banana mummies for Halloween. And we never miss an excuse to celebrate historic events: You can make star cookies on the day Pluto was discovered.

An easy cookbook for beginners, all the recipes and food crafts were tested in the Food Network Kitchen, so they’re sure to come out perfect every time.

 

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Bunny Should Be Sleeping

Amy Hest

Bunny can’t sleep because Dad forgot to check on him, so he sets out to check on Dad.

Bunny should be sleeping, but instead, he is waiting for Dad to come check on him. Dad always checks on him, but tonight, Dad is late.

Soon Dad will come. He will come in the night
to check on his little Bunny. Come on, Dad!
Check on me, check on me, check on me!

Bunny can’t wait anymore— he needs his dad! Slipping out of bed, Bunny packs a wagon of everything Dad might need: some water, a blanket, a snack, and their favorite book to share. Down the hall and through the dark, Bunny finds Dad fast asleep, oblivious to all the supplies Bunny offers him.

At last, Bunny resorts to a tap on the nose to wake Dad up. Dad checks on Bunny, and Bunny checks on Dad, who is happy to see him, if still groggy. They read their special book, and all is right with the world again.

Bestselling author Amy Hest teams up with Renata Liwska, illustrator of Deborah Underwood’s The Quiet Book, for a bedtime book as adorable and warm as two sleepy bunnies. Sure to soothe children dubious about staying in their rooms alone at night, Bunny Should Be Sleeping reminds young readers that they are safe and loved even when the house is dark and quiet.

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Watch Me Throw the Ball! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

Mo Willems

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In Watch Me Throw the Ball!, Gerald is determined to teach Piggie that ball-throwing is serious business... but Piggie is just as determined to have serious fun.

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Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom!

Kelly Starling Lyons

A 2021 Geisel Honor Book

Ty can't wait to ride his brand-new scooter at the park. Other kids zip and zoom by like race cars, but all Ty can do is wobble Ty wants to give up, but a new friend helps Ty give it another try.

Celebrate imagination and the power of persistence in Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom by the acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Nina Mata.

With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this Guided Reading Level I and My First series I Can Read is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

A Chicago Public Library Best Fiction Book for Young Readers 2020 * Listed as one of 2021 Here Wee Read Ultimate Diverse Children's Book * Author Kelly Starling Lyons selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate

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Meet Yasmin!

Saadia Faruqi

Meet Yasmin! Yasmin is a spirited second-grader who's always on the lookout for those "aha" moments to help her solve life's little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn't get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American family will delight and inspire readers.

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Uni and the 100 Treasures

Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Uni the Unicorn for early readers! This exciting Step 2 Reader centers on the treasure of friendship and the 100th day of school!

Tomorrow is the little girl's 100th day of school! Uni's best friend needs to bring in one hundred special treasures, but she runs out of things to collect. It's up to Uni the Unicorn to help with the treasure hunt by exploring the wonders of nature all around them--with a touch of sparkly unicorn magic along the way!

Fans of the picture books and early readers, as well as new Uni fans, will be excited to join this bighearted unicorn on a new adventure that teaches friendship is the greatest treasure of all.

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

Look for all the Uni stories, including:
Uni the Unicorn Bakes a Cake
Uni the Unicorn Goes to School
Uni's First Sleepover
and more!

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The Glitter Bug

Rebecca Elliott

Bo and the unicorns of Sparklegrove Forest can't stop sneezing glitter in this early chapter book from the New York Times bestselling author of Owl Diaries!

 

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

In this ninth book in the USA Today bestselling Unicorn Diaries series, unicorn Bo Tinseltail and friends get sick with a cold and can't stop sneezing glitter! So their teacher invites a friendly kitsune named Dr. Cloudberry to the forest. Kitsunes are magical creatures known to have special healing powers. Will this kitsune be able to help the unicorns find the perfect cure for the Glitter Bug? With full-color artwork throughout and plenty of smiles, your young reader won't be able to put this book down!

 

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Heroes

Alan Gratz

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller!

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee, Ground Zero, and Two Degrees comes this heart-pounding, inventive, and powerful new novel about the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor... as only Alan Gratz can tell it!

 

December 6, 1941: Best friends Frank and Stanley have it good. With their dads stationed at the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii, the boys get to soak up the sunshine while writing and drawing their own comic books. World War II might be raging overseas, but so far America has stayed out of the fight. There's nothing to fear, right?

December 7th, 1941: Everything implodes.

Frank and Stanley are touring a battleship when Japanese planes zoom overhead, dropping bomb after bomb. As explosions roar and sailors screa, Frank and Stanley realize the unthinkable is happening: Japan is attacking America! The war has come to them.

Frantically, the boys struggle to find safety. But disaster and danger are everywhere--from torpedoes underwater to bullets on the beach... to the shocking cruelty that their friends and neightbors show Stanely. Because his mom is Japanese-American, Stanely is suddenly seen as the "enemy." And Frank, who is white, cannot begin to understand what his friend is now facing.

If the boys make it through this infamous day, can their friendship--and their dreams--survive? Or has everything they know been destroyed?

Told with the immediacy, high-stakes action, and inventive storytelling that make Alan Gratz (Refugee, Ground Zero) one of today's biggest authors, this riveting look at the attack on Pearl Harbor explores themes of prejudice, power, and what it truly means to be a hero.

Plus: The book ends with an all-original, 10-page black & white comic that brings to life the comic book idea that Frank and Stanley brainstorm in the novel. The comic is written by Alan Gratz and illustrated by Judit Tondora.

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Diper Överlöde (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 17)

Jeff Kinney

In Diper Överlöde, book 17 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley is finding out that the road to fame and glory comes with some hard knocks.



When he decides to tag along with his brother Rodrick's band, Löded Diper, Greg doesn't realize what he's getting into. But he soon learns that late nights, unpaid gigs, fighting between band members, and money troubles are all part of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle.



Can Greg help Löded Diper become the legends they think they are? Or will too much time with Rodrick's band be a diper överlöde?

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Science Comics: Solar System

Rosemary Mosco

With Science Comics, you can explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects.

In this volume, get up close and personal with Earth's nearest neighbors—Venus with its acid rainstorms, Saturn and its rings of ice, and the heart of it all, the Sun. Humans have always been fascinated by outer space and we’re learning more about our solar system every day. Did you know that our Solar System was born from a cloud of cosmic dust? That Jupiter’s red spot is really a raging storm? Join Sara, Jill, and their space-faring pets on a quest to learn more about the wonders of our Solar System—and beyond!

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Leon the Extraordinary

Jamar Nicholas

Leon is an ordinary kid who becomes extraordinary when he fights a supervillain to save his school!

"Leon is a superhero, whose powers are kindness and common sense. It's a really good book about a really good kid!" -- Jerry Craft, author and illustrator of New Kid

"A heartfelt and hilarious hero's journey. LEON is super!" -- Lincoln Peirce, author and illustrator of Big Nate

 

In the city where Leon lives, superheroes -- and supervillains -- are commonplace. So how does an ordinary kid like Leon, who has no superpowers himself, become the superhero he wants to be? When all his classmates suddenly become obsessed with a new phone app that turns them into zombies, Leon gets his chance to prove that using his brain and following his heart can save the day.

Equal parts New Kid and The Incredibles, the first graphic novel in this action-packed, heartfelt, and joyously funny series by Jamar Nicholas reminds readers that when it comes to being a hero, you just need to believe in yourself.

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Mayor Good Boy Turns Bad

Dave Scheidt

Goodbye politics! Goodbye stardom! Mayor Good Boy is turning over a new leaf and this time...he's going BAD! Maybe even...bad to the bone.

Mayor Good Boy might not be as GOOD as the town of Greenwood thought. In fact, it turns out that Abby and Aaron's favorite very good boy might actually have been...A BAD BOY this whole time?!

Everyone's favorite dog mayor is back in this hilarious graphic novel series featuring all-new hijinx and all-new fun!

"Mayor Good Boy will make you sit, stay, and roll over with laughter!" -- John Patrick Green, creator of the New York Times bestselling InvestiGators series

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