Recommended Reads
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First Day, Hooray!
A back-to-school picture book about the importance of acknowledging your feelings and using them as tools for navigating new experiences. Inspired by the way teachers talk about emotional literacy with young children, this is the ideal book for any kid facing a big milestone, from the author of the bestselling The Goodnight Train.
There's a lot to check off on the back-to-school list. Lunchbox? Check. Notebook? Paper? Glue stick? Check. Check. Check. But school supplies aren't the only thing we bring with us. We also bring along our FEELINGS!!
Follow along as a class of young children learns to identify and process the wide array of feelings they meet on the first day of school. Say "hello" to HAPPY, soothe ANGER, jump with EXCITED, and shout HOORAY when a fun day comes to an end.
Inspired by the way educators talk about emotions and build emotional literacy with young children, this rhyming picture book encourages readers to observe and name their feelings and use them to their advantage. First Day, Hooray! provides the tools needed for social emotional learning in and outside the classroom and is an ideal read for rising kindergarteners, to share leading up to and during the first days of school and anytime a child is facing a big change. Includes a back matter note from an educator to guide teachers and caregivers in encouraging emotional literacy with children.
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And Then Comes School
Joyful anticipation is in the air as a child observes cues that the first day of school is coming soon.
Cooler mornings, cicadas buzzing, apples ripening . . . Can shopping for school supplies be far behind? The evening before the first day means laying out your outfit, loading up your backpack, and filling a lunch box with your favorite things. When the alarm goes off, there’s Dad’s extra-special breakfast (and, of course, some picture-taking), then the feeling of bubbly excitement as you and your friends climb onto a bus, ready to see your new classroom and meet your teacher. Whether the reader is a child who is eager to return to school or a younger one trying to imagine what school is like, this upbeat and lyrical ode—the fourth in the And Then Comes series—holds sure appeal for returning students and first-timers alike. -
Welcome to Unicorn School
Rocky is very excited. It's his first day of school and he just can't wait! Racing to the school gates with all the other little unicorns, Rocky walks proudly through the corridors to his new classroom.
But when he makes a mistake with his assignment, he starts to worry if he'll be allowed to stay. Once Rocky gains the confidence that comes from finding a new friend, he is able to face his fear together as they inspire each other to be brave. Join Rocky as he discovers the magic of friendship and teamwork.
Packed with adorable illustrations and easy-to-read rhyming text, this picture book is perfect for sparking conversations about first-day worries. -
Getting Ready for Preschool
It’s almost the first day of preschool and everyone is busy getting ready. A young boy and his family meet the teacher, post a family photo on the classroom wall, send a special lovey for naptime, pack a healthy lunch, and take a special photo . . . but is that everything he will need for his big first day? Maybe just one more hug first!
Get your little one ready with this joyful story about what to expect on their very first day of preschool!
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Is This the Bus for Us?
Patience pays off for Leo and his sisters as they wait for the right bus to take them to the park!
Leo and his family are waiting for the bus, but each one that passes just isn't the right bus for them. First a red bus filled with a hen, a cow a duck, a goat and a horse, and driven by a sheep goes by, bound for the farm. Next a yellow bus jam-packed with fish, sharks and octopuses passes on it''s way to the aquarium. When will a bus for people come by?
Kids will hoot and howl with delight as one bus after another, filled with assortments of animals and sea creatures, passes Leo and his family in this comical and charming story. They will join in the repetitive phrases as they predict and identify the colors of the buses and the destination of each one. And, in the end, patience pays off for Leo and his family as the bus arrives to take them to the park. Questions for discussion and labeled parts of a bus are provided to encourage further conversation.
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How to Be Cooler Than Cool
Look what Cat found on the playground! Sliding backward down the slide in these sunglasses is sure to make her look cool with extra cool on top . . . uh-oh! Of course, Cockatoo’s dancing on top of the seesaw wearing the glasses will definitely make him too cool for school . . . oh no! How about Pig’s standing up on the swing in the coveted shades? Drawn in by the silly story and the bold, graphic illustrations, kids will laugh out loud at the comeuppance of the animal poseurs and cheer for the savvy little chick who shows that coolness comes from just having regular old fun.
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Get Ready for School
Students aren't the only ones who have to prepare for the first day of school.
The custodian turns on the lights and sweeps the hallways. Is it time for school? Not yet! The cafeteria workers wash tables and stack lunch trays. Is it time for school? Not yet! Teachers unpack supplies and organize their classrooms. Is it time for school? Almost! The students are on their way, on foot, on bicycles, and in cars and buses. Welcome, everyone! -
Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten
Kindergarten has never been funnier with Amanda Panda--a hilarious, strong-willed new student who is about to take her school by storm--in this perfect back-to-school read!
Amanda Panda has BIG ideas for her first day of school. But when things don’t go according to plan, and when a pesky girl in a pink bow decides to be her best friend, she walks out on kindergarten and joins her brother in second grade. It takes an unlikely partner to fix Amanda’s terrible day—and to teach her about friendship, tolerance, and how to cope with life’s ups and downs.
Amanda Panda perfectly captures the spirit, motivations, and humor of a headstrong five-year-old girl—and will be sure to soothe back-to-school jitters. -
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn't like it? What if the teacher doesn't like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?!
Ask not for whom the school bell rings; it rings for the Pigeon! -
Little Yellow Bus
Ride along in this heartwarming back to school picture book about bravery and facing first day jitters!
The Little Yellow Bus had prepared for this day for a long time and how great it would be to pick up children and drive them to their school building—all by himself! Yellow wanted to feel excited, but instead, he was filled with first day worries. With a little help and encouragement from Mom and Dad, Little Yellow takes a deep breath, starts his engine, and decides that it's time to prove to himself that he can be brave.
Little Yellow Bus is the heartwarming reminder that sometimes even the days when we are scared and anxious can become the most wonderful adventure, if we only believe in ourselves. Filled with beautiful full-color illustrations and an inspiring message for kids, this timeless story about courage is one you will want to come back to again and again.
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Snake's Big Mistake
Snake loves art class--until his project is a disaster, and he makes a terrible mistake that hurts a friend. How will Snake fix his mistake Acclaimed author-artist Sarah Kurpiel's Snake's Big Mistake is a picture book about art, friendship, apologizing, and forgiveness, for readers of The Rabbit Listened and The Book of Mistakes.
For weeks, Snake has looked forward to sculpting the most spectacular clay pot in art class. But when his pot breaks and his teacher confuses Snake's pot with Turtle's, Snake takes home Turtle's masterpiece to show his family and pretends that he made it. Now, Snake will have to craft a way to repair a broken pot and a broken friendship.
Combining a sensitive, thoughtful text and irresistible illustrations, acclaimed author-illustrator Sarah Kurpiel centers emotions that young readers can easily identify with, such as anxiety, guilt, regret, and embarrassment. Snake's Big Mistake--a companion to Elephant's Big Solo--is an excellent choice for social and emotional learning, as well as story-time sharing.
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Oceans of Love
A beautiful watercolor celebration of the love between ocean mamas and their babies, big and small.
From whales and dolphins, to hermit crabs and jellyfish, the ocean is filled with many different creatures. Join them on this imaginary undersea journey as ocean mamas care for their babies, each in their own special way! Because one thing is universal: there's no other love like that between mamas and their little ones.
With bright and beautiful watercolor illustrations comes this tender and heartwarming celebration of all the different mamas and babies you can find, especially those that live under the sea. -
Llama Llama Loves Camping
Based on an episode of Llama Llama's animated Netflix series, this book is all about one of the most fun activities for little llamas (and kids): camping!
Look out, world--Llama Llama is a TV star! The beloved character, made famous by Anna Dewdney's best-selling picture books, is the star of his own original series, now airing on Netflix. In this episode-based 8x8, Llama Llama goes camping for the very first time and learns a valuable lesson: what seems scary can actually be super-duper FUN! Your little llamas will love relating to their favorite picture book character as he faces new and challenging situations. -
Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses
From the bestselling Pete the Cat series, Pete's magic sunglasses help him turn his mood from grumpy to awesome!
Pete the Cat wakes up feeling grumpy—nothing seems to be going his way. But with the help of some magic sunglasses, Pete learns that a good mood has been inside him all along.
Fans of Pete the Cat will love watching him take his positive outlook and transform a grumpy day into an awesome day!
The fun never stops—download the free groovin’ song. Time for magic fun in the sun!
Don't miss Pete's other adventures, including Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Pete the Cat Saves Christmas, Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues, Pete the Cat and the New Guy, Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie, Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes, Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party, and Pete the Cat: Crayons Rock!
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Some of These Are Snails
Press Here meets Eric Carle in a concept book that makes familiar ideas exciting and surprising.
From the creative mind behind Circle Under Berry comes this deceptively simple concept book that explores sorting, classification, and patterns as it teases the brain in unusual ways. With an elegant and simple approach, this thought-provoking book shows young readers that even the most familiar things can be seen from infinite perspectives. As with the best classic children's books, you read it once, read it ten times—and see something new every time.
MULTIPLE WAYS TO READ: The author has provided creative and helpful suggestions for different ways in which to read this book for varying reading levels and age ranges, making it truly versatile.
PACKED LEARNING VALUE: The unusual approach to colors, shapes, and animals intelligently introduces young readers to patterns, classification, and problem solving. The imaginative language, rich with rhythmic phrasing and playfulness, begs to be read aloud.
WIDE APPEAL FOR SCHOOL AND LIBRARY USE: Carter Higgins presents engaging learning with a variety of concepts. With its clear read-aloud qualities, this is ideal for teachers and librarians who organize reading events in their classrooms and communities.
UNIQUE DESIGN: The art style for this book, with playful nods to Eric Carle and Hervé Tullet, stands out from the pack in ways that will resonate with children as well as adults. It sits beautifully on any shelf—from classroom to home libraries.
TALENTED AUTHOR: Carter Higgins has many successful titles across multiple age groups, including Circle Under Berry, Everything You Need for a Treehouse, This is Not a Valentine, Bikes for Sale, Big and Small and In-Between, and Audrey L and Audrey W.
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The Ocean Gardener
Ayla notices that the once-vibrant corals in the reef near her beautiful island home have turned pale. She and her mom decide that they need to save the corals--but is it too late?
Ayla lives on a beautiful tropical island surrounded by a coral reef. Her mom is a marine biologist, and every day, the two go exploring together. One day, Ayla notices that many of the fish have disappeared, and the once-vibrant corals have turned pale. She and her mom set out to save the corals--but is it too late? Includes back matter about reef restoration and the real person who inspired the story. -
Beach Bummer (a Little Bruce Book)
#1 New York Times best-selling author Ryan T. Higgins celebrates the delights of summer in this bite-sized Little Bruce Book perfect for fans of Mother Bruce.
It's beach day in Soggy Hollow! Everyone is enjoying fun in the sun - everyone, that is, except for Bruce. It's too hot, too sandy, and too windy! Bruce's favorite thing about summer? Doing nothing. In the shade. Where it's cool. Bruce's second favorite thing about summer? When it turns to fall. -
If You Spot a Shell
A stunning companion to If You Find a Leaf, this cheery picture book captures the excitement of summer and encourages children to see their collected seashells in an entirely new way. The artist incorporates real shells into her exquisite illustrations.
A warm summer breeze and the gentle waves of the ocean wash ashore many different types of shells. In this story a girl collects shells and thinks of all the magnificent things they can be turned into with a little creativity. She imagines one shell as a swimming cap for diving into the crashing waves, another as a magical kaleidoscope, one as a rocket ship to take her way up high and another as a submarine for exploring the wonders of the world below. The girl draws inspiration from the unique beauty of each and every shell.
In this joyous celebration of a day at the beach, artist Aimee Sicuro uses real shells she’s hand selected to make her oh-so-charming illustrations. Any young reader who turns the pages of this beautiful book will be inspired to use their own imagination as they comb the beach for shells this summer. -
Speck
Everything and everyone has a place in the universe, but for a little speck, lost at sea, it will take an extraordinary journey to find it.
Deep in a tide pool, too small to see,
Thousands of tiny specks go forth.
Each one searching
for a place to stay, and grow, and thrive...
The little speck does not know what it is, only that it wishes to find out. And so it embarks on a journey across the sea. From sun-flecked surf to darkest depths, past schools of fish, storm-tossed ships and hungry eels.... Until, at last, it finds exactly what it was looking for: a place to belong.
In vivid watercolor paintings, Margaux Meganck brings this tale to life, seamlessly shifting perspective to show how even the tiniest creatures—every barnacle, every child, every star in the sky—contributes to something greater than itself. -
Mermaids' Song to the Sea
In this gorgeous rhyming picture book perfect for cozy bedtime reading, three mermaid troubadours sing their blessings to sea creatures everywhere. “Bless clams in their beds, and lobsters in pods,” they sing. “Sharks in their shivers, and squids in their squads.” Draped with leis and strumming harps, the mermaids travel the ocean to deliver a benediction to their beloved community—fish, whales, sharks, sea snails and many more. Endpapers will identify all of the featured ocean creatures in this one-of-a-kind book that honors the denizens of the sea and brims with a gentle spirit of kindness and environmental awareness. With colorful, ethereal illustrations that will have young mermaid lovers turning the pages again and again, this special picture book is ideal for gift giving, vacation/staycation readalouds, or enjoying in a group storytime anywhere.
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Fraser the Forest Ranger
Fraser the Forest Ranger is on a mission: to find one true friend. He searches far and wide, but he might just discover a best friend is closer than he thinks.
Fraser is a Forest Ranger and he loves his job. He checks on the trees, he checks on the animals, and he always ends his day with a stack of pancakes by the fire. But being a forest ranger can get lonely. Fraser spends his nights, weekends, and even birthdays alone. So, Fraser sets out to find a friend. He travels far. But the beach is too hot, the zoo makes him miss his own animal friends back home, and everyone in the city is too busy. All hope seems lost, but could it be that Fraser is just one wrong turn away from a true friend after all?
Matthew Schufman’s heartwarming debut featuring his bold and expressive illustrations make Fraser the Forest Ranger a friend that young readers will be asking to visit again and again. -
The Simples Love a Picnic
The Simple family's plans for a picnic in the park prove disastrously complex. From the artist and author J. C. Phillipps comes this hilarious little picture book with a big heart to remind us that picnics are just a little about food and a lot about family.
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Camping with Lily and Milo
A cheerful summer story about camping. For toddlers ages 24 months and up, with a focus on the world surrounding the child.
Lily and Milo are going on vacation. They're going camping! Before they can leave, they have to pack their suitcases. That's not easy! Which camping equipment do they need? What do they leave at home? At the camping site, Lily immediately tries to put up the tent. But where did Milo suddenly go?
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Summer Is for Cousins
From Newbery honor author Rajani LaRocca and illustrator Abhi Alwar comes a celebration of extended family and summertime fun expressed in a picture book full of joyful, color art.
Summer is for cousins.
Mom and Dad,
Two uncles, two aunties,
Thatha and Pati,
Seven cousins,
All of us are together.
Ravi can’t wait to spend summer vacation at the lake house with his family—especially his cousins! Summer vacation is for days at the beach, long hikes, paddleboarding, and—of course—ice cream. Ravi and his oldest cousin, Dhruv, had the same favorite flavor last year, but everything feels different now.
Dhruv’s much taller and his voice is deeper. Ravi’s worried that Dhruv won’t be interested in spending time with him, the little cousin. The ice cream shop doesn’t even have their favorite flavor this year. But on the last night of vacation, the cousins decide to make dinner, and Ravi’s in charge of dessert. He only has one special thing in mind!
This picture book all about summertime fun celebrates the resilient bond between extended family members. -
5-Minute The Little Mermaid Stories
Read twelve original adventures about Princess Ariel and her friends from Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989) in this magical 5-minute storybook collection.
Join Ariel as she learns an exciting new dance, discovers mysterious ghost lights under the sea, babysits a little octopus friend– and more! Each story is the ideal length to be read aloud in five minutes, perfect for bedtime, story time or anytime!
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Crayola Summer Colors
Fresh green grass, bright blue sky, yummy treats--colors are everywhere in summer! Explore color in the world around you. What colors make you think of summer? What can you create with the colors of summer? Dynamic text and vibrant photos demonstrate real world colors to young readers and encourage them to create their own art with summer-inspired colors.
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Summer Color!
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. -
My Big Book of Outdoors
Introduce little ones to the great outdoors with this beautifully illustrated treasury exploring the wonders of nature in four glorious seasons.
From vibrant springtime flowers to sweet fruits on summer trees, from the falling of autumn leaves to snowdrops in winter, this ode to the four seasons introduces young readers to the world of nature outside their door. During the chilly months, they can discover why birds fly south in winter, search for animal footprints in the snow, or learn to make the perfect paper snowflake. As the sun grows stronger, they’re invited to weave a daisy chain, find a feather, or try their hand at growing a sunflower. Full of activities, poetry, fun facts to explore, and amazing things to see and do outside, this brightly illustrated book makes a delightful gift for all seasons. -
Construction Site: Farming Strong, All Year Long
The construction crew is back and ready to help out on the farm! Working together with new friends, they'll get the job done all year long.
There's work to do! No time to waste! All year the farm's a busy place!
Six hardworking trucks—with help from brand-new farm vehicles—have work to do in each of the seasons: planting in spring, building a barn in the summer, harvesting in fall, and finally tucking the animals in for a cozy winter. Construction enthusiasts will love this look at a farm through the year, and all the rough, tough work there is to do!
Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford, the author-illustrator team behind the many bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site books, bring their playful rhyming text and vibrant illustrations to another exciting tale of teamwork, sure to delight little construction fans everywhere. -
How to Catch a Garden Fairy
From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling series comes a new springtime adventure perfect for Easter—do YOU have the magic touch needed to catch a Garden Fairy?
When the How to Catch Kids stumble upon a trail of glitter and the entrance to an enchanted garden, they decide that they have to explore! Hoping to find the resident Garden Fairy to learn about her magical realm, our heroes set off on a whirlwind adventure through this larger-than-life garden. Young readers, parents, and educators alike will laugh along as the Garden Fairy dodges ridiculous STEAM traps and hilarious plans, and even interacts with some surprise How to Catch friends!
Perfect for kids ages 4-10, this funny picture book makes a delightful Easter basket stuffer, classroom, summertime, or bedtime read-aloud, and graduation or birthday gift!
In the garden lives a legend filled with magic, wit, and fun,
So grab your friends and set your traps, and catch this fairy before the day's done!
Also in the How to Catch Series:
- How to Catch a Mermaid
- How to Catch a Unicorn
- How to Catch the Tooth Fairy
- How to Catch the Easter Bunny
- How to Catch a Dinosaur
- and more!
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Sprout Branches Out
Discover the unbe-leaf-ably adorable story of a young plant with mulch to learn in this feel-good tale perfect for fans of The Bad Seed and Grumpy Monkey.
Sprout the plant lives on a small porch, in a little town. She’s only been able to grow two leaves and knows exactly why. Home is just not enough for her – she needs to venture out to the wild woods, the wise forest, and the lush jungle to find what she needs to thrive.
But once she’s out in the world, Sprout quickly learns that what she really needs may not be what she thought at all . . .
Meet a budding new picture book character with roots in this hilarious and heartfelt adventure about growing up, taking risks, and finding home again. -
This Little Kitty in the Garden
Spring is blooming, and what better way for rascally kittens to celebrate than by causing mischief in the garden in this charming picture book!
Spring has sprung on Sakura Way.
The five little kittles will garden today!
Read along as these frisky felines plant seeds, pounce and play, claw and climb, and splish, splash and swirl—until they end their day asleep in the garden bed. Filled with bright and playful illustrations, here is an adorable picture book that introduces kids to the wonders of spring as they spend time in the garden with these delightful cats—all brimming with cattitude. Here is a picture book sure to charm cat lovers and kids alike.