Charles’ brother and sister told him there was no such thing, but the little boy and his sled set out to find the wish tree. In this sensitive story, a boy’s conviction and kindness are rewarded in kind. Illustrations in muted color accompany the text.
The Wish Tree
Duck likes to assume different roles (he meows or quacks on different days), frustrating his friend Cat. This simple picture book uses conversation bubbles, comical illustrations, and broad humor sure to delight young readers.
You Are Not a Cat!
White Cat lives in a black home while Black Cat lives in a white one. They disappear when they visit the other, but find a colorful answer to their dilemma. High contrast illustrations on sturdy pages hold enough interest for both children and the adults reading with them.
Black Cat and White Cat
Each page turn reveals a particular part of the city. From shoes in which people walk around to a good story at the bookstore, readers can look closely at a vibrant city. Sturdy pages and vivid colors are sure to engage young readers.
Cityblock
Before going on a school trip, Sophie and Goose start with a book, have lunch, then travel to the farm. There they meet fluffy chicks, muddy pigs, and more before returning home. Colorful illustrations use simple line on plain backgrounds and simple language.
Goose on the Farm
Sam is the man who takes good care of his car, driving it to work as a bus driver. In this blinigual version of the book, Sam’s simple saga is presented in Spanish and English, equally charming in both languages.
My Car/Mi carro
Different animals have different rituals before bed. From “ten terribly tired tigers” to “one weary wombat” — alliterative language counts down to sleep. The cozy countdown is illustrated with soft lines and comforting colors for a sweet bedtime book.
A Number Slumber
Adults may need to be reminded of standard songs to share with young children all of which are just right to encourage the youngest singer. Imaginative illustrations cover each double page spread in this slim but engaging volume.
Sing with Me: Action Songs Every Child Should Know
Feel the raised letters; see where they fit in on the opposing page. Enjoy the bold images as you go through the alphabet accompanied by boldly colored objects that start with each letter. Sophisticated children will be the most receptive and likely to enjoy this thick, sturdy volume.
Touch Think Learn: ABC
Some people don’t wear any shoes at all. Other people wear special shoes for their work. Take a close look to see if you can identify who wears those shoes! A sturdy board book format, clear photographs, and simple text introduce the notion of special footwear.
Whose Shoes: A Shoe for Every Job
Children of all ages will enjoy the story of Pinmei and her quest to find her grandmother, the storyteller. Inspired by Chinese folklore, this stand-alone tale is a companion to the author’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky.
When the Sea Turned to Silver
Younger children will enjoy the latest adventure of the mask wearing, monster fighting princess who attempts to take a restful vacation.
The Princess in Black Takes a Vacation (Princess in Black, Book 4)
Ghost wants to be the fastest sprinter on his elite middle school track team, but his past is slowing him down.
Ghost
Meet Clementine, a 3rd grader with enough energy to land her into trouble with great frequency. Her everyday adventures continue in other books.
Clementine
The Chicken Squad is back, here for another funny mystery just right for younger listeners.
The Case of the Weird Blue Chicken: The Next Misadventure (The Chicken Squad, Book 2)
Split pages reveal animals and children, first awake and then asleep, until all are cozily tucked in with a turn of a page. Simple, appealing illustrations and straightforward text complete this bedtime package.
Everyone Says Goodnight
What do animals do in winter? In simple language and color photographs, animal habits are examined. New readers will find the introduction in this series accessible and may use it as a springboard to explore topics in greater depth. Other subjects in the Bullfrog Books series include machines at work, as in the book Diggers (opens in a new window) by Cari Meister.
Animals in Winter
The best thing to calm Ansel down was the outdoors. The story of how a fidgety boy would evolve into a celebrated nature photographer is told in textured collages and lively text. Additional information about Adams and several of his iconic photographs conclude this engaging book.
Antsy Ansel: Ansel Adams, a Life in Nature
The Greek muse, Polyhmnia, invites readers into a story of the gods of Olympus focusing on the flawed hero, Apollo. Dramatic sequential art and rich language are used in this retelling of Apollo’s successes and failures. Back matter completes this attractive and compelling addition to the series.
Apollo: The Brilliant One (Olympians series)
Who was Sara Rector and how did she become wealthy? More intriguing, what happened to this young African American woman who was part of the “Creek [Indian] freedmen”? How the author stumbled on Sarah’s story is included in this spellbinding presentation of an early America and real-life mysteries.
Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America
Martin Luther King’s entire life is presented in this handsome and well-sourced, and highly readable biography. Liberal use of quotes and numerous photographs bring the man, his accomplishments, and the times in which he lived into clear focus.
M.L.K.: The Journey of a King
She was born free in New York City during slavery and turmoil in the United States and went on to graduate from an all-white high school. Maritcha Lyon’s story is drawn from her memoir, augmented by primary source material to bring a girl and the time in which she lived into focus for contemporary readers.
Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl
The history of African Americans is also the history of the United States. How the history and culture of once enslaved people came to sit proudly on the National Mall in the nation’s capital is told in word and image for a riveting portrait of a particular place and a country’s history.
How to Build a Museum: Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture
What led up to Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation? Who were the abolitionists and what was their influence? Primary source material and a crisp narrative combine to present a fascinating look at the events leading up to the Proclamation and the period in which it was created.