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Since Martha’s favorite word is “mine,” sharing with her baby brother seems to be out of the question. That is, until Edwin and her parents help her see that together is sometimes better. Humorous illustrations of the otter family and straightforward text create an appealing family story.

Even the most helpful older sibling wants to be the baby again — sometimes. Gentle repetition and gently, rounded illustrations present the ways the older child helps with the baby — with the patient mother in the picture.

An older sibling details what she can do that her new brother can’t (like sitting forward in the car) but, she acknowledges, babies are really good at other things (like hugging). Children will recognize the everyday activities and the in the text and funny illustration.

Households are changed when a new baby arrives — especially when the addition assumes the position of boss! Readers will recognize the humor in the exaggerated role of one family’s latest addition revealed in understated language and comic illustrations.

As a boy sleeps, his toys come to life and take a ride in his bedroom. Other toys join the father and son dolls but return to the proper shelf before sunrise. Told in a rhyming cadence, this colorfully illustrated tale is sure to satisfy young readers.

What can be more fun than playing in the snow with mom and dad? Coming home to a warm up with grandma! In his signature style, Hill’s spotted puppy in the snow is sure to surprise and satisfy the youngest child.

The conditions are just right for sledding after the snow-filled night as the two young pups find out. The lighthearted illustrations and simple text convey the joy of playing out in the snow on a cold, crisp winter day.

A lyrical refrain repeats as each of the young asks its mother if it will snow tonight. No, is the answer, until one winter evening a mother answers in the affirmative. Poetic language and soft illustrations depict the changing season.

In the first book of the Shadow Children series about a futuristic dystopia where only two children per family are allowed, readers meet Luke, a third child forbidden by the Population Police.

A mother and her child get the ingredients for soup on a snowy day and then add everything to the pot. The pair plays snug and warm while the soup simmers until Dad comes home when they enjoy soup together. Crisp collage and a simple text make for a cozy read.

The blue hippo dad does everything wrong — much to the delight of his young son who knows how to do many things, from getting dressed to giving hugs. Parents and children will enjoy the fun though adults may appreciate father hippo’s technique the most.

The little owl searches for his mother when separated from her, but his descriptions aren’t very clear. At last, a concerned squirrel helps reunite baby and mother. Muted colors and broad shapes are used in this appealing story.

Jack and Guy, his action figure, don’t always play with Jack’s little brother, Gus. When Guy gets stuck in a tree, however, the brothers cooperate to get him down. Inventive play is portrayed by white lines over crisp, realistic photographs.

When his mother gives away his too-small shoes, Alfie decides to runs away from home. His mother helps Alfie pack for a sojourn to his own back yard, and welcomes him home with open arms. Gentle illustrations convey Alfie’s recognizable range of emotions.

Knuffle Bunny is accidentally left on the plane when Trixie and her parents visit the grandparents in Holland. Though Trixie is miserable without her snuggle buddy, she finds him on the plane bound for home where Trixie shows remarkable growth and selflessness. A note from Daddy completes the book’s emotional circle.

The bright, lively, and one-of-a-kind girl is back, this time to find out the difference between wanting something and actually needing it. Dyamonde is caught by her own cleverness, sure to gain readers’ empathy.

The characters first introduced in this novel (originally published in 1952) remain fresh and engaging. Orphaned sisters, Nancy and Pamela (aka Plum), are determined never to spend another Christmas with mean Mrs. Monday. It is available again with new illustrations and an introduction by National Book Award winner, Jeanne Birdsall.

Two stories of two boys on different continents are told almost wordlessly; their tales are both dissimilar and similar, and unknowingly intersect. One boy and his family live in Australia, the other in Morocco (North Africa). Each story is told in textured collage illustrations presented literally side by side.

Mommy tries all the typical tricks to resist her daughter’s attempts to get her into bed. Though the pleas are familiar (“five more minutes?”), the lighthearted illustrations show the mother engaging in the behaviors and the child’s patient response. Once Mommy is in bed, the girl starts the same routine with Daddy in this appealing book.

A family shares a nighttime picnic with traditional mooncakes and other foods to honor the moon. Each silently shares a wish that is sent to the moon. The quiet celebration is presented through Lin’s signature illustrations and simple text. An endnote provides a bit more information about the festival.

In a neighborhood of flower gardens, a Chinese-American girl and her mother plant what the child considers to be ugly vegetables. The ugly vegetables, however, become attractive and help build community when made into a delicious soup! A recipe is included.

Even though Ling and Ting are identical twins, they are not the same. How they differ becomes clear in short chapters in this winning book just right for new readers. The charismatic Asian-American sisters are depicted in word and illustration with humor and affection.

The young narrator describes how she and her family each contribute to a handsome kite which they then enjoy flying. Signature illustrations show traditional Chinese kite designs combined with an author’s note about kite history. The result is the celebration of an ebullient family tradition that readers may want to take up themselves!