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Moose and the other animals really want Groundhog to join them for their Valentine’s party. But when Groundhog sees his shadow he returns quickly to his cozy home. Could Groundhog be afraid of his shadow? Might shadow games help? Readers will enjoy the humor in lush illustrations and the warm relationship between animal friends in this celebratory book.

Max and Marla are best friends. And aspiring Olympians! With their eyes on the prize, they know exactly what it’ll take to reach sledding success: preparation, practice and perseverance.

Each kindness makes the world a little better. This quiet picture book is about small actions that can hurt, and an honest look at bullying and forgiveness.

Lines drawn by two boys connect and so do the boys in joyful play. An accidental tug-of-war, however, causes a rift until a smile and additional creativity bring them together again. Though wordless, watercolor illustrations speak volumes and are certain to ignite storytelling.

Girl and her friend Dragon long to visit Far Away. Their adventure takes them across the seas where they rescue a small cat from Bad Hats returning comfortably Home again. Imaginative, gauzy illustrations complement the rhythmic text (with echoes of Edward Lear).

Two girls meet as their train leaves the station for a long journey. Their friendship develops along the same track as the traveling train including a “signal failure” when the girls don’t get along. But all’s well by the arrival with the friendship sure to continue on. Softly rendered, expressive illustrations on double page spreads suggest the train trip.

A girl’s search for friendship becomes an adventure as she travels with her song, “la la la”, as her only company. Richly hued, radiant illustrations reveal the girl’s journey. A note from both the author and illustrator provides insight into this multilayered, memorable, nearly wordless story.

Although Baabwaa likes to knit and Wooliam likes to read, they both long for an adventure. They find a different and quite literary adventure when they meet a “rambunctious” wolf in sheep’s clothing in this hilarious story with equally funny, expressive watercolor illustrations.

All the other kids have pirate costumes for their adventures while the narrator has one like Robinson Crusoe. When teased about it, he heads to his bedroom where he dreams he is marooned on an island, savoring the solitary adventure until his friends return. Signature illustrations are evocative, detailed, and delicate, accompanied by brief but effective narration.

One of David’s parents is Jewish, the other Chinese. With one grandmother living with David and his family and the other next door, which culture will win? As David prepares for his bar mitzvah, he worries about the possibility of war both inside his family as well as the U.S. of the 1980s. Fast-paced and believable, the clash between cultures finally subsides.

The teacher in Classroom 13, Ms. Linda LaCrosse, is just plain unlucky. And it was an unlucky win of a 28 billion dollar lottery that helps her and her 27 students realize just how lucky they really are. Absurd events, sly humor, and a zany cast of characters create a fast-paced plot to a speedy (even if a bit seemingly unlucky) conclusion.

Prez needs a friend and he finds one in Sputnik. Sputnik looks like a dog to everyone except Prez who realizes Sputnik is an alien in disguise. It’s a good thing that Prez is a list maker, because he and Sputnik must come up with 10 reasons why Earth shouldn’t be destroyed. The physics-defying story is fast, fresh, and fun.

When Frank’s (nee Francesca) backpack is tossed into nettles by a bunch of bullies, it is Nick Underbridge who retrieves it for her.  Nick is as unusual as his home where Frank finds friendship and solace until a secret upends not only their friendship but almost the entire world. Mysterious and otherworldly, this is an involving and satisfying fantasy.

Parallel stories of two girls who lived in different times converge at a place called Thornhill. One is told only in ominous black/white illustrations, the other in a text narrative. The result is an evocative, often downright spooky novel (likely to appeal to fans of Brian Selznick’s Hugo Cabret et al).

Feathered friends Goose, Duck, and Thistle become a super hero, a ghost, and a swamp monster for trick or treating. Though each enjoys Halloween, they must muster up the courage to confront their fears in this gentle, relatable, and ultimately satisfying story.

Gargoyles can be cold and frightening looking to many. In this richly illustrated picture book, angels befriend a group of gargoyles and bring them to life — revealing the warm and loving nature of these creatures.

Ut has come to America, but her mother remains in Vietnam. Ut’s struggle to adjust to her new life and her classmates don’t accept her because she is different. Then she makes a new friend who presents Ut with a wonderful gift

This realistic story of America’s war in Vietnam uses the alternating viewpoints of an army dog named Cracker and her 17-year-old handler, Rick Hanski. From their training at a base in the U.S. to their stalking the enemy, the tale explores the close bond of the scout-dog team, relating how it detects booby traps and mines, finds the enemy, rescues POWs, and returns home to a heroes’ welcome. [ALA Booklist review]

Peanut Butter and Jellyfish are best of friends and swim up, down, around, and through their ocean home. Crabby is their neighbor. He is not their best friend. But when Crabby gets in trouble, will Peanut Butter and Jellyfish come to the rescue? You bet they will!

During a summer vacation at his aunt’s house, Johnny is made responsible for taking care of his older cousin Remember, who has autism. Remember is a gawky awkward kid with some pretty strange habits, like repeating back almost everything Johnny says and spending hours glued to the weather channel. Johnny’s premonitions of disaster appear at first to come to fruition, but when the two boys save a bully from drowning, salvage the pizzeria guy’s romance, and share girl troubles, Johnny ends up having the summer of his life.

Zara’s dog, Moose, loves hellos but not goodbyes. In spite of all efforts, he continues to follow Zara to school until the day Moose graduates from Therapy School. Now every day is a “hello” as Moose accompanies Zara, to her delight and that of her classmates. Soft lines and gentle colors depict the faithful pet and his loyal girl.

Bloo and Redd (blue and red critters) argue over a green book. When a bookworm takes it, the pair collaborates to make a book with the same named parts (including letters that gather together to form words). Conversation bubbles humorously placed on white space above the characters complement the comic illustrations — all the way to a satisfying conclusion.

Duck is inspired to take a trip as he and Goose relax in their beautiful meadow. The duo walks to a beach where they meet the locals, explore tide pools, and build a sandcastle before returning home. The feathered friends’ simple adventure exudes gentle humor and warmth in text and illustration. 

Pedro, a young boy who loves whales more than anything, is heartbroken when he’s told to put away his favorite toy whale on the first day of school. But then Pedro’s teacher discovers the secret to helping him do his best work: not only giving him his whale, but also incorporating his special interest into the whole curriculum. Soon, Pedro’s whale is helping all the children learn, as the teacher works whales into math lessons, storytime, simple science experiments, and more! Pedro’s whale helps him make friends, too, as the other children start to share his special interest.