List

*Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Winner*

What can a potato do? To Peruvian scientist Alberto Salas, they have the power to change the world. Go on the hunt with Alberto for for wild potatoes before they go extinct in this playful picture book biography, gorgeously illustrated by Caldecott-honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.

High up in the Andes mountains of Peru, agricultural scientist Alberto Salas is on a quest. A quest... for potatoes.

Up and down the Andes mountains he goes, playing an epic game of paka paka con la papa, potato hide and seek. These potatoes are special: they have the power to feed the world. 

Alberto doesn't have a second to waste. The climate is changing and Alberto must find each and every one to save them before they go extinct.

The game is on! Alberto races and peers and prods. Drives and trods and climbs. Will he find the potato he seeks? Will he win the game of paka paka con la papa?

Author Sara Andrea Fajardo’s spirited biography about “the godfather of potatoes” is paired with lush art by Caldecott-honoree Juana Martinez-Neal to capture how celebrated scientist Alberto Salas brings joy, curiosity, and fun to his very important, life-changing work.

¡También disponible en español!

★ Winner of the Pura Belpré Award Honor for Illustration!★

It's time to join the party! Adventure awaits readers of all ages on Día de Muertos​ in this stunningly original and lushly illustrated tour de force about family, love, and overcoming grief.

Everyone in the neighborhood was getting ready for the party.

Everyone knew somebody on the guest list . . .

This was the day the dead returned.

There's a party tonight, but Cala doesn't want to go. While her family prepares for the celebration, Cala grieves her grandfather and tries to pretend she's not afraid.

But when she is separated from her family at the cemetery, Cala encounters four mysterious riders who will show her she is actually quite brave after all.

Brimming with magic and humor, The Invisible Parade is the first picture-book collaboration between award-winner John Picacio and New York Times bestselling Leigh Bardugo. Set on the night of Día de Muertos, Cala's story is one of love, loss, and the courage that can be found in unexpected places.

CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR HONOR BOOK • A lyrical picture book from the award-winning author of Heavy, about three Black boys who form a deep connection during a transformative summer trip down South to visit family.

On the ground of that garden, covered in vegetables and dirt, coated in laughter, I want to say that the Mississippi and New York in our Black boy bodies were indistinguishable. 

Three Black boys spend one special summer exploring the Mississippi woods and woulds and coulds of sharing the kind of freeing friendship that is love.

Watched over and given space to discover by Grandmama and Mama Lara, New York, Country, and little C find camaraderie in their contrasts and all the unspoken things between them while playing games of marco polo in the thick garden and sledding on cardboard by the underpass. 

With text brimming with love by award-winning author Kiese Laymon and deeply evocative illustrations by Alexis Franklin, City Summer, Country Summer illuminates the tenuous and tender bonds of friendship Black boys forge with one another.

An awe-inspiring picture book about the origin and advancement of humans, from author and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith.

A Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book

Fossil records show that the first humans were born in Africa. Meaning, every person on Earth can trace their ancestry back to that continent. The History of We celebrates our shared ancestors' ingenuity and achievements and imagines what these firsts would have looked and felt like.

What was it like for the first person to paint, to make music, to dance, to discover medicine, to travel to unknown lands? It required courage, curiosity, and skill. 

The History of We takes what we know about modern human civilization and, through magnificent paintings, creates a tale about our shared beginnings in a way that centers Black people in humankind's origin story.

An emotionally resonant, visually stirring picture book illustrated by Pura Belpré Award–winning Abraham Matias, exploring life, death, and celebrating loved ones for children navigating grief.

Inspired by the 9 levels of Mictlān and the role Xolo dogs play by guiding those who have passed on in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.

Nana is surrounded by family and takes joy in her many grandchildren. She's also tired and feels pain. Soon she begins her transition from life into death, accompanied by her beloved Xolo dog, Popo.

Together they go on Nana’s journey, and by the end of the story, Nana's family celebrates the many years of love they shared with her. And a grandchild will now care for Popo.

Beautifully told by debut author Paloma Angelina Lopez and featuring stunning blend of colored art by Mexican illustrator, Abraham Matias, Popo the Xolo helps kids understand how loved ones live on in our memories. An unforgettable picture book that's grounded in the importance of the 9 levels of Mictlān and the role Xolo (show-low) dogs play in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.

Popo the Xolo is available in both English and Spanish language editions.

2026 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award

CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK • In his striking author-illustrator debut, the award-winning illustrator of My Papi Has a Motorcycle offers an immersive and fantastical desert adventure, where the sun reigns over the vast landscape and shapes all that it touches.

Where the rock wall ends, the desert beyond begins.

Following a blazing trail of sundust, two curious siblings hop the wall into a place that’s endless and free. Here, prickly old nopal trees beg to be climbed, empty turtle shells invite a closer look, enormous rocks model how to sit still and listen, and a colibrí offers an unexpected ride. In the desert, where life revolves around the Sun, brother and sister explore, imagine, and wonder, What if Sun’s power was inside me? until their mom’s whistle calls them back home again.

With spare, lyrical text, Pura Belpré Honor and Ezra Jack Keats Honor recipient Zeke Peña has created a fantastical tale that suspends moments in time with his radiant art and celebrates the bonds between the sun, the desert, and its people.

A Caldecott Honor Book

DRIP. DRIP. DRIP.

Time flies for two charming little cave nubs, Stalactite and Stalagmite. Over millions of years, creatures and things pass in and out of their cave, everything from a trilobite, an ichthyostega, and a triceratops, to a ground sloth and a bat.

When you are an ageless rock formation, it’s nice to have a friend who’s always there. But what will happen when the two nubs grow enough to finally touch?

CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK • A tender and vulnerable exploration of love and loss that follows two boys as they take their first trip back to the lake without their father, from debut author-illustrator Angie Kang.

Today, Brother is taking me up to swim in the lake like Father used to. 

I want to thank him for bringing us here, but I can’t find the words. 
Instead, I loop my arms around his torso, and he does the same back.

Here, in our lake, the water holds us close. 

On a sweltering hot day, a little boy mirrors his brother as he takes off his shirt, stretches, and walks toward the edge of the tall rock, ready to dive into the cool lake waters glistening below. Only this time, Father is not here. And the water looks so far away. How can he take the plunge? 

With a gorgeous, deft touch in her exquisitely soft illustrations and words, Angie Kang conveys vulnerability, longing, and connection as these two boys hear Father’s laugh and see his memory all around them, uniting them in a bittersweet moment.

A Caldecott Honor Book

From the creator of I’m Going to Build a Snowman comes a “enthusiastic, delightful” (BookPage, starred review) celebration of community helpers that captures the joy and wonder of being a kid, centering around a precocious girl whose favorite day of the week is Monday.

Every Monday, Mabel wakes up early and peeks out her window to make sure she didn’t miss the one thing she’s been looking forward to the whole week. She drags her chair down the hallway, past her big sister and Mom and Dad, out the door, and waits.

What is Mabel waiting for every Monday? According to Mabel, it’s the best thing in the world. But no one else in her family seems to understand…until they see what’s honking down the street!

Winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book

Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Books of the Year

After a storm devastates the farm his parents have been renting, Junior moves with his family to Roxboro, North Carolina. The year is 1959, and the nine-year-old boy has to navigate the realities of the segregated South while adjusting to life in town. Instead of farming, his father works at the lumberyard, and his mother takes in laundry from the white people in town. Junior meets new friends who have a TV—and their own books! These new friends offer to take Junior to the library, and he’s surprised to discover that in a clearing in the forest, there’s a log cabin that houses a library for Black residents.

The library in the woods feels magical, giving Junior a sense of possibility and community. The books he checks out also help him uncover a secret he never knew about his father.

This fictional account is based on a real-life library author Calvin Alexander Ramsey frequented as a child. Ramsey’s heartfelt text, accompanied by illustrations from award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, celebrates family, libraries, and the resourcefulness of the Black community.

Fireworks is a sparkling picture book from the award-winning team of Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien, highlighting the simple delights of a steamy July day in the city as two siblings eagerly anticipate a spectacular fireworks display.

POP!

As a hot day sizzles into evening, everyone on stoops and sidewalks looks skyward on this special summer night--the Fourth of July! Words and art blossom into flowers of fire across the sky, making this a perfect read for firework enthusiasts in cities and suburbs everywhere.

An emotionally resonant, visually stirring picture book illustrated by Pura Belpré Award–winning Abraham Matias, exploring life, death, and celebrating loved ones for children navigating grief.

Inspired by the 9 levels of Mictlān and the role Xolo dogs play by guiding those who have passed on in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.

Nana is surrounded by family and takes joy in her many grandchildren. She's also tired and feels pain. Soon she begins her transition from life into death, accompanied by her beloved Xolo dog, Popo.

Together they go on Nana’s journey, and by the end of the story, Nana's family celebrates the many years of love they shared with her. And a grandchild will now care for Popo.

Beautifully told by debut author Paloma Angelina Lopez and featuring stunning blend of colored art by Mexican illustrator, Abraham Matias, Popo the Xolo helps kids understand how loved ones live on in our memories. An unforgettable picture book that's grounded in the importance of the 9 levels of Mictlān and the role Xolo (show-low) dogs play in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.

Popo the Xolo is available in both English and Spanish language editions.

2026 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award

A lyrical and inspiring journey through the stars, this rhyming picture book highlights women who soared to new heights in the field of aerospace and space exploration. Perfect for fans of Mae Among the Stars and the She Persisted series. Planets have orbits, each star has a place, but where do girls fit in infinite space? Girls Belong in Space introduces young dreamers to women and girls who have proven those wrong who say girls don't belong in space. From launching the first US astronauts into space to guiding rovers to Mars, these girls can do anything and go anywhere! Backmatter includes bios, space facts, and a further reading list.

Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule--until the drum dream girl.

In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream.

Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.

This beautiful picture book was recognized with a Pura Belpré Honor. A strong option for those interested in women's history and Hispanic History topics.

A visit to Washington, DC’s National Portrait Gallery forever alters Parker Curry’s young life when she views First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait.

When Parker Curry came face-to-face with Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, she didn’t just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen—one with dynamic self-assurance, regality, beauty, and truth who captured this young girl’s imagination. When a nearby museum-goer snapped a photo of a mesmerized Parker, it became an internet sensation. Inspired by this visit, Parker, and her mother, Jessica Curry, tell the story of a young girl and her family, whose trip to a museum becomes an extraordinary moment, in a moving picture book.

Parker Looks Up follows Parker, along with her baby sister and her mother, and her best friend Gia and Gia’s mother, as they walk the halls of a museum, seeing paintings of everyone and everything from George Washington Carver to Frida Kahlo, exotic flowers to graceful ballerinas. Then, Parker walks by Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama…and almost passes it. But she stops...and looks up!

Parker saw the possibility and promise, the hopes and dreams of herself in this powerful painting of Michelle Obama. An everyday moment became an extraordinary one…that continues to resonate its power, inspiration, and indelible impact. Because, as Jessica Curry said, “anything is possible regardless of race, class, or gender.”

The first woman elected as U.S. Senator from her state pens a lovely children’s book with her daughter about the Suffrage movement to celebrate the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Camilla’s class trip to the history museum proved to be both instructive and enlightening when Camilla is transported back to August 18, 1920. That’s when women achieved the right to vote with the “Yes” vote from Harry T. Burn, a young legislature from East Tennessee whose mother encouraged him to do the right thing by breaking the 48-48 tie in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Until that day, women did not have the same rights as men.

Harry T. Burn’s mother wrote, “Hurrah, and vote for suffrage! Don’t keep them in doubt. I notice some of the speeches against. They were bitter. I have been watching to see how you stood, but have not noticed anything yet.” She ended her letter with a rousing endorsement of the great suffragist leader Carrie Chapman Catt, asking her son to “…be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt put the ‘rat’ in ratification.”

Join Camilla as she learns the exciting (and controversial!) history of women gaining the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

"I can hear change humming
In its loudest, proudest song.
I don't fear change coming,
And so I sing along."
 
In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves. 
 
With lyrical text and rhythmic illustrations that build to a dazzling crescendo by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference.

Nikki Grimes offers a glimpse into the inspiring lives of Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman, with breathtaking illustrations by Michele Wood!

What if Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony sat down over tea to reminisce about their extraordinary lives? What would they recall of their triumphs and struggles as they fought to achieve civil rights for African Americans and equal rights for women? And what other historical figures played parts in their stories? These questions led Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes to create CHASING FREEDOM, an engaging work of historical fiction about two of the nineteenth century's most powerful, and inspiring, American women. With breathtaking illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award winner Michele Wood, CHASING FREEDOM richly imagines the experiences of Tubman and Anthony, set against the backdrop of the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the Women's Suffrage Movement. Additional back matter invites curious young readers to further explore this period in history--and the larger-than-life figures who lived it.

INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY FROM THE CHILDHOOD OF VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS!

A beautiful, empowering picture book about two sisters who work with their community to effect change, inspired by a true story from the childhood of the author's aunt, Kamala Harris, and mother, lawyer and policy expert Maya Harris.

One day, Kamala and Maya had an idea. A big idea: They would turn their empty apartment courtyard into a playground!
This is the uplifting tale of how the author's aunt and mother first learned to persevere in the face of disappointment and turned a
dream into reality. This is a story of children's ability to make a difference and of a community coming together to transform their neighborhood. A New York Times bestseller!
 

Fatima had one wish . . .

Fatima al-Fihri loved to learn. She wanted to know everything, like how birds flew, why the sky was blue, and how flowers grew. But more than anything, she wanted a school for all, where anyone could study and become whatever they wanted, like teachers, scientists, and doctors.

As she grew older, Fatima carried her one wish inside her, through good times and bad. Fueled by her faith and her determination, she worked hard to make her one wish come true. For over a thousand years, Fatima's one wish--her school--served students and scholars from around the globe, and it continues to do so today!

It's no secret that little girls love playing dress up, but the little girl in this book ditches her princess duds in favor of costumes inspired by great women in history.

Now dressing up is an adventure
When, every day of the week,
I am a daring new dame!

From Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to chef extraordinaire Julia Child to queen of jazz Ella Fitzgerald, our protagonist pays homage to the women who came before her and imagines herself in their shoes. Maybe someday she'll inspire little girls with her own gown of greatness.

A stunning love letter to the important women who shape us -- from our own mothers and grandmothers to the legends who paved the way for girls and women everywhere.

Standing on Her Shoulders is a celebration of the strong women who influence us -- from our mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers to the women who fought for equality and acceptance in the United States.

Monica Clark-Robinson's lyrical text encourages young girls to learn about the powerful and trailblazing women who laid the path for their own lives and empowers them to become role models themselves. Acclaimed illustrator Laura Freeman's remarkable art showcases a loving intergenerational family and encourages girls to find female heroes in their own lives.

Standing on Her Shoulders will inspire girls of all ages to follow in the footsteps of these amazing women.

In her debut picture book, Misty Copeland tells the story of a young girl--an every girl--whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has reached. Misty encourages this young girl's faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become Firebird.

Lyrical and affecting text paired with bold, striking illustrations that are some of Caldecott Honoree Christopher Myers's best work, makes Firebird perfect for aspiring ballerinas everywhere.

Suffragist and abolitionist Lucy Stone, a pioneer in the 19th century’s two greatest movements for equality, finds her voice in this STEAM picture book for budding activists.

Lucy Stone grew up in a world where men’s voices rang out, but women swallowed their words. When her church’s minister railed against women speaking in public, Lucy made up her mind that when she grew up, “if she had anything to say, she would say it!”

Forced to learn to debate and give speeches in secret, Lucy used her voice to pave the way for others, becoming one of the 19th century’s great advocates for women’s rights and the abolition of slavery.

In this engaging nonfiction book, Vivian Kirkfield’s passionate text and Rebecca Gibbon’s playful illustrations combine to encourage readers to find their own voices to speak up for what they believe in.

A perfect picture book about perseverance, overcoming challenges, and working hard to achieve your goals!

Sydney learns to conquer her fear of public speaking at school, in this affectionate father-daughter story referencing inspiring role models who dealt with similar issues.

Sydney wants to be a great leader when she grows up. There's just one problem--when she tries to speak in front of the class, she gets nervous, and the words just won't come out.

Readers will cheer for Sydney as "No, I can't" changes to "Yes, I can!"

Sydney's journey includes practice; encouragement from her loving dad; and a dose of inspiration from such luminaries as Shirley Chisholm, Carol Moseley Braun, Condoleezza Rice, and Kamala Harris.

"I have the right to be bold, and mighty, and LOUD!"

In a world where little girls must learn to stand tall, A Girl's Bill of Rights boldly declares the rights of every woman and girl: power, confidence, freedom, and consent. Author Amy B. Mucha and illustrator Addy Rivera Sonda present a diverse cast of characters standing up for themselves and proudly celebrating the joy and power of being a girl.

From the award-winning creator of My Dad Used to Be So Cool and Tough Guys Have Feelings Too comes a charming picture book inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing 19th-century doctor who was arrested many times for wearing pants.

Once upon a time (but not that long ago), girls only wore dresses. And only boys wore pants.

Until one day, a young girl named Mary had an idea: She would wear whatever she wanted. And she wanted to wear pants!

This bold, original picture book encourages readers to think for themselves while gently challenging gender and societal norms.

A New York Times Bestseller and tie-in to Academy-Award Winning Short Film "Hair Love"

"I love that Hair Love is highlighting the relationship between a Black father and daughter. Matthew leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black experience. We need this."
- Jordan Peele, Actor & Filmmaker

It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.

Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.

Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere. A perfect gift for special occasions including Father’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!

Meet an adorable monster looking for love in Rachel Bright’s bestselling picture book Love Monster—a must-have for the little ones in your life. 

Love Monster wants to belong with the cuddly residents of Cutesville. But as it turns out, it's hard to fit in with the cute and the fluffy when you're a googly-eyed monster. And so, Love Monster sets out to find someone who will love him just the way he is. His journey is not easy—he looks high, low, and even middle-ish. But as he soon finds out, love can find you when you least expect it.

With sweet illustrations and a heartwarming message about how everyone deserves love, this is the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, and celebrating love year-round.

Join Love Monster on more adventures in: 
● Love Monster and the Last Chocolate 
● Love Monster and the Perfect Present 
● Love Monster and the Scary Something

Celebrate love with this rhyming picture book featuring enchanting illustrations and poetic text!

Love and the many ways one can show it are at the heart of this sweet, charming picture book. Whether it's giving someone a big hug, offering a helping hand, or sharing words of encouragement, it's these gestures that make the world a better place to live. Emma Randall's delicate and appealing illustrations accompany delightful verses in a timeless story perfect for reading aloud with loved ones.

WHOMP! An energetic young dinosaur figures out her own way to give a kiss in the latest from the creator of the Caldecott Honor–winning Interrupting Chicken.

For newly hatched dinosaur Dinah, the world is an exciting place. There is so much to see and do. She tries this — STOMP! And she tries that — CHOMP! Then she sees a kiss and knows just what she wants to try next. Who can she kiss? And after a few disastrous attempts, can she figure out how to give someone a kiss without whomping, chomping, or stomping them first? Young children will chuckle and cheer when Dinah finds just the right creature for her dinosaur kisses in this funny new picture book from David Ezra Stein.

A USA Today bestseller! Give hedgehugs and kisses to your little squeakheart with this pun-tastic, funny baby book, the perfect gift for baby showers, new parents, or any occasion!

There's no better way to say "I love you" than with a sweet and heartfelt animal pun book! I Love You Like No Otter combines a warm message of love with beautifully illustrated animals families will love to read and share together. From Valentine's Day books for kids to baby shower gifts and bedtime read alouds all year long, this adorable picture book is purrfect for anyone you love beary much!

The best book gift for:

• Babies and toddlers ages 0-3 and up
• Valentine's Day
• Baby showers
• Birthdays
• Holiday stocking stuffer
• Easter basket stuffer
• and more!

I love you like no otter. You truly are the best.

My special little squeakheart, a step above the rest.

A New York Times bestseller!

A comically mismatched Valentine's Day picture book with a clever and hilarious take on Cupid. Introducing Cupig the Valentine's Day pig!

Cupig absolutely loves Valentine's Day. Every year she enjoys spreading love and cheer to every creature, far and near. But when a storm blows through and sends her arrows off course, Cupig accidentally puts arrows in hearts that don't need to be mended. Peanut Butter has stopped loving Jelly! Salt and Pepper have broken up! Needle and Thread are falling apart at the seams! 

Will Cupig ever fix her mistakes and get these classic pairs back together again?

With clever rhyming text and comically expressive art, Cupig is sure to be a Valentine's Day classic for years to come! The perfect Valentine's Day gift and for fans of Little Blue Truck's Valentine, How to Catch a Loveosaurus, and Love from the Crayons!

"Sure to steal readers’ hearts."--Kirkus reviews

"Sure to be a hit with the picture book crowd."-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Move over, Cupid—a pink piggy competitor takes a shot at creating love matches in this mixed-up Valentine’s Day outing." --Publishers Weekly

This inspiring and lyrical picture book from an acclaimed spoken-word poet and award-winning author is a reminder of the magic that lies within each of us and shows the power of loving yourself and your community.



Love bubbles are meant to protect us from the trouble that can find us in daily life. They require faith, hope, and persistence to give them power. Encouraging readers to dig deep and believe in themselves, Harold Green III's Love Bubble reminds children of the power of love--for ourselves and everyone around us.

From award-winning author-illustrator Amy Schwartz comes a counting book full of sweet treats, playful moments, and lots of toddler love. 

Cinnamon bun, I love you one. Peek-a-boo, I love you two... 

This charming, rhyming picture book counts out the love between caregivers and children in small and touching moments. Come count to ten with your sweet little one!

A Kids' Indie Next List pick!

When Bigfoot loses the valentines he meant to send to his fellow monsters in hiding, scouts from all over the world come together to deliver the letters.

It's lonely being a monster. But having other mythical pen pals helps. When Bigfoot loses the Valentine's Day cards he so tenderly made for his friends around the world, a troop of scouts offers to help. But they will have to get creative to find every mythical creature in time! Sarah Glenn Marsh and Ishaa Lobo team up again for a sweet Valentine's Day tale about the value of friends, both new and old.

Will you be mine, Dino-Valentine? Dinos of all shapes and sizes make cards, munch on treats, and find romance at the Valentine Dance!

Cheery rhyming text from Lisa Wheeler and delightfully goofy illustrations from Barry Gott invite readers to celebrate Valentine's Day in true dino style. Raptor and Leso decorate card boxes at school, the Ptero twins shop for the perfect box of chocolates, and Maia has crushes on . . . everyone! There's something for everyone to enjoy in this humorous and heartwarming look at the sweetest holiday of the year!

Dinosaurs big and small gather to decorate, eat, and even compete in party festivities like only prehistoric carnivores and herbivores would. Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott—creators of the enormously popular Dino-Sports picture books—team up to create celebrations of epic proportions!

Bring love and joy to your child’s bedtime by reading them this enchanting picture book about a big and little panda expressing how much they love each other.

Take a moment to sit down and read with your little one as this cute pair of pandas compare their love to all the things they see. Dandelion clocks, tabby kittens, and building bricks are just some of the fun items in the rhyming couplets that cascade through this beautiful read. This fun and bouncy text will keep your child engaged as they grow from baby to toddler. With a vivid yellow color scheme, this sweet book is a visual as well as an emotional joy. The contrasting yellow and black help with eyesight development in babies, and children will love spotting the fun little details as they get older.

A cute and colorful way to show your child the deep affection between parent and child, grandparent and child, and more, and a new take on the phrase ‘I love you to the moon and back’. A story which pulls on the heartstrings, and a touching read to share with little ones this Valentine's Day.

The New York Times #1 bestselling character Jim Panzee is very grumpy about Valentine’s Day until his buddy Norman shows him that the holiday is for everyone. Two pages of full-color stickers are included for extra fun!

This holiday hardcover book is brimming with the same silly humor that characterizes all the beloved titles in the bestselling Grumpy Monkey series. 

When Jim Panzee hears Oxpecker cooing over her doting boyfriend on Valentine’s Day, he has just one thought: Gross. But Jim finds out that not everything about Valentine’s Day is hearts and kisses. Jim learns there are different types of valentines and many kinds of love, such as love for a parent or for friends.

Join Duck, Hippo, and their friends as they uncover their secret valentines!

It's Valentine's Day, and something curious is going on. As the birds tweet their love songs, Hippo and his friends Elephant, Pig, and Turtle each receive mysterious, unsigned Valentine's Day cards. Hippo wonders if his is from Duck; Elephant and Turtle think theirs are from Pig; and Pig dreams that hers is from Turtle. The cards tell the friends to come to the park at four o'clock to meet their valentines--so they'll find out soon enough! As the clock ticks away, the friends wonder--and dream--about their valentines and make special preparations. But when they arrive...SURPRISE!

This Valentine's Day might not go exactly the way they expected, but one thing is certain: being friends with Duck and Hippo is always a special treat!

Meet Leonard, the caring little shrew, in this charming Valentine's story. 

This heart-warming picture book introduces young children to unconditional love and has an underlying message about kindness and diversity. 

The Shrew family are having a day out. As the young shrews show off their different talents, Leonard wishes he could join in. However Mama and Papa remind him that he has other skills, and everybody is different. I Love You, Leonard! teaches an important message of being kind and is the ideal Valentine's book for adults to share with their little ones.

This engaging children's story book offers:

- Simple and amusing text that is ideal for children to read aloud.
- Colorful, funny illustrations that bring the quirky characters to life.
- A strong message about being kind and putting others first.

Poor Leonard is worried when he makes mistakes, like accidentally dropping their picnic basket, but his family reassure him that they will love him no matter what he does or does not do! Follow Leonard the shrew as he questions what love is in this heartwarming picture book for young children.

A charming, relatable rhyming read-aloud just-right for Valentine's Day, about first experiences!

Little friend.

First valentine.

A heart will be

the best design...

Little friend is so excited to make his first valentine--in the shape of a heat! But learning how to cut shapes is a lot harder than you think, and no matter how much he tries, little friend can't make the heart just-right. Will little friend be able to make the perfect valentine? A sweet and silly rhyming story about first experiences, full of gentle Valentine's Day fun!

A New York Times bestseller!

It’s Halloween in this companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and there’s a spooky surprise in store for everyone’s favorite letters!

A told B,
and B told C,
“Let’s sneak to the top
of the creaky old tree.”

The classic alphabet chant gets a Halloween twist as the letters sneak their way up the tree, all donning their spiffiest costumes. But when a witch swoops in, and the letters come tumbling down, will that be the end of their Halloween fun…or just the beginning?

From #1 New York Times bestselling A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo illustrator E. G. Keller comes a hilarious autumnal tale about a city dog-out-of-water and his first Halloween



Murray loves the smells, sidewalks, and hydrants of his city neighborhood--which is why he isn't looking forward to a trip to some awful place called . . . The Country.



Away from the comforting familiarity of home, he comes nose-to-nose with strange things at every turn--and even worse, it's Halloween! From the costumes to the decorations, the pumpkin patches to the scarecrows to a new cat foe, everything is scary.



Will Murray face his frights, or cower under the couch with his stuffy toy?

This adorably charming picture book about a cat pondering WHICH kind of cat he should be is perfect for Halloween!

Told in silly, rhyming text, this is a not-so-scary Halloween tale about a grouchy old witch named Grizelda the Green who tries to destroy Halloween! Perfect for fans of Room on the Broom and How to Catch a Witch!

There's an old witch in town named Grizelda the Green.
She's sour and grouchy and HATES Halloween!
"Year after year, kids keep finding my door. 
I'm fed up and frazzled! I can't take anymore!"

Meet Grizelda the Green. She's a grouchy old witch and she absolutely, positively, HATES Halloween! So this year, she's cooked up a plan to end the holiday once and for all. But both she and the trick-or-treaters are in for some surprises that will make this the most memorable Halloween ever! 

Told in silly and clever rhyme by bestselling author A. A. Livingston, and brought to life with bright and colorful art by Katya Longhi, Grizelda the Green Hates Halloween is perfect for not-so-scary Halloween storytimes and for fans of Room on the Broom and How to Catch a Witch!

Praise for Grizelda the Green Hates Halloween:

"The rhyming text results in an ideal preschool read-aloud, with the bouncing stanzas keeping a snappy pace . . . A fresh trick-or-treating tale with plenty of read-aloud potential." --Kirkus reviews

"This book will bring lighthearted cheer to young readers . . .A good addition for ­libraries seeking to ­enhance their young children’s ­Halloween ­collections." SLJ reviews

"Original, clever, and a fun read from cover to cover, Grizelda the Green Hates Halloween is thoroughly 'kid friendly' and unreservedly recommended for Halloween picture book collections." --Midwest Book Review/Children's Book Watch

Little Boo is the best! Until Little Boo is the worst...Why couldn't Big Boo have a little witch or even a little vampire for a younger sibling? A picture book featuring a pesky little sibling paired with gentle social emotional learning--perfect for Halloween or any time of year when a new baby arrives and brings change.

When the antics of their little sibling start to get to Big Boo, they decide to trade for a friend's younger sibling, Little Howl. At first this seems like a great idea, but soon enough Big Boo finds that the grass isn't always greener and Little Howl is a whole new level of monster. This sweet and humorous story about sibling relationships acknowledges the frustrations but, ultimately, the love that comes with a new addition to the family.

From award-winning actress Aubrey Plaza and writer Dan Murphy comes the story of a feisty wannabe bruja and the kooky witch she helps to throw the best Halloween party of the season!

Luna Lopez wants to be a witch.

Pheenie the witch wants to throw a Halloween party.

Together this unlikely pair strikes a deal: If Luna helps her pull off the best, most spectacular soiree in the neighborhood, Pheenie will teach her the secrets to her potions and spells.

There’s only one problem: Getting this party on track is harder than Luna expected. She’ll have to curb every one of the frazzled witch’s creepy, crawly instincts to make sure the evening is full of both tricks and treats . . . and not a festive flop!

From goblins and ghouls to kids and cats, all are invited to party in this Halloween celebration from award-winning actress and producer Aubrey Plaza and co-author Dan Murphy.

From New York Times bestselling illustrator of The Big Cheese and the Food Group series, Pete Oswald, and critically acclaimed author Lucy Ruth Cummins comes a Halloween adventure for Sleepy Sheepy. A story all about learning when to blend in and when to stand out that is perfect for fans of Pig the Monster and Creepy Pair of Underwear!

It's Halloween, which means Sleepy Sheepy needs to find the perfect costume for trick-or-treating! And Sheepy MUST be the scariest, hairiest, werewolf of all!

But on Halloween night, the costume just doesn't fit right, and when Sheepy steps outside, there are packs of werewolves everywhere! How will he stand out and be the creepiest sheepy of all? 

From celebrated author Lucy Ruth Cummins and brought to life by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald, Creepy Sheepy is a silly and clever Halloween read-aloud all about marching to the beat of your own drum! 

Don't miss the other books in the series, Sleepy Sheepy and Sleepy Sheepy and the Sheepover!

Praise for Creepy Sheepy:
"Not too sweet and not too scary, this one is just right. A cute addition to any Halloween shelf." --Kirkus reviews

"Oswald creates colorful, sweet illustrations that emphasize characters and keep backgrounds simple to guide the reader’s focus. With charming rhythm, rhymes, and clever wordplay, Cummins celebrates the importance of individuality." --Booklist

A classic fairy tale is turned on its head when a creepy ghoul and three not-so-scary ghosts replace familiar characters in this funny holiday story.

Ghouldilocks and the Three Ghosts is the Halloween version of a well-known fairy tale. This Ghouldilocks has the same golden curls as the original, but styled with bones and tangles to suit this scary holiday. 

Ghouldilocks approaches a haunted mansion and steps inside. There she samples three bowls of ghoulosh, sits on a big chair, a medium chair, and a small chair. Next she tries out three beds--and falls asleep in the smallest one. The ghosts come home and instead of chasing Ghouldilocks away, they all become friends. The pages are sprinkled with speech balloons filled with silly Halloween jokes and puns. Colorful art includes sly details by a talented cartoonist will make readers laugh-out-loud.

This clever retelling of the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears is perfect for Halloween.

Halloween hijinks are the spotlight of this delightfully silly autumn tale, perfect for fans of Stumpkin and the How to Catch series!

Whether just a trick or a bit of magic, prepare to be floored. Ellis has turned Dad into a GOURD!

Full of slapstick humor and autumnal festivities, there's no better way to celebrate Halloween than with Pumpkin Dad!

A LitHub Most Anticipated Children’s Book of 2025

“A book that captures the dance of unlikely bonds and a way to move from a place of acceptance.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A solitary child and her rule-breaking ghost roommate learn the value of compromise in this cheeky picture book. —Shelf Awareness (starred review)

From Matthew Forsythe, the creator of the acclaimed and beloved Pokko and the Drum, comes a “subtle, sweet” (Booklist, starred review) picture book about rules. And sharing. And an epic game of tic-tac-toe.

Aggie is very excited to live on her own—until she finds out her new house is haunted. But no fear, the situation is nothing that can’t be fixed with a carefully considered list of rules: No haunting after dark. No stealing socks. No eating all the food.

But the ghost doesn’t like playing by the rules and challenges Aggie to an epic game of tic-tac-toe—winner gets the house.

Once upon a time a vampire took a bite of a jam sandwich . . . and a legend was born. Now the vampire jam sandwich roams the streets, looking for MORE JAM. Will yours be next?

A hilarious spooky picture book featuring a sneaky vampire, for fans of Creepy Carrots and How to Make Friends With a Ghost.

You may not have heard of the Vampire Jam Sandwich. But it's time you learned the truth.

Once upon a time, a vampire (maybe his name is Terrence) took a bite of a jam sandwich (maybe he thought the jam was . . . something else).

And you know what happens when a vampire bites you . . .

That's right. The jam sandwich has become . . . A VAMPIRE JAM SANDWICH. Terrifying, stalking the streets at night, sneaking into people's homes in an endless search for MORE JAM!

Kids and adults alike will be delighted by this sly jam-loving vampire and his jam sandwich legend, with hilarious tongue-in-cheek art from Nici Gregory. Can you trust your narrator? Is the Vampire Jam Sandwich real? Is your jam safe? Read on to find out . . .

A charming and humorous tale about a new girl who is determined to stand out at show-and-tell... by catching a ghost!

''Hauntingly good -- quirky, amusing, and deeply felt.'' --Kirkus Reviews

Bringing nothing to show and tell is like wearing shoes without socks.

It stinks.

So, when all you got is nothing, you need to catch yourself a something.

And if you've got gumption, that something could be a ghost.

Show-and-tell isn't for the faint of heart, so grab your camera, flashlight, and backpack -- it's time to catch yourself a ghost! Once you find a good one, spend some quality time together. This will provide all the information you need to build the perfect ghost trap. It will also probably complicate things. So, when the moment finally arrives, you may be confident you can catch a ghost...but can you catch a friend?

A ghostly good tale about the high stakes of show-and-tell, unexpected friendships, and accepting the unknown -- brought to life with Rachel Michelle Wilson's playful and heartfelt illustrations.

An adorable witch is anxious to get the perfect pet but learns to have patience when she brings home a mystery egg in this laugh-out-loud picture book from New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry. Perfect for Halloween!

Evelyn Witch has everything a witch needs. Messy hair, bubbling potions, and perfectly carved pumpkins.

But there’s something missing... A pet!

Perhaps she’ll get a bat or a griffin, or— Oh. She can only afford the mystery pet: a plain white egg.

She watches and waits for it to hatch.

Sniveling snails, something has to be done! Evelyn rolls up her sleeves and heads to the library, where they keep all the best spells. It’s time to get serious.

In this hilarious and heartwarming picture book, join Bob the vampire snail as he embraces his unique love of tomatoes, discovers new and peculiar sleeping talents, and forms an unexpected friendship.

"A work that young readers can sink their teeth into." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Did you know all snails are named Bob? It's a fact! And this is the story of one of those Bobs and the night his life changed forever. First, he heard a SCREAM... then a C-R-A-C-K... and then he felt a drip, drip, drip... and then, poof! He was a vampire snail. 

Fangs? Check. No reflection? Check. Wings? You bet. And so Bob, now very different from all the other Bobs, sets out to live life as a vampire snail, discovering his knack for sleeping upside down and his taste for tomatoes. He's alone in his vampire-ness, until one day Bob meets someone very similar....

Endearing and laugh-out-loud funny, this is a story about individuality, friendship, and tomatoes, as only beloved creator Andrea Zuill can tell it.

Three starred reviews!

In this “inspiring…delightful” (School Library Journal, starred review) picture book offering a twist on the trick-or-treat trope, a feisty little girl has had enough of her parents picking cutesy Halloween costumes for her—this year, a witch!

A little girl has been every adorable thing you can imagine for Halloween, and she is done with being cuddly, sweet, and precious. This year, she’s rebelling big-time and going for a totally different vibe: the spookiest thing out there. She’s going to be…a witch!

With only a little help from Dad, she works hard on her witchy locks, brew, spells and enchantments, and power to petrify. But what happens when what she sees in the mirror is so spooky, she scares even herself? Nothing that an understanding dad—and maybe a quick restorative nap—can’t handle.

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.

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.

This fourth book in the Tinysaurs series features Clawdie, Spike, and Roary as they navigate the first day of a new school year—with a little bit of grace and a lot of humor!

The Tinysaurs return with a fun back-to-school adventure! Clawdie, Spike, and Roary are eager to return to school, and they start the day with a school-wide assembly. Whie Roary experiences his first lessons in learning letters and counting, Clawdie sings—quite loudly!—with her class, and Spike accidentally pops the ball that the children were using at recess on his spikes. And despite the cafeteria not having Roary’s favorite lunch—lizard sandwiches—the day turns out to be a success.

Meet the Tinysaurs! Clawdie, Spike, and young Roary are tiny dinosaurs who are ready and willing to lend a hand in any situation. These adorable friends always work together to bring smiles and happiness wherever they go!

My Name is an inspiring picture book that encourages kids to celebrate themselves and all the things that make them unique, especially their name.

Your name means you’re different
Your name means you’re you

When an Indian American boy starts school in a new classroom, one child can't pronounce his name properly, which leads to giggles amongst his classmates. Later at home, his parents remind him of how special he is — and how his unique name reflects that.

With lush illustrations by Sandhya Prabhat, award-winning author Supriya Kelkar writes a stunning tribute to the word that identifies each of us the very most — our name, reminding readers of the beauty in celebrating difference, taking pride in uniqueness, and helping others to do the same.

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.

Get ready for a heartwarming and enlightening journey through the world of sensory differences with the highly anticipated second installment of the award-winning picture book series, Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes: Calming My Jitters at School. Written by Lindsey Rowe Parker, a neurodivergent mom, and beautifully illustrated by Rebecca Burgess, an autistic illustrator and advocate, this book offers a unique and profound understanding of sensory experiences that will resonate with parents, educators, and children alike.



Join the young protagonist with sensory differences as they embark on a day at school, navigating through new environments with the help of various activities that allow them to regulate their sensory needs. As you turn the pages, you'll gain invaluable insight into how sensory-sensitive children can find solace in wiggles, stomps, and squeezes, and how supportive adults can play an active role in fostering their emotional well-being.

Traffic safety matters.

One of the first chances we get to teach this subject is as young ones start riding the bus. In School Bus Safety, Deputy Becky Coyle uses adorable rhymes and illustrations to teach young students, in a fun and engaging way, the importance of knowing and following the rules. This addition to the series includes the important steps to approaching, riding, and exiting the bus in a safe and friendly manner.

The School Safety series' goal is to explain school safety to young children in a fun and engaging way. Created by a deputy sheriff and school resource officer, these books are informative and engaging with the goal to help children understand the importance of safety in their schools.

You think your school is weird? What if your teacher was a Tyrannosaurus rex?! 

Fans of the unusual creatures in the "How to Catch a" series will love this new super-silly picture book, a perfect back-to-school giggle. Includes two pages of stickers!

It's the wildest classroom ever with a T. rex teacher who decorates with dino-motivation, loves to roar, and sometimes gets a bit stompy!

From crushing desks to very loud math lessons, this prehistoric teacher turns every school day into an adventure, including the most epic field trips to Dinosaur Land!

Discover the hilarious chaos when a T. rex runs the show, making every other classroom look tame by comparison. Will you survive a day in this Jurassic class?

With page after page of jokes, puns, and visual gags, it's a book kids will want to read over and over. And it makes a perfect back-to-school gift!

Why does Mr. Gill keep an empty chair in the front of his classroom? Find out in this poignant picture book based on a true story that celebrates a beloved teacher and his commitment to making sure all kids feel welcome.

From art to science, history to math, there are so many things to learn at school! But Mr. Gill's students are most interested in learning about the empty chair that sits in the front of their classroom. He tells them a story from his childhood about his Black best friend, Archie, the racism they experienced at a classmate's birthday party, when Archie was told there wasn't a chair for him, and how it inspired Mr. Gill to prioritize inclusivity and love.

In this true story of bravery and belonging from longtime elementary school teacher Dan Gill and gorgeously illustrated by Susan Gal, readers will learn to always keep an extra chair in their home and in their hearts.

Poetic and heartwarming, Geisel Honor-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling creator Niña Mata's first authored picture book stars a young Filipina on her first day of school as she discovers the true and layered meaning of "new."

In the big city, everything feels new.

School is new. The people are new. And the glares and stares you get for being different are new.

But new can also mean new beginnings . . .

A child's-eye view of the common immigrant experience of adjusting to an unfamiliar place, Mata's picture book debut is a delightfully illustrated masterpiece that will resonate with any child who embarks on a new adventure.

Award-winning author Jessica Young and New York Times bestselling illustrator Renee Kurilla crafted a heartwarming story about the first day of school, told from the perspective of three timely characters: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.

Yesterday and Tomorrow do everything together. Now that the first day of school is here, Yesterday and Tomorrow are unsure about what the day will bring! Until sure enough they discover the power of living in the present with the help of their new friend, Today. From the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Just Because, here is a gentle and uplifting picture book for anyone facing a new experience.

A playful, baseball-themed first-day-of-school adventure!

Wake up, Sluggers. It’s time to . . .
Batter up for the first day of school!

It’s the first day of school at Grand Slam Elementary, and there is much to do before the Twins can step up to the plate! After putting on their uniforms, fueling up for the day, and doing an equipment check, the kids are ready to slide into first period. Opening day is full of curveballs, but the innings fly by until the kids return to home base, excited to do it all again tomorrow!

With plenty of punny prose and playful baseball terms, this humorous read-aloud is the perfect way to get little sluggers ready for the first day of school.

A powerful modern-day story about sharing what you have, based on the biblical Feeding of the Five Thousand, by Reverend Senator Raphael Warnock.

It’s lunchtime at school, and Leo knows exactly what he’s going to have: a baloney sandwich. His mom does the best she can, but sometimes Leo wishes they could afford more than baloney sandwiches. Then one day, the unexpected happens: His mom gets a new job and buys him a lunch box at a yard sale. Suddenly, he’s got something other than a baloney sandwich! Even more amazing, Leo’s delicious lunch begins to multiply, and the more he shares, the more he receives.

A powerful modern-day story about sharing what you have, based on the biblical story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, Reverend Senator Raphael Warnock’s tale of empathy, community, and caring for others comes to life with TeMika Grooms’s warm illustrations in the first book in his We’re in This Together series.

Learn about all the things that make teachers awesome with Llama Llama Loves His Teacher! The perfect thank-you gift for teachers everywhere!

Go through the school day with Llama Llama as he recalls all the things he learns, but more importantly, all the things he loves about his teacher! 

With lush art and heartfelt words, Llama Llama Loves His Teacher is a valuable addition to any elementary school teacher’s classroom library. Perfect for National Teacher Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, Back to School, or any time of year!

A funny, philosophical take on the pursuit of friendship that's perfect for back-to-school and going to a new school experiences.

Moving to a new neighborhood comes with many challenges, especially when it comes to making new friends. Will they play how I want to play? the young narrator wonders. Will they hug me when I’m sad, or give me space? So many questions! But in the end, the only plausible thing to do is to dive in and give it a try. An ideal choice for back-to-school or going to a new school reading.

When Hoppy the rabbit wakes up on the first day of spring, he discovers a world full of wonderful things. He uses all five senses to sniff the fresh air, listen to the birds sing, taste the fresh grass, watch the lambs in the meadow, and touch the warm ground. Illustrated in bright, bold collage, this story about seasonal change and sensory perception makes a warm and cozy readaloud.

When winter is at its coldest and darkest, take heart! Every day the sun shines longer, Spring is on its way!

All winter, the days grow a little bit longer,
The nights grow a little bit shorter, 
until the day becomes exactly as long as the night.
On that day we say...
HAPPY SPRINGTIME!

This bright, bouncy, and deliriously colorful picture book is an ode to the joys of spring, encouraging everyone who waits out the slow lengthening of days through the end of winter. From earmuffed crossing guards to sweater wearing dogs, from painters of flowers to planters of seeds, Happy Springtime! celebrates the burst of life following the thaw of winter.

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honoree Kate McMullan's jubilant love-letter to this exciting time of year is the perfect book to bring in the season of birth and renewal, especially when accompanied by the riotous watercolor illustrations of Sujean Rim.

A cute French snail sets off on a springtime adventure with an adorable bunny in this laugh-out-loud fourth picture book in the bestselling Escargot series—the perfect gift for Easter or all year round. 

Bonjour! After a long winter spent indoors, Escargot can’t wait to look outside for the first signs of Spring. Will he find a new friend in the fluffy white bunny he meets along the way? 

From New York Times–bestselling author Dashka Slater and former Pixar animator Sydney Hanson, Escargot and the Search for Spring is an irresistibly sweet and charming story about unlikely friendship, changing seasons, and springtime fun. This hilarious and interactive addition to the award-winning Escargot series is the ideal read aloud for story time and animal lovers alike.

Escargot and the Search for Spring is also available in as a board book for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old. 

Don’t miss Escargot’s other funny and heartwarming adventures for kids ages 4-6 in: 
● Escargot (also available as a board book for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old)
● A Book for Escargot
● Love, Escargot (also available as a board book for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old)

In this uplifting picture book about spring, follow two children and their father through their backyard as they discover all the different ways nature wakes up from its long winter sleep.

Spot the busy creatures and plants as the tale unfolds, then learn about how each responds to the increasing daylight and warmth that usher in the season.

Co-authors Sean Taylor (picture book author) and Alex Morss (ecologist, journalist, and educator) offer an inviting introduction to the science behind spring. The yard is bright, birds are singing, the bees are buzzing and there are tadpoles in the pond! What is all the commotion about?
 
In each colourful scene, the family discovers a different sign of spring – a bird collecting twigs for its nest, a fox snuggling her cubs, a caterpillar feasting on leaves… After the story, annotated illustrations explain the spring behaviours of various plants and animals.

Inspire an appreciation for the natural world in this joyous exploration of spring.

When springtime comes, 
in his warm winter den 
a bear wakes up 
very hungry and thin!..." 

Bear finds some roots to eat, but that's not enough. He wants more! With his friends' help, he finds some berries, clover, and fish to eat, but that's not enough. Bear wants more! 
How Bear's friends help him to finally satisfy his HUGE hunger in a most surprising way will enchant young readers. Karma Wilson's rhythmic text and Jane Chapman's vibrant illustrations make Bear Wants More a perfect springtime read-aloud.

In this fourth installment of the popular Hedgehog books about the four seasons, when Hedgehog wakes up after his winter nap, it's springtime! He sees that the snow is gone, and in its place is green grass. Flowers are blooming, and his bird friends have returned. But he can't see spring. Where is it?

Following a snow-filled winter, a young boy and his dog decide that they've had enough of all that brown and resolve to plant a garden. They dig, they plant, they play, they wait . . . and wait . . . until at last, the brown becomes a more hopeful shade of brown, a sign that spring may finally be on its way.

Julie Fogliano's tender story of anticipation is brought to life by the distinctive illustrations Erin E. Stead, recipient of the 2011 Caldecott Medal. 

This title has Common Core connections. 

And Then It's Spring is one of The Washington Post's Best Kids Books of 2012.
One of Kirkus Reviews' Best Children's Books of 2012

An illustrated tale of a friendship between two children, one from the farm and one from the city, meeting at a local farmers market over the course of one delicious year

There's nothing like the sounds and smells of the first farmers market of the year. The sweetness of fresh fruits and local vegetables permeates the air and breathes new life into our recipes just as the spring brings new life to the earth. This illustrated tale follows the budding friendship between two girls who meet at a local farmers market, and reminds us that food is the great unifier of all humankind.

When a farm family brings their spring crops to a city farmers market, the farmer's daughter befriends the daughter of a neighborhood family doing their weekly shopping. Over the course of a year, the girls explore the bounty of each season. Sweet spring strawberries and crisp, fresh greens make way for corn on the cob, peppers, and a rainbow of summer tomatoes. Fall brings pumpkin patches and the crunch of apples.The friends part at the final winter market, already looking forward to the sweet red strawberries that will unite them again next spring.

Katherine Pryor's lyrical celebration of seasonal local foods is brought to life by Polina Gortman's illustrations of a growing friendship between two children from seemingly different worlds. Spring Is for Strawberries is a charming and fun read-aloud story that reminds us to seek pleasure in the changing harvests around us, and that all things--even friendships--have seasons worth waiting for.

Not Quite Narwhal meets And Then It's Spring in this funny, charming picture book debut about marching to the beat of your own drum to create a song that wakes Spring.

Juniper can't wait to audition for the First Notes of Spring, the orchestra that melts away winter and wakes up spring with its melodies. With her strong sticks, thumpity toadstool, and rowdy rhythms, she plays with all her might. BOOMEY-BOOM-BOOM! 

But Mr. Moose says there's no room in the band for her loud percussion skills. Juniper is heartbroken, until she discovers other tappers, clappers, and noisemakers in the woods. As they parade through the forest playing music together, they learn that maybe their song can wake spring too.

Watch the seasons change in this delightful picture book about being true to yourself, sure to leave readers with a spring in their step.

In a simple, cheerful conversation with nature, a young boy observes how the season changes from winter to spring in Kenard Pak's Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring.

As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows—spring is on its way!

Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.

The award-winning, bestselling husband-and-wife team of Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek collaborate for the first time since their acclaimed picture book Birds. Before spring comes, the trees are dark sticks, the grass is brown, and the ground is covered in snow. But if you wait, leaves unfurl and flowers blossom, the grass turns green, and the mounds of snow shrink and shrink. Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain and mud, and puddles. You can feel it and smell it and hear it—and you can read it!

Kevin Henkes uses striking imagery, repetition, and alliteration to introduce basic concepts of language and the changing of the seasons. And Laura Dronzek’s gorgeous, lush paintings show the transformation from quiet, cold winter to the joyful newborn spring. Watch the world transform when spring comes!

New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr captures the beauty of spring in this sweet and silly book about the wonders of a season.

With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a favorite among young readers and caregivers. His books promote an essential message of love and acceptance that is inspiring, empowering, and accessible.

Spring is here! The birds are singing. 
Everyone is sneezing--ACHOO! 
And change is in the air. 

From rolling down hills and dancing in the rain to celebrating mothers and honoring heroes everywhere, spring is a wonderful time of year! Todd Parr uses his signature blend of humor and heart to introduce young readers to all the delights of the season.

This pint-sized LITTLE BRUCE BOOK is perfect for fans of the Mother Bruce board books.


Ruth the bunny is excited to share the smelly springtime smells of spring with Bruce! But what will Bruce think of all that stink?

"Higgins' sparse text is humorously juxtaposed with his signature, detail-packed, engaging illustrations. The mouse-sized treehouse and the despondent, dripping moose are especially delightful. Bruce's unibrow is practically a protagonist in and of itself. Ruth's exuberance plays off Bruce's disgruntledness like a sweet pear off gorgonzola." ---Kirkus Reviews

Created by award-winning card artist Ginger Betty (Tracey Colliston), this series of heartfelt picture books explores the warmth and emotions of friendship and family. The perfect gift for those you love.



Love and Hugs: Spring explores and celebrates all things springlike with a whole host of delightful new characters rendered in soft watercolors. There are spring walks, new babies, flowers and fun, being with friends, and spending time together. 

 

A playful and vibrant picture-book ode to the arrival of spring in all its glory from author Camelia Kay and illustrator Allyn Howard.

Here comes spring! March along with Mama and Baby Bunny as they welcome a festive parade of budding flowers and blossoming trees, new birds, butterflies and bees, and all of their beloved friends, emerging from the winter season.

As Kirkus commented about the companion book, Fall Parade: "Little ones and their caregivers will enjoy poring over the pages as they linger over each animal and learn their names. Gentle words and softly painted illustrations convey the pleasures of autumn for the very young."

Perfect for sharing as part of seasonal lessons and just for snuggling.

A tender, funny story about making--and keeping--friends, perfect for fans of Sarah Mlynowski.

At Hurston Middle School, best friendship is a big deal. And Zariah Brown makes the best best friendship bracelets in town. Business is booming; Zariah can hardly keep up with orders.

The problem is, Zariah doesn't have a best friend of her own. As the entire seventh grade gears up for their big Pajama Jam weekend, it seems as if everyone else is paired up except her.

So Zariah pours her heart and soul into making the ultimate friendship bracelet, using a set of beads gifted to her by a mysterious woman. But the bracelet turns out to be a tiny bit . . . magical. In fact, anyone who puts it on instantly becomes Zariah's best friend. Now all she has to do is find the perfect best friend and get the bracelet on them. Easy, right?

It turns out finding the ideal friend isn't so simple, and things quickly spin out of control. Will Zariah ever find her true BFF, or is she destined to be alone forever?

"An attractive series for kids intrigued by animals in the wild." -- Booklist

Set over a 24-hour period, meet busy honeybees, transforming caterpillars, and an army of leafcutter ants in this kids’ nonfiction book about the coolest insects on Earth.

Follow the lives of individual bugs as they fly, hunt, hide, and scuttle their way through their day. Bug expert Dr. Jessica L. Ware introduces characters from cicadas to butterflies in the style of a nature documentary, with a sprinkling of simple science explanations perfect for future zoologists. Witness incredible moments including:

• A dragonfly escaping a hungry frog
• A shield bug looking after her newly-hatched babies
• A gigantic comet moth with superpowered wings

Beautifully illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat and packed with animal facts, Bugs (A Day in the Life) is one of the first titles in an exciting new series of animal books from Neon Squid.

Also available: Big Cats, Sharks, Horses

Ready to laugh, cry, sing, frolic, cavort and enjoy yourself beyond belief. Well, you're in luck, because this Great Gonzo₂s ₁From Chickens to Dickens' 20th Anniversary Edition of The Muppet Christmas Carol is guaranteed to put you in a holiday spirit that will stay with you forever, or at least until your Aunt Edna starts complaining that nobody is eating the fruitcake she brought, again!

Jack Skellington is the King of Halloween. He becomes bored with the same routine every year. He decides to take a walk in the woods. There, he discovered a door leading to Christmastown and decides to spread Christmas joy to the world. When he is back in Halloweentown he shows his friends what Christmas is like, and he suggests doing Christmas this year instead. But things do not go as planned when Oogie Boogie, an evil gambling boogey man, plots to play a game with Santa Claus' life and creates a nightmare for all the good little boys and girls everywhere. Although Sally attempts to stop him, Jack embarks into the sky on a coffin-like sled pulled by skeletal reindeer.

A human baby accidentally ends up at the North Pole and grows up among the elf community. Buddy, as he comes to be known, knows that he's "special". When he's 30, Buddy learns from Santa that he's really a human. He decides to go in search of his father, to find out where he belongs. He walks to Manhattan, and is immediately run over by a cab. His father at first rejects him and Buddy ends up in a department store where other elves are working. But all the while, things are looking bad for Santa Claus. When Santa crashes his sleigh in Central Park, it's Buddy's moment to shine.

Discover the true meaning of the holiday season with the live action adaption of the beloved classic. Why is the Grinch such a grouch? No one seems to know, until little Cindy Lou Who takes matters into her own hands and turns both Whoville and the Grinch's world upside down, inside out-- and funny side up.

Rusty the reindeer heads for the big city in order to find his role in Christmas, but Santa's Naughty 'n Nice O-matic is on the blink and Rusty cannot tell the good kids from the naughty ones. Alone in the big city, Rusty discovers a support group for holiday icons who team up with Rusty to save a kid from the fate of the Christmas Naughty List. Go on an exciting ride through all the hype of the holiday season as a merry band of holiday icons searches for the meaning of it all.

Take a trip to the North Pole and discover exactly how Santa Claus makes Christmas magic happen every year in this imaginative comedy for the entire family. Produced by Aardman Features in association with Sony Pictures Animation, this fun-filled holiday film introduces viewers to Santa's mischievous son Arthur, who races to complete an important mission in time to ensure that this year's Christmas celebrations will go off without a hitch.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on children's author Chris Van Allsburg's modern holiday classic of the same name, The Polar Express revolves around Billy (Hayden McFarland), who longs to believe in Santa Claus but finds it quite difficult to do so, what with his family's dogged insistence that all of it, from the North Pole, to the elves, to the man himself, is all just a myth. This all changes, however, on Christmas Eve, when a mysterious train visits Billy in the middle of the night, promising to take him and a group of other lucky children to the North Pole for a visit with Santa. The train's conductor (Tom Hanks) along with the other passengers help turn Billy's crisis in faith into a journey of self-discovery. A long-time fan of Van Allsburg's book, Hanks also helped produce the film. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Jim is a young man who grew up reading tales of pirates and adventures on the high seas, and longs for similar excitement in his own life. One day a dying man hands him a map and gives him a warning. Upon careful examination, Jim realizes the map charts the course to Treasure Planet, a distant world where hundreds of space pirates have stashed their loot. Jim is certain this is the adventure he's been dreaming of and sets out to find the fabled Treasure Planet.

Following the discovery of a new form of space travel as well as Meg's father's disappearance, she, her brother, and her friend must join three magical beings (Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which) to travel across the universe to rescue him from a terrible evil.

Robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada learns to harness his genius, thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon, and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion - a robot named Baymax - and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery.

A schoolgirl named Shizuku, who longs to discover her true talents, meets the mysterious Seiji, a boy who is determined to follow his dreams, and The Baron, a magical cat who helps her listen to the whispers in her heart.