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Bentley met and married Swift Deer. One had escaped slavery, the other had escaped the Trail of Tears. Together they had a beautiful daughter named Magnolia who fell in love with a man, John, that her father did not approve of, so Magnolia and John fled Florida to be together. Rich illustrations add depth to the capable retelling of the Hurston short story, now made accessible to younger audiences.

When Esperanza and her family are forced to leave Cuba, they work hard to make a home for themselves and others who also had to flee to the U.S. The artist’s signature illustrations further enliven the warm family saga. 

Their cattle were being killed by lions, but Richard Turere’s inspired invention solved a problem that had plagued the Maasai people — with only limited resources but much creativity. Illustrations vividly portray the African landscape near Nairobi National Park where the lions live. Additional information about the inventor and his invention is included.

Humans don’t have a lot in common with a tin can, but maybe a little bit with a swimming pool. People do have a lot in common with other people — in fact we’re more alike than not. Comparisons in this book are both unexpected and humorous, illustrated in bold shapes and bright forms provide a surprisingly sophisticated look at what being human is like.

Jo and Alex go on an adventure to find a mate for the last Rainbow Bird, meeting other birds of varying sizes along the way. Colorful and jaunty illustrations chronicle their fantastic journey with its satisfying and hopeful conclusion. 

The small Mars rover was only expected to last for three months, but “she” lasted for 15 years. Opportunity (aka Oppy) communicated successfully helping scientists to learn more about the Red Pplanet. Backmatter and a timeline for the anthropomorphized rover allow the book to be read in different ways, sure to intrigue budding space-goers.

Carnegie Hall opened in 1891 to become the site in New York where everyone from Duke Ellington to Bob Dylan performed. Stern was not only a violin virtuoso, but he was also an effective community organizer who worked tirelessly to save the grand hall in the face of great opposition. His tenacity and music swirl throughout the lively illustrations and carefully crafted language. Additional information is appended. 

His talent was evident even as a child, and Paul’s “patience and perseverance, vision and innovation” allowed him to become an architect and successful businessman despite barriers because he was Black. Backmatter includes photographs of several of the buildings he designed — elegant indeed. 

How did a polar bear wind up fishing in London’s Thames River? Historians tell us that the Norwegian king gave one to England’s Henry III. Illustrations evoke medieval illuminated manuscripts in a touching and informative look at a unique bit of history. Backmatter includes additional sources plus notes from both author and illustrator.

Sleeping Beauty isn’t just cursed to sleep until she’s awakened by a kiss, she’s turned into a sleeping crocodile in this funny riff on the familiar tale. Comic, colorful illustrations propel the action in this traditional tale turn on its head.

A small bear wonders why one plant isn’t flowering, but he takes excellent care of it nonetheless. Little does he know what is going on underneath the ground: a group of rabbits are feasting on the growing carrot! Readers will appreciate the dual narratives, one by the above-ground gardener, the other a visual narrative of rabbits’ activities.

What can a hole in a tree be? It can be a home, a hideout, or simply a place to read. Textured, stylized illustrations and text that can be read on two levels provide a glimpse at the variety of natural life that make tree holes their homes. Additional information about the tree hole dwellers is included.

How a small black-and-white kitten brings a community together is told through gentle illustration and a gently rhyming, cumulative text. Richly-hued illustrations depict a diverse neighborhood whose residents come together to help a small kitten. The satisfying book is sure to make a heartwarming read aloud.  

Richly-colored illustrations depict a lush Caribbean countryside as a grandmother and her grandson dance and sway to the secret of the plátanos, complemented by rhythmic language. Both author and illustrator draw upon their Dominican heritage to evoke a strong sense of place. Also available in Spanish, El secreto del plátanos (opens in a new window).

Can one small child with one small seed and a big wish change the world? Maybe they can. Lush, delicate illustrations and a gently rhyming text depict a child as a seed is planted in an arid environment, and from that seed grows more plants with seeds. “They say you can’t change the world…/But help things grow, you never know…/…maybe you might.”

A small big-eyed owl longs to become a real knight. His chance comes when knights keep disappearing and the gallant owl learns that he’s quite good at the night watch. Dressed in armor, he not only stops the loss of knights, but befriends the party responsible for it. Humor abounds in the expressive illustration and understated text in this tale of a clever, quick-thinking owl.

Expressive ink and watercolor illustrations detail the story of a playground mishap. Alex tosses a ball that accidentally knocks another child’s artwork into a puddle. Other kids pick up on that child’s unhappiness and give Alex the cold shoulder until the child whose artwork got wet asks Alex to play ball again. Suggestions for readers conclude this engaging and relatable book. 

What do you think when you see three bears and a little girl? You’ll question what you think in this visual tale told in highly-detailed, black-and-white illustrations with gold highlights. Though it has the feel of a familiar tale, this fresh reimagining will surely lead to greater discussion.

Two beavers do what beavers do best: build. Finely-lined black-and-white illustrations with touches of color chronicle the beavers’ activities, from creating their nest, having offspring, protecting them, and wintering in their home. 

Vibrant illustrations and brief, rhyming, staccato text tells the tale of a blue baboon who plays the bassoon out of tune. She is unappreciated until a green baboon who croons out of tune joins her on a dune — and together, they make a great tune!

The young narrator thinks her life in Hong Kong in the alley of Tai Yuen Street is boring — until a stranger down-on-his luck helps her realize that she is indeed quite lucky. Readers will appreciate the gentle reminder that kindness is contagious, when after the girl gives the man her special mooncake, the entire community steps up to help the man. 

The king sends Albie to deliver a message to a neighboring castle, but Albie is delayed along the way as he helps others and falls in love. Meanwhile, life at the castle goes on. Albie and the king’s tales are told in twin narratives: Albie’s with text and humorous illustration; the king’s below in an illustrated wordless banner. Stories merge again for a satisfying conclusion.

A realistic illustration and the titular question and a couple of hints ask readers to guess what came from the pictured egg. A page turn reveals the animal along with brief information about them. “Eggcellent” facts are included.

There are all kinds of babies in the world. They can be big, small, short, or tall. Rhythmic language and simple illustrations with clean lines and bright colors on each page ends with a mirror — a surprise baby to conclude this charming book.