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Joe and John Henry are friends who have many interests in common, including swimming. But because John Henry has brown skin and Joe’s is the “color of pale moths,” they cannot swim together in the town’s pool. Told by Joe and eloquently illustrated, the emotions and power of friends trying to understand an unfriendly world are timeless.

Rabbit always thinks of things to do even though they often lead to trouble. When Mouse’s toy airplane gets stuck in a tree, Rabbit’s animal ladder is sure to release it — with very funny results in this 2003 Caldecott Medal-winning book.

Using the alphabet as a pattern, paintings and brief poems explore rural life in Mexico presented first in Spanish and followed by English. From A to Z, brilliant illustrations and fluid poems evoke the plants, and more and the emotional impact on the lives of farm workers.

George and Martha’s friendship is revealed in a series of short stories each illustrated with seemingly simple but hugely expressive illustrations – appropriate for the size of these hippos’ happy friendship.

The slightly silly, gently humorous, often wise stories of the irrepressible hippopotamus duo, George and Martha, have been compiled into one large volume in honor of the 25th anniversary of their first appearance. George and Martha’s friendship is revealed in a series of short stories each illustrated with seemingly simple but hugely expressive illustrations – appropriate for the size of their friendship.

Alternating between narratives of Dancing Moccasins, a 14-year old Wampanoag boy, and Resolved White, a 6-year old English boy, the preparation and cooperation between the Pilgrims and Indians unfold. It culminates in the harvest celebration of what is now an annual celebration called Thanksgiving. Full color photographs of actors in authentic clothing and additional notes about sources complete this informative, carefully researched, and respectful book.

Meet Annabelle, Zelda, and the 24 lively green goblins in between, all dressed in zany costumes gleaned from an attic trunk. The language is alliterative and may stretch readers (and listeners) though well-crafted, brilliantly hued illustrations brimming with verve and humor provide visual cues and clues. This sophisticated, slyly humorous alphabet book merits numerous re-examinations.

A bear family raises an American flag before they travel to New York City, Washington, DC, and points in between. Ultimately they return to their own “home sweet home” wrapped in a cozy bear hug. First published in 1938, the classic song “God Bless America” is illustrated in this unabashedly patriotic picture book in a humorous but respectful way. Designed to inspire and enlighten, the book is also accompanied by a CD of the song performed by Barbara Streisand.

When Gossie loses her beloved red boots, she searches everywhere for them. Ultimately, she finds Gertie, another gosling, wearing her boots! The small yellow birds settle their issue and go off together, each wearing one red boot. The small, square book ideally supports the crisp, appealing illustrations.

Evocative poems explore a rainbow of color and emotion in vivid language, satisfying rhythm and handsome illustrations.

Harry knows that a terrible two-headed monster lives in his basement. So when his mother doesn’t return from a trip downstairs, Harry swallows his trepidations and goes down to rescue her. But when he confronts the monster face-to-face, it literally diminishes in size and eventually leaves Harry’s house forever. Humorous illustrations use black line and limited color to depict Harry overcoming a once fierce (but softly edged) monster.

Parades are part of the fun of any Fourth of July celebration. Young readers are invited to join the fun of this down-home parade, told with a jaunty rhythm and rhyme. Animated illustrations literally parade across the pages to a sparkling conclusion.

When Mimi the Swan sees ballet practice from the window of the Paris Opera House, she becomes obsessed with ballet. Though she tries to attend a performance, she is not allowed into the opera house. She finally follows a tardy dancer into the theater and gets her big break: Mimi becomes the star in none other than “Swan Lake!” The wry humor is conveyed in both text and witty illustrations in this appealing, comical story.