Have you wondered why frogs croak on the edge of streams? It all started long ago with two disobedient frog brothers who decided to obey their long-suffering mother only after her death. Humor and grimness combine for a memorable Korean pourquoi tale.
Country of origin: Korea
The Green Frogs: A Korean Folktale
Sisters each use their special talent while working together to save the sister who was snatched by a not-too-scary dragon. Uncluttered illustrations add detail to the crisply told original tale likely inspired by a Chinese folktale.
Country of origin: China
The Seven Chinese Sisters
This engaging story of how one community comes together to save their home is told in English and in Tagalog. Bright illustrations help move the story of successful resistance along while conveying a bit of Filipino history and culture.
Country of origin: Philippines
Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel / Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel
Birds sing the people of Maynilad on the Philippine island of Luzon to sleep at night — until Tuko the haughty gecko prevents the birds from doing their job. Repetition and onomatopoeic animal sounds make this a lively, memorable folktale to share aloud. Tagalog is sprinkled throughout and is included in a glossary.
Country of origin: Philippines
Tuko and the Birds: A Tale from the Philippines
Once you’ve joined Froggy and his family on their Hawaiian vacation, find out more about what many have called a tropical paradise in the Pacific Ocean. You can read about the geography of the Aloha State in Hawaii.
Country of origin: Hawaii, USA
Froggy Goes to Hawaii
When 8-year old Emily is orphaned she heads west to find her kindly Aunt Hilda. Emily’s rip-roaring adventure involves a dastardly uncle, a huge fortune, and a good friend. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger sure to keep even the most reluctant reader reading!
Emily’s Fortune
When rebel soldiers attack his village in Sudan, 11-year-old Salva flees the violence, beginning a dangerous walk toward a crowded refugee camp in Ethiopia, then on to new life in Rochester, New York. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Nya spends her days in Sudan looking for scarce supplies of fresh water for her family. Based on the true story of Sudanese “Lost Boys” who came to the U.S. in the mid-1990s.
A Long Walk to Water
Read the back story of why — and how — the cow who jumped over the moon (made famous in the nursery rhyme) was able to accomplish this feat. Though no longer in print, this funny parody may be available used or at libraries.
Moonstruck: The True Story of the Cow Who Jumped Over the Moon
Though one is very tall and the other quite short, Jake and Jacomo find they have much in common and find friendship in spite of classmates’ teasing. Though no longer in print, this recognizable, realistic story may be available used or at libraries.
How to Make Friends With a Giant
Shy Lili is so soft spoken she has been marked absent and has a tough time standing up for herself — especially when partnered with bold Cassidy. Lili finds her voice, however, when just in time to help the class pet from disaster. Well told and gently illustrated, all readers are likely to empathize with the well-drawn characters.
Louder, Lili
For Antonia MacPherson, lying is a way of life. If it weren’t for her best friend, Harrison, and a tiny ball of fluff named Pistachio, she would be miserable. Her older sister, Your Highness Elizabeth, says Ant is in training to be a juvenile delinquent, Harrison smells like a salami sandwich, and Pistachio should be put out of his misery. When a teacher takes Ant under her wing, Ant’s way of life may have to change.
Notes from a Liar and Her Dog
Kirsten’s parents are fighting and her best friend has suddenly joined the popular crowd. Walker is the only black student at his new private school and his single mom watches over him like a hawk. What happens when Kirsten’s and Walker’s worlds collide?
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period
Three siblings — India, Finn, and Mouse — have less than 48 hours to pack up all their belongings and fly, without Mom, to their uncle Red’s in Colorado, after they lose their house to foreclosure. When they land, a mysterious driver meets them at the airport, and he’s never heard of Uncle Red. Like Dorothy in Oz, they find themselves in a place they’ve never heard of, with no idea of how to get home.
No Passengers Beyond This Point
Nothing is the way it’s supposed to be when you live on an island with a billion birds, a ton of bird crap, a few dozen rifles, machine guns and automatics and 278 of America’s worst criminals. And then there’s Moose Flanagan. Moose’s father works as a prison guard and his family lives on the east side of Alcatraz — not far from the mobster Al Capone.
Al Capone Shines My Shoes
When Moose’s family moves to Alcatraz so his father can work as a guard and his sister Natalie (who has autism) can attend a special school in San Francisco, Moose has to leave his friends and his winning baseball team behind. Moose just wants to protect Natalie, live up to his parent’s expectations, and stay out of trouble, but on Alcatraz, trouble is never very far away.
Al Capone Does My Shirts
Edward thinks he only wants a baby brother but when his parents come home with his new sibling, Edward is thrilled to meet baby Sara. Cartoon illustrations present the family and getting-ready-for-baby rituals accessibly and comfortingly.
Will It Be a Baby Brother?
As her baby grows, a mother shares her thoughts about what it will grow up to be. The conversations with her older son over time are seen through the seasons and different activities while the child’s interpretations are presented in wordless double page spreads. The satisfying saga concludes when the boy and his granddad go to meet the new baby.
There’s Going to Be a Baby
Stanley, a slightly lumpy but appealing dog, does not adjust well when his people bring home a cat. Eventually, however, Stanley and his “little sister” work it out much as children do with new additions to their families. Textured illustrations add verve to the lively language in this appealing book.
Stanley’s Little Sister
Peter did not want to give up his things from babyhood, especially his old blue chair. When he recognizes that he has outgrown his once favorite chair, he helps his father paint it for his new sister. This modern classic is illustrated in textured collage and unaffected text.
Peter’s Chair
Lizzie loves telling stories to everyone but is upstaged when a baby arrives. She learns, however, that the baby actually provides inspiration for her most inventive tales he’s away for a time. Comic illustrations enhance the drama and humor of the recognizable story.
Once Upon a Baby Brother
Since Martha’s favorite word is “mine,” sharing with her baby brother seems to be out of the question. That is, until Edwin and her parents help her see that together is sometimes better. Humorous illustrations of the otter family and straightforward text create an appealing family story.
Martha Doesn’t Share
Even the most helpful older sibling wants to be the baby again — sometimes. Gentle repetition and gently, rounded illustrations present the ways the older child helps with the baby — with the patient mother in the picture.
I Used to Be the Baby
An older sibling details what she can do that her new brother can’t (like sitting forward in the car) but, she acknowledges, babies are really good at other things (like hugging). Children will recognize the everyday activities and the in the text and funny illustration.
How to Be a Baby… by Me, the Big Sister
Households are changed when a new baby arrives — especially when the addition assumes the position of boss! Readers will recognize the humor in the exaggerated role of one family’s latest addition revealed in understated language and comic illustrations.