Jack is invited to the princess’ birthday party but is too poor to buy a worthy gift so instead bakes a cake. It never gets delivered, however, but the clever boy gives the most lasting gift of all: an engaging story. Lively language and humorous illustrations are used in the original story told in the tradition of a folktale.
Clever Jack Takes the Cake
Bright illustrations convey the festive traditions of the Latin American celebration known as the Day of the Dead accompanied by a straightforward Spanish/English text. An endnote about the holiday as well as the inspiration for the art are included.
The Day of the Dead
As Cristina’s friends get ready to go trick-or-treating, Cristina explains her family’s traditions of the Day of the Dead. Alma Flor Ada and Isabel Campoy blend the traditions of the Day of the Dead and Halloween together in a story that young readers are sure to enjoy.
Celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead With Cristina and Her Blue Bunny
Minli embarks on a journey to change the luck of her family and their village. Traditional stories inspired by Chinese folklore combine with a rousing adventure for an altogether satisfying tale. Richly-hued illustrations decorate and enhance the handsome novel.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Who needs to be tucked in? asks the narrator; with each page turn, a wide-eyed baby animal answers, “I do!” Colorful die-cuts serve as “blankets” to cover each animal baby and wish it goodnight until the final page when the listener is bid goodnight. A cheery, bright, and playful bedtime story perfect for very young kids.
Tuck Me In!
A large format is used to present a variety of nighttime poems by a variety of poets, neatly organized in three sections: “Going to Sleep,” “Sweet Dreams,” and “In the Night.” Gentle, whimsical illustrations enhance the mood of each poem that will be appreciated especially when shared aloud.
Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems
Tiny, sleepy animal babies each snuggle down with their loving parents until the final child, a human baby, happily drifts off to sleep. Lush illustrations combine with the lyrical text in this soothing, tender, and handsome book.
Sleepy, Oh So Sleepy
After Madison’s mom tucks her in, Madison wants just one more thing, then another, and another. Finally, Madison’s mom falls asleep in this gentle story of a demanding young mouse and her loving mother.
One More Hug for Madison
While one big drowsy dragon tries to sleep, other small dragons increase in number and noise, creating pandemonium. The rhyming text, which uses vivid language and dramatic sound effects along with bright illustrations, combine for a funny and recognizable tale.
One Drowsy Dragon
Young squirrels play all day then say a “fond goodnight” as they curl up in their cozy nest in a tree, bringing to life a brief rhyming poem by Scottish poet James Guthrie (1874-1952). Illustrations are richly colored and lively, creating a cozy tale.
Last Song: A Poem
Though she promises she won’t interrupt, a little red chicken inserts herself into the fairy tales her father reads to save the fairy tale characters from familiar bad endings. When her father tires of the interruptions, she shares an original story in which the dad is put to bed. Cartoon illustrations depict the likeable characters and humorous actions.
Interrupting Chicken
Though Baby Owl insists that he’s not sleepy, his increasingly grumpy denials suggest otherwise. Only when Papa Owl cuddles his child and suggests a bedtime story does Baby Owl give in to sleep. Cartoon illustrations convey both the humor and warmth in this recognizable story.
I’m Not Sleepy!
Mommy tries all the typical tricks to resist her daughter’s attempts to get her into bed. Though the pleas are familiar (“five more minutes?”), the lighthearted illustrations show the mother engaging in the behaviors and the child’s patient response. Once Mommy is in bed, the girl starts the same routine with Daddy in this appealing book.
Bedtime for Mommy
Bear is a creature of habit. Even when his friend, Mouse, comes for a sleepover, Bear follows his bedtime ritual. Everything goes along swimmingly until Bear is awakened by an unexpected noise but Mouse patiently reassures his friend. Soft watercolors depict the warmth of this unlikely ongoing friendship.
A Bedtime for Bear
A family shares a nighttime picnic with traditional mooncakes and other foods to honor the moon. Each silently shares a wish that is sent to the moon. The quiet celebration is presented through Lin’s signature illustrations and simple text. An endnote provides a bit more information about the festival.
Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Lissy’s Friends
In a neighborhood of flower gardens, a Chinese-American girl and her mother plant what the child considers to be ugly vegetables. The ugly vegetables, however, become attractive and help build community when made into a delicious soup! A recipe is included.
The Ugly Vegetables
Year of the Rat
Year of the Dog
Even though Ling and Ting are identical twins, they are not the same. How they differ becomes clear in short chapters in this winning book just right for new readers. The charismatic Asian-American sisters are depicted in word and illustration with humor and affection.
Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same
The young narrator describes how she and her family each contribute to a handsome kite which they then enjoy flying. Signature illustrations show traditional Chinese kite designs combined with an author’s note about kite history. The result is the celebration of an ebullient family tradition that readers may want to take up themselves!
Kite Flying
Fortune Cookie Fortunes
Chinese New Year traditions are brought to life through the eyes of a young girl and her family as they prepare for their family New Year celebration. Vivid color and bold line illustrate their planning which concludes with a dragon and noisemaking for a joyful celebration of this special Chinese festival.
Bringing in the New Year
Mama and Papa are excited to take a break from working in the fields and go home, but Carlos and his sisters are not sure how they feel about traveling to Mexico. Soon after arriving, however, they meet their loving extended family, and the children begin to understand what it meant for their parents to leave home in order to offer the family a better future. David Diaz’s stunning illustrations layered on top of photos of Mexican folk art bring Eve Bunting’s beautiful story to life.