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The small, scaly pangolin may be an unusual animal, but children are likely to empathize with the way he is fearful of new and different things. He rolls into a ball — and finds another pangolin ball peeking at him. An author’s note provides a bit of information about real pangolins and where to find out more about them.

When Mother Rabbit tells Little Rabbit he could only go to the circus once his playroom has been cleaned, he sneaks out to join the circus telling the ringmaster that he’s got the Meanest Mother on Earth. Children and adults will recognize the satisfying conclusion — and perhaps see themselves in this story.

When Goose and Bear are joined by Fox, Bear feels left out. It is up to Goose to mediate and find a way for old and new friends to play together — which they happily do! With straightforward language and charming illustrations, Goose and Bear are back for another everyday adventure familiar to many children.

Andy Shane has only two goals. One was to have the best decorated bike in the Home Sweet Home parade and the other is to be a hero. Both seem unlikely — but when the unexpected happens, ordinary boys become heroes. Andy and his friends are likeable and the action believable in this easier to read novel.

In this heartwarming story, Farah is trying to get used to a new country and language. She knows what’s happening around her, but without the words to say what she’s thinking in English, she feels alienated from her classmates. A trip to the apple orchard helps her begin to bridge those gaps, however, and she realizes that “Laughs sound the same as at home.” As she practices her first “outside-myself word,” she knows that she will be able to say more in time. Beautiful watercolor illustrations bring Farah, her classmates, and the apple orchard to life.

The creature with the missing piece (in the book of the same title) is back. Here it searches for a friend and meets the Big O, learning what it means to have a buddy that suits you well. Simple black line drawings and unadorned language make this a powerful tale that works on many levels.

Its gentle journey begins with melancholy: “It was missing a piece and it was not happy” but concludes with greater self-awareness. The main character is depicted as a Pac-Man-like creature who strives to find what it thinks it’s missing. Simple text and line drawings ideally complement each other in this many-leveled tale.

This poignant parable begins, “Once there was a tree and she loved a little boy.” And because she loves him, she gives her all as both boy and tree grow older. When the boy grows into an old man, he sits on the stump of the tree; once again the tree is happy. Simple line drawings complement this timeless tale.

Thomas (aka Gib) Gilbert’s aunt, Emily Dickinson, gave him a poem and a dead bee to share in school. Because no one understands it, Gib defends his aunt (who jokingly tells him to call her “uncle”) and gets into a fight. Gib learns, however, to tell the truth, “but tell it slant…” This engaging glimpse of a poet and her family is based on actual events revealed in free verse and delicate illustration.

In a happy but chaotic home, the bunnies had had a big day and a hard night — and Mama loved them throughout. As a tired Mama sits down at last, her dad comes in to reassure her that no matter how old children get, a parent’s love continues. Small, detailed, line and wash illustrations complement this warm, comforting story.

The special place in fathers’ hearts for their children is celebrated in this warmly illustrated, wise book. Rich language describes each animal dad’s prediction of their child’s growing up until a human father is pictured embracing an infant. This is as appealing as the author/illustrator’s I Love You as Much.

Rich, alliterative language is used in intriguing similes to create a rhythmic text illustrated with bright colors and bold forms — animals created by one or many heart shapes. From the opening to the final page where a resting child cuddles with a teddy bear made from heart shapes, this book is sure to fascinate readers.

A baby Max thoroughly enjoys his daily routine. He loves everyone and each activity — from waking up in his crib to driving in a car but he especially loves the one who makes his jelly toast! Repetition in a catchy cadence combines with Wells’ signature illustrations in a sturdy, uncluttered format to share with the youngest.

A child’s teddy bear wonders about kisses, and so the child describes many familiar types of kisses from parents, grandparents, and even a dog. Gentle illustrations combine with a narration of child-like questions and answers. It ends, of course, with a “soft and warm and… delicious” kiss and the assurance of love.

On the day that Henry’s mom includes a special blueberry muffin in his lunch, Henry’s teacher moves his desk next to Chloe. A smitten Henry — a young cat — gives his tasty treat to the attractive bunny. Soft illustrations and an understated text combine to create a winning portrait of infatuation and friendship.

Meet the Hatchers through the voice of Peter, the oldest of son, tormented (as all siblings are) by his younger and perennially “cute” brother, Farley (better known as Fudge). Their life in an apartment in New York City sparkles with humor and plausible family scenes in this first of the stories of Peter, his family, and ultimately his neighbors.

Peter is now 12 and still tormented by younger brother, Fudge. And then he learns that his parents want to leave New York City for some time in the country — and a new baby in the family. One Fudge is bad enough, but how will Peter cope with yet another? Humor abounds in this recognizable tale.

In a shorter form, Jake and Abigail (better known as the Pain and the Great One) are introduced. As with other stories, each views the other as best loved in the family but share an abiding loyalty for the other. Anyone with a sibling will appreciate this gently humorous tale.

It’s tough being the middle child, between an older brother and younger sister. Second grade Freddy says he sometimes feels squeezed like the peanut butter part of a sandwich but happily, he establishes himself as special nonetheless. Memorable characters and recognizable situations make this book both satisfying and appealing.

Andrew really wants to have freckles like his friend Nicky so badly that he buys a fake formula from his class enemy, Sharon. The results are unexpected and funny — presented with a keen eye for real children and their desires.

A boy named Jeremy defines himself in the context of his world. The animated narrator begins by looking in the mirror and seeing a boy, and then adds brother, son, artist, writer, and more as he interacts with his family and community. The lively poem concludes with a look at a very young author and illustrator and a short list of how they self-define.

A baby kangaroo jumps out of its mother pouch, each time going a little farther, but each time returning after meeting an unexpected animal. Like children, however, Joey, finally recognizes itself in another and leaves his mother’s safety for a bit longer. Repetition and lively illustrations make this an engaging story.

The arctic environment contrasts with the warmth of a mother polar bear and her cub who emerge from their den for the first time. The mother’s encouragement allows her child to build confidence as he grows and explores his wintry but safe surroundings. This gentle, handsomely illustrated story makes a comforting bedtime book.

While parents may be miffed when young dinosaurs test limits, they are always reassured of their parents’ cunfailing love. Told in rhyme, this latest addition to the series by this talented writer/artist team is sure to please young children as they cuddle with their parents.