Hunter gathers a collection of stones for his grandmother’s porch, confident that she’ll know what to do with them. Many uses are found for the stones, including a “grandmother necklace” and even one to skip on a lake. Soft illustrations in warm tones and an engaging narration capture the special bond between boy and grandmother.
A Special Gift for Granny
Marisol is truly a nonconformist. She doesn’t like things that match, doesn’t want just one theme for her birthday, and the only gift Marisol really wants is a visit from her abuelita. The surprise at her “Clash Bash” party is a virtual visit from her grandmother. Joyful illustrations accompany this second fun-filled, bilingual Marisol story.
Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash/Marisol McDonald y la fiesta sin igual
Kito wants to be just like his papa, the king and protector of the African plain in this richly colored and dramatically illustrated story. Young Kito imitates his father’s every action in the pride of lions, including an unsuccessful hunt. The warmth and mutual affection between father and son is easily recognized.
Just Like My Papa
When a new teacher mispronounced Yuriko’s name and kids laugh at the picture Yuriko shared in her kimono, Yuriko wants to change her name. Her father handles her unhappiness calmly and wisely. The story is autobiographical, incorporating a photograph of the real Yuriko as a young child and as a lovely young adult in a kimono.
The Favorite Daughter
Lalla wants a malafa, but gets it only when she discovers what it means. Set “deep in the Sahara,” the culture is evoked by handsome illustrations including the beautiful, textured malafas worn by the women in Lalla’s family. The author’s note reveals that the setting is Mauritania in West Africa which also details malafa use in Mauritanian culture.
Deep in the Sahara
He is known by different names by each of the people who feed him, but Regis winds up bringing isolated individuals together to make a real neighborhood. Soft wash illustrations and recognizable characters — including Regis, the well-fed cat — comes together in a gratifying conclusion.
The Cat with Seven Names
The small green dragon’s evening ritual includes a bedtime story which he demands AGAIN until the parent finally is tuckered out. Red with fury, the small dragon’s final AGAIN burns through the back of the book (a die-cut). Parents and children are sure to recognize the humor and see familiar behavior in this funny tale.
Again!
When young George concocts a medicine in an attempt to alter his old grandmother’s nasty disposition, he quickly loses control of the situation for a laugh-out-loud listen. Appropriately narrated in a British accent, this is vintage Dahl (with a hint of sardonic humor).
George’s Marvelous Medicine
A boy’s game with his father begins each morning with, “KNOCK KNOCK.” Then one morning, the father is no longer there but he shares his dreams for his son through a letter. Based on the author’s separation from his father, sadness and hope radiate from the pages of this affecting story.
Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me
Rosa lives with her family and Blanca lives by herself in homes near their much-loved mother. They share their abundant gardens with much-loved Mama until Mama has too much! Told in Spanish and English, the story of a close-knit, devoted family has the cadence and appearance of a traditional tale.
Don’t Say a Word, Mama/No Digas Nada, Mama
Al’s little brother Teddy wants to join his big brother on his imaginative jaunts. Though Al tells Teddy he’s too young, Teddy discovers he can accompany Al on a memorable, dream trip through Al’s art. Handsome art moves the tale to its swirling, satisfying conclusion.
Al and Teddy
Niño, the Boy, clad in underwear, dons the traditional mask of luchadores to cleverly beat opponents from Mexican lore. Spanish words are included in the bold, colorful design of this appealing book with its surprise ending. End pages provide pronunciation and information on the Spanish language.
Niño Wrestles the World
Ling and Ting, (first introduced in Ling and Ting, Not Exactly the Same (opens in a new window)), share many things including their birthday. After all, they’re twins! Their special day — from gifts to wishes — is celebrated in six short chapters in which they help each other in many ways.
Ling and Ting Share a Birthday
Little T is afraid to go to the zoo. To convince her that it’ll be just fine, both parents and older sister try to identify the cause of the fear. Miming an animal that starts with an “A” begins their creative afternoon. A very funny and satisfying ending is revealed only in the delightful illustration.
FraidyZoo
The children’s mother is away but finally they separate their dad from his newspaper to go out for milk. When he returns with it, father regales the narrator and his sister with his adventures that start when he goes out for milk and is taken by aliens but always saves the milk! Droll line illustration combines with exaggeration for a very funny tall tale.
Fortunately, the Milk
The small squirrel rescued from a super vacuum cleaner by 10-year old Flora emerges hairless but with new superpowers. Newly named Ulysses, the squirrel cracks Flora’s protective cynicism as she copes with her parents’ separation. Humor and pathos combine in text and illustration in this humorous, memorable and poignant novel. (2014 Newbery Medal Winner)
Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures
Nine-year old Anna is a worrywart. In fact, she is one of two in a Safety Club prepared for any kind of disaster. Disaster preparedness did not include leaving Colorado for Kansas with her minister father, experiencing a tornado and more. Anna’s voice is authentic as are her questions that include religious concerns and God’s will.
Anna Was Here
His father assures Billy that his second grade year will be a fine year in spite of a bumpy start. Readers will recognize themselves and everyday adventures as they share Billy’s familiar likes and concerns, friendships and family.
Year of Billy Miller
Melonhead, now in 5th grade, and his best friend want to earn money. So when Melonhead has a BOB — short for Brainflash of Brilliance — the We-Fix-It Company is born, starting the adventure and fun. The latest Melonhead book stands alone and is sure to engage young readers.
Melonhead and the We-Fix-It Company
Annie, a preschooler, and her caring older brother Simon share everyday activities in four adventures in each of the brief chapters. Together Simon and Annie explore nature, Annie nurses Simon’s sneeze, learn a bit about cats and dogs, and solve the mystery of the missing chestnuts. Line drawings depict the warm sibling relationship.
Annie and Simon: The Sneeze and Other Stories
Alvin Ho, a fearful but appealing boy, has a new set of worries. His mom is going to have a baby — and Alvin has all of the symptoms! To add to his worries, his dad is away helping earthquake victims in Haiti. The happy resolution includes the arrival of Alvin’s new baby sister and his dad is return home.
Alvin Ho Allergic to Babies, Burglars, & Other Bumps in the Night
Poor Maggie struggles to master her chopsticks — it seems nearly everyone around the dinner table has something to say about the “right” way to hold them! But when Father reminds her not to worry about everyone else, Maggie finally gets a grip on an important lesson.
Maggie’s Chopsticks
A handsome necklace symbolizes the connection between generations of women in this realistically illustrated story. The story like the necklace is handed down from one generation to the next and was inspired by her roots.
The Granddaughter Necklace
Everyday activities and family members can be laughable especially when presented in short, light verse. Add to the mixture comic illustrations and the thin, liberally illustrated collection of humorous poetry is ready for independent reading or for sharing aloud.