![Hey, Little Ant](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1883672546.jpg?itok=GmZ6x5tw)
Would you squish an ant? What would happen if you could find out what its life was like? That’s what a boy learns as he talks to the small creature just when he’s poised to put his sneakered foot down on it. Written by a father/daughter team, the lighthearted illustrations highlight the different perspectives but leave the ending open. Music for the song is included.
Hey, Little Ant
![Snook Alone](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763626678.jpg?itok=p5Swq4ks)
Snook, a small rat terrier, happily lives and works with his monk friend on their isolated island sanctuary until separated by a storm. Poetic language combines with evocative illustrations to convey the range of authentic emotions, happily concluding with dog and man reunited.
Snook Alone
![Say Hello](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0399252304.jpg?itok=mwZZlfC3)
Mama, Carmelita, and their dog Manny greet people in their diverse neighborhood as they walk to see Abuela Rosa. Everyone says “hello” but in their own language — ranging from Italian and French to Hebrew and Arabic to slang American greetings. It is Manny’s “woof,” however, that is universal. Textured illustrations make Carmelita’s community familiar and accessible.
Say Hello
![I'm the Best](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763646849.jpg?itok=AChUc6uW)
A brown dog in colorful checkered pants is highly competitive, claiming to be the best and that he can do things better than his friends. Eventually, his friends prove him wrong but assure the deflated dog that he’s still the best at having lovely fluffy ears. Child-like illustrations exude the joy and difficulty of friendship in which readers will likely recognize themselves.
I’m the Best
![Fleabag](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805089756.jpg?itok=4bUH9kyt)
A dog with no name and no home meets a boy with a ball but no dog. Boy and dog play in the park every day until one day the little dog — a small fleabag — helps the boy and finds a home. Loose lines and bright colors convey city activities and the affectionate relationship between child and hound and ultimately, a warm family.
Fleabag
![Mandy](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0061207071.jpg?itok=jhqQEOdP)
For as long as she can remember, 10-year old Mandy has lived at the St. Martin’s orphanage with no particular problems though never completely contented. Both trouble and happiness enter Mandy’s life when she discovers a small cottage that becomes her secret. Rich language creates a strong sense of place and mystery in this satisfying novel.
Mandy
![Something to Do](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0399252479.jpg?itok=-ib-BEPV)
A cub is bored, claiming there’s nothing to do. Together with an adult bear, they are awakened by a jumping cub, go on a walk, find a stick, and share an imaginative adventure until they return home for a cozy welcome. Spare text and simple line drawings on creamy paper make this fresh jaunt, and a book to be shared more than once.
Something to Do
![My Elephant](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763645664.jpg?itok=2b2sLXYt)
A boy’s imaginary friend — a large gray elephant — messes up his grandfather’s flowers and neat indoor hall when no one else will play with the child. The next day, when the boy awakens refreshed, all is forgotten when granddad offers to play ball. Child-like illustrations add to this appealing tale of a child’s need for friends and friendship.
My Elephant
![Just How Long Can a Long String Be?!](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0545086612.jpg?itok=nqW4VI4f)
A small ant asks a bird how long a long string can be. Many varied uses are explored as the bird unwinds the string in answer until the ant decides that a “string’s just as long/as I need it to be.” The white string leads readers across textured pastel pages until we see the ant on its own small string tree swing.
Just How Long Can a Long String Be?!
![A Dog on His Own](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1934180874.jpg?itok=IN1SJbPk)
K-10 no longer trusts humans but he’s still a special kind of dog just as his mother told him. K-10’s unique voice as well as that of the other canines come alive in this spirited narration.
A Dog on His Own
![Ivy & Bean: Doomed to Dance](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0811862666.jpg?itok=hpPfVUFS)
Best friends, Ivy & Bean, both desperately want to dance ballet with the drama of “Giselle.” Instead, they must learn the basics and finally are cast as squid in the recital. How these recognizable 2nd graders manage to keep their promise not to quit makes the latest installment a worthy one.
Ivy & Bean: Doomed to Dance
![The Cool Crazy Crickets Club](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763646598_0.jpg?itok=rNsk9f6E)
What do you do on long summer days? Marcus and Leo decide to start a club and do so with Miranda and Phoebe. Once they have everything a needed like a clubhouse and a mascot, they must decide on a purpose for the club. Club members share another summer adventure filled with babysitting, business, and more in the sequel.
See also: Cool Crazy Crickets to the Rescue (opens in a new window)
The Cool Crazy Crickets Club
![Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0316517305.jpg?itok=zJzCg3iL)
Amos, a mouse, presents scientist, inventor, and early American Benjamin Franklin from his viewpoint. First published in 1939, Ben and Me uses humor and lively language ideal for sharing aloud to bring Ben and Amos to life.
Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin by His Good Mouse Amos
![Babymouse Burns Rubber](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0375857133.jpg?itok=uAcsRFR2)
In this latest installment of the ever-pink and imaginative rodent, Babymouse, she discovers she needs help from a pal to make her soap box car. However, at the derby, it is Wilson who needs help. It’s Babymouse to the rescue! Pink is used successfully to define the fantasy in the otherwise black and white cartoons in this ever-fresh graphic novel series.
Babymouse Burns Rubber
![A Sick Day for Amos McGee](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1596434023.jpg?itok=Gu9Vwq1l)
Every day, Amos McGee goes to his job at the City Zoo where he’s attentive to each of his animal friends’ special needs. One day, however, Amos doesn’t feel well and must miss work and so his friends visit to take care of him. Gentle, expressive illustrations expand this touching tale. (2011 Caldecott Medal Winner)
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
![Love-a-Duck](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0823422631.jpg?itok=Z9rnRQbu)
Jane’s yellow plastic duck, Love-a-Duck, was a happy duck who went on an unexpected adventure. It began when Love-a-Duck accidentally fell out of the bathroom window — saw real ducks, met a fish, and more — but made it home in time for Jane’s bath. The large format is ideal for the colorful illustrations and onomatopoeic language.
Love-a-Duck
![Forever Friends](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0061915289.jpg?itok=K4NzxAgq)
Two friends, a brown rabbit and a blue bird, play together until winter looms and the bird must migrate south. Rabbit counts the winter months until the bird returns and the forever friends are reunited. Stylized illustrations evoke the seasons and combine with lyrical language in this story of friendship.
Forever Friends
![What About Bear?](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1590785282.jpg?itok=ALkpGSma)
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.
What About Bear?
![One Green Apple](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0618434771.jpg?itok=UnOxboG2)
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.
One Green Apple
![The Missing Piece Meets the Big O](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0060256575.jpg?itok=ZFtdA8b2)
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.
The Missing Piece Meets the Big O
![The Giving Tree](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0060586753.jpg?itok=M628QMm8)
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.
The Giving Tree
![Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0316070165.jpg?itok=dSyj0Q6z)
The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired four students to protest in a way that ultimately changed the United States. Their peaceful dissent at the segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, would “combine black with white to make sweet justice.” The “Greensboro Four” began their sit-in on February 1, 1960 and contributed to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The text suggests storytelling and is accompanied by light-lined but evocative illustrations; back matter completes this compelling portrait.
Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down
![Junie B.: Toothless Wonder](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0375822232.jpg?itok=7rKBKrSd)
Junie B. worries about her loose tooth. If she’s the first in her class to lose a tooth, will she appear different, weird? It’s inevitable that Junie B.’s tooth comes out and when it does, she sets out to learn what the Tooth Fairy does with all of those teeth. The answer is, of course, addressed in Junie B.’s signature, amusing style!
Junie B.: Toothless Wonder
![Henry in Love](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0061142883.jpg?itok=AYEck3E8)
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.