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Louisiana Elefante lives with her peripatetic grandmother, moving frequently. But at long last, Louisiana finds family, friends, and home in this touching, eccentric novel. Readers may remember Louisiana from Raymie Nightingale (opens in a new window), but this is Louisiana’s own story told in her unique and memorable voice.

Alberto lives in a remote town called Allora. After his family is gone, Alberto is lonely until he rescues a desperate boy. They share a folktale and see it come true in this evocative store with elements of magic realism.

Only Livy sees the greenish creature when she and her family visit Gran in Australia. They see her talking to a chicken. But Bob is not only not a chicken, he’s quite special. Told from both Livy and Bob’s point of view, this handsomely illustrated and well told tale is fresh and intriguing.

Like other kids, Vera just wants to fit in. But going to a Russian camp is not what Vera thought it would be at all. Readers will recognize feeling like an outsider (and get a taste of Russian culture) in this fresh and engaging graphic novel.

Vernon, the frog, shares small everyday adventures with his friends Skunk, and Porcupine (first introduced in A Home for Bird (opens in a new window)). Quietly told and delicately illustrated these charming tales are reminiscent of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad stories.

Do classroom pets hear, see, and do what the children do in Ms. Maxwell’s class? You bet they do! And they even can help students out with a science project. Recognizable school activities and easy text make this just right for recently independent readers.

Short, episodic chapters are narrated by Barkus’ friend. She and her family take good of care of Barkus and his feline friend, Baby. Humorous illustrations and uncomplicated narration continue the familiar adventures of a girl and her animal friends first introduced in Barkus (opens in a new window).

Which animal is brave enough to give poor, prickly Hedgehog a hug? Rabbit and Raccoon make excuses; Fox wants to munch Hedgehog. But Skunk who also needs a hug gently shares one with Hedgehog and they both feel much better. Sweet, dramatic illustrations combine with sensitive text in this tale of friendship and feelings.

Edward, a giraffe, is ashamed of his long neck until he meets Cyrus, a tortoise who laments he has no neck. This hilarious tale of animals unhappy with their features (and very relatable!) is cleverly told through formal language coupled with well-placed, textured illustrations. 

Fox and Chick are friends although they are quite different in many ways. Three short stories highlight the warmth of their friendship in spite of their differences. Told in graphic format, this will appeal to newly independent readers as well as comic book fans.

Bear and Mole go camping so that Mole can “see the stars turn on.” When Mole becomes afraid in the dark, Bear tells his a story of how the First Bear family created the moon and stars. The gentle tone and charming illustration create a soothing story.

What happens when a boy finds a key? Does it fit the nearby door? If opened, what adventures will be found on the other side? Delicate drawings on large, open pages bloom into color and activity as the fantasy grows until the boy returns by the same door and color recedes.

Archie says he’s a bear in spite of people telling him he is a boy. A huge, brown, furry creature corrects Archie: he is a boy. Whether real or fantasy, this imaginative story of unlikely roles conveys a unique friendship in striking illustrations and understated text.

A group of friends tell each other how they are alike and how they differ. The one thing that is always the same, however, is that, “I just like you! Yes I do!”  Gentle, detailed watercolors illustrate the gathering and activities of a motley group of animals.

Some people talk more than they listen, like young Owen. But only until he gets laryngitis! Owen not only learns that others have good ideas but also gains the ability to listen more (though he’s still talkative). Children and teachers alike will recognize Owen and his classmates in both lighthearted (nonstop) conversation bubbles and gentle illustrations.

Making new friends can be scary, even for a small brown and white dog named Rosie. But Rosie and her human, George, find adventure and friendship at the dog park. Understated text is complemented by expressive, unassuming illustrations presented in comic format. Readers of all ages will empathize with Rosie, her shyness, and in her newfound friendships.

“There will be times when you walk into a room and no one will be quite like you.” But slowly you’ll find a bit of you in others along with your own wonderful uniqueness. Poetic language is complemented by expressive translucent illustrations presenting recognizable situations as the diverse students gradually develop friendships.

A lively neighborhood school (inspired by the one attended by illustrator’s daughter) welcomes its diverse students at the start of a school year, proclaiming that all are welcome! Joy-filled, colorful, engaging paintings combine with brief, rhyming text to celebrate children and families coming together to learn and share.

A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home? Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying, wordless story of friendship and trust.

A baby clown is separated from his family when he accidentally bounces off their circus train and lands in a lonely farmer’s vast, empty field. The farmer reluctantly rescues the little clown, and over the course of one day together, the two of them make some surprising discoveries about themselves — and about life!

Making wishes is easy; making them come true in a world of diminishing magic isn’t so easy. That doesn’t stop a new Granter, a young fairy named Ophelia Delphinium Fidgets, from trying along with a canine friend and a couple of humans in this warm, gently humorous, and fresh novel.

A gentle fantasy in which a cat is transformed into a human who assists a reporter uncover interesting stories.

Rescue couldn’t make it as a guide dog, but he was ideal as a service dog. When Jessica lost both legs, the dog named Rescue rescued Jessica in many ways. Though the tone and illustrations of the book are appropriate for younger readers, the seriousness of the event that caused Jessica to lose both legs is quite sophisticated. It is explained in an afterward.

Francis strives to make the best shoes possible, even from material that is hard to acquire. When his friend doesn’t return with one such item, Francis goes on a jungle trek to find him. Along the way, he comes across actual animal residents. Photographs are incorporated into comics as is a bit of factual information for a rollicking good adventure.