A surprise box is delivered to the very grumpy Elephant. In it, he discovers a host of hats which he shares with his animal friends to improve their grumpiness, too. Flat forms on open pages make this a true celebration of friendship — and hats!
Hooray for Hat!
To begin the family frolic, the bald, comically illustrated but appealing baby asserts, “I am NOT ticklish!” Father and child are joined by mom and pets until it’s time to start again. The same baby and family explore bodily noises in Toot (opens in a new window) (Candlewick).
Tickle
Rhythmic language and colorful cartoon-like illustrations show children engaged in a variety of activities that create happiness. From “the city zoo/zooming planes/chugging trains” to “garbagemen/a good friend/peekaboo” children and their adults will see themselves in this joy-filled book that is sure to be shared aloud.
100 Things That Make Me Happy
Can science find a peaceful resolution to the discord between Scientist’s friends, Viking and Pirate? Using the scientific method, Scientist demonstrates that it can be achieved! Comic illustrations and jaunty text not only show how the intersection of interests can lead to an unlikely friendship, but also introduce some science concepts.
Pirate, Viking and Scientist
Crabby Crab is not happy with its claws or legs — but “we love you just the way you are, even when you’re crabby!” Readers will also appreciate the title character’s silly ideas in Cowy Cow. Childlike humor in simple text and line and wash illustrations on colored pages are used in the appealing “Thingy Thing” series.
Crabby Crab
Posey learns about consequences firsthand when her much-loved toy is taken away in school. The gentle story is pleasantly narrated.
Princess Posey and the Tiny Treasure
An August day on the national Mall has been made famous by the powerful “I Have a Dream” speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr. But many others were there, too. Real and imagined voices from that day are presented in varied poems, bringing it into focus and reminding young readers that they “…can make a difference…[they] have a voice.”
Voices from the March on Washington
Middle school is tough enough but what happens when your grandfather — a scientist who has uncovered some really interesting jellyfish properties — attends with you as a 13-year old? It’s a totally new experience! Told with verve and humor (and a touch of science), this is a coming-of-age tale for 11-year old Ellie and Melvin, her teenaged granddad.
The Fourteenth Goldfish
“Noi lived with his dad and six cats by the sea.” But he was lonely until he rescues a baby whale that reconnects Noi with his busy fisherman father. Gentle language is enhanced by mellow, warmly hued illustrations of their seaside home.
The Storm Whale
Exasperated Mama and Daddy put Sophie in time-out when she dumps her dinner and tosses the clean laundry. But when Granny puts herself in time-out during their book-sharing, Sophie straightens up. Text and illustration capture a young child’s tenacious behavior and her adults’ reactions, sure to be recognized by all.
Time-Out for Sophie
Goose asks Fox to tell Bear that she’ll be right back, but Fox forgets. Fox focuses on his games when Bear arrives. The loyal Bear misses his friend until Fox at last recalls the message. Textured illustrations present the warmth of the friends’ reunion and embrace.
Fox Forgets
Mr. Tiger nattily sports his top hat and bow tie but becomes bored with the confines of the proper, polite and prim world. As Mr. Tiger’s wild idea takes shape, his behavior changes. The results are freeing for all of the animals and fun for the reader. Understated humor and flat illustrations create a comedy that validates individuality.
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild
Who among the animals can take on Lion and his nasty behavior? Though other, much larger animals try, it is a clever but small rabbit that deflates Lion’s large ego. Rabbit has a secret revealed only at his departure. Echoes of familiar tales are evident but updated in simple, witty and amusing illustration and language.
Lion vs. Rabbit
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
The small, slightly frumpy but charming dog named Daisy is separated from her mistress when she chases her blue ball (acquired in A Ball for Daisy (opens in a new window)). Few words are needed to communicate their concern as they search for one another clearly seen in the expressive wash illustrations.
Daisy Gets Lost
A small bull is told to go away by a bigger bull. In turn, the little bull feels bigger when he calls smaller farm animals names (“chicken!” he shouts to chicken). The young bull deflates (literally) when called a bully. The gentle ending satisfies with forgiveness and friendship. Readers will appreciate the the humor created by double meanings of the words.
Bully
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
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
Each of four sections (chants, spells, laments, praise songs) celebrate the power of words that are intended to bring comfort, humor, hope and more. Sophisticated readers will appreciate the texture of those words and the stylized illustrations which appear in a handsome package.
What the Heart Knows: Chants, Charms and Blessings
The Boy, a shepherd, helps his friends — a large, peaceful dragon and dragon-slaying St. George — find a solution that satisfies all. Line drawings by Ernest Shepard (illustrator of Winnie the Pooh) and enduring themes continue to appeal. An introduction to the 75th anniversary edition by Leonard Marcus puts the tale into historical context.
The Reluctant Dragon
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
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.