The fascinating true story behind Margery Williams' classic, The Velveteen Rabbit.

Margery Williams' time-honored tale gets a fresh look in this beautifully illustrated picture book. With text from The Velveteen Rabbit deftly woven throughout, Molly Golden tells the story of a young girl, often left alone with her imagination. Through the loss she experiences, the adventures she encounters, and through her own love of story-telling, a beloved book is born. 

For readers unfamiliar with The Velveteen Rabbit, this picture book provides the perfect introduction, and for those who already are familiar with or admire the classic, Becoming Real grants a deeper look at the events that led to its creation. With an author's note that expounds on Margery Williams' story and an extensive list of social-emotional activities that encourage readers to enjoy time with their own special toy, this book is perfect for reading at the library, in the classroom, or curled up at home with a favorite stuffed animal! 

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Pair with Margery Williams' The Velveteen Rabbit.
• Read the section in the back of the book, "Social Emotional Activities to Share with Your Toy," and try a few of the activities.
• Conversation starters: "Do you have a toy that is special to you? What makes it so special?" "If you have a special toy, what is your favorite memory with that toy? What is your favorite shared activity?" "In the story, Margery used her imagination in creative ways. What are some ways you use your imagination?" 

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

A moving tribute to a man whose actions saved the lives of hundreds of children during World War II.

With poignant simplicity, Peter Sís skillfully weaves together two seemingly unrelated stories--one about a boy named Nicky who lives in England, collects stamps, and grows up longing for adventure, and the other about Vera, a girl who lives in Prague, loves her family, and cares for cats. The result is a stirring narrative that reminds readers of the power of courage and the incredible impact one life can have on another. 

The language simply and clearly tells the story, while the nuanced illustrations, with layers of meaning, offer springboards for conversations, with each page that's turned. This stirring picture book would be a valuable addition to any unit or classroom discussion on World War II or the Holocaust, or any conversation about courage and what it means to do what is right in the face of evil.

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• ​If you happen to have a history museum nearby that explores the Holocaust, visit the museum, and write about what you learned. 
• In the story, Nicky helps others in need. Identify someone in need--a sick neighbor, a friend who feels sad, a teacher who seems overwhelmed--and think of something you can do to help or be an encouragement. 
• Pair this story with One Day:  A True Story of Survival in the Holocaust, by Michael Rosen, or Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry.
• Conversation starters:  "How does this story make you feel? Why?" "Nicky saw that bad things were happening and he acted quickly. Can you think of a time when something happened that you felt was wrong? How did you respond? Is there anything you would do differently now?" "In your opinion, is it hard or easy to be courageous? Why?"

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

A seemingly simple and fun introduction to colors, habitats, and the foods that nourish animals and people, alike.

What better vehicle to explore animals' diets than through the use of color! Readers will love identifying various colors, differentiating between the animals and their habitats, and predicting which color comes next. And to take it one step further, the informative back matter delves deeper into various habitats, the life they support, and the food sources that grow in each. 

The simplicity of the text belies the complex opportunities for learning this book presents. It would make a perfect springboard for units on color or animals, or it could be used to supplement explorations of nutrition, natural habitats, and biodiversity. With vibrant and captivating illustrations and intriguing text that asks questions and challenges readers to engage with the material, WHO EATS ORANGE? is sure become a favorite at the library, in the classroom, or at home.

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Take a trip to the grocery store! Make a list of your favorite fresh fruits and vegetables. When you get home, graph the foods, according to their colors. 
• Draw a picture of, or write a poem about, your favorite food, or your favorite animal. 
• Humans and animals all must eat food. Compare and contrast the types of foods that are eaten by both humans and animas. Can you think of any food that only animals eat?  Are there foods that only humans eat? Use a Venn Diagram to sort your answers. 
• Conversation Starters:  "If you could live in any habitat, what would it be? Why?" "What is your favorite animal? Why?" "What is your favorite animal? Why?"

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

Using the song, "Jesus Loves Me," this lyrical picture book explores the many ways God show His love through the natural world.

This delightful picture book brings the childhood song, "Jesus Loves Me," to life, as a child  and her family explore God's creation together. In the course of a single day, God's love is discovered--whether through the beauty of a rainbow, the magnificence of a mountain range, or the vastness of a star-studded sky--each page unfolds a different way that God's creation speaks of His love.  

Written in lyrical rhyme, with different variations of the first stanza of "Jesus Loves Me" on each spread, readers are invited to consider the natural world through the lens of God's love, and perhaps discover new meaning in the beloved song, as well. With gorgeous illustrations that bring each lovely page to life, and themes of love, hope, and family, this book is perfect for gift-giving on special occasions, or snuggling up with before bedtime.

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Go out and explore the natural world, wherever you live. What do you observe? How might those things reflect God's love for you?
• Plan a road trip together, like the family in the book. What places will you visit? 
• If you don't know the song, "Jesus Loves Me," you can listen to it here. If you do know it, try singing it, and then write a poem, or draw a picture, about His love for you.
• Conversation starters:  "Have you ever thought about all the ways God show His love?" "Have you ever felt or experienced God's love for you? If so, what happened and what was that like?" "Identify someone who loves you. What are some ways they show their love? What are some ways you can show love to others?" 

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

A tender tribute to horses and the unique bond humans share with them.

Sometimes, the most wonderful things in life begin with a dream.  In a sense, that's what this enchanting picture book is all about--inspiring a dream. Through gorgeous language and lovely illustrations, readers will delve into the wonderful world of horse riding. They'll discover different breeds of horses and identify their markings, colors, and characteristics. They will learn what it takes to care for a horse, the equipment required to ride a horse, and two distinct traditions of horseback riding. And as they learn, they may even uncover a dream--the desire to connect with a horse, too!

While the illustrations reflect a childlike simplicity, the delicious language and distinct voice evokes the sounds and scents of a barn, compelling readers to ponder the joys of the equestrian realm. Detailed and informative back matter correlates with the text to give readers an opportunity to learn and discover even more about equine activities. 

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• ​Visit a horse barn and observe the horses. Can you identify the different breeds? Can you recognize the various markings? Draw a picture of, or write a story about, your favorite horse.
• Observe a horse barn. What does it smell like? What does it look like? What sounds do you hear? What different textures do you feel? Write a poem about the things you experienced in the barn.
• Check out this website for free printable activities and more information.
• Conversation starters:  "Have you ever ridden a horse? If so, what was that like? How did it make you feel?" "Do you dream of riding, or even owning, a horse? Why or why not?" "The child in the story dreams of horses. When you close your eyes, what do you dream about?"

Looking for more perfect picture books?  Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

A delightfully clever counting book packed with engaging learning opportunities!

This colorful picture book makes practicing counting backwards a "SNAP!" With ten birds perched on a single twig, something is bound to go wrong. As the twig starts to break, and birds begin to fall, a new plan emerges. What will the little birds do with all the broken pieces? The surprise ending proves that when things break all around, a little teamwork and resourcefulness can go a long way.

Alive with colorful illustrations and short, punchy rhymes, this book begs to be read aloud! Readers will enjoy engaging with the text, counting down, adding up, identifying colors and patterns, comparing sizes, and predicting what comes next. There are so many educational opportunities in this lovable little book, and young learners will want to read it again and again! And, with the twist ending, it's the perfect choice for snuggling, cuddling, and reading before bedtime.

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Go birdwatching! Bring binoculars if you'd like, or just use your eyes (and ears!) to spot the birds. Can you identify them? How many did you see? What colors did you observe?  Choose one of your favorites and draw a picture of it.
• For practice counting backwards, play hide and seek. Start at 10 or 20, and count backwards!
• For more fun extension activities, check out this website!
• Conversation starters:  "Which do you enjoy more, counting forwards or backwards? Why?" "In the story, the little birds used their broken twigs to create something. If you were the little birds, what would you have made with the broken twigs?" "What is your favorite type of bird? Why?"

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Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

,A gorgeously written and illustrated retelling of the Bible story of Moses' miraculous escape, as seen through his sister, Miriam's, perspective.

Miriam's story comes to life in this beautiful, thought-provoking picture book. What happens when a law is evil or wrong--should it be followed and obeyed? That is the question seven-year-old Miriam must face, and her brave actions invite readers to consider what they would have done in her position. 

The author's rich, poetic language offers insight into Miriam's thoughts and foreshadows what's to come, while vivid illustrations gorgeously portray the transformation from darkness to light, as the sun rises, and Miriam chooses to save her baby brother's life. 

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Pair this book with the original story in the Bible, found in Exodus 2:1-10.  
• Think about what this event must have been like for Miriam. Write a letter, or draw a picture, from Miriam to her little brother, telling about her experience.
• Think about what this event must have been like for Baby Moses. Draw a picture or write a story about what he might have experienced.
• Conversation starters:  "Which character in this story do you relate to most? Why?" "Should someone obey a law that is evil or wrong? Why or why not?" "Can you think of a time when you acted courageously? What did you do, and how did that make you feel?"

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

A poignant story about community, family, and the passage of time.

This lovely picture book follows the life of a hundred-year-old barn, and the transformation of the family that tends to it. From the building's beginning--laying the foundation, building the frame, shingling the roof--a child tells the story of the origin of his family's barn. As years pass and the little boy grows, the barn ages, but through care and stewardship, the barn continues to thrive with every passing season. Stunning illustrations complement the tender language. This quiet and gorgeous picture book reminds readers to treasure ordinary moments, for it's often in those that special memories are made. 

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Take a field trip to a barn. What animals did you see? What did the barn smell like? What noises did you hear? Write a story or draw a picture about what you experienced in the barn.
• For more fun activities and information about barns, try this website!
• Conversation starters:  "Of all the animals that live in a barn, which one is your favorite? Why?" "What do you think life will be like, one hundred years from now. How will it be different? How will it be the same?" "When you are old, which memories do you think will be most special to you?"

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

This lyrical picture book offers a beautiful tribute to song and the act of singing.  

Like notes in a chord of music, the layers of this book resonate, reading after reading. Beginning with a call for quiet, the authors draw attention to the music happening all around--the melody of nature, the rhythm inside the human body, the chorus found in community. Woven throughout the text are phrases from songs that readers may recognize--encouragements to sing what is familiar and create what is unique and personal. Likewise, hidden within the illustrations are nods to music--sheet music, blank staff paper,  and various musical notes.

The vibrant illustrations bring music to life, representing both the structure and freedom of song. The poetic language dances on the tongue when read aloud, inspiring readers to discover the melody inside and the power of music to inspire, encourage, and unify.

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Go outside and listen to the music all around (birds singing, horns honking, wind blowing). Make a word web of all the sounds that were heard. Learners may draw a picture of what they heard, as well.
• Pair with the other books in this series--How to Read a Book and How to Write a Poem. 
• Conversation starters:  "What is your favorite style of music?" "If you could create a song, what kind of song would it be? What would it be about?" "How does singing make you feel? Why?"

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

Robert Frost's iconic poem comes to life in this peaceful, picturesque children's book.

With exquisite illustrations, Susan Jeffers renders Frost's classic poem into picture book form. A traveler, along with his horse, pauses his journey to take in the beauty and stillness of a winter's night. Every page in this quiet book reflects both the peaceful  ambiance of the snowy setting, and the delightful beauty of the enchanting scene Frost has created.

Perfect for reading at home, in the classroom, or in a library setting, this book has the potential for being a perfect introduction to poetry for young readers. With gentle contemplation, each lovely page of this beautiful book draws the reader in as the narrator reflects on the wintry wood, and his place in it.

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Take a night walk. Use your five senses to observe the surroundings. Write a poem or draw a picture about what you experienced.
• Identify groups of rhyming words in this poem. How many other words can you think of that rhyme with these? For other rhyming activities and games, check out this website!
• Conversation starters:  "How does this poem make you feel?" "Where do you think the traveller in this poem is going?"

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!