A child takes a walk and discovers all the ways nature is preparing for the change of seasons.

When the morning air feels crisp, and leaves begin to turn and fall, we are reminded that saying goodbye to one season means embracing the onset of another. ​And that's what Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn is all about.

As a young child ventures through the countryside, a town, and back home again, greeting the surroundings with a friendly, "Hello!" different facets of nature respond, reflecting how each one is coping with the changing weather.  Written as a conversation between a child and the natural world, this warm and inviting picture book, with its rich illustrations and lovely use of color,  invites readers to snuggle up, settle in, and enjoy the world all around.

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

• Take a nature walk. Observe signs of the current season. Are there any visible hints that the season might be changing?
• Choose an object in the natural world--a tree, a chipmunk, a puddle--and write a story, including dialogue, about a conversation you would have with it, about the changing seasons. What does it do when the weather changes? How does it prepare for winter? 
• Conversation starters:  "Do you like change, or do you prefer things to stay the same? Why?" "What is your favorite season, and why?" 

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

Discover the story of a stone--all that a stone is, and all that it might become!

Have you ever held a stone and wondered where it came from, or what it must have been through? Maybe, at one time, it was lava? Or bone? Or sand? This quiet, educational picture book takes a look back in time and unpacks the science behind the stones we see all around.

Simply told, the story is supported by educational back matter, a glossary, and resources for further exploration. With spare text, gorgeous language, and stunning illustrations, A Stone Is a Story educates readers, while inspiring a sense of wonder and curiosity about stones, and their place in the natural world.

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

• Go on a nature walk and look for stones. Observe their characteristics--color, texture, weight. Compare and contrast the stones, according to their visible attributes.
• Find a stone and write a story about it. In your imagination, where has it been? What adventures has it experienced, and what things has it seen?
• For more resources and activities, check out the author's website.
• Conversation starters:  "If you were a stone, what would your story be?"

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

When a feisty kitty sets his sights on a fish bowl, mischief and mayhem are sure to follow!

Max attacks! That's what he does, and every vibrant page brings his adventurous exploits to life. While Max gets into trouble, a silent pup stands by, watching and waiting, until it's time to intervene. Young readers will love following Max's mischief, while well-placed page turns make it fun to predict what will happen next. 

This picture book absolutely begs to be read aloud and is sure to be requested over and over! With fun, amusing language, and colorful, captivating illustrations, Max Attacks exudes the energy and spunk of a frisky cat. 

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

• The story ends with Max eyeing the fishbowl. Predict what Max will do. Draw a picture, or write a story, showing what you think will happen next.
• Create a paper plate kitty. For step-by-step instructions, click here.
• Conversation starters:  "If you were a cat, what adventures would you have?" "If you could have any pet, what would it be? Why?"

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

A poignant and moving story about the heartbreaking reality of lost loved ones after the end of the Civil War.

This stirring story sheds light on a painful reality that so many people experienced after the end of the Civil War. Families, once enslaved, were left searching for their loved ones, often not knowing where to look or how to find the information needed to locate mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, or children. 

Lettie, desperate for information about her own family, works hard to save money to place an advertisement in the paper, in hopes that someone, somewhere, may know something about her loved ones. With resolve and resourcefulness, she is determined to help her family, and serve her community, in any way she can. Beautifully written, and tenderly illustrated, this inspirational picture book features actual, historical advertisements, and includes an author's note in the back.

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

• Write a letter, or draw a picture, to send to a loved one who lives far away. 
• For more information about the advertisements featured in this book, visit the author's website.
• Conversation starters: "How might it feel to be separated from family?" "How can family members today stay connected, even when they live far from each other?" ​

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

Follow Sam on her nocturnal adventure through her town, and back home again!

Have you ever wondered where cats go at night? This creative and educational picture book "lets the cat out of the bag" for one adventurous feline. As Sam explores her town, the reader learns about maps--the components of maps, the different kinds of maps, and the various functions of maps. 

To me, the magic of this book is its simplicity. SO many concepts are introduced, brilliantly, in a way that is easy to understand, and invites further investigation.  With humorous text, bold illustrations, and informative back matter, this captivating book celebrates curiosity, and inspires the joy of learning.

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

• Take a walk together around the block. Then, create a map of your neighborhood. 
• Write a story about (or draw a picture, of) the adventures a cat might have at night.
• Check out the author's website for more fun activities! 
• Conversation starters:  "If you could travel anywhere, were would you go?" "Which do you prefer, exploring new places, or staying closer to home?" 

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

With perseverance and ingenuity, a teacher challenges a class of unruly students, and invents a sport that is still played by millions today.

This fascinating, true story depicts the plight of James Naismith, a young man in 1891, trying to teach a class of rambunctious students--a class so rowdy that two teachers had already quit! But not Naismith. With compassion and creativity, Naismith develops a game that is still beloved to this day, and has been an Olympic sport for nearly ninety years!

With illustrations that evoke the time period, and endpapers that portray the original draft of the rules of the game, this nonfiction picture book is captivating, right from the beginning. The story is fun, and often humorous, and readers might just find themselves wanting to go outside to dribble, pass, and shoot the ball! 

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

• Go out and play basketball! Practice dribbling, passing and shooting the ball.
• Check out these downloadable activities.
• Conversation starters:  "If you could create a sport, what would it be?" "If you could change any rule in basketball, which rule would you change?" "When you feel rowdy, or full of energy, what activities help you get your energy out?"

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

A beautiful, poignant tribute to the bond of family, and the legacy that's passed from one generation to the next.

I love the idea that we can leave something lasting for future generations. Something tangible, like a pecan tree, but also the intangible--love, traditions,  memories. By lyrically weaving in the past with the present, the author, Anne Wynter,  underscores the fact that often, what we see now, is a result of the actions of those who came before.

​Every time I read this book, I'm struck by something new. The rich, delicious use of language. The gorgeous, captivating illustrations. The significance of one action long ago, and the implications it has for future generations. The value and benefit of trees. The importance of family. There is so much beauty in this book, it merits multiple readings and  many thoughtful discussions.

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

• Plant a seed, or even a tree, like Nell. Watch it grow together. 
• Identify a family recipe that has been passed down through generations, or one you might want to pass down. Write out the recipe, if necessary, and then cook it together. 
• Create a family tree. This article offers information about how to do that, and provides a free template.
• Conversation starters:  "What are the ingredients that help seeds grow?" "What are the ingredients that help relationships grow?" "What family tradition is special to you, and why?"

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

With a little imagination, and the help of a faithful friend, Lottie finds the courage she needs to overcome her fear.

Having once been a child with a vivid imagination, I could definitely appreciate Lottie's plight. Swimming with sharks is never fun, especially when they show up at the pool during swimming lessons!

This story is completely charming, and the characters are lovable and fun, but the thing I enjoyed most of all, is the illustrations. Anna Walker's use of white space, as well as color, draws the reader in and allows the often humorous details to stand out. From the simplicity of the endpapers, to the beautiful renderings of the pool, Lottie's neighborhood, and Lottie and Walter's adventures, Anna Walker brings the characters and the story to life with every lovely page. Read it, if you haven't already. I'm sure you'll love it!

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

• Write a story about (or draw a picture of) an imaginary friend. What does the friend look like? Act like? What adventures will they undertake?
• A fun, free, downloadable activity pack can be found here.
• ​Conversation starters:  "Have you ever had an imaginary friend?" "Have you ever felt afraid?" "Can you think of a time when you were brave, even when you felt afraid?" 

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
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Sharing isn't always easy, but with this delightful picture book, learning about sharing will be fun!

Looking for a picture book that explores the concept of sharing in a simple, profound way? Look no longer! Using pie as the starting point, and a 4th of July picnic as the backdrop, the author invites readers to consider all the things that can be shared. Through tender and lyrical text, and beautiful illustrations, PIE IS FOR SHARING underscores the value of sharing, and the bonds of friendship and sense of community that are reinforced, as a result.

Here are a few activities to consider and resources to check out: 

• Make a pie together and share it with friends, family, or neighbors.
• Stephanie Parsley Ledyard's website offers creative extension activities that are worth exploring!
• Conversation starters:  "What things are easy to share? Why?" "What things are hard to share? Why?" "How do you feel when you share with others?" "How do you feel when others share with you?"

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

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​With tender dialogue and beautiful illustrations, this picture book is a heartfelt tribute to the gift of friendship and the value of unconditional love. 

I love standing in a library or bookstore, holding a book for the first time, and feeling moved by what I’ve just read—so much so that I want to go back and read it again. WILL WE ALWAYS HOLD HANDS? is that kind of book! 
 
In simple, question-and-answer format, the author tells the story of Bear’s faithful friendship to Rat. With its spare text and tender message, it’s the perfect choice for snuggling up to read with loved ones, gathering together for story time, or giving as a gift on a special occasion. It even has a place for a personalized message on the first page. 

Title:  WILL WE ALWAYS HOLD HANDS?
 
Author:  Christopher Cheng

Illustrator:  Stephen Michael King
 
Publisher:  Random House Studio, 2022
 
Ages:  4-8
 
Themes: Friendship, Empathy, Perseverance, Unconditional Love

Here are a few activities that align with the theme of friendship, that might be fun to consider: 

• Go for a walk or a hike with a friend or loved one. 
• Make a hand collage. Trace hands onto brightly colored paper and cut them out. If desired, write a message to a special friend, or a word that describes a true friend. Arrange them all together, creating a collage.
• Conversation starters:  "What is your favorite memory?"  "Of all the things we do together, what is the most meaningful to you?"  "In your opinion, what are the qualities, or characteristics, of a good friend?"

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