As the season changes, a family changes and grows with the passage of time. text copyright, Dianne White, 2020, illustrations copyright Felicita Sala, 2020, Beach Lane Books When one season transforms into the next, new and exciting things are possible. Using various colors to represent the different seasons, this beautifully lyrical picture book explores the passage of an entire calendar year. Layered within the illustrations, and separate from the text, readers will discover a subplot of a family that is expanding. The more the seasons change, the closer the arrival of the new family member becomes. With lovely, captivating, and colorful illustrations, GREEN ON GREEN brings each season to life! The poetically lyrical language advances the story and begs for page turns, ushering young learners through the four seasons. The thoughtful layers of the text work together with the illustrations to produce a heartwarming story, sure to be enjoyed over and over, all year long! Title: GREEN ON GREEN Author: Dianne White Illustrator: Felicita Sala Publisher: Beach Lane Books, 2020 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Family, Seasons, Change, Colors, New Baby Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:
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A family, displaced and grieving, finds hope and renewal as they restore their new home, deep in the woods. text copyright Eliza Wheeler, 2019, illustrations copyright Eliza Wheeler, 2019, Nancy Paulsen Books This poignant picture book, with roots in Eliza Wheeler's own family history, tells the story of six-year-old Marvel, her seven siblings, and her mother, as they relocate to a new home after the loss of the children's father. In this tiny, broken-down shack in the woods, they find the ingredients they need to start building the next chapter of their lives, together. Beginning in summer, and moving through each season of the year, Eliza Wheeler depicts change in the tiny house, as a similar transformation is reflected in the people that live there. Darkness and gloom are replaced with warmth and laughter as the young family learns to survive and thrive, in the midst of pain and lack. With gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt text, this book is a testament to the strength and resilience of a family facing dire circumstances, but growing in love, together. Title: HOME IN THE WOODS Author and Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2019 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Resilience, Family, Problem-Solving, Resourcefulness, Sibling Relationships Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
A tender tale about taking risks, taking tumbles, and trying again. text copyright Randall de Sève, 2024, illustrations copyright Kate Gardiner, 2024, Random House Studio A little bear cub, watching its mother enjoy fruit in a tree, wants to savor the sweet snack, too, but wrestles with feelings of fear and concern about the unknown. All the while, the patient mama bear encourages her little one with wise perspective and gentle reminders of the truth. This heartfelt story, brought to life through spare text and beautiful illustrations, is a tender reminder that Sometimes We Fall--but that's all a part of taking chances and learning. And, how sweet it is to know that there are loved ones there, along the way, encouraging and helping us as we grow! Title: SOMETIMES WE FALL Author: Randall de Sève Illustrator: Kate Gardiner Publisher: Random House Studio, 2024 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Family, Courage, Overcoming Fear, Risk-taking, Resilience Here are a few activities to consider, that align with the themes of this book:
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
A beautiful, thought-provoking story about the origin of a house. text copyright Deborah Freedman, 2017, illustrations copyright Deborah Freedman, 2017, Atheneum Books for Young Readers Looking back to the past often creates a greater understanding of--and appreciation for--the present. This gorgeous book presents a picture of what exists now, and gives readers a glimpse into what used to be. The door that was a tree. The bricks that were mud. The window that was sand. The author ties each object to elements in nature, while challenging young learners to infer what other parts of the natural world might be involved, as well. The soft warmth of the illustrations works together with the richly poetic language, to evoke a cozy, satisfying feeling, reminiscent of home. Readers of all ages will love snuggling up with this book, in favorite parts of their own houses. Or, this story may inspire them to go outside, connect with nature, and explore the incredible, natural world that our homes ultimately come from. Title: THIS HOUSE, ONCE Author and Illustrator: Deborah Freedman Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2017 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Natural World, Home, Cause and Effect, Inference Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
A beautiful story of loyalty, sacrifice, and the joy of freely embracing one's calling. text copyright Jane Yolen, 2009, illustrations copyright Bagram Ibatoulline, 2009, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers One autumn night, a gust of wind suddenly frees a faithful scarecrow, giving him the unexpected opportunity to escape his post in the field and "dance" around the farm he guards. But with his new-found freedom, comes a clearer view of all that he protects--and all that could be lost. There is so much rich, poetic meaning in the pages of this beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated picture book. As the poignant story unfolds, the reader is drawn further in, as the impact and implications of the scarecrow's actions become fully understood. With enthralling illustrations, and thought-provoking language and imagery, this book is sure to be enjoyed over and over, as new readings bring fresh layers of meaning. Title: THE SCARECROW'S DANCE Author: Jane Yolen Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline Publisher: Simon & Schuster's Books for Young Readers, 2009 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Sacrifice, Risk-taking, Empathy, Courage, Compassion, Farming Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
Join a captivating cast of babies as they discover the similarities and differences in their baby names. text copyright Meg Fleming, 2022, illustrations copyright, Brandon James Scott, 2022, Harper Collins Get ready to have fun while learning! An adorable human baby leads the way, as various animal babies introduce themselves. This playful picture book will help young readers understand which baby names belong to different animals. But look out--there might be a few surprises! While this book is definitely about names, a closer look reveals that it's also about sorting and categorization. With a delightful rhythm, a repeated refrain, and colorful endpapers that illustrate the groups that baby animals can be sorted into, I Was Born A Baby is sure to enlighten and entertain, with every vibrant, creative page! Title: I WAS BORN A BABY Author: Meg Fleming Illustrator: Brandon James Scott Publisher: Harper Collins, 2022 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Animals, Sorting, Growth and Development Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
An acorn may seem small, or even insignificant, but a closer look reveals the enormous impact a tiny acorn can have. text copyright Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer, 2016, illustrations copyright Frann Preston-Gannon, 2016, Chronicle Books Some of my favorite books are ones that provoke deeper thought, using very few words, leaving the reader to ponder the meaning behind the story. With spare text and rich illustrations, Because of an Acorn shows the inter-connectedness of the natural world and illustrates how much one thing depends on--or happens as a result of--the next. The simplicity of the text gives space for readers to make connections independently. It also provides opportunities for conversations, as each gorgeous page invites young learners to make inferences, explore layers of meaning, and understand more fully how one thing often greatly impacts the next. Title: BECAUSE OF AN ACORN Authors: Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer Illustrator: Frann Preston-Gannon Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2016 Ages: 2-6 Themes: Nature Themes, Interdependence, Cause and Effect, Inference Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
A haughty, tough-talking buffalo realizes the power of acceptance, and the joy of being loved unconditionally! text copyright Bess Kalb, 2024, illustration copyright Erin Kraan, 2024, Random House Studio Looking for a book that captivates, entertains, and challenges, all at once? Look no further! Bess Kalb's use of silly words, whimsical rhyme, and engaging refrain make this book a joy to read aloud. Young learners will love joining in as the protagonist huffs and puffs, and all the while, the bold and eye-catching illustrations compel readers toward the climax--where everything changes! This funny picture book, with its light-hearted language and comical surprise ending, provides a delightful vehicle for a more serious--and timely--message. In a world where people often present themselves in a way that hides the reality, this message of honesty, transparency, and acceptance is powerful, and much needed. Title: BUFFALO FLUFFALO Author: Bess Kalb Illustrator: Erin Kraan Publisher: Random House Studio, 2024 Ages: 2-7 Themes: Acceptance, Self-Esteem, Unconditional Love, Kindness, Friendship Here are a few activities to consider, that align with the themes of this book:
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
Join a little girl on her big adventure through the jungle--and learn along the way! text copyright Jen Arena, 2016, illustrations copyright Angela Dominguez, 2016, Roaring Brook Press This little board book packs a BIG educational punch! As Marta makes her way through the jungle, readers learn about opposites, comparison, perspective--and jungle animals! All the while, Spanish and English are beautifully blended throughout, making this bilingual picture book a treasure for young learners. With spare text, bold and fun illustrations, and an exciting surprise ending, Marta! Big & Small is sure to be enjoyed over and over again--by big and small alike! Title: MARTA! BIG & SMALL Author: Jen Arena Illustrator: Angela Dominguez Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 2016 Ages: 4-7 Themes: Bilingual, Animals, Comparison, Opposites, Adventure Here are a few activities to consider, that align with the themes of this book:
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
Sometimes, with time and perspective, we realize that the things that appeared to be ordinary, were extraordinary, all along. text copyright Camille Andros, 2018, illustrations copyright Julie Morstad, 2018, Abrams Books for Young Readers I read The Dress and the Girl for the first time and immediately wanted to read it again--to experience the layers of story and beauty and meaning this book offers, once more. The lovely simplicity of the illustrations, combined with the poignant storyline, make this a touching and heartwarming read. It's the story of a hand-made dress, and a girl, who do everything together on a lovely Greek island. But when the family emigrates to the United States and their trunk, containing the beloved dress, gets lost, it's up to the two of them to try to find one another again. Full of aspiration, adventure, perseverance, and hope, this story is sure to challenge readers to reflect on the things that are important in life, and why. Title: THE DRESS AND THE GIRL Author: Camille Andros Illustrator: Julie Morstad Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2018 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Family, Immigration, Change, Perseverance, Hope Here are a few activities to consider, that align with the themes of this book:
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
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AuthorAs a mom of three and a former teacher, I appreciate books that entertain, empower, and educate. I love finding ways to extend the impact of books into everyday life, through activities, experiences, or conversations. Archives
December 2024
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