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!
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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!
A child takes a walk and discovers all the ways nature is preparing for the change of seasons. text copyright Kenard Pak, 2016, illustrations copyright Kenard Pak, 2016, Henry Holt and Co. 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. Title: GOODBYE SUMMER, HELLO AUTUMN Author and Illustrator: Kenard Pak Publisher: Henry Holt and Co., 2016 Ages: 4-7 Themes: Nature and Wildlife, Seasons, Change, Adaptability 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!
Discover the story of a stone--all that a stone is, and all that it might become! text copyright Leslie Barnard Booth, 2023, illustrations copyright Marc Martin, 2023 Margaret K. McElderry Books 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. Title: A STONE IS A STORY Author: Leslie Barnard Booth Illustrator: Marc Martin Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2023 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Nature, Environment, Curiosity, Change 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!
When a feisty kitty sets his sights on a fish bowl, mischief and mayhem are sure to follow! text copyright Kathi Appelt, 2019, illustrations copyright Penelope Dullaghan, 2019 Atheneum Books for Young Readers 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. Title: MAX ATTACKS Author: Kathi Appelt Illustrator: Penelope Dullaghan Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2019 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Curiosity, Perseverance, Adventure, Mischief 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 poignant and moving story about the heartbreaking reality of lost loved ones after the end of the Civil War. text copyright Shana Keller 2024, illustration copyright Laura Freeman 2024, Atheneum Books for Young Readers 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. Title: DO YOU KNOW THEM? FAMILIES LOST AND FOUND AFTER THE CIVIL WAR Author: Shana Keller Illustrator: Laura Freeman Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2024 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Family, Community, Resourcefulness, Problem Solving, Courage 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!
Follow Sam on her nocturnal adventure through her town, and back home again! text copyright Joyce Hesselberth 2018, illustration copyright Joyce Hesselberth 2018, Greenwillow Books 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. Title: MAPPING SAM Author and Illustrator: Joyce Hesselberth Publisher: Greenwillow Books, 2018 Ages: Preschool-3rd Grade Themes: Maps, Exploration, Curiosity 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!
With perseverance and ingenuity, a teacher challenges a class of unruly students, and invents a sport that is still played by millions today. text copyright John Coy 2013, illustration copyright Joe Morse 2013, Carolrhoda Books 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! Title: HOOP GENIUS: HOW A DESPERATE TEACHER AND A ROWDY GYM CLASS INVENTED BASKETBALL Author: John Coy Illustrator: Joe Morse Publisher: Carolrhoda Books, 2013 Ages: 7-11 Themes: Sports, Resourcefulness, Perseverance, Teamwork, Problem Solving 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, poignant tribute to the bond of family, and the legacy that's passed from one generation to the next. text copyright Anne Winter 2023, illustration copyright Daniel Miyares 2023, Balzer + Bray 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. Title: NELL PLANTS A TREE Author: Anne Wynter Illustrator: Daniel Miyares Publisher: Balzer + Bray, 2023 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Family, Intergenerational Relationships, Environment, Cause and Effect Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:
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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
September 2024
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