A poignant story about loss, grief, and the bonds of family.

text and illustrations copyright Angie Kang, 2025, Kokila 

When a child returns to the lake where his father taught him to dive, he experiences the sadness that accompanies loss. But as he encounters the familiar landscape of the lake, he draws from the support and encouragement of his older brother, and embraces the memories he holds dear. With lyrical language, gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt subject matter, this poignant picture book highlights the importance of family relationships--the bond between parents and their children, and the connection between siblings who care for one another. Readers of all ages will empathize with the brothers as they hold on to treasured memories from the past and move forward together.  OUR LAKE would be perfect for library, school, or at-home reading.

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

• ​Identify a family member who plays an important role in your life. What do you appreciate most about them? Write a letter letting them know what they mean to you. 
• Think about your favorite memory with a family member or loved one. What makes that memory special? Write a story or draw a picture about that memory. Consider sharing with the loved one.
• Conversation starters:  "Does your family have a special tradition--a vacation you take every year or a thing you do that has become special? What is it and why is it special to you?" "The boy in the story was accompanied by his brother. When you feel sad, who do you talk to?"

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

A beautiful tribute to birds and their songs, and the quiet that comes with waiting.

Bird calls abound in this lyrical picture book that artfully contrasts the sounds that various birds make, with the quiet anticipation of a silent robin sitting on eggs in a treetop nest.  Through the use of rhyme,  repetition, and onomatopoeia, the author invites readers to learn about birds and the sounds they make, while simultaneously building a sense of anticipation for what might be going on in the robin’s nest.  This charming book finishes with delightful back matter, in the form of a Q & A conversation with the robin in the nest.

If the language in this book is captivating (and it is!), the artwork is equally enthralling. With the turn of a page, the perspective shifts, like a bird in flight. At times, the illustrations look down through the branches, onto the ground below. At other times, readers look up, onto a towering trunk and through soaring branches. Readers will love learning about birds, and they may just be inspired to go outside and experience the beauty and wonder of birds in their natural environment! Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? would make a perfect addition to any home or school library.

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

• Go outside and listen for birds. What sounds do you hear? Can you identify the bird from its sound? 
• Curious about what goes on inside a birdhouse? Construct a bird house with a view, using a cardboard box and a window in a quiet spot. Visit this website for detailed instructions.
• Conversation starters: “If you were a bird, which kind would you be?” “What would it be like to be a nesting bird? What challenges might they encounter?” “What did you learn about birds, from this book?”

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

The captivating story of how the map of Tolkien's Middle Earth and the illustrations for C.S. Lewis' Narnia came to be.

One of my earliest memories is sitting with my dad as he read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe aloud, staring at the illustrations—the wardrobe in the professor's house, the White Witch’s castle, the lamp post in Narnia,—and wondering what it would be like to live in that far-away land. So, naturally, I was intrigued by this book, and the story of how the illustrations came about--and who created them. 

This gorgeous picture book tells the story of the artist, Pauline Baynes, and her life's journey, which ultimately intersected with literary greats, such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. It's fascinating to see how various experiences shaped her love of books and art, and prepared her for her future. Fans of Narnia and Middle Earth will enjoy seeing foreshadowing of those magical places, throughout the book's illustrations, as doors open for Pauline. The thing I love about this book is the way the words work together with the pictures to hint at what's to come, and bring her story to life, making this an engaging read and a book that is perfect for school, library, or home settings.

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

• Read The Chronicles of Narnia. Keep an eye open for Pauline Baynes' illustrations throughout.​
• Pauline Baynes drew maps, and you can, too! Go for a walk around your neighborhood or block. Make note of important landmarks or details--trees, parks, stores or buildings. At home, draw a map of what you saw. Don't forget to include where you live! Check out this website for map-making instructions.
• Conversation starters: "What is your favorite part of Pauline Baynes' story?" "Pauline Baynes found adventure in books. Which books do you find adventure in?" "What is your favorite book? Why?"

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

The poignant story of a lighthouse and its keeper.

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live in a lighthouse? This award-winning picture book transports readers back in time, to a day when people were responsible for keeping lighthouses lit. Through rain or fog, snow or sunshine, a lighthouse must operate in order to keep boats safe. Young learners will love following the adventures of a light keeper and his family, as they navigate weather and the circumstances of life, and still manage to keep the lighthouse functioning. 

Each beautiful page of this gorgeous picture book invites readers to discover a simpler time, and maybe even consider the impact of burgeoning technology.  With captivating illustrations and lyrical language, this book would make a beautiful addition to any library--home, school, or otherwise. 

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

• Using plastic cups, create a lighthouse and decorate it. See this website for detailed instructions.
• Think about what it might be like to live in a lighthouse. Write a story or poem about what you might experience.
• Conversation starters:  "Would you like to live in a lighthouse? Why or why not?" "If you lived In a lighthouse, what things might you have to live without? What would you miss most?" "Of all the places you have lived, what has been your favorite? Why?"

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

When plans change unexpectedly, a mother and daughter make the most of their time together.

What happens when a mother and daughter find that they are all dressed up, with nowhere to go? Rushing turns to relaxation in this stunning picture book, as each lovely page begs readers to linger in the beauty of the story. Young and old alike may find themselves slowing down, taking time to meander through the pages and enjoy each lovely detail. And that's what it's ultimately about--pausing to savor the beauty and joy of relationship.

WHILE WE’RE HERE also touches on disappointment and change and the value of resiliency—pivoting when things don’t go as planned. Young readers will surely identify with the crestfallen child, and delight in the adventures that result from the unexpected circumstances. With spare text, gorgeous illustrations, and emotional resonance, this book will stand up to multiple readings and is sure to become a favorite!

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

• ​Plan a day to be together with a loved one. Or, find a way to spend time together spontaneously—a trip to a park, the zoo, an ice cream shop, etc..
• Think of a time when you made the best of a disappointing situation. What happened? How did you feel? What choices did you make? Write a poem or a story about it.
• Conversation starters:  "Do you prefer rushing around or relaxing? Why?" "What is your favorite activity to do with a loved one?" "Have you ever missed an important event? How did you feel?"

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

Beautifully illustrated, this informational book traces the journey of a sea turtle, from a tiny hatchling to a mother laying eggs of her own.

If you're looking for a picture book that takes a deep dive into the world of sea turtles, this one is for you! Beginning with eggs hatching in a sandy nest, the author, a marine biologist, photojournalist, and conservationist, traces the life of a single turtle through the adventures--and dangers--she faces throughout the various stages of her life-long journey. Young and old alike will be fascinated by the captivating illustrations and the depth of information presented in this gorgeous book.

I love that THE SECRET LIVE OF A SEA TURTLE doesn't just teach about these incredible creatures--it challenges readers to act to protect them and their environment. The back matter includes five actionable steps readers can take to help protect sea turtles, as well as information about the various sea turtle species, and the impact that environmental factors, such as temperature and artificial light, has on sea turtles. This book would make an excellent resource for classroom units on conservation, life cycles, or studies of animal habitats and behaviors. 

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

• ​Look through the list of sea turtle species in the back matter. Choose one species to study. Write a story or poem, incorporating some of the things you learned from your research.
• Read "Five Actions You Can Take to Protect Sea Turtles" in the back matter. Choose one action item to do or put into practice. 
• Choose a phase of a sea turtle's life--a hatchling escaping from her shell, a baby sea turtle catching currents, a young sea turtle munching on seagrass and growing, or a mother sea turtle searching for a place to lay her eggs. Write a story or draw a picture about what the sea turtle experienced in that stage.
• Conversation starters: "What is one interesting fact you learned about sea turtles from this book?" "If you could be any of the species of sea turtles, which one would you be? Why?" 

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

A poetic account of Paul Revere's famous ride, told from multiple perspectives.

What actually happened on the night Paul Revere made his famous ride? This beautiful, informative picture book sets the record straight as it reveals first-hand accounts of the historic events. Beginning the afternoon of April 18, 1775, readers are transported back in time as a doctor, an enslaved man, a teenaged fifer, and others tell what they witnessed.

The book opens with a map that grounds readers in the setting of the story, detailing key places in Boston, and showing how far Paul Revere had to ride that night. Through each stage of the action, the author uses a combination of historical context, lyrical verse, and quotes from those who lived the events, to tell the story.  With bold illustrations, action-packed prose, and educational back matter, this engaging picture book would make a wonderful addition to classroom units on the American Revolution, or a perfect supplement to at-home learning. Additionally, the captivating prose and compelling action makes it accessible for younger learners, while the factual content and historical context will challenge older readers, as well. 

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

• Read the famous poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Compare and contrast the story described in the poem with the facts you learned in the book. 
• Imagine what Paul Revere might have experienced during his ride. What might he have tasted, smelled, heard, or felt? Write a poem about what that experience might have been like. 
• Visit the Paul Revere House website and discover many fascinating facts, including an interactive map of Paul Revere's ride.
• Conversation starters:  "Of all the voices you heard in this book, which one was your favorite? Why?" "If you were Paul Revere, what do you think you would have felt during the ride--fear, joy, anger, excitement, etc...? Why?"

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

Lovely and informative, this picture book details the many captivating characteristics of eggs.

Beautifully illustrated, with splendid detail, this gorgeous picture book is as informative as it is lovely. From the moment readers open the cover, they are presented with learning opportunities. The endpapers at the front of the book show a comparative assortment of the many eggs discussed inside, while the endpapers at the back of the book show the animals hidden inside the eggs! Readers will love poring over the gorgeous illustrations as they discover fascinating facts about various animals' eggs. 

The thing I love about this book is its simplicity. Each page is anchored by a simple statement, which is then expanded on using educational sidebars or detailed illustrations, or both. In this way, the book can be adapted to the very young, or to older readers as well, making it perfect for at-home learning, library reading, or classroom discussions.

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

• ​Before reading this book, create a KWL chart listing things you KNOW (K) in one column, and things you WANT TO KNOW (W) in another column. After you've read the book, list all the things you LEARNED (L) about eggs in a third column. Click here for free KWL chart templates from Canva.
• Select an egg that interests you, from this book. Study it and then write a poem or draw a picture about it.
• Choose two eggs from this book. What do these eggs have in common? How are they different? Using a Venn diagram, organize your observations. Click here for a free, printable Venn diagram template.
• Conversation starters:  "Which egg did you find most interesting? Why?" "If you were an egg, which one would you be? Why?" "What is one thing you learned about eggs from this book?"

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

A delightfully entertaining tale that teaches collective nouns.

Something mysterious has happened in the field--a rabbit has disappeared! Soon, a group (or scurry) of squirrels is on the case, trying to discover her whereabouts, asking the other animals in the forest if they have any idea where she could be. Young learners will delight in identifying the various animals, and then counting the animals represented in each group. Additionally, the informative back matter will assist readers in learning the names of each animal collection. 

The lovely illustrations work well with the author's use of lyrical language to propel the action forward and keep young readers guessing--all the while, teaching collective nouns, many of which may be unfamiliar. A Fluffle of Bunnies would make an ideal addition to a unit on baby animals, or it could be a vehicle through which collective nouns are introduced and taught. With educational opportunities abounding on each page, it's the perfect choice for a library read-aloud, at-home learning, or bed-time snuggling. 

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

• Take a nature walk. Identify the animals you see and recall their collective nouns. 
• Which collective noun is your favorite? Draw a picture of those animals, or write a story or poem about them.
• Pair with Christie Matheson's A Mischief of Mice (Sourcebook Jabberwocky, 2024).
• Conversation starters:  "If you could be any animal in this book, which one would you be? Why?" "What is your favorite animal? Why?" "Which collective noun is your favorite? Why?"

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

A fun and fascinating look at some of the world's most interesting plants.

Full disclosure:  this book is classified as middle grade and is significantly longer than a picture book, but in honor of the first day of spring, I had to include this gorgeous book, packed with information and overflowing with vivid illustrations. It contains fascinating facts about some of the most intriguing plants on earth--a meat-eating plant, a tree that makes the sound of an explosion when its seeds dry, the flower that killed Abraham Lincoln's mom.  

FANTASTIC FLORA would make an ideal resource for classroom teaching or at-home learning. The engaging illustrations and captivating content make it easily accessible to both younger and more advanced learners. Additionally, scattered throughout each chapter, are sidebars that extend learning opportunities, informing readers about the origin of a plant's name,  the science behind the plant's adaptations, or the ways the plant may have impacted history. ​Readers will love learning about all the wild, weird, and wonderful things that make these unique plants special.

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

• Choose your favorite flora and compose a poem, draw a picture, or write a story about it.
• Check out this website for a teacher's guide and extension activities to consider.
• Go on a stump hunt. Walk through a wooded area and look for tree stumps. Investigate the wood rings. What information about the tree can you gather by looking at the rings? 
• Conversation starters: "What was your favorite plant? Why?" "Of all the plants included in this book, which one did you find most interesting? Why?" "If you were a plant, which one would you be? Why?"

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