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!

A tender, heartwarming tribute to parental love and the precious gift of adoption.

When a tiny baby joins a family, there's no limit to the love that is shared! CRAZY-MUCH LOVE is bestowed upon a child whose parents have waited and dreamed and traveled far distances in order to bring her into their family. As the child grows, she begins to realize just how special she is and how very much she is loved.

The lyrical words and the author's use of repetition work so beautifully to answer the questions of this child's heart: How much is she loved? and How long will that love last? The lively, fun, and vibrant illustrations in this gorgeous picture book reflect the vivacious nature of love that never quits or ends or gives up, but lasts forever and always!

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

• Think of a family member that you love. Write a letter or draw a picture for them. 
• Pair with Nancy Tupper Ling's The Story I'll Tell.
• Conversation starters:  "What is your favorite thing to do with your parent or caregiver?" "What are the things you love most about your parent or caregiver?" "What are the things you appreciate about your family? Is there anything you would like to change?"

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

A lyrical exploration of the beauty of night.

DARK ON LIGHT, written in mesmerizing rhyme and coupled with captivating illustrations, is sure to inspire readers to grab a flashlight, go outside, and explore the wonder of night. Animals, vegetation, and starry skies take on a spellbinding beauty in this gorgeous picture book. 

What I love most about DARK ON LIGHT is in the way the lullingly lyrical text mingles with the adventure that is depicted in the illustrations.  Astute readers will notice that the children are not just out exploring their nighttime surroundings. Subtle clues along the way let the reader know that there is something else going on entirely. The siblings are not just out on a night walk, but rather leading a search! This element of mystery and discovery is sure to encourage multiple readings, making this a perfect choice for library and classroom learning, or bedtime snuggling!

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

• Take a night walk with a parent or caregiver. Use your five senses to discover the sights, sounds, and scents of nighttime.
• Write a poem about night! Consider including sensory words in your poem. (For a list of sensory words, click here.)
• Brainstorm a list of nocturnal animals. Write a story or draw a picture about a nocturnal animal's adventures at night.
• Pair with Marie Dorleans' The Night Walk.
• Conversation starters:  "Which is your favorite--day or night? Why?" "What is your favorite thing to do at night?" "If you were a nocturnal animal, which one would you be?"

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