A vibrant, lyrical, and informative picture book about the wonders of cicadas.

Who knew that cicadas have more than one set of eyes, or that males can't hear their own mating calls, or that a female can lay hundreds of eggs at one time? These are just a few of the fascinating facts that each page of this colorful book unearths. 

Told in rhyme, with informative sidebars scattered throughout the vivid illustrations, this beautiful and insightful picture book will help readers understand the cicada's life cycle, and better appreciate the role they play in the natural world. With a glossary of terms in the back, an author's note, and a diagram of a cicada, young learners will be equipped to go out and look for signs of cicadas, themselves.

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

• Go for a walk. Use your senses to try to locate cicadas. Do you hear their sounds? Observe their "chimneys" near tree trunks? Identify their molted exoskeletons? Record your observations.
• Make a list of animals that molt and choose one. Create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast that animal with cicadas. How are the two similar? What are their differences? Click here for a printable Venn diagram template.
• ​Check out this website for more information about cicadas and for free printable worksheets and activities.
• Conversation starters: "What is one thing you learned about cicadas, after reading CICADA SYMPHONY?" "If you could have one of the cicada's characteristics, (ability to molt, multiple sets of eyes, etc...) which one would you want to have? Why?"

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

The fascinating true story behind Margery Williams' classic, The Velveteen Rabbit.

Margery Williams' time-honored tale gets a fresh look in this beautifully illustrated picture book. With text from The Velveteen Rabbit deftly woven throughout, Molly Golden tells the story of a young girl, often left alone with her imagination. Through the loss she experiences, the adventures she encounters, and through her own love of story-telling, a beloved book is born. 

For readers unfamiliar with The Velveteen Rabbit, this picture book provides the perfect introduction, and for those who already are familiar with or admire the classic, Becoming Real grants a deeper look at the events that led to its creation. With an author's note that expounds on Margery Williams' story and an extensive list of social-emotional activities that encourage readers to enjoy time with their own special toy, this book is perfect for reading at the library, in the classroom, or curled up at home with a favorite stuffed animal! 

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

• Pair with Margery Williams' The Velveteen Rabbit.
• Read the section in the back of the book, "Social Emotional Activities to Share with Your Toy," and try a few of the activities.
• Conversation starters: "Do you have a toy that is special to you? What makes it so special?" "If you have a special toy, what is your favorite memory with that toy? What is your favorite shared activity?" "In the story, Margery used her imagination in creative ways. What are some ways you use your imagination?" 

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

A moving tribute to a man whose actions saved the lives of hundreds of children during World War II.

With poignant simplicity, Peter Sís skillfully weaves together two seemingly unrelated stories--one about a boy named Nicky who lives in England, collects stamps, and grows up longing for adventure, and the other about Vera, a girl who lives in Prague, loves her family, and cares for cats. The result is a stirring narrative that reminds readers of the power of courage and the incredible impact one life can have on another. 

The language simply and clearly tells the story, while the nuanced illustrations, with layers of meaning, offer springboards for conversations, with each page that's turned. This stirring picture book would be a valuable addition to any unit or classroom discussion on World War II or the Holocaust, or any conversation about courage and what it means to do what is right in the face of evil.

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

• ​If you happen to have a history museum nearby that explores the Holocaust, visit the museum, and write about what you learned. 
• In the story, Nicky helps others in need. Identify someone in need--a sick neighbor, a friend who feels sad, a teacher who seems overwhelmed--and think of something you can do to help or be an encouragement. 
• Pair this story with One Day:  A True Story of Survival in the Holocaust, by Michael Rosen, or Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry.
• Conversation starters:  "How does this story make you feel? Why?" "Nicky saw that bad things were happening and he acted quickly. Can you think of a time when something happened that you felt was wrong? How did you respond? Is there anything you would do differently now?" "In your opinion, is it hard or easy to be courageous? Why?"

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

A seemingly simple and fun introduction to colors, habitats, and the foods that nourish animals and people, alike.

What better vehicle to explore animals' diets than through the use of color! Readers will love identifying various colors, differentiating between the animals and their habitats, and predicting which color comes next. And to take it one step further, the informative back matter delves deeper into various habitats, the life they support, and the food sources that grow in each. 

The simplicity of the text belies the complex opportunities for learning this book presents. It would make a perfect springboard for units on color or animals, or it could be used to supplement explorations of nutrition, natural habitats, and biodiversity. With vibrant and captivating illustrations and intriguing text that asks questions and challenges readers to engage with the material, WHO EATS ORANGE? is sure become a favorite at the library, in the classroom, or at home.

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

• Take a trip to the grocery store! Make a list of your favorite fresh fruits and vegetables. When you get home, graph the foods, according to their colors. 
• Draw a picture of, or write a poem about, your favorite food, or your favorite animal. 
• Humans and animals all must eat food. Compare and contrast the types of foods that are eaten by both humans and animas. Can you think of any food that only animals eat?  Are there foods that only humans eat? Use a Venn Diagram to sort your answers. 
• Conversation Starters:  "If you could live in any habitat, what would it be? Why?" "What is your favorite animal? Why?" "What is your favorite animal? Why?"

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