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!