Discover the story of a stone--all that a stone is, and all that it might become!

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.

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

• Go on a nature walk and look for stones. Observe their characteristics--color, texture, weight. Compare and contrast the stones, according to their visible attributes.
• Find a stone and write a story about it. In your imagination, where has it been? What adventures has it experienced, and what things has it seen?
• For more resources and activities, check out the author's website.
• Conversation starters:  "If you were a stone, what would your story be?"

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!

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. 

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

• The story ends with Max eyeing the fishbowl. Predict what Max will do. Draw a picture, or write a story, showing what you think will happen next.
• Create a paper plate kitty. For step-by-step instructions, click here.
• Conversation starters:  "If you were a cat, what adventures would you have?" "If you could have any pet, what would it be? Why?"

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.

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.

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

• Write a letter, or draw a picture, to send to a loved one who lives far away. 
• For more information about the advertisements featured in this book, visit the author's website.
• Conversation starters: "How might it feel to be separated from family?" "How can family members today stay connected, even when they live far from each other?" ​

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!

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.

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

• Take a walk together around the block. Then, create a map of your neighborhood. 
• Write a story about (or draw a picture, of) the adventures a cat might have at night.
• Check out the author's website for more fun activities! 
• Conversation starters:  "If you could travel anywhere, were would you go?" "Which do you prefer, exploring new places, or staying closer to home?" 

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