A haughty, tough-talking buffalo realizes the power of acceptance, and the joy of being loved unconditionally!

Looking for a book that captivates, entertains, and challenges, all at once? Look no further! Bess Kalb's use of silly words, whimsical rhyme, and engaging refrain make this book a joy to read aloud. Young learners will love joining in as the protagonist huffs and puffs, and all the while, the bold and eye-catching illustrations compel readers toward the climax--where everything changes! 

This funny picture book, with its light-hearted language and comical surprise ending, provides a delightful vehicle for a more serious--and timely--message. In a world where people often present themselves in a way that hides the reality, this message of honesty, transparency, and acceptance is powerful, and much needed.

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

• Compare and contrast Buffalo Fluffalo, in the beginning and at the end of the book. What were his characteristics (both inside and out) before and after the storm?
• Using a paper plate, markers, and construction paper, create a buffalo mask. Check out this website for instructions!
•  Conversation starters:  "Why do you think Buffalo Fluffalo acted the way he did in the beginning of the book?" "Can you think of a time when you were concerned about what other people would think? What did you do?"

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

Join a little girl on her big adventure through the jungle--and learn along the way!

This little board book packs a BIG educational punch! As Marta makes her way through the jungle, readers learn about opposites, comparison, perspective--and jungle animals! All the while, Spanish and English are beautifully blended throughout, making this bilingual picture book a treasure for young learners. With spare text, bold and fun illustrations, and an exciting surprise ending, Marta! Big & Small is sure to be enjoyed over and over again--by big and small alike!

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

• Using the words, or names of animals, featured in this book, play charades, acting out each one. Students may guess the words in Spanish or in English.
• Go on a walk, and hunt for opposites in nature--things that are fast or slow, rough or smooth, small or big, noisy or silent, etc...
• Select five favorite stuffed animals. Line them up and compare them to each other. Is one big, and another small? Are some both small and big, depending on what they're compared to? What are their differences and similarities?
• Conversation starters:  "If you could learn any language, what language would you want to learn?" "Can you think of something that is both big and small, depending on what it is compared to?" 

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

Sometimes, with time and perspective, we realize that the things that appeared to be ordinary, were extraordinary, all along.

I read The Dress and the Girl for the first time and immediately wanted to read it again--to experience the layers of story and beauty and meaning this book offers, once more. The lovely simplicity of the illustrations, combined with the poignant storyline, make this a touching and heartwarming read.

It's the story of a hand-made dress, and a girl, who do everything together on a lovely Greek island. But when the family emigrates to the United States and their trunk, containing the beloved dress, gets lost, it's up to the two of them to try to find one another again. Full of aspiration, adventure, perseverance, and hope, this story is sure to challenge readers to reflect on the things that are important in life, and why. 

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

• ​Think about your family history. What are some important events that have taken place? (Marriages, births, moves, etc.) Create a timeline, charting the events that have been meaningful for your family.
• In this story, the dress traveled the world. Write a story, or draw a picture, detailing the dress's adventures.
• Conversation starters:  "Is there an item has special meaning to you? What is it, and why is it special?" "If you could travel the world, where would you go?" 

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

A child takes a walk and discovers all the ways nature is preparing for the change of seasons.

When the morning air feels crisp, and leaves begin to turn and fall, we are reminded that saying goodbye to one season means embracing the onset of another. ​And that's what Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn is all about.

As a young child ventures through the countryside, a town, and back home again, greeting the surroundings with a friendly, "Hello!" different facets of nature respond, reflecting how each one is coping with the changing weather.  Written as a conversation between a child and the natural world, this warm and inviting picture book, with its rich illustrations and lovely use of color,  invites readers to snuggle up, settle in, and enjoy the world all around.

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

• Take a nature walk. Observe signs of the current season. Are there any visible hints that the season might be changing?
• Choose an object in the natural world--a tree, a chipmunk, a puddle--and write a story, including dialogue, about a conversation you would have with it, about the changing seasons. What does it do when the weather changes? How does it prepare for winter? 
• Conversation starters:  "Do you like change, or do you prefer things to stay the same? Why?" "What is your favorite season, and why?" 

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