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Who Laid These Eggs?                                  Perfect Picture Book Friday

9/19/2025

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Fun facts about animals' eggs await discovery in this vibrant and informative, flap-lifting board book. 
Picture
text copyright Laura Gehl, 2024, illustrations copyright Loris Lora, 2024, Abrams Appleseed
Little hands will love lifting flaps, predicting the answers, and searching for hidden information in this vividly illustrated, informative board book. As they make their way through the story, young learners will discover that eggs come in all different sizes, colors, and textures, depending on the animals that lay them. There may be some surprises, along the way--who knew that a snake's eggs are soft, or that hens' eggs might be pink or blue or green?! Additionally, this little book, packed with educational opportunities, would make the perfect catalyst for conversations about various habitats and the importance of caring for the environment.
Title:  WHO LAID THESE EGGS?

Author:  Laura Gehl

Illustrator:  Loris Lora

Publisher:  Abrams Appleseed

Age:  2-4

Themes:  Nature, Birds, Habitat
Here are a few activities to consider that align with the themes of this book:
  • Locate a chicken coup (perhaps on a nearby farm or a friend who raises chickens) and schedule a time to go visit.  Were there any eggs? If so, what color(s) were they? Were the eggs smooth or rough? Warm or cold? Plain or speckled?
  • Practice counting, addition, and subtraction with this butterfly egg counting activity.​
  • Conversations starters: "In this book, how did each parent protect their eggs?" "What is one thing that your parent does to protect you?" "Which eggs in this book were the smallest? The largest?"
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
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Some Questions About Trees                      Perfect Picture Book Friday

9/12/2025

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Playfully charming and thought-provoking musings about trees.
Picture
text and illustrations copyright Toni Yuly, 2022, Atheneum
Simply written and beautifully illustrated, this picture book presents thoughtful questions on each page for curious learners to consider. Readers will be challenged to wonder about all sorts of things they may have never thought of before--whether trees feel lonely, if a tree has dreams of its own, or if trees ever get scared. With spare text and captivating illustrations, this book is sure to capture the imagination and prompt many thoughtful musings!
Title:  SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT TREES

Author and Illustrator:  Toni Yuly

Publisher:  Atheneum, 2022

Age: 4-8

​Themes:  Nature, Trees, Curiosity, Wonder, Imagination
Here are a few activities to consider that align with the themes of this book:
  • Go to a park and picnic under a tree. What kind of tree did you choose? What do you notice about the tree you chose to sit under? Draw a picture or write a story about what you observed.
  • Pair with informational picture books about trees, such as Because of an Acorn (Schaefer/Preston-Gannon, Chronicle, 2016) What Do You See When You Look At A Tree? (Carlisle, Templar, 2022) and It Starts With A Seed (Knowles, Words & Pictures, 2017).
  • Conversation starters:  "What are some questions you have about trees?" "If you were a tree, what kind would you be?" 
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
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Four Feet, Two Sandals                                 Perfect Picture Book Friday

9/5/2025

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Tenderly poignant picture book about friendship in the midst of a refugee camp.
Picture
text copyright Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed, 2007, illustration copyright Doug Chayka, 2007, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
As relief workers hand out clothes at a refugee camp in Pakistan, sandals become a vehicle for friendship. When two girls each happen to find a single shoe, they ultimately find each other, as well. Working together, they must figure out how to share their new sandals. As their friendship grows, they rely on one another--not just for shoes, but for support as they navigate the difficulties and heartaches of life in a refugee camp. 

Each beautiful page of this tenderly inspiring picture book reveals a glimpse into the reality that many refugees face as they grapple with the loss of home, family, and possessions, as well as the unknown of what the future might bring. A note at the end of the book reveals that this story is based on experiences the author has had with refugees along the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan. 
Title:  FOUR FEET, TWO SANDALS

Authors:  Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed

Illustrator:  Doug Chayka

Publisher:  Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2007

Age:  7-10

Themes:  Friendship, Refugees, Generosity, Compassion, Problem Solving
Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:
  • This story takes place in Pakistan, but Lina traveled on foot from Afghanistan. Locate those countries on a map. How far apart are they? Would that be a long way to walk? To carry a sibling?
  • Pair with Wendy Meddour's Lubna and Pebble. 
  • Consider partnering with organizations that provide relief to refugees. Fundraisers, such as bake sales or lemonade stands, may provide opportunities to raise funds and spread the word, as well.
  • Conversation starters:  "The two girls in this story met when they each had a matching sandal. How did you meet your best friend?​" "Have you ever had to say goodbye to someone you loved? How did you feel?" "If you had to leave your home quickly, what things would you bring with you?"
Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!
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    Author

    As a mom of three and a former teacher, I appreciate books that entertain, empower, and educate. I love finding ways to extend the impact of books into everyday life, through activities, experiences, or conversations.

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