A simple, heartfelt reflection on the special things that bring joy. 

The Thanksgiving season offers opportunities to intentionally reflect on the things we are thankful for. Often, those are the things that fill our hearts with happiness. This board book prompts readers to recognize the things that might be taken for granted--stories, songs, or sunshine--that create a sense of wonder and delight. Then, young learners are challenged to discover what brings them joy. 

With spare text and vivid illustrations, this engaging board book will delight the youngest learners, while challenging older ones to ponder, too. It would make a perfect springboard into conversations about thankfulness and joy, as well as concepts revolving around emotions, community, and family relationships. MY HEART FILLS WITH HAPPINESS will stand up to multiple readings and would be an ideal fit for a read-aloud at the library, or incorporated into a bedtime routine.

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

• Choose an activity mentioned in this book and try it. Does it fill your heart with joy?
• The book refers to baking bannock. With the help of a trusted adult, gather the ingredients and make it. For a recipe for bannock, as well as a brief history of the bread, check out this website.
• Conversation starters:  "What brings you joy?"  "What things are you thankful for?" 

For more perfect picture books, check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

A delightful ode to family, feasting, and giving thanks.

When an extended family gathers together to celebrate Thanksgiving, each member pitches in to help. Whether it's making bread, stirring a pot, or baking a pie, everyone has a job to do or something to offer. This book illustrates the joys of teamwork, the delight of family, and the value of pausing together to be thankful.

Perfect for home, school, or library settings, SHARING THE BREAD begs to be read aloud! With poetic musicality, playful repetition, and gorgeous illustrations that capture a bygone era, this charming picture book is sure to be requested over and over, delighting readers of all ages. 

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

• Plan a meal to cook together with your family. Assign a task for each member of the family to do.  Then, enjoy the meal you've cooked all together.
• Who are the members of your family? Create a family tree to illustrate how each member is related to the others. For free, downloadable family tree templates, check out this website.
• What are you thankful for? Make a list, create a poem, or draw a picture of all the things you are most thankful for.
• Conversation starters:  "What is your favorite holiday? Why?" "Is there a holiday family tradition that you look forward to? What is it?" "If you could share any activity with your family, what would it be?"

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

"Gourd-eously" hilarious picture book celebrating fall, friendship, and the fulfillment that teamwork brings.

Poor Squash! When autumn comes around, Pumpkin gets all the attention. All the love. All the spice. What is a humble squash to do? Join Squash and Pumpkin as they navigate the ups and downs of friendship--appreciating the differences, resisting the urge to compare, and finding the joy in individuality--and teamwork! 

With witty, humorous puns and vividly engaging illustrations, SQUASH & PUMPKIN: #SQUASHGOALS will delight readers of all ages. Learners, young and old, will laugh out loud with Squash, and perhaps even ponder deeper questions of what makes each person unique, and how can we appreciate the differences in others. With endearing characters, adorable illustrations, and comedic readability, this book is perfect for library, school, and at-home reading.

Here's a few activities that align with the themes in this book:

• ​Visit a farm, a farm stand, or a grocery store that sells gourds. Observe the gourds and compare their characteristics. Are they large or small? Rough or smooth? Plain or multi-colored? 
• Make pie, bread, or even bisque using your favorite gourd. With the help of a caregiver, locate a recipe, shop for ingredients, and bake or cook safely. Then, enjoy the delicious food together!
• Plant a pumpkin or squash--or both! For detailed instructions on planting a pumpkin, check out this website. For detailed instructions on planting a squash, check out this website.
• Conversation starters: "Can you think of a time when you felt left out or overlooked? How did that make you feel? What did you do?" "Which do you prefer to eat, squash or pumpkin? Why?"

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

A little imagination is all that's needed to create the perfect day for a granddaughter and her grandmother. 

When playtime gets disturbed by noises all around, a young granddaughter and her grandmother escape to nature to find quiet--and maybe even a little rest. But will buzzing bees, noisy crows, and booming thunder destroy the peace they're looking for? Readers will love joining in the search for quiet, as imagination and the wonders of nature become the centerpiece to a perfect day.

With illustrations as vibrant as the main characters' imaginations, A CUP OF QUIET will challenge readers to recognize and experience the peaceful beauty found in nature. It may even inspire a little imagination, as well! Featuring intergenerational relationships, and brimming with witty insight and lyrical prose, this picture book makes the perfect gift for a special "Grand," as well as an excellent read-aloud for library, school, or at-home settings. 

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

• ​​Plan a visit to a grandparent's house. What activities will you do together? Is there something you can do together that involves imagination? 
• Write a letter or draw a picture for a grandparent who lives far away, or who you aren't able to visit. 
• Go outside, where it's quiet, and collect sounds in nature. Make a list of all the sounds you discovered. Which ones were your favorites? 
• Conversation starters: "What are your favorite things to do with your grandparents?"  "If you had a cup that captured the peaceful sounds of nature, which sounds would you catch? Why?" "What ways do you use your imagination?" "What are some of your favorite things to imagine?"

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