A dandelion can teach much about seeds and seasons and cycles, and the big world that a wind-blown seed can travel, but it also can make us appreciate the challenges it must overcome. This gorgeous book is at once simple and profound. You may be surprised and pleased by the questions and observations of your children after reading this together.
A simple, small act of kindness may go much farther than you think. Brian wasn't looking for anything in return when he gave his mother a great big hug. Brian's hug set in motion a series of unselfish acts that reached more people (and even animals) than he could ever know. This is a story that happens every day, with infinite variation, among good-hearted people everywhere. After all, kindness IS contagious.
Using animal behavior as an example, this book proves that everyone is afraid sometimes.
When the class finds out that the new boy, Alex, exaggerates and even lies, no one wants anything to do with him. But when Alex helps Jim, he decides to befriend him, and soon Alex learns that to be accepted, you just need to be yourself.
The narrator of this story idolizes his older brother. But when big brother leaves for the army, the narrator tries his best to fill big brother's shoes for his younger brother.
Cyril is shunned by other animals in the zoo because he looks so different from them. However, when winter comes Cyril's colors and stories remind them of the beauty of the natural world and that spring will soon return.
Jim's "Strongest Man in the World!" costume gives him the confidence he needs to stand up to a third-grade bully and save the day.
A fanciful adaptation of a Turkish folktale that tells the story of a poor villager, a donkey, and a wise man whose clever plan outwits a tyrannical Mongol ruler.
After wondering about the new girl's hijab, the class learns just how much they all have in common.
When Jim returns to school after his dog, Muffins, has died, his friends try to comfort him, but Jim wants to be left alone. His classmates are hurt by his rejection, but their teacher explains that Jim needs time to himself. An excellent book for a child who has lost a pet.
Although the children are told to send a card to everyone in their class, George gets fewer cards than everyone else. But his classmates quickly rally round and successfully cheer him up.
At least one sibling in each family shown in this book has a disability. And like all siblings they play, squablle, and work together to solve their differences.
A fun look at manners. Readers will learn about the importance of saying please and thank you, and being respectful in their interactions with others.
When it's dinnertime at home, Zachary wishes he didn't have to help. When he visits his multi-ethnic friends, he is not asked to help, but discovers the many foods and traditions of their culture. He returns home eager to share his traditions with them, and to help with the chores!
It's time to color outside the lines. Max's teacher wants the class to color-in pictures for Mother's Day presents, but Max knows that his mother would not want a dumb flower picture drawn by someone else. Determined to express his creativity, Max runs off to draw his own picture. Max's drawing not only inspires the rest of the class to create their own original artwork but also enlightens the teacher. This book is good for your brain because: Early Childhood Literacy, Self-Expression
Acclaimed author Kathryn Lasky explores the nature of friendship in three delightful stories for beginning readers. Creative, impulsive Poodle and loyal, dependable Hound are an unexpected pair. Together they star gaze, plant a garden and prove that two very different individuals can not only be compatible, they can complement and help one another. This book is good for your brain because: Friendship, Helpfulness, Language Arts
Books make everything better. Being a bookstore tiger is hard work. There's much patrolling, and a lot of sitting in laps at story hour, and then there's sleeping in the window display. But Raj is up to the task. He is fierce and proud, until Snowball comes along. The new cat in the bookstore informs Raj that he's just a marmalade kitty-cat. Times get tough then for the bookstore tiger. But bookstore and Raj owner Felicity, with the help of poet William Blake, knows how to fix things. In turn, with a very special book, Raj is able to fix things with Snowball. Paige Keiser's quirky, intimate illustrations invite readers to curl up and share a story, with their own tigers or a friend.
A trip to the vet requires bravery. They met and became best friends in Aggie and Ben. They learned to behave in Good Dog, Aggie. Now Aggie and Ben must conquer their fears in their third book for beginning readers. Aggie has to go to the vet, but it's Ben who needs to be brave as he deals with a night without his best friend. When Aggie returns home, she is unable to play. Ben must do his best to take care of her and make her feel better. Frank W. Dormer's expressive illustrations tell the story of the special bond between a boy and his loyal dog. Young readers will love the continuing adventures of Aggie and Ben.
The friends find a treasure that doesn't belong to them. Should they keep it? Or should they try to find the owner? Character concepts: being responsible, being honest, working together
Pig is having fun in the mud. But when his barnyard friends what to play in the mud too, will he learn it's more fun to share or will he hog all the mud to himself? This adorably illustrated story teaches young readers the value of taking turns and sharing.
Leon is just lying around when all of a sudden he finds cool items in the grass. When the others come looking for their missing things, Leon doesn't admit they're in his backpack. Will he get away with his little lies or will his friends discover the truth? Young readers learn that being honest comes with great rewards.
Old Scruff is having it rough with the fleas until two sly cats teach him new tricks. Young readers will learn, through this humorous and beautifully illustrated story, the key to earning respect: always saying please and thank you.
When Dog is down on Cat's plans, will Cat give up or keep after her dream? Character concept: Responsibility: Never give up.
When Henry invites Miss Moo to go to the beach for the day, he has no idea what's in store! Will a trip to the beach be a blast or a bummer when Miss Moo brings all the wrong things? Children will enjoy reading about why it's important to think before you act with this fun and colorful story
Ocho the Octopus is best at helping others. And he enjoys it. But how will the others react when Ocho can use help? Children will learn that being kind is easy with this beautifully illustrated story.
