| The First Week of School by Drew BeckmeyerIt's just a typical first week of school: a teacher, a classroom pet, kids with mixed emotions, and...an alien? Closely observed crayon art and an unusual, extraterrestrial perspective distinguish this funny, feel-good read. |
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| Prunella by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Claire KeaneTreated like an outsider because of her affinity for odd and eerie plants, prickly young gardener Prunella blossoms when she meets other curious kids with unusual interests. Nature-lovers and nonconformists will relate to this hopeful horticultural tale. |
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| The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam WinstonIn this lexicographical lark, Dictionary decides to bring her words to life, causing animals, objects, and events to burst from the pages. Charming chaos ensues, depicted in unique multimedia illustrations packed with quirky details. |
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| Just What to Do by Kyle Lukoff; illustrated by Hala TahboubA card, a laugh, a hug -- different people need different things after they experience a loss, as the child in this book discovers through kindhearted trial and error. Read-alike: Cori Doerrfeld’s The Rabbit Listened, another sweet story about emotions and communication. |
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I Love Myself by Wai Mei WongIn this positive and encouraging story about self-love, a young child goes through their day as their inner self, portrayed as a cuddly imaginary creature who supports them in everything they do and helps them through any challenges that may arise. Illustrations.
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| Rescue Cat by Stephen SavageFormer street kitty Butterscotch was rescued by a loving child. So when Butterscotch sees a lion cub in danger on the TV, she's ready to do some rescuing of her own! Bold, cartoony artwork of Butterscotch's imagined heroism contrasts amusingly with softer illustrations of domestic reality. Read-alike: Andrew Larsen's Jungle Cat. |
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| You Go First by Ariel Bernstein; illustrated by Marc RosenthalA tall, twisty new slide at the playground evokes wildly differing emotions for besties Duck and Cat. Duck is excited, but Cat is worried -- could the slide be too exciting? Gentle humor and expressive characters distinguish this story about balance and bravery between friends. Read-alike: Daniel Kirk's The Big Slide. |
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Being You: A First Conversation about Gender by Megan MadisonResearch shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice. This book begins the conversation on gender, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.
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| Greenlight by Breanna CarzooAt the bottom of the traffic signal, Greenlight is saddened by the way cars pay attention to Redlight and Yellowlight but speed away as soon as Greenlight shines. What if Greenlight just goes dark? Read-alikes: Lou and The Squish, creator Breanna Carzoo's other playful forays into the emotions of anthropomorphic objects. |
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Just Help!: How to Build a Better World by Sonia SotomayorIn a story inspired by her own family's desire to help others, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor takes young readers on a journey through a neighborhood where kids and adults, activists and bus drivers, friends and strangers all help one another to build a better world for themselves and their community.
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Stacey's Remarkable Books by Stacey AbramsWhen she discovers that a new student has trouble reading in English, Stacey shares books and stories to help her practice and soon other students join them, learning about other worlds and cultures and the power of friendship.
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Still This Love Goes On by Buffy Sainte-MarieThis beautifully illustrated tribute to Indigenous communities everywhere brings to life an Academy Award-winning Cree icon's song of the same name, combining meaningful lyrics with breathtaking illustrations to create an extraordinary piece of art.
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