Picture Books
Horrible bear!
Ame Dyckman
jE Dyckman
Kids, Picture Books
When Bear breaks a little girl's kite, she thinks he is a "HORRIBLE BEAR!"--until she makes a mistake of her own and learns the power of saying "I'm sorry."
Sorry (really sorry)
Joanna Cotler
jE Cotler
Kids, Picture Books
After Cow's bad mood spreads to the whole farm, Dog starts a new chain reaction by showing kindness.
A sweet and thoughtful picture book about how one act of kindness can change the world. -Angie
Rita and Ralph's rotten day
Carmen Agra Deedy
jE Deedy
Kids, Picture Books
Rita and Ralph live on neighboring hills and they are best friends, until a silly accident while goofing around ends up with both of them angry and unhappy--and they both need to find a way to heal the break in their relationship.
This well-crafted story is an excellent choice for those seeking books featuring conflict-resolution. Kids can glean a lot from Rita and Ralph: miscommunication is an easy, inevitable occurrence between friends, and though making up is much more difficult, it's always worth a shot, and accountability goes a long way when making amends. -Angie
How to apologize
David LaRochelle
jE LaRochelle
Kids, Picture Books
From the team behind See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog comes a funny and handy guide that explains just how (and how not!) to say I'm sorry. Wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone knew how to apologize? Luckily, this humorous guidebook is full of practical tips about when, why, and how to say you're sorry. From a porcupine who accidentally popped his friend's balloon to a snail who was running so fast he stepped on a sloth's toes, hilarious examples and sweet illustrations abound. For both listeners who are just learning and older readers who need a refresher, this book will come as a welcome reminder that even though apologizing can be hard, it doesn't have to be complicated.
Wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone knew how to apologize? Luckily, this humorous guidebook is full of practical tips about when, why, and how to say you're sorry. This is a great picture book full of humor to help kids understand the process. -Angie
Bodies are cool
Tyler Feder
jE Feder
Picture Books, Read Woke, Diverse Characters
Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text celebrate bodies of all shapes, sizes, ages, and colors, with different kinds of hair, eyes, spots, scars, and more.
Bodies Are Cool! Unashamedly all bodies positive and I am definitely here for it. -Casey
The night walk
Marie Dorléans
jE Dorleans
Picture Books
"Mama opened our bedroom door. 'Wake up, you two,' she whispered. 'Let's go, so we get there on time.' Excited, the sleepy family step outside into a beautiful summer night. The world is quiet and shadowy, filled with fresh smells and amazing sights. Is this what they miss when they're asleep? Together, they walk out of their sleeping village. What will they find in the dark landscape? This beautiful and evocative book movingly recalls family trips and the excitement of unknown adventure, while celebrating the awe-inspiring joy of the natural world."--Amazon.
Shadowy illustrations and an unknown destination make the journey more than worth it. Families may find themselves on their own night walk after sharing this one. -Casey
The happiness of a dog with a ball in its mouth
Bruce Handy
jE Handy
Picture Books, Diverse Characters
"Starting from the happiness of waking up into a brand-new day, the picture book goes on to explore the kinds of relationships and contrasts that play out between our feelings and experiences every single day. Whether it's the nervousness of a beginning paired with the happiness of a middle; the indignity of a cut against the happiness of a scab; the boredom of nothing to do contrasted with the happiness of nothing to do; or the divide of mine against the happiness of our, these pages challenge the reader to think about daily activities and experiences and the feelings they conjure. The Happiness of a Dog with a Ball in Its Mouth is a gentle, fun, and philosophical read"--
What a nice exploration of opposites and how they are often fluid. This is a perfect book for savoring together. -Casey
Your mama
NoNieqa Ramos
jE Ramos
Picture Books, Read Woke
Illustrations and easy-to-read text twist classic "your mama" jokes into a celebration of the beauty, power, and love of motherhood.
Remember all of those "your mama" jokes in the '90s? Well, all joking aside, Your Mama is awesome! -Casey
My nana's garden
Dawn Casey
jE Casey
Picture Books, Read Woke
A little girl visits her grandmother in different seasons, and together they explore the wonders of her garden. Until, one day, Nana isn't there anymore. But as winter gives way to spring, the girl learns that life goes on, and so does the memory of those we love. --
Gardening as a metaphor for the passage of time? Yes please! -Casey
Is was
Deborah (Deborah Jane) Freedman
jE Freedman
Picture Books, Poetry
Takes a look at change, from the innocent and everyday to the gigantic and irreversible, as well as how some things remain the same.
This is a high concept book presented in the most accessible of ways, and I can't wait to share it in storytimes. Be sure to read the dedication at the end, as the poetry and illustrations come together fully realizing the larger concept here. Simply lovely. -Casey
Bear didn't mean to break a little girl's kite, but she's upset anyway--upset enough to shout "HORRIBLE BEAR!" Bear can't believe it. He's not horrible! But now he's upset, too--upset enough to come up with a truly Horrible Bear idea. In this charming but goofy picture book, readers will learn all about tempers, forgiveness, and friendship as Bear prepares to live up to his formerly undeserved reputation while the little girl realizes that maybe--just maybe--Bear isn't as horrible as she thought. -Angie