List

The world is a really big place for little kids.

When Olivia starts to feel overwhelmed by her big feelings, she sprouts vines. They are thorny and twisty and make it impossible for Olivia to do the things she loves to do, like ride her bike or play with her friends. Plus, no one wants to come near a giant ball of thorns. Luckily, Olivia has a very special teacher. Someone who sees past the prickly and the pokey to the upset little girl and helps Olivia learn to manage the vines.

This quirky picture book is the perfect introduction to the idea of anxiety and those big feelings that seem impossible to manage. Olivia’s teacher provides some tricks to help manage the feelings, and a special message at the end of the story encourages young readers to think productively about their own anxieties.

Featuring beautiful, emotive illustrations, this is the first story in a series of picture books about a befuddled, lovable Badger and his search for happiness, friends, and love.

Who am I?
White and black.
Day and night.
Badger doesn’t feel quite right…
…and to make matters worse, he now has a blue bottom.

Badger is feeling sad. He can’t sleep. He asks the other animals one by one: “Am I white and black, or black and white?” Can he find an answer? Is anyone listening? Does anyone care? Can he find a friend?

He speaks to several other animals, from zebra to panda to penguin to skunk, as he tries to find out who he is, but along his journey he discovers that it doesn't matter whether he is black or white, just as long as he is kind.

Featuring wry wit, deadpan humour and a heartwarming ending, Blue Badger will endear himself to readers big and small, while touching gently on themes of sadness and identity.

Children will learn to recognize and respond to expressions of emotion through a fun matching technique.

Little Cat Hide-and-Seek Emotions: A Playful Primer to Learn about Your Feelings helps young readers recognize and respond to emotions in themselves and others. The book introduces a range of emotions such as happy, angry, sleepy, anxious, and surprised. Each emotion is featured in a spread in the book, and each spread has a variety of illustrations with cats expressing different emotions. Children will match the emotion to the illustration that most closely represents it.

The book also offers children a chance to engage with their own emotions, asking such questions as “How about you? What makes you happy?” and “Whisper in Little Cat’s ear the name of someone you love.”

Children will enjoy engaging with the character of Little Cat as he experiences a wide range of emotions in this playful, interactive book.

This empathetic and inclusive picture book empowers kids to love themselves and their identities, stand up to hate, and have each others' backs no matter what.

When I say something is unfair to me, but it's fair for you, what does that make it?
When I meditate, it all gets clear.
And if you listen, you will really hear.
I am not alone. I am enough.

It can be scary to feel like you're all on your own, especially in the face of prejudice. But always remember: you are not alone! Based on the Grammy award nominated hip-hop group Alphabet Rockers' empowering song, "Not Alone," this uplifting picture book reminds kids that they always belong. Encouraging words invite readers to love their beautiful selves, celebrate their identities, and use their voices against hate, You Are Not Alone asks us to step up for each other and have each others' backs, no matter what.

Persistence and creativity can lead to amazing things, as Leif the leaf discovers in this lovely storybook from Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Originals.

Leif is a leaf. A worried leaf. It is autumn, and Leif is afraid to fall. "All leaves fall in the fall," say the other leaves. But Leif is determined to find a different way down, and with his friend Laurel, he uses the resources around him to create a net, a kite, a parachute in hopes of softening his landing. The clock is ticking, the wind is blowing. What will happen when a gust of wind pulls Leif from his branch?

In a culture that prizes achievement, kids are often afraid to fail--failing to realize that some of the very ideas that don't work are steps along the path to ones that will.

The best playdates include sharing! Clever opposites narrate a busy toddler playdate full of playing, taking turns, sharing and more, in this charming companion to Up, Up, Up, Down!

From the moment his friends arrive, this energetic boy and his dad are ready for a day full of adventure and opposites. They giggle through a game of hide, hide, hide--find! Taking turns on the slide means stop, stop, stop--go! And of course there's sharing with mine, mine, mine--yours and then more generous yours, yours, yours--mine! Dad is close by supervising all the fun, until it's time to say bye, bye, bye--come again!

Kimberly Gee's expressive illustrations emphasize the playful fun between a boy, his friends, and his father in this clever concept book about playdate dynamics that are sure to entertain little (and big!) members of the family.

The crayons are back in this board book all about feelings from the creators of the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home!

Everyone knows the crayons love to color, but did you know that crayons have feelings too? Sometimes they are happy and sometimes they feel downright blue.

From the creative minds behind the The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home, comes a fun board book to help young readers understand and express their feelings.

Sometimes being nice means being patient with your little brother who doesn’t know how to treat your favorite things. Being nice can mean going to your sister’s boring dance recital. Or tasting a tuna noodle casserole your grandma made—when you can’t stand tuna noodle casserole. Being nice takes practice, and that’s okay. You just keep trying, and soon you discover how GREAT it feels…to be nice!

Making friends can be tough, but this rhyming picture book will help navigate difficulties of shyness and social anxiety. Shelli used to be pretty content in her little world, thinking that her pet friends with feathers, fins, and fur were enough. Her bird would keep her company at home, her fish would hideaway in his cave, and her dog was the social butterfly of the neighborhood. But now, Shelli is determined to try to make friends with kids at school. Readers will relate as Shelli takes brave steps toward breaking out of her shell. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers by Elizabeth McCallum, PhD, with more information about shyness and social anxiety.

Calvin is in foster care, and he wants to trust someone, anyone, but is afraid to open his heart. He has lived in a lot of houses, but he still hasn't found his home. When he moves in with Maggie, she shows him respect, offers him kindness, and makes him see things in himself that he's never noticed before. Maybe this isn't just another house, maybe this is a place Calvin can call home, for a while.

In Can I Sit With You?, a faithful dog makes his way into a young girl's life—and heart—through a series of poignant questions.

This is a touching story about a dog who's there for his girl through highs and lows, joys and sorrows, news and olds.

With outstanding imagery and a discerning ear for rhythm and rhyme, Sarah Jacoby's warm, reassuring story can be read from either side of a heartwarming friendship.

• As the girl changes and grows, her dog's love remains steadfast
• Vivid, endearing art that resonates with children and adults alike
• A poetic nod to companionship and loyalty

Brimming with deeply felt writing and teaching valuable lessons of empathy, both characters discover how life transforms and expands with someone you love next to you.

This heartwarming, bright, lyrical picture book celebrates the everlasting love of family, no matter who you are and no matter how you define it.

• From Sarah Jacoby, author of the touching picture book Forever or a Day
• A story about companionship, engaging with others, and how the world can embrace us in return
• Great book for parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians, and educators searching for a picture book about empathy and openness for kids 5 to 7 years old
• You'll love this book if you love books like Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev, and My Heart by Corinna Luyken.

Children will learn the importance of treating others with love, kindness, and respect.

Follow the adventures of a young boy as he practices kindness throughout his day, from rescuing a puppy to standing up to bullies to helping his young sister tie her shoe. I Am a Kindness Hero celebrates gentleness and vulnerability in boys, and shows that true strength and leadership come from treating those around you with love and respect.
 
I Am a Kindness Hero provides parents, teachers, and childcare providers with a beautiful picture book that offers a new kind of role model for young boys. A standalone title, it also serves as a companion to I Am a Warrior Goddess, by the same author and illustrator, which inspires strength, leadership, and empowerment in young girls. 

From the winner of The Great British Baking Show and star of Nadiya's Time to Eat comes a sweet story about a boy and his worry monster.

A touching story about a little boy whose worry monster follows him everywhere he goes. It's there when he gets dressed, when he wants to play with his toys, and even when his friends come over to visit. How can he escape his worries?

Having struggled with anxiety for as long as she can remember, Nadiya Hussain has written this heartfelt story to help give children and parents the tools they need to talk about worries and anxiety, to ensure that no child suffers in silence.

What's the Matter Marlo? is a picture book about best friends that highlights empathy, as well as anger and sadness, and reminds us that these aren't feelings to run away from, but instead to help each other through.

Marlo and Coco are best friends. They do everything together—they read together, laugh together, and play games together. After all, they’re best friends. And that’s what best friends do.

But one day, when Coco asks Marlo to play, he doesn’t answer. Instead, Marlo turns away ignoring Coco, until he’s lost in his anger. Coco is worried about her friend, but then she remembers she can always find Marlo.

In this charming, thoughtful picture book, author-illustrator Andrew Arnold explores empathy and sadness, and how friends can help each other navigate big emotions. Because that’s what best friends do.

Shadows, strangers, thunder and lightning! Sometimes a toy doggie gets scared. Don't worry, Doggie, Baby is here.

Baby's toy doggie is scared of many things: shadows, swimming pools, strangers, loud noises. Boom! Good thing Baby is there to help, with a trusty blankie (which sometimes works). Baby also comforts Doggie at daycare and at the playground when Mommy steps out of their sight. But when Doggie himself goes missing, could that be too scary even for brave Baby? Leslie Patricelli gives a fearless new spin to a universal toddler experience--and offers a few suggestions for things that can help the scary go away.

Bunnies try to do the right thing, but sometimes it?s not that easy. Sometimes they need a little reminding? how to share, and how to care. With lots of humor and charm, these young bunnies demonstrate good rabbit habits to help your little bunny be the best he or she can be!
 

A stunningly illustrated guide to simple affirmations for young children, building self-esteem and confidence.

When you are feeling scared of something new,
Stand tall,
Put your hands on your hips,
and say:

I Am Brave!

This brightly hand-lettered board book empowers young readers to lift themselves up! Ten relatable emotions are each followed by a centering exercise and a positive affirmation to be recited, as a practice in mindfulness. Young readers are encouraged to find their inner strength by recognizing and addressing their emotions, instilling a sense of power and self-confidence.

Ira and Malcolm are best friends: they always make each other laugh, always eat lunch together, and always play together. But one day, a disagreement about whether to play tag or hide-and-seek sees the suddenly über-popular Malcolm run off with a crowd of tag-loving kids--and Ira all alone.

Ira's tummy hurts, his chin is wibbling, and his eyes are leaking. What's happening?! Any efforts to cheer him up fall flat. When Malcolm finally returns and asks what's wrong, Ira tells him: "I had all these feelings...and I didn't have you."

The second Ira Crumb book marks the return of an endearing character full of personality, humor, and heart. With lots of laughs and comics-style storytelling, it's a funny, touching look at how feelings can be confusing, and how processing emotions can take time--and a bit of help from a pretty good friend.

Learning the importance of kindness is as easy as A-B-C with this sweet board book that fosters social emotional development.

A is for all of us be everyone's friend.
B is for believing things will turn out well in the end.
C is for being caring in everything you do.
D is for dear ones who mean the world to you.

Learn your ABCs while learning to be kind to everyone you meet with this irresistibly illustrated board book that's perfect for Valentine's Day and all year round!

Learn to love and love to learn! Complete the series with 123s of Thankfulness and Happiness is a Rainbow!

This series helps kids recognize, express, and deal with the roller coaster of emotions they feel every day. It has been celebrated by therapists, psychologists, teachers, and parents as wonderful tools to help children develop self-awareness for their feelings and those of their friends.

Sometimes I feel different. Like I'm slightly too tall.
Or unusually big and I don't fit at all...

Everyone is different in their own special way, but sometimes that can make us feel odd or left out. It's important to remember that our differences are what make us who we are, and that's wonderful!

With fun, witty illustrations and simple, straightforward text, I Feel...Different helps kids understand that sometimes we feel different than everyone else, and that's okay! These books make it easy for kids to identify their own emotions—and have fun too. Explore the complex world of feelings with the I Feel... series!

This winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season -- or anytime.

Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can't see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is fast approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? With fancifully detailed artwork and visual humor, debut picture-book creator Flavia Z. Drago's vivid illustrations tell a sweet and gently offbeat story of loneliness, bravery, and friendship that is sure to be a treat for little ghouls and goblins everywhere.

A modern Wemberly Worried-featuring dinosaurs!-for today's young readers, with reassuring, lighthearted text and charming illustrations sure to calm the anxious butterflies in any child's tummy.

It's a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn't long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy...

What if he hasn't brought enough to eat?
What if he gets lost in the jungle?
What if it rains?!

With a little help from his mom, Worrysaurus finds a way to soothe the anxious butterflies, chase his fears away, and find peace and happiness in the moment at hand.

Discover the perfect book to help every little anxious Worrysaurus let go of their fears, and feel happy in the moment at hand! The Worrysaurus strikes just the right balance of positive, lighthearted, and kid-friendly, with reassuring, rhyming text from Rachel Bright, the bestselling author of The Lion Inside and Love Monster, and charming illustrations from Chris Chatterton. Perfect for any reader who might feel the flutter of an anxious butterfly in their tummy, The Worrysaurus is sure to become a storytime favorite!

From New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Patricia Polacco comes the uplifting tale of three inseparable friends who pursue their talents and stop at nothing to achieve their dreams.

Based on her own childhood memory, author Patricia Polacco shares the pivotal story of one year in elementary school. On the first day of school, she breaks out in a rash and is called “Cootie” by her classmates. It seems like the year will be a disaster for Patricia until she meets Thom and Ravenne.

Each of the friends have their own talent. Thom, with his long legs and graceful manner, loves to dance ballet earning him the name “Sissy Boy.” Ravenne makes kits and paints on fabric, but she’s shy that people call her “Her Ugliness.” Thom, Ravenne, and Patricia are bullied by their classmates causing the three friends to band together for support. For years after that fateful year, encourage each other to stay true to themselves and achieve success in their passions.

This endearing and timely story celebrates uniqueness and proves that no matter what challenges stand in your way it’s your differences that make you who you are.

Encourage little ones to explore their feelings with this ideal introduction to key emotions: Anger, Pride, Happiness, and Sadness.

It is often difficult for children, and adults, to articulate their emotions and to understand why they act the way they do. This colorful illustrated board book encourages pre-schoolers to understand what is happening in their body when they feel happy or sad, and how strong feelings can shape their actions. Fun characters illustrate each emotion, from a little flame representing Anger to a sparkly star for Pride, and simple text is ideal for reading aloud.

An important lesson on consent for over-exuberant little huggers, nestled inside this lighthearted, summery story about expressions of love and friendship.

Kai is a little mer-boy who's big on hugs--or "squishes," as he and his mama call them. But not everyone's a fan of Kai's spirited embrace, which he discovers soon after squishing a puffer fish, who swells up in fright! Kai feels awful; but with the help of his friends, he figures out another way to show his affection, and then everyone demonstrates their preferred ways of being greeted. Because, as Kai realizes, "Every fish likes their own kind of squish."

Madeline Finn and Star are back! Now Star is old enough to become a Therapy dog, but will our beloved team pass the test? A beautiful tale of empathy, perseverance, and connection from award-winning author-illustrator Lisa Papp.

"A beautifully designed introduction to the lives of therapy dogs and how much work goes into becoming one...This intergenerational story of love and acceptance is an important addition to library collections for young elementary-aged readers." --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Madeline Finn and Star are off to Walker Oaks, a retirement community where Star will take his tests to become a Therapy Dog. Accompanied by Mom, Mrs. Dimple, and Bonnie the library dog, she and Star make their way through a variety of challenges and meet several new friends. But Madeline Finn can't stop thinking about an elderly man in a wheelchair who never smiles. Is there something she and Star can do to help?

Author-illustrator Lisa Papp's heartwarming, empathetic story explores the therapy dog training process and provides a realistic and appealing example of a young person making a difference in her community.

Also available:
Madeline Finn and the Library Dog
Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog

Activity Kit available!

An upbeat, empowering, important picture book from the team that created the award-winning Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

I am
a nonstop ball of energy.
Powerful and full of light.
I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader.

The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!

This little sister might not use words, but she's got plenty to say! Narrated through thought bubbles, this energetic book invites readers into the day of a nonverbal girl with autism. She has so much to do--games to play, spaghetti to eat, and a missing stuffed animal to find! Sometimes life can be noisy and overwhelming, but something new is always around the corner. Talking isn't the only way to make a joke, ask for Grandma's help, or surprise your brother...

Illustrated in bright colors, Talking Is Not My Thing is a joyful portrait of neurodiverse family life.

Start worrying less and enjoying life with this book for people who worry or struggle with anxiety (so yeah -- everyone)!

We all have a mixture of fun and not-so fun feelings. And everyone feels worried sometimes. But too much anxiety can get in the way. So this book is here to help you identify your anxiety, understand why it's just part of that thing we call life, and equip you with all the tools you need to find calm again.
Playfully presented, packed with fun and helpful illustrations, and expertly vetted, author-artist Rachel Brian (co-creator of the viral "Tea Consent" video) delivers a must-have book for anyone who wonders why they worry or how to better live with their anxiety. From recognizing when you're feeling anxious and worried, to taking charge by training your brain and using awesome techniques to help you feel good again, this book will have you worrying less and living more.
 

Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest of the leaves, but even the top students on the tree have worries. Can Lance conquer his fear of falling and just let go when the time comes for his final exam, or will he let his worries take over? In this funny and encouraging picture book, best-selling author Stef Wade (A Place for Pluto) tells an engaging story and deftly addresses social and emotional struggles many kids encounter each day...feeling anxious, wanting to be perfect, facing fears, etc. These themes combined with illustrator Jennifer Davison's delightful characters and rich autumnal colors make The Very Last Leaf a perfect book for the start of a new school year, the arrival of autumn, or any period of transition in life.

"Anxiety. It's an emotion that rears its head almost every day, from the normal worries and concerns that most of us experience, to outright fear when something scary happens, to the anxiety disorders that many kids live with daily. But what causes anxiety? And what can we do about it? All About Anxiety tackles these questions from every possible angle. Readers will learn what's going on in their brain and central nervous system when they feel anxious. They'll learn about the evolutionary reasons for fear and anxiety and that anxiety isn't always a bad thing--except for when it is! Most importantly, kids will discover new strategies to manage their anxiety so they can live and thrive with anxiety."--

Pearl loves to dance! But will she love preschool, too?

Pearl loves attending dance classes at her mother's ballet school. Even though Pearl is the youngest and smallest ballerina, she knows how to count her poses and follow along. When her mom suggests that Pearl try going to preschool, Pearl has a lot of questions: What will she learn? Will there be dancing? A sweet and reassuring story about trying something new that's perfect for young children with separation anxiety -- or who just love to dance!

With gorgeous multimedia paintings-and-collages by acclaimed artist Mary GrandPre, James Preller's All Welcome Here promises to be an evergreen gift picture book for children about to take the big leap into their first days of school.

The bus door swishes
Open, an invitation.
Someone is not sure . . .

The first day of school and all its excitement, challenges, and yes, anxieties, are celebrated here in connected haiku poems. A diverse cast of characters all start—and finish—their first days of school, and have experiences that all children will relate to.

What do you do when you feel like you don't fit in? Find something that makes you stand out!

Walter had spent all summer counting down the days to the first day of school. He couldn't wait to make new shark friends and finally swim into his classroom for the first time. But the first class picture of the year changes everything. Walter realizes there is one BIG difference between him and his shark classmates. After his discovery, Walter spends his day trying anything he can think of to blend in with the other sharks, only to learn that the things that make us feel like we don't fit in are the very things that make us stand out.

Children will love the beautifully illustrated under-the-sea setting in this dust jacket picture book that promotes self-love and acceptance.

This follow-up to When Sadness Is at Your Door suggests that happiness can always be found by looking within.

This helpful picture book is a great introduction to mindfulness and emotional literacy. A spare text and simple illustrations encourage readers to find happiness even if it feels far away. The book gives it a shape, turning this elusive emotion into something real while acknowledging that you can't be happy all the time. The thoughtful text reassures readers that when happiness is hard to find, they can look for it in many places. Sharing something with a friend or reaching out to someone who needs it can lead to happiness. Recognize and treasure it when you experience it, knowing that happiness begins with you. Perfect for kids and for adult readers tackling these feelings themselves!

Roger Priddy's My Little World: How Do you Feel is a first book about emotions for young children. It is designed to introduce children to how they may feel in different situations and to help them recognise what these feelings are.

Each spread follows four animal characters as they visit the doctor's, go to the swimming pool, and other scenarios. As well as a simple story to read, this book also allows children to discuss with their parents how they might feel by placing the face cards into a die-cut on every spread. The face cards are contained in a clamshell in the cover, so they can be used again and again as children grow.

Part of the My Little World series

From the irrepressible team behind All Kids Are Good Kids comes a board book that celebrates different types of kindnesses in the world.

Plant a seed, push a swing.
Kindness makes your heart sing.

There is so much kindness in the world and this sweet board book celebrates those special differences that make kind acts both individual and similar. Judy Carey Nevin’s bouncing text paired with Susie Hammer’s bright, brilliant art showcases a creative look at how important kindness can be. From optimistic ideas of hope to small acts of goodwill, each scene shares the heart of the story: kindness makes our world a better place.

They All Saw a Cat meets The Important Book in this sensitive and impactful picture book about seeing the world from different points of view by Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honoree Christian Robinson.

In this full, bright, and beautiful picture book, many different perspectives around the world are deftly and empathetically explored—from a pair of bird-watchers to the pigeons they’re feeding. Young readers will be drawn into the luminous illustrations inviting them to engage with the world in a new way and see how everyone is connected, and that everyone matters.

Nour loves the luminous glow she was born with, but it's only when it starts to dim that she discovers the true power of her brilliant light.

Nour has a superpower: she glows. Her light shines so bright, she feels like a star in the night sky. But when kids at school notice her glow, they're not impressed. If she had a real superpower, they say, she could fly or turn invisible. So Nour stops feeling special. And as her light dims, her world darkens . . . until a nighttime cry from her baby sister shows her how powerful her glow can be.

Ian De Haes's heartfelt story and radiant illustrations highlight themes of self-confidence, bravery, empathy, and the imaginative power of a strong female protagonist--whose name means light in Arabic.

The power of love and friendship is celebrated in this beautiful book by Britta Teckentrup.

Celebrate the power of love and friendship in this beautiful book by Britta Teckentrup. With vibrant artwork and peek-through pages, this is a picture book to treasure.

From Ezra Jack Keats Honor winner E. B. Goodale comes a celebration of nature, family, and building our own hands-on adventures--perfect for any reader who has ever craved a bit of independence . . .

In this lush and playful picture book from E. B. Goodale, illustrator of Windows, Kate feels ignored by her mother and sister and so decides to run away. In a neighboring yard, she builds a fort and enjoys a sense of independence--until she finds herself making room for her family in her new home . . . Under the Lilacs is the perfect celebration of striking out on your own--while still making room for everyone.

A unique masterpiece about loss, love, and the world’s best bad dog, from award winner Leslie Connor, author of the National Book Award finalist The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle.

This novel sings about loss and love and finding joy in new friendships and a loving family, along with the world’s best bad dog. An uplifting middle grade novel about recovery featuring strong female characters, an adorable dog, and the girl who comes to love him.

It’s a life-altering New Year for thirteen-year-old Lydia when she uproots to a Connecticut farm to live with her aunt following her mother’s death.

Aunt Brat and her jovial wife, Eileen, and their ancient live-in landlord, Elloroy, are welcoming—and a little quirky. Lydia’s struggle for a sense of belonging in her new family is highlighted when the women adopt a big yellow dog just days after the girl’s arrival.

Wasn’t one rescue enough?

Lydia is not a dog person—and this one is trouble! He is mistrustful and slinky. He pees in the house, escapes into the woods, and barks at things unseen. His new owners begin to guess about his unknown past.

Meanwhile, Lydia doesn’t want to be difficult—and she does not mean to keep secrets—but there are things she’s not telling...

Like why the box of “paper stuff” she keeps under her bed is so important... 

And why that hole in the wall behind a poster in her room is getting bigger...

And why something she took from the big yellow dog just might be the key to unraveling his mysterious past—but at what cost?

* Junior Library Guild Selection *

"Here is a book you will want to hug before you put it down." --Kathi Appelt

An emotional and uplifting debut about a girl named Jack and her gender creative little brother, Birdie, searching for the place where they can be their true and best selves.

After their mama dies, Jack and Birdie find themselves without a place to call home. And when Mama's two brothers each try to provide one--first sweet Uncle Carl, then gruff Uncle Patrick--the results are funny, tender, and tragic.

They're also somehow . . . spectacular.

With voices and characters that soar off the page, J. M. M. Nuanez's debut novel depicts an unlikely family caught in a situation none of them would have chosen, and the beautiful ways in which they finally come to understand one another. Perfect for fans of The Thing about Jellyfish and Counting By Sevens.

"A luminous debut."--Ashley Herring Blake, author of Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World, Stonewall Honor book

In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend—or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship.

This bright book by the creator of Love Makes a Family celebrates acts of kindness big and small.

Kindness is a friendly hello. A roaring cheer. A quick boost. Kindness is what makes us strong! This joyful board book shows various children as they extend kindness in all kinds of situations: on the playground, at lunchtime, on a bike path, and on a neighborhood street. This sweet preschool read-aloud shows the way kindness helps build friendship and community.

A perfect book to share with the little ones you love, from bestselling author Julie Fogliano and Christian Robinson, Caldecott Honoree and author-illustrator of Another.

just in case you want to fly
here's some wind
and here's the sky

Funny and sweet, told with lyrical text and bright, unexpected illustrations, Just in Case You Want to Fly is a celebration of heading off on new adventures--and of knowing your loved ones will always have your back when you need them.

A joyful, inclusive cast of children fly, sing, and wish their way across the pages, with everything they could ever need--a cherry if you need a snack, and if you get itchy here's a scratch on the back--to explore the world around them. Christian Robinson's bold illustrations bring out the humor and warmth of the poetic text, teasing out new meanings and adding delightful details that will have you turning the pages again and again.

Julie Fogliano and Christian Robinson, the creators of the award-winning When's My Birthday?, have teamed up again to create a perfect book to share with the little ones you love--to give them everything they need to go out into the world, and reassure them you'll always be waiting to welcome them home.

Whether it's for big milestones like graduations or holidays, or quiet bedtimes and cozy moments together, Just In Case You Want to Fly is made for sharing, with gentle humor and sweet reassurances.