Animals

New Books

Be Creative

Friendship

Vooks A to Z

Elementary

Everyone's Reading

When two fuzzy creatures build a sandcastle on the beach, they agree that it’s pretty much perfect. But then two new friends show up—and they see some room for improvement. It needs a bigger wall. And then a wider foundation. More friends arrive with more suggestions. The castle could also use more towers, and arches, and (of course) windows. And what about a gatehouse and stairs? And a drawbridge—and a moat?

The whole crew decides to work together to make this sandcastle the absolutely most perfect sandcastle ever. But will it actually be perfect? Or will the entire project turn out quite a bit different than anyone expects?

It Is (Not) Perfect deftly explores how trying to change yourself to please others can end in disaster—while also showing how collaboration and a shared vision can bring friends together. Written by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant, It Is (Not) Perfect brings back the endearing characters from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small. Published by Hachette Children's Group.

When two fuzzy creatures build a sandcastle on the beach, it might (not) be as perfect as they think. Or is it?

It Is (Not) Perfect

Be You

There’s no end to the many things that Lizzie Lou can do. She can play with all of her many toys—like her blocks, her horse, and her noisy drums. She can sing up high (or sing down low) while she pretends to perform her own rock show. She can play dress up in a pretty princess gown, wearing a crown and waving her sparkly wand around.

Sharing tea, jumping around, laughing and snacking and diving deep down—there are so many things to be done, and so many ways to have fun. As you come along for an exciting day with the wonderful Lizzie Lou, how many of the things that Lizzie does are things you love to do too?

Lizzie Lou Can Do celebrates the fun-filled daily activities of childhood in easy, rhyming verse. Written by Laura Gates Galvin, illustrated by Susan Cornelison, and published by Rainstorm Publishing, an imprint and trademark of Kidsbooks, LLC.

Playing, singing, dressing up and making a splash—there are so many things that Lizze Lou can do. How about you?

Lizzie Lou Can Do

Biographies

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Ritchie was only five years old when his father handed him a guitar. He practiced, he played, and his talent grew. He taught himself the trumpet and the drums. By the time he was in junior high school, he’d bring his guitar to school to play for friends on the bleachers. By sixteen, he became the singer and guitarist for a band called The Silhouettes.

Though Ritchie didn’t record many albums, the songs he wrote are still loved by many—songs like "Donna" and "La Bamba." Beyond the music, his life proved something important: That no matter where you’re from or how old you are, anyone can achieve their dreams.

A Lil' Libros Bilingual Biography, The Life of Ritchie celebrates the story of Ritchie Valens, the original Mexican-American rock star. Told in both English and Spanish, the story touches on diversity, aspirations, and the legacy we leave behind. The Life of Ritchie is written by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein, illustrated by Citlali Reyes, and published by Lil’ Libros.

The first Mexican-American rockstar, Ritchie began his journey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when he was only five.

The Life of — La Vida de Ritchie

Main Carousel

There’s a duck on Alligator’s lawn, and Alligator isn’t happy about it. Worse, when Alligator tries to get Duck to go away, the bird says they’re nobody’s duck. But how can that be? Surely, this is someone’s duck. Starting to grow impatient, Alligator sets off to find whoever is responsible for this quacky individual.

From the library to theater, to the race track, to a leap from an airplane, Alligator and Duck search all over town. Will they ever find out whose duck this is? And will some of Duck’s sunny attitude rub off on Alligator along the way? Whatever happens, one thing is sure: This duck knows how to have a good time.

A silly adventure about being uptight, learning to let go, and grasping the idea of friendship, Nobody’s Duck shows us that sometimes the thing we’re looking for has been right in front of us all along. Written and illustrated by Geisel Honor winner Mary Sullivan, Nobody’s Duck is published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

There’s a duck on Alligator’s lawn, and Alligator isn’t happy about it. Just whose duck is this, anyway?

Nobody's Duck

Charlie is tired of being a small bird. He’s tired of being scared, and he’s tired of wishing he was someone else. He longs to be big. So, he sets off to learn the “big” secret from every large animal he can find. First is Moose. Perching on Moose’s antlers makes Charlie feel big—but when Moose runs fast, Charlie can’t hold on. Next, Charlie meets Fish. Fish is big, but only because his pond is so small.

Eventually, Charlie meets Dog. Dog has an idea of how Charlie can be big. But to do as Dog suggests, Charlie will have to be very brave and fly very high. What will happen when Charlie reaches for the sky? Let’s find out.

I Want to be Big reminds readers that all of us are big in our own way. It also demonstrates the importance of perspective, and how viewing things through a different lens can change how we see others and ourselves. Written by Margo Linn, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald, and published by Blue Cat Books.

Charlie is a small bird who longs to be big. So, he sets off to learn the “big” secret from every animal he can find.

I Want To Be Big

Familius Presents

Clock strikes five. Shop is closed. Donuts sleep (so we suppose)…
Get ready for a delicious and hilarious journey through a world filled with (and made of) everyone’s favorite treat: donuts! Pirate donuts, dog donuts, striped donuts, jelly filled—donuts of every shape and size make an appearance in this whacky, fun-filled tale. But it’s not all fun and games in the donut shop! When the donuts realize they are going to be eaten the next morning, they band together to plan their escape. Will they make a great escape? Or will they become breakfast?

Donuts: The Hole Story brings donuts to life like never before! Written by David Miles and published by Familius, this story is fun, funny, and full of puns. It’s sure to be a hit with the hole family!

A whacky tale filled with (and made of) everyone’s favorite deep-fried treats...it’s a hole in one!

Donuts: The Hole Story

When Lucy’s new owners rescue her from the pound, the little girl shows Lucy around her new home. Then suddenly, Lucy starts to howl. “Wah-ooo-ooo-roo,” Lucy howls in the morning. She keeps howling in the afternoon, then on into the night. Dad tries showing Lucy a mirror, in case she misses other dogs. Mom makes Lucy special foods and treats. They even take Lucy to a dog psychologist, who prescribes classical music and lullabies.

Day after day, nothing can stop Lucy from crying. If she doesn’t stop soon, Mom says they’ll have to take her back to the pound. Then the little girl has an idea—an idea that just might rescue Lucy once more.

Lucy Rescued tells the story of an anxious pup who needs some friends of her own. The story shows the difficulties that come with adopting a pet, and how patience, love, and understanding can be just what an animal needs to feel at home. Written by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Barroux, and published by Blue Apple Books.

When Lucy is brought home from the pound, she begins to howl. Why is she crying—and can anything make her stop?

Lucy Rescued

Kid at Heart

One day, while walking through the forest, Steve finds a beautiful gold horn. Instantly, he knows he has found the path to being exceptional. (That means special.) Steve ties the horn to the top of his head and prances off to show his friends. Everyone but Bob is impressed—and many are so inspired, they start tying items to the top of their heads as well.

But when Steve finds his horn has gone missing, he’s devastated. (That means really bummed.) Frantically, he searches to find it. Because without his beautiful gold horn, Steve can’t be an exceptional horse. Can he? Come along with Steve as he sets out to find an answer, and a valuable life lesson along the way.

Narrated by the exceptional Rainn Wilson, A Horse Named Steve is a story about how you can be special whether you’re different or whether you’re just like everyone else. It also celebrates the child-like impulse to be and do what feels fun in the moment. With light vocabulary-building elements, A Horse Named Steve is written and illustrated by Kelly Collier, and published by Kids Can Press.

One day, while walking through the forest, Steve (voiced by Rainn Wilson) finds a beautiful gold horn. It just might make him exceptional.

A Horse Named Steve

What do construction workers do? Let’s join a field trip to the construction site. While you’re there, you’ll meet Mr. Moore, the boss in charge of building the new school. Mr. Moore and the construction workers use a lot of trucks. Some have strong arms. Others have big metal teeth. Construction workers operate the machines, guiding all the heavy loads.

Following the plans that the architects drew, Mr. Moore will be sure everyone stays safe—by wearing hardhats and orange vests—and that leftover materials get recycled. When Mr. Moore and his team are done, it’ll be a “green” school. Can you guess what that means? Come along and find out if you’re right!

A thorough overview of how construction projects are managed from start to finish, Let’s Meet a Construction Worker includes important details—like staying outside the fence of a construction site, always taking safety precautions, and responsibly cleaning up messes. The narrative also introduces the topics of recycling and solar energy. Written by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Mike Moran, and published by Millbrook Press.

What do construction workers do? Let’s ask Mr. Moore, the construction worker who’s helping build the new school.

Let's Meet a Construction Worker

Early Childhood

Camels can go for a month without food. But do they know how to cook spaghetti? Squirrels store up nuts and seeds for the winter. But can they whip up salad dressing? Bears eat fish, nuts, berries, and honey. But do they know how to fry bacon and eggs? Raccoons wash their food before they eat it—but do they know how to roast a hot dog?

Monkeys use tools like sticks and grass to find food—but of all the animals, only humans cook their meals. What else do humans do to make interesting and delicious recipes? And how do those dishes differ depending on where we live? Come along for a tasty journey and find out!

An informative look at where and how animals get their food, Does a Camel Cook Spaghetti? starts conversations about cooking tools, varied diets, and eating local. Written by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Emily Bolam, and published by Blue Apple Books.

These animals all eat different foods—but do they know how to cook? Let’s find out!

Does a Camel Cook Spaghetti?

5 Minutes or Less

Lines are everywhere you look. Some are short, some are long. Some are wavy, some are straight. There are lines that curve and lines that bend. Everywhere around us there are lines to discover! 

Follow the lines that run all through this book, and see what interesting shapes they make! With clever rhymes and of course lots of wiggly lines, Lines That Wiggle is as creative as it is fun. This adorable introduction to lines, shapes, and form is written by Candace Whitman, illustrated by Steve Wilson, and published by Blue Apple Books.

Lines are everywhere you look. Short, long, wavy, straight; see if you can follow them all!

Lines That Wiggle

Be Brave

Mozzie the mosquito lives near a pond, down in the meadow. The most beautiful butterflies flutter there all day long. And everyone adores the butterflies—Mozzie most of all. One day, Mozzie builds up her courage, takes a deep breath, and approaches the butterflies. “Can I flutter around with you?” she asks.

But the butterflies don’t hang out with mosquitos, they say. They only like to be around other butterflies, who look and act like they do. So Mozzie came up with a plan—a plan to become a butterfly herself. But when the unexpected happens, being a butterfly might not be so great. Mozzie might need to simply embrace who she’s been all along.

An inversion of the classic Ugly Duckling narrative, The Mozzie with a Sharp Snozzie is a sweet, non-threatening story about self-confidence, bullying, and feeling comfortable in one’s own skin. It also touches on the nature of true friendship and acceptance. Written and illustrated by Irina Goundortseva. Published by Big Sky Publishing.

Mozzie the mosquito adores the butterflies who flutter near the pond. So, Mozzie comes up with a plan to become one of them.

The Mozzie with a Sharp Snozzie

These books are perfect for any school age child.