Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

Be Creative

5 Minutes or Less

Elementary

Friendship

Everyone's Reading

Animals

Vooks A to Z

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

There’s a wall in the middle of this book—and that’s a good thing. The wall keeps the friendly knight safe from the other side. Most importantly, it protects the knight from the ogre. If the ogre ever caught the knight, the ogre would eat him up. But the ogre is over there, on the other side, so the knight is perfectly safe. Nothing can harm the knight if he stays where he is.

Until something happens—something that’s, well, not supposed to happen. There’s a danger on the knight’s side of the wall. What can he do? Is the knight doomed? Or will he learn a valuable lesson about stepping over the walls we’ve built between us?

The Wall in the Middle of the Book is a beautiful metaphor. It shows readers that walls don’t just keep out danger, they can also keep us in. The story also demonstrates how assumptions can sometimes keep us from discovering exciting new things. Written and illustrated by Jon Agee. Published by Penguin.

There’s a wall in the middle of this book—and that’s a good thing. What else will keep one side safe from the other?

The Wall in the Middle of The Book

Ken is playing a game. He’s baking a mud cake—and his sister Jen is going to help. They start off with crumbled dirt for the base. Jen adds water, but she adds a little too much. So Ken uses sand to fix the batter. Next, he adds nuts and berries. Jen puts in the garnish of leaves. Next it’s time to mix and stir, stir and mix. Then they bake the cake in the hot sun!

What happens when the mud cake is all done baking? Will they have a slice, or will there be an even tastier treat for them to share? Come along for an afternoon of make-believe cooking with siblings in the sun.

Following the game so many children play, Chocolate Mud Cake explores themes of working together, solving problems, and using our imaginations. Written by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Maxine Lee, and published by Brain Food Kids.

Ken and his sister Jen are baking a mud cake. What’s their recipe? Dirt, water, sand, nuts, berries, and leaves!

Chocolate Mud Cake

Main Carousel

Language and Vocabulary

Like all dogs, this dog wants a treat. In fact, he’s desperate for one. When he sleeps, he dreams of treats—steamy hot dogs and fistfulls of cereal, sugary cupcakes and dripping ice cream bars. When he wakes, he wanders in search of tasty bites. He begs, and performs, and whines. But the toddler doesn’t share her food. The older brother is too busy drawing. Grandma is snoozing and grandpa is flossing and no one seems to understand what this dog needs!

Finally, sadly, the dog returns to his dreams of sweet, unreachable treats. Does the family even care that he hasn’t had a treat all day? Will he ever get one? Come along to find out!

A relatable story about dogs, treats, and the frustration that comes with not being understood, Treat is for anyone who's ever thrown a dog a bone. Written and illustrated by Mary Sullivan. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

This dog is desperate for a treat—but no matter how hard he begs, he can’t seem to get his paws on one.

Treat

Vooks at a Glance

Build Confidence

Unicorns can run on rainbows, so why can't they scribble?
 
This story is about a little girl who keeps hearing, "Never let a unicorn scribble!" But in her heart believes that people just don't understand how beautiful scribbling can be. She keeps trying to teach her unicorn to scribble, but soon realizes this is more difficult than she anticipated. Instead of giving up, she uses her imagination to come up with a creative way to get her unicorn to scribble. At first it looks like it was a complete disaster, but ends up being truly magical!

A fun and imaginative book, Never Let a Unicorn Scribble! is written and illustrated by Diane Alber. Published by Diane Alber Art LLC.

Everyone says to never let a unicorn scribble…but what could possibly go wrong?

Never Let a Unicorn Scribble!

How We Work

How do police officers keep us safe? Officer Gabby is a school resource officer—and she’s here to talk all about it. To protect the school, Officer Gabby stops cars at the crosswalk. She also warns kids about dangers, such as taking rides from strangers. To do her job, Officer Gabby went to a police academy. There, she learned to talk in shorthand and use special tools.

Some police officers have dogs as partners. Others patrol highways. By working together with other towns, cities, states, and counties, they all help keep kids safe. What can you do to help protect your community? Let’s find out!

An in-depth look at how police officers work in a community, Let’s Meet a Police Officer talks about public safety, traffic laws, and doing our part in a community. The story also highlights themes of working together for the safety of everyone. Written by Gina Bellisario, illustrated by Cale Atkinson, and published by Millbrook Press.

How do police officers keep us safe? Officer Gabby is a school resource officer—and she’s here to talk all about it.

Let's Meet a Police Officer

S.T.E.A.M.

Food and Cooking

Family 

It’s a sleepy Saturday morning for most people, but not for Iris. She has to feed her many pets before Aunt Mary arrives. Iris likes to call her Aunt Mary “Plant Mary,” because Aunt Mary is a plant scientist. They’re about to turn Iris’s kitchen into a bread lab. Today’s science experiment: Making whole wheat sourdough from scratch.

First, they mix the four ingredients needed to make the bread: flour, water, salt, and Flora the starter. Then, they knead the bread until it’s strong. What happens after they let the loaf rest? To find out, come along for a scientific bake-off featuring microbes, tasty aromas, and a crust-loving dog named Charlie.

Bread Lab! takes a close, step-by-step look at the process of using microbes to make a loaf of bread from scratch. The narrative features accessible scientific ideas and representations of girls in science. It also connects the dots between farming, plant science, and the foods we love to eat. Written by real-life plant researchers Kim Binczewski and Bethany Econopouly, illustrated by Hayelin Choi, and published by Readers to Eaters.

Iris is about to turn her kitchen into a bread lab with her Aunt Mary. Today’s experiment: Whole wheat sourdough.

Bread Lab

Storytime Favorites

Nothing ever happens to poor Delia. Her life is dull, dull, dull. And yet, if Delia decided to look up or turn around, what do you think she’d notice? Probably not elephants marching through her house. And it’s unlikely she’d catch a pirate sitting behind her on the school bus. Really, what are the odds that a submarine would surface just as she gets out of the pool?

Come join Delia for the dullest day you’ve ever read about. There definitely won’t be any hot air balloons, astronauts, ostriches, tight-ropers, dinosaurs, or blasts of butterflies coming out of her tuba during band class. At least, none that Delia will see.

A (incredibly dull) story about how our perceptions shape our reality, Delia’s Dull Day reminds us that when we forget to pick our head up, we miss so many of life’s most exciting moments. Written and illustrated by Andy Myer, Delia’s Dull Day is published by Sleeping Bear Press.

According to Delia, her life is dull, dull, dull. But if Delia looked up, she might be surprised by what she’d see.

Delia's Dull Day

Sing-alongs and Music

Bilingual Books

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

Foundational Reading

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

Free Access

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

Back to School

Celebrate Black History

Vooks Originals

Storyteller

Be Caring and Kind

Kid at Heart

Little Craig loves birthday parties, even though he doesn’t get invited very often. That is until Craig gets invited to TWO birthday parties, on the same day. Joey’s the new kid in school, and he invited Craig to his party first. But Dan is Craig’s good friend, and he invited Craig to his party second. Little Craig is torn between keeping his word to Joey, or going to his friend Dan’s party instead. Craig’s mom reminds him “You’re only as good as your word,” and leaves the choice up to him. Little Craig has a tough decision to make, but with his mom’s encouraging words, he just might learn a valuable lesson that will guide him the rest of his life.

Based on a true story, this Little Craig book teaches the lesson of keeping your word. That’s the lesson Craig Robinson learned in real-life, when he was invited to two birthday parties on the same day. Craig’s mom Marian Robinson, always full of wisdom, helped him learn the valuable lesson that he still remembers to this day. The adorable illustrations bring Little Craig’s world to life, and a heartwarming retro-inspired soundtrack takes you back to the real-life era the story comes from. Little Craig: Balloons and Cake is the first book in the new Little Craig series, which teaches important lessons that kids can take with them for life.

A Vooks Original, Little Craig: Balloons and Cake teaches the lesson that keeping your word is important, even if it’s the hard thing to do. Based on a true story and a real-life lesson learned, the book is written by Craig Robinson and Leslie Harter, and Illustrated by Skylar Hogan.

Little Craig loves birthday parties! But when he gets invited to two parties on the same day, he has to make a tough decision.

Little Craig: Balloons and Cake

Sick Day Stories

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

Vehicles

In the City

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?

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 Resilient

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

Aneel loves when his grandparents visit. Most of all, he loves their stories. Today, Dada-ji tells Aneel the story of a lad from a village far, far away. The lad could wrestle water buffalo, tie two hissing cobras in a knot, spin trumpeting elephants by their tails, and touch the sky with his feet. The source of the lad’s tiger power? Hot, hot roti, prepared by Aneel’s Badi-ma herself!

Aneel asks his mother, father, Dadi-ma, and sister for help making roti for Dada-ji. But when no one can help, Aneel is left to make the recipe on his own. Will the roti turn out alright? And if it does, can it still give Dada-ji the power of the tiger? There’s only one way to find out!

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji tells the story of a bond between grandson and grandfather. The narrative features themes of cultural heritage, traditions, belief in one’s self, and the expression of love through cooking. Written by F. Zia, illustrated by Ken Min, and published by Lee & Low Books.

There once was a lad who could tie two cobras in a knot and touch the sky with his feet. His secret? Hot, hot roti.

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji

These books are perfect for any school age child.