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Be Brave

Numbers and Counting

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

Vooks A to Z

Be Resilient

Build Confidence

Blue is a quiet color. He enjoys gazing at clouds and going with the flow. Sometimes, he wishes he was sunny, like Yellow, or bright like Green. But overall, he likes being Blue—except when he’s with Red. Red is a hothead who likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple don’t like what they see, but what can they do?

When no one speaks up, things get out of hand—until One comes along. He shows the other colors how they can count on each other. In the end, when just one stands up for what’s right, it makes it easier for everyone else to stand with them.

One is a story about how bullying doesn’t go away when it’s ignored—it only gets worse. And yet, when just one person takes a stand, it makes it easier for others to take a stand with them. The narrative touches on themes of individuality, gentleness, kindness, and bravery. Written and illustrated by Kathryn Otoshi. Published by Ko Kids Books.

When Red starts picking on Blue, things get out of hand—until One shows the colors how they can count on each other.

Slumberkins Presents

Early Childhood

Mindfulness

Elementary

Animals

Alpacas are strong and have always shown that they can carry the weight, so you don’t have to alone...  

Sometimes life can be hard, fear and worries can be a heavy burden. But, Alpaca is here, to help carry the load! This calming book promotes stress relief, helping little ones during times of heightened anxiety. Through Alpaca's story, children learn to articulate their feelings and share their worries with others. 

Social and emotional development topics include:
Anxiety Management
Coping Skills
Stress Relief

Slumberkins is on a mission to provide parents and caregivers with resources that promote early emotional learning skills for young children, while strengthening the parent child bond. Each Slumberkins book uses an interactive story time approach infused with therapeutic techniques and skill-building exercises.  

Be on the lookout for even more Slumberkins storybooks coming to Vooks soon!

A calming story to promote stress relief and help little ones during times of heightened anxiety.

Slumberkins Presents: Alpaca

Biographies

In the City

Celebrate Black History

In the great city of New Orleans, Cornelius keeps the streets sparkling clean. When his truck rolls up to each home, Cornelius sashays to the curb. He flings bags over his head, behind his back, between his legs—and they land in the hopper in a perfect pyramid. Just like the garbage can lids he whirls on his fingers, Cornelius spins and twirls. And everyone dances along.

But then the storm comes. The city fills with water. People, parks, and playgrounds wash away. Can Cornelius alone tackle the mountains of ruins, stacked as high as the steeple of St. Louis Cathedral? Or will it take millions of people like him to put the great city back together?

Marvelous Cornelius is an ode to a real man who embodied the true spirit of New Orleans—full of energy, vibrance, and gusto. The story highlights themes of perseverance and the power of the human spirit. Written by Phil Bildner, illustrated by John Parra, and published by Chronicle Books.

In the great city of New Orleans, Cornelius keeps the streets sparkling clean. But then the great storm rolls in.

Marvelous Cornelius

Vooks Originals

Every kid in Little Craig’s town wants the exact same thing: a shiny, yellow 10-speed bike! After lots of chores and lots of homework, Craig's dreams come true and his mom buys him the prized bicycle. He's off to the races, wheeling around town as happy as can be. Until, a fateful encounter finds a police officer questioning Craig about where he got his new bike. Things suddenly take a turn for the worse, and he is accused of something he didn't do.﻿

Based on a true story, this Little Craig book teaches the lesson of rising above. That's the lesson Craig Robinson learned in real-life, when a police officer assumed he'd stolen his new bike. Craig's mom Marian Robinson, always protective and supportive of her son, helped set the record straight—eventually getting an apology from the officer—and helped Craig learn the hard reality of prejudice and racism, and the importance of rising above. As Craig Robinson explains in an author's note at the end of the book: ﻿"No one can make you feel bad if you feel good about yourself."﻿

A Vooks Original, Little Craig: The Yellow Bike teaches about rising above what other people might think. Based on a true story, the book is written by Craig Robinson and Leslie Harter, and Illustrated by Jonathan Sundy.

Little Craig has a new bike and loves riding it around town! But when he's accused of something he didn't do, he learns an important lesson.

Little Craig: The Yellow Bike

Friendship

Be Caring and Kind

Have you ever created a special cheer to encourage yourself? Like your very own personal pep talk?

This is what lovely Lili the Lioness does! Clever Lili invents her own power cheer because as Jungle School’s head girl, she has so much to do for her friends! Unfortunately, Lili is roaring her power cheer far too often, and loses her voice! This is very worrying because Lili has a special announcement for the students of Jungle School very soon!

Oh dear…what will she do?

A note from the creators at Love, Bonito:

Written, designed and produced at Love, Bonito, this impactful read highlights the importance of community and cheering each other on through life’s ups and downs – a reflection of what Love, Bonito stands for. The physical book is available for sale globally, while stocks last. Through the creation of this picture book, Love, Bonito is supporting the education of girls in historically low-income communities in Asia for a year — at a target goal of USD $30,000 — helping them to build skills to succeed in school and negotiate key life decisions. In partnership with Vooks and Finding Pictures, we've launched the animated video version of the book, exclusively available on Vooks' platform, to help raise awareness for girls' education.

When head girl Lili the Lioness loses her voice, her friends at Jungle School help her find strength and courage in adversity.

Lili the Lioness & Friends

Free Access

Everyone's Reading

It's time for the annual Race-a-thon, and Steve the horse is excited. He already knows he'll win, because he wins every year. (With long legs, a long neck, and strong bum muscles, Steve is totally built for running.) Then Steve finds out the rules have changed. This year’s race will be a relay, which means all the runners must compete in teams—and Steve’s teammates are the slowest in the forest.

Is Steve about to lose his first Race-a-thon ever? Come along as Steve prepares his team to handle rain, brambles, flooding, and more. By the time he’s done, the only runner who will be able to defeat Team Steve might be Steve himself.

Steve the horse is back in Team Steve, narrated by the exceptional Rainn Wilson. The story digs into the meaning of teamwork, good sportsmanship, and how self-confidence can help you succeed—but overconfidence can be an embarrassing oversight. With vocabulary enrichment woven throughout, Team Steve is written and illustrated by Kelly Collier and published by Kids Can Press.

It's time for the annual Race-a-thon, and Steve is excited. At least, until he finds out the rules have changed.

Team Steve

Sick Day Stories

Bear loves to dance. But when he tries to dance with the other animals, he can’t seem to get the moves right. He’s too clumsy for ballet with the giraffes. He’s too stiff for breakdancing with the monkeys. The rhinos say he’s too slow for tap-dance—and Zebra claims he’s too strong for swing. Even synchronized swimming doesn’t click!

But when Bear notices a poster for a bears-only ice skating competition, he decides to sign up. He’s very nervous. Will he be able to stay on his feet? Will ice skating be something he’s good at? Or will the ice prove just as challenging and awkward as everything else?

Written and illustrated by Monika Filipina, The Bear Who Never Gave Up is a book for every child (and adult) who struggles to find their groove and gets singled out as a result. The story touches on themes of self-expression, individuality, conformity, and discovering one’s place. Published by Willow Tree Books.

Bear loves to dance—but he’s too clumsy to jive with the other animals. Is there any dance he’s good at?

The Bear Who Never Gave Up

Back to School

Family 

Sometimes big change happens in our lives. It can be sudden and hard to deal with. Fox's story helps little ones understand change and how to cope with it. By following along on Fox's journey and by repeating affirmations like, "I can get through this..." and "It's not my fault that things changed," little ones will learn important skills they can carry with them throughout life.

Social and emotional development topics include:
Anxiety Reduction
Family Change
Coping Skills

Slumberkins is on a mission to provide parents and caregivers with resources that promote early emotional learning skills for young children, while strengthening the parent child bond. Each Slumberkins book uses an interactive story time approach infused with therapeutic techniques and skill-building exercises.  

Be on the lookout for even more Slumberkins storybooks coming to Vooks soon!

Change can be difficult. Fox's story helps little ones understand how to cope with sudden change.

Slumberkins Presents: Fox

Kid at Heart

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Storytime Favorites

Seasonal - Summer

On the Farm

All Seasons

How We Work

In the village, everyone is sleeping. Well, everyone except for Paul. Paul is a farmer. Out in the fields, he mows, and rakes, and sows, and draws water. Paul works until he’s exhausted. Every day, he watches, checks, and inspects. He does everything he can to give his seeds a chance to flourish. And soon, beautiful plants and flowers begin to spring up around him.

But what happens when the dry season arrives, and the sun beats down without mercy? Will the rain come fast enough? Will the plants wither in the heat? Join Paul as he does the careful work all farmers must do: tending, nurturing, watching, and—most importantly—waiting.

Taking a look at the unseen work (and worries) a farmer undertakes with their land, The Farmer shows the cycle of both nurturing and trusting the earth. Written and illustrated by Ximo Abadia and published by Holiday House, the narrative emphasizes the importance of perseverance.

In the village, everyone rests except for Paul. He mows, rakes, digs, and waters. And then, the plants begin to grow.

The Farmer

Camp Vooks

Join Little Grey Donkey on a brave journey of overcoming fear as he searches for his missing friend.

Written by Nicole Snitselaar and illustrated by Coralie Saudo.

Every day, a little girl called Serafina came to visit Little Grey Donkey. Until one day...

Little Grey Donkey

The loss of a loved one can leave a big hole in our hearts. Sprite is here to help us understand that those who are no longer with us can still continue to live within our hearts. Grief is a tough road to travel, with unexpected experiences along the way. Sprite is here to help navigate the difficult path. 

Social and emotional development topics include:
Grief and Loss
Acceptance
Resilience

Slumberkins is on a mission to provide parents and caregivers with resources that promote early emotional learning skills for young children, while strengthening the parent child bond. Each Slumberkins book uses an interactive story time approach infused with therapeutic techniques and skill-building exercises.  

Be on the lookout for even more Slumberkins storybooks coming to Vooks soon!

Tragic loss can be hard to understand and cope with. But, Sprite is here to help.

Slumberkins Presents: Sprite

Creative Play

Storyteller

Vooks at a Glance

Read Along With Vooks

Dream Big

Foundational Reading

5 Minutes or Less

Meet Iz and Norb. They're cute, they're fun, and they're best buds! These silly friends love to play and go on adventures. But, sometimes play is more than just fun and games.

Two imaginative and silly friends learn the value of perseverance, inner strength, and friendship!

Where Are You?

Vehicles

Nature

Each day, the big trucks go to work. They scoop and hoist and push. They build tall buildings for working, wide roads for driving, and long bridges for crossing. Every day, they build until the loud whistle blows—and then they do it all over again, filling each city block. But then one day, Digger finds something growing among the rubble. A lovely little something called a flower.

Digger begins caring for the flower—watering it, protecting it, singing it to sleep. But when time comes for the trucks to put a building where the flower grows, what will Digger do? Will he be able to save the flower? Is there any place where lovely little flowers can still flourish?

The Digger and the Flower is a heartfelt story of tenderness and caring for the world around us. Written and illustrated by Joseph Kuefler. Published by Balzer + Bray.

When he finds something growing among the rubble, Digger—and his city—will be changed forever.

The Digger and the Flower

Seasonal - Fall

Ronnie Lott has always been tough. As a kid, when he fell down, he felt something inside him start to rumble. That something was a voice called Grit. On the court or off the field, no matter where he went or what he played, Grit was there. When he tumbled, Grit said, “Get back up!” When he fumbled, Grit said, “Let’s try again!”

When Grit helps Ronnie become a professional football player, he’ll have a shot at achieving his dreams. But just how far can Grit take him? Join Ronnie as he pushes his limits and answers the question: Is Grit living in all of us? If so, how can we learn to hear its voice?

Ronnie and his Grit is based on the true-life story of NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. A tribute to the power of courage, respect, self-restraint, and unflinching resolve, Ronnie and his Grit is a 2021 Vooks Original. Written by Ronnie Lott and Leslie Harter and illustrated by Jonathan Sundy.


Ronnie has an inner voice named Grit, and it pushes him to achieve his dreams. But just how far can Grit take him?

Ronnie and His Grit

Women Who Changed the World

S.T.E.A.M.

Be Creative

An incredible true story of determination, hard work and big dreams, Sweet Dreams, Sarah tells the inspirational story of Sarah E. Goode—entrepreneur, inventor and among the first African-American women to be awarded a US patent. Sarah grew up a slave and dreamed of so much more. After the abolition of slavery, Sarah moved to Chicago to build a life for herself and her family. She built furniture and opened a shop to serve her local community. Sarah listened to her customers, and soon realized they needed something brand new: a piece of furniture that was innovative and space saving. Through grit and determination Sarah achieved things she previously had only dreamed of—sweet dreams that became a reality.

Sweet Dreams, Sarah is written by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Chris Ewald and published by Creston Books. 


The true story of Sarah E Goode, who was among the first African-American women awarded a US patent.

Sweet Dreams, Sarah

Familius Presents

"The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." -Thomas Edison

From the curiosity of Leonardo da Vinci to the dedication of Marie Curie, Inventors Who Changed the World is a young child's first introduction to the brilliant people who taught us the meaning of perseverance and innovation. Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the contributions of nine renowned inventors from around the world: Cai Lun, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Thomas Edison, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Grace Hopper, Johannes Gutenberg, and Louis Pasteur. Inspire your own little inventor with the words of these inventive heroes who changed the world.

Inventors Who Changed the World is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner and published by Familius.

These heroes imagined and invented a better world. What kind of hero will you be?

Inventors Who Changed The World

Seasonal - Spring

Jadav lives on an island in the middle of a river. When floodwaters begin destroying the island’s trees, Jadav starts planting bamboo. The shoots grow into a thicket—but Jadav fears it’s not enough. He collects supplies and seeds from neighboring villages. He tends the plants each day. And slowly, acre by acre, animal by animal, the thicket grows into something remarkable.

Follow the true-life story of Jadav, the boy who grew a forest. His 1,300-acre sanctuary—that’s over 900 football fields of forest—stands as an important reminder of a powerful truth: A single person can make an incredible difference.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest traces the story of Jadav Payeng, a Mishing tribesman whose life demonstrates the importance of personal responsibility, patience, care, and hard work. Winner of numerous awards, the book was written by Sophia Ghotz, illustrated by Kayla Harren, and is published by Sleeping Bear Press.

The trees are disappearing from Jadav’s island. What does he decide to do about it? Plant a forest, of course.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest

Sing-alongs and Music

When Irving’s home is burned, his family is forced to flee to America. The trip across the ocean isn’t easy—but when Irving glimpses the Statue of Liberty, the whole boat sings her a grateful song. In New York City, Irving begins a new life. More songs begin to fill his head. Songs that sound like the clank of a railcar, shouts of laughter, the hum of a city full of life.

Come along with Irving as his creative spirit grows into something much bigger than himself. Melodies might be enough to lift his family out of poverty. One might even go on to inspire an entire country—an anthem of gratitude and hope for the land that became his new home.

Following songwriter Irving Berlin’s remarkable life, this story underscores the power of hope, hard work, and limitless creativity. Though his songs were celebrated and performed by countless talented musicians, Irving is best known for his ode to his new home, “God Bless America.” Written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by James Rey Sanchez, Irving Berlin is published by Creston Books, LLC.


When Irving must flee his home in Russia, he starts a new life in America. What comes next begins with a song.

Irving Berlin: The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing

Poetry

And the People Stayed Home tells the story of the global Coronavirus pandemic, from a very different point of view. In a time of uncertainty and fear, this thought provoking story focuses instead on hope and beauty. This thoughtful poem about the pandemic, quarantine, and the future suggests there is meaning to be found in our shared experience of the Coronavirus. It also joyfully conveys an optimistic message about the possibility of profound healing for people and the planet.

And the People Stayed Home is the uplifting poem that swept the world during the global Coronavirus pandemic. Written by Kitty O’Meara in March of 2020, the poem immediately went viral. In a time where millions of people were undergoing quarantine, many feeling distant and unsure, O’Meara’s interesting perspective helped many see a brighter side. The poem has been so widely shared through social media, news media, and by influencers such as Deepak Chopra, Kate Winslet, O, The Oprah Magazine, and many others, that O’Meara, a former teacher and chaplain and currently a spiritual director, has been called “the poet laureate of the pandemic.”

And the People Stayed Home is written by Kitty O’Meara and voiced by Kate Winslet. The best selling book is illustrated by Stephano Di Cristofaro and Paul Pereda, and published by Tra Publishing.

In a time of uncertainty, this story focuses on the hope and beauty of our shared experiences.

And the People Stayed Home

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

Dealing with tough challenges in a positive way is key to successfully navigating the ups and downs of life. Build resilience in developing minds with this collection of stories about mental fortitude.