S.T.E.A.M.

Food and Cooking

Elementary

Be Creative

Family 

Vooks A to Z

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

Everyone's Reading

Vooks Originals

Storyteller

Sick Day Stories

Vehicles

Bedtime

Vooks at a Glance

Before bedtime, Big Truck tells Little Truck, “I love you with all of my heart”—but what does that mean? What if Little Truck lets Big Truck down, or makes mistakes, or has a bad day?

In this universal story of the unbreakable bond between parent and child, Little Truck tests the limits of Big Truck’s devotion and reassuringly learns that a parent's love is unconditional and everlasting. Adorable illustrations and sweetly personified vehicles add a silly dynamic to a dramatic and emotional poem.

“‘All of my heart’ means
That I’ll be with you —
Wherever you go
And whatever you do.”
 
Children will be profoundly comforted by the lovingly steadfast Big Truck who continually assures Little Truck that no matter what—or where—their love is eternal.

A Vooks Original, I Love You, Little Truck is a poetic bedtime story about a parent’s love for their child, no matter what their child may do. Written by David and Stephanie Miles, and illustrated by Natasha Molins.


“I love you with all of my heart.” A sweet bedtime story about the unconditional love between parent and child.

I Love You, Little Truck

Familius Presents

Back to School

Foundational Reading


Little e has always known he was important. After all, he comes from a long line of E’s. In his heart, he can tell he has the power to be a hero—he even has a blue cape! He just needs the chance to prove himself. But at school, Little e is so quiet, the other little letters rarely pay him any attention.

That is, until the day Little e doesn’t show up to class. At first, the other letters don’t even notice he’s gone. But then c, a, and k try to form a word for dessert, and they can’t make it work. The whole class is suddenly in an uproar. Without their silent friend, what are they going to do? Will Little e finally get his chance to come to the rescue?

While cleverly teaching spelling, grammar, and vowel rules, The Mighty Silent e also presents an important message: You don’t have to be loud to be a hero—you just have to be yourself. The narrative celebrates identity, diversity, and contributions from everyone. Written by Kimberlee Gard, illustrated by Sandie Sonke, and published by Familius.

Little e is sure he could be a hero. He even has the cape! But at school, he’s so quiet, he mostly goes unnoticed.

The Mighty Silent e!

Build Confidence

Friendship

In a little house in the very middle of a small Inuit town where winter is always longer than summer, a little girl named Nalvana lives with her mother. Everywhere she goes, she wears her superhero outfit: a yellow blanket-cape and snowmobiling goggles. Nalvana doesn’t know what her superpower is yet—but she’s determined to find out what it is.

As she goes to school and plays with other kids, Nalvana discovers that many of her friends have superpowers. But Nalvana still hasn’t discovered one of her own. Is it possible Nalvana doesn’t have a superpower? Or is her superpower hidden in plain sight?

What’s My Superpower is a celebration of those who use their words and abilities to lift up the world around them. Filled with references to Inuit language and culture, the narrative focuses on themes of positivity, community, and embracing the things that make us who we are. Written by Aviaq Johnston, illustrated by Tim Mack, and published by Inhabit Media Inc.

In the middle of a small Inuit town where winter is always longer than summer, a girl discovers her superpower.

What's My Superpower?

Early Childhood

Mindfulness

Be Brave

All Seasons

There are few things as powerful to a child as the kind and affirming words from a loved one. In I’ll Love You For Always, little ones are encouraged to carry these words with them wherever they go. Whether in sunshine or in shadow, in peaks or in valleys, in places unfamiliar or in places well-known—nothing can stop the love of a parent or guardian for their child.

This beautiful title encourages parents, guardians, or loved ones to not only speak words of affirmation to their child, but to write them down as well—to put their words into physical form, however simple or elaborate they may be.

I’ll Love You For Always is written by Peter Hinckley and illustrated by Lu Green, and is published by Familius, a values-driven publisher on a mission to teach, inspire and bring families together.

"Where'er you go, whatever you do... My love will keep surrounding you. It does. It always will."

I'll Love You For Always

Animals

When her father brings home a baby seagull, Elisapee falls in love with the tiny bird. She names it Nau (short for Naujaaraq). Elisapee and her brother feed Nau sculpins, seal fat, and small krill. Nau grows bigger and her feathers turn white. Eventually, Elisapee and her brother teach Nau to fly. To be sure they know which bird is theirs, Elisapee ties a pink bow onto Nau’s leg.

Every day, Nau flies with the other seagulls, then comes back to sleep on the roof of Elisapee’s shed. But then one day, Nau is ready to leave home for good. Will Elisapee have to say a final goodbye? Or will Nau’s spirit and memory live on, no matter where the arctic winds lead her?

Elisapee and Her Baby Seagull is a charming story about learning to care for animals, and also learning to let them go. The story focuses on Nunavut culture, along with themes of kindness, compassion, and doing what’s best for others. Written by Nancy Mike, illustrated by Charlene Chua, and published by Inhabit Media.

When her father brings home a baby seagull, Elisapee helps the tiny bird grow—and eventually, teaches it to fly.

Elisapee and Her Baby Seagull

Language and Vocabulary

Today, Mike and his sister Pam are going on a shopping trip with Daddy. They all pile into the car and head downtown. First, they get haircuts. Mike hops into the chair, and then Pam. Next, they head over to the shoe store. A man measures Mike’s feet, and then he measures Pam’s. Mike picks out blue shoes. Pam is a copycat and picks out blue shoes as well.

The shoe store clerk gives them each a balloon, and Pam picks the same color as Mike. But on the way to the car, Pam’s balloon pops. Daddy gives Pam his balloon—and then decides to make an unexpected stop. Can you guess where they go?

Shopping with Daddy gives young readers a simple overview of a shopping trip—to the barber, a store, and a restaurant. Themes of sharing, copying, and mild sibling rivalry show up throughout the narrative. Written by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Travis Foster, and published by Blue Apple Books.

On a shopping trip with Daddy, Mike and his sister Pam get haircuts and new shoes—and make an unexpected stop.

Shopping with Daddy

Slumberkins Presents

Be Resilient

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

A little girl and her dog Buddy are waiting for their new baby brother or sister. To pass the time, she makes crayon drawings of the baby. It helps her tell Buddy a story about how the whole process works. How sometimes, there are mothers who love their babies but know it’s better for them to live with another family. Those mothers look for a family that’s waiting for a baby. A family like hers and Buddy’s.

Buddy isn’t very patient. But the little girl knows the big day is coming soon. When it finally gets here, she’ll draw a big welcome picture. The “maybe baby” will be someone they can love forever—and the baby can love them too!

From Maybe to Forever gently explains the complex adoption process for younger readers. Told from the perspective of an older sibling, the endearing narrative shows how many different kinds of families there can be, and how much love they all have to give. Written by M.L. Gold and her granddaughter N.V. Fong, From Maybe to Forever is illustrated by Jess Hong and published by Creston Books.

Waiting for a new brother or sister is hard to do. How does a “maybe baby” become a part of a loving adoptive family?

From Maybe to Forever

Be Caring and Kind

What will Little Bear grow up to be? Really, anything he chooses. Little bears can be kind, like when they help Grandad Bear shovel the snow out of their den. And little bears can be strong, like when they bravely help pull a cousin out of a snowdrift. Little bears can be fast and fearless, like when they race to the top of a mountain—and little bears can be slow and careful, taking care where they place their steps.

Come along with Mummy Bear as she leads her Little Bear on a journey. Because in the end, who we grow up to be is really about who we practice being now. And doesn’t it sound nice to choose to be happy?

Be Happy! embraces the many things children (and adults) can choose to be, and how every difference has a strength. By showing that parents lead by example, the story also highlights an important lesson: Who we become is the result of who we choose to be today. Written by Susie Linn and illustrated by Alex Patrick, Be Happy! is published by Imagine That.

What will Little Bear be when he grows up? Come along, little one. Mummy Bear will show you.

Be Happy!

Kid at Heart

Of all the children that ever could be, you are the one made just for me. From a child's first uttered "Dada" to his or her first unsteady steps, nothing can adequately convey the joy and awe of watching the birth and growth of a new child. Filled with adorable illustrations and the refrain, "You are the one made just for me," Made for Me is a winning presentation of tender moments that tie a father and his new child together—forever.

Made for Me is written by Zack Bush and illustrated by Gregorio De Lauretis. The bestselling book is published by Familius.

Of all the children that ever could be, you are the one made just for me.

Made for Me

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

Cora loves being in the kitchen, though she always gets stuck with the kid jobs, like licking the spoon. But today, when her older siblings go out, Cora will finally get the chance to be Mama's assistant chef. Mama even lets her pick which delicious Filipino dish she wants to make. Cora chooses her favorite noodle recipe: pancit!

With Mama’s help, Cora does all the grown-up jobs, like shredding the chicken and soaking the rice noodles. She even stirs the pot while Mama supervises. But when dinner is served, will Daddy and her siblings know Cora did the cooking? Will they think the pancit is as good as usual?

A tale of cultural heritage, Cora Cooks Pancit brings the joyful art of cooking to life. The story walks through the steps for cooking Filipino pancit, highlighting themes of family, trust, and learning through experience. Written by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore, illustrated by Kristi Valiant, and published by Shen’s Books.

When her older siblings go out for the day, Cora finally gets the chance to be Mama’s assistant chef.

Cora Cooks Pancit

When the WiFi goes down, mommy and daddy are devastated. Their daughter, on the other hand, is not. She’s brimming with ideas and plans for things to see, places to explore. So, with her adventurous nana’s help, the girl drags her parents outside. They ride bikes. They buy pastries and coffee. They play soccer at the park. It’s a beautiful, internet-free day. Maybe a perfect day.

But what happens when the family gets home and the WiFi is still down? And how did the WiFi go out in the first place? Come along for a day unplugged from screens and find out just how much fun is waiting when we pick up our heads and put down the devices.

A wry look at the value of internet-free family time, The Manic Panic reminds us that a whole world is waiting outside of our screens. By inverting the parent/child relationship, the story explores screen addiction in an approachable, kid-centric way. Written by Richa Jha, illustrated by Mithila Ananth, and published by Creston Books.

When the WiFi goes out, a young girl drags her parents outside to remind them how to have screen-free fun.

The Manic Panic

Spork sticks out. In his kitchen, utensils have a single purpose. Even though he tries to act more spoonish or look more forkish, he never gets picked at mealtime. Instead, he sits and watches while the forks twirl knots of noodles and the spoons scoop up mountains of peas. They even get to enjoy a bubbly bath in the sink when dinner is over.

He seems destined for a life in the drawer … until one day, a messy guest arrives. This guest doesn’t seem to care about cutlery customs. Spork wonders—could this be his chance to find his way to the table? Could his uniqueness make him the best solution for this problem?

A metaphor-rich celebration of hybrid identities, Spork is a “multi-cutlery” tale for anyone who’s ever felt like a misfit. Exploring themes of purpose, conformity, diversity, and finding your place in the world, Spork is written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. Published by Kids Can Press.

Spork never gets picked during mealtime. He seems destined for a life in the drawer… until an unexpected guest arrives.

Spork

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Storytime Favorites

Brightly Storytime Presents

When Carmela wakes up on her birthday, her wish has already come true–she’s finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. Together, they travel through their neighborhood, past the crowded bus stop, the fenced-off repair shop, and the panadería, until they arrive at the Laundromat, where Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. But before she can blow its white fluff away, her brother tells her she has to make a wish. If only she can think of just the right wish to make . . .

With lyrical, stirring text and stunning, evocative artwork, Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson have crafted a moving ode to family, to dreamers, and to finding hope in the most unexpected places.

Join Ms. Linda in reading! Carmela is finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. Together, they travel through their neighborhood, until Carmela finds a lone dandelion. But before she can blow its white fluff away, her brother tells her she has to make a wish.

Carmela Full of Wishes

Ocean

Free Access

Zayn loves going on adventures with his dad. After a particularly great day, he asks his dad what made the day so perfect. “We had Free Fun,” his dad answers. Zayn’s dad tells him that Free Fun is a magical thing, something that you must find on your own. So, off Zayn goes on a quest to find Free Fun for himself.
 
After a day of searching in every place he can think of, Zayn worries he might never find Free Fun. He awakes the next morning with his dad’s words buzzing in his brain: “Every answer in life can be found while looking at waves.” That’s it—the ocean! Zayn and his dad grab their surfboards and race to the beach. When a powerful wave crashes down, forcing Zayn below the surf, he opens his eyes underwater and finally finds what he’s been looking for.

A Vooks Original, Finding Free Fun is a mindful, meditative story about slowing down and finding fun in life’s everyday moments and places. Written by Yogi Roth and illustrated by Roxanne Rainville.

Zayn is on the hunt for Free Fun, but where could it be? What does it look like? Is it short or tall, yellow or green? Is it inside or outside? How do you find Free Fun?

Finding Free Fun

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

In the City

Storybook Genius Publishing

Today is an exciting day. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and Landon is going to visit the Museum of Natural History with his mom. He’s heard so many things about the museum. There’s a room full of butterflies, a huge whale hanging off the ceiling, and even giant dinosaur bones. He can hardly wait to get their tickets and walk inside.

But to get to the museum, Landon will have to do something he’s never done before—something that will open an entire world, hidden right beneath New York City. In the end, Landon might learn an important lesson: That when you open your heart to the world around you, the journey can be as magical as the destination.

Touching on themes of exploration, family bonds, and enthusiasm for trying new things, Landon Rides the Subway is a warm, lighthearted ode to the joys of childhood wonder. Written by Diana Perez, illustrated by Yip Jar Design, and published by Storybook Genius.

Landon is going to the museum with his mom. To get there, he’ll have to do something magical: Ride the NYC subway.

Landon Rides the Subway

Birthday parties are so much fun: the friends, the family, the games, the gifts, and, of course, the food! But what type of food do you serve at a birthday party when your family is from two different cultures? Young Mikey Yam is having a hard time choosing between the Italian food of his mother’s side and the Chinese cuisine of his dad’s. So, he turns to his grannies, Bahboo and Nonna, for advice.
 
“Ravioli or Dumplings? Linguine or Lo Mein? All of these options were hurting his brain.”
 
Join Young Mikey as he decides which type of food to have for his birthday party, and the important life lesson he learns along the way.

A Vooks Original, Fried Rice & Marinara is a rhyming story about two cultures coming together to create something special. Written by Mike Yam and illustrated by Laura Dong.

Young Mikey Yam is about to turn four, but deciding what type of food to have at his party is creating a jumble of possibilities!

Fried Rice & Marinara

Celebrate Black History

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.