In the City

Dreamscape

Vooks A to Z

As a little girl tours and twirls through the halls of the art museum, she finds herself on an exciting adventure. Each piece of art evokes something new inside of her: silliness, curiosity, joy, and ultimately inspiration. When confronted with an empty white canvas, she is energized to create and express herself — which is the greatest feeling of all. 

With exuberant illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds, The Museum playfully captures the many emotions experienced through the power of art, and each child's unique creative process.

When I see a work of art, something happens in my heart!

The Museum

Biographies

Be Resilient

Celebrate Black History

Be Brave

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

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Family 

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn't he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them. 

This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Peña's vibrant text and Christian Robinson's radiant illustrations.

Join young CJ on a memorable ride as the 2016 Newbury winner comes to life in this dynamic video!

Last Stop on Market Street

Paolo the dachshund is trapped. Although he lives in Rome, a city filled with history and adventure, he is confined to a hair salon. Paolo dreams of the sweet life—la dolce vita—in the Eternal City. And then, one day, he escapes! Paolo throws himself into the city, finding adventure at every turn. Join our hero as he discovers the wonders of Rome: the ruins, the food, the art, the opera, and—of course—the cats. Everyone will cheer the daring of this bighearted dog, whose story shows that even the smallest among us can achieve great things.

In this heartwarming tale of achievement, Paolo the dachshund discovers the wonders of Rome: the ruins, the food, the art, the opera, and—of course—the cats.

Paolo, Emperor of Rome

Bartelby is a very long and lovable dachshund who lives in a bookstore. He has a lovely set of friends who take him for walks through the city, but he has no idea that his bumbling backside leaves a trail of destruction and accidents behind him. Embarrassed that he has no control over his back end, Bartelby vows to never leave the cozy bookstore again. Can his friends help him find a way to help himself?

When Bartelby, a dachshund with a bumbling bottom with a mind of its own, vows to never leave the bookstore again, his friends must help him find a way to help himself.

The Very Very Very Long Dog

A big truck with its mouth wide open is parked at the curb, ready to gobble up Evelyn’s mirror with the stickers around the edge...and the sofa that they bounce on to get to the moon. Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. 

The tenderness of Meg Medina’s beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez’s colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls’ urban neighborhood.

From a Newbery Medalist comes the bittersweet story of two girls who promise to always be each other’s número uno, even though one is moving away.

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away

Storyteller

Mindfulness

Vooks at a Glance

Everyone's Reading

Kid at Heart

Vehicles

Nature

Be Caring and Kind

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

Food and Cooking

Animals

Meet Chip, the boss of a bodega in New York City. What’s a bodega? It’s a grocery store—but it’s also more than that. It’s a place to see friends, have fun, and grab the best Dominican food in the city. Throughout the day, Chip is there to make sure nothing gets missed, and everyone feels welcome. Sometimes, that means counting bottles of soap. Sometimes, it means playing hide-and-seek with the regulars.

Come see the world through the eyes of a kitty who never rests… unless he’s chasing pigeons with his human brother Damian or taking a nap on a bag of potato chips. Day or night, in a rush or on a delivery, Chip will never let you down.

Bodega Cat is an ode to New York’s feline friends and the people who give the city heart. The slice-of-life narrative explores themes of diversity, inclusion, community, and the richness to be found in shared experiences. Written and illustrated by Louie Chin, the book is published by POW! (a division of powerHouse Packaging & Supply, Inc.). Chip is based on a real, playful orange tabby named Simba.

Chip is the boss of a bodega in New York City. He also happens to be a cat. How does a feline keep the place humming?

Bodega Cat

Language and Vocabulary

Early Childhood

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

Elementary

How We Work

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

Storytime Favorites

Read Along With Vooks

Free Access

Dream Big

Build Confidence

Friendship

5 Minutes or Less

For Little Sock, every day is the same. He gets worn, he gets dirty, he gets washed. His friends don’t seem to mind the routine, but Little Sock dreams of something new. So one night, Little Sock decides to leave his drawer in search of adventure…to find the fabled land known as Sock City!

Follow Little Sock on this adorable journey about bravery and aspiration. Little ones will discover that sometimes in order to fulfill a dream we have to be courageous and try things that might seem a bit scary at first.

Written by Kia Heise and Christopher D. Park (with illustrations by Christopher D. Park as well), this light-hearted tale published by Sleeping Bear Press is sure to delight!


For Little Sock, every day’s the same—until, one night, he leaves his drawer in search of adventure.

Little Sock

Little Sock lives in a drawer. He may look like the other socks, but he has a secret. Sometimes, late at night, he escapes to a marvelous place where everything is new and exciting: Sock City! But when Little Sock starts to wish he had someone to share all the fun with, he’ll have to do something truly brave. He’ll have to figure out… just how exactly does a sock make a friend?

The fuzzy hero from Little Sock returns for a new adventure beyond the dryer, into the magical world where all socks dream of going. Socks might not get there in pairs, but who’s to say they can’t make a friend once they arrive?

Written by Kia Heise and Christopher D. Park, Little Sock Makes a Friend is a sequel to the much-loved Little Sock. Published by Sleeping Bear Press in 2021, the book includes themes of friendship, overcoming social anxiety, and learning how to fit into a new community.

Little Sock loves to visit Sock City—but sometimes, he gets a bit lonely. Will he be able to find a new friend?

Little Sock Makes a Friend

The city is full of fun animals. Can you guess them all? With every clue, you’ll learn more and more about each animal. Then, see if you can solve the puzzle! 

In this colorful book—perfect for littles—the award-winning artwork of Caldecott winner Simms Taback is transformed into a fun guessing game. Simms Taback’s City Animals is published by Blue Apple Books.

Get ready for the sights and sounds of the city, in this fun animal guessing game!

Simms Taback's City Animals

A red light says: stop! A green light says: go! Have fun learning all about “stop” and “go” in different situations; also, how “green,” “yellow” and “red” can mean different things too. Follow along as a mommy and daughter drive through the city. To get home, they’ll follow all the signs, and of course they’ll “stop” and “go!”

Stop and Go! is written by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Steve Mack, and published by Blue Apple Books.


A red light says: stop! A green light says: go! Have fun learning all about “stop” and “go!”

Stop and Go!

Familius Presents

Camp Vooks

All Seasons

Luis is a charming alleycat. Tabitha is a sophisticated show cat. They live in two different worlds - their love thwarted by a thick glass door and by Tabitha’s owner. After all, Luis is an outside cat, Tabitha is an inside cat and that’s just the way it is. But, these two lovestruck kitties will do anything to be together. For Luis, that may mean even risking his own safety to save the life of the cat he loves.

This star-crossed feline love story is bursting with charm. You might say: it’s purrfect! 

  Luis and Tabitha is delightfully written by Stephanie Campisi, beautifully illustrated by Hollie Mengert and published by Familius, a values-driven publisher on a mission to teach, inspire, and bring families together.

Follow two kitties who come from different worlds, but will stop at nothing to be together.

Luis and Tabitha

Be Creative

Sick Day Stories

Mister Fairy isn’t like the other fairies. They all have special talents—but when Mister Fairy tries to copy them, it never turns out right. Morning fairies wake everyone up. Mister Fairy can barely get up in time for breakfast. Boo-boo fairies fix and heal and make things all better. When Mister Fairy waves his wand, the trees just turn to fluff.

One day, sad and unhappy, Mister Fairy decides he’s had enough. He leaves the forest. But then he learns something he didn’t expect—a secret that makes him see the world quite a bit differently. Will Mister Fairy find a place among the other fairies? Or will he always be an outsider, even with his discovery?

Mister Fairy is a touching, humorous tale about fitting in and finding one’s place in the world. The story presents the reality that sometimes your talent is hiding in plain sight: it might simply take the right time and place to reveal what was there all along. Written by Morgane de Cadier, illustrated by Florian Pige, and published by Red Comet Press.

Mister Fairy doesn’t fit in with the other fairies. So, he decides to leave the forest—and learns something unexpected.

Mister Fairy

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

Get a taste of city life with this collection of stories.