HOPE IS THE THING WITH FLOWERS

It's a busy, busy, busy at the construction site. Dozer, Crane, and Digger are pushing, hoisting, and digging to build tall buildings for working, roads for driving, and bridges for crossing. One day Digger comes across a small, blue flower growing amidst all the construction. As the other construction vehicles keep building up the city, Digger visits the flower each day to nurture it's growth. Soon, the space where the lone little flower is growing is the only place that's not built up, and the Crane insists that they need to put a building there too. Will Digger be able to stop them, and if not, what will become of the last little flower in the city? 

The Digger and the Flower, simply yet poignantly written and illustrated by Joseph Kuefler, is a deceptively quiet picture book that packs a huge emotional punch. Just when things seem devastating, hope peeks through the darkness, and we readers are reminded of the triumph and resilience of the human spirit. Have your tissues handy, parents, because this book might make you cry--first from sadness, but then ultimately from the beauty of hope. 

This is not your typical construction vehicle book--it's a deeply touching read to share with preschoolers through second graders. 

TURN A BAD DAY INTO A GOOD DAY!

From the moment we wake up from a good night's rest, we can only hope for a good day to begin.  But what happens when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed?  Georgie knows exactly how this feels and his friends feel the same way.

Ruth Chan's darling story and illustrations capture many examples of what can go wrong in a day.  The message she conveys is that sometimes an unexpected event can really turn things around for the better.  So, with a sprinkle of patience, wonderful friends, and lots of laughter, you can also have a version of Georgie's Best Bad Day!  

For ages 2-5.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FRENEMIES AND CRUSHES

There are many roles in middle school that each person assumes. There are athletes, popular kids, nerds, teacher's pets, and over-achievers. Gracie doesn’t buy into any of it. She just goes with her own flow, even with family challenges at home. She is not considered a fashionista or 'big girl on campus;' she’s just a regular middle school girl who is witty, charming, and a good friend. She also happens to have a crush on a boy. The only problem is that her BFF has a crush on the same boy. When her very shy friend asks her for some help, what will Gracie do?

In, Well, That Was Awkward, Rachel Vail skillfully weaves the trials and tribulations of a middle-schooler in a relatable story. Despite her many challenges Gracie is somehow able to bring her strength and courage to the forefront. Rachel Vail's inclusion of middle-schoolers from different ethnic backgrounds is a plus.

For ages 12 and up.

AMUSEMENT PARK ADVENTURES

Little Elliot and Mouse venture off to Coney Island and Mouse is very excited to show Little Elliot all the attractions at the amusement park.  Upon arrival, Little Elliot is overwhelmed by the rides and attractions.  Mouse tries to help his friend find rides that are more suitable for his pace.  

Will Elliot overcome his fears and try some of the rides?  Will the two friends enjoy their experience at the amusement park? 

Little Elliot Big Fun by Mike Curato is the third book in the Little Elliot series.  This book teaches us about friendship and how we can be different from one another but still enjoy each other’s company. This is also a great story to help children deal with anxiety when approaching new things.  A lovely story with beautiful illustrations makes it a great read aloud for children ages 2 and up. 

GRUMPY PANTS

It happens to everyone. You wake up on the wrong side of bed. There’s no milk for your cereal. You’re hungry. It’s raining. You’re cold. Your favorite teddy is missing. And your mother gives you cherry juice with your lunch. Cherry! The official flavor of cough syrup-- yech!

The point is, it’s a Grumpy Pants kind of day, and sometimes the only thing to do is strip off those grumpy layers, count to three, and wash it all away.

Grumpy Pants by Claire Messer is a toddler-friendly story designed to send the grumps on their way. Pair it with other grumpy picture books, including Brian Won’s Hooray for Hat!, Jeremy Tankard’s Grumpy Bird, Kristine A. Lombardi's The Grumpy Pets, and Samantha Berger’s Crankenstein.

Ages 2+

Disclaimer: Grumpy Cat read this book, and she thought it was awful. (Don't listen to Grumpy Cat)

FISH IN A TREE

As if life in the 6th grade is not hard enough, Ally Nickerson’s secret made it that much more difficult.  She was convinced there was no cure for her condition.  Ally never heard of being cured of dumbness, so she suffered everyday humiliations and refused to ask for help.  She has convinced herself it was better to misbehave and get sent to the principal’s office than let others know that she could not read.  

Ally was never given a chance to fit in until the new teacher, Mr. Daniels, arrived and he realized that Ally had learning difficulties. 

What could be the cause of Ally's problems? Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a remarkable story! Hunt portrays the life of a young girl and the emotional turmoil she goes through.  Readers will connect with the characters in this realistic fiction. Do not miss out on this story all about endless possibilities! 

For grades 4-6

HOORAY FOR HAT!

“Hats: a cure for life’s grumpy days” should be the tagline for Brian Won’s picture book Hooray for Hat! On a morning when Elephant wakes up grumpy, a mysterious gift on his doorstep immediately lifts his spirits. With a cheer of “hooray for hat!” Elephant dashes off to share his amazing new five-tier hat with his friend Zebra. What follows is a growing parade of newly cheered friends spreading the joys of friendship and hats. 

It’s a simple storyline, not precisely original, but a charming one nonetheless. There’s something about the colorful exuberance of this animal troupe with its zany hats that brings a smile to the face. This is a lovely book to share with a group or one-on-one. Just be sure to have everyone join in on the refrain: “HOORAY FOR HAT!” 

For other light-hatted read alouds (terrible pun always intended) try I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, The Magic Hat by Mem Fox, Aunt Lucy Went to Buy a Hat by Alice Low, and the ever classic Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina. For readers of all ages.

ROBOT AND HUMAN RELATIONS

The Robot Wars have been over for several months, and the former United States is now divided into different districts. Trout St. Kroix awaits his father's return. In desperation, he asks a friend to make a plea to the public on the Net for any information regarding his father. An unexpected turn of events occur, and Trout finds that he has endangered himself and his older brother. When his brother is captured, Trout makes an adventurous journey to the Bot District where he learns more about his father's whereabouts. Will Trout ever see his brother again?

J.V. KADE write a suspenseful sci-fi story that will have readers cheer for Trout and for the robots. Click on the link BOT WARS and reserve a copy today. 

For 5th grade and up.