Each Living Thing

Each Living Thing by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Ashley Wolff 2000

The spare text in this story follows different children across pages brimming with the wonders of nature. The appreciation and joy that the natural world can evoke is on each beautifully illustrated page. Different environments and seasons are explored as Ryder reminds us of the delicacy, and power, of our surroundings.

“Be wary of bears who linger in the dusk, of owls hooting, hunting in the night, of bats who flitter, whirling overhead, and cougars pausing, prowling out of sight. Be aware of them. Take care of them.”

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Joanne Ryder on Amazon

Ashley Wolff on Amazon

Me I Am!

Me I Am! By Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Christine Davenier 2007

Your child is individual and special, and Prelutsky’s book is a celebration of that fact. The poem “Me I Am” is woven throughout the book, and introduces three very unique children doing the things that they like best. We follow a little girl who loves to dress up, a boy who is enamored with the natural world, and a young ballerina in all her glory. The three children come together at the end and continue to celebrate the special traits that make them different, and the joy that it brings.

The jovial illustrations by Davenier showcase the imaginative world of young people in a way that is completely fresh and relatable.

Appropriate for ages 3-7

Jack Prelutsky on Amazon

Christine Davenier on Amazon

Wolf's Coming!

Wolf’s Coming! By Joe Kulka 2007

The dark, almost menacing, cover of this book may be off-putting, but don’t pass it by. Animal’s hurry and scurry through the forest as a wolf garbed in a suit menacingly lurks in the dark woods. The terrified expressions of the forest creatures assists in the mounting suspense felt throughout the story. The surprise that waits at the end will very likely shock the reader, and wolf as well.

Appropriate for ages 3-7

How to Heal a Broken Wing

How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham 2008

At times, the pace of life leaves no time to slow down, and yet the young boy in this urban story does just that. He sees an injured pigeon lying on the busy sidewalk and asks his Mom if they can take it home. We then see the compassionate process that his family takes as they care for and nourish the bird back to health. The text is wonderfully spare as we watch the bird heal, and long to be where he really belongs. Will learns a lesson about kindness that he, and you, will not soon forget.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Bob Graham on Amazon

Say Hello

Say Hello by Jack Foreman, illustrated by Michael Foreman 2008

A dog and a little boy are experiencing what it feels like to be lonely and left out. A group of kids having a great time can be very intimidating, but it only takes the kindness of one to begin the process of friendship and belonging.

The spare text and illustrations leave ample room to observe the moral of kindness towards others, and the powerful life change it can render.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Michael Foreman on Amazon

Police Officers on Patrol

Police Officers on Patrol by Kersten Hamilton, illustrated by R. W. Alley 2009

A day in the life of a police officer, from the mundane tasks to the drama, is cleverly depicted in this rollicking read. Hamilton helps us remember how important and brave police officers are. The artwork by Alley introduces us to engaging characters with life-like expressions, which are emphatically thankful for the help they receive from the police.

Kids will be chanting with the officers, “When people need help, we rock and roll!”

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Kersten Hamilton on Amazon

R. W. Alley on Amazon

Those Darn Squirrels!

Those Darn Squirrels! By Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri 2008

An old man lives alone and finds pleasure in attracting birds to his yard so he can paint their pictures. He takes great pains to provide seeds and berries for his feathered friends. The neighborhood gang of squirrels and all their shenanigans interrupts his plans. The squirrels calmly construct clever ways to fill their bellies, and it looks as though they may prevail until they give Old Man Fookwire the biggest surprise of all.

The old man’s demeanor changes from one of frustration to unexpected happiness at the guests in his yard. There is a sweet respect between the creatures in this story that speaks volumes.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

The Baby Shower

The Baby Shower by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Judy Love 2007

Ms. Brindle Cow’s friends want to celebrate the birth of her calf. They romp through the countryside carrying their special gifts with them. They sing a sweet song as they go:

“We love you, Brindle. Yes, we do. We’ll love your darling baby, too. Mr. Bull congratulations! We’ve come to join the celebrations.”

The happy ending has a surprise that is doubly fun. Each animal lays out their gift to welcome the babies, and the excitement on their faces is infectious.

This is a cute way of describing what a baby shower is to curious young children. The love and support of family and friends is of utmost importance, and this fact is illustrated in a charming way.

Appropriate for ages 3-6

Eve Bunting on Amazon

Before You Were Mine

Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by David Walker 2007

This story about adopting a new dog after loss is full of emotion. The young narrator imagines what life was like for his new puppy before his family rescued it from the shelter. Did the previous owner “talk about you at recess? Or laugh when you licked his chin?” The boy even worries that the dog may have been treated in a mean way, or experienced loneliness. But after all the speculation this compassionate child realizes that what really matters is the love his family can offer, and the joy of a new friend.

The artwork from Walker is full of warmth, and emotion. I especially appreciate the hopeful look exchanged between the boy and the dog when they see each other for the first time. A short essay from Boelts in the back of the book talks about the joy that a successful animal adoption can bring to all parties involved.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Maribeth Boelts on Amazon

David Walker on Amazon

Muriel's Red Sweater

Muriel’s Red Sweater by Dara Dokas, illustrated by Bernadette Pons 2009

Muriel, the dim duck, is hand delivering her birthday invitations. She starts her walk by unknowingly getting her red sweater stuck on a nail. As she proceeds across each scene, her sweater begins to unravel. The red yarn is utilized in many ways, including a jump rope for Squirrel, a tie for Beaver’s twigs, and a leash for a pet frog.

Back at Muriel’s house we see her friends waiting to surprise her with a package tied up in red yarn. The gift from her friends is just what she needs to keep her warm and stylish.

The artwork is bright, and cheerful. Uncluttered pages beg to be examined in order to discover small details. Children will enjoy knowing what’s going on, especially because Muriel is clueless.

Appropriate for ages 3-8

Bernadette Pons on Amazon

Guido's Gondola

Guido’s Gondola by Renee Riva, illustrated by Steve Bjorkman 2005

Venice, tourists, and gondolas go hand in hand, and this story includes all of them plus a great moral to boot. Guido is a kindhearted rat who joyfully guides tourists through the waterways of Venice on his humble gondola. He enjoys the simplicity of life until the suggestion of purchasing a bigger, faster vessel is brought to his attention.

As he acquires more, his life becomes more complicated and less contented. In a freeing declaration Guido yells, "Enough is enough! It is not all about big boats and stuff!" Learn with Guido that life is not about acquiring, but about appreciating the small joys in life.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Steve Bjorkman on Amazon

The Teddy Bear

The Teddy Bear by David McPhail 2002

This book touches on a very important topic in a gentle way. A young boy misplaces his favorite stuffed bear on a vacation with his family.

"By the time he was missed, and a search begun, it was too late-he was not to be found."

The bear is afraid and alone until he is found by a homeless man who tucks him in his pocket and carries him everywhere. Although this life of sleeping outside, and wandering aimlessly is strange for the bear, he "still felt loved." The boy soon forgets his bear. "He had new toys to occupy him and new friends to keep him busy." But one day he sees his old bear on a park bench, where the homeless man had temporarily placed him. He excitedly grabs the bear up, and begins to carry him home. When the homeless man notices the bears disappearance he begins to wail in despair. What happens next is a wonderful lesson in compassion, kindness, and generosity.

McPhail's pen-and-watercolor illustration is full of emotion, reminding us that we are blessed with so much. This is a story I recall to mind often when I see those less fortunate. It highlights the importance of genuine compassion towards others.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

David McPhail on Amazon

Happy Birthday, Dear Duck

Happy Birthday, Dear Duck by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Jan Brett 1988

This simple, yet clever story demonstrates the kindness of friends at Duck's birthday party. Each friend bears a gift that initially does not seem to have any connection to the next gift.

"Duck looked around and he said, "Thanks a lot!

I'm pleased as can be with the gifts you brought.

But we're far from a lake and far from the sea.

How can I use what you've given to me?"

The last present, brought by Tortoise, allows them to utilize all the preceding gifts. They celebrate Duck's special day in the best way possible in the middle of the desert.

Brett's bright, warm illustrations highlight the beauty of the Southwest, and the animals that call the desert home.

Appropriate for ages 2-8

Jan Brett on Amazon

Eve Bunting on Amazon