Books - PreK

4 years & up. On a bright, sunny day, a young black girl heads to the park and gathers a lively group of friends for an afternoon filled with fun and classic playground games. As they laugh and play, the kids come to realize that, despite their differences, whether it's curly or straight hair, light or dark skin, brown or blue eyes, they share so much in common. The vibrant illustrations bring to life a dynamic cast of characters who revel in the simple, shared delight of spending time together under the sun. 32 pages.

3 - 5 years. Don Freeman's classic character, Corduroy, is even more popular today then he was when he first came on the scene over thirty years ago. This favorite title is ready for another generation of children to love.

3 - 5 years. Nancy Carlson's reassuring picture book about getting ready for kindergarten is now available in a Spanish-English edition-and to a whole new audience of young children. The simple, comforting text and big, bright illustrations will ease first-day-of-school jitters and help make the early days of kindergarten exciting and fun. Bilingual hardcover. 32 pages.

3 years and up. Take young children around the world with our Cultural Diversity Paperback Set. The books in this set use real photographs to introduce children to life in other parts of the world. Children will go to markets, see different types of homes, and much more. These books are a great way to encourage children to look beyond their immediate surroundings and become aware of the world's diversity. Also includes a teachers guide with additional activities that can be used throughout the classroom.

4 years & up. Yelena and Papa take care of their traditional Filipino dwelling - their nipa hut - and it takes care of them. When a tropical storm roars towards the Philippines, their preparation will be put to the test. Gripping narrative will keep young readers glued to the pages as Yelena, Papa and the nipa hut work together as a family to withstand the storm. 32 pages.

By the warmth of a campfire beneath a starry night sky, a Navajo youth named Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses listens to the tale of his birth from his grandfather. Although blind, the boy learns that he has the strength to cope with his condition and meet any challenge that comes his way.

2 years & up. Learn the alphabet while exploring the fascinating world of insects from A to Z. This engaging first concepts book introduces children to a variety of bugs and their unique features, helping them discover how praying mantises help farmers, while fireflies glow, and, how water spiders can breathe underwater. 28 pages.

6 - 9 years. Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties, and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together. A wonderfully silly early graphic novel series featuring three stories. In the first, Jelly learns that Narwhal is a really good friend. Then Narwhal and Jelly form their own pod of awesomeness with their ocean friends. And finally, Narwhal and Jelly read the best book ever -- even though it doesn't have any words...or pictures! Paperback. 64 pages.

3 years & up.  What does a little bear wear while he romps through a bright and sunny day? In the morning, his pants that dance, a rose between his toes, and the sun on his legs that run. At lunchtime, an apple to bite and a moustache of white, and juice from a pear and rice in his hair. And at night, his pjs with feet and face on the seat, and sleep in his eyes and stars in the skies, as he dreams of the fun he'll have tomorrow.

4 - 8 years. Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let's draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue! Funny, insightful, layered, and colorful, this picture book is about being true to your inner self and following your own path. Hardcover. 40 pages.

4 years & up. Tommy enjoy visiting his grandmother and great-grandmother, but he must learn to copy when he experiences the loss of someone he loves. This gentle story supports discussions about family, memory, and coping with grief.

3 years & up. This charming, rhyming story invites young readers on a cozy wintertime journey as a train full of sleepy animals prepares for hibernation. Featuring soothing, rhythmic text and playful storytelling, the book introduces children to a variety of hibernating animals, including bears, bats, chipmunks, frogs, turtles, hedgehogs, and more.

4 - 7 years. Whether families live in modern cities or remote villages, they share many of the same joys and challenges. Vibrant photos and engaging text depict children in many countries as they live, eat, play, work, and learn with members of their families in this celebration of diversity and of the human family. Paperback.

5 - 8 years. There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you. There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. This book reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway. Hardcover. 32 pages.

This book about nature and the changing seasons focuses on a young boy and a very special apple tree. As the seasons pass, Arnold enjoys a variety of activities as a result of his apple tree. Includes a recipe for apple pie and a description of how an apple cider press works. Paperback. 32 pages.

4 years & up. In a retelling of the classic French folktale especially suited to beginning readers, a clever vagabond tricks an old woman into believing he can make soup from a stone. Paperback. 32 pages.

3 years & up. This charming story follows two best friends, a curious minnow and an adventurous tadpole, who are inseparable until one begins to change. As the tadpole grows into a frog and ventures beyond the pond, he returns full of wonder and stories of the outside world. Inspired, the minnow, now a fish, sets out to follow, only to find that life on land isn't quite what he imagined. In the end, it's the strength of their friendship that brings them back together. A beautiful exploration of growing up, adapting to change, and staying connected no matter where life leads. 40 pages.

3 years & up. One winter morning, Lina wakes up to silence. It's the sound of snow! The kind that looks soft and glows bright in the winter sun. But as she walks to her grandmother's house to help make the family recipe for warak enab, she continues to listen. As Lina walks past snowmen and across icy sidewalks, she discovers ten ways to pay attention to what might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

3 years & up. Gilbert the goldfish seems to have everything, except a friend. As he searches for the perfect companion, he encounters a series of surprising animals and learns about friendships, problem-solving, and finding connection.

5 years & up. Combine arts and reading with this descriptive To Be an Artist Creative Book for Arts Around the World. This wonderful book displays painting, music, dance, and other art forms from around the world. Children will enjoy learning about how others celebrate and engage in art. This book is complete with beautiful photographs and simple, inspiring texts. Encourage children to ask questions about vocabulary words they're unfamiliar with. Paperback.

3 years & up. Featuring captivating photographs from National Geographic's renowned archive, this book explores family life and cultural traditions around the world. Organized around common themes, the text highlights the connections shared by children and parents across diverse communitities. Maps accompany each photograph, helping readers identify locations and build global awareness while discovering the universal experiences that unite people everywhere.

4 years & up. When Alex wants a pet iguana, he and his mother exchange persuasive notes filled with reasons for and against the idea. This humorous story introduces persuasive writing, communication, and critical thinking through a lively family debate.

3 years & up. During a picnic at the river with Mama, five little monkeys learn an important lesson about kindness and safety when their teasing of Mr. Crocodile leads to unexpected consequences.

2 years & up. From seeds dropping into soil to corn bursting from its stalks, from children chasing butterflies to ants burrowing underground, everything in this vibrant picture book pulses with life in all directions! Sprightly illustrations set the mood for a rhythmic text that follows nature's course to a feast of backyard bounty. 32 pages.