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 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.

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.

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… More »

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.

3 years & up. This mixed-up barnyard tale of tolerance and friendship teaches kids (and creatures) that it's okay to be different, and sometimes even more fun! A cow that oinks and a pig that moos are ridiculed by the other barnyard animals until each teaches the other a new sound. Paperback. 40 pages.

4 - 7 years. Wilson Bentley was always fascinated by snow. In childhood and adulthood, he saw each tiny crystal of a snowflake as a little miracle and wanted to understand them. His parents supported his curiosity and saved until they could give him his own camera and microscope. At the time, his enthusiasm was misunderstood. But with patience and determination, Wilson catalogued hundreds of snowflake photographs, gave slideshows of his findings and, when he was 66, published a book of his photos.… More »

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.

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… More »

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… More »

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.

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.

4 years & up. Star the starling wants to sing all by himself so that everyone will look at his beautiful feathers but when a hawk comes hunting, Star discovers that there's more strength and power in community than in being alone. This thrilling original fable about why starlings flock in murmurations and why their wings have speckles. 32 pages.

4 - 7 years. When Stick rescues Stone from a prickly situation with a Pinecone, a friendship is born. But when Stick gets stuck, can Stone return the favor? With simple rhyming text, subtle messages of kindness and compassion, this delightful story about making and helping friends will enchant readers young and old because it's never too early--or too late--to stick up for your friends. Hardcover. 48 pages.

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. 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.

2 years & up. A belly-laugh picture book with a smidgeon of pigeon! When the bus driver goes away Pigeon comes to play. Children will love deciding the fate of this crazy little bird that thinks he can drive. Each hilarious scenario is full of the over-the-top pleads and wheedles of Pigeon as he throws toddler-sized tantrums. What a fun way to learn about human behavior and how to deal with not getting your way. Written and illustrated by the much-loved Mo Willems. Hardcover. 40 pages. Dimensions: 9" x 9"

3 years & up. Mama's Milk offers age-appropriate information to discuss the natural bond between mammal moms and their babies. Beautifully illustrated and tenderly written about humans and animals feeding their young. Also includes fascinating nursing facts about some animals. Hardcover. 32 pages.

3 years & up. Through vivid illustrations and simple, inquiry-based text, children are introduced to a variety of animals such as hares, ducks, foxes, and deer. By examining the tracks they leave behind in the snow. Each page prompts observation, prediction, and critical thinking as readers guess which animal made each set of footprints before discovering the answer.

3 years & up. Follow seven forest animals ranging from a small, resourceful mouse to a towering moose as they adapt to a powerful winter snowstorm. Over the course of a week, the snowfall steadily deepens, eventually rising higher and higher until even the moose's antlers are nearly buried. Each day builds upon the last, creating a clear, cumulative structure that helps young readers track changes over time while strengthening sequencing and counting skills.  As the story transitions into… More »

3 years & up. We see a city where people are bridges to each other and children sing poetry in two languages. A family frolic in the snow reminds the poet of the iguanas playing by his grandmother's house in Mexico. We are dazzled by the promise of seedling redwoods and all children growing to be the ancestors of tomorrow.

4 - 8 years. One day, a small boy receives a very special invitation-the King and the Queen have invited him to the castle for tea. He accepts, with one question: "May I bring a friend?" "Any friend of our friend is welcome here," says the King. But their guest's friend turns out to be someone they never expected! Paperback. 48 pages,

4 - 8 years. Little Lex has big dreams of becoming a superhero! He reads comic books, builds up his muscles, and orders a superhero costume. His first mission is to save a tomcat in trouble. The tomcat ends up bullying Dex about his size. Will Dex learn that a hero is not defined by the strength of his muscles, but the trueness of his heart? Paperback. 32 pages.

8 years & up. George Frideric Handel was a man who knew exactly what he liked and he wasn't afraid to pursue it. From sneaking a clavichord into the attic to secretly playing the organ at a duke's estate to composing operas no one initially wanted to hear, Handel followed his passion no matter the obstacle. Even when faced with hardship and opposition, he never wavered from being himself. And because of that unwavering spirit, he became one of the most beloved composers in history. In this captivating… More »