Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge is a young boy who lives next door to a nursing home. He is friends with all of the people who live there and visits them often. His favorite person is Miss Nancy and when she loses her memory, Wilfred Gordon goes on a search to find her memories. A quest to help his beloved friend turns into an inquiry into the definition of a memory. Wilfred Gordon learns the power of memories, and even more so, the power of being a true friend.
This wordless picture book won the Caldecott Honor and is the first in a series, which includes Flora and The Penguin and will soon include Flora and the Peacock. Humor and heart fill the pages of this book as these unlikely friends join together to perform a dance of friendship. Idle’s use of flaps and foldout pages allows the reader to interact with the story on another level, bringing the dance to life.
While Mo Willems is typically known for his laugh out loud humor, his book, City Dog Country Frog, takes a more serious approach to meaningful friendships. He tells the story of a city dog who visits the country and befriends a solitary frog. The wonderful combination of Willems’ brief but carefully chosen prose and Jon Muth’s expressive watercolors will tug at the heartstrings of young readers – and older ones, too!
The 2004 Tsunami left baby hippo, Owen, stranded and orphaned in Kenya. During his rescue and recovery, he developed an unlikely and amazing friendship with a 130-year old tortoise named Mzee. Owen and Mzee catalogs the true story of an inspiring relationship that blossomed despite tremendous differences and overwhelming obstacles.
The newest addition to Aston’s incredible series (including An Egg is Quiet, A Seed is Sleepy, and A Rock is Lively) teaches about nests – not just bird nests, but alligator nests, orangutan nests, bee nests, and so many more. Her poetic writing style combined with the well-researched information woven into the text and illustrations provide readers with an enjoyable, eye-opening reading learning experience.
Barbara Johns, the true instigator of the Civil Rights Movement, stood up for what she believed in, seeking a better learning environment for herself and her classmates. This book tells the story of how she led the first peaceful protest and stood her ground taking her case all the way to the Supreme Court. A powerful narrative combined with photographs, documents, advertisements, and quotes provides readers with a less-familiar lens to view this crucial time in our nation’s history.
writers as she takes them on a journey through her life as an artist and her book-making process. Her rich illustrations full of unique collage art encourage her audience to follow their dreams and explore their inner creativity.
Dynamic husband and wife duo, Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, do not disappoint with their latest nonfiction picture book, Egg: Nature’s Perfect Package. Young readers will enter the animal kingdom and learn about the fight for survival, beginning with the egg. Engaging animal facts paired with Jenkins and Page’s signature, eye-popping collage art will have your primary students itching to learn more!
Maya Angelou wasn’t afraid of things that life put in front of her. Paired with Jean-Michel Basquait’s unique, bold illustrations, in this poem fear is defeated by courage and confidence.
A rhythmic poem depicting a child’s perspective on his family’s move from a beloved home. Moving day is filled with big, complicated emotions, but comfort is found when the move is finally over and new friendships and adventures are discovered.
Friday Book Favorites – It’s Poetry Month!
This laugh-out-loud collection appeals to young readers as it celebrates the everyday artifacts of our lives. Poems about toothbrushes, pants, and spaghetti are only a few highlights, as the non-rhyming anthology follows a day in the life of three children. The vibrant illustrations and humorous subject matter will have readers itching to hear more!
An incredible collection of old and new favorites that will pique the animal lover’s interest. Organized by animals’ distinguishing qualities, children can enjoy poems of all kinds and lengths as well as captivating photographs.
A colorful variety of poems all about books! Fun, serious, and thought-provoking poems paired with unique paper cutout and collage illustrations.
This collection of 36 very short poems takes readers on a beautiful journey through the four seasons. Melissa Sweet’s stunning illustrations paired with the timeless works of world-renowned poets is not something you want to miss!