A Shelter for Sadness
by Anne Booth
illustrated by David Litchfield

A small boy creates a shelter for his sadness where he can visit it whenever he needs to, and the two of them can cry, talk, or just sit. The boy knows that one day his sadness may come out of the shelter, and together they will look out at the world and see how beautiful it is. In this timely consideration of sadness and mental health, Anne Booth offers a beautiful depiction of how children (and everyone) must care for their emotions and give attention to their grief on a regular basis. Stunning illustrations by David Litchfield bring the beautiful concept and manifestation of sadness to life.

Pre-order A Shelter for Sadness for your SEL collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

Perdu
by Richard Jones

Poor Perdu is all alone as he journeys from the countryside to the city in search of a home. The city is a big place when you are very small, but is it possible that someone is searching for a friend like Perdu? In his debut as both author and illustrator, Richard Jones (The Snow Lion and Paper Planes) delivers a warmhearted and poignant story about loneliness, kindness, friendship, and finding a forever family. Classically gorgeous illustrations will have readers returning to its pages again and again.

Add Perdu to your SEL collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

The Smile Shop
by Satoshi Kitamura

A small boy has saved all his pocket money and visits the market with high expectations. When disaster strikes and he loses his money, he feels very devastated. But wait, what’s that? A Smile Shop? He could really do with a smile. What will happen if he goes in? Featuring charming, classic illustrations reminiscent of Maurice Sendak and Tomie dePaola, Satoshi Kitamura’s (Hat Tricks) The Smile Shop celebrates the value of human connection and offers an absorbing setting for readers to explore themes of independence, self-worth, and the effect of a smile shared between people.

Add The Smile Shop to your SEL collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

No! Said Rabbit
by Marjoke Henrichs

Rabbit is happy doing his own thing, and he doesn’t want to listen to anyone else. Or so he thinks. Then, Mom makes a suggestion he simply can’t resist! Debut author-illustrator Marjoke Henrichs delivers a laugh-out-loud tale with Rabbit embodying every strong-willed child. Adult readers will recognize and empathize with parenting moments throughout, and a warm and loving twist at the end celebrates the joy of coming together again after a very contrary day. Perfect for bedtime reads with your own stubborn little ones.

Add No! Said Rabbit to your SEL collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

Best Friend in the Whole World
by Sandra Salsbury

Roland lives a quiet life alone in the forest, but sometimes he feels rather lonely. When he finds the perfect companion in Milton, he is overjoyed. But clues start popping up in the woods, suggesting someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend, and Roland must decide if it’s worth leaving someone else in their loneliness to keep Milton in his life. In this sweet and moving picture book about loneliness, friendship, and compassion, debut author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury celebrates the transformative power of connection and the painful melancholy of loss. Endearingly classic illustrations bring a charming forest world to life.

Add Best Friend in the Whole World to your SEL collection today at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, or IndieBound!

Best Friend in the Whole World
by Sandra Salsbury

Roland lives a quiet life filled with books, music, and tea parties for one, but sometimes he feels rather lonely. So when he finds the perfect companion in Milton, he is overjoyed. It’s okay that Milton is just a pine cone; they have so much in common. But clues start popping up in the woods, suggesting someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend. Roland must decide if it’s worth leaving someone else in their loneliness to keep Milton in his life. In this sweet picture book about friendship and compassion, debut author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury’s endearingly classic illustrations bring a charming forest world to life.

A Friend for Mole
by Nancy Armo

An accidental encounter throws Mole and Wolf together. One is afraid of the light, the other is afraid of the dark. Together they learn that things aren’t so scary when you have a friend to keep you company. Nancy Armo’s humorous story, with adorable illustrations, explores fear and friendship to show how opposites can complement, strengthen, and support each other.

The Snow Lion
by Jim Helmore
illustrated by Richard Jones

Pig and Small
by Alex Latimer

Pig and Bug just want to be friends. But their size difference is proving to be a BIG problem. Pig wants to play games—but Bug is too small. Bug wants to make things for his friend—but Pig is too big! Just as they’ve given up all hope for their friendship, Pig has an idea… But will it work? A hilariously quirky tale filled with visual puns and wordplay, Alex Latimer combines his bold visual style with an entertaining and unique message to teach readers about making friends and finding common ground.

When Edgar Met Cecil
by Kevin Luthardt

When Edgar’s family moves to a new town, everything seems strange and scary. The kids look different. They dress weird. They listen to bizarre music. They eat strange food. And the biggest, weirdest looking kid keeps staring at Edgar. What does he want? As Edgar soon learns, sometimes you have to rise above your fears to make a new friend. And sometimes that friend may be the last person—or alien—you’d expect. Kevin Luthardt’s highly expressive, comical, full-color illustrations and minimal text poignantly and humorously dramatize this tale of friendship found in unexpected places.

Ebenezer Has a Word for Everything
by Chelsea H. Rowe
illustrated by Frank Dormer

Ebenezer collects words, but it’s hard to find someone who understands his passion… Until he meets Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald doesn’t have a word collection—but he does have lots of ideas. And together, they can make stories. Chelsea H. Rowe’s offbeat story about friendship, collaboration, and a love for both language and stories is perfectly depicted by Frank Dormer’s quirky illustrations. Perfect for vocabulary building, this book also includes a list of words and definitions in the back.

Not only do our YA book picks feature some great love stories, but the stars of these romances—an independent young girl with Down syndrome, a plus-size teen who’s just entered a beauty pageant, and a teenage math whiz of Sri Lankan descent—are protagonists you’re guaranteed to fall in love with. Explore new perspectives with these diverse YA romances.

Rosie Loves Jack
by Mel Darbon

“The plot is so engrossing that the book is almost impossible to put down. Yes, Rosie loves Jack, and readers are going to love Rosie.” —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

Sixteen-year old Rosie will do anything to find the boy who makes the sun shine in her head. Even defy her parents’ orders and run away from home. Even struggle across London and travel to Brighton on her own, though the trains are cancelled and the snow is falling. Even though people might think a girl like Rosie, who has Down syndrome, could never survive on her own.

Debut author Mel Darbon introduces a strong and determined protagonist who’s fighting for little freedoms, tolerance, and love, giving readers an underrepresented but much-needed point of view with a voice-driven, heartfelt story of finding your place an often big and intimidating world.

Author Q&A and discussion guide available.

What I Like About Me
by Jenna Guillaume

“This is the book I would hand to teen me.” —Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

The last thing sixteen-year-old Maisie Martin thought she’d be doing over vacation is entering a beauty pageant. Not when she’s spent most of her life hiding her body from everyone. Not when her Dad is AWOL and her gorgeous older sister has returned to rock Maisie’s already shaky confidence. And especially not when her best friend starts flirting with the boy she’s always loved. But Maisie’s got something to prove.

Jenna Guillame’s American debut features a plus-size protagonist with a compelling, funny, and authentic narrative voice. This relatable and charming novel about friendship, confidence, and self-love will draw readers in as Maisie’s realistic emotional journey unveils the importance of embracing one’s body and celebrating one’s self. Coming in paperback April 1st!

Author Q&A and discussion guide available.

The Secret Science of Magic
by Melissa Keil

“Neuroatypical characters, nerdiness, social anxiety, intelligence, and magic make this book stand out among other contemporary romances.” ―School Library Journal

Meet Sophia: former child prodigy and 17-year-old math mastermind who really doesn’t have the patience for games right now. And she especially doesn’t have the patience to figure out why all these mysterious playing cards keep turning up inside her textbooks.

Meet Joshua: highly intelligent and cheerfully unambitious amateur magician who’s admired Sophia for as long as he can remember. He thinks the time is perfect to tell Sophia how he feels, but he doesn’t know how wrong he is.

From award-winning author Melissa Keil comes this heartwarming tale of unconventional romance, perfect timing, and finding your own magic, featuring a relatable protagonist and diverse cast of characters.

Author Q&A available.

Pretty Funny for a Girl
by Rebecca Elliott

Haylah Swinton is an ace best friend, a loving daughter, and an incredibly patient sister to a four-year-old nutcase of a brother. Best of all, she’s set on being a stand-up comedian star. But when impossibly cool and thirstalicious Leo reveals he’s also into comedy and asks Haylah to ghostwrite his sets, will Haylah find the confidence to step into the spotlight and strut like the boss she really is? Rebecca Elliott’s hilarious and authentic journey of family, friends, and fierce mistakes is sure to capture readers’ hearts as her plus-sized, teenage heroine navigates learning to love the body she’s in.

Sing Like No One’s Listening
by Vanessa Jones

Nettie Delaney has just been accepted into a prestigious performing arts school—the very same school her superstar mother attended. But Nettie hasn’t been able to sing a single note since her mother died, and if she’s going to survive a demanding first year and keep her place at Duke’s, she’ll have to work through her grief and deliver a showstopper or face expulsion. Can Nettie summon the courage to find her voice? Or will the pressure and anxiety of performing come crashing down? Vanessa Jones’s well-crafted journey of grief and healing is sure to be a pure joy for any musical theater aficionado.

Foolish Hearts
by Emma Mills

Macmillan Publishers
When Claudia accidentally witnesses the breakup of Paige and Iris, the schools it-couple, Claudia becomes a target for Iris’ revenge. Iris is already known for her icy personality, and getting on her bad side is the last thing Claudia wants. So when the two find themselves forced to pair up for their class production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Claudia knows she’s in for a wild ride of a senior year. Featuring a realistic world of new friendships, tense feuds, and tentative romance, all while dealing with the high-stakes world of the performing arts, Emma Mill’s Foolish Hearts is a must-read to follow up Nettie and Haylah’s stories of acceptance and self-confidence.

Noteworthy
by Riley Redgate

Abrams Books
Jordan Sun has just begun her junior year at the Kensington-Blaine Boarding School for the Performing Arts, and as an Alto 2, she’s already off to a rocky start. She may have earned her spot in a prestigious performing arts program, but her talents seem to always get passed over during the fall musical for a more stereotypical vocalist. But when Kensington’s elite, all-male a cappella group announces an opening, it turns out Jordan might be exactly what the Sharpshooters are looking for… With just the right amount of vocals to satisfy Sing Like No One’s Listening fans and enough comedy to have Pretty Funny for a Girl readers laughing out loud, Noteworthy is an ideal read for future performing artists.

On the Come Up
by Angie Thomas

HarperCollins Publishers
Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time, but her path to stardom is both in the shadow of her talented father and filled with more than her fair share of obstacles. When her first song goes viral—for all the wrong reasons—Bri finds herself labeled as a notorious and angry artist from a troubled background. This new persona may promise financial security for her struggling family, but are the consequences of her newly achieved fame really worth it? As both a heavy and joyous story of fighting for your dreams in an often-hostile world of performing in the public eye, On the Come Up proves a powerful companion to Sing Like No One’s Listening and Pretty Funny for a Girl.

Sing Like No One’s Listening
by Vanessa Jones

Nettie Delaney faces her fair share of opposition in Sing Like No One’s Listening. From classic school mean girls to her own grandmother, it seems like Nettie can’t catch a break. And with her singing voice MIA, dealing with bullies should be the last thing on her mind. However, despite every setback, Nettie just might find a way to overcome everyone trying to hold her back from delivering the show-stopping performance she knows she’s capable of.

Bright Burning Stars
by A. K. Small

Workman Publishing
Marine Duval and Kate Sanders have trained since childhood at the Paris Opera Ballet School, but how far they would go for the ultimate prize: to be named the one girl who will join the Opera’s prestigious corps de ballet. Would they risk everything, even each other? An action-packed story about two best friends fighting for their dreams in a cutthroat performing arts setting that even Cecile Duke would be proud of, Bright Burning Stars makes a satisfying companion to Sing Like No One’s Listening.

Finding Audrey
by Sophie Kinsella

Penguin Random House
Audrey does her best to avoid other people, that is, until she meets Linus. Linus is the first person she can truly talk to, and soon the two develop feelings for each other. But how can the couple be together when Audrey hasn’t dealt with her past? And is she sure Linus will love her no matter what he learns about her? A moving mix of recovery from mental illness, the negative effects of bullying, and a beautiful romance, Finding Audrey will surely touch fans of Nettie’s emotional journey and swoon-worthy love story.

Full Disclosure
by Camryn Garrett

Penguin Random House
Simone Garcia-Hampton is new at school, but as the student director of Rent, she’s determined not to fade into the background. However, things get a little tricky when she starts to fall for Miles. Keeping the fact that she’s HIV-positive under-wraps isn’t too difficult at first, but when she and Miles start to get serious and she finds a note in her locker that could expose her situation, Simone realizes she might have to face her anonymous haters head-on. Perfect for performing artists and fans of romance, bullies on the page, and self-discovery, Full Disclosure makes a solid match for Sing Like No One’s Listening.

Holding Up the Universe
by Jennifer Niven

Penguin Random House
Everyone thinks Libby Strout is nothing more than “America’s Fattest Teen.” High school is supposed to be Libby’s fresh start, full of new friends and maybe even a first love. Everyone thinks they have Jack Masselin figured out, too, but he’s hiding a newly acquired secret that’s got him wanting to keep his distance from all his peers. Together, they just might discover what it’s like to be with someone who sees you for who you truly are. Holding Up the Universe is a touching love story with its own doses of grief and healing and dealing with the harsh realities of bullies and body-shaming.

Tiny Pretty Things
by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton

HarperCollins Publishers
Description

Gigi, Bette, and June are all top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, but the desire to be on top could cost each girl her dancing career forever. With the pressures of perfection and controlling family members at every turn, these dancers will do whatever it takes to be the best—even if that means sacrificing each other for the spotlight. With a competitive performing arts setting to rival even Duke’s Academy of the Performing Arts and back-stabbing “friends” who would do anything for fame, Tiny Pretty Things is an ideal readalike for fans of Sing Like No One’s Listening.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
by Jenny Han

Simon & Schuster
Lara Jean Song keeps all her love letters in a hatbox—one letter for every boy she’s every loved. These letters are supposed to be private, but when her secret letters are mailed, Lara Jean’s love life is suddenly anything but imaginary. A jealous ex-girlfriend, manipulative and vindictive cyber bullies, and plenty of romance make To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before a lighthearted companion to the bullies on the pages of Sing Like No One’s Listening.

]]> https://peachtree-online.com/2020/09/sing-like-no-ones-listening-readalikes-facing-bullies-and-bullying-on-the-page/feed/ 1186 https://peachtree-online.com/2020/06/travel-the-world-through-kid-lit/ https://peachtree-online.com/2020/06/travel-the-world-through-kid-lit/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2020 18:00:33 +0000 https://peachtree-online.com/?p=32579 As every reader knows, the most convenient, inexpensive, and thrilling way to travel the world is through the pages of a book. Being stuck at home doesn’t have to be an adventure-less experience when readers have the right stories with them! See the sights, gain new perspectives, and experience the whole world with any one of our hand-picked picture books and chapter books. India, Mexico, Japan, and more are all ready to explore. Bon voyage!

Monsoon Afternoon (India)
by Kashmira Sheth
illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi

It is monsoon season in India, and a young boy and his dadaji (grandfather) are heading out into the rainy weather to sail paper boats and watch the peacocks dance in the rain, just as Dadaji did when he was young. When the two return home, hot tea and a loving family are waiting. This affectionate, sensitive story provides a look into Indian life and the shared moments and memories that bind generations together. The fanciful watercolor illustrations recreate the lush Indian landscape during monsoon season, and capture the bond of love that unites a grandfather and his grandson.

Away with Words: The Daring Story of Isabella Bird (Around the World)
by Lori Mortensen
illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

“Isabella Bird was like a wild vine stuck in a too-small pot,” but exploring was easier said than done in Victorian England. Isabella persisted, and with each journey, she discovered new ways to describe everything around her. Question by question, word by word, Isabella bloomed. First, out in the English countryside. And eventually, around the world, to Africa, Asia, Australia, and more. This dashing picture book biography about the first female member of the Royal Geographical Society takes readers around the world with a daring nineteenth-century female explorer and author.

King of the Tightrope: When the Great Blondin Ruled Niagara (Niagara Falls)
by Donna Janell Bowman
illustrated by Adam Gustavson

At the age of four, Jean-Francois Gravelet walked across his first balance beam. Later, he took to the tightrope, and he climbed toward stardom. As The Great Blondin, his feats became more and more marvelous, but he was bored. That is, until he visited Niagara Falls and imagined doing something that no one else had ever accomplished. It would take courage to cross the falls, but in 1859, Blondin would step out onto the most dangerous tightrope walk he’d ever faced. This detailed picture book biography gives readers a detailed and exciting look into the hard work, determination, and meticulous mathematic and scientific planning it took to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope.

Keep On!: The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole (The North Pole)
by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

Matthew Henson was born just after the Civil War, a time when slavery had been abolished, but few opportunities were available for black people. As a child, Henson exhibited a yearning to explore, but his greatest adventure began in 1909 when Admiral Robert Peary invited him to join an expedition to the North Pole. After many storms, injuries, and unimaginable cold, on April 1, Peary, Henson, and four Inuit men began the final 133-mile push to the Pole. This stunning picture book biography pays tribute to a great but under-recognized figure from America’s past.

I Am Tama, Lucky Cat (Japan)
by Wendy Henrichs
illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi

Under the shadow of the white-capped mountains of Japan, a kind and gentle monk takes in a white cat with unusual markings and names him Tama. Tama truly earns his nickname―“Lucky Cat,” when during a powerful thunderstorm, he saves a warlord from a large branch crashing to the ground. In gratitude to Tama, the warlord lavishes gifts on the monk’s poor temple. Based on one of the legends of Maneki Neko―“beckoning cat,” this beautiful story of friendship, generosity, and kindness features breathtaking watercolor illustrations.

It Can’t Be Done, Nellie Bly: A Reporter’s Race Around the World (Around the World)
by Nancy Butcher
illustrated by Jen Singh

Nellie Bly was a newspaper reporter for The New York World, but instead of writing about “ladylike” subjects like tea parties and charity balls, she wrote about social problems like poor job conditions, dilapidated housing, and dishonest politicians. If someone told her “It can’t be done, Nellie Bly,” she went right ahead and did it anyway. But when Nellie read Jules Verne’s novel, Around the World in Eighty Days, she was inspired to circle the globe even faster herself. Did the plucky young reporter go too far? This delightful true story of a woman with an indomitable spirit will inspire a new generation of young readers―and adventurers.

Charles Darwin and the Voyage of the Beagle (Around the World)
by Ruth Ashby

In 1831, young adventurer and nature enthusiast Charles Darwin set sail on a remarkable five-year voyage that changed the study of biology forever. This lively account follows the naturalist’s exciting trip around the world as he meets indigenous peoples and carefully collects and catalogs plants, fossils, birds, mammals, and insects. Darwin’s observations of the distribution and diversity of plant and animal life ultimately leads to the development of his theories on evolution. Readers will be inspired by Darwin’s transformation into a remarkable scientist as they read about the revolutionary voyage of the Beagle.

The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale (London)
by Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright
illustrated by Barry Moser

Skilley, an alley cat with an embarrassing secret, longs to escape his street-cat life and trade London’s damp alleyways for the warmth of ye olde Cheshire Cheese Inn. So, he strikes a bargain with an erudite mouse named Pip and begins protecting the mice who live at the inn in exchange for the thing Skilley desires most. But when Skilley and Pip face a crisis of monumental proportions, their new friendship is pushed to its limits. The escalating crisis threatens the peace not only of the Cheshire Cheese Inn but also the British Monarchy! This compelling and playful homage to Charles Dickens features charming characters and important themes of friendship and loyalty.

Truth and Salsa (Mexico)
by Linda Lowery

Almost-thirteen-year-old Hayley Flynn is spending six months with her eccentric grandmother in the rural mountain town of San Miguel while her recently separated parents work things out. For Haley, life in Mexico is surprisingly exciting, but there are also difficult lessons to be learned about poverty and unemployment. And meanwhile, Hayley is on the lookout for la fantasma (the ghost) that is said to haunt her grandma’s house. This affectionate portrait of a small town in Mexico features a warm, humorous story of self-discovery and a relatable protagonist who will have readers captivated on every page.

Little One
by Jo Weaver

Spring is here and new life is stirring. There is so much for Big Bear to teach her new cub as they step out into the forest. Together they eat, swim, fish, and play as one season becomes the next. With Big Bear’s help, Little One grows more and more confident, until winter comes once more and it’s time to head home. With gentle text and stunning black and white illustrations, Jo Weaver reveals the wonder of nature, the first steps of independence, and the strength of parental love.

Buy Little One today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

Little Whale
by Jo Weaver

Together, a whale calf and its mother swim under midnight skies and through coral reefs teeming with life as they migrate to the cool, rich waters of the north to feed. Gray Whale gently guides her baby along the way, keeping Little Whale safe from passing ships and dangerous predators. At long last, the echo of a whale song calls to them through icy water and they know…they are home. Jo Weaver’s gentle text and stunning monochromatic illustrations reveal the wonder of nature, the excitement of discovery, and the strength of parental love.

Buy Little Whale today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

Little Tigers
by Jo Weaver

As hunters approach their home in the jungle, Mother Tiger and her cubs, Puli and Sera, must venture to find a new home away from danger. Together, they explore different homes in the jungle, but the ones they find aren’t suited for tigers. Some are too wet, some are too dry, and some are just downright unwelcoming. But with their mother’s help, they may be able to find one that’s just right.

Buy Little Tigers today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

Am I Yours?
by Alex Latimer

A group of friendly dinosaurs helps a lost egg search for its parents after it’s been blown out of its nest. But if the little egg is to be reunited with its family, first they must discover what kind of dinosaur lies inside. What does that egg look like inside its shell? Surely, there must be a way to tell! This heartwarming story featuring Alex Latimer’s signature bold art style will keep dinosaur lovers and fans of Are You My Mother? enthusiastically following along and guessing who is inside the shell.

Buy Am I Yours? today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

You’ve Got Dragons

Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.
Worries, fears, and anxieties are all dragons that sneak up on most of us at one time or another. This tender metaphor for the fears and worries of little ones reassures young readers that although lots of people get dragons, those dragons don’t stay forever. The perfect read-aloud to share with children learning to cope with new anxieties during this uncertain time of social distancing.

Wemberly Worried

HarperCollins Publishers
Wemberly worried all the time―morning, noon, and night. She was especially worried about her first day of school until one day when she meets a fellow worrywart in class who helps her realize that there’s too much to enjoy at school to waste time worrying! A great read-aloud to share with little ones struggling to adjust to new learning situations.

Wilma Jean, the Worry Machine

National Center for Youth Issues
Wilma Jean is a worry machine, and she eventually learns that there are worries she can control and worries she can’t. Perfect for sharing with little ones who can let their anxieties get the better of them, this lighthearted approach to dealing with worry is a great tool for helping children feel more in control of their anxiety.

The Worrywarts

HarperCollins Publishers
Wombat wants to wander the world with Weasel and Woodchuck, but before they can even begin their journey, they’re overwhelmed with worries: worries about wasps, weather, warthogs, and so much more! A humorous tale filled with enjoyable alliteration, parents will love reading this whimsical story of worry aloud to their anxious little ones.

Moody Cow Meditates

Wisdom Publications
Peter the cow is having a BAD day. Everything seems to be going wrong until his grandfather teaches him how to let go of his frustration in a constructive way. This humorous story is a playful introduction to meditation for children and a lighthearted look at teaching little ones how to deal with strong, negative emotions.

Ruby Finds a Worry

Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Ruby has an ENORMOUS worry, but luckily she learns that everyone has worries, and there’s a great way to get rid of them too! A gentle, reassuring story about what to do when you can’t shake your extra-large worries, this title is a great starting point for talking to children about emotional intelligence and anxiety.

The Koala Who Could

Scholastic
Kevin the koala loves his routine, but when change happens, will he discover the joy that comes with trying something new? Children can sometimes struggle with change, and for those little ones in your life unsure how to cope with the changes they’re facing in these uncertain times, this sweet rhyming story will inspire anxious kids to accept change and embrace it with courage.

Lula and the Sea Monster
Written and illustrated by Alex Latimer

Lula loves living by the beach, but her family must leave their home to make way for a new highway. Counting down the days to her move, Lula walks along the beach to find keepsakes and discovers something much more valuable than a souvenir. Lula makes friends with a small sea monster that she names Bean. Each day Lula returns to the beach to feed him. And each day Bean grows bigger and bigger. But what will happen to Lula’s new friend once she moves away?

From popular children’s book author-illustrator Alex Latimer comes a delightfully odd story of nurturing friendship and standing up for others.

The Monster Who Ate My Peas
Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Matt Faulkner

The hero of this clever story absolutely hates eating peas, so decides to find a solution: he makes a bargain with a fiendishly funny monster. At first the deal is simple: the monster will eat the boy’s peas in exchange for his soccer ball. But the monster begins to demand more and more and, eventually, our hero faces a daunting decision—can he conquer his loathing for peas or will he lose his most prized possession?

Matt Faulkner’s uproariously detailed illustrations and Danny Schnitzlein’s Seuss-inspired verse combine to create an entertaining story about how far we are willing to go to avoid doing the things we hate.

Dive deeper into important themes of courage and responsibility with this teacher’s guide.

The Monster Who Did My Math
Written by Danny Schnitzlein
Illustrated by Bill Mayer

A math-phobic boy faces another dreaded evening of multiplication when a monster suddenly appears in his room and offers him a deal he cannot refuse. After a quick signature on a contract, the boy’s problems are solved, and his homework is ready to turn in the next day. At first, everything adds up perfectly. But when the boy’s math knowledge is tested at school, his troubles begin to multiply. What did the fine print on that contract read? And when the bill comes, will our hero have the money―and the math skill―to subtract that wicked monster from his life once and for all?

Young readers are sure to relate to this laugh-out-loud story, and they’ll love flipping through the wacky illustrations that bring this math- and monster-filled tale to life.

Bo the Brave
Written and illustrated by Bethan Woollvin

Once, there lived a little girl called Bo. Bo wanted to be just like her brothers and capture a fearsome monster, but her brothers say she’s too small. But Bo isn’t one to take no for an answer, so she sets off on a quest to catch a monster of her own. Can she defeat the furious griffin, conquer the hideous kraken, and triumph over the monstrous dragon? Or has Bo got the wrong idea who the real monsters are?

Author-illustrator Bethan Woollvin, the creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Little Red, employs her signature style in this original fairy tale with a clever twist. Readers are sure to fall in love with Woollvin’s newest vibrant and sassy protagonist.

The Library Dragon
Written by Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrated by Michael P. White

When Sunrise Elementary School advertised for a thick-skinned librarian with a burning love of books, Miss Lotta Scales knew she was perfect for the job. Who could guard books better than a REAL dragon? But she won’t let any of the children take a book from the shelves, and not even sweet Miss Lemon can convince Miss Lotta Scales that “the library belongs to the children.” Fortunately, nearsighted Molly Brickmeyer’s storytelling beckons the children back to the library and brings them face to face with the Library Dragon. Can an open book temper the flames of the school’s hotheaded librarian?

This humorous tale by New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy is paired with Michael P. White’s lively illustrations for an entertaining story about the power and importance of books for both children and adults.

Use this teacher’s guide to spark further discussion about books and the importance of libraries.

13 Monsters Who Should Be Avoided
Written by Kevin Shortsleeve
Illustrated by Michael Austin

Come along with Professor LeGrand as he warns readers about the outrageous habits and appalling behavior of thirteen mischievous monsters whom the creature teacher hopes the readers never have to meet. Monster enthusiasts, be sure to beware the…

• Scarce Sissyfoos: They live in dark wells by old country roads and dine on wet sneakers and unlucky toads.
• Mess Monsters: They should not be let in; they’ll paint pudding pie murals depicting a pig, stick bubble-gum wads in your aunt’s silver wig.
• Hedge-Standing Snit: Be extremely careful while clipping your hedges―don’t snip a Snit’s hair with your clipper edges, for a fit-throwing Snit can be greatly unkind, and won’t be content until he’s bit your behind!

Paper Planes
by Jim Helmore
illustrated by Richard Jones

Mia and Ben are the very best of friends. They live side by side at the edge of a great, wide lake. But Ben has terrible news: he and his family are moving far away. How are Mia and Ben going to stay best friends if they’re going to be so far apart? Gorgeous illustrations accompany this gentle story about long-distance friendship that is filled with magic and imagination.

Buy Paper Planes today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

The Snow Lion
by Jim Helmore
illustrated by Richard Jones

After moving to a new home, Caro wishes she had a friend, but she’s too shy to meet the neighborhood kids. With a little imagination, however, Caro finds the Snow Lion. Making new friends isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it in the end. This powerful but gentle story about making new friends is gorgeously illustrated to celebrate the magic and imagination that fills every page and will appeal to any shy or lonely young reader.

Buy The Snow Lion today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3
by Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan
illustrated by Grace Zong

It’s not just the end of the school year at Mayflower Elementary. It’s time to say goodbye to Mrs. McBee, who is leaving the school. Jamaika, William, and the other kids in Room 3 have to figure out a special way to celebrate their beloved teacher. But everyone has a different idea. How can they arrive at an agreement? Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan brings readers an amusing and touching story about transitions and the importance of observing them. With Grace Zong’s charming illustrations, the distinct cast of lively characters comes to life on the page.

Buy Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3 today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

When Edgar Met Cecil
Written and illustrated by Kevin Luthardt

Moving to a new home is hard—even when you’re a robot. When Edgar’s family moves to a new town, everything seems strange and scary. The kids look different. They dress weird. They listen to bizarre music. They eat strange food. And the biggest, weirdest looking kid keeps staring at Edgar. What does he want? As Edgar soon learns, sometimes you have to rise above your fears to make a new friend. And sometimes that friend may be the last person—or alien—you’d expect. Kevin Luthardt utilizes his highly expressive, comical, full-color illustrations and minimal text to poignantly and humorously dramatize this tale of friendship found in unexpected places.

Buy When Edgar Met Cecil today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.