Hat Tricks
by Satoshi Kitamura

You’re invited to Hattie the rabbit’s magic show! Abracadabra, katakurico… Oh, goodness! Out pops a cat from Hattie’s magic hat. Can you guess what creature will appear from the magic hat next? Perfect for magic-themed activities this summer, renowned author and illustrator Satoshi Kitamura delivers an adorable read aloud with simple, repetitive language, fun magic words, and ample opportunities for prediction.

Recreate some of Hattie’s magic tricks at home with this activity sheet.

Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog
by Lisa Papp

Madeline Finn and Star are off to Walker Oaks, a retirement community where Star will take his tests to become a therapy dog. They make their way through a variety of challenges and meet several new friends, but Madeline Finn can’t stop thinking about an elderly man in a wheelchair who never smiles. Is there something she and Star can do to help? Author-illustrator Lisa Papp’s empathetic, feel-good story explores the therapy dog training process and provides a realistic and appealing example of a young person making a difference. Ideal for social emotional learning and discussions about self-esteem, volunteering, community, and—of course—therapy animals.

Explore more about therapy dogs, library dogs, and shelter dogs in the Madeline Finn activity kit!

The Society of Distinguished Lemmings
by Julie Colombet

The Society of Distinguished Lemmings aims to be distinguished in absolutely everything. It takes an awful lot of rules to be so distinguished, and Bertie has had quite enough. After venturing outside, Bertie discovers a bear, who is very unlike a lemming. Will the Society ever accept Bertie’s new friend, or is the bear simply too big and clumsy of a creature to be distinguished? This hilarious tale features valuable themes of finding new friends, challenging peers, and questioning the rules. Readers will return to the story again and again to discover the quirks of every distinguished lemming while also learning about the importance of staying true to yourself amidst pressure to conform.

Download this discussion guide to dive into the distinguished world of lemmings, and find out whether you’re more like a bear or a lemming with this personality quiz!

The Thingity-Jig
by Kathleen Doherty
illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Under the light of a silvery moon, Bear wanders into people town and discovers a springy thing, a bouncy thing—a sit-on-it, jump-on-it thing! This Thingity-Jig is too heavy to carry home by himself, so Bear invents a Rolly-Rumpity to wheel the Thingity-Jig home. When it all gets stuck in the mud, Bear creates a Lifty-Uppity, of course! Reading specialist and former educator Kathy Doherty perfectly blends inventive upcycling and STEAM elements with whimsical wordplay and a delightful story celebrating ingenuity. Illustrator Kristyna Litten brings the world to life with incredible settings and empathetic characters.

Start your own wacky inventions at home or in the classroom with this teacher’s guide!

Winter Babies
by Kathryn O. Galbraith
illustrated by Adela Pons

“Vibrant… Pons brightens the snowy day with shades of purple, red, and blue in the children’s clothing and in lollipop like trees―which is particularly striking when set against the whiteness of snow.” ―Publishers Weekly

Spirited, rhyming text and colorful, graphic art reveal an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful winter day. Featuring diverse characters and highlighting early concepts like shapes and repetition, books in the Babies in the Park series encourage an appreciation of nature and outdoor imaginative play.

Buy Winter Babies today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

The Santa Trap
by Jonathan Emmett
illustrated by Poly Bernatene

“An ideal Christmas present for children who prefer Halloween.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

Bradley Bartleby is bad. Very bad. All the adults in Bradley’s life give Bradley anything he wants to avoid his wrath―except for Santa Claus, who refuses to give him anything but socks. But Bradley vows to get what he deserves. He transforms his house into a trap so fearsome even his parents refuse to enter it. With dynamite, trapdoors, guillotines, and tigers in his path, Santa doesn’t stand a chance. Or does he? Jonathan Emmet gives readers a Christmas tale from a new and devious perspective. Poly Bernatene’s illustrations perfectly complement this a hilarious and exciting story that will keep readers laughing from beginning to end.

Buy The Santa Trap today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Snow Day!
by Lester L. Laminack
illustrated by Adam Gustavson

“Laminack generates the increasingly hopeful energy to a fever pitch… Gustavson creates a festive mood with his oil illustrations, so luxurious and ample they feel like bundles of winter clothing, topped with bright scarves.” ―Kirkus Reviews

When the weatherman predicts a big snowfall, it’s hard not to imagine the fun-filled adventures of an unscheduled school holiday! You can build snowmen, go sledding, have snowball fights—the possibilities are endless. Except when the family wakes up that next morning, they find no snow! School is happening, and all their dreams of a winter wonderland are gone. But as the family piles into the car to head to school, an unexpected twist reveals who wanted the snow day most of all. Adam Gustavson’s expressive illustrations comically capture the excitement of pure possibility in author Lester Laminack’s clever take on a familiar childhood wish.

Buy Snow Day! today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Christmas in the Trenches
by John McCutcheon
illustrated by Henri Sørensen

“The text is clear and lyrical. Sorensen’s beautiful double-page spreads in sepia shades show the young men from the two sides celebrating together-with individuals just like them.” ―Booklist

It is cold and clear on Christmas Eve night in 1914. Suddenly, a strange sound pierces the darkness. Someone is singing a Christmas carol in German. As the Germans’ carol ends, the British soldiers across the field sing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Soon carols are being sung back and forth. Slowly, the British and German soldiers leave their trenches—and the war—behind to stand together in the open field. This beautiful, haunting story, based on the real-life WWI event known as the Christmas Truce, is adapted by award-winning songwriter John McCutcheon from his song of the same name. Henri Sørensen’s traditional, full-color oil paintings reinforce the emotional power and dignity of the story. Back matter features more information about the historical event.

Buy Christmas in the Trenches today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound!

Spring Babies
Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by Adela Pons

An endearing board book with adorable babies on the go during the spring season

Spirited, rhyming text and colorful, graphic art reveal an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful spring day.

Featuring diverse characters and highlighting early concepts like shapes and repetition, books in the Babies in the Park series encourage an appreciation of nature and outdoor imaginative play.

Check out the activity sheet!

Buy Spring Babies today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

In the Rain
Written by Elizabeth Spurr
Illustrated by Manelle Oliphant

Simple and evocative language and charming illustrations describe a girl’s experience on a rainy day.

In this gently rhyming board book, a young girl makes a paper boat, splashes in puddles, makes mud pies, and has other springtime fun!

Elizabeth Spurr and Manelle Oliphant together create a perfect sit-in-your-lap reading experience for toddlers.

Buy In the Rain today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

Monsoon Afternoon
Written by Kashmira Sheth
Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi

It is monsoon season in India. Outside, dark clouds roll in and the rain starts to fall. As animals scatter to find cover, a young boy and his dadaji (grandfather) head out into the rainy weather.

The two sail paper boats. They watch the peacocks dance in the rain, just as the colorful birds did when Dadaji was a boy. They pick mangoes and Dadaji lifts up his grandson so he can swing on the roots of the banyan tree, just as Dadaji did when he was young. Finally, when the two return home, hot tea and a loving family are waiting.

Author Kashmira Sheth’s affectionate, sensitive story provides a look into Indian life and the shared moments and memories that bind generations together. Illustrator Yoshiko Jaeggi’s colorful and fanciful watercolor illustrations recreate the lush Indian landscape during monsoon season, and capture the bond of love that unites a grandfather and his grandson.

Buy Monsoon Afternoon today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

Toad Weather
Written by Sandra Markle
Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Something amazing is happening in the rainy city – and with Mama’s help, Ally is going to find it.

There’s nothing to do on a rainy day – or so Ally thinks. But Mama says she’s seen something amazing, so despite Ally’s misgivings, she sets out on an adventure with her mother and grandmother. On her journey, she sees all sorts of things: dripping awnings, wet cardboard, splashing cars…but also earthworms, storm drain geysers, and oil slick patterns. And then they turn the corner, just in time to see a big crowd. What’s happening?

Lyrical text from Sandra Markle and stunning paintings from Thomas Gonzalez, New York Times best-selling illustrator of 14 Cows for America, tell the story of a remarkable, natural occurrence in an urban setting. Toad Weather is an engaging story of anticipation, curiosity, investigation, and discovery.

Check out the teacher’s guide!

Buy Toad Weather today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

When Rain Falls
Written by Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by Constance R. Bergum

A colorful look at the amazing ways animals behave and interact with their environments on a rainy day

We go inside when the rain comes down, but where do animals go? This new book for young readers offers a first glimpse at how different animals in different habitats behave during a thunderstorm.

Veteran children’s book author Melissa Stewart takes a lyrical look at the behavior of animals in forests, fields, wetlands, and deserts and briefly describes how each creature interacts with its rained-soaked environment. Constance Bergum’s soft watercolor paintings colorfully depict the animals and special features of each habitat.

Check out the teacher’s guide!

Buy When Rain Falls today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

Nina Soni, Sister Fixer
Written by Kashmira Sheth
Illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky

The second title in a humorous series featuring a charming, distractible Indian-American girl and her family and friends.

A long rainy stretch during spring break has Nina restless and hungry for a new project and aggravated with little sister Kavita’s embarrassing behavior. A fresh pile of dirt just delivered to the neighbor’s house for a landscaping project ends up being too tempting to resist. Can Nina fix Kavita and create something amazing at the same time? With her sister’s help, Nina launches a grand engineering project—with unexpected consequences.

Readers are sure to relate to author Kashmira Sheth’s endearing Nina Soni and her slightly scatter-brained efforts to manage her life with lists, definitions, and real-life math problems.

Check out the Nina Soni series discussion guide!

Buy Nina Soni, Sister Fixer today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound.

In the Snow
Written by Elizabeth Spurr
Illustrated by Manelle Oliphant

In this gently rhyming board book, a young girl makes a snowman, sleds, and has other winter fun! Elizabeth Spurr’s simple and evocative language and Manelle Oliphant’s charming illustrations together create a perfect sit-in-your-lap reading experience for toddlers.

Buy In the Snow today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Winter Babies
Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by Adela Pons

Spirited, rhyming text and colorful, graphic art reveal an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful winter day. Featuring diverse characters and highlighting early concepts like shapes and repetition, books in the Babies in the Park series encourage an appreciation of nature and outdoor imaginative play.

Buy Winter Babies today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Where Is Baby?
Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by John Butler

Babies love to hide―beneath blankets, under tables, and behind chairs. And some babies are found in unexpected places. Like baby deer, who disappear in dappled spring sunlight. Or baby leopards, who scramble high in the African trees. Or baby elephants, who fade behind a forest of legs. But all babies, no matter where they are, can always be found―by their loving parents. Adorable illustrations and soothing text depict a reassuring message about a parent’s love.

Buy Where is Baby? today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

About Penguins
A Guide for Children
Written by Cathryn Sill
Illustrated by John Sill

In this addition to the acclaimed About… series, educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what penguins are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live. With beautifully detailed, realistic paintings, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduces readers to a variety of penguins, from the Adélie to the Rockhopper to the Emperor. An afterword provides details on the animals featured and inspires young readers to learn more.

Buy About Penguins today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Under the Snow
Written by Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by Constance R. Bergum

When snow falls, we go home where it is warm and safe. What about all those animals out there in the forests and fields? What do they do when snow blankets the ground? Award-winning science writer Melissa Stewart offers a lyrical tour of a variety of habitats, providing young readers with vivid glimpses of animals as they live out the winter beneath the snow and ice. Constance R. Bergum’s glowing watercolors perfectly capture the wonder and magic that can happen under the snow.

Buy Under the Snow today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

The Snow Lion
Written 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. Together, they have all kinds of fun racing, climbing, and playing hide-and-seek. But when the boy next door asks Caro to come play, Caro isn’t so sure. Then, the Snow Lion has an idea! 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.

Snow Day!
Written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

When the television weatherman predicts a big snowfall, the narrator gleefully imagines the fun-filled possibilities of an unscheduled holiday from school. But when the family wakes up the next morning, they are in for a disappointment. No snow! As the family members pile into the car so they won’t be late for school, an unexpected twist reveals who wanted the snow day most of all. Adam Gustavson’s expressive illustrations comically capture the excitement of pure possibility in author Lester Laminack’s thoroughly original tale.

Buy Snow Day! today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Keep On!
The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-discoverer of the North Pole
Written by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

As a child, Matthew Henson exhibited a yearning for adventure, embarking at age thirteen on a five-year voyage sailing the seven seas. His greatest adventure began when 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. Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson pays tribute to a great but under-recognized African American historical figure in this remarkable story. Illustrator Stephen Alcorn’s large-format, stylized ink-and-watercolor illustrations capture all the action. Excerpts from Henson’s expedition diaries, a time line, and an epilogue place the story in its historical context.

Buy Keep On! today through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Bird Count
Written by Susan Edwards Richmond
Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

Young Ava is preparing to participate as a “citizen scientist” in the Christmas Bird Count, and this year she gets to record the tally. Using her most important tools—her eyes and ears—and the birding ID techniques she’s learned, Ava eagerly identifies and counts the birds they observe on their assigned route around the town. At the end of the day, all the teams combine their totals and share stories about their observations.

This informative story by author Susan Edwards Richmond, coupled with Stephanie Fizer Coleman’s charming depictions of birds in their winter habitats, is the perfect book to introduce young readers to birdwatching. The text offers simple explanations of the identification methods used by birdwatchers and clear descriptions of bird habitats, and a section in the back provides more information about the birds featured in the book and the Christmas Bird Count.

Buy Bird Count through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Snow Day!
Written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

When the television weatherman predicts a big snowfall, the narrator gleefully imagines the fun-filled possibilities of an unscheduled holiday from school. But when the family wakes up the next morning, they are in for a disappointment. No snow! As the family members pile into the car so they won’t be late for school, an unexpected twist reveals who wanted the snow day most of all.

Adam Gustavson’s expressive illustrations comically capture the excitement of pure possibility in author Lester Laminack’s thoroughly original and clever take on a familiar childhood wish.

Buy Snow Day! through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Where Teddy Bears Come From
Written by Mark Burgess
Illustrated by Russell Ayto

In the middle of a deep, dark forest, all the creatures are fast asleep. Except for a little gray wolf who can’t sleep a wink. The little wolf knows he needs a teddy bear to cuddle to get a good night’s sleep, but exactly where do teddy bears come from? The little wolf asks the Wise Owl and the Three Little Pigs, but nobody knows. Finally, the little wolf stumbles upon a kindly man with a bright red suit and a long white beard, and when the little wolf wakes up the next morning there is a surprise at the foot of his bed… and the answer to his question.

Mark Burgess has woven an amusing, satisfying story that features a steadfast character and a memorable cast of familiar faces. Russell Ayto’s distinctively quirky illustrations offer surprising perspectives and colorfully capture the delightful humor of the story.

Buy Where Teddy Bears Come From through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

The Santa Trap
Written by Jonathan Emmett
Illustrated by Poly Bernatene

To avoid Bradley Bartleby’s wrath, his wealthy parents buy him whatever he wants.  All the adults in Bradley’s life are running scared―except for Santa Claus, who refuses to give him anything but socks. But Bradley vows to get what he deserves. If Santa won’t give him the gifts he wants, Bradley will just have to steal them. In the end, he transforms his house into a trap so fearsome that Santa doesn’t stand a chance. Or does he?

Jonathan Emmet gives readers a Christmas tale from a new and devious perspective. Poly Bernatene’s illustrations perfectly complement the story of the spoiled Bradley, making this a hilarious and exciting story that will keep readers laughing from beginning to end.

Buy The Santa Trap through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

 Winter Babies
Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by Adela Pons

Spirited, rhyming text and colorful, graphic art reveal an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful winter day. Featuring diverse characters and highlighting early concepts like shapes and repetition, books in the Babies in the Park series encourage an appreciation of nature and outdoor imaginative play.

Want to introduce the wonders of winter to your little one? Check out our activity suggestions!

In the Snow
Written by Elizabeth Spurr
Illustrated by Manelle Oliphant

In this gently rhyming board book, a young girl makes a snowman, sleds, and has other winter fun! Elizabeth Spurr and Manelle Oliphant together create a perfect sit-in-your-lap reading experience for toddlers. Read an excerpt here.

Immi’s Gift
Written & illustrated by Karin Littlewood

A young girl way, way, way up north in a snow-covered world finds a small colorful surprises on he end of her fishing line. When visiting the fishing hole for the last time, she drops a little wooden bear into the water. Far away on a beach in the hot, hot sun, a young boy throws a colorful object into the water, then a small wooden bear washed up on the beach catches his eye.

This simple, affecting story filled with quiet magic shows how individuals around the world connect and enrich each other’s lives. Beautiful watercolor illustrations vibrantly depict the story’s shifting locations―from the frozen Arctic to the tropical shoreline. Read an excerpt here.

About Penguins
A Guide for Children
Written by Cathryn Sill
Illustrated by John Sill

This beginner’s guide offers a first glimpse into the natural world of penguins, including what penguins are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live. Beautifully detailed, realistic paintings, show readers a variety of penguins, from the Adélie to the Rockhopper to the Emperor. Read an excerpt here and check out the series teacher’s guide. Learn more about the rest of the award-winning About… series here.

About Habitats: Polar Regions
Written by Cathryn Sill
Illustrated by John Sill

This beginner’s guide explores the major attributes of the Arctic and Antarctic biomes, like what they are and what kinds of animals and plants live there. The full-color illustrations show the striking beauty and remarkable diversity of these amazing  regions using examples from around the globe. Read an excerpt here and check out the series teacher’s guide. Learn more about the rest of the award-winning About Habitats series here.

Polar Star
Written by Sally Grindley
Illustrated by John Butler

While her new cubs Snowball and Snowflake are too young to venture far from their den, Polar Star shows them the delights of their ice and snow wonderland home. But when the cubs are old enough to leave the safety of the den, they must learn how to survive in their beautiful yet hostile world and follow Polar Star across the treacherous sea ice in search of food.

This factually accurate portrayal of the joyful but often dangerous life of the largest meat-eating mammals on earth includes wondrous landscape paintings that reveal the grandeur of the Arctic world.

Under the Snow
Written by Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by Constance R. Bergum

When snow falls, we go home where it is warm and safe. What about all those animals out there in the forests and fields? What do they do when snow blankets the ground? This lyrical tour of a variety of habitats provides young readers with vivid glimpses of animals as they live out the winter beneath the snow and ice, and glowing watercolors perfectly capture the wonder and magic that can happen under the snow. Check out the teacher’s guide and readers’ theater for ideas of how to use Under the Snow in the classroom.

The Snow Lion
Written 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. Together, they have all kinds of fun racing, climbing, and playing hide-and-seek. But when the boy next door asks Caro to come play, Caro isn’t so sure. Then, the Snow Lion has an idea! 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. Read an excerpt here and learn more about the creation of the book with our Q&A with author Jim Helmore.

I Am Tama, Lucky Cat
A Japanese Legend
Written 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, Lucky Cat. Tama truly earns his nickname―“Lucky Cat,” when during a powerful thunderstorm, he sees a towering warlord on a white horse. The cat beckons the warrior forward just as a large branch crashes to the ground and lands right where the warlord had previously stood. 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,”  in early Edo-period Japan―this beautiful story of friendship, generosity, and kindness includes graceful text  and breathtaking watercolor illustrations. Read an excerpt here.

The Story Blanket
Written by Ferida Wolff & Harriet May Savitz
Illustrated by Elena Odriozola

Babba Zarrah lives in a tiny village in the snow-covered mountains. The children love to visit her. They settle down on her big, old story blanket and listen to her imaginative tales. One day Babba Zarrah notices that Nikolai needs new socks, but she has no yarn. “Every question has an answer,” Babba Zarrah tells herself, “I just have to find it.” After the children leave, she unravels part of her story blanket and knits him some nice warm socks. As villagers start receiving mysterious gifts to keep them warm, the story blanket gets smaller and smaller until the children have nothing to sit on at story time. When the villagers finally discover Babba Zarrah’s secret, they decide to give her a surprise of her own.

Enhanced with charming illustrations, this heartwarming story of generosity makes for a wonderful read aloud experience.

Jake’s 100th Day of School
Written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Judy Love

Jake and his fellow students are getting ready for a celebration. Tomorrow is the 100th day of school and everyone is going to share their collections of 100 things. The day of the celebration arrives, but Jake forgets the 100 family pictures he has glued into a special memory book at home. Disaster! Thanks to Jake’s ingenuity and the sensitivity of his principal, Mrs. Wadsworth, Jake does have a collection to display that day… and something special to share with the class on the 101st day of school.

As classrooms prepare for the 100th day of school during winter, use this well-crafted story as inspiration for how to celebrate this exciting day of school. Find a teacher’s guide here.

Snow Day!
Written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

When the television weatherman predicts a big snowfall, the narrator gleefully imagines the fun-filled possibilities of an unscheduled holiday from school. But when the family wakes up the next morning, they are in for a disappointment. No snow! As the family members pile into the car so they won’t be late for school, an unexpected twist reveals who wanted the snow day most of all.

This clever take on this familiar childhood wish features an unexpected twist sure to surprise and delight school-age readers. Read an excerpt here.

Keep On!
The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-discoverer of the North Pole
Written by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

This stunning picture book tells the story of the under-recognized Matthew Henson who joined Robert Peary’s great 1909 expedition to reach the North Pole. The team endured storms, shifting ice, wind, injuries, accidents, and unimaginable cold. Finally, on April 1, Peary, Henson, and four Inuit men began the final 133-mile push to the Pole. Excerpts from Henson’s expedition diaries, a time line, and an epilogue place the story in its historical context.

For more resources, check out our teacher’s guide here.

Flying Over Brooklyn
Written by Myron Uhlberg
Illustrated by Gerald Fitzgerald

While trudging through deep snow in a neighborhood park, a young boy is suddenly hit with a strong wind that grabs his coat and lifts him into the air. As the young boy is soaring over familiar sites―a bridge over a frozen river, a baseball field, and an amusement park―he gains a new perspective, escaping from the routine of everyday life. But when the boy returns to the safety of his home, he is left wondering: was it all just a marvelous dream?

Based in part on author Myron Uhlberg’s childhood memories of the Great Blizzard of 1947, the author’s note provides details about the snowstorm and places this fantasy in its historical context. Find the teacher’s guide here.

Claude on the Slopes
Written & illustrated by Alex T. Smith

Claude and his best friend Sir Bobblysock go to the Snowy Mountains to swish down the powdery slopes. They throw snowballs, learn to ski, and enter a snow-sculpture contest. But when an avalanche threatens their winter wonderland, Claude must come to the rescue.

Quirky, delightfully odd, and positively surreal, this illustrated early chapter book series promises giggle-filled bedtime reading and a laugh-out-loud option for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books. Read an excerpt here.

The Last Polar Bears
Written & illustrated by Harry Horse

Grandfather and Roo, a remarkable little dog with strong views and a short attention span, is off on an expedition to the North Pole to find the Last Polar Bears. They endure storms, high seas, a temperamental sea captain, and seasickness until the ship reaches Walrus Bay. In a primitive coastal town, Grandfather gets in a game of golf, but unscrupulous wolves plague him and Roo. Finally, Grandfather, Roo, and a penguin companion head off on foot to find the Great Bear Ridge, home to the Last Polar Bears.

This hilarious, original story through a series of letters written by Grandfather to his grandchild will delight young and old alike. Winsome pen-and-ink illustrations capture the charmingly eccentric personalities of Grandfather and his delightful canine companion and the amusing calamities that befall them.

Life in a Frozen World
Wildlife of Antarctica
Written by Mary Batten
Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Even in the intensely cold, windy, and dry environment of Antarctica, a wide variety of wildlife finds ways to thrive, but can they survive warmer waters and atmosphere? Scientists are racing to find out. Antarctica’s creatures depend on the ice. And in the long run, so do we.

From talented and experienced nature writer Mary Batten, this amazing nonfiction picture book provides valuable information about one of the most hostile environments on the planet. It is an ideal resource for young science lovers and educators looking to discuss the effects of climate change. The informative text and stunning artwork by New York Times bestselling illustrator Thomas Gonzalez are sure to spark a passion for conservation of this incredible habitat. Read an excerpt here, and check out the teacher’s guide for informative classroom activities.

Lilliput
Written by Sam Gayton
Illustrated by Alice Ratterree

She is a girl three inches tall with eyes like drops of dew. Her clothes are cut from handkerchiefs and stitched with spider silk. For half her life, she has been trapped in a birdcage while her giant kidnapper sits beside her, writing in a leather-bound book the size of a house. Her name is Lily, and tonight she is escaping. She is going home. To Lilliput.

Inspired by Gulliver’s Travels, Lilliput is an exhilarating and imaginative adventure filled with cunning escape plans, evil clock makers, and talkative parrots. Join Lily as she travels through eighteenth-century London―over rooftops, down chimneys, and into chocolate shops―on a journey to find the one place in the world where she belongs…home. Read an excerpt here and check out the discussion guide, great for middle grade book club!

The Wreck of the Ethie
Written by Hilary Hyland
Illustrated by Paul Bachem

In 1919, just before Christmas, the S.S. Ethie sets sail for St. John’s Harbor, but a violent winter storm casts the steamship onto the rocky cliffs of northwest Newfoundland, threatening the passengers’ survival. Ninety-two passengers and crew, all eager to be reunited with family for the holidays, are now at the mercy of the stormy sea. Seeing the wrecked ship off the coast, a fishing family sends their dog Skipper, a hardworking and courageous Newfoundland, to brave the icy and dangerous waters to carry a lifeline from the sinking ship to shore.

This minute-by-minute fictionalized account of the S.S. Ethie’s dramatic voyage vividly brings the adventure to life, showing the spirit of survival among the passengers and crew, as well as the strength and determination of a poor fishing family and their courageous dog to save those ninety-two souls. Read an excerpt here.

Murphy, Gold Rush Dog
Written by Alison Hart
Illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery

After escaping from his brutal and merciless owner, Murphy is taken in by a young girl named Sally. She and her mother have just arrived in Nome, Alaska, intent on joining the other gold seekers and making a new life. Yet even with Murphy at their side, Sally and Mama find living in the mining town harsh and forbidding. When it seems they may have to give up, Sally and Murphy decide to strike out on their own, hoping to find gold and make a permanent home. But dangers await them―not only blizzards and grizzly bears, but also Murphy’s original owner, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

This action-packed and heartwarming story explores the roles that dogs played during the Alaskan gold rush. Read an excerpt here. Check out the teacher’s guide and learn more about the award-winning Dog Chronicles series.

Anna’s Blizzard
Written by Alison Hart

It is 1888. Twelve-year-old Anna loves life on the Nebraska prairie where she lives with her parents and four-year-old brother in a simple sod house. She doesn’t mind helping out with chores, especially when she is herding sheep with her beloved pony, Top Hat. On the open prairie, Anna feels at home. But at school she feels hopelessly out of place. Arithmetic is too hard, her penmanship is abysmal, and stuck-up Eloise Baxter always laughs at her mistakes. When an intense Nebraska blizzard traps Anna, her schoolmates, and young teacher in the one-room schoolhouse, Anna knows they must escape before it is too late.  Does she have the courage and strength to lead her school through the whiteout to safety?

This dramatic story of rescue and survival, based on “The School Children’s Blizzard” features a plucky, determined protagonist. An author’s note provides more information about prairie life in the late nineteenth century and about the great storm that hit Nebraska in 1888. Read an excerpt here.

The Cheshire Cheese Cat
A Dickens of a Tale
Written 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. He hopes to trade London’s damp alleyways for the warmth of ye olde Cheshire Cheese Inn, so he strikes a bargain with Pip, an erudite mouse. Skilley will protect the mice who live at the inn, and in turn, the mice will provide Skilley with the thing he desires most. But when Skilley and Pip are drawn into 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!

New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy and author Randall Wright collaborate on this compelling and playful homage to Charles Dickens set in Victorian England. With the stunning artwork of award-winning illustrator Barry Moser, The Cheshire Cheese Cat is filled with charming characters and important themes of friendship and loyalty. Read an excerpt here and check out the discussion guide!

Look for these titles at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. Have a favorite winter read? Let us know in the comments!

By playing, fishing, toasting, and listening to music by the firelight, one boy and his father enjoy the great outdoors. It’s a well-crafted introduction to the fun of being in the woods, exploring the many things to do outside, and enjoying nature’s beauty. Soft colors and beautiful scenery will excite the explorer in every child!

In the Woods is a charming board book about a boy and his father camping together. Each page brings a new rhyme and a new sight for any child to enjoy. A perfect addition to your family’s reading experience!

This wonderful story captures the love between Big Bear and Little One. Beginning with the first buds of spring, Big Bear teaches Little One all about life in the forest. The two enjoy eating, playing, and swimming as the seasons change from one to another. As winter returns, Big Bear and Little One also return home, where they can wait for the next spring.

Young readers will love exploring alongside Little One and connecting their own experiences with one who is also seeing the world for the first time. Cuddle up and enjoy reading such a heartwarming picture book with your little one!

Chicken likes Scarecrow’s hat and Scarecrow will glad hand it over, but for a walking stick in return. Clever as Chicken is, she embarks on a quest to find a walking stick amongst her farm animal friends. Presented with a fun problem, one chicken seeks a solution that will have children fully engaged!

With bright watercolor pictures and a beautiful setting, children will love joining Chicken in search of a walking stick to swap for Scarecrow’s straw hat! A delightful page-turner that’s sure to be a favorite!

In the vast expanse of Utah, Mary Ann lives with her family and her special friend: a wheat-filled doll named Betty. Mary Ann knows that Betty watches over her while she does her daily tasks; she even listens to all of Mary Ann’s secrets. One day, a storm rolls in and Mary Ann is unable to save Betty from the winds and rain. Determined to find her lost friend, Mary Ann continues to search for Betty even when it seems that Betty is truly gone. Time passes, winter melts into spring, and Mary Ann spots a familiar face growing in the grass!

Set in the 1800s, this classic tale of childhood friendship and devotion shares a beautiful lesson of never giving up. It’s the perfect book to read alongside your child and their favorite toy!