Children's Services

Friendship--and trains!--take center stage in this gentle, inviting story about paying attention to other people's feelings.

Two boys' fun train-track-building project takes a turn when one of the boys obliviously insists on only doing things his way. Their disagreement spells disaster for the train and the friendship, until a kind teacher steps in and explains how to tell when a friend is feeling happy, frustrated, or angry. . . and how to ask for a do-over.

Compromising and paying attention to how other people are feeling can be hard for any kid, but especially for kids on the autism spectrum. Samatha Cotterill's third book in the Little Senses series provides gentle guidance along with adorable illustrations to help every kid navigate the twists and turns of friendship and working together.

*"Awe-inspiring artwork as powerful as any force of nature."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

From Caldecott Medalist Ed Young comes a picture book retelling of Aesop's fable The Wind and the Sun.

Once upon the sky, there were three powers--the Wind, the Rain, and the Sun--each claiming to be the mightier than the others. One day, the powers came upon a shepherd girl fast asleep upon a hill, so they made a bet to see who could make her take her cap off. Who will be the strongest of them all?

Rendered in exquisite mixed-media collage, Caldecott Medalist Ed Young's gorgeous and deeply poignant retelling of the well-known Aesop's fable The Wind and the Sun, proves that sometimes gentle persuasion and kindness are the best virtues of all.

Praise for The Weather's Bet:

"Lyrical and profound." --School Library Journal

"A good classroom readaloud."--Publishers Weekly

"The far north has never felt so deliciously warm." --Kirkus Reviews
"Readers will carry this gorgeous book close to their hearts."--School Library Journal
"Just right for bedtime, it's an intimate tale that celebrates simple warmth and comfort."--Publishers Weekly
Nadia Sammurtok lovingly invites the reader into the amautik--the pouch in the back of a mother's parka used to carry a child--to experience everything through the eyes of the baby nestled inside, from the cloudlike softness of the pouch to the glistening sound of Anaana's laughter. Sweet and soothing, this book offers a unique perspective that will charm readers of all ages.

From Ashima Shiraishi, one of the world's youngest and most skilled climbers, comes a true story of strength and perseverance--in rock climbing and in life.

To a rock climber, a boulder is called a "problem," and you solve it by climbing to the top. There are twists and turns, falls and scrapes, and obstacles that seem insurmountable until you learn to see the possibilities within them. And then there is the moment of triumph, when there's nothing above you but sky and nothing below but a goal achieved.

Ashima Shiraishi draws on her experience as a world-class climber in this story that challenges readers to tackle the problems in their own lives and rise to greater heights than they would have ever thought possible.

A lovely and laugh-out-loud picture book from the award-winning author of Rude Cakes and Most Marshmallows.

A silly read-aloud tale for kids about being yourself! Mabel isn't like the other mermaids. Lucky isn't like the other octopuses. But when they find each other, they discover that true friendship isn't about how you look, and that sometimes what we are searching for is right under our noses.

The inimitable Rowboat Watkins is back with another humorous tale about being true to yourself.

• A delightful, inspiring read-aloud book for toddlers that celebrates gender diversity and difference
• Stylish, accessible art brings this story of being true to yourself to hilarious life.
• Rowboat Watkins is a 2010 Sendak Fellow and Ezra Jack Keats honoree.

Young readers of Julian Is a Mermaid, Mary Wears What She Wants, and Exclamation Mark will find much to love in this tale that celebrates individuality and acceptance.

• Read-aloud books for kids age 3–5
• Books for teachers and librarians
• Gender, differences, being yourself

Rowboat Watkins was a recipient of the 2010 Sendak Fellowship, his book Rude Cakes was an Ezra Jack Keats Honor Book, and the New York Times praised his most recent title, Most Marshmallows, as "exquisite." Rowboat lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York.

From Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes and acclaimed painter Laura Dronzek, the bestselling and award-winning creators of Winter Is Here, When Spring Comes, and In the Middle of Fall, this picture book about summer celebrates the sights, sounds, and smells of the season.

Bees buzz, birds sing, and children roll in the grass and feel the heat of the summer sun. With striking verbal imagery, repetition, and alliteration, Kevin Henkes introduces basic concepts of language and the summer season. Laura Dronzek's glowing paintings beautifully illustrate the wonders of summer.

This is an engaging seasonal companion to the bestselling When Spring Comes, In the Middle of Fall, and Winter Is Here, Ideal for introducing the season, for story time, and for bedtime reading.

What's that noise? The jungle can be a scary place for a tiny tree frog like Felix, and all the strange noises are making him a little bit jumpy. Help Felix find a safe place -- and perhaps a special someone -- so he can nod off for a peaceful sleep.

Leaving Thailand and moving to Chicago, Krit tries to adjust to this unfamiliar place by solving a Zen riddle that his mother gives him.

Welcome the outdoors inside for story time with this classic tale of a garden changing through the seasons.

A young girl and her older companion watch birds, fly a kite, plant flowers, and play in the snow, watching flowers bloom and leaves fall as the year passes.

This quiet story celebrates the simple joys found close to home, and the importance of sharing those experiences with the ones you love. A perfect story time pick for any season, In My Garden explores the natural marvels of the world around us and encourages young readers to think about what they love best throughout the year.

Written by picture book master Charlotte Zolotow and originally published in 1960, this elegant reimagining of In My Garden features all-new illustrations by accomplished author-illustrator Philip Stead. His delicate illustrations and gentle, colorful palette bring new life and meaning to this classic tale-- a beautiful tribute to the experience of childhood, and a thank you to a master storyteller.

Prince Lucas and Clara discover a secret den of wolves in this fifteenth fantastical adventure of The Kingdom of Wrenly series.

Dire wolves are among the rarest creatures in the Kingdom of Wrenly. They travel under the cloak of darkness, sleep during the day, and hunt in the deepest silence. The only proof that these beasts exist is what they leave behind: giant paw prints and haunting howls that echo on the wind. So, when Prince Lucas and Sir Clara find a lost dire wolf pup alone in the woods, they must use all of their skills to find the hidden den of wolves.

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, The Kingdom of Wrenly chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

Meet Maud: the adorable--and often anxious--young koala just trying to cope with a sometimes-overwhelming world!

J. E. Morris's charming illustrations and comic-like panels make this a unique format with a narrative style perfect for storytime or young graphic novel fans.

Maud is a typical young koala--she likes to have fun at the playground, go to dance class, and practice tae kwon do. But sometimes she feels anxious, and she isn't sure how to handle it! By using her imagination and getting a little help from her friends, Maud discovers ways to face some of the things that at first seem so scary.

In Fish Are Not Afraid of Doctors, Maud gets nervous waiting at the doctor's office for a checkup, so she looks to the fish tank in the waiting room for comfort. When she has to get a shot, she shuts her eyes and pretends she's a fish! In Much Too Much Birthday, Maud is having a birthday party with all her friends. But when the guests arrive and the party gets packed, she isn't so sure it was such a good idea after all. What will happen if Maud can't bear her own birthday?

The search for the seven secret treasures continues. In this incredible adventure the Thea Sisters come across the legendary Jewel of the Queen. They cross rivers of ice, deserts of fire, and other fascinating places on their journey to find it.

The story of how a girl born into slavery became an early leader in the civil rights movement and the most famous black female journalist in nineteenth-century America.

Born into slavery in 1862, Ida Bell Wells was freed as a result of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865. Yet she could see just how unjust the world she was living in was. This drove her to become a journalist and activist. Throughout her life, she fought against prejudice and for equality for African Americans. Ida B. Wells would go on to co-own a newspaper, write several books, help cofound the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and fight for women's right to vote.

Take to the trails for a celebration of nature -- and a day spent with dad.

In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they're going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest. By the time they return home, they feel alive -- and closer than ever -- as they document their hike and take their place in family history. In detail-rich panels and textured panoramas, Pete Oswald perfectly paces this nearly wordless adventure, allowing readers to pause for subtle wonders and marvel at the views. A touching tribute to the bond between father and child, with resonant themes for Earth Day, Hike is a breath of fresh air.

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption—a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.

Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And poison her people’s water, one young water protector
Takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.