Self-Esteem Picture Books

May 22, 2026May 22, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Self-Esteem picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Self-Esteem Picture Books– https://amzn.to/48NBD2O .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

My Powerful Hair

by Carole Lindstrom (Author), Steph Littlebird (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young girl tells how she can’t wait for her hair to grow long. She explains how her ancestors grew long hair, as hair is their memories and source of strength. The girl shares the milestones of her life and how her hair grows parallel to those special events.

Comments: Readers learn why the young girl’s mother has always had short hair and what it means to have hair cut short in her Indigenous culture.

This book’s back pages explain the belief that hair holds strength and power and includes an Author’s note.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Harriet is looking into a pond and sees the reflection of a lion. There is landscape in the background of mountains, a house, and trees.

Harriet’s Reflections

by Marion Kadi (Author)

Summary: An old lion is looking at his reflection in the water before it dies. His reflection is still alive and bored, so it wanders the jungle and comes across a house with a little girl named Harriet inside, who is very grumpy.

The lion follows Harriet to school, and when she comes to the next mud puddle, he jumps in and becomes her reflection. Harriet is surprised at how fierce and confident she feels that day and has forgotten all about her old reflection. Will Harriet ever want to have her old reflection back?

Comments: This is a French translation that was published in 2021. I found the book to be unique, creative, and well-written.

The illustrations are bright and have several large two-page spreads. I always like it when the end pages are decorated.

I sent me a complimentary copy to give an honest review.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Clara’s Big Discovery

by Don Tassone (Author), Jane Rytel (Illustrator)

Summary: Clara was eating her lunch at school one day when Mia said four words that changed how she viewed herself and others–“Your nose is big.”

Clara began to question whether there was something wrong with her nose, which caused her to feel bad about herself. The next day at school, she felt self-conscious and observed the people around her, noticing that each person had something a little different about them that she had never really noticed before.

When Clara arrives home, she realizes that everyone has imperfections but is still okay. Will she think that way about herself again?

Comments: I loved how this book examined the imperfections of different students and emphasized that it was no big deal, not something that defined that person.

This would be a superb book to read aloud to elementary students at the beginning of the school year to help foster and embrace everyone’s differences. I would ask the students if they knew what Clara’s big discovery was at the end of the story.

Rating: 4.5/📗📗📗📗1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

A large grumpy looking fluffy buffalo looking directly at the reader

Buffalo Fluffalo

by Bess Kalb (Author), Erin Kraan (Illustrator)

Brief summary: There was a big fluffy buffalo puffed up, acting tough. A goat, prairie dog, and crow try to make friends with him, but he pushes them away with excuses.

A big storm with heavy rain changes his appearance, but his three friends do not care, causing the other creatures to love him too.

Comments: I’ve known some Buffalo Fluffalo students who could have been helped with the bibliotherapeutic lesson of this book’s story.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian, who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

School Picture Books

May 22, 2026May 22, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

School picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under School Picture Books– https://amzn.to/48NBD2O .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Book cover to Bid Kids with one boy much taller and bigger than the other

Big Kids

by K. L. Going (Author), Reggie Brown (Illustrator)

Summary: A young boy describes his first day of school, highlighting all the activities the older kids participate in. It’s Buddy Day, when he gets paired with an older student. His new friend takes him on a tour of the school, helping to ease his fears of the older students.

Comments: I love how the perspective of the big kids and little kids is complemented by the illustrations, which show the physical contrasts.

This would be the perfect read-aloud for the start of the school year, just before introducing the buddy system. We paired kindergartners with fifth graders.

Rating: 4.5/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Fish Don’t Go to School

by Deb Pilutti (Author)

Summary: Henry wears his fish costume to school because it makes him feel safe and less anxious. Although everyone stared at him, as the day went on, Henry slowly felt more comfortable. Will he continue to wear his costume every day?

Comments: I think this would be a good book to read aloud to help those students who feel insecure at the beginning of the school year.

I remember several students dressing in Halloween costumes or like ballerinas at the beginning of the school year, and gradually shedding their fears as they got to know everyone in the classroom and the daily routine.

The illustrations were created with gouache and wax pastels on watercolor paper with a little digital painting.

Rating: 4/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Maybe Just Ask Me!

by Katie Mazeika (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: Mazie goes to school wearing her favorite head scarf and a pretty eye patch. Throughout the day, she hears her classmates speculating about the reasons behind her accessories. After listening to their whispers all day, she decides to confront them and share her story.

Comments: This text is based on the author’s personal story. She includes it at the back of the book, along with a list of ways to support individuals with disabilities.

The illustrations were created digitally.

Rating: 4/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Recess

by Lane Smith (Author)

Summary: Everyone needs a break from learning, and that is when RECESS comes in. What happens when recess is already over but we still need a break?

Comments: This is a fun interactive book featuring a call-and-response format that will have students giggling and full of energy. It makes an excellent read-aloud option for a “recess” moment when the day feels dull and a mental break is needed.

I loved how the book alternates between boring gray and then a bright color for the recess activity.

The illustrations were created with oil paints, colored pencils, cold wax, gesso, sandpaper, and digital scribbling on 24″ x24″ wood panels.

Lane Smith never disappoints me with his books. Another masterpiece!

Rating: 5/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Sammy and Sunny’s First Day of School

by Nina LaCour (Author), Elizabeth Lilly (Illustrator)

Summary: Sammy and her dog, Sunny, both attend their first day of school. Sammy is dropped off at her kindergarten classroom, while Sunny goes to puppy school.

Readers see how their days parallel each other. They were both a bit nervous, but then learned the routine and made friends.

Comments: The illustrations were created with pen and ink and painted with watercolor.

Rating: 4/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Book cover for Sunnyside School with students, a teacher, and mom standing at the front of a school

Sunnyside School: A Community Helpers Book

by Lindsay Ward

Summary: Ali, Matty, and Mila are new to Sunnyside School. Readers walk along with the students and learn about their classrooms, the school building, and all about the volunteers and staff members.

Comments: This book provides excellent details in both the text and the illustrations. It features traditional narrative, speech bubbles, and informative text boxes. As the day progresses, the book poses questions and includes a search-and-find activity at the end. This is a fantastic community helper book and would be a valuable addition to any library or classroom.

Rating: 4.5/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Trusty Bus

by Elizabeth Weiss Verdick (Author), Jeff Harter (Illustrator)

Summary: Driver Dee and Trusty, a school bus, get ready to go on their route to pick up the students for the first day of school, being mindful of safety as they go around town.

Comments: This is a darling little book for toddlers and preschoolers. The rhyming text and onomatopoeias make the book interesting and fun.

The illustrations were created digitally.

Rating: 4/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

You Can Sit With Me

by Rachel Tawil Kenyon (Author), Tatiana Kamshilina (Illustrator)

Summary: A young child is new to the school and unsure of the routine. A girl kindly invites the newbie to sit with her throughout the story.

Comments: This would be a superb story to read aloud to promote kindness and inclusion. I think there could be some meaningful class discussions afterwards about ways everyone can be kind to one another.

Rating: 4/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Goodnight School

by Catherine Bailey (Author), Cori Doerrfeld (Illustrator)

Brief summary: As School prepares to close for the night, the night guard goes through the building to ensure that all the lights are off and each room is in order. However, she discovers evidence that someone else is in the school with her. Will she be able to identify the intruder before the students arrive the next day?

Comments: This humorous mystery picture book has detailed illustrations that had me stop and look.

I love it when the pasted-down end pages are part of the story.

This would be a nice story to share at bedtime.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

On the Last Day of School

by Maggie C. Rudd (Author), Taia Morley (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Students reflect on their progress from the beginning to the end of the school year before heading home for the summer.

Comments: This could be shared as a read-aloud towards the end of the school year. It can prompt a discussion where students compare what they could do at the beginning of the school year with all the things they have learned or can now do by the end of the year.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Sammy and Sunny’s First Day of School

by Nina LaCour (Author), Elizabeth Lilly (Illustrator)

Summary: Sammy and her dog, Sunny, both attend their first day of school. Sammy is dropped off at her kindergarten classroom, while Sunny goes to puppy school.

Readers see how their days parallel each other. They were both a bit nervous, but then learned the routine and made friends.

Comments: The illustrations were created with pen and ink and painted with watercolor.

Rating: 4/5 🟩🟩🟩🟩

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Kindergartners with all sorts of big heads stading around a large teacher's desk looking at a sandwich that has two olive pierce through a toothpick on top that look like eyes and bologna sticking out the side that sort of looks like a tongue

Mr. S: A First Day of School Book

by Monica Arnaldo (Author, Illustrator).

Brief summary: The kindergartners of 2B arrive on the first day of school to find a missing teacher. Their first clue is the desk has a ruler, a steaming cup of coffee, and a giant sandwich. They notice “Mr. S” has been written on the chalkboard. They wonder if their teacher could be Mr. Sandwich. They immediately create an alphabet of different sandwiches. They continue their day doing school-related activities without the supervision of an adult. Suddenly, the door opens, and a man hurries inside the classroom. Is this their teacher?

Comments: This was one of my favorite back-to-school books. Great mystery. A subplot is also going on in the window frame throughout the story. Clever. Well done. I can’t wait to read more imaginative stories like this from Monica Arnaldo.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

First day of school and there is no teacher in the classroom with students standing around the room

9 Kilometers (Stories from Latin America)

by Claudio Aguilera (Author), Gariela Lyon (Illustrator), Lawrence Schimel (Translator)

Brief summary: A young Chilean student begins his nine-kilometer walk to school in the darkness of dawn while counting his steps and animals he sees along the way.

Young readers will follow his journey as he goes under a barbed-wired fence, through a forest, across a river, etc., until he is FINALLY to school.

Comments: This book could spark some interesting classroom conversations. What was the longest you’ve ever walked? How much is a kilometer? Why did the boy walk so far? Why didn’t a yellow school bus take him? Was it essential for him to go to school? Dangerous?

The back of the book has brief stories of other children worldwide and how they walk to their schools. There is also a section on the birds seen during the boy’s walk.

The front pasted-down end pages have a map of the beginning of the walk, with it continuing onto the back end pages.

Rating: 4.5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Translated and printed to English in 2023.

Marker

by Anna Kang (Author), Christopher Weyant (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Red Pen welcomes the teacher supplies to getting ready for the first day of school. Pinking Shears is accepted as a new member and is placed in the superpower mug on the desk, displacing Permanent Marker to a canister. The supplies are creating back-to-school posters and lists when Marker, which is always used for the class rules poster, makes a mistake but cannot fix it, causing her anxiety as everyone will see it day after day. Will Red Pen come up with an idea to help everyone realize it’s okay to fail?

Comments: What a fun read for the beginning of the school year. Cute illustrations and a humorous storyline will help students with any first-day jitters. I’ll not be looking at the supplies on my desk ever the same.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

If you like this book, you may also enjoy Anna Kang’s Eraser, published in 2018.

And Then Comes School

by Tom Brenner (Author), Jen Hill (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Two young girls enjoy the last summer days with their friends. A list of school supplies is received. They sort through clothes that are too small, pick up back-to-school supplies, and play on the last day of summer vacation. They prepare for the first day of school by picking out an outfit, filling a backpack, and going to bed, imagining what the first day will bring.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

This is one of the series of And Then Comes by Tom Brenner. I like this series as they share little rituals before a holiday or event that young readers can understand. Nice, lyrical text.

Shy Robin and the First Day of School

by Jaime Kim (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Robin is usually brave and energetic at home but not in public. Her mother gives her a purple headband on the first day of school to help her feel confident.

While at school, Robin notices another student who is also shy and withdrawn and is wearing purple bracelets. After temporarily losing her headband, Marco offers Robin one of his bracelets while they all look for the hair accessory.

Comments: This would be a nice back-to-school story to share with preschoolers and kindergartners to let them know that students may feel shy.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon pa ge.

We’re Going to School

by Tammi Salzano (Author), Morena Forza (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Young readers will wake up early with various kids returning to school. Once inside the school, the day begins with introductions, new routines, and friend-making.

Comments: This book would be suitable for preschool or kindergartners who have never been to school to get a general idea of what happens on the first day.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Giant-Sized Butterflies On My First Day of School

by Justin Roberts (Author), Paola Escobar (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young girl has a nervous stomach going back to school and is reassured by her mother that everything will be okay. The mother shares a time when she had butterflies in her stomach and how she let them go.

Comments: Teachers and parents could share this book with students about the first day of school to let them know that sometimes we are nervous doing or going places for the first time.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Mina Belongs Here

by Sandra Niebuhr-Siebert (Author), Lars Baus (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Mina attends kindergarten and needs help understanding what anyone is saying or asking. Mina hugs the teddy bear and is quiet all day until she returns to her home and tells her mother about her day.

The next day of school, Mina makes a friend with a girl named Ava even though they do not speak. She returns home to tell her mother all about her day at school.

Each day, Mina learns new words and becomes more relaxed. Her dreams parallel her feelings and become more vivid and bright. This German translation from 2020 was published in the USA in 2023.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page .

A cartoon backpack hanging onto the closet door nervous about going back to school

Back to School, Backpack!

by Simon Rich (Author), Tom Toro (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A backpack going back to school has the first day jitters but soon fits in the new environment.

Comments: This would be a good book to read during the first day or week of school to help those with any nervousness. Cute and humorous.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A Smart, Smart School

by Sharon Creech (Author), Anait Semirdzhyan (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Mr. Keene, the principal of Fine Elementary School, loves his school as he strolls through the hallways watching the students drawing, painting, reading, and singing. He immediately has to leave for the hospital. Tillie, one of the students, worries about his recovery.

Mr. Tatters takes over as the principal and notices all of the get-well banners, cards, and artwork the students do for their beloved sick principal and does not like it. He insists that to be a smart, smart school, they must have tests every day that week, causing everyone to have stress and boredom. The students visit their principal at the hospital on Saturday, bringing all their get-well gifts.

Tillie talks to Mr. Keene upon his return on Monday about all the tests. He gathers everyone into an assembly and announces how they will be a smart, smart school again.

Comments: What a great book to anonymously leave on each principal’s, board member’s, and central office administrator’s desk. *wink*

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Companion book to A Fine, Fine School, written in 2001.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Safety Picture Books

May 22, 2026May 22, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Safety picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Book cover of Adi of Boutanga with oxen, father and Adi riding away on a motorcycle waving good-bye to mother and sister. Orange in the background

Adi of Boutanga: A Story from Cameroon

by Alain Serge Dzotap (Author), Marc Daniau (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This story, translated from French, is a work of realistic fiction about Adi, a thirteen-year-old Mbororos girl. Adi enjoys her life, family, and school until the eldest man in her family decides she should marry. Fortunately, her father intervenes and breaks the cycle of child brides in their family by relocating Adi away from his brother.

Comments: This is a serious story suitable for fifth grade and up. I would have preferred it as a full-chapter book, but it is a picture book intended for tweens and middle school readers.

It is based on a real girl named Adi.

The backstory and more information about the culture are in the back pages. I enjoy reading stories like this, where authors write about their own cultures.

The illustrations were created with oil on paper.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

Smarty and his brain friends are waving and looking at us. Book's cover. Green with large lettering

Smarty and Friends

by Brian S Hamilton (Author)

Summary: Summary: This parent/teacher resource booklet is designed to help teach elementary students about safety topics.

Comments: It begins with a section for parents and guardians that addresses food safety, pedestrian safety, and bus safety. Following this introduction are ten short, illustrated safety stories that adults can read with children and use as discussion starters.

Some of the safety topics covered include:

🔷Food safety

🔷Pedestrian safety

🔷Bus safety

🔷Life jackets

🔷Scooter safety

🔷Motorcycle safety

🔷Cleaning product safety

🔷Window safety

🔷Furniture safety

🔷Football safety

This educational pamphlet could be helpful in classroom settings during safety lessons, as well as at home for guided conversations between adults and children.

This is the second of the Smarty the Brain Stories.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

* I was sent a free copy of this book.

Smarty the Brain Stories

by Brian S Hamilton(author), Daniel Majan(illustrator)

Brief summary: This twenty-page paperback consists of 10 short stories about two young brains–Moody and Smarty. Moody is impulsive and doesn’t understand the need for safety measures. Smarty explains and demonstrates the need for safety strategies to prevent injury to oneself or others. The safety topics covered are:

bike helmets
safety belts
baby gates
batteries
ski helmets
slides
skateboarding equipment
baseball catcher equipment
horseback helmets
snowmobile safety

Comments: This educational paperback is intended for preschoolers to learn about safety practices. The teacher or parent could read a story a day and demonstrate the wrong vs right way to do an activity. Students could then demonstrate what it is like to be a Smarty.

I’d like to see someone make this book into a mini safety film using these two young brains.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

* I was sent a free copy of this book.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Plant Picture Books

May 21, 2026May 21, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Plant picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Plant Picture Books– https://amzn.to/4nGY277 .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Afternoon on a Hill

by Edna St. Vincent Millay (Author), Paolo Domeniconi (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Edna St. Vincent Millay’s illustrated poem describes a little girl enjoying the beauty of nature around her as she frolics on the hillside, naps in the sun, and returns home at dusk.

Comments: This would make a wonderful bedtime book, bringing young readers happy dreams of walking in awe along a hill.

This also could be an elementary supplement for spring or earth day units of study.

It should be noted that the picture book is 16 pages long, half the length of most picture books. The hardback version came out in 2019, but the paperback was released this year.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Avocado Magic

by Taltal Levi (Author)

Summary: Ellie celebrates her birthday and is upset that her feet still do not reach the floor when she sits at the kitchen table. Her father shows her how to suspend an avocado seed with toothpicks into a glass of water.

He parallels Ellie’s slow growth to that of the seed, emphasizing that both need patience. Slowly the seed sprouts. It gradually develops into an avocado plant and grows alongside Ellie until it’s time both move out of the house.

When Ellie marries and has children, she brings the tree with her to plant in her own yard.

Comments: The metaphor for growth is absolutely beautiful!

The back section has instructions on how to sprout your own avocado.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A young girl with a short orange ponytail and pink headband with white polka dots is holding a plant with her yellow dog placing its paw on the plant

Love Grows

by Ruth Spiro (Author), Lucy Ruth Cummins (Illustrator)

Summary: A young girl’s auntie sends her a plant per month with a tag of information about the plant. By the end of the year, the girl has a plant garden.

Comments: The front and back-pasted end pages outline the twelve plants with the Latin name, origins, and light preference.

This story is done in rhyme. The illustrations are gouache, colored pencil, and crayon.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

City Beet

by Tziporah Cohen (Author), Udayana Lugo (Illustrator).

Summary: Mrs. Kosta and Victoria plant and nurture a beet seed until it ripens. The woman begins to harvest the gigantic beet but cannot remove it from the ground, no matter how hard she tugs. Several neighbors stop by the garden to help pull, creating a line out to the sidewalk until the vegetable is uprooted with a big “SPROING!!”

Comments: There is an Author’s Note and Raw Beet & Garlic Salad Recipe in the back.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

For more details or to buy, click here.

Picture book cover of Cool Green with a grandfather carrying his granddaughter on his shoulder while walking in a forest

Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees

by Lulu Delacre (Author, Illustrator).

Brief summary: A landscaper teaches his granddaughter why he loves trees. Each tree is described in a poem.

Back pages include sections: A Note From the Author-Illustrator, Why Trees?, Cool Facts About the Trees in This Book, For Further Exploration, and A Bibliography.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

For more details or to buy, click here.

Book cover of A Dandelion with dandelion plants at various stages of the flower. A sun and moon are at the top of the cover with a blue background.

n are in the sky

A Dandelion (A Day in the Life Of)

by Ruth Owen (Author)

Summary: This narrative nonfiction picture book explains the life cycle of a dandelion from being a yellow flower to when it changes into seeds. The wind carries them to another location where they start over.

Comments: This is a smaller picture book about 8″ x 8.”

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

The Weedflower

by Elizabeth Davaze (Author), Marianne Ferrer (Illustrator)

Summary: Sam notices a dandelion during recess and through her care and appreciation of it, several other students notice it as well. They nuture it, but soon find out that not everyone sees it as a beautiful flower.

Comments: This would make a nice read-aloud and discussion of nature all around us in our everyday lives.

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Book cover to Doe's Dandelions with a doe carrying a basket full of dandelions while on the green grass full of dandelions and daffodils

Doe’s Dandelions (Woodland Friends)

by Laura Renauld (Author), Jennie Poh (Illustrator)

Summary: In this Woodland Friends series, Doe is growing daffodils for the Spring Pedal Parade but keeps coming across annoying dandelion “weeds.” She soon learns from her friends how much joy and use they are to them.

Comments: This is a wonderful tribute to the benefit of some of the plants that are called weeds. Students can learn that all plants have value.

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Don’t Touch that Flower!

by Alice Hemming (Author), Nicola Slater (Illustrator)

Summary: Squirrel wakes from spring to find a new flower growing. He decides to protect it by not allowing any water to get on it, from bees landing on the petals, and even, putting it under a bucket.

Bird educates Squirrel about his good intentions are harming the flower instead.

Comments: This is a humorous read-aloud that opens a discussion of what plants need to thrive.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

A Flower is a Friend

by Frieda Wishinsky (Author), Karen Patkau (Illustrator)

Summary: An animal/creature is paired with a flower in the garden, and readers are asked why they coexist so well. Answers are in the book of how they benefit each other.

Comments: This is an excellent resource for introducing the concept of symbiosis. The illustrations made it clear and concrete.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Cover for Log Life which has a fir tree growing from a nurse log. A mouse, snails, beetles, mushrooms are on the fallen log.

Log Life (Tiny Habitats)

by Amy Hevron (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: This book is a narrative nonfiction that educates young readers about the life cycle of a giant fir tree that falls to the ground and transforms into a nurse log. As the log slowly decays in the forest, it becomes a source of nourishment for fungi, plants, insects, animals, and birds throughout the first year until it completely decomposes many decades later.

Comments: I had never heard of the term “nurse log” before and found it fascinating to learn about what happens to a fallen tree.

The illustrations were created using acrylic, marker, and pencil on Bristol board and then digitally collaged.

The back sections are More About Nurse-Log Habitats, Selected Sources, and Additional Reading.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Poetry picture book cover of Trees with a child sitting on a branch of a tree looking into a lake

Trees: Haiku from Roots to Leaves

by Sally M. Walker (Author), Angela Mckay (Illustrator).

Brief summary: This is a collection of haikus about a tree’s life cycle and the changes of every season. There are many two-paged illustrations.

The back pages have information about a tree’s life, including wild and urban forests. There is also an author’s note and a glossary.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

For more details, click on this book’s Amazon page.

Willow

by Elisabeth Sophia (Author), Anita Bagdi (Illustrator)

Summary: This anthropomorphic story is about a tree creature standing by a lake going through all of the seasons with the insects and birds that consider her their home. A severe storm breaks her limbs and her soul. A flock of yellow birds helps rebuild her.

Comments: This is such a beautiful metaphor of grief and resilience. Teachers could ask how it feels when a storm comes into their lives. This would be a great book for SEL, exploring the healing process. I think it could also be shared as a way to explain how community (yellow birds) can help heal.

Rating: 4.5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Orchards (Trip to the Farm)

by Ursula Pang (Author)

Brief summary: There are many orchards (farms where trees grow)producing fruit, nuts, seeds, syrup, and Christmas trees. Young readers will learn about each type of orchard.

Comments: I placed this book in the fall section as when I think of orchards, I think of apple or fruit orchards because those are the ones in my area that are harvested in the fall. I also had those teachers book requests for fall units before they went and visited a nearby apple orchard.

I enjoyed reading and learning about the different types of orchards and when they were harvested.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The Tree and the River

by Aaron Becker (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: This wordless picture book begins with a tree growing on the banks of a river. It observes humans throughout the many decades changing with the seasons and years that have gone by.

Comments: Aaron Becker brilliantly captures the Mother Nature vs. humankind aspect through these detailed and thought-provoking illustrations.

This book can be used as a writing exercise of the perspective of the river during a specific time or over a time as it changes.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

See a Pumpkin Grow (See It Grow!)

by Kirsten Chang (Author)

Brief summary: Young readers will learn the pumpkin’s life cycle and what uses there are with this fruit.

Comments: Words and photos are large, with many nonfiction text features. The back sections are Glossary, To Learn More, and Index.

This book also comes in library binding.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

This is part of the See It Grow! series.

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Molly is looking through the leafy vines at a large pumpkin. Bee is flying around

The Pie That Molly Grew

by Sue Heavenrich (Author), Chamisa Kellogg (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Molly plants a pumpkin seed and transplants the sprout to watch it grow into a vine with yellow flowers. After all of the care she has given to produce the ripened pumpkin, Molly bakes a pie.

Comments: Cumulative story of the pumpkin’s life cycle.

The back pages have four additional informative sections: American Pie, How to Turn a Pumpkin Into Pie, When You’re Ready to Make the Pie…, and No Bees.No Pie.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Zoo animals sitting on a gigantic pumpkin

Pumpkin Day at the Zoo

by Susan Meissner (Author), Pablo Pino (Illustrator)

Brief summary: It’s Pumpkin Day at the zoo when the zoo animals receive yummy pumpkins to eat from families who donate their uncarved and unpainted pumpkins.

Comments: The illustrations are vivid and humorous. The text is a mix of fonts and sizes that are fun to say aloud with many descriptive adjectives, alliterations, and all in rhyming sentences.

The back page does have a word about pumpkin donations to zoos.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A little old lady is picking up a pumpkin with a black bird and black dog next to her.

There Was an Old Lady Who Picked a Pumpkin!

by Lucille Colandro (Author), Jared Lee (Illustrator)

Brief summary: There was an old lady who went on the school bus to a farm looking for a pumpkin patch. She and the students follow the sign and see many farm items before finding the patch. Each child picks out a pumpkin and hops back onto the bus.

Comments: This is a fun fall early reader in rhyme. The book is not the usual cumulative “There was an old lady” who eats something book.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

One Day This Tree Will Fall

by Leslie Barnard Booth (Author), Stephanie Fizer Coleman (Illustrator)

Brief summary: In this narrative nonfiction picture book, we learn the story of a tree’s beginning as a seed, its growth, providing food and shelter to animals, and its continued contribution after it dies.

Comments: The illustrations were created using gouache, colored pencil, and Photoshop.

The back sections are A Tree’s Story Never Ends, Trees and People, Glossary, and Selected Sources. 0

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Insect Picture Books

May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Insect picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Insect Picture Books– https://amzn.to/3RfLIPc .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Log Life (Tiny Habitats)

by Amy Hevron (Author, Illustrator)

Comments: I had never heard of the term “nurse log” before and found it fascinating to learn about what happens to a fallen tree.

The illustrations were created using acrylic, marker, and pencil on Bristol board and then digitally collaged.

The back sections are More About Nurse-Log Habitats, Selected Sources, and Additional Reading.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The Monarch insect is on the milkweed. A field of bright flowers with the butterfly at different stages.

Milkweed for Monarchs

by Christine Van Zandt (Author), Alejandra Barajas (Illustrator)

Brief summary: There are two types of text teaching readers about monarch butterflies. There is a lyrical, rhyming text and informative text boxes on each page.

Monarchs migrate back north after it warms to lay eggs on milkweed plants. We learn the stages of the butterfly from egg to adult.

Comments: The back sections include the Author’s Note, Monarchs Need Our Help, How You Can Help, Fun Facts, The Senses, and Selected Bibliography.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants

by Philip Bunting (Author)

Brief summary: The ant’s life cycle and fun facts are explained in this nonfiction book for kids. Each ant has a role in the colony.

Comments: Nonfiction texts often include helpful features that aid in understanding the information presented. These features may include charts, diagrams, captions, and labels.

I really enjoyed the puns and humorous language used in the text.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Butterfly on the Wind

by Adam Pottle (Author), Ziyue Chen (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Aurora is feeling nervous the day before her talent show. Sitting in her family’s garden, she practices hand-signing for the play she wrote. While she’s rehearsing, a butterfly lands on a flower and Aurora signs “butterfly,” creating a small wind. This little wind continues to other children around the world, who all start signing “butterfly” too, and the wind grows stronger. Will this wind help Aurora on the day of her talent show?

Comments: An Author’s Note and an ASL chart are in the back.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page .

A blond hair girl with glasses is looking at various insect species while outside in the garden.

The Girl Who Loves Bugs

by Lily Murray (Author), Jenny Løvlie (Illustrator)

Summary: Evie loves picking up insect species and other creepy crawlies. She enjoys looking at them with her magnifying glass and putting them in her pockets. Her family does not share her passion and tells her to leave them, as it’s time to go home.

Evie decides to take them inside and place them in her room.

Her extended family comes to visit the next day. What could possibly go wrong?

Comments: The illustrations are digital. The back pages share ideas for helping bugs and a brief biological sketch of Evelyn Cheesman, an entomologist who inspired the book.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The Bumblebee Garden

by Dawn Casey (Author), Stella Lim (Illustrator)

Summary: Ben and his grandpa spot a bumblebee in the garden. Grandpa educates his grandson about the bumblebee’s life cycle, explaining its activities in each season as the book unfolds.

Comments: There is a back section titled The Life Cycle of a Queen Bumblebee.

The illustrations were handcrafted using watercolor and colored pencils, finishing with digital methods.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Immigration Picture Books

May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Immigration picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Immigration Picture Books– https://amzn.to/48NBD2O .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Home Is a Wish

by Julia Kuo (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: A young girl, her mother, and Amah leave their home for a new one in a different country where everything feels unfamiliar. Over time, they work together to create a new home.

Comments: A gentle book about immigration that would be a wonderful read aloud.

The illustrations were created using Adobe Photoshop and a Wacom tablet.

Rating: 4.5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Thread by Thread

by Alice Brière-Haquet (Author), Michela Eccli (Illustrator), Sarah Ardizzone (Translator)

Brief summary: A family of mice have their knitted home come apart when more and more yarn unravels. They run away from a fire breathing dragon and go across the water in a knitted red boat to a land where they slowly knit their house back together with the help of other animals using different colored threads until they make a new safe home.

Comments: A wonderful allegory to teach elementary students about refugees and escaping to a new land that is safe.

This story was originally published din France in 2023 and translated to English in 2025.

The illustrations were created with drawing, photography, and yarn.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

A Star Shines Through

by Anna Desnitskaya (Author)

Brief summary: At the beginning of a war, a young girl and her mother flee their country. They settle in a new land with an unfamiliar language and cuisine. Amidst their new surroundings, the girl constructs a cardboard lamp, which she places in the window. It is reminiscent of the one from their previous home, establishing a connection between her past and present.

Comments:

I think this book would comfort those ESL students who realize what they have like the star lamp in the story that makes their new home feel a little bit like their old home.

The Author’s Note recounts her family’s necessity to emigrate due to the war in their home country, Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine.

The illustrations were created with hand-drawn contours and Photoshop.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I was sent a complimentary copy of this book.

Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States

by Rajani LaRocca (Author), Huy Voun Lee (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Some people are U.S. citizens by birth, while others arrive from different countries and choose to become naturalized citizens. This picture book offers a meaningful way to introduce the many paths to citizenship and the personal stories behind why people choose to become Americans.

Comments: The illustrations are created with paper samples and Procreate.

The author’s note in the back shares about the author’s own immigration from India and becoming a naturalized citizen.

On a personal note: My mother is an immigrant, and I still remember her carefully reading her workbook, studying for the citizenship test. I watched with pride as she raised her hand to take the Oath of Allegiance, standing alongside others in a naturalization ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus.

This book could be shelved in the picture books or in the nonfiction section of 304.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

Home in a Lunchbox

by Cherry Mo (author and illustrator)

Brief summary: Jun moves from Hong Kong to America and only knows four English words on her first day of school: hello, thank you, I don’t know, and toilet. As the week progresses, she has many frustrations as she learns a new routine, language, and group of people, but lunchtime is when she feels the love of home that helps her to persist.

Comments: This book is a great resource for helping students understand the experiences of new students from other countries. It includes a heartwarming story about students bonding over their favorite foods at lunch, which helps them form deeper connections. This book is particularly valuable for ESL teachers and school counselors to share with new students at school. There are not many words and the story is mainly told with large, colorful illustrations.

I could not find anywhere on the book or her website saying how the illustrations were created for this picture book. The back sections explain Jun’s words on her hand and the food in her lunchbox.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Grandparent picture book of a grandson standing with his grandfather behind him

At the Drop of a Cat

by Élise Fontenaille (Author), Violeta Lópiz (Illustrator), Karin Snelson (Translator), Emilie Robert Wong (Translator).

Summary: A grandson visits his Grandpa Luis every Wednesday and Sunday. His grandpa is not only a talented artist but can make anything grow, creating the beautiful garden where they spend their days. The six-year-old is learning to read and write and tells us that his Grandpa does not know how as he was an immigrant from Spain to France who had to work in the fields as a child.

Comments: This is a French translation and captures the two kindred spirits. I like the mixed-up idioms and how the grandson narrates how he is getting to know Grandpa Luis.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

For more details or to buy, click here (in ENGLISH).

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Humorous Picture Books

May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Humorous picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Humorous Picture Books–https://amzn.to/3PmGel7 .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

That’s Not Funny, David!

by David Shannon (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: David is a comedian who tries to make everyone laugh, but he discovers that not all of his antics are funny to everyone. Ultimately, he still has his mother’s unconditional love.

Comments: He’s back! I missed David. I’d recognize that giant head and triangular teeth anywhere. Children identify with the antics of this little boy and laugh out loud.

A must for every library.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Pepper and Me

by Beatrice Alemagna (Author)

Brief summary: A young girl falls on a cobblestone and ends up getting a bloody knee. Her father gives her first aid, telling her she will have a beautiful scab.

It is NOT beautiful.

She asks her mother when it will go away. The woman answers, “In a few days.”

But it does not.

Thinking it will never leave, she calls it “Pepper”.

Days pass until one day, the scab falls off.

What will she do with it? ??

Comments: This would make a hilarious read-aloud that all kids could relate to and share stories about their scabs.

The illustrations used are gouache, oil, collage, and wax pencils.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A bird with a chef's hat and spatula in hand is barbecuing hamburgers on a grill laughing. He has an apron on with #1 Dad on it.

Dad Jokes: The Cheesiest, Corniest Joke Book Ever!

by Highlights (Creator)

Summary: This nonfiction collection of 900+ Dad jokes includes a table of contents and funny illustrations.

Comments: This is a collection of riddles, jokes, and knock-knock jokes, especially for kids.

These jokes would work so well with students throughout the day to foster humor, homophones, and figurative language.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A penguin standing in the snow with a toy on his backside; cover of Have You Ween Mikki Olsen?

Have You Seen Mikki Olsen?

by Alex Macdonald (Author)

Brief summary: Penguin loves his teddy, Mikki Olsen, and does everything together, including chores. After chopping wood, he goes straight to bed, only noticing that Mikki Olsen is missing the following day.

Penguin looks all through the house and outside in the snow, retracing his steps from yesterday. Will he ever find his beloved teddy?

Comments: This is a cute and humorous story that young readers can relate to when losing a precious plush or toy.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Friendship Picture Books

May 11, 2026May 11, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Friendship picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Friendship Picture Books– https://amzn.to/3PCSYnH .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Echo

by Adam Rex (Author)

Summary: Junior Junior grew up on the side of a mountain and made friends with the echo. He loved that they agreed on everything he said. One day, a girl on the mountain across from him told him to stop shouting. She did not agree with everything he said. Junior Junior decides to run away to the valley to meet the echo and decides he doesn’t like someone who agrees with everything he says. Will he be friends with the girl on the hill even when she points out that he can be wrong at times?

Comments: I loved the humor in this book!

Great read aloud to emphasize manners, emotions, and how to agree to disagree.

The illustrations were created digitally in Procreate and Photoshop.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Evergreen

by Matthew Cordell (Author)

Brief summary: Evergreen, an anxious squirrel, lives in Buckthorn Forrest with her mother who has asked her to take soup to a sick Granny Oak who lives on the other side of the forest. Although frightened, Evergreen leaves the tree and heads towards Granny Oak’s, encountering several forest animals along the way.

Comments: This picture book is divided into a new chapter for each animal Evergreen meets. The illustrations are done with a 005 Micron Pen and painted with watercolors.

Students will be in suspense with each forest animal encounter wondering if the squirrel will be eaten.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗 1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Like You, Like Me

by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw (Author)

Summary: Tulsi lives in America, and Vanessa lives in Tanzania. The girls become pen pals and learn about what is different and alike in their cultures.

They learn that even though they are continents apart there are things they both share. They have brothers, enjoy music, have pets, and like Nature.

The things that are different are also shared and help to bring on friendship across the globe.

Comments: The phrase “Like You, Like Me” is throughout the book to emphasis what they have alike even if sometimes it’s a bit different.

The illustrations were made with painted papers and oil sticks.

I would share this book before a pen pal project or for making a Venn Diagram of their likes and differences.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The Quiet One

by Yiting Lee (Author)

Summary: Milly is an introvert and tends to be quiet in class. With Show and Tell approaching Friday, she is feeling anxious about it. At home, she has a special place where she enjoys tinkering and has created a robot named Arnold. Her new friend goes to school with Milly and helps her share her passion with the class.

Comments: This book is great for reading aloud. It could help kids learn about quiet individuals who enjoy sharing their interests. It also shows shy people that it’s okay to be themselves.

The illustrations were created using watercolors.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

Revony Rhinoceros is a baby rhino holding up a smiling and frowning signs. There is a lake with hills behind.

Revony Rhinoceros Starts to Smile: A Lesson in Body Language

by Patricia Bardina (Author), Joanne Burgess (Author), Paul Sharp (Illustrator)

Summary: Revony Rhinoceros is at Bixby Baboon’s birthday party. The little rhino sits sulking and frowning by a tree, unsure how to play with the other invited guests. After the party, Revony’s mother discusses body language with her child. She explains that understanding friendly and unfriendly body language can help make friends. They then walk around the park, observing the other animals and how their body language reflects their feelings.

Revony Rhinoceros feels confident and uses friendly body language to make new friends at the park.

Comments: This book could be an introduction for school counselors, PreK, or K teachers to read aloud to explain nonverbal communication skills/body language and how that could impact friend-making.

This book was published in 2018, but it remains relevant today.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page

*I was sent a free copy of this book.

Three kangaroos dress in taekwondo uniforms have rescued a joey. They are standing with the sky above them and the field below. Cover of Rescue at Rattling Ridge

The Taekwonderoos: Rescue at Rattling Ridge

by Michael Panzner (Author), Lora Look (Illustrator)

Summary: Three gray Australian kangaroos were practicing taekwondo kicks in the desert when they heard a joey trapped on a cliff in the distance. They come together and cross the dangerous terrain to rescue the baby kangaroo.

Once they got to the top of the cliff, they had to figure out how to get back down using their skills and teamwork.

Comments: This picture book is illustrated with bright and bold colors of the desert.

The kangaroos did have on taekwondo uniforms–white shirts with black sashes.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page .

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Food Picture Books for Kids

May 10, 2026May 17, 2026 The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Food picture picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

A young Fannie Farmer cooking with a large pot with vegetables. There are measuring utensils on the side. Book's cover

The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America’s Cook

by Emma Bland Smith (Author), Susan Reagan (Illustrator)

Summary: In the late 1800s, Fannie Farmer developed a passion for cooking. Despite contracting polio at the age of sixteen, she enrolled in the Boston Cooking School, where she excelled and eventually became the principal. Fannie’s teaching focused on precise measurements and exact cooking methods, ensuring success for home cooks.

She rewrote the school’s cookbook with precision, which became incredibly popular. Fannie also gave lectures nationwide and even taught at Harvard Medical School.

Comments: After reading this narrative nonfiction picture book, I learned that people used non-standard measurements for cooking even though standard measurements were available. I was surprised to discover the variety of measurements in recipes passed down from generation to generation, such as a dash of this, a smidge of that, or a pinch of this.

The back sections contain photos and additional information about Fannie and the Boston Cooking School and how Ms. Farmer really improved cooking through precise and detailed recipes.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

How Do You Eat Color?

by Mabi David (Author), Yas Doctor (Illustrator), Karen Llagas (Translator)

Summary: A boy and girl spend a day exploring and tasting various fruits and vegetables, grouped by color.

Comments: This is translated from Filipino.

The illustrations were created using oil on paper.

The back sections are A Rainbow of Colors(which highlights food from different colors, explaining how they benefit the body, and ways to eat them), Why Should We Eat A Rainbow of Fruits and Vegetables?, and How Families Can Eat More Colors Together.

This book could supplement an elementary-level food or color unit.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Cover of India on a Plate with a plate of food with various Indian food. One a table with a child peeking over it

India on a Plate!: Indian Food from A to Z

by Archana Sreenivasan (Author)

Summary: Young readers will enjoy seeing and learning foods of India in this brightly illustrated ABC board book.

Comments: Each letter has a fun rhyming three-lined verse describing the food.

There is a pronunciation guide after each food.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A and B foods with a grandmother and grandson sharing achaar and a father and daughter sharing a plate of biryani.

Jollof Day

by Bernard Mensah (Author), Annalise Barber-Opp (Illustrator)

Summary: A young boy and his dad wake up before the rest of the family on Jollof Day to prepare a special stew. They joyfully chop the ingredients and let the stew simmer. When the rest of the family wakes up, everyone sits down together for the special meal.

Comments: The recipe for the jollof rice dish is in the back of the book.

The bright and dynamic illustrations were created using watercolor paints, gouache, colored pencils, and digital edits in Photoshop.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Flower Picture Books

May 7, 2026May 21, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Flower picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Flower Picture Books– https://amzn.to/49yyhQq .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

A Dandelion (A Day in the Life Of)

by Ruth Owen (Author)

Comments: This is a smaller picture book about 8″ x 8.”

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

The Weedflower

by Elizabeth Davaze (Author), Marianne Ferrer (Illustrator)

Comments: This would make a nice read-aloud and discussion of nature all around us in our everyday lives.

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Doe’s Dandelions (Woodland Friends)

by Laura Renauld (Author), Jennie Poh (Illustrator)

Comments: This is a wonderful tribute to the benefit of some of the plants that are called weeds. Students can learn that all plants have value.

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Don’t Touch that Flower!

by Alice Hemming (Author), Nicola Slater (Illustrator)

Bird educates Squirrel about his good intentions are harming the flower instead.

Comments: This is a humorous read-aloud that opens a discussion of what plants need to thrive.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

A Flower is a Friend

by Frieda Wishinsky (Author), Karen Patkau (Illustrator)

Summary: An animal/creature is paired with a flower in the garden, and readers are asked why they coexist so well. Answers are in the book of how they benefit each other.

Comments: This is an excellent resource for introducing the concept of symbiosis. The illustrations made it clear and concrete.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Earth Day Picture Book Recommendations for Children

March 28, 2026March 30, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Earth picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Earth Day Picture Books– https://amzn.to/4lz4b4n .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Cover of the picture book The Day the River Caught Fire with three children looking at the river on fire

The Day the River Caught Fire: How the Cuyahoga River Exploded and Ignited the Earth Day Movement

by Barry Wittenstein (Author), Jessie Hartland (Illustrator)

Summary: In the summer of 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland caught fire when sparks from a passing train ignited the debris in the water. It was not the first time the river caught on fire.

Comments: Young readers will learn about how the river became so polluted and what happened to change the pollution from worsening.

The narrative nonfiction story continues to reveal how polluted rivers across the country sparked widespread protests and ultimately led to the creation of the first Earth Day.

Back pages include sections: Author’s Note, Environmental Time Line, Clean Water Act, To Learn More, and a Bibliography.

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

The picture book cover of Black Beach with Sam holding a picket sign saying "Save our planet." Marine animal life are with her while the oil rig is spilling oil onto the water

Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day

by Shaunna & John Stith (Author), Maribel Lechuga (Illustrator)

Summary: While in class in Santa Barbara, Sam notices her teacher’s concern after a quiet exchange with the principal, leaving her uneasy. At home, her parents explain that Union Oil has caused a spill nearby. When the family visits their favorite beach, they find it covered in black oil. The community comes together to clean the shoreline and rescue affected animals

Comments: This narrative nonfiction title connects a specific historical event to the origin of the national Earth Day holiday which was held on April 22, 1970.

There are several sections in the back of the book: Author’s Note, Selected Bibliography, Timeline, Earth Day Today, Earth Day Every Day, and How to Become an Environmental Activist.

Teachers and homeschooling parents could share this book as a supplement in addition with Earth Day activities.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

For more details or to buy, click here.

A boy and girl are under a tree with squirrels and birds and butterflies around them as they stand on grass an d flowers.

Happy Earth Day! (My Little Golden Book About…)

by Deborah Hopkinson (Author), Jennifer Zivoin (Illustrator)

Summary: In this narrative nonfiction, young readers learn about the history of Earth Day, what the holiday is, and why it is important.

Comments: This book discusses environmental conservation with facts and resolutions done in a sensitive and gentle way for children. The back matter includes ways to help the Earth.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

The Night Before Earth Day

by Natasha Wing (Author), Amy Wummer (Illustrator)

Summary: The diverse neighbors work together to make a better earth by creating a community garden, planting trees, and recycling, to name a few activities.

Comments: This rhyming style is in the classic Christmas poem. This book would make a great introduction supplement to Earth Day or environment units of study. Emphasis is on how people work as a team to take care of the planet.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Cover for Dino Earth Day with various dinosaurs in bright colors picking up trash in a park and recycling

Dino-Earth Day (Dino-Holidays)

by Lisa Wheeler (Author), Barry Gott (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Dinosaurs come together on Earth Day to help clean up the park, plant a garden, recycle, and do other things to help the planet.

Comments: This rhyming book with bright colorful illustrations is perfect for young dinosaur lovers .

Lisa Wheeler does school visits. When I was teaching, we had her as our guest author, and the students and teachers loved her presentation.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Four crayons holding hands while standing on top of the Earth

The Crayons Love Our Planet

by Drew Daywalt (Author), Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator)

Brief summary: The crayons celebrate the different parts of the Earth they make. Each one is proud of what is drawn, especially Beige, who keeps trying to add wheat to every scene.

Comments: This is a small hardcover book (about 6″ x 7″) which would be a nice book in the little hands of toddlers or preschoolers that gently teaches about the beauty of Earth.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

My Friend Earth

by Patricia MacLachlan (Author), Frenci Sanna (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This book is a personification of Earth as a young girl who follows the changing seasons of the world as she tends to all of the animals, causing rain and snow, and tending the plants.

Comments: This is such a wonderful book to read and explore. It is interactive with die-cut pages that layer over one another to show different parts of the ecosystem. There are flaps and curved pages. The cover is raised so that one can touch the outlines of the illustration. The poetic text of Patricia MacLachlan beautifully ties it all together.

The illustrations were created in pencil, ink, and digital painting.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Earth Day: Ready-to-Read Level 1 (Robin Hill School)

by Margaret McNamara (Author), Mike Gordon (Illustrator)

Brief summary: The first grade students in Mrs. Connor’s class are thinking of big ways to save the planet for Earth Day but Emma feels overwhelmed and is concerned that her everyday contributions may not be enough. Her father and Mrs. Connor help Emma understand that small, daily actions can have big results for the Earth.

Comments: This beginning reader book helps to examine the topic of environment issues gently and focuses on empowering kids by teaching them small actions they can do.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Fancy Nancy: Every Day Is Earth Day: A Springtime Book For Kids (I Can Read Level 1)

by Jane O’Connor (Author), Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Fancy Nancy learns about being green at school and decides to try what she learned at home, not realizing that she is overstepping. She learns that not being so rigid all of the time is helpful.

Comments: This beginning reader is in classic Fancy Nancy humor and fancy vocabulary words. The back matter includes the new words and also some catchy slogans such as “Less than a mile? Then bike in style.”

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Easter Picture Book Recommendations for Kids

March 11, 2026March 16, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Easter picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Easter Picture Books– https://amzn.to/48NBD2O .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Sparrow and Mousie in a garden full of flowers

Sparrow’s Easter Garden

by Roger Hutchison (Author), Ag Jatkowska (Illustrator)

Summary: Sparrow returns to his garden in spring and finds that it is in disarray with weeds and dead plants. Mousie, Buck, and Turtle help to revive the space over the 40 days of Lent. All is going well until a storm on Good Friday damages some of the plants. The creatures persevere and get the garden ready again. On Easter, they experience a surprise.

Comments: This is a gentle introduction to the Lenten season, Holy Week, and Easter morning. It is a story about teamwork with each animal helping in its own unique way.

Rating: 4/5📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Three colored eggs are hidden in the branches of a pick blossomed tree

Chicka Chicka Peep Peep

by Julien Chung (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: The letters are curious to know what is in the pretty pink tree and slowly each goes up to see. Soon all are on the branches until there is a big sneeze.

Comments: This version of the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom series successfully maintains the rhythmic and rhyming structure that makes it a fun and musical read-aloud.

The story features lowercased letters while the front and back pasted down pages show both upper and lower letters for learning references.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

There is an Easter basket full of decorated eggs with little peas in various outfits and activities all around, on, and inside it including on the letters of the book

Hap-Pea Easter

by Keith Baker (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: Little peas are observing and participating with the arrival of spring. There is rain, blooming flowers, and time to color eggs. All help to decorate them for an Easter egg hunt.

Comments: This is a fun rhyming read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers with so much detail of the little peas on each page. This is part of the Little Peas series.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Various dinosaur species are collecting easter eggs all in a garen of flowers

Dino-Easter (Dino-Holidays)

by Lisa Wheeler (Author), Barry Gott (Illustrator)

Summary: The dinosaurs decorate Easter eggs and hide them in the forest. They visit a candy factory to get candy to pass out and a clothing store to have outfits for the big Dino-Easter parade. Afterwards, they go on an Easter hunt and have a sweet celebration.

Comments: This is the traditional Dino signature of bouncy rhyming which makes it an exciting read-aloud.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Five pups are nosing an Easter egg that is on the grass.

Is This . . . Easter?

by Helen Yoon (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: A bear wearing bunny ears leaves an egg in the grass. The five dogs come across the egg, and all sniff it. Two pups decide it needed to be painted for Easter, while three want to make an omelet with it.

They argue back and forth, trying to persuade the other group that their idea is the correct decision. The bear returns and shows them how both sides can be accommodated in resolving their dispute.

Comments: I think this would be a lovely, humorous Easter read-aloud. Students could decide if the egg should be painted, eaten, or go with what the bear decided.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

We’re Going on an Egg Hunt

by Goldie Hawk (Author), Angie Rozelaar (Illustrator)

Summary: A trio of children with baskets are going through the countryside looking for eggs while encountering chickens, rabbits, and frogs along the way. They come across a garden full of flowers. When will they ever find the Easter eggs?

Comments: The illustrations are bright and large, making them perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. There are many fun onomatopoeias to say out loud and for little ones to repeat, making this a wonderful read-aloud.

This book is in the same spirit as the song “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” using similar rhythmic structure and repetition.

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

A white bunny is accused of being the Easter bunny. He is dressed with a bow tie, has a basket full of colored eggs, and is white.

I Am NOT the Easter Bunny!

by T. L. McBeth (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: The narrator thinks they have spotted the Easter Bunny and keeps pointing out clues that indicate that indeed, the rabbit must be him. The rabbit always explains how he could not possibly be the Easter Bunny.

Comments: The narrator is in traditional text, while the Easter Bunny is in speech bubbles. This could be a cute and humorous read-aloud, with the students being the bunny and the reader playing the narrator.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Fiona the baby hippo has a baby swan resting on her nose as she stand amongst eggs.

Fiona and the Easter Egg Hunt

by Zondervan (Author), Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Fiona, a baby hippo, plans an Easter egg hunt for her baby friends at the zoo. She begins to hide the eggs with the help of her friend Rico when the swan asks them to watch her eggs while she gathers more grass and leaves.

Fiona accidentally mixes the Easter eggs with those of the swan, not realizing that she did not replace all six eggs back into the bird’s nest. This causes all of the zoo animals to search for the missing egg.

Comments: This story has a nice lesson of the importance of having the responsibility of looking after things entrusted in your care. The illustrations have detailed facial expressions.

This is part of the Fiona series based on a hippo born at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Easter on the Farm

by Phyllis Alsdurf (Author), Lisa Hunt (Illustrator)

Summary: A young girl visits her aunt and uncle’s farm to celebrate Easter. She experiences new life on the farm, from newborn lambs to budding flowers, and prepares for a community egg hunt. On Sunday, the young girl finds an Easter basket the next day, attends Easter service, and an Easter egg hunt.

Comments: The back section includes instructions for making eggshell critters and dyeing eggs with natural materials.

This is part of the Countryside Holidays series.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Elijah’s Easter Suit

by Brentom Jackson (Author), Emmanuel Boateng (Illustrator)

Summary: Elijah wants to find the perfect suit for Easter service but cannot find one that fits. He talks to Deacon Brown and Mother Green and gets an idea to sew his own suit collecting pieces of fabric from his family creating a patchwork sensation.

Comments: This is a lovely story about a young boy using a sewing machine, being resourceful, and creating something amazing.

Rating: 4/5📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Happy Easter from the Crayons

by Drew Daywalt (Author), Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator)

Summary: In this festive installment, the crayons prepare for Easter by making various shapes to use on a large Easter egg.

Comments: This is a fun introduction to shapes and colors with the humor of the crayons. Oliver Jeffers’ minimalist illustrations against white make it best for toddlers who may be overwhelmed by busier and more detailed pages.

This small picture book(5.88 x 0.36 x 7.13 inches) could fit inside an Easter basket.

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

The picture book cover of Easter with a chocolate bunny and colored eggs instide of a basket

Easter (Happy Holidays! Series)

by Rebecca Sabelko (Author)

Summary: This early reader nonfiction chapter book has nonfiction text features explaining what Easter is and how it is celebrated.

Comments: A sight word chart is at the beginning with a photo glossary in the back.
This is a smaller hardcover book(5.22 x 0.07 x 8.59 inches).

This is a great option for holiday traditions units in K-1. It’s small for little hands and could be paired with a fictional picture book.

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Easter Eggs and Matzo Balls

by Janie Emaus (Author), Bryan Langdo (Illustrator)

Summary: Michael texts the Easter Bunny to let him know that he has a new stepsister, Anna, who celebrates Passover but wants to make sure she gets something special in the Golden Egg since both holidays fall on the same day. The story follows the siblings as they hunt for the Easter Egg and Afikoman bag needed to celebrate the holidays.

Comments: This is a wonderful resource for interfaith families or classrooms looking to show how different spring traditions can coexist. The back includes a chicken soup recipe and a matzo balls recipe. There is a helpful glossary of Passover and Easter terms.

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Pick a Perfect Egg

by Patricia Toht (Author), Jarvis (Illustrator)

Summary: This beautiful digitally illustrated rhyming story begins with a mother and daughter going to the local farmer to pick out their eggs to decorate for Easter. They use natural coloring from plants, as well as dye tablets to color their eggs. The two decorate with care and then go to a festive egg hunt the next day.

Comments: This book does a wonderful job of highlighting natural coloring which I think would be a fun STEAM activity experimenting with colors in nature like beets. The illustrator captures the pastel colors of spring.

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Pete the Cat and the Easter Basket Bandit

by James Dean and Kimberly Dean

Summary: Pete wakes up on Easter morning and finds that his Easter basket is missing. He follows a trail of jellybeans to a friend’s house, but they haven’t seen it. Pete the Cat follows more candy trails, all leading to various friends, leaving Pete to wonder: Who has his basket?

Comments: This book has bonus goodies which include a poster in the front, stickers, and Easter cards. Cute book for a child’s Easter basket.

The fans of Pete the Cat series will enjoy the familiar groovy vibe and easy-to-follow mystery.

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

A frog dressing in clothing hopping along in the grass with a basket full of eggs while there is a large shadow of a rabbit over him

Peter Easter Frog

by Erin Dealey (Author), G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)

Summary: Peter decides he wants to have fun delivering Easter eggs. Along his way, he encounters several animals including a cow, turtle, and sheepdog who want to help too. They come across the Easter Bunny who is not happy with the help. Will they be able to change his mind?

Comments: This text is written in parts to the tune of “Here Comes Peter Cottontail with made-up words to fit the book’s theme. This is a humorous read-aloud that students will enjoy saying the fun words aloud.

This book was illustrated with mixed media.

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Bad Kitty Does Not Like Easter

by Nick Bruel (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: Bad Kitty loves Easter eggs and wants to find them all, as they have candy inside. Although there are many blue, red, and purple eggs, she is determined to get the golden egg. She bypasses all of the other eggs in her search for the golden one. She is angry when she doesn’t find it right away and decides she now hates Easter eggs. Will she change her mind?

Comments: This Bad Kitty book has a wonderful message about valuing friendship and will make a fun read-aloud. The illustrations were inked and then colored digitally; they are a mix of traditional text and comic-style panels.

Rated: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

The cover has a perimeter of jelly beans with Gilbert pushing aside grass to find a yellow egg

Last One in Is a Rotten Egg!

by Diane deGroat (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: Siblings Gilbert and Lola are happy that their cousin Wally is coming to visit. He decides not to go with them but off on his own. Meanwhile, opossum siblings and their friends look for the eggs. Lola finds the golden egg but can’t reach it. Her cousin grabs it and heads back to the starting line. Wally hurries back dropping all of his eggs while Gilbert and Lola pick them up including the golden one. Although Gilbert does receive the prize for the most eggs, he shows kindness towards his cousin.

Comments: This is an excellent teaching book for children about sportsmanship, rivalry, and empathy. It is part of the Gilbert and Friends series.

Rated: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

a monkey holding an Easter basket with a white bunny inside with colored Easter eggs on the grass

Happy Easter, Curious George

by R. P. Anderson (Author), Mary O’Keefe Young (Illustrator)

Summary: George and the man with the yellow hat go to the park, where they find children flying kites, decorating Easter baskets, and having rolling egg races. He notices a table where people are dying eggs and tries it for the first time. He later sees a man lose his eggs all over the park and decides to help him recover his eggs. Will George be able to set everything right again?

Comments: George has another classic misunderstanding that toddlers and preschoolers will relate to. The story introduces the concept of mixing colors to create new ones, making it a great supplement for a classroom unit on colors.

Rated: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Hoppi wearing overalls with a baby robin sitting on a branch. There is a wreath of the different eggs that they are both looking through

The Easter Egg

by Jan Brett (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: Hoppi wants to have the best Easter egg and win the contest that will allow him to help the Easter Rabbit hide eggs. Hoppi goes to the various rabbits in the area also decorating various eggs such as carving, frosting, and painting them. Beginning to become discouraged, he decides to lie down under a tree to think, when he discovers a robin’s egg had fallen to the ground. He takes care of it, missing the contest.

Comments: Jan Brett’s illustrations are stunning with its decorated borders, watercolors, and gouache. There is a fold-out page at the end showing all of the rabbits’ finished eggs.

This story has a heartfelt message about kindness and generosity towards one another.

Rated: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

a white hen amongst daffodils and tulips looking at a colored egg

Minerva Louise and the Colorful Eggs

by Janet Morgan Stoeke (Author)

Summary: Minerva Louise is enjoying a beautiful spring morning when she notices brightly colored eggs in very odd places. Worried that a hen has left her eggs unattended in the cold, Minerva Louise sits on them to keep them warm. As she finds more, she informs her friends in the hen house to come out. They eventually see the farm children gathering the eggs in baskets and decide everything is okay; after all, that’s just what farmers do!

Comments: I love this dramatic irony where the reader knows more than the character. This would make a hilarious read-aloud for young primary students.

The large text at the bottom of each page makes it an excellent choice for beginning readers.

Rated: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

There is a white Bunny carrying an Easter basket. He also has a whole bunch of wagons full of Easter rabbits and looks like he's in the city.

The Story of the Easter Bunny

by Katherine Tegen (Author), Sally Anne Lambert (Illustrator)

Summary: A little white rabbit watches an elderly couple paint Easter eggs, weave baskets, and make chocolate eggs. The couple would then deliver these baskets to the children in the village. When the elderly couple was unable to do this he took over the chore every Easter morning and became known as the Easter Bunny.

Comments: This is a wonderful original story by Katherine Tegen that feels like folklore. The watercolor illustrations with pastel colors give it a nostalgic feel. It is a perfect pick for children who are curious about how the little white bunny became the Easter Bunny.

Rated: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

There is an Easter Bunny hidden behind a chair with a little chick are all picking up eggs and candy off of the floor. There is a child peeking over the chair watching them.

The Night Before Easter

by Natasha Wing (Author), Kathy Couri (Illustrator)

Summary: On Easter Eve, two children are sleeping when the Easter Bunny arrives and begins hiding eggs, filling baskets with treats, and leaving chocolate bunnies before vanishing at dawn while the little boy quietly watches the entire time.

Comments: This is part of Natasha Wing’s popular The Night Before series. It’s a fun, rhyming read-aloud that follows the rhythm of the classic Christmas poem, making it very catchy and easy for kids to follow along.

While the standard size is 8″x8″, you may occasionally find smaller gift-sized hardcover editions that are perfect for an Easter basket.

Rated: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Mental Health Picture Book Recommendations for Kids

March 6, 2026May 12, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Mental health picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Mental Health Picture Books–https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrs.ferraris/list/2DY79GEY4BVSZ?ref_=aipsflist .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Our Lake

by Angie Kang (Author, Illustrator)

Summary: Two brothers walk to the lake to go swimming without their father for the first time since he died. The older brother jumps into the water from the cliff and coaxes his brother to join him. Will he be able to jump without the help of his father?

Comments: A beautiful story of two brothers learning how to grieve while moving forward without their father beside them; only in spirit.

The illustrations were created using gouache with additional textures added in crayon and colored pencil.

This is an excellent story to share with students and children experiencing death of a relative. It is gentle and quiet and does not overly emphasize their feelings.

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Cecil is fixing a watch at a table with his tools and parts of the watch on the table. A dog is watching him.

Small Things Mended

by Casey W. Robinson (Author), Nancy Whitesides (Illustrator)

Summary: Cecil steps outside his house after hearing Lily, the little girl next door, playing in her yard. Suddenly, a watch flies out of her pocket and lands in his driveway. He manages to fix the watch and realizes how much he enjoys repairing things. Before long, several other children come to him with their broken toys and items that need fixing. Cecil also invites the neighbors over for lunch in his backyard. As a result, he starts feeling happy again.

Comments: The illustrations were created using gouache, crayons, pencils, and digital media.

The book does not explain Cecil’s melancholy forthrightly, but the empty house and empty chairs could indicate that he is now a widower.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

A young child with a hat is showing a crayon drawing of a cactus.

Just What to Do

by Kyle Lukoff (Author), Hala Tahboub (Illustrator)

Summary: A young child strives to bring comfort to various friends, realizing that each one requires support in different ways. One friend, who has lost her grandmother, feels unsure about how to cope. Together, they explore ways to simply be present for each other.

Comments: This is a kind and gentle book that teaches how people grieve and how they need comforting in various ways.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

A boy is hiking in the woods that is green, yellow, brown, and yellow swirls.

A Walk in the Woods

by Nikki Grimes (Author), Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator), Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)

Summary: A boy, whose father passed away a week ago, opens an envelope left for him. Inside, he finds a map of the woods they used to explore together. He decides to follow the path marked on the map, leading him to an old fireplace marked with an “X.” As he discovers this hidden spot, he finds comfort in what he unearths and realizes that his father is still close to him in spirit.

Comments: Beautifully illustrated with sketches and watercolors

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Sad girl out on the lake in a small boat with a face of sad emotions

Mouseboat

by Larissa Theule (Author), Abigail Halpin (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A girl who has recently lost her mother goes on a trip to their lake house with her father. She misses her mother but can not find a connection until she takes out the mouse boat she and her mother built together. She can face her emotions.

Comments: The illustrator captured the mourning girl’s facial expressions and the sad tone of the house of grief with cool, darker colors. Well done.

I could follow the storyline with or without the text, which is an excellent picture book to me. I’d like to see more picture books with this duo. They complement each other well.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Under Anna’s Umbrella

by Amanda Driscoll (Author), Luisa Uribe (Illustrator)

Summary: Anna was attending her father’s funeral when it started pouring rain, but she felt safe under her large umbrella. Afterwards, she began carrying her open umbrella everywhere—both inside and outside. One day, she saw a boy getting soaked in the rain and invited him to seek shelter under her umbrella. How will Anna learn to walk in the sunlight again without her umbrella shading her?

Comments: The journey of grief that Anna experienced before she could walk in the sun again is a touching story that may help children.

The illustrations were created digitally.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

The Hole

by Lindsay Bonilla (Author), Brizida Magro (Illustrator)

Summary: A boy notices gaps in his home, in his parents, and within himself where his younger brother, Matty, used to fit. He realizes that other people also have these holes, as they, too, have lost someone. Eventually, he confronts his emptiness and delves into his emotions. His friend Nora asks if he would like to share memories about his brother, which helps him begin to feel better.

Comments: This would make a wonderful book to help students deal with grief.

I like how the boy can fill the hole with good memories of his brother.

The illustrations were created using watercolor washes, colored pencils, and paper collage, all assembled digitally.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

A large bear in a tree looking up to the leaves while exploring his emotions of wanting to be alone

Bear Is Never Alone

by Marc Veerkamp (Author), Jeska Verstegen (Illustrator), Laura Watkinson (Translator)

Brief summary: Bear plays the piano in the forest and comes to his last song, ready for a break. The animals around him start to shout for him to play more. He just wants to be alone, but the animals chase him, demanding for Bear to play more. Will Bear ever be alone?

Rating 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

children wearing the same clothing as the background wall

Wallflowers

by Mackenzie Joy (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Shy and quiet children who would rather observe and not be in the spotlight are given encouragement to be themselves. They may like to be heard at times, but not in an extroverted way.

Comments: This book celebrates introverts and does not try to change them from being wallflowers but instead bloom with their emotions.

The illustrations are drawn with them looking like the background.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The Noise Inside Boys: A Story About Big Feelings

by Pete Oswald (Author)

Brief summary: Brothers yell how they feel while playing outside on the beach. One boy is encouraged by his father to take a moment and experience the feeling and name it. Be aware of your emotions and name them to understand them. He is told that a feeling will come and go.

Comments: I think this would make a great read-aloud. I like the philosophy that feelings come and go and to push them because they are not there forever.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Tow girls playing in the rain with their dog with happy emotions

Sometimes: A Day Full of Feelings

by Stephanie Stansbie (Author), Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A brother and sister experience everyday feelings that come and go. They learn to recognize their feelings in different situations, realize that another one will come along, and learn how to move through that one too. Emotions are everyday occurrences.

Comments: There is a back page of encouragement to help young readers to get through more difficult feelings.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

MIa is wearing tute while doing a headstand

Wepa

by J de laVega (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Besides being intelligent, Mia likes to be creative and fashionable but has some things she does not do well. Her Mami says she has too much wepa. Mia tries ballet, hoping to get some of the wepa out, but it does not work. She finally finds an avenue where she releases her wepa.

Comments: According to dictionary.com, wepa means “a Spanish slang used to convey excitement, congratulations, and joy, similar to the English Oh yeah!, Wow!, or That’s awesome!“

The author shares that everyone in her family has ADHD.

This is a bilingual English-Spanish picture book.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A young child is sitting with a polar bear on the side of a hill with green grass looking out towards the water with mountains in the background.

How to Be Brave

by Karl Newson (Author), Clara Anganuzzi (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young child encourages and explains that trying something new may be scary at times, but to not give up. There may be setbacks and take the moment to learn from them. Be brave and go forward.

Comments: The child is shown with various animals trying new things.

Optimistic advice and encouragement throughout.

The illustrations were done with pencil and watercolor and digitally colored.

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

It Is Okay

by Ye Guo (Author)

Brief summary: Goat enjoys a cup of coffee and toast with canned grass. He realizes he has run out of grass and goes to the grocery store, where he encounters Bunny choosing the same thing. They quickly become friends and make it a daily ritual to have breakfast together. As they explore around town, they discover that what one can’t do, the other can help with. Despite their differences, they still can establish a friendship.

Comments: The illustrations were created with monoprint backgrounds, details added in pencil and colored pencil, pastel, wax pastel, watercolor pen, ink, and collage.

I enjoyed this quiet, kind book about friends who are different from one another but can still get along and form a friendship.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I was sent a complimentary copy of this book.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Religion-Based Picture Book Recommendations for Kids

March 3, 2026May 21, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Religious-based picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Religion-Based Picture Books– https://amzn.to/48NBD2O .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

A monk is at a calligraphy table making the rain character is sitting outside amongst mountains while it is raining.

Little Monk Writes Rain

by Hsu-Kung Liu (Author), Rachel Wang Yung-Hsin (Translator)

Summary: Little Monk is not able to read. He goes to Old Monk, who teaches him the character for rain. He practices calligraphy every day, always only writing the character for rain.

As he grows to become a man now called Big Monk, he still cannot read but continues to write rain. A drought comes to the land, and people ask the monks for aid. Will Big Monk be able to help?

Comments: Although the monk could not read or study the Buddhist scriptures, he is able to help those around him through his simplicity, persistence, and faith.

This book is read vertically. The illustrations are created with watercolor and ink and beautifully complement the story with their gentle pastel colors.

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book.

Abigail has on a pink backpack, with a hat in her right hand and a walking stick in the other. She is by water looking at a waterfall.

Abigail and the Waterfall: Loving God’s Good Earth

by Sandra L. Richter (Author), Michael Corsini (Illustrator)

Summary: Every first Saturday of the month, a family hikes through the forest, appreciating the beauty of nature around them. They sit by a creek having a picnic while listening to the sound of the water. They make sure to pick up all their trash before they leave.

They continue to their favorite spot: a waterfall. After enjoying its splendor and the plants and animals that live around it, they hike back to the car, grateful for the chance to see all the beautiful plants and animals along the way.

Comments: The text is sprinkled with nature-based Bible quotes and ways that we can take care of the earth.

There is “A Note From the Author” at the back of the book on ways to take care of the earth.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

The Greatest River

by Namita Moolani Mehra (Author), Khoa Le (Illustrator)

Summary: Ananda, a young girl, listens to her sick mother talk about the legend of the Ganga, a holy river that heals those who bathe in its waters. Ananda accompanies her aunt, Maasi, to bathe in the Ganges River in India and experiences a spiritual connection.

Comments: The author’s note explains that at 13, she traveled from New York with her mother to bathe in the sacred river.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: God Hears Every Prayer

by Helen Lee (Author), Shin Maeng (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Kaylee reads the newspaper daily with her grandfather, Halbi. While they come across funny stories and various news articles, Kaylee often worries about the children facing tragedy and hardship. They cut out those articles and pin them on a large world map on the wall. Together, she and her grandfather pray for those children.

Comments: The back includes a note from the author, who shares how she prays for others around the world.

I believe this book could enhance a parochial unit of study focused on prayers said aloud together (Tongsung kido in Korean).

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

Penny Preaches

by Amy Dixon (Author), Rob Dixon (Author), Jennifer Davison (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Penny enjoys everything about Sundays, especially attending church. Her favorite part is hearing the sermons. Inspired, she puts together what she wants to say and preaches to her dolls and then her friends, with results she was not expecting. Couldn’t girls be preachers?

Her parents take Penny to a church next Sunday to hear Pastor Sarah. Will Penny be inspired once again to become a preacher?

Comments: An author’s note in the back section has more information on the topic.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I was sent a complimentary copy of this book.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Dog Picture Books

February 22, 2026May 16, 2026 The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Dog picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

(These titles can be found on my Amazon Storefront under Dog Picture Books-_https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrs.ferraris/list/1HXD71C9X1I9C?ref_=aipsflist .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Chanel and Milo playing in the park with Milo sliding into branches. Background includes a bench, trees, flowers, and butterflies

Chanel & Milo: The Legend Begins!

by Paul Davis (Author), Julia L. Rosengren (Author)

Summary:
Chanel, a curious and feisty terrier mix, is enjoying a day at the park when she meets Milo, a larger but gentle dog relaxing amongst the flowers. The two quickly become friends as they joyfully return to their owners together.

Comments: This simple and sweet story is geared toward toddlers and preschool-aged children who enjoy books about dog friendships. The writing uses familiar expressions, similes, and other descriptive language to introduce young readers to Chanel and Milo’s world in the park.

Young readers who love real-life pet stories may enjoy that the series is inspired by actual dogs. This title serves as the first of the series featuring the canine duo. Additional information and photos can be found on the official website at Chanel & Milo.

The illustrations are on the left side of the two-page spread with the words on the right.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

There is a black Shaggy Dog following a little girl on the Street sidewalk with in it within a crowd of people. This is the picture book's cover of A Human for Kingsley.

A Human for Kingsley

by Gabriel Evans (Author)

Brief summary: Kingsley, a dog, decides to own a human. He goes into the city looking and intermingling with several people but does not find a good fit. He saw a little girl walking on the street and followed her home. Will she be his human?

Comments: This picture book is hilariously written from the viewpoint of a dog.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Jump for Joy

by Karen Gray Ruelle (Author), Hadley Hooper (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Joy always wanted a dog but did not know what kind. She would know when she saw him. Jump, a dog, always wanted a kid. He knew the right one when he saw her. They create various versions of dogs and kids out of materials around them in Nature. Will they ever find each other?

Comments: I like how the world around them goes from black and white to color. The illustrator used images from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries to create collages.

Rating: 3.5/5 –📗📗📗 1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Book cover to Trouble Dog with Laura and Tucker(yellow dog) hugging on the lawn.

Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero

by Carol A. Foote (Author), Larry Day (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Tucker was often returned to the dog shelter because he was considered trouble. However, when Laura came to the shelter, she saw potential in him and believed he could be an excellent conservation dog. After training, Tucker became a valuable aide to conservationists, helping to protect endangered plants and wildlife.

Comments: This story is inspired by true events. The back pages provide insights into Laura and Tucker’s lives and additional information about conservation dogs.

The illustrations were created in watercolor.

This would be a valuable addition to any unit of study focused on wildlife or conservation.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

The Very Patient Gus Davis

by Laurie Trumble Davis (Author), Marjorie van Heerden (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Gus’s owner returns from the store with cookies. Gus really wants one right away. He begs and jumps up on her, but she tells him he must wait until after dinner. Gus does not want to wait and runs off with the bag of cookies. His owner manages to get the cookies back. To help pass the time, they go on a walk. When they return, they have dinner. Will Gus ever get a cookie?

Comments: This is the second of the Gus books

The Unsinkable Gus Davis by Laurie Trumble Davis (Author), Paulette Bogan (Illustrator)

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The selected children’s books are chosen by a certified, retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

My Powerful Hair

Harriet’s Reflections

Clara’s Big Discovery

Buffalo Fluffalo

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Big Kids

Fish Don’t Go to School

Maybe Just Ask Me!

Recess

Sammy and Sunny’s First Day of School

Sunnyside School: A Community Helpers Book

Trusty Bus

You Can Sit With Me

Goodnight School

On the Last Day of School

Sammy and Sunny’s First Day of School

Mr. S: A First Day of School Book

9 Kilometers (Stories from Latin America)

Marker

And Then Comes School

Shy Robin and the First Day of School

We’re Going to School

Giant-Sized Butterflies On My First Day of School

Mina Belongs Here

Back to School, Backpack!

A Smart, Smart School

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Adi of Boutanga: A Story from Cameroon

Smarty and Friends

Smarty the Brain Stories

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Afternoon on a Hill

Avocado Magic

Love Grows

City Beet

Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees

A Dandelion (A Day in the Life Of)

The Weedflower

Doe’s Dandelions (Woodland Friends)

Don’t Touch that Flower!

A Flower is a Friend

Log Life (Tiny Habitats)

Trees: Haiku from Roots to Leaves

Willow

Orchards (Trip to the Farm)

The Tree and the River

See a Pumpkin Grow (See It Grow!)

The Pie That Molly Grew

Pumpkin Day at the Zoo

There Was an Old Lady Who Picked a Pumpkin!

One Day This Tree Will Fall

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Log Life (Tiny Habitats)

Milkweed for Monarchs

The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants

Butterfly on the Wind

The Girl Who Loves Bugs

The Bumblebee Garden

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Home Is a Wish

Thread by Thread

A Star Shines Through

Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States

Home in a Lunchbox

At the Drop of a Cat