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St. Patrick’s Day Picture Book Recommendations for Kids
Children's Book Recommendations

St. Patrick’s Day Picture Book Recommendations for Kids

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

St. Patrick’s Day 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 St. Patrick’s Day Picture Books– https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrs.ferraris/list/2F2OI0W33ZUGF?ref_=aipsflist .)

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

Ten leprechauns in various sizes are in the forest with a rainbow coming in

Ten Little Leprechauns 

by Molly Murphy (Author), Howard McWilliam (Illustrator)

Summary:  We start with ten different-sized leprechauns playing in the forest, who then enter a nearby household, wreaking havoc. The countdown continues with more leprechaun shenanigans.

Comments: The story is written in rhyme, making it a fun and engaging read-aloud. The illustrations are vibrant, detailed, and hilarious. I found myself stopping to count all the leprechauns.

For larger groups, I would project the book on a screen or whiteboard so everyone can fully enjoy the artwork. The book’s backward counting from ten adds an extra layer of interactive fun for listeners

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

Sam and Tiny dressed as leprechauns. Tiny is a giant dog crouched in clover next to a path.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Tiny! 

by Cari Meister (Author), Rich Davis (Illustrator)

Brief summary:  Sam and Tiny get dressed up as leprechauns for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. They participate in a scavenger hunt, but kindly stop searching for clues to help a girl who has lost her shoe.

Comments: The Tiny series is so cute, with Sam always helping Tiny learn about new things. The books are written for primary grades as primary readers and have a nice sense of humor, with this being no exception.

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 Tiny series. If you are interested in more from this series, they can be found on their Amazon page.

Book cover of The St. Patrick's Day Alphabet. The background over is green with four leaf shamrocks, snakes, horse shoes, coins, leprechauns playing harps, and one on top of a rainbow.

The St. Patrick’s Day Alphabet

by Liz Saunders (Author), Lindsay Dale-Scott (Illustrator)

Brief summary: In this nonfiction picture book, young readers will discover the origins, customs, and symbols associated with St. Patrick’s Day.

Comments: Leprechauns are hidden throughout the book for readers to find and count.

This book is perfect for teachers to read aloud to explain how and why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The pages also provide additional information about the topic in text boxes.

The illustrations were created using Procreate on an iPad Pro.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

Watercolor cover of Eily looking for her father in the fog

The Fog Catcher’s Daughter 

by Marianne McShane (Author), Alan Marks (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Eily and her father live on the coast of Ireland across from the isle of fairies, Lisnashee. Her father is the Fog Catcher and must row to the island and collect the magical fog on it every Midsummer. Eily helps prepare to keep her family safe from the Good People. Her father rows out to the island. Eily is worried as she has found his protection charm in a tree.

Comments: Young readers will be enchanted by Eily’s adventure to find her father and keep him safe. Beautifully illustrated with dreamy watercolors.

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

Rating: 4.5 /5 📗📗📗📗1/2

St. Patrick's Day cover with the saint and other Irish symbols to celebrate the special day

Leprechaun vs. Easter Bunny

by Todd Tarpley  (Author), Stephanie Laberis (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A leprechaun and the Easter Bunny battle over the space in a garden. The leprechaun wants to hide his pot of gold for St. Patrick’s Day, and the Easter bunny wants to grow tulips to hide colored eggs. Cupid comes along and wants to make plans for next year’s Valentine’s Day, moving all of their things out of the way.

Comments: This is the first of the Festive Feuds series. It is written in rhyme. Definitely a hilarious read-aloud.

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

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

St. Patrick on the cover with a large cross around his neck, bible, and shamrocks scattered on one side of the cover.

Saint Patrick the Forgiver: The History and Legends of Ireland’s Bishop 

by Ned Bustard  (Author)

Brief summary: Young readers will learn about Saint Patrick’s life as a child, being kidnapped to become a slave in Ireland, and his escape back home. Saint Patrick continues to explain how he forgave the Irish people and decided to preach Christianity there.

Comments: If you’re looking for a more religious take on Saint Patrick, this book is perfect. Told in rhyme from the saint’s own viewpoint, it begins with Patrick introducing himself: “Hello, my name is Patrick. You may have heard my story. I walked the span of Ireland to tell of God’s great glory.”

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

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Book cover to St. Patrick's Day with the saint himself, shamrocks, a leprechaun, all inside of a yellow circle

St. Patrick’s Day

by Gail Gibbons (Author & Illustrator)

Brief summary: This nonfiction picture book describes the customs celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day. Readers will also learn about St. Patrick’s life and some of his legends.

Comments: The illustrations include labels and captions identifying St. Patrick’s Day symbols. A lot of green is used to capture the holiday’s spirit. The author used black ink and watercolor to illustrate this book.

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

Rating 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Gail Gibbons has an impressive collection of nonfiction picture books that she both wrote and illustrated. Her books can be found on her Amazon page.

Tim and Maureen looking out the window that has a flower basket of shamrocks with leprechauns all over the house that has a tree next to it and a flag that has a rainbow with a pot of gold

The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day 

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

Brief summary:  Tim and Maureen, siblings, set up leprechaun traps all over the house the day before St. Patrick’s Day while decorating the house in green with shamrocks, streamers, and rainbows. The next day, they wake to find the house in a mess, but they caught a leprechaun. Will they be able to get his gold?

Comments: This would make a great read-aloud and a lead-in for students to make leprechaun traps in art class or the classroom.

Books in this series are for primary readers, offering humorous stories and teaching about various holidays and events.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

This is one of the The Night Before series. If you are interested in more from this series, they can be found on their Amazon page.

A small leprechaun with a green hat, green suit, four leaf clover in its hand, a pot of gold, mushroom ring on the cover

The Littlest Leprechaun 

by Brandi Dougherty (Author), Michelle Todd (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Liam is the littlest leprechaun in the Enchanted Forest, but he’s eager to help his family. His parents send him to help his siblings, then to help his uncle carry gold–but each time, he’s too small for the task. While wandering in the forest, he discovers a group of leprechauns trying to help a little unicorn. In the end, Liam realizes that being little doesn’t mean he can’t make a difference–his small size can be a strength after all.

Comments: This is a sweet story for toddlers to kindergartners who may be in the same situation as Liam, being the smallest in the family.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

This is from the Little series. For more details about the series or to buy, please see its Amazon page.

Old Pat playing his harp while leaning on a tree by the fire with a leprechaun listening nearby

The Leprechaun’s Gold

by Pamela Duncan Edwards (Author), Henry Cole (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Old Pat, a harpist, and Young Tom, also a harpist, travel together to attend a harp contest. Young Tom proves to be a cheat and leaves. During the night, they hear cries of help. Old Pat goes in search of a leprechaun in need of assistance. The leprechaun helps Old Pat in return for his help.

Comments: There are many two-page spreads in this book with rich colors, and several pages feature illustrations in black frames with decorated borders.

This will make a fun read-aloud for older elementary students. There are themes of kindness, generosity, and sharing.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

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

Jamie dressed in oversized boots, hat, a green sash and playing a flute while his dog runs beside him

St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning 

by Eve Bunting (Author), Jan Brett (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Jamie, the youngest of three Irish brothers, is told he is too young to walk in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. He gets up early and takes his dog, Nell, to prove he can walk up Acorn Hill, where he places the Irish flag at the top, proving to himself he can do it.

Comments: This is an oldie but a goody. This picture book is illustrated by Jan Brett in black ink with green and yellow watercolors. This book’s themes are perseverance, independence, and proving your belief in yourself. Great for primary and intermediate grades.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

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

Three whimsical leprechauns dressed the same in green jackets, yellow plaid pants, red shoes are messing about on the rocks and field with a black and white cow in the background field

That’s What Leprechauns Do

by Eve Bunting (Author), Emily Arnold McCully (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Three mischievous leprechauns–Art, Boo, and Col–spot an approaching storm and must hurry to dig up a buried pot of gold before the rainbow appears. Along the way, they play pranks and get into all sorts of silly antics, showing the playful and rascally side that leprechauns are famous for.

Comments: The illustrations are beautiful watercolors and perfectly complement the story.

Eve Bunting and Emily Arnold McCully have won several book awards. Their collaboration with this story makes a great read-aloud for intermediate students.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

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.

Abstract Concepts Picture Books
Children's Book Recommendations

Abstract Concepts Picture Books

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Abstract Concept 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 Abstract Concepts Picture Books– https://amzn.to/48NBD2O .)

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

Book cover for Together. A group of anthropomorphic animals are dancing under trees in a forest. A lion is dance with a hippo and so forth

Together 

by Laura Manaresi (Author), Giovanni Manna (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A lamb is determined to see its dream come true, even if it struggles to express it in words. It sets off on a journey and encounters other animals who share the same dream. Together, they unite their efforts to transform the dream into reality.

Comments: Young readers should focus on the watercolor illustrations to uncover the dreams that everyone aspires to create.

This gentle book fosters the spirit of collaboration, and guiding readers in the process of turning their dreams into achievable realities.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

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

*This book magically appeared in my mailbox, giving me a nice surprise on a rainy day.

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 📗📗📗

Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone 

by Airlie Anderson (Author)

Brief summary: In the tree, there are many birds that are loud and chatty. However, one bird named Only prefers to be quiet and spend time alone. The other birds feel sorry for Only and try to include them in their activities, but they end up overwhelming Only.

Only builds a quiet nest. The friends learn about the difference between quiet and loud, gaining a new understanding that some prefer solitude and are not lonely.

Comments: The illustrations were created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

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

There is a companion book to Only titled Neither, a story promoting diversity.

Today 

by Gabi Snyder (Author), Stephanie Graegin (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young child looks forward to visiting Pop-Pop and cousins. The day has arrived with time that stretches out too long, like the drive to get there, while others go by quickly, such as the fireworks.

Comments: The book reminds young readers to be mindful of the present moment and notice what is happening to help create memories.

The back sections of the book are What is Mindfulness?, Appreciating the Here and Now, When You’re Temped to Fast-Forward, and When You’re Feeling Anxious or Worried.

The illustrations were created in Adobe Fresco, Adobe Photoshop, pencil, and watercolor.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

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

Family car arrives to Pop Pop's cottage by the lake where he and the cousins are waiting.

Hope is the Thing with Feathers

by Emily Dickinson (Author), Tim Hopgood (Illustrator)

Brief Summary: Emily Dickinson’s “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” remains a timeless masterpiece, as it skillfully employs the metaphor of a bird to represent hope.

A brown bird flies across the city, singing and catching the attention of the people below, who smile.

Comments: This would be a poem(and possibly others) the teacher could read aloud while the students drew their interpretation of the words.

The illustrations were hand-drawn using chalk, pencil, and ink and digitally collaged and colored.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

Some Days Are Yellow 

by Suzanne Slade (Author) and Michelle Lee (Illustrator)

Brief summary: There are yellow days that are vibrant and full of positivity, while there are also blue days that seem to be negative and full of disappointment.

Comments: This rhyming picture book portrays several children in different situations, experiencing various types of days. It serves as a reminder that life comes with its fair share of ups and downs, but one thing is for sure – tomorrow is a new day to start afresh.

I think this would be a good book to share with students as a reminder that life is unpredictable.

The abstract idea of yellow and blue days becomes more concrete with examples in vignettes and single- and double-spaced illustrations.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

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

A boy with a yellow shirt and in a wheelchair is thinking of abstract ideas and writing them down at his desk. On the other side of the book's page is the same boy sharing pictures with friends under the shade of a tree.

Cover for Here & There. Dan is sitting on top of his cafe while Aki is traveling on his ship.

Here and There 

by Thea Lu (Author)

Brief summary: Dan lives in a small coastal town and owns a cafe where he enjoys welcoming visitors. He prefers staying “here” but wonders what it is like in other places.

Aki travels from place to place and is a sailor who likes to visit and meet new people. He likes to go “there” but has never had a place that he would consider home.

One day, Aki visits Dan’s cafe and enjoys a meal with the many other travelers.

Comments: Although these two men lead parallel lives, they share some commonalities. They both experience feelings of loneliness at times, but upon reflection, they acknowledge the numerous people they have met over the years. This realization helps them to feel less isolated and disconnected from others.

Ink, colored pencil, and collage were used to create the illustrations with a double fold-out page in the back.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

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

*Here and There was sent to me as a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Child express the love emotions by making her hands into a heart shape

All About Nothing (All About Noticing) 

by Elizabeth Rusch (Author), Elizabeth Goss (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Nothing can be so many things around us. Negative space. Nothing can also be something. Young readers will see that nothing can be where ideas come from or just something relaxing. It is all around us.

Comments: Two back sections are About Negative Space and More About Nothing.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

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

A girl with her hand s on her hips at recess standing next to a large letter A with her friends running in the background

A Is for Ambitious

by Meena Harris (Author), Marissa Valdez (Illustrator)

Brief summary: ABCs of descriptive words of empowerment. Aimed towards girls. A “stand up and go for what you believe in” type of book. Inspirationally driven.

Sequel to Ambitious Girl, 2021.

Rating 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2

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

Children laying on the grass looking up to the sky wondering what their future could be; happy emotions on their faces

Someday, Maybe 

by Diana Murray (Author), Jessica Gibson (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Children daydream about what future jobs they will have, inventions they will create, and lives they will have when they grow up.

Comments: The back pages talk about some future possibilities.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options 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.

A snake coming out of a red high top sneaker

Twenty Questions 

by Mac Barnett (Author), Christian Robinson (Illustrator)

Brief summary: There are many questions with many types of answers. Some questions have a simple solution, while others have a profound explanation. Some questions have no one exact answer or even an answer at all. Some may come with emotions.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

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

A boy sitting at his desk at school reading while releasing his emotions by tap dancing under the desk

Stanley’s Secret 

by John Sullivan (Author), Zach Manbeck (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Stanley is a shy and quiet boy. He helped the janitor and would tap dance as he swept. One day the principal saw him and encouraged the boy to sign up for the talent show where he could share his gift with others. Will Stanley be able to get over his shyness? 

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

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 📗📗📗

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

A boy looking out of a yellow school bus with optimistic emotions

The Bright Side 

by Chad Otis (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: A boy shares that his family lives in an old school bus until they get a house again. It was hard to leave his friends. His parents encourage him to look on the bright side of things. He gets to take showers outside. Have pizza toast with bread and ketchup. He learns to use his imagination to create something he does not have.

He is nervous about attending a school where everyone knows each other and the routine. Will he learn how to fit in with everyone else?

Comments: The author shares that he did live on a school bus for four years and did not go to school until he was in third grade. I thank him for sharing his story of houselessness.

This book could be shared to help others understand those in poverty and, hopefully, develop empathy and understanding. Written in a way that a child could understand.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

A girl playing on the beach by herself making a castle

Sometimes It’s Nice to Be Alone 

by Amy Hest (Author), Philip C. Stead (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young girl enjoys time being alone but can also enjoy a friend’s company. She can sit in solitude eating a cookie but finds it pleasant when a friend visits and eats a cookie with her.

Comments: This comforting book made being alone (not lonely) enjoyable. Having a friend visit was not nerve-racking but a time to share and enjoy the company.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

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 📗📗📗

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

A girl at the beach with her mother and dog

Billie and Bean at the Beach

by Julia Hansson (Author), B.J. Woodstein (Translator)

Brief summary: Billie and her dog, Bean, go to the beach. Bean enjoys running around and playing in the sand, while Billie just wants to rest in the umbrella’s shade. Her mother encourages Billie to take a swim, and the girl is stung. After her mother comforts and calms Billie’s emotions, the little girl decides to try the water again with the help of a gift Bean has dug up. The girl enjoys the underwater silence and fish. Billie dives towards the bottom and finds something shiny that makes her resilience worth returning to the sea.

Comments: Will we find out what it is in a sequel? What an excellent discussion to have with the class.

This is a Swedish translation.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options 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 caught the facial expressions of a mourning girl and the sad tone in the house of grief with cool and 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.

Boys at the beach

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. 

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

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

Various families depicted on the cover with many emotions

You Are Loved: A Book About Families 

by Margaret O’Hair (Author), Sofia Sanchez (Author), Sofia Cardoso (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Young readers are talked to by Sofia Sanchez, who explains that a child is loved by many people but most of all by one’s family. There are many different types of families. Sometimes a family is not perfect. There are arguments, sadness, anger, and other emotions. But a family makes up and continues loving one another.

Comments: This is an optimistic book with brightly colored illustrations of all cultures, ages, races, etc. Readers will be able to see and understand that there are families unlike theirs but still have shared love for one another.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2

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

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Abstract Ideas
Children's Book Recommendations

Abstract Ideas

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Abstract ideas children’s 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.)

Cover for Here & There. Dan is sitting on top of his cafe while Aki is traveling on his ship.

Here and There 

by Thea Lu (Author)

Brief summary: Dan lives in a small coastal town and owns a cafe where he enjoys welcoming visitors. He prefers staying “here” but wonders what it is like in other places.

Aki travels from place to place and is a sailor who likes to visit and meet new people. He likes to go “there” but has never had a place that he would consider home.

Aki goes to Dan’s cafe and enjoys a meal with the many other travelers.

Comments: Although these two men lead parallel lives, they share some commonalities. They both experience feelings of loneliness at times, but upon reflection, they acknowledge the numerous people they have met over the years. This realization helps them to feel less isolated and disconnected from others.

Ink, colored pencil, and collage were used to create the illustrations with a double fold-out page in the back.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

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

Some Days Are Yellow 

by Suzanne Slade (Author) and Michelle Lee (Illustrator)

Brief summary: There are yellow days that are vibrant and full of positivity, while there are also blue days that seem to be negative and full of disappointment.

Comments: This rhyming picture book portrays several children in different situations, experiencing various types of days. It serves as a reminder that life comes with its fair share of ups and downs, but one thing is for sure – tomorrow is a new day to start afresh.

I think this would be a good book to share with students as a reminder that life is unpredictable.

The abstract idea of yellow and blue days becomes more concrete with examples in vignettes and single- and double-spaced illustrations.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

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

A boy with a yellow shirt and in a wheelchair is thinking of abstract ideas and writing them down at his desk. On the other side of the book's page is the same boy sharing pictures with friends under the shade of a tree.

Hope is the Thing with Feathers (Picture-a-Poem) 

by Emily Dickinson (Author), Tim Hopgood (Illustrator)

Brief Summary: Emily Dickinson’s “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” remains a timeless masterpiece, as it skillfully employs the metaphor of a bird to represent hope.

A brown bird flies across the city, singing and catching the attention of the people below, who smile.

Comments: This would be a poem(and possibly others) the teacher could read aloud while the students drew their interpretation of the words.

The illustrations were hand-drawn using chalk, pencil, and ink and digitally collaged and colored.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

Today 

by Gabi Snyder (Author), Stephanie Graegin (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young child looks forward to visiting Pop-Pop and cousins. The day has arrived with time that stretches out too long, like the drive to get there, while others go by quickly, such as the fireworks.

Comments: The book reminds young readers to be mindful of the present moment and notice what is happening to help create memories.

The back sections of the book are What is Mindfulness?, Appreciating the Here and Now, When You’re Temped to Fast-Forward, and When You’re Feeling Anxious or Worried.

The illustrations were created in Adobe Fresco, Adobe Photoshop, pencil, and watercolor.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

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

Family car arrives to Pop Pop's cottage by the lake where he and the cousins are waiting.

Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone 

by Airlie Anderson (Author)

Brief summary: In the tree, there are many birds that are loud and chatty. However, one bird named Only prefers to be quiet and spend time alone. The other birds feel sorry for Only and try to include them in their activities, but they end up overwhelming Only.

Only builds a quiet nest. The friends learn about the difference between quiet and loud, gaining a new understanding that some prefer solitude and are not lonely.

Comments: The illustrations were created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

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

There is a companion book to Only titled Neither, a story promoting diversity.

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 📗📗📗

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.

Insects
Children's Book Recommendations

Insects

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Insects children’s book recommendation 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.)

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.

Page from Log Life of different insects and birds living on the fir nurse log.

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.

A Stage 1 photo of a monarch butterfly laying eggs on a milkweed.
Version 1.0.0

Cover of The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants. There are different ants doing their duties which are explained inside the book.

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.

A book page of the ants creating a chain of themselves from on tree to the next in order for them to get across in the air.

Cover of Butterfly on the Wind of a girl waring white shirt and blue skirt signing butterfly creating a wind where several pink butterflies are flying around her.

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.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Bless Our Pets

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Bless Our Pets children’s book recommendation is 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.)

A yellow dog is sitting with a puppy, turtle, cat, and rabbit in front of it with a parrot sitting on a perch behind. Cover of Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends

Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends 

by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Editor), Lita Judge (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Bless Our Pets is an anthology of poetry featuring fourteen different animal companion owners expressing gratitude towards their beloved pets. Written by:
• Ann Whitford Paul
• Rebecca Kai Dotlich 
• Linda Trott Dickman
• Eric Ode
• Ralph Fletcher
• Sarah Grace Tuttle
• Kristine O’Connell George
• Darren Sardelli
• B.J. Lee
• Charles Ghigna
• Lois Lowry
• Prince Redcloud
• Joan Bransfield Graham
• Lee Bennett Hopkins

Comments:  The book features a variety of poetry forms. The illustrations are created with watercolors and colored pencils that beautifully capture facial expressions.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

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

*Bless Our Pets was sent to me as a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

This is a Tiny Fragile Snake

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku children’s book recommendation is 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.)

Cover for poetry book This is a Tiny Fragile Snae with a small black snake with a yellow line down its back slithering on the ground with a pair of blue and a pair of red tennis shoes in the frame to mean there are people stopping and watching it go past.

This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake 

by Nicholas Ruddock (Author), Ashley Barron (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This poetry collection features informative poems about various animals and insects, highlighting their unique characteristics.

Comments: The illustrations are created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

You Stole My Name Too

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

You Stole My Name Too children’s book recommendation is 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 cover of You Stole My Name Too with a tiger and tiger lily face one another.

You Stole My Name Too: A Curious Case of Animals and Plants with Shared Names

by Dennis McGregor (Author), Blue Star Press (Producer)

Brief summary: This is a collection of humorous poems featuring animals and plants with the same names. Sometimes the reasons for the naming are evident, and sometimes not.

Comments: This is the second collection of poetry in the  “You Stole My Name Series.”

The four-line poem is on the left side of the two-page spread, with the animal and plant illustration on the right.

This is an oversized book that really shows the details in his paintings. Prints of the illustrations are sold on his website.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

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

The first of the You Stole My Name Series is You Stole My Name: The Curious Case of Animals with Shared Names.

The cover of poetry book You Stole My Name with a bull and bullfrog looking at each other.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

A young women reciting from a book Poetry Picture Book Recommendations for Children
Children's Book Recommendations

Poetry Picture Book Recommendations for Children

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Poetry 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 title can be found on my Amazon Storefront under Poetry Picture Books– https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrs.ferraris/list/23O9S8DDXLNC2?ref_=aipsflist .)

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

Squirrels eating acorns in a tree

Poems for Every Season: A Year of Haiku, Sonnets, and More 

by Bette Westera (Author), Henriette Boerendans (Illustrator), David Colmer (Translator)

Brief summary: This collection organizes the calendar year journey beginning in spring and concludes in winter, with each season introduced by a haiku. Every month within that season is then paired with a unique poetic form for a total of 16 distinct styles.

Comments: The woodcut illustrations are stunning; two-page spreads are used to capture the essence of each month.

The back section is About the Verse Forms where each poem is listed along with a full explanation of the poetic form.

The forms discussed are:

  • Haiku 
  • Rondel
  • Acrostic
  • Double dactyl
  • Pantoum
  • Elevenie
  • Tanka
  • Quatrain
  • Diamante
  • Rondelet
  • Limerick
  • Stacking Poem
  • Sonnet

This collection is a superb resource for teaching poetry units. I highly recommend adding this to any school or classroom library.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

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

*I received a free copy of this book.

A black bird is looking out of its next made of grass and other natural materials. Cover of Home

Home

by Isabelle Simler (Author), Vineet Lal (Translator)

Brief summary: This poetry collection features 27 animals from around the world, showcasing the unique and amazing homes they create. Each animal is beautifully illustrated with great detail, and young readers will learn about camouflage, habitat, life cycles, and interesting animal facts.

Comments:  The back sections include More About These Amazing Animals, Glossary, and Recommended Resources(Books, Websites, and Videos).

This lyrical text appears to be flawlessly translated from French(2022) to English(2024).

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

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

*Home was sent to me as a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

A young boy is hiking with backpacks on in South Sister where there are pine trees, mountains, and a lake.

Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku 

by Curtis Manley (Author), Jennifer K. Mann (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A family hikes up South Sister, an Oregon volcano, and the young boy shares his observations in haiku, including the terrain, animals, and insects encountered.

Comments: The back sections of the book include “More About Climbing a Mountain,” which provides information on the volcano, necessary equipment, poetry, and living organisms, and “Further Information,” which lists books and websites.

The illustrations are created with a mix of collograph and monotype printmaking, pencil drawing, digital collage, and paint.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

A yellow dog is sitting with a puppy, turtle, cat, and rabbit in front of it with a parrot sitting on a perch behind. Cover of Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends

Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends 

by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Editor), Lita Judge (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Bless Our Pets is an anthology of poetry featuring fourteen different animal companion owners expressing gratitude towards their beloved pets. Written by:
• Ann Whitford Paul
• Rebecca Kai Dotlich 
• Linda Trott Dickman
• Eric Ode
• Ralph Fletcher
• Sarah Grace Tuttle
• Kristine O’Connell George
• Darren Sardelli
• B.J. Lee
• Charles Ghigna
• Lois Lowry
• Prince Redcloud
• Joan Bransfield Graham
• Lee Bennett Hopkins

Comments:  The book features a variety of poetry forms. The illustrations are created with watercolors and colored pencils that beautifully capture facial expressions.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

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

*Bless Our Pets was sent to me as a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Cover for poetry book This is a Tiny Fragile Snae with a small black snake with a yellow line down its back slithering on the ground with a pair of blue and a pair of red tennis shoes in the frame to mean there are people stopping and watching it go past.

This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake 

by Nicholas Ruddock (Author), Ashley Barron (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This poetry collection features informative poems about various animals and insects, highlighting their unique characteristics.

Comments: The illustrations are created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

The cover of You Stole My Name Too with a tiger and tiger lily face one another.

You Stole My Name Too: A Curious Case of Animals and Plants with Shared Names

by Dennis McGregor (Author), Blue Star Press (Producer)

Brief summary: This is a collection of humorous poems featuring animals and plants with the same names. Sometimes the reasons for the naming are evident, and sometimes not.

Comments: This is the second collection of poetry in the  “You Stole My Name Series.”

The four-line poem is on the left side of the two-page spread, with the animal and plant illustration on the right.

This is an oversized book that really shows the details in his Gouache paintings. Prints of the illustrations are sold on his website.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

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

A young Virginia Hamilton lying in the grass with books around her and lilacs. Books's cover

Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton 

by Nina Crews (Author)

Brief summary: This collection of lyrical poetry shares Virginia Hamilton’s childhood, family, and writing inspirations.

Comments: The back sections include the Author’s Note, Timeline, Book List, Bibliography, and a few photos.

The illustrations were created digitally using Adobe Photoshop.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

A young girl with an umbrella is walking against the wind with a tree in the background.

Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them 

by Melanie Crowder (Author), MEGAN BENEDICT (Author), Khoa Le (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Learn about fourteen winds of the world through a lyrical poem and then in nonfiction text.

Comments: This nonfiction poetry and weather book briefly explains specific winds worldwide. I had no idea that some of these existed until now.

The back sections further explain the science of these winds with What Makes the Wind?, How Are Winds Named? Local Poetic Traditions, a global map, Glossary, and For Further Reading.

The illustrations were created digitally.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise: Poems of Animal Opposites 

by Bette Westera (Author), Mies van Hout (Illustrator), David Colmer (Translator)

Brief summary: This poetry book cleverly presents animal opposites in each animal’s voice. Every two-page spread features two animals opposite from one another in descriptive and humorous free verse.

Comments: The illustrations were created using acrylic ink, oil pastels, and collage. There are a total of thirty-two animals featured in the book.

This poetry book would complement poetry or opposite units of study. It can also just be used for a funny read-aloud to make everyone giggle.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

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

Cover of a poetry picture book titled How to Write a Poem done with a girl riding a unicycle over a bunch of wheels

How to Write a Poem

by Kwame Alexander (Author), Deanna Nikaido (Author), Melissa Sweet (Illustrator). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quill Tree Books. 2023. Grades 3-5. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063060906.

Brief summary: Young readers (and future poetry writers) are encouraged to feel and use their imagination as they observe the world around them. They are inspired to write it down as poetry.

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

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Cover of a poetry picture book titled Push-Pull Morning with a child hugging a dog

Push-Pull Morning: Dog-Powered Poems About Matter and Energy 

by Lisa Westberg Peters (Author), Serge Bloch (Illustrator). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wordsong. 2023. Grades 2-4. Hardcover Nonfiction Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1635925272.

Brief summary: A fun introduction to physics in free verse poetry about a child and dog experiencing everyday life.


Comments: Each poem’s physics correlation is explained at the back of the book. This book could be shared in science units when each physics aspect is introduced to give students an idea of seeing it in the world around them.

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

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Poetry picture book cover of Where I Live with a child playing in a park in a city with stores and apartment buildings in the background.

Where I Live: Poems About My Home, My Street, and My Town 

by Paul B. Janeczko (Author), Hyewon Yum (Illustrator). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick. 2023. 1-3. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536200942.

Brief summary: This is a collection of twenty-four poems divided into three sections: home, street, and town. The variety of poets and authors is diverse, with examples of several different types of poems—an excellent poetry addition to any library.

Comments: The illustrator captures the mood and characteristics of each poem.

For more details or to buy, please go to this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Poetry picture book cover of The Dream Train with a girl holding a megaphone riding on a train with the background of bright colors all swirled together

The Dream Train: Poems for Bedtime 

by Sean Taylor (Author), Anuska Allepuz (Illustrator). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick. 2023. PreK-2. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536228342.

Brief summary: Thirty poems are divided into three sections: Night Arrives, Shut-Your-Eyes Time, and Dream Wheels Turning. The poems are a variety of different forms and with a variety of settings and characters. 

The illustrations are colorful and completely fill all of the pages. Very well done.

For more details or to buy, click on the book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

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). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick. 2023. Grades 2-5. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536215502.

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.

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

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Avocado Magic

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Avocado Magic children’s book recommendation is 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.)

Avocado Magic book cover Ellie, a little girl, is holding the avocado plant she is growing as she looks outside the window.

Avocado Magic 

by Taltal Levi (Author)

Brief 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.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

The Ocean Gardener

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

The Ocean Gardener children’s book recommendation is 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.)

Ayla swimming around the coral reef with fish following her in a circle. Cover of The Ocean Gardner.

The Ocean Gardener 

by Clara Anganuzzi (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Ayla and her mother live on an island surrounded by a coral reef. Her mother, who is a marine biologist, takes care of the reef and teaches Ayla about the marine life around it. Unfortunately, they notice that the fish are leaving because the reef is fading. To solve this problem, Ayla’s mother teaches her how to make a coral reef garden by planting tiny pieces of coral in their house and later moving them to the ocean. Will this effort bring the fish back?

Comments: Before reading The Ocean Gardener, I had no knowledge about the process of coral reef restoration. Now, I have an understanding.

The back section includes information from Chloe Pozas, a marine biologist who inspired the book. Additionally, there are some photos of coral gardens included in the back of the book and a section titled If You Want to Know More…

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

Page from The Ocean Gardener of Ayla and her mother planting a coral garden.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Welcome to the Opera

The Retired School Librarian4 Comments

Welcome to the Opera children’s book recommendation is 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 stage with red velvet curtains featuring the opera singers of The Magic Flute.

Welcome to the Opera: Discover the Enchanting World of Opera with Mozart’s The Magic Flute 

by Carolyn Sloan (Author), Kaly Quarles (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This interactive book introduces Mozart’s The Magic Flute through the eyes of three dogs who guide young readers in the opera house, explaining the musical instruments, opera singers, story, and other musical features.

Comments: I had a fun time reading and exploring the audio feature on the side panel, which features music sections of The Magic Flute Opera. (You can turn the audio on or off to avoid draining the battery.)

The book contains traditional text along with speech bubbles between the dogs in the audience. The bold circle numbers correspond with the audio panel to the right which helps to understand the instruments and singers.

The author provides an informative Author’s Note on opera and The Magic Flute at the front of the book. Additionally, the back sections provide insights into Why Sing?, Meet Mozart!, characters, Musicians, and Opera Words Glossary.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

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

Page from Welcome to the Opera with all of the characters including text features explaining each musical instrument and character.

*I received a complimentary copy for an honest review.

If you enjoyed Welcome to the Opera by Carolyn Sloan, there are two others you may enjoy:

Welcome to Jazz book cover of a jazz ensemble featuring a trumpet, drum, tuba, piano, trombone, and clarinet player with a singer. Two cats are on either side.

Welcome to Jazz: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music, Featuring “When the Saints Go Marching In” 

by Carolyn Sloan (Author), Jessica Gibson (Illustrator)

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Welcome to the Symphony book cover of a full symphony with a conductor standing on a box.

Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 

by Carolyn Sloan (Author), James Williamson (Illustrator)

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Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Mabel and the Mountain

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Mabel and the Mountain children’s book recommendation is 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.)

Mabel and the Mountain cover. Mabel, a fly, is standing on the top of a mountain with the sun shouting out rays.

Mabel and the Mountain: A Story About Believing in Yourself 

by Kim Hillyard (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary:  Mabel is a small fly with big plans:

1. Climb a mountain.
2. Host a dinner party.
3. Make friends with a shark.

Although her friends do not support her at the beginning, Mabel believes in herself and learns to take small steps at a time to accomplish her goals. Mabel’s confidence rubs off on her fly friends who come up with their own goals.

Comments:  A very cute story of perseverance, self-confidence, and grit. Young readers will root for little Mabel to not give up and climb her mountain.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

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

Page from Mabel and the Mountain There is a hand next to Mabel to show how small she is. There is a yellow piece of paper with Mabel's Big Plans.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Home

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Home children’s book recommendation is 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.)

A black bird is looking out of its next made of grass and other natural materials. Cover of Home

Home

by Isabelle Simler (Author), Vineet Lal (Translator)

Brief summary: This is a poetry collection of twenty-seven various animals around the world creating unique and amazing homes all beautifully illustrated with great detail. Young readers will learn about camouflage, habitat, life cycles, and interesting animal facts.

Comments:  The back sections include More About These Amazing Animals, Glossary, and Recommended Resources(Books, Websites, and Videos).

This lyrical text appears to be flawlessly translated from French(2022) to English(2024).

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

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

*Home was sent to me as complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Have You Seen Mikki Olsen?

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Have You Seen Mikki Olsen? children’s book recommendation is 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.)

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.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Like You, Like Me

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Like You, Like Me Children’s Book Recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

Tulsi and Vanessa are looking at each other with the world behind them. Little paper airplanes are flying. Like You, Like Me book cover.

Like You, Like Me 

by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw (Author)

Brief 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.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.