CAN SOPHIE CHANGE THE WORLD?
CAN SOPHIE CHANGE THE WORLD by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace is a heartwarming book about kindness.
It’s going to be Sophie’s grandpop’s birthday, and all he wants as a present from her is for her to do a mitzvah: a kind deed.
Every day after that, Sophie helped everyone around her.
She picked up trash, helped a neighbor, and was friendly to the new kid at school, but she didn’t feel like she made any difference.
Feeling dismayed, she met grandpop and shared all she had done, thinking her acts of kindness had no effect, but he reassured her that the simplest acts of kindness can create positive changes in the world.
With vibrant illustrations by Aura Lewis, this book encourages us all to be kind, even when we don’t realize the difference it makes.
JUST HELP
JUST HELP by Justice Sonia Sotomayor encourages us all to build a better world by being great helpers.
The first act of help follows a young Sonia as she organized and sends care packages to American soldiers overseas for her school’s service project.
From park cleanups to recycling plastic bags, every child does their part to help. Whether you donate or volunteer, every bit of help goes a long way toward building a better and more beautiful world.
Beautifully illustrated by Angela Dominguez, this remarkable book is prefect for every home and classroom.
EVERY LITTLE KINDNESS
EVERY LITTLE KINDNESS by Marta Bartolj is another wordless picture book that’s guaranteed to warm hearts.
When a woman loses her dog and becomes very sad. Though she’s sad, she still shared an apple with a musician while on her way to find it. A man sees this and picks up trash.
Soon, a cycle of random acts of kindness occurs around the neighborhood, which ultimately led to finding her dog and creating wonderful friendships.
The highlighted red illustrated objects on every page allow the story to flow and engage readers to want to know the outcome. It proves that kindness is contagious, and every little act of kindness makes a big difference in the world and can brighten someone’s day.
RIDE THE WIND
RIDE THE WIND by Nicola Davies is a wonderful story of courage and resilience.
It features a boy named Javier and his daring rescue of an albatross that got caught in their fishing net at sea.
After suffering the loss of his mother, Javier grew closer to the bird, as it reminded him of her. Even though his father never approved, Javier fed the albatross and kept her safe until she could fly again.
When his father sold the bird, unbeknownst to him, he set out to rescue her again and set her free to ride the wind.
This heartfelt story is full of empathy, hope, and adventure. Everyone handles loss differently, and for Javier, the albatross brought his comfort.
The vibrant and rustic illustrations by Salvatore Rubbino are absolutely magnificent and capture the essence of the entire story.
FUN FACT: Wandering Albatrosses have the biggest wingspan of any bird. They spend most of their lives flying over the Southern Ocean, and sometimes they get caught in fishing gear or swallow plastic, mistaking it for food. Most of the 22 different species of albatross are threatened with extinction.
LET'S PLAY
LET’S PLAY: A Book About Making Friends by Amanda McCardie celebrates friendship in all its forms.
It features a shy girl named Sukie as she starts the first day of her new school after her family moves.
She worries she will not make friends but learns that a simple hello or act of kindness can change things.
She learns that even though her friends look different or like different things, friendship is about support and acceptance and just having fun.
With bright and witty illustrations by Colleen Larmour, this book is perfect for children as they adapt to a new school or community. AGE: 4-8
LIKE A DANDELION
LIKE A DANDELION by Huy Voun Lee is a delightful story of immigration.
It features a family as they navigate through life in a new country, embracing new friendships and community as the season’s change.
Every season brings new experiences and ultimately a sense of belonging.
The vibrant and captivating illustrations capture the essence of this book and their metaphorical references to dandelions.
It fosters strength and hope and is perfect for children immigrating to a new country. AGE: 4-8
CAN I SIT WITH YOU?
CAN I SIT WITH YOU by Sarah Jacoby is a beautiful story of friendship and companionship.
It features a stray dog who longs for a home. It meets a girl, and they instantly become attached. They did everything together and when apart, they always found each other.
We love this book because it celebrates the loyalty and love pets show to their owners. The book portrays how both their lives are changed just by one act of kindness. AGE: 2-4
IMAGINE A WOLF
IMAGINE A WOLF by Lucky Platt is such a powerful story about stereotypes.
When you imagine a wolf, do you think of large teeth, a big bad wolf, or even huffing and puffing? Well, not all wolves are bad, and judging someone based on their appearance or past can hurt their feelings.
Getting to know someone for who they are and celebrating our differences can make a big impact on the world.
That person might be the one to help you when you need it the most.
Like the wolf in this story, sometimes people just want to fit in. She is kind and helpful and wishes that everyone would accept her for who she is.
The vibrant and witty illustrations are amazing and capture the essence of the message in this book. AGE: 2-4
IT WILL BE OK
IT WILL BE OK by Lisa Katzenberger is an encouraging story of friendship and support.
Giraffe and Zebra walked to the waterhole every evening, but giraffe hid in a tree because he feared a spider.
All of zebra’s coaxing couldn’t get giraffe to climb down, so he decided to just wait until his friend was comfortable and ready.
Later giraffe realized he wasn’t afraid of the spider anymore and climbed down, only to realize the spider was also afraid of him.
With vibrant and vivid illustrations by Jaclyn Sinquett, this book encourages patience and reminds us that our friends will support us through anything. AGE: 2-4
I AM A KINDNESS HERO
If you loved, I am a Warrior Goddess by Jennifer Adams, then you will love I AM A KINDNESS HERO.
Many think that being able to fly or invisibility would be great superpowers, but the greatest superpower is showing kindness.
This book features a boy and the many ways he’s portraying kindness. From standing up to bullies to helping an elderly person cross the street, these random acts of kindness help create positive changes in the world.
Carme Lemniscates is one of the most brilliant illustrators, and her distinctive style of bold, vibrant illustrations always convey the message so children can understand.
We should all be kindness heroes. AGE: 2-4
MY FRIEND
MY FRIEND by Taye Diggs is a beautiful book about friendship and integrity. It features two boys who are best friends and do everything together.
From special handshakes to fun school bus rides, they are inseparable. Part of being a good friend is always having each other’s backs no matter what.
It’s also about doing the right thing when you see a friend doing something wrong. When his best friend trips a boy in gym class, he stepped up and helped the boy but also let his friend know his actions were wrong.
We love this book because it teaches us to be courageous and stand up for others, even if it’s someone we love who does wrong. We lead by example so and being nice to one another can create great friendships.
Children will love the illustrations by Shane W. Evans. It’s always so bright and vibrant. AGE: 2-4
THE POWER OF ONE
We know Trudy Ludwig for writing some of the most powerful children’s books, and THE POWER OF ONE is just as powerful.
One person can make a big difference in this world with simple acts of kindness that can brighten someone’s day or lending a helping hand to someone in need.
With beautiful Illustrations by Mike Curato, this book inspires hope and encourages people to believe that they matter, and they CAN make a difference. AGE: 2-4
FINDING KINDNESS
FINDING KINDNESS by Deborah Underwood is a book that every home should have and every child should read.
It portrays the simple acts of kindness that people do every day that make a difference. From holding a door open for someone or just being there for someone who’s sad, this book teaches children that kindness goes a long way.
This book is also great for teachers and educators and best of all children will love the bright and vibrant illustrations by Irene Chan. AGE: 4-8
LOVE IS POWERFUL
LOVE IS POWERFUL by Heather Dean Brewer is such an inspiration to read.
Mari and her mom are preparing a sign to join the march happening in the streets below.
She wondered if people would see her sign that read LOVE IS POWERFUL, among all the other signs, but they sure did. As she screamed Love is Powerful, it echoed through the crowd and soon everyone chanted along with her. Her message was powerful and people heard it because everyone was in unison.
This book encourages children to make their voices heard. Even the softest voice can create a huge impact in the world today.
The illustrations by Leuyen Pham are absolutely magnificent. AGE: 4-8
TOMORROW I'LL BE KIND
TOMORROW I’LL BE KIND by Jessica Hische is a book that graciously incites children to be hopeful, grateful, patient, and kind.
It’s vibrantly illustrated with adorable animals that are portrayed helping, loving, and learning from each other.
It provides hope for a better tomorrow and it’s full of positivity. AGE: 2-4
IF YOU COME TO EARTH
IF YOU COME TO EARTH by Sophie Blackall is one of the best books of the year and should be in every home and classroom. It features a child writing a letter to a visitor from outer space, preparing them for the adventures awaiting them on earth.
The letter is full of vivid descriptions of homes and the different families that abide in it, the clothes we wear, the foods we eat, and our different modes of transportation.
From the differing climates and cultures to different animals and their characteristics, this book will entice anyone who reads it.
Not only is it diverse and inclusive, but the illustrations are also absolutely magnificent.
With all that’s happening in the world, this book is a reminder of how wonderful the world is and how we can do our part to make it greater. AGE: 6-10
SEEDS
SEEDS by Carme Lemniscates is easily our favorite springtime book for 2020. It starts with the most important sentence in the entire book; SEEDS CARRY THE POWER OF LIFE.
It outlines the relevance and importance of seeds and portrays the reoccurring life cycle of seeds and its role in nature. A seed is tiny but can grow in size and quantity.
A smile can also be a powerful seed that can bring joy and happiness.
Seeds can only reap what they carry, so just as there are good seeds, there are also bad seeds.
If you sow good seeds, you’ll reap goodness and kindness.
Whenever I read about seeds, I always think of children. What we instill in them will ensure they grow and develop into someone that’s happy and positive.
This book is delightful, and the illustrations are beautiful and vibrant. Plant a seed this spring and see it blossom. AGE 4-8
THE STARKEEPER
THE STARKEEPER by Faith Pray is a book for everyone. Every morning a little girl wakes up waiting for things to be different in a dark, lonely world.
One day she grew tired of waiting and made an enormous wish that the darkness would go away. She found a star and kept it for herself, but the star did not want to hide. It needed her to help it shine, however, she didn’t know how to help.
She took it to people in fancy houses and shopkeepers, but no one seemed interested, so the star’s glow slowly diminished.
The girl felt like giving up and hiding, but she encountered two more people who also gave up. It was then she shared what she had, her sweater, and a tiny piece of the star.
This act of kindness made the star glow brighter. Soon she was giving pieces of the star to everyone and each tiny piece warmed the world and the darkness slowly disappeared. THE WORLD WAS CHANGING.
THE STARKEEPER is a definite eye-opener and a delight to read. The world may seem gloomy, but we can all be starskeepers bringing light and love into the world. Sometimes you may feel like giving up and keeping your light to yourself, but it is always best to share some with those true truly need it.
The illustrations are vibrant and beyond amazing and capture the entire message in the book. AGE 4-8
THE SEED OF COMPASSION
THE SEED OF COMPASSION by His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivers a valuable lesson in Compassion.
It shows his life as a Buddhist and the many lessons that the monks taught him. No matter how many lessons he learned, he always remembered the seed of compassion that his mother planted in him as a child.
THE DAY YOU BEGIN
THE DAY YOU BEGIN by Jacqueline Woodson is another absolutely beautiful book about diversity, acceptance and inclusivity.
It’s about finding the courage to TELL YOUR STORY and features children in a classroom recapping their fun activities all summer.
It shows how opening up and letting people know who you are can be a beautiful thing. You might look different, talk different or even eat different foods, it’s okay to be YOU. Little Angelina was afraid her summer activities weren’t as extravagant as the other children in her class, so she silenced herself but ultimately found the courage to TELL HER STORY.
Your story is yours alone and it can give you strength and courage to make friends and soon you’ll realize you’re not as different as you thought you were.
This book is an absolute must-have for parents and educators. The illustrations by Rafael López are absolutely breath-taking and vibrant.
WHAT’S YOUR STORY? AGE 4-8
THE COOL BEAN
Jory John and Pete Oswald are back with another gem that is guaranteed to be a household favorite.
THE COOL BEAN features four beans of the same pod. However, over time they grew apart from one bean. The other three beans were super popular and fun to be around, whereas the last bean was shy and timid and not very confident.
He wanted to be cool like them, but no matter how much he tried he just wasn’t cool.
One day the three beans showed him that being cool isn’t about how you look or how popular you are, it is about the things you do to help people. Like having someone’s back and looking out for them when they need it the most.
THE COOL BEAN is a mixture of funny and witty, with a great message that’s relevant and necessary. The illustrations are beyond amazing and always captures the essence of the entire book. AGE: 4-6
SOUL PRETTY
SOUL PRETTY by Linda Giacomino is such a beautiful book that every home should have. We love motivational books and this new release did not disappoint.
It features a cheerful girl leaving her home for a bike ride through her neighborhood.
She can follow a path that leads to DOUBT, SORROW or DISLIKE, but she takes the path full of LOVE, HAPPINESS and HOPE.
Each page in this book describes some life virtues that not only children can apply to their daily affirmations but also adults.
SOUL PRETTY is extremely empowering and informative and Paula Romani’s vibrant and splendid illustrations help to make this inspirational book a dream to read. AGE: 4-8
BE KIND
What is kindness? How do you explain kindness to a child?
BE KIND by Pat Zietlow Miller, portrays kindness through the eyes of a girl trying to figure out what it means to be kind. Her friend Tanisha spilled grape juice on herself so she’s trying to cheer her up.
She knows she has to be kind, but what does she have to do to show kindness? Throughout the book she wonders and realizes it starts with simple things such as saying thank you or helping others.
Jen Hill’s illustrations are amazing and everyone will love this book because it’s relevant and totally relatable. It starts with the smallest child and can make a big difference in the world. AGE 4-8
WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART
What do you give when you think you have nothing to give? You give from your heart! This new and final release by the late Patricia C. McKissack features a Mother who has lost her husband, their farm and everything they owned.
In WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART, she teaches her young son the importance of STILL giving even though they don’t have a lot and that giving from the heart reaches the heart.
Valentine’s Day is approaching and young Otis is contemplating what to give his friend Sarah, whose family lost everything in a fire. He and his mother gave with their hearts and unexpectedly received a blessing in the end.
Though released around Valentine’s, it’s the perfect Thanksgiving book because it speaks to so many selfless people who give wholeheartedly around this time.
It is extremely inspirational and full of love and support and absolutely relatable to many families. It just melts your heart. Omg, the illustrations by April Harrison are just breathtakingly amazing and heartwarming. (AGE 5-12)
STRICTLY NO ELEPHANTS
STRICTLY NO ELEPHANTS by Lisa Mantchev is one of my favorite picture books ever. It’s about a boy and his little pet elephant.
They just wanted to be welcomed into the neighborhood’s Pet Club, but they were denied entry.
Feeling dismayed, the boy discovered that they weren’t the only ones who weren’t welcomed, so he decided to start a new pet club where ALL animals are welcome.
I love the concept of this book so much, and children will love the beautiful and vibrant illustrations by Taeeun Yoo. Children should learn that they’re not always going to fit in or be welcomed to the club, but it shouldn’t discourage them…JUST CREATE YOUR OWN CLUB. (AGE 2-4)
THE BIG UMBRELLA
THE BIG UMBRELLA by Amy June and Juniper Bates is an amazing book about a big umbrella that wants to shelter everyone from the rain. It doesn’t matter who you are, all are welcome under the big umbrella and he’s happy.
It sends a powerful message about support, shelter, love, friendship and hope.
In the book it starts off with one person and as more people go under the umbrella, it gets bigger and smiles wider.
This is one of the most important messages to share with children; the benefits of helping people and genuinely being supportive. IT ONLY TAKES ONE PERSON. I would recommend this for any age. (AGE 2-4)
