Category Archives: books

Why Did You Leave Us by Misty Woodard Hardison

Benson is a very happy boy who enjoys spending time with his grandparents. He learns that in life we sometimes lose the people we love. He also learns that his grandparents will always be close to his heart by cherishing the memories they shared in the past. Talking to children about the loss of loved ones can be a sensitive topic to address. Why Did You Leave Us, We Loved You So? helps children understand that death is a natural complement to life. This book explores the meaning of life, death and heaven, as well as how to stay close in spirit with grandparents who have died.

What’s the Big Idea? by Joan LoPresti and Bob Danner

Wouldn’t it be fun to read a book about how kids think using retro-like illustrations? What’s the big idea? is meant to get young children thinking about where ideas come from and how we learn to place value on them. Each page is composed of opposite thoughts/ actions that are very relatable to the actual lives of children. The illustrations are multicultural and the photo realistic settings are varied to help the reader identify with each situation. For added fun, key words in the text graphically represent what they mean. In addition, there’s a guide for parents and teachers with extended enriching activities.

We are Duckies by Min Kim

This book is about a little girl, Duk-Hee, who immigrates to the U.S. with her family. Based on her own life, the author shares a typical experience of an English language learner by describing throughout the pages what Duk-Hee perceives, feels, and thinks as she gets adjusted to her new surroundings. At first, Duk-Hee feels anxiety and fear, but eventually she overcomes her linguistic and cultural barriers thanks to her teacher, parents, and, most of all, two wonderful girls in her class. Paperback

Thomas Learns a Lesson by Sonya Petrie and Tonya Adams

Meet Thomas, a turkey who enjoys playing pranks on the children and animals that live on the farm. Thomas thinks his pranks are hilarious. He does not realize how hurtful these pranks can be until the animals decide to play a trick on him. Thomas’ story will teach children that although words or actions may be funny to them, they can cause pain to others. “Thomas Learns a Lesson” delivers an important message to young readers about how bullying can affect people in many ways. Paperback