Good Reads Youth

The Most Important Thing

By Antonella Abbatiello
JP Abbatiello, Antonella

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An important message of unity delivered in the form of an engaging timeless fable. Told with charming humor and large fold-out pages, The Most Important Thing introduces the concept of accepting differences to the youngest of readers.

The animals of the forest have assembled to discuss what is the most important thing: is it to have a trunk like an elephant, quills like a porcupine, or a long neck like a giraffe? Naturally, every animal is convinced that its particular trait is the most important one and that everyone should have it. But when the large gatefold pages open they show all the animals with the quills of a porcupine, the long neck of a giraffe, or the trunk of the elephant, and everyone sees that it cannot possibly be right. At last, the wise owl speaks up and helps them understand that the true value lies precisely in their collective 'diversity'. It is that which makes them all unique and essential to harmonious life in the forest. The Most Important Thing received a UNESCO honorable mention for peace and collaboration.

How Do You Love? The Five Ways We Show We Care

By Kellie Byrnes
JP Byrnes, Kellie

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Love is shown in many ways. When we look closely, we see it everyday! Love is a constant in all of our lives, but how we express that love differs person to person! This warm picture book shows children and adults expressing love in many different ways through respectful touch, nice gestures, thoughtful gifts, kind words, and special times together. Reading together at bedtime? That's special time together. Giving a friend your cape to wear? That's a thoughtful gift. Saving your friend a seat on the bus? That's a nice gesture. A great big bear hug? That's respectful touch. Telling someone, "You've really improved!" Those are kind words With friendly art, How Do You Love? will warm hearts and open up minds. Young readers will begin to recognize how we each express our love differently--and that's okay!

I Love You More Than Ice Cream

By Becky Davies
JP Davies, Becky

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In this funny bedtime book, celebrate the love between a child and her family as she is tucked in each night with smiles, hugs--and plenty of humorous comparisons to unicorns, chocolate, doughnuts, and dinosaurs! It's time for bed, but this lucky young girl has a very special and different way to do it every night! Mommy tucks her in and says she loves her more than unicorns, chocolate fountains, doughnuts, and Ferris wheels shaped like pizzas. Grandpa loves her more than friendly aliens, and the little girl loves her grandpa more than dinosaurs in ballroom gowns on Mars. And Daddy loves her more than rainbow capes and castles made of flowers. A sweet, funny book to share with a little one at bedtime!

Crowbar: The Smartest Bird in the World

By Jean Craighead George
JP George, Jean Craighead

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A funny and amazing story based on a real-life crow from renowned naturalist and Newbery Medal-winning author Jean Craighead George, with illustrations from long-time collaborator Wendell Minor. Twig George and T. Luke George have provided up-to-date research for this stunning picture book by their mother.

A young boy finds a baby crow abandoned, cold and hungry. He takes him home, hoping to nurse him back to health. His Grandpa disapproves--he thinks that crows are pests and thieves! The boy knows that the crow he names "Crowbar" is capable of learning more than how to eat, caw, and fly. But can he prove it?

As Crowbar grows, the boy teaches him how to speak and Crowbar teaches the boy just how clever crows can be. With his innate intelligence, Crowbar will show he is smarter than anyone could imagine.

This beautiful new picture book from the author of My Side of the Mountain, Julie of the Wolves, and many other beloved books will be welcomed by young naturalists.

God's Coming to Visit!

By Franz Hubner
JP Hubner, Franz

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The news spreads like lightning: God's coming to visit! All the animals want to do something to impress God. But what could possibly be special enough? And when will God arrive?

With sensitivity and humor, this story explores the nature of God's presence and love, affirming that although God may not appear in the ways we expect, we can always be certain that God is with us.

How Did Humans Go Extinct?

By Johnny Marciano
JP Marciano, Johnny

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Let's learn about the most mystifying species to ever walk the Earth!

Plib is like every other Nøørfbløøk kid on Earth, except for one thing.

He loves humans--those horrible, terrifying monsters who dominated the planet ten million years ago.

Only one thing about the humans bothers Plib. What happened to them all? Did they turn the planet into an uninhabitable wasteland? Or did they turn on each other? Or did the humans die out because of something else they did--or didn't--do?

Find the answer in How Did Humans Go Extinct?

When I'm With You

By Pat Zietlow Miller
JP Miller, pat Zietlow

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There's something that I've noticed. Perhaps you've seen it, too. Life is so much better when it's me and you. From the time we are young, we are drawn to special people-the ones who complete our sentences and who know our favorite color, food, and song. The people who understand us and make us happier than anyone else in the world. After all, no matter how much time passes or how many miles tug us apart, there is no one quite like a best friend. From New York Times bestselling creators Pat Zietlow Miller and Eliza Wheeler, this jubilant celebration of friendship and the adventures of childhood will make your heart sing.

The Runaway Pea: Washed Away

By Kjartan Poskitt
JP Poskitt, Kjartan

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This silly and quirky kitchen escape about a rebellious pea's trip down the drain shows what can happen when you take your eyes off your food--perfect for fans of Sue Hendra, Paul Linnet, and Jory John! The Runaway Pea is off the plate again...and this time he's bounced right down the drain! It's cold and dark, but he's not the type who gets grum-pea. Instead, the Runaway Pea is having an amazing time splashing and sliding toward the sewer and making new acquaintances along the way! But are Duck, Fish, and Frog looking for a new friend? Or for a little green snack?

My Pet Goldfish

By Catherine Rayner
JP Rayner, Catherine

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Follow Richard the growing goldfish from an indoor tank to an outdoor pond in a story filled with gorgeous multilayered illustrations and sprinkled with fascinating facts. When I was four, I got my first pet: a fish no bigger than my hand, with red and orange scales. My very own goldfish! In his big tank in the kitchen, Richard the goldfish quickly bonds with--and even learns to recognize--his human companion, who tells him all about his day after school. A visiting friend, Sandy, shares some cool fish facts: Did you know that goldfish nap with their eyes open--because they don't have eyelids? Or that they can let you know they're hungry by swimming up and blowing bubbles? Sandy has a backyard pond filled with goldfish of all shapes and jewel-like colors, some much bigger (and older) than his friend's new pet. What might Richard's own future hold? Drawn in by the expressive illustrations and child-friendly tone, readers will emerge with a new appreciation for the beauty and personality of these classic pets. Kids inspired to care for a goldfish of their own will find a list of things they will need in the back matter.

Mermaid Kenzie: Protector of the Deeps

By Charlotte Watson Sherman
JP Sherman, Charlotte

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Kenzie turns her fierce love for the ocean into action, resourcefully cleaning up the beach after her mermaid-tail swimsuit tangles in floating plastic bags. When Kenzie slips on her mermaid tail, she becomes Mermaid Kenzie, protector of the deeps. One day as Kenzie snorkels around a shipwreck, she discovers more plastic bags than fish. Grabbing her spear and mermaid net, she begins to clean up the water and the shore--inspiring other kids to help. Beautifully written in African American Vernacular English, this poetic picture book includes back matter with information about how plastic winds up in our oceans and examples of people--some of them kids, like Kenzie--who have worked to protect the sea. Mermaid Kenzie celebrates the ways that all of us, no matter how small, can make a difference.

A Walk in the Words

By Hudson Talbott
JP Talbott, Hudson

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Hudson shows us the beauty and magic that can come from taking our time. When Hudson Talbott was a little boy, he loved drawing, and it came naturally to him. But reading? No way! One at a time, words weren't a problem, but long sentences were a struggle. As his friends moved on to thicker books, he kept his slow reading a secret. But that got harder every year. He felt alone, lost, and afraid in a world of too many words. Fortunately, his love of stories wouldn't let him give up. He started giving himself permission to read at his own pace, using the words he knew as stepping-stones to help draw him into a story. And he found he wasn't so alone--in fact, lots of brilliant people were slow readers, too. Learning to accept the fact that everyone does things in their own unique way, and that was okay, freed him up and ultimately helped Hudson thrive and become the fabulous storyteller he is today.

Hat Cat

By Troy Wilson
JP Wilson, Troy

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When Hat the cat's doting human friend doesn't come home for a while, will a young visitor offer the lonely kitty a taste of freedom? A gentle, touching story for cat lovers of all ages. Ever since the old man found a little kitten under his hat, the two have been the best of friends. There are always plenty of kitty rubs and food and talk to go around. Every day, Hat watches as the old man goes outside to sit and feed the squirrels with nuts he places on top of his hat. But Hat the cat is not allowed to join him. What if Hat ran away, or chased the squirrels--or worse? Then the old man leaves and does not come back the next day, or the one after that. When people come by to take care of Hat until the old man returns, will one little girl give Hat the chance he's been hoping for? Troy Wilson's tender prose, along with Eve Coy's charmingly detailed illustrations, brings readers a sweet story about companionship, love, and trust.

The New Friend

By Charlotte Zolotow
JP Zolotow, Charlotte

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A poignant evocation of childhood pain and jealousy at the desertion of a best friend, with a message of optimism and empowerment A child reminisces about the many moments of joy and playfulness he used to share with his dear old companion, who has, sadly, made a new friend. Although he is sad, he finds the strength to keep his head high and sets out to find a new playmate.

King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Library Book

By Dori Hillestad Butler
JE Butler, Dori Hillestad

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Kayla needs to return her library books so that she can check out new ones. But she can't find one of them. Where could it be? Can King and Kayla's friend Jillian help?

Cornbread & Poppy

By Matthew Cordell
JE Cordell, Matthew

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Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell debuts his first early reader series about two best friends who are as different from each other as can be. Cornbread LOVES planning. Poppy does not. Cornbread ADORES preparing. Poppy does not. Cornbread IS ready for winter. Poppy...is not. But Cornbread and Poppy are the best of friends, so when Poppy is left without any food for the long winter, Cornbread volunteers to help her out. Their search leads them up, up, up Holler Mountain, where these mice might find a new friend...and an old one. Celebrating both partnership and the value of what makes us individuals, young readers will find this classic odd-couple irresistible as they encounter relatable issues with humor and heart.

Parker Dresses Up

By Parker Curry
JE Curry, Parker

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The New York Times bestselling team behind Parker Looks Up returns with this Level 1 Ready-to-Read about the fun of dressing up and dreaming big! Parker is playing dress up with her younger siblings, Ava and Cash. With each costume, Parker imagines what her life would be like if she were a doctor, a princess, or even a princess doctor. Because Parker knows that she doesn't need to limit herself to being one thing. The sky's the limit!

Vivi Loves Science: Sink or Float

By Kimberly Derting
JE Derting, Kimberly

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Vivi and her classmates take a field trip to the beach to study tide pools. With help from her teacher and a park ranger, Vivi and her friends make aquascopes, participate in a marine-inspired scavenger hunt, and learn about different species that call the ocean home.
At the end of their trip, there's one more surprise for Vivi!

Hello Ninja. Goodbye Tooth!

By N. D. Wilson
JE Hello Ninja

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 Wes's first tooth just came out--and now he's lost it outside! The only way he and his best friend Georgie can find the tooth is if they imagine they're both ninjas. But a sneaky bird stands in their way!

You are Awesome!

By Susann Hoffman
JE Hoffman, Susann

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An empowering picture book that celebrates the idea that all children can be anything they choose! There are so many ways for kids to be awesome. They can be smart, kind, bold, funny, and so many other things too! With sweet, simple text and bold illustrations, this book showcases just that notion, and delivers a powerful message directly to the reader: You can be anything you want to be! An inclusive and uplifting picture book that celebrates the potential in all of us.

Busy Street

By Edward Miller
JE Miller, Edward

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On a busy street in a busy town, cars and trucks go zipping 'round. Buses, trains-watch them go! How many vehicles do YOU know? Buckle up and join Mommy and Bonnie on their drive as they encounter more than 20 types of vehicles! From garbage trucks and school buses to fire engines and police cars, working vehicles can be spotted all over town-and each plays an important role.

It's Better Being a Bunny

By Marilyn Sadler
JE Sadler, Marilyn

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Funnybunny is back and more lovable than ever in this sweet, funny sequel. P.J. Funnybunny is not having a good day. His mom won't let him eat ice cream for breakfast. She won't let him hang upside down from a tree. She won't even let him watch a scary movie! P.J. visits Potts Pig, whose mom lets them do all those things. But when he gets a stomachache and has a bad dream, P.J. Funnybunny realizes that--while it's fun to be a pig--it's better being a bunny!

Hog on a Log

By Janee Trasler
JE Trasler, Janee

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Frog, Dog, and Pig find ways to share, in this rhyming laugh-out-loud series perfect for beginning readers!

 

Outlaws

By Jen Calonita
J Calonita, Jen

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Book two in the hilarious Royal Academy Rebels series by award-winning author, Jen Calonita! The mixed-up fairytale fun continues as Devin and her friends contend with their banishment from Royal Academy and come up with a plan to take down the evil Headmistress Olivina. Things are not looking great for Princess Devin Nile. In the past 24 hours, she and her four best friends have gotten kicked out of school, banished to the Hollow Woods, and declared as outlaws. (That's what happens when you accuse the Headmistress of Royal Academy of being in league with villains.) But Devin's not about to go down without a fight. Step one? Find the famous Red Riding Hood and her vigilante friends for backup. Step two? Come up with a plan to expose the truth about Headmistress Olivina to all of Enchantasia...or risk their homeland falling under villainous rule. No pressure, right?

The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish

By Karina Yan Glaser
J Glaser, Karina Yan

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It's summer on 141st Street, and Isa, Jessie, Oliver, Hyacinth, and Laney can't wait for camping trips, bike rides, and all the fun summer has to offer. Most of all, they're looking forward to Papa's surprise fortieth birthday party, which they've been planning for months. But when Papa must leave town suddenly to help his best friend, trouble in theform of their distant grandparents shows up on their doorstep. Not only must the Vanderbeekers face the disappointment of ruined plans, but they have more than one family secret to solve if they are going to give Papa the special birthday he deserves. Witness the power of family history and family love in this funny, poignant addition to a series the New York Times Book Review hails as "delightful and heartwarming."