Children's Library Lady

Great picture books for back to school.

Back To School Picture Books - Stop Motion Animation 📚 This video recommends picture books for back to school time to establish a positive classroom culture.Picture books inspire creativity, teach empathy, and...

Climb to new heights with "After the Fall" by Dan Santat, a fresh retelling of the classic Humpty Dumpty story told from the egg's perspective.

This modern spin champions adaptability, perseverance, resilience, and the power of a growth mindset and inspires your students to conquer their fears.

Humpty Dumpty bravely faces his fear of heights, teaching us about courage, overcoming adversity, and the importance of self-esteem. His perseverance and resilience paint an inspiring picture of the triumph of determination over fear. 🥚

"After the Fall" promotes discussions around character traits, perspectives, and a growth mindset. It encourages students to understand and embrace their fears, foster adaptability, and celebrate resilience.

Dive into the world of "Ada Twist, Scientist," a journey of curiosity, creativity, and scientific exploration.

With her insatiable desire to understand how the world works, Ada invites us to join her on an exciting voyage of hypotheses, experiments, and discoveries.

"Ada Twist, Scientist" serves as a platform to discuss themes such as character traits, the art of asking questions, problem-solving, fostering curiosity, enthusiasm, initiating inquiry, knowledge accumulation, and encouraging creative thinking. 🧪🌍

We strive to inspire our students to become lifelong learners, just like Ada. This book ignites that flame of curiosity, leading to a classroom full of enthusiastic, knowledge-seeking young scientists.

The High Line: A Park to Look Up by Victoria Tentler-Krylov
A group of New York neighbours got together to see what they could do with the derelict elevated train line running through their community. With the city's help, they transformed the tracks into a must-see urban green space. The New York High Line inspired cities worldwide to transform derelict tracks into green community spaces.

Read The High Line to promote discussions on:
- pollution
- change
- activism
- community
- collaboration
- innovation
- nature

Author & Illustrator: Victoria Tentler-Krylov
Publisher: Abrams Books

Dive into the enchanting world of "A Story About Afiya" written by the late Coretta Scott King Book Award-winning Jamaican poet James Berry.

Afiya wears her white dress every day, capturing memories of her surroundings, be it sunflowers, fish, butterflies, or tigers.

The dress is washed clean every night, ready for a new day of adventure and memories.

As Afiya's dress comes alive with her daily experiences, students can learn to visualize and sequence events, connect with Afiya's experiences, and appreciate the poetic voice of James Berry.

Celebrate summer from an Australian perspective. Compare and contrast the summer events with how you celebrate the hottest season.

Read Summer Time to promote discussions on:
- summer
- descriptive language
- memories
- comparing and contrasting

What do you do every summer?

Author: Antonia Pesenti
Illustrator: Hilary Bell
Publisher: NewSouth Publishing

"A Stone for Sascha" by Aaron Becker is about a girl grieving the loss of her beloved dog, Sascha, and resonates with emotions of grief, resilience, and compassion.

On a family holiday, the girl finds a golden stone in the ocean. She brings it home, marking Sascha's grave and turns her grief into a beautiful tribute.

"A Stone for Sascha" address topics like grief and resilience. It provides an opportunity to promote self-reflection, understand cause and effect, and encourage compassion in your students.

This wordless narrative also creates a powerful platform to practice literacy skills, such as making connections, inferring, understanding point of view, sequencing events, retelling the story, and summarizing.

Embark on a heartwarming journey with "A Map into the World" by Kao Kalia Yang. It's the story of Paj Ntaub, a young Hmong girl who teaches us valuable lessons on compassion and the power of kindness.

In this tale, Paj Ntaub connects with her elderly neighbors, Ruth and Bob. After Ruth's passing, Paj Ntaub's touching gesture of drawing a map for Bob in his driveway shows how even the smallest acts of kindness can provide comfort and support in times of need. 📚🌟

The book offers a platform to discuss the magic of intergenerational relationships and the timeless values of kindness and compassion.

Let's continue inspiring our students to map their paths of kindness and compassion

"A Shelter for Sadness" by Anne Booth is a poetic exploration of a young boy's journey to understand and accept his emotions.

Inspired by the writings of Etty Hillesum, a Jewish woman and Holocaust victim, this book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

The boy constructs a safe haven for his sadness - a place where he can talk, cry, or just be silent. It's a metaphor for self-management, teaching our young learners the importance of acknowledging and dealing with their emotions.

Teachers play a crucial role in equipping our students with emotional intelligence skills. Read this book to create safe spaces for your students, empowering them to understand and manage their emotions.

"A Day's Work" by Eve Bunting is a tale of hard work, honesty, and the importance of maintaining integrity. Is there a better way to instill these timeless values in our students?

Follow along as Francisco and his grandfather navigate through a well-intentioned yet misguided decision, providing a thoughtful context to discuss responsible decision-making.

They demonstrate hard work and integrity, returning to correct their mistake before collecting their wages.

As teachers, we understand the power of stories in molding the character of our students. "A Day's Work" guides children towards ethical behavior and instills the courage to rectify our mistakes.

A Home for Gully" by Jo Clegg introduces us to Gully, whose home gets swept away every morning, and his newfound friend, Fetch the dog. It's a story about resilience, perseverance, and friendship.

This story is an excellent platform to discuss the challenging topic of homelessness with sensitivity and empathy. With Fetch's aid, Gully's persistent search for a new home opens up opportunities to highlight the importance of relationship skills.

The book helps cultivate empathy, understanding, and resilience in our students. It helps them understand the different circumstances people (and creatures) might be living in and promotes the trait of perseverance.

Dance your way into a captivating tale of ambition, inspiration, and perseverance with "A Dance Like Starlight" by Kristy Dempsey.

This touching narrative, set against the backdrop of Harlem, brings to life the story of a young girl profoundly inspired by Janet Collins - the first African-American prima ballerina.

Dempsey's tale encapsulates the spirit of determination and overcoming adversity, making it perfect for introducing your students to these essential life skills.

The book's premise also provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the significance of representation and achieving dreams against all odds.

"A Chair for My Mother" is a heartwarming tale by Vera B. Williams that illuminates the enduring power of love, family, and community even in the toughest times.

This story of Rosa, her mother, and her grandmother, who lose their home to a devastating fire, gives us a glimpse into the world of poverty, showcasing the importance of saving money and the invaluable impact of community kindness and generosity.

Use this book to inspire your students toward responsible decision-making and teach them about the power of perseverance, even in the face of adversity.

A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon
Camilla Cream loves lima beans but dares not to eat them, fearing what her friends might think.

Camilla's journey takes an unexpected turn when she transforms into what others perceive her to be, creating a metaphor to discuss concepts of balance, self-esteem, and the impacts of peer pressure with your students.

Whether you want to delve into character traits, tackle the difficult topic of bullying, or introduce a growth mindset, this book has got you covered.

Explore a wonderful collection of diverse books about mothers, mums, mommies, step-mums, mammas, majis, okaasans, muters, etc. They represent a variety of cultures and backgrounds, and they will inspire discussion and reflection in your classroom.

Click on the link in the bio - visit childrenslibrarylady.com and search for 'Mothers'.

What are your favourite books about mums, moms, mamas, ahms, mutters or Okaasana? Share in the comments. ⤵

A Chair For My Mother
Come On, Rain!
Deep In The Sahara
Don't Forget
Dragon Loves Penguin
Flower Garden
Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild!
It's a No-Money Day
Koala Lou
Love Is Powerful Candlewick
Mama's Saris
Missing Mummy
Mommy's Khimar
Saturday
Sulwe
Superhero Mom
Ten Cents a Pound
The Big Big Sea
The Ugly Vegetables
Again!
Eyes That Kiss in the Corner
Heckedy Peg
The Journey
The Magic Doll
Milo Imagines the World
A Mother is a House .petit.dessine
Pea Pod Lullaby
Pecan Pie Baby
See You Soon
Vanishing Colors .l.oen
You're Snug With Me
Your Name Is a Song

   

In Gianni Rodari's "Telling Stories Wrong", a Grandpa tells his version of the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood, but with his own twists and turns.

As he improvises and adds new elements to the story, he creates a unique and entertaining experience for his granddaughter.

Through "Telling Stories Wrong," and Beatrice Alemagna's illustrations, we can explore the art of storytelling, improvisation, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. 🤗🌟

Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to check out the link in my bio for more inspiring children's books! ⤵️

"Stolen Words" by Melanie Florence explores the dark history of Canada's residential school system and its impact on Indigenous people.

Told through the eyes of a young Cree girl who helps her grandfather heal from the pain of having his language taken away from him. Stolen Words shows the resilience and determination of Indigenous Canadians to reclaim their cultural heritage and heal from the trauma of the past.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to check out the link in my bio for more inspiring children's books! ⤵️

Author: Melanie Florence
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard
Publisher: Second Story Press

"Some Days" by María Wernicke explores complex emotions in a gentle and reassuring way.

A young girl tells her mother about a secret passageway in their yard that makes her feel safe and happy, and where she can be with someone she misses. But the passage only appears sometimes, leaving the girl feeling lost and alone.

Through the loving support of her mother, the girl learns to cope with her emotions and finds ways to hold onto the feeling of safety and peace, even when the passageway is gone. 💗

Share your own experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and check out the link in my bio for more inspiring children's books! ⤵️

Author & Illustrator: María Wernicke
Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids

Join the creative journey of a young girl as she transforms her ideas into a beautiful bird in How to Make a Bird by Meg McKinlay.

The story encourages patience, STEM concepts, and the power of imagination. See how letting go of our creations can bring a sense of fulfillment and freedom.

Author: Meg McKinlay
Illustrator: Matt Ottley
Publisher: Walker

🎵🌎 Playing at the Border is a children's book about the transformative power of music and the importance of building bridges.

This biography tells the story of world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his mission to use music to connect people across borders and cultures. 🌟

Through his talent and dedication, Yo-Yo Ma has become a symbol of peace, social justice, open-mindedness, and community. He shows us that music has the power to break down walls and bring people together, no matter where they come from. 🌎🙌🏽

Playing at the Border promotes discussions on these important themes and inspires young readers to use their own passions and talents to make a difference in the world. 💪🏼🎶

Author: Joanna Ho
Illustrator: Teresa Martinez
Publisher: HarperCollins

No Longer Alone by Joseph Coelho is told from the perspective of a shy and quiet little girl and explores sadness and loss and how talking to her dad makes her feel less alone.

The book illustrates the importance of being true to ourselves, even when it's hard, and the comfort that family can provide when we're struggling.

No Longer Alone reminds us that hope and love can help us through even the toughest times.

Author: Joseph Coelho
Illustrator: Robyn Owen Wilson
Publisher: Egmont

When Paloma visits her family in Trinidad, she feels like she doesn't quite fit in. But her aunt, Tante Janet, has a story to share with her - a story about warrior queens, talking drums, and the journey of Paloma's family from Africa to the Caribbean.

Through Tante Janet's storytelling, Paloma learns about her ancestors' struggles during colonization and slavery and the vibrant and successful community they built despite it all.

Our Story Starts in Africa by Patrice Lawrence celebrates the resilience and strength of African and Caribbean heritage and the importance of knowing and valuing our roots.

Author: Patrice Lawrence
Illustrator: Jeanetta Gonzales
Publisher: Magic Cat

Night Windows by Aart Jan Venema explores the challenges of moving to a new city and the importance of human connection.

The story follows a young boy from the countryside who feels alone and homesick in his new city. He spends his nights staring out of his window, observing the lives of his neighbours, and slowly begins to form connections with them.

The boy's journey from feeling lost and alone to forming meaningful relationships with his neighbours reminds us that we can all become part of a community wherever we are.

Author & Illustrator: Aart Jan Venema
Publisher: Cicada Books

🍫🦕 "Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs" by Mo Willems is a retelling of the classic fairytale. Three mischievous dinosaurs set a trap for Goldilocks by leaving out a bowl of chocolate pudding to lure her into their home. But Goldilocks quickly realizes something isn't right and outsmarts the dinosaurs, making a lucky escape.

This parody encourages creativity and critical thinking by challenging readers to spot the similarities and differences between this version and the classic story. It also teaches children the importance of being cautious and not trusting strangers, even when they seem friendly and welcoming. 📚🦖

Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems
Publisher: Walker

Don't Ask the Dragon by Lemn Sissay is about Alem, who is searching for a place to celebrate his birthday and call home. On his quest, he asks many creatures for their opinion, but everyone warns him not to ask the dragon, who they say will eat him. But Alem is curious and decides to find out for himself. To his surprise, the dragon leads him to a place called "I don't know", where he finally feels at home.

This book reminds us of the power of curiosity and the importance of finding our place in the world. It encourages us to be open-minded and not judge others based on rumours and gossip.

Read with your students to help them embrace their uniqueness and individuality. 🐉💭

Author: Lemn Sissay
Illustrator: Greg Stobbs
Publisher: Canongate

Embark on a journey of hope, resilience, and friendship with "Boundless Sky" by Amanda Addison. Leila, a refugee, migrates from Africa to England, and Bird migrates from Alfie's English garden to Africa.

As Bird returns to England, he stops at his friend Leila's house for water. He continues his journey home when she is not there and discovers Leila has moved next door to Alfie. This chance encounter leads to a beautiful friendship that transcends borders and cultures, bringing joy and hope to both Leila and Alfie.

Boundless Sky sparks discussions about immigration, migration, and making connections. It teaches children the importance of empathy, compassion, and reaching out to others who may be different from us. It's a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in someone's life, no matter how small the gesture may seem.

Author: Amanda Addison
Illustrator: Manuela Adreani
Publisher: Lantana

When Piggy meets a wild pig, he discovers another way to be, showing him the importance of making the right choices for himself, even if it means leaving Thomas behind. Beyond the fence, Piggy finally expresses his true self and experiences true freedom for the first time.

Beyond the Fence will inspire your students to embrace their true selves, explore the world, and make choices that feel right for them. The book will spark discussions about individuality, self-expression, self-discovery, freedom, the power of making choices and standing up for our beliefs.

Author & Illustrator: Maria Gulemetova
Publisher: Child's Play

Meet Aria, a 12-year-old Afghani schoolgirl whose determination and resourcefulness inspire us all. After a tragic accident left her with a prosthetic leg, Aria was eager to return to school but worried about sitting on the hard floor all day.

In the past, schools like hers had benches for students to sit at, so Aria decided to take matters into her own hands and make one for herself. Her initiative and creativity showcase her strength and willingness to challenge traditional gender roles in Afghanistan.

"A Sky-Blue Bench" by Bahram Rahman is a tale of resilience, courage, and determination that reminds us of the importance of education and the obstacles we must overcome to pursue it.

Celebrate Aria's strength and show the impact one person's actions can have on their community.

Author: Bahram Rahman
Illustrator: Peggy Collins
Publisher: Pajama Press