Birthdays in Many Cultures (Life Around The World)

From homes and clothes to school and family, life is different all around the world. Culture makes us who we are. Grass-roofed huts, blue jeans, and ceremonial clothing are all a part of culture. Each striking photograph is accompanied by a world map that shows where it was taken.

Me, Frida

Artist Frida Kahlo finds her own voice and style when her famous husband, Diego Rivera, is commissioned to paint a mural in San Francisco, California, in the 1930s and she finds herself exploring the city on her own.

Cuddle Up, Goodnight

This sweetly reassuring bedtime story portrays the daily routines a little boy shares with his animal friends. Playful illustrations show just how much fun getting dressed, going to school, and getting ready for bed can be when you spend the day with friends. Told with gentle humor and repetition, Cuddle Up, Goodnight is a perfect book to share at the end of a busy day.

I’m Me!

Little Imogen doesn’t want to play princess or pirate! Why pretend? Being herself is the most fun of all! The story of a girl who knows who she is: “I’m Me!” Grown-ups! Always telling kids what to do, how to act, and who to be! Imogen is excited to spend the day with her Auntie Sara, but which dress-up game does she want to play? Who is Imogen today? Is she a frilly princess in a poufy gown? A knight in shining armor, taming a flying dragon? An astronaut blasting off into space? “No, no, no!” Imogen sings, with a shake of her pigtails. She doesn’t want to be any of those things! “Well,” Auntie Sara asks, “if you’re not a princess or a knight or an astronaut, who are you?” “I’m me!” Imogen declares. And that’s the best role of all.

Huck Runs Amuck!

Meet Huck. He loves flowers. FLOWERS, FLOWERS, FLOWERS. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get a mouthful: climb the highest mountain, walk a tightrope, even defy speeding trains! It’s true, he can’t resist! But when his mad dash up a church spire is mistaken for a heroic attempt to save Mrs. Spooner’s flowery hat (rather than a determined effort to eat it), Huck has a crisis of conscience. Can anything deter this goat from his gastronomical bliss? For fans of Skippyjon Jonesand Click, Clack, Moocomes an all-purpose, year-round kid-pleaser that will have kids shouting, laughing, and clapping along. This goofy goat also advocates a subtle lesson in setting aside your own desires for the greater good of others. With a heart to rival his appetite (and that’s a BIG appetite!), Huck is not to be missed.

Slightly Invisible

When Charlie insists that his little sister, Lola, leave him and his friend Marv alone to play, she agrees but soon she and her invisible friend, Soren Lorensen, must come to the boys’ rescue.

The Bear Who Shared

Norris the bear has been waiting patiently for the last ripe fruit to fall from the tree. But Tulip the raccoon and Violet the mouse have too, although maybe not so patiently. In fact, Tulip and Violet sniff, listen to, and even hug the fruit. Norris catches the fruit when it finally falls, and because he is a wise bear, he shares it and makes two new friends. A lovely simplicity of language and gorgeous artwork make this story of one of life’s first lessons perfect for the youngest listeners.