Picture Book

Avocado Magic

Ellie finds herself disappointed when she wakes up on her birthday and realizes she hasn’t grown taller overnight. However, her father shares a comforting secret with her: just like the small but magical avocado pit, Ellie is full of potential and growth.

Together, Ellie and her father plant an avocado seed by the window and patiently watch as both Ellie and the avocado plant begin to flourish. As they nurture the plant, Ellie learns valuable lessons about patience, perseverance, and the wonders of nature.

Inspired by the childhood experiences of Israeli artist and writer, Taltal Levi, this story captures the universal magic of growth and transformation. Included with the story are instructions for growing your own avocado tree, inviting readers to embark on their own journey of discovery and growth alongside Ellie.

The Secret Elephant: Inspired By A True Story Of Friendship

Amidst the antics of monkeys and the presence of lions and giraffes, a looming war casts a shadow over the once-bustling zoo. As visitors dwindle and fear pervades the air, most animals seek solace with their companions, leaving one baby elephant alone and vulnerable. Amidst the chaos of bombs and uncertainty, the elephant’s keeper remains a steadfast presence, offering comfort and companionship.

When the situation becomes untenable, the keeper makes a bold decision to bring the elephant home, forging an unbreakable bond between them. Despite the challenges of concealing such a large creature, their friendship endures, even when wartime pressures demand the elephant’s return to the zoo. Undeterred by separation, the keeper stands by her friend’s side, finding solace amidst the chaos of conflict.

Inspired by a poignant true story from the Belfast Zoo during World War II, this book resonates with the spirit of resilience and empathy, reminiscent of beloved tales like “The One and Only Ivan” and the acclaimed documentary “The Elephant Whisperer.”

Say Hello!

Carmelita loves her vibrant neighborhood, where cultural diversity thrives. With a cheerful glee, she greets the array of people in her community. From Spanish to English, French to Japanese, Carmelita exchanges hellos in numerous languages, embracing the multicultural tapestry around her. Even her faithful companion, Manny the dog, joins in with his enthusiastic “Woof!” that seems to transcend language barriers.

Rachel Isadora, renowned for her Caldecott Honor-winning works, creates captivating collages that depict Carmelita’s world with whimsical charm. Each detail, from colorful storefronts to fluttering pigeons and the enticing ice cream truck, invites exploration. Through Carmelita’s adventures, Isadora celebrates the kaleidoscope of cultures found in American neighborhoods, offering a delightful introduction to the beauty of language and the joy of diversity.

La Mala Suerte Is Following Me

In this fun picture book adventure exploring superstitions, Miguel finds himself grappling with La Mala Suerte (Mrs. Bad Luck)—and he’s determined to shake her off before it’s too late!

Ever since his abuelita warned him about the consequences of opening an umbrella indoors, Miguel’s life takes a turn for the worse. From stumbling over his own feet to flunking an exam and fumbling on the soccer field, Mrs. Bad Luck seems to shadow his every move. Desperate for a change of fortune, Miguel tries everything from hunting for four-leaf clovers to dabbling in his aunt’s “existential” oils, but to no avail.

With a blend of Spanish phrases and playful language, “La Mala Suerte Is Following Me” offers a delightful and heartfelt exploration of superstitions. Join Miguel on his zany quest to outwit Mrs. Bad Luck and reclaim control over his luck-filled adventures!

Everyone Gets A Turn

Join Bear, Hare, Turtle, and Mouse as they embark on an extraordinary adventure sparked by the discovery of a precious egg nestled in the woods. Illustrated in Dubuc’s signature soft and inviting watercolors, readers are immersed in the charming world of these woodland companions, who come together to find a solution for their newfound responsibility.

Through Dubuc’s endearing narrative and captivating illustrations, “Everyone Gets a Turn” celebrates the beauty of friendship, the power of community, and the importance of sharing and trusting in one’s resourcefulness. With its timeless message, this delightful picture book is perfect for sharing aloud and inspiring young readers to embrace the spirit of cooperation and kindness.

A Bindi Can Be …

A young girl embarks on a journey of discovery alongside her grandmother, Paati, as they explore the significance of bindis—the traditional red dot worn between the brows in Indian culture. Eager to understand the meaning behind the bindi, the girl learns from her grandmother the art of making one. Together, they blend turmeric, sandalwood powder, and ghee in a clay pot until the mixture transforms into a vibrant red hue—a process filled with magic and tradition. As they create bindis of various shapes and sizes, the girl realizes that her bindi represents more than just a dot. It is a symbol of celebration during festivals like Diwali, a source of inner calm and focus during everyday life, and a connection to her cultural heritage.

The Thingamajig

When Little Elephant’s parent loses an object whose name they can’t quite recall, Little Elephant embarks on a mission to find it. Along the way, they discover that other animals in the neighborhood have also misplaced their belongings—a snail’s hoo-pull-dee-pewp, a squirrel’s shis-moo, and even the ladybugs’ ha-bee ja-bee. As Little Elephant delves deeper into the mystery, they encounter a series of amusing scenarios and quirky characters. Is there a mischievous thief behind the disappearances, or is there a simpler explanation for the missing items?

With playful language and charming illustrations, “The Thingamajig” is filled with humor and creativity. It also offers an educational and entertaining experience for children and adults alike.

Angela’s Glacier

From the moment of her birth, Angela’s father introduces her to the glacier, carrying her on his back as they journey across its icy expanse. As Angela grows, so does her connection to the glacier, which becomes a trusted confidant and listener to her deepest thoughts and feelings. However, as Angela’s life becomes busier with school, hobbies, and friends, she begins to drift away from her beloved glacier. It’s not until she experiences a troubling heartache that she realizes the solace and wisdom the glacier offers.

In a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and connection to nature, Angela learns the importance of slowing down and reconnecting with the things that truly matter. With the guidance of her father, she rediscovers the healing power of her ancient icy friend.

The Suitcase

“The Suitcase” by  the author from the hit-television series Friends, is a heartwarming picture book that captures the transformative power of discovery and imagination. When a young boy visits his grandparents for the summer, he finds himself longing for excitement amidst the routine of reading and gardening. However, his perspective shifts when he stumbles upon a hidden suitcase in the attic, brimming with treasures and mysterious photographs. As he delves into the images of a young couple embarking on daring adventures and joyous escapades, the boy’s curiosity is piqued. Who are these adventurous souls captured in the photographs?

Grandma’s Hair Is Ankle Length / El Cabello De Abuela Le Llega Hasta Los Tobillos

In this tender bilingual picture book that is a poetic ode to grandmothers and granddaughters, a young girl contemplates the mysteries of life and the natural world as her grandmother gently guides her, affirming the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. Through their loving embrace, they become intertwined, their hair flowing together as one, symbolizing the enduring power of familial love and shared experiences. In this bilingual picture book of English and Spanish, the young girl treasures her grandmother’s ankle length hair, as well as the love, security and wisdom of ages it represents.

With its lyrical prose and stunning artwork, “Grandma’s Hair” is a heartfelt tribute to the wisdom of elders, the resilience of youth, and the timeless connection between generations.