Lists of books for Children
Lesley’s Favorites
Reading aloud to children is one of the most magical things in the world. The gifts that reading aloud brings are truly irreplaceable!
Reading builds connection, makes kids think, teaches new words, brings them on an adventure and most importantly fosters curiosity.
These are just a few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
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Rabbit borrows a book about wolves from the library. He can't put it down! But soon a sinister figure with sharp claws and a bushy tail starts to creep right off the pages. You won't believe your eyes – but if you're a rabbit, you probably should.
Brilliantly witty, ingeniously constructed, and with amazing artwork throughout, Wolves has thrilled critics and booksellers alike. Wolves was Emily Gravett's debut book, winning her the Macmillan Prize for Illustration and her first CILIP Kate Greenaway Award.
One hot summer night in the city, all the power goes out. The TV shuts off and a boy wails, "Mommm!" His sister can no longer use the phone, Mom can't work on her computer, and Dad can't finish cooking dinner. What's a family to do? When the electricity is restored, everything can go back to normal . . . but not everyone likes normal. The boy switches off the lights, and out comes the board game again.
John Rocco shows that if we are willing to put our cares aside for a while, there is party potential in a summer blackout.
When Grandma gives you a lemon tree, definitely don’t make a face! Care for the tree, and you might be surprised at how new things, and new ideas, bloom.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In this imaginative take on that popular saying, a child is surprised (and disappointed) to receive a lemon tree from Grandma for her birthday. This clever story, complete with a recipe for lemonade, celebrates the pleasures of patience, hard work, nature, community . . . and putting down the electronic devices just for a while.
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.
Named a Best Book of 2018 by the Wall Street Journal, NPR, Smithsonian, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Booklist, the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, BookRiot, the New York Public Library, the Chicago Public Library—and many more!
When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens—with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.
With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picture book about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come.
“A beautifully illustrated, tender story to be shared with all children, sure to evoke conversations about their names.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all—and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell. In her 2019 Caldecott Honor Book, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.
"The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors" is a whimsical children's book by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex. It brilliantly transforms the classic game into a humorous and epic adventure. The characters, Rock, Paper, and Scissors, are brought to life with distinct personalities, making the story both fun and engaging. The book's clever wordplay and vibrant illustrations by Rex make it a delightful read for all ages. It's a heartwarming exploration of imagination, friendship, and the joy of play, sure to become a beloved classic.
"Red: A Crayon's Story" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking children's book by Michael Hall. This simple yet powerful story centers on Red, a crayon who feels like he's the wrong color, despite his label. As Red embarks on a journey of self-discovery, the book teaches valuable lessons about identity, acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. Hall's storytelling is both accessible and touching, making it an ideal choice for children and adults alike. The book's clever metaphorical narrative and vibrant illustrations offer a unique perspective on the theme of embracing individuality and diversity. "Red" is a beautiful and memorable tale that encourages readers to celebrate differences and find their own true colors.
This charming story follows Rhoda, an adventurous young girl with a passion for collecting rocks. As she explores her surroundings, her curiosity and determination inspire young readers to appreciate the beauty of the world around them. It instills a sense of wonder and encourages an exploration of nature, making it a great addition to any child's bookshelf. "Rhoda's Rock Hunt" is a heartwarming tale that ignites the spirit of adventure and a love for the natural world in young readers.