In The Gardener by Sarah Stewart, little Lydia Grace shows her love for her gruff uncle through her extraordinary talent with growing things. The story provides a great lesson for our children that giving time and talent can be more powerful than money....
In today’s world, it’s often easy to be so busy rushing about that we forget to pause and appreciate all the living things around us. Spiders and bugs can seem like pests. Bears and raccoons can seem like nothing more than a nuisance. And anthills take on as...
America is a country made up of diverse people, many of whom came here for a better life. Through the lens of immigration, this book documents the history of America from the very first Indiginous people to the closure of Ellis Island in 1954. Learn about the difficulties refugees and immigrant people faced in the hopes of finding a better life for themselves.
This cautionary tale about conflict may be read on different levels for different ages. The factions formed over how to butter bread serve as a reminder that we can find common ground if we look for it. We can solve problems and respect differences in others. These are skills we need from...
Have you ever rescued a pet? In this charming story, Buddy, a rescued dog, tells us about his life after being adopted and his painful experiences before. Buddy is forced to spend most of his time chained in a yard with little food and water and taunted by mean children before he is rescued and...
This book tells the true story of Norman, a disabled dog that is slowly going blind. Though Norman can no longer see, his loving family still values him. The other family dog, Lucy, helps Norman get around and stay safe. Norman loves to run with Lucy and his family on the beach. One day at the...
The Brand New Kid is a sensitive book that helps children see the effects of teasing on a new child in school. Children learn to face new situations with confidence and develop strategies for how to include others in play. Reading this book gives you the opportunity to discuss the...
In "Before You Were Mine", a boy wonders and questions what his dog’s life was like before he found his new forever home. Was the dog well taken care of, do his old owners miss him, did he get lost or was he given up? This charmingly illustrated book gently teaches children how a pet should...
“Ripped from the headlines,” this book addresses what has become a common occurrence, wildlife encroaching upon suburban neighborhoods. Or, is it the neighborhoods encroaching upon the wildlife? In a light-hearted and optimistic manner, this book addresses urban sprawl and some people’s...
Every year a group of students from Mrs. Randall’s class gets to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This year, the lucky students will be those who write the best letter pleading their case. Anna and Natalie are determined to win, and they submit a convincing letter...