Tag: Picture Books

ALA 2022 Conference Resource Center

We’re so excited to see our librarian friends on June 23-28 in Washington D.C.!

What’s inside our ALA Resource Center:
  • Make the most of your ALA experience + meet your favorite authors & illustrators!
    Check our ALA schedule for a full list of in-person author programs and book signings.
  • We’ve collected our digital resources for you in this handy resource center!
    Download our digital catalogs, request digital preview copies, and fill out our checklist survey for your chance to win a collection of free books for your library!
  • Not attending ALA?
    You can still download digital resources, request preview copies, and more!
Visit the ALA Resource Center here →

Stories to share with your community on Juneteenth and beyond

On June 19, 1865 in Galveston, TX, enslaved African Americans were finally informed of their freedom, despite the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior. Juneteenth is also referred to as “Freedom Day”, “Emancipation Day”, and “Juneteenth Independence Day.” The first celebrations of Juneteenth were about honoring former enslaved people. Today celebrations of Juneteenth consist of gathering with family, BBQs, parades, festivals, beauty contests, and other celebratory events to remember the lives of their enslaved ancestors.

For those who would like to learn more, we recommend reading “Juneteenth: The Growth of an African-American Holiday” and “So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?”

Learn more about these books →

Activity Kit: Listen Up, Louella by Ashley Belote

Listen Up, Louella by Ashley Belote
Ages 4-7
On Sale June 21, 2022
An overly excited elephant learns to listen with a little help from her new friends in Listen Up, Louella, an adorably humorous new picture book from Ashley Belote, the illustrator of Frankenslime.

Louella is VERY excited to be at Roar Scout Camp. There’s so many fun things for her to do! But Louella is so busy having fun that she doesn’t stop to listen to anyone else… Or to realize that maybe her new friends aren’t having quite as much fun as she is.

When Louella misses an important invitation, it’s up to Tarantula and the rest of their friends to help Louella learn to listen and play together.

Download an activity kit for Listen Up, Louella!

Learn more about LISTEN UP, LOUELLA →

Activity Kit: I Am Golden by Eva Chen; illustrated by Sophie Diao

I Am Golden by Eva Chen; illustrated by Sophie Diao
Ages 3-6
On Sale March 22, 2022

This joyful and lyrical picture book from New York Times bestselling author Eva Chen and illustrator Sophie Diao is a moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Chinese American children.

What do you see when you look in the mirror, Mei? Do you see beauty?

We see eyes that point toward the sun, that give us the warmth and joy of a thousand rays when you smile. We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold.

Download an activity kit for I Am Golden!

Learn more about I AM GOLDEN here→

Discussion Guide: Group Hug by Jean Reidy; illustrations by Joey Chou

Group Hug by Jean Reidy; illustrations by Joey Chou
Ages 4-8
On Sale Now

There once was a slug, / needing someone to hug.

When Slug happens upon a lonely beetle, he knows just what to do. He gives him a big hug—and then the two friends decide to pass it along. They meet Mouse, who’s down in the dumps, Skunk, who’s a bit smelly, and more and more animals, until their group hug stretches wide and tall. But when Bear comes along, will there be enough hug to share? This delightful picture book encourages kindness and goes to show “that a hugger finds happiness ‘longside the hugged!”

Download the Group Hug discussion guide!

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Educator Guide: A Home Named Walter by Chelsea Lin Wallace; illustrated by Ginnie Hsu

A Home Named Walter by Chelsea Lin Wallace; illustrated by Ginnie Hsu
Ages: 4-8
On sale now!

A home named Walter learns how to heal his broken heart after a family he loves moves away in this poignant picture book about loss and renewal.

Walter was a happy home.

He loved the bustle and warmth of the family that lived with him. But when they move away, his feelings are hurt. He grows cold and quiet and only wants to be left alone.

So when a little girl and her mama move in, Walter is determined to get them out! But in his struggle to do so, Walter may just feel livable again and change how he feels.

Chelsea Lin Wallace has written a truly poignant story. With its classic sensibility, paired with Ginnie Hsu’s warm and lush illustrations, A Home Named Walter is a special story that will resonate with many readers for years to come.

Download the A Home Named Walter educator’s guide / activity kit here!

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Teacher’s Guide: I Wish For You by David Wax, illustrated by Brett Blumenthal

I Wish For You by David Wax, illustrated by Brett Blumenthal
Ages 3-6
On Sale April 5th, 2022

A moving and beautiful keepsake book for fans of On the Night You Were Born.

I wish for you, my little one…

What do you wish for your child? Do you wish for them to be kind? To be strong? To be proud of who they are?

From courageous lions and wise owls to playful dolphins and wolves finding their voices, this timeless and lushly illustrated book explores the values we can draw from the wondrous and inspiring natural world around us.

Gentle and affirming, the lyrical text takes readers through the qualities we wish to instill in our children, helping them grow into resilient, assured, and happy individuals. I Wish for You is both a celebration of nature as well as a love letter to a child.

A book meant to be treasured, I Wish for You is the perfect gift for baby showers, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, and anytime you wish to share a lasting keepsake and a gift of inspiration.

Download the I Wish For You Wildlife teacher’s guide here!

In the I Wish for You Wildlife teacher’s guide we showcase twelve different animal species, each representing a specific value that we all hope to instill in our children. We believe that biodiversity is an essential component of the health of our planet and encourage you to discuss these animals with your students to help them understand more about these beautiful creatures.

Download the I Wish For You SEL / VALUES teacher’s guide here!

In the I Wish for You SEL/VALUES teacher’s guide we discuss twelve different values that we feel are important in building a child’s confidence, happiness, and purposefulness. The SEL / Values Teaching guide provides a wonderful way to introduce the twelve values to your students and is a perfect supplement to any Social-Emotional Learning curriculum you may already be using.

Preview the book here→

Activity Kit: Let’s Do Everything and Nothing by Julia Kuo

Let’s Do Everything and Nothing by Julia Kuo
Ages 3-6
On Sale March 22, 2022

Let’s Do Everything and Nothing is a lush and lyrical picture book from Julia Kuo celebrating special moments—big and small—shared with a child.

Will you climb a hill with me?
Dive into a lake with me?
Reach the starry sky with me,
and watch the clouds parade?

Love can feel as vast as a sky full of breathtaking clouds or as gentle as a sparkling, starlit night. It can scale the tallest mountains and reach the deepest depths of the sea.

Standing side by side with someone you love, the unimaginable can seem achievable.
But not every magical moment is extraordinary. Simply being together is the best journey of all.

Download an activity kit for Let’s Do Everything and Nothing.

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