I Wish You More (Any Rosenthall)

 

Perfect for the end of the school year!

Goodreads says:

Some books are about a single wish. Some books are about three wishes. The infallible team of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld have combined their extraordinary talents to create this exuberant book of endless good wishes. Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for friendship and strength, laughter and peace. Whether celebrating life's joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet and uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age. Plus, this is the fixed format version, which will look almost identical to the print version. Additionally for devices that support audio, this ebook includes a read-along setting

Just A Worm (Marie Boyd)

 

Good story to read during our rocks and minerals unit when we learn about all the great things worm do for soil.

Goodreads says:

Upset at being called "just a worm," worm sets out around the garden to find out what the other insects do, and discover his own role in keeping the garden healthy.

Butterflies are Pretty....Gross! (Rosemary Mosco)

 

Perfect for our animal life cycles unit!

Goodreads says:

Warning--this book contains top-secret information about butterflies! Prepare to be shocked and grossed out by this hilarious and totally true picture book introduction to a fascinating insect.

Butterflies are beautiful and quiet and gentle and sparkly . . . but that's not the whole truth. Butterflies can be GROSS. And one butterfly in particular is here to let everyone know! Talking directly to the reader, a monarch butterfly reveals how its kind is so much more than what we think. Did you know some butterflies enjoy feasting on dead animals, rotten fruit, tears and even poop? Some butterflies are loud, like the Cracker butterfly. Some are stinky -- the smell scares predators away. Butterflies can be sneaky, like the ones who pretend to be ants to get free babysitting.

This hilarious and refreshing book with silly and sweet illustrations explores the science of butterflies and shows that these insects are not the stereotypically cutesy critters we often think they are -- they are fascinating, disgusting, complicated and amazing creatures.

The Starkeeper (Faith Pray)

 

Great image of how love grows as you give it away.

First Nations often tell about how life is a circle. If you do kind things, they go around the circle and come back to you. The opposite is also true. They say that if it does not come back to you, it always comes back to your family.

Goodreads says:

A fallen star and one child's kindness lead to a chain of good works that change her town from a dreary, dark place to one of dazzling brightness.

When a girl finds a fallen star, she decides to keep it hidden. But this star encourages kindness and needs to shine, so it comes out from the shadows. At first the glow from the star starts to fade, and the girl worries--maybe she's not a very good starkeeper. Then a chance gesture of kindness seems to brighten the star, and soon this kindness leads to a chain of good works that light up the once-dreary town.

The art of the book follows the star's journey and lights up more and more with each act of kindness.

A Box of Butterflies (Jo Rooks)

 

Talking about emotions can be tricky. The idea of having a child teach a robot is actually brilliant. Simple definitions and explanations are required and that works well for children. 

Goodreads says:

With colorful metaphors and vibrant imagery, A Box of Butterflies takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and emotional reflection, identifying not just love, but jealousy, anger, worry, and a host of other emotions.

When Ruby asks Robot if he loved the story as much as she did, he tells her that he doesn’t know what love is. If it’s not something he can see, then what could it be?

Ruby describes emotions to her Robot. She teaches him what each feels like (“love feels like a box of butterflies!”) and when she feels them (“I sometimes feel that way when I’m told no more TV!”). 

Included is a Note to Parents and Caregivers by Elizabeth McCallum, PhD, that further explores the importance of learning about emotions.

​ "I love that story," said Ruby. "Did you love it too?"
"Robot is just a machine. Robot cannot feel love."
Robot paused for a moment and said, " What does love feel like?"

Circles Around Us (Brad Montague)

 

This book is really a great metaphor on connections we need to make life beautiful. It was published in 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic and I have to wonder if that was one of the precursors for the author to write the book. If not, it sure is a great commentary on how it is important that we have good connections. I think it could also lead to a great discussion on racism and acceptance. It could be a great end of year story too about how we have had all these people in our circle and now this year is ending and a beginning naturally comes up with a new circle.

Goodreads says:

The debut picture book from the creator of the viral sensation Kid President is a moving take on how we can create bigger and bigger circles of community and connections as we grow—now a New York Times bestseller!

In the circles all around us, everywhere that we all go, there's a difference we can make and a love we can all show.

This is the story of a circle. When we're first born, our circle is very small, but as we grow and build relationships, our circle keeps getting bigger and bigger to include family, friends, neighbors, community, and beyond. Brad Montague originally created Circles as an Instagram video adorably narrated by his kids, and now this picture book adaptation is the perfect way to start a conversation about how to expand our worlds with kindness and inclusivity—even if it seems scary or uncomfortable. This book makes an ideal new-baby, first-day-of-school, or graduation gift, or any milestone that celebrates someone's world getting bigger.