The Seventh Most Important Thing (Shelley Pearsall)

 

I really enjoyed this book. It also made for a great discussion for our Children's Lit book club. 

I think it would be a great book to read with Middle School kids. Some of the themes (death, alcoholism, redemption, being on probation) are pretty big. It's recommended for grade 4-9 but I don't think I'd read it to grades 4 or 5. I loved that it is actually historical fiction and there really was a man who created this representation of heaven that is currently displayed at The Smithsonian. Fascinating! There is a lot of symbolism in the book which is easy find lots of examples to wrap your head around the concept.  (the number 7, the power of art, perspective, trash versus treasure, healing after loss, etc.)

Goodreads says:

It was a bitterly cold day when Arthur T. Owens grabbed a brick and hurled it at the trash picker. Arthur had his reasons, and the brick hit the Junk Man in the arm, not the head. But none of that matters to the judge—he is ready to send Arthur to juvie for the foreseeable future. Amazingly, it’s the Junk Man himself who offers an alternative: 120 hours of community service . . . working for him.

Arthur is given a rickety shopping cart and a list of the Seven Most Important Things: glass bottles, foil, cardboard, pieces of wood, lightbulbs, coffee cans, and mirrors. He can’t believe it—is he really supposed to rummage through people’s trash? But it isn’t long before Arthur realizes there’s more to the Junk Man than meets the eye, and the “trash” he’s collecting is being transformed into something more precious than anyone could imagine. . . .

Inspired by the work of American folk artist James Hampton.

Paul the Peacock (Tilly Matthews)

 

Great friendship story! People matter more than stuff.

Goodreads says:

Paul has everything. He has the biggest nest, the most loyal friend, and of course, the most beautiful feathers in the forest. But as you can guess, he’s not the humblest of birds… In fact… Paul is a selfish, rude, and arrogant peacock who isn’t very nice to his friend Norris the Loris and the other animals in the forest. He’s pampered by everyone around him, and never has to shake a feather. Then, one evening, "after another long, tiring day of being perfect", there is a huge storm. Paul loses everything (including his precious feathers). He has to go on an adventure through the forest to try and retrieve his most prized possession. He sets off to find his feathers and ultimately discovers something even more important… This hilarious story with comic deadpan moments and vivid, expressive illustrations conveys an important message about kindness, friendship, and humility. Follow Paul as he’s brought down to earth from his treetop penthouse and learns to appreciate the friends he’s lucky to have around him. This is a fantastically funny fable that gently shows young readers how to be less materialistic, and more modest and mindful of other people’s feelings.

The Madness of Crowds (Louise Penny)

  

I had to make a map of all the characters when I was reading this book.  There was a lot!! I learned, however, that if I had read some of the previous books it might have been less painful because some characters come up again and again. I'm almost tempted to go back and read some of her previous books - except that I need a little time to recover from this one. There was so much in this book - so many themes, so many characters....so many pages! LOL 

Apparently, the awful studies on people and animals that the story refers to really were something that happens in Canadian history.

While I was reading it, I would look up videos of Louise Penny now and then. I really like her. She is very down to earth and a really good speaker. It seems like her crowd is older folks. Maybe that's me now. I loved the fact that it's set in Canada and that she's a loved Canadian author.

I loved that this was set just after the pandemic. It made for some good discussions at book club - contagion, belief in false theories, the lemming effect. It takes 100 pages in before the murder that the book is centered around actually happens....and then at the end, there is 100 or so pages or circling around the suspect. 

Goodreads says: 

You’re a coward.

Time and again, as the New Year approaches, that charge is leveled against Armand Gamache.

It starts innocently enough.

While the residents of the Québec village of Three Pines take advantage of the deep snow to ski and toboggan, to drink hot chocolate in the bistro and share meals together, the Chief Inspector finds his holiday with his family interrupted by a simple request.

He’s asked to provide security for what promises to be a non-event. A visiting Professor of Statistics will be giving a lecture at the nearby university.

While he is perplexed as to why the head of homicide for the Sûreté du Québec would be assigned this task, it sounds easy enough. That is until Gamache starts looking into Professor Abigail Robinson and discovers an agenda so repulsive he begs the university to cancel the lecture.

They refuse, citing academic freedom, and accuse Gamache of censorship and intellectual cowardice. Before long, Professor Robinson’s views start seeping into conversations. Spreading and infecting. So that truth and fact, reality and delusion are so confused it’s near impossible to tell them apart.

Discussions become debates, debates become arguments, which turn into fights. As sides are declared, a madness takes hold.

Abigail Robinson promises that, if they follow her, ça va bien aller. All will be well. But not, Gamache and his team know, for everyone.

When a murder is committed it falls to Armand Gamache, his second-in-command Jean-Guy Beauvoir, and their team to investigate the crime as well as this extraordinary popular delusion.

And the madness of crowds.

What We'll Build (Oliver Jeffers)

 

This is really beautiful...and so much symbolism in the doors and building. Love it. 

Goodreads says:

What shall we build, you and I?
We'll build a watch to keep our time.
I'll build your future
and you'll build mine.

A father daughter story.

Maple and Rosemary (Alison James)

 

A happier tale than The Giving Tree. It actually would be interesting to read each of them side by side and discuss the differences with kids. 

Learning, growing, loving. It's wonderful how the tree and the girl enjoy time together.

Goodreads says:

A touching story about a sugar maple tree who finds a lifelong friend when a young girl comes to seek comfort in its branches.

For the longest time, Maple was on her own, ignored by the cedars and the pines. All she wanted was a friend she could talk to. Then one day, Rosemary climbs into her branches, sad and searching for a friend of her own. Together they form a bond as real as roots.

Through the seasons and across a lifetime, Maple and Rosemary tells a story of true friendship, one in which the experiences we share become a part of who we are.

Alison James’s spare, eloquent text is accompanied by luminous illustrations that capture the shifting seasons in all their glory, by Jennifer K. Mann, creator of the much-acclaimed picture book, The Camping Trip.

Rabbit, Duck and Big Bear (Nadine Brun-Cosme)

 

The ending seems surprising....the animals run about having fun...but they realize they each need a little quiet meditation time as well. 

Goodreads says:

A picture book about three best friends who do everything together, until they each realize that sometimes having time alone can be nice too.

Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear are best friends. They do everything together and go everywhere together except for one place. They never go down the long and winding path together.  
 
But this winter, when Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear go skating on the frozen pond, Rabbit loses control and barrels straight down the path. What she finds there is one of the most beautiful places she has ever seen, but to her surprise, Big Bear and Duck both admit they sometimes go there when they want to be alone. And while she sits in the quiet calm, Rabbit begins to understand why. In this story rich with social emotional learning, young readers will see the importance of balancing time with friends and time spent on their own. 
 
Nadine Brun-Cosme and Olivier Tallec perfectly pair to create a fun story with lovable characters and an important message. This book is the ideal read-aloud to help little ones wind down before quiet time.

What Can a Mess Make (Bee Johnson)

 

A lovely book for kids and mom's....especially to help us mom's remember that there is magic in the mess making.

Goodreads says:

In this gorgeously illustrated rhyming picture book, two sisters spend their day playing at home and leaving joyful, cozy messes in their wake.

Kitchen clatter.
Milk and juice.
Syrup splatter.
Chocolate mousse.
Bowl of berries―
Red and blue.
A mess can make a meal for two.

From a cozy breakfast together to crafts, fort-building, kitchen spills, and bedtime rituals, these sisters make tons of messes.

Imaginative, playful, forgiving, delicious messes.

And their messes make a day full of possibilities.

With bouncy rhyming language and warm illustrations, What Can A Mess Make? inspires readers to embrace their imaginations, linger in the beautiful messes on every page, and make some messes themselves.

If I Couldn't Be Anne (Kallie George)

 

Lovely. This spoke to my heart. Anyone who loves Anne of Green Gables will also love this book. 

Goodreads says:

A beautiful read-aloud picture book about the power of the imagination, inspired by the best-selling Anne of Green Gables.

In this whimsical and magical picture book, Anne's boundless imagination takes flight! She imagines being all the things she loves so dearly. If I Couldn't Be Anne, Anne with an e, what would I be . . . Anne wonders what it would be like to be the wind dancing round the treetops. A tightrope walker, breathless and brave. A princess in a palace made of apple blossoms. A magical frost fairy or a plain little wood elf. . . . But even as Anne's imagination soars far and wide, she comes back down to earth, recognizing that some things - like friendship! - are even better than the imagination.

With adorable illustrations, and a heartfelt message, this picture book is a perfect read-aloud introduction to L.M. Montgomery's beloved Anne and will delight her brand-new fans and lifelong readers alike.

Great Joy (Kate DiCamillo)

 

This makes me think how we all need to become as loving and caring as children are. It reminds me of how I've learned that the real feeling of Christmas comes in loving and sharing with others.

The illustrations are haunting and beautiful. The illustrator (Bagram Ibatoulline) is the same one who illustrated The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. He is Russian...and there is great feeling in his illustrations.chris

Goodreads says:

In her first picture book, America’s beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo reunites with Bagram Ibatoulline to offer readers an unforgettable holiday gift.

It is just before Christmas when an organ grinder and monkey appear on the street corner outside Frances’s apartment. Frances can see them from her window and, sometimes, when it’s quiet, she can hear their music. In fact, Frances can’t stop thinking about them, especially after she sees the man and his monkey sleeping outside on the cold street at midnight. When the day of the Christmas pageant arrives, and it’s Frances’s turn to speak, everyone waits silently. But all Frances can think about is the organ grinder’s sad eyes — until, just in time, she finds the perfect words to share. Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo pairs once again with acclaimed artist Bagram Ibatoulline as she presents a timeless story of compassion and joy.

The Christmas Pig (JK Rowling)

 

Great fantasy story! When I received it, I wasn't tempted by the title (A Christmas Pig?) or the cover. Seemed a little silly. However, it was well worth the time. We read it for grade 3 book club. The illustrations are amazing. We had also just read Pocket Bear - which is about lost toys. This one tells you where lost toys go - which was very creative and really speaks to kids, I think. She even has a place for lost habits (good and bad!) and a place for lost love, lost hope, lost determination and ambition and more.

Best line:
p. 258 He'd given the Things hope, which no lock can contain.

Goodreads says:

A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child's love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it. A tale for the whole family to fall in love with, from one of the world’s greatest storytellers.

One boy and his toy are about to change everything...

Jack loves his childhood toy, Dur Pig. DP has always been there for him, through good and bad. Until one Christmas Eve something terrible happens — DP is lost. But Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes, a night when all things can come to life... even toys. And Jack’s newest toy — the Christmas Pig (DP’s replacement) — has a daring plan: Together they’ll embark on a magical journey to seek something lost, and to save the best friend Jack has ever known...

Do The Right Thing (Kim Mitzo Thopson)

 

Even though the text of this story is very basic, I think it might be a great place to start when teaching about integrity. It's a tough topic  because integrity is actually many things....it's kind of all character virtues wrapped up into one.

I found this book on Epic.

Goodreads says:

Do the Right Thing! is a wonderful way to teach children what it means to have integrity. Children will encounter real-life examples of doing what's right, following rules, being honest, being accountable, having the courage to say no, keeping promises, being responsible, kind, patient, and trustworthy, and making good choices. Adorable art sweetly illustrates important life skills. Each book in this delightful series is perfect for home, childcare settings, and schools.

Humble Pie (Jory John)

 

Jory John and Pete Oswald never disappoint. 

This one is interesting....by humble - but don't get kicked around! 

Goodreads says:

Serve up the eighth picture book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Food Group series from Jory John and Pete Oswald!

The Humble Pie likes to give others the spotlight. Aw, shucks!—they deserve it!

But when he’s paired with his best friend, Jake the Cake, for a school project, he soon realizes that staying in the shadows isn’t always as sweet as pie. Readers of all ages will laugh along as their new pie pal discovers that letting your voice be heard always takes the cake!

Jory John and Pete Oswald serve up another heaping plate of laughs and lessons with this empowering, witty, and charming addition to their #1 New York Times bestselling series!

Check out Jory John and Pete Oswald’s other funny bestselling books for kids ages four to eight and anyone who wants a

The Bad SeedThe Good EggThe Cool BeanThe Couch PotatoThe Smart CookieThe Sour GrapeThe Big CheeseThe Good Egg The Great Eggscape!The Bad Seed The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky!The Cool Bean As Cool as It Gets!The Big Cheese Have Yourself a Cheesy Little ChristmasThe Bad Seed Goes to the LibraryThe Good Egg and the Talent ShowThe Cool Bean Makes a SplashThat’s What Dinosaurs Do

The Good Egg (Jory John)

This book is brilliant! We loved The Bad Seed and this is the companion book. We have read most of the Jory John books as an author study and this one did not disappoint. We had waited for it for days from the public library and when it arrived and I put it at the spot I display the story for the day, word spread quickly and story time couldn't have come quick enough.

My students quickly caught on to and related to the theme of finding a good balance between doing your very best and cutting yourself some slack. They were happy to let me know they've found a good balance between being neat and not missing any words.


Goodreads says:

In this follow-up to Jory John and Pete Oswald’s popular picture book The Bad Seed, meet the next best thing: a very good egg, indeed!

With Jory’s same hilarious voice and Pete’s edgy artwork from The Bad Seed, The Good Egg is the hilarious, sure-to-crack-you-up second book from this dynamic pair:

The good egg has been good for as long as he can remember. While the other eggs in his carton are kind of rotten, he always does the right, kind, and courteous thing. He is a verrrrrrry good egg indeed! Until one day he decides that enough is enough! He begins to crack (quite literally) from the pressure of alwayshaving to be grade-A perfect.

In this funny and charming story, the good egg learns that it’s not always necessary to be perfect, and sometimes okay not to always be a good egg.

The Girl and the Mermaid (Hollie Hughes)

 

This is a "turning the hearts of the children to their fathers" kind of book. Storytelling through generations is beautiful.

Goodreads says:
**"An instant classic" - Lancashire Post**
**"Magical" - Inis**

Alina and her granny live in a lighthouse by the a home filled with the warmth of Granny's magical stories.

But Alina is worried. Granny's memories and stories are starting to fade away, and she doesn't know how to bring them back. Then one day, she meets a mermaid on the rocks near the lighthouse – and she's swept into a magical deep-sea adventure that will change everything.

A modern classic from the bestselling creators of The Girl and the Dinosaur.

The Great Dinosaur Sleepover (Linda Bailey)

 

6, no 7 dinosaurs show up in the middle of the night to have a birthday party with Jake. (did the author do that 6-7 bit on purpose?)

What's sadder than a cancelled birthday party? And what would be more exciting than playing with actual dinosaurs? Kids will love this book.

This author is Canadian! She is from Winnipeg. I love finding Canadian authors.

Re-read January 9, 2026 Another lesson in why reading with kids is better. I hadn't noticed the t-rex lurking in the background until reading it with them. So cute! 

Goodreads says:

A young boy's disappointing birthday party gets turned upside down with a blast from the prehistoric past in this hilarious, dino-mite picture book adventure.

Jake loves dinosaurs, so with his birthday coming up, he knows just what kind of party he wants — a dinosaur sleepover! Dino games, dino balloons, dino cake. Dino everything! But when the big day arrives, his friends all come down with the flu, and the party seems to be on the edge of extinction.

Then, in the middle of the night, Jake hears a strange noise and goes to investigate. To his surprise, he finds some prehistoric party guests right there in his living room! They've invited themselves in to make sure Jake has a birthday he'll never forget —just don't tell the T-Rex!

An unforgettable birthday tale with huge laughs and heart, this newest picture book from acclaimed author Linda Bailey celebrates friendship, inclusion and fun – and is brought to life with magnificent, cinematic artwork from award-winning animation director and illustrator Joe Bluhm.

Eyes that Speak to the Stars (Joanna Ho)

 

This author is just my kind of person....totally woke. Her bio says she has a passion for anti-bias, anti-racism and equity work. This is part of a series. The first book, Eyes that Kiss in the Corners is also profound.

This story made me think of the promise of turning the hearts of the children to their fathers. The boy finds power in realizing he has eyes like his father, grandfather and baby sibling. It made me think about the "Hyde eyes" in our family. That might make a beautiful picture book too.

Goodreads says:

A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers' after seeing his friend’s drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before—in fact, his eyes are like his father’s, his agong’s, and his little brother’s, and they are visionary.

Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his own power and strength from within.

Nothing in Common (Kate Hoefler and Corinna Luyken)

 

This is a message for our time. We are all connected - even though we don't think we are. Beauty can be found in diversity...but we have to get beyond the surface. This may be a kid's book, but I know a swack of adults that need this message. 

The author says, "The dog could do marvelous things. And did. Things they felt under the floors of their hearts." I had to think about that for a while. Maybe she means feelings that we bury? An emotion that we haven't quite figured out yet? 

Together, two people who have nothing in common bring joy to someone. None of them are the same. They each feel alone - but together, they find joy....from heaven.

I don't know Kate Hoefler but Corinna Luyken is a master story teller. She wrote/illustrated The Book of Mistakes and Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse....and more (those are two that I have previously read)

Goodreads says:

Two neighbors both love to watch the old man and his dog from their windows, but they never wave to each other. After all, they have nothing in common. But everything changes when they are the only ones who notice that one day is different—there is the old man, but where is the dog?