Lumber Baby

Children's Books

Stockland, Patricia M.

Humor

Kind World Publishing

Review\nDelightful illustrations accompany the rhyming text in this children's book about dealing with negative feelings like anger and frustration. At the end of the book is a list of ideas to help children calm themselves when they're feeling angry or have a hard time dealing with their feelings. There's also a little section about how struggling can benefit developing brains, explaining that children learn the most when they make mistakes, thus normalizing failure as part of the learning process.\nWritten by a school counselor, The Struggle Bus would be a good read aloud for storytime at the library or in the classroom as the repetitive "Grumble, rumble, bump, and bop" invites the listener to participate in the story. I would also recommend it to parents of young children who want to help their children develop their social emotional learning skills. -- Monica B., Librarian ― NetGalley\nThe Struggle Bus is perhaps the best SEL text I have read this year. Now when I explain to my students that their feelings, experiences, and emotions are human experiences that happen to everyone, I will have a super awesome picture book to go with it. I love everything about this text, from illustrations from which students can infer feelings and moods to the message of reaching out and being ok with getting support from friends, family, and teachers. Hard things make our brains grow! -- Kids Read ― NetGalley\nThis sweet story about "riding the struggle bus" has beautiful illustrations that really illuminate those tough feelings that are hard for young children to identify. The idea of taking a bumpy path, feeling the need to cry or yell, feeling frustrated, and then finding your way is one that will surely resonate with all ages.\nThe end of the book includes a message about persevering, how hard things make your brain grow, and ways you can get support from friends or loved ones. This would be a wonderful addition to any library, counselor's office, or teacher's classroom. I highly recommend this book! -- Carolyn C., Librarian ― NetGalley\nSometimes things are really tough. It's just too hard, you've had enough. Grumble, rumble, bump, and roar, The Struggle Bus is at your door. This is a must-have picture book for any reader struggling with new experiences and figuring out how to manage emotions. Debut author-illustrator Julie Koon delivers a lighthearted and relatable picture book about facing challenges as you grow up. Incorporating her experience as an elementary school counselor, Koon uses the accessible theme of vehicles to make this social-emotional concept perfect for the preschool and early elementary crowd. It's also a great tool for caregivers to start conversations with children about acknowledging difficult feelings. The Struggle Bus's lyrical, rhyming text adds a comforting touch to the book, while not downplaying the reality that sometimes life is really hard. From a growth mindset perspective, the story gives the main character space to feel those hard feelings, but also to be open-minded to lots of different solutions. With a concluding reminder that we can do hard things, The Struggle Bus offers a lot: self-discovery, tips for problem-solving, and, mostly importantly, an acknowledgement that we all struggle sometimes, but we shouldn't get stuck on that bus.\nFrom the Back Cover\nGrumble, rumble, bump, and roar, The Struggle Bus is at your door!\nSometimes things are really tough. It’s just too hard. You’ve had enough. 
You can cry, or you can shout, kick and scream or have a pout. 
Feel your feelings for a bit. Just keep moving―don’t you quit!\nThis is a must-have picture book for any reader struggling with new experiences and managing emotions. Elementary school counselor Julie Koon takes this popular meme and turns it into a relatable scenario to help kids acknowledge difficult feelings and face fears. Great for schools, parents, and caregivers too!

The Struggle Bus

Koon, Julie

Growing Up & Facts of Life

Review\nA Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection -- JLG ― Junior Library Guild\nThese stories capture the small moments in a sibling's life that create the building blocks of a lifelong friendship. Mai-Wyss's illustrations have clean lines and convey a timeless sweetness. [...] A lovely easy reader about the power of family stories and the bond sisters share. 
- Starred Review -- Sally James ― School Library Journal\nStarred Review\nThis sister act is hard to beat.\nBig sister Maddie and little sister Mabel star in this delightful, cozy, five-chapter early-reader series opener. The siblings enjoy a loving, trusting, and―mostly―cooperative bond. Though adults aren’t depicted here, in “The Rabbit,” readers learn that Maddie’s parents asked her an “important question” before Mabel’s birth: Would she rather a baby sister or a pet rabbit? Kids, especially those in tight sibling partnerships themselves, will understand completely when Maddie confesses she chose the rabbit but is happy she got Mabel instead―and giggle when Mabel demonstrates rabbity attributes. In “The Fight,” Mabel feels frustrated that Maddie always takes the lead on their activities, but the sibs can’t remain foes for long as they run the gamut of emotions and display mutual concern, humility, and forgiveness; a gracious apology is extended, too. Siblings of all stripes will feel reassured and affirmed by this devoted duo’s unbreakable kinship. Especially noteworthy about this quiet, endearing offering is how much its economic prose and dialogue reveal about the girls’ relationship and distinct personalities. Delicate line drawings lend a gentle atmosphere and perfectly suit the proceedings. Maddie, who has long, straight, blond hair, and Mabel, who has short, wavy, brown hair, present White and are very expressive.\nA real charmer; kids will eagerly anticipate reading more about these two. (critical-thinking, writing, and drawing activities) (Early reader. 4-8) ― Kirkus Reviews\nThroughout the amiable, episodic text, readers can see each girl’s point of view, and the expressive illustrations have their own breezy charm. [...] An inviting, amusing series debut. -- Carolyn Phelan ― Booklist\nMaddie and Mabel play, fight, and make up with grace and charm in Kari Allen's positive early reader about resolving conflicts and cherishing one's family. -- CAMILLE-YVETTE WELSCH ― Foreword Reviews\nA Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection\nMeet Maddie and Mabel, two spunky sisters who navigate their relationship with humor and heart. Maddie is the big sister. Mabel is the little sister. But who is actually in charge? Mabel, who never stops asking questions? Or Maddie, who can be bossy and demanding? Readers will see that being in charge might not be as important as working together. The first book in this early chapter book series introduces two relatable characters who make mistakes as they learn important life lessons.\nFriendship between siblings can often be a heart-warming work in progress. Through joyful storytelling and story-sharing, Maddie and Mabel exemplify the best of what these young years can offer us: imagination, joy, play, forgiveness, and family. In a way that’s accessible for new readers and enjoyable for anyone who has also made mistakes and made amends with their own sibling, Maddie and Mabel endears, entertains, and delights.\nFrom School Library Journal\nK-Gr 3-This short chapter book is about two sisters-whose appearance and personality complement each other-and their world of imaginative play. Maddie is the older sister, with long, blond hair that she often wears in pigtails. She is a doer and loves to be in charge. Mabel is the younger sister, with short, brunette curls framing her face. She is a thinker and helper, and she just can't stop asking questions. The book contains five brief chapters. In a world without parents or technology, we watch Maddie and Mabel make their own fun (they build an indoor furniture fort

Maddie and Mabel (Maddie and Mabel, 1)

Allen, Kari

Literature & Fiction

Scary Fairy in Wicked Wood

Bauer, Jana

Animals

Five-year-old Viva learns there is a need for girls with powerful voices everywhere when she helps Papi raise his voice on the picket line.\nViva’s Papi is a bus driver and Viva loves going to work with him. The sounds of the traffic and the voices of the passengers are music to Viva’s ears. When she finds out that Papi’s union is going on strike, she convinces Papi to take her along to the picket line. When quiet Papi is too nervous to give his speech, Viva uses her powerful voice to give him the confidence to find his own. A first introduction to labor unions, strikes, picket lines, and workers’ rights, this powerful picture book is both educational and endearing.\nDebut author Raquel Donoso has crafted a beautiful story about courage, family, and using your voice to help others. Viva’s story is based on Donoso’s own childhood experience, in which her father’s union went on strike.

Viva's Voice

Donoso, Raquel

Biographies

A story about coping with loss and the magical comfort of friendships, both old and new. Alejo loved his Abuelo. They did everything together and were the best of friends. They had so much fun that one little neighbor couldn't help but notice and admire their strong bond. But one day, Abuelo wasn't there anymore. He got too sick to come home. Nothing makes Alejo feel better; doing all of the things he used to do with Abuelo just makes him feel lonelier. But, maybe, just maybe, one special little neighbor can help. This collaboration from debut author David Corredor Benavides and award-winning picture book writer Nelly Buchet tells a heartwarming story of beautiful friendships, of grieving and coping with the loss of a loved one, and supporting one another through gentle acts of kindness. Alejo's story was inspired by Corredor Benavides' unforgettable adventures with his own grandfather, as well as Buchet's admiration of such a magical relationship.

Abuelito

Buchet, Nelly

Corredor Benavides, David

The follow-up to the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection book Maddie and Mabel\nBest sisters Maddie and Mabel are back and navigating new firsts in the second book of this heartwarming series. Who does it right? Who does it best? Who goes first? Who follows? From climbing trees to dancing to starting school, the girls work through their differences together. Follow along with Maddie and Mabel as they approach new experiences with excitement and trepidation. Together, they have just the help they need to solve any new problems that come their way.\nAn excellent follow-up to the applauded series debut Maddie and Mabel, the second book in this collection, Maddie and Mabel Take the Lead, continues the timeless themes of sisterhood and sibling relationships in writing that is reminiscent of Frog and Toad and with illustrations that are equally as enduring in their endearing relationship. Author Kari Allen and illustrator Tatjana Mai-Wyss have crafted another delightful installment of this early chapter book series. Readers will continue to be charmed by this touching tale of siblings and friendship.

Maddie and Mabel Take the Lead: Book 2 (Maddie and Mabel, 2)

A realistic story of a child’s curiosity about death and lost loved ones.\nThis sweet and poignant story paints a picture of a little girl’s curiosity to know her grandfather, who died before she was born. What was he like? Will she ever be able to meet him? She starts off on her own discovery journey, gathering stories and memories, finding Grandpa’s old things and trying out some of his favorites. As she pieces it all together, she realizes that maybe she doesn’t have to meet her grandpa to really know him after all.\nBased on her own loss and parenting experience, debut author Shannon Zigmund has crafted a touching, timeless, and accessible tale of how a young child can come to know a loved one they’ve never met. Shared stories, memorabilia, traditions, and daydreaming weave together to create the fabric of a family member who is gone but certainly not forgotten. Readers everywhere can relate to the experience of both grief and love, and of realizing that we each hold pieces of one another in our hearts and lived lives.

I've Never Met My Grandpa

Zigmund, Shannon

Afraid of Your Neighbor

Volk, Katharina E.

Activities, Crafts & Games

Can four determined pigeons get their friend's artwork into a museum? Never underestimate the power of persistence and pigeonuity. Alex the Crow is an artist, and his pigeon friends think his work belongs in the museum. But how will they get it there? With persistence and pigeonuity, the four friends hatch a plan to help their friend achieve his dream. The New York art world will never be the same! With gorgeous traditional watercolor illustrations, debut author-illustrator Susan Bednarski crafts a story celebrating the joy of art. The innocent enthusiasm of the characters adds charm as they creatively problem solve and believe that anything is possible. Readers can spot famous artworks and landmarks as the pigeons pursue their bird-brained schemes to share Alex's art with the world. This picture book is both a great story time read aloud and also a useful tool for teaching growth mindset in a classroom or library setting.

This Art Is for the Birds

Bednarski, Susan

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