Karen

Grandparents

by Chema Heras

jE Heras
Picture Books

"In this funny and heartwarming picture book, a grandfather shows his love and appreciation for a grandmother as he persuades her to attend a local dance with him. Grandfather is tending his garden when a loudspeaker announces a dance in the local park. He asks Grandmother to join him, but she has many reasons to delay their outing: she needs to put eyeliner around her eyes--which are as sad as a moonless night--and color in her hair--which is as gray as an autumn cloud. Grandfather counters with loving arguments of his own: her sad eyes look like stars and her hair is as perfect and white as a summer cloud. Playful illustrations complement this touching banter, which culminates in a trip to the dance where Grandmother tells Grandfather, "You are as pretty as the moon.""--

Added by Karen

A plan for Pops

by Heather Smith

jE Smith
Picture Books

"In this illustrated picture book, a child helps their grandparents deal with a difficult change in abilities."--

Added by Karen

Nana in the City

by Lauren Castillo

A young boy is frightened by how busy and noisy the city is when he goes there to visit his Nana, but she makes him a fancy red cape that keeps him from being scared as she shows him how wonderful a place it is.

Added by Karen

Grandma's Purse

by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, her granddaughter cannot wait to see what treasures she has hidden in her purse.

Added by Karen

Drawn Together

by Minh Le

A boy and his grandfather cross a language and cultural barrier using their shared love of art, storytelling, and fantasy.

Added by Karen

My Grandparents Love Me

by Claire Freedman

Picture Books

A visit to Gran and Grandpa's house is always a special and fun time for a child.

Added by Karen

Encyclopedia of Grannies

by Eric Veille

Picture Books

An offbeat, humorous book that answers all your questions about grandmas-especially the ones you never thought to ask: Why do grannies always tell us to speak up? Why do they have creases on their faces? Are grannies flexible? How do you cheer up a sad granny? Exactly how old are grannies anyway?

Added by Karen

The truth about grandparents

by Elina Ellis

Picture Books

A child relates strange things that might be heard about grandparents but concludes that they are amazing.

Added by Karen

A Stopwatch from Grampa

by Loretta Garbutt

Picture Books

A sensitive portrayal of loss and grief, told through a grandchild's inheritance of a stopwatch that belonged to Grampa. In this touching debut picture book about the loss of a beloved grandfather, author Loretta Garbutt explores the stages of grief with a delicate hand. The story opens with our narrator inheriting a stopwatch. For the grandchild, the object carries many cherished memories. "Grampa used to time everything. He timed me when I ran to the end of our street and back. Best speed, 24 seconds." As the year passes, and the seasons change, our narrator slowly moves through the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). At first, the stopwatch is a painful reminder of Grampa. But in time, our character finds a special way to honor Grampa and carry forward his traditions.

Added by Karen

Our Favorite Day

by Joowon Oh

Follows Papa and his granddaughter as they spend another Thursday together.

Added by Karen

Finding Grandma's Memories

by Jiyeon Pak

Picture Books

A little girl helps her grandma with her memory.

Added by Karen

Where Are You From

by Yamile Saied Mendez

Picture Books

"When a young girl is asked where she's from--where she's really from--she's no longer as she was. She decides to turn to her dear abuelo for some help with this ever-persistent question. But he doesn't quite give her the answer she expects."

Added by Karen

Hey Grandude!

by Paul McCartney

Picture Books

Grandude brightens a dreary weekend for his visiting grandchildren, Lucy, Tom, Em, and Bob, by using his magic compass and postcards to take them on adventures around the world.

Added by Karen

MY Hippie Grandmother

by Reeve Lindbergh

Picture Books

A young girl describes all the things she likes about her grandmother, including the purple bus she drives, growing vegetables, picketing City Hall, and playing the banjo.

Added by Karen

Nana Akua goes to school

by Tricia Elam Walker

Picture Books

Zura is worried about how her classmates will react to her Ghanaian Nana's tattoos on Grandparents Day, but Nana finds a way to show how special and meaningful they are.

Added by Karen

A day at the museum

by Christine A. Platt

jREADER Platt Christin
Early Readers

"It's a surprise visit! Ana & Andrew are excited when Grandma comes to visit. While she is there, the family tours the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and learns about important African American achievements"--Page [4] of cover.

Added by Karen

I'll be the water : a story of a grandparent's love

by Alec Aspinwall

jE Aspinwal
Picture Books

Joshua and his grandfather love being together. More than anything else they love fishing. But Grandpa gets sick and is in the hospital a long time. When he gets out, he and Joshua share one more fishing adventure, and Grandpa promises Joshua that he will always be near. "Think of it this way," Grandpa says. "Today, you and I are like two fish swimming together in this lake. When I die, things will be different. I won't be a fish anymore, but I'll become something even better. My love will be like the water in the lake. You might think I'm not with you, but we'll be closer than ever because you'll be surrounded by my love."

Added by Karen

Someday we will : a book for grandparents and grandchildren

by Pam Webb

jE Webb

Grandparents and children anticipate their next visit by imagining all of the wonderful things they will do together, such as playing games, reading library books, and riding bicycles.

Added by Karen

Little Owl's bedtime

by Debi Gliori

jE Gliori

Little Owl cannot sleep--his pillow is lumpy, his quilt too hot, and he hears strange noises--until Mommy Owl says that tomorrow, and his grandparents' visit, will come sooner if he sleeps.

Added by Karen

Coquí in the city

by Nomar Perez

A heartfelt picture book based on the author-illustrator's own experiences, about a boy who moves to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico and realizes that New York City might have more in common with San Juan than he initially thought.

The cover art is so colorful! I'm looking forward to reading this one. Book is on order -Karen

Creepy carrots!

by Aaron Reynolds

jE Reynolds
Picture Books

The carrots that grow in Crackenhopper Field are the fattest and crispiest around and Jasper Rabbit cannot resist pulling some to eat each time he passes by, until he begins hearing and seeing creepy carrots wherever he goes.

If your kids like scary but not too scary, they will love this book! -Karen

Hands to heart

by Alex Bauermeister

jE Bauermei
Picture Books

"With a gentle reminder for children to breathe and to connect their bodies, this beautifully illustrated picture book contains a sweet cast of animal friends to guide young readers from one yoga pose to the next. From reaching your hands up to the sky to stretching like a cat to pressing up like a cobra snake, each posture helps to control breathing, engage in the present moment, and ultimately lead towards calmness and peacefulness. The soothing, rhythmic text paired with illustrations that offer a lot of sweet humor make this book perfect for young readers ready to interact with yoga poses and practice mindfulness."--Amazon.

During these stressful times, kids need more than ever to manage their own stress. This book teaches kids to slow down, breathe, and connect to their bodies. Illustrations are lovely and pair well with the soothing text. -Karen

One

by Kathryn Otoshi

jE Otoshi
Picture Books

A number/color book reminding us that it just takes one to make everyone count.

I love this book. Kids learn about numbers, counting, and colors, and they also learn about accepting differences in others. For preschool to first grade. -Karen

The cool bean

by Jory John

jE John
Picture Books

Everyone knows the cool beans. They're sooooo cool. And then there's the uncool has-bean ... Always on the sidelines, one bean unsuccessfully tries everything he can to fit in with the crowd--until one day the cool beans show him how it's done.

A clever story about how to teach kids coolness for good. -Karen

In the middle of fall

by Kevin Henkes

jE Henkes
Picture Books

"Introduces concepts and vocabulary of fall--autumn colors, changes in plants and animals ... and wind, which soon leads to the next season"--

I love Kevin Henkes's books. This is a gentle story that teaches young children about the transitions from fall to winter. Great for preschool. -Karen

Miss Rumphius

by Barbara Cooney

jE Cooney
Picture Books

As a child Great-aunt Alice Rumphius resolved that when she grew up she would go to faraway places, live by the sea in her old age, and do something to make the world more beautiful--and she does all those things, the last being the most difficult of all.

When my kids were young, I read this book to them many times because of its message. "Find something to make the world more beautiful." A beautiful book about a woman wanting to make the world a better place, and she does. -Karen

The hike

by Alison Farrell

jE Farrell
Picture Books

"The Hike is a plucky and sweet adventure story about three intrepid young female explorers set out to conquer the outdoors in their local forest. Here is the best and worst of any hike: from picnics to puffing and panting, deer-sighting to detours. This spirited picture book is filled with lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world, coupled with a fun narrative throughout. Features a glossary and scientific backmatter. Includes a sketchbook by one of the characters that highlights aspects of the hike. Abundant labels throughout for scientific learning. The Hike is about how fun it can be to explore nature in your own backyard. This book is a must-have for budding scientists, best friends, and all adventurers in preschool and kindergarten." --

This is a sweet book about three young explorers who set out to explore their local forest. -Karen

I believe I can

by Grace Byers

jE Byers
Picture Books

"From the New York Times bestselling creators of I Am Enough comes an empowering follow-up that celebrates every child's limitless potential. I Believe I Can is an affirmation for boys and girls of every background to love and believe in themselves"--Amazon.com.

Grace Byers does a wonderful job inspiring a child to believe in being whatever they want to be. A positive read with beautiful illustrations. -Karen

Hands to Heart

by Alex Bauermeister

jE/Bauermei
Picture Books

With a gentle reminder for children to breathe and to connect their bodies, this beautifully illustrated picture book contains a sweet cast of animal friends to guide young readers from one yoga pose to the next. From reaching your hands up to the sky to stretching like a cat to pressing up like a cobra snake, each posture helps to control breathing, engage in the present moment, and ultimately lead towards calmness and peacefulness. The soothing, rhythmic text paired with illustrations that offer a lot of sweet humor make this book perfect for young readers ready to interact with yoga poses and practice mindfulness.

During these stressful times, kids need more than ever to manage their stress. This book teaches kids to slow down, breathe, and connect to their bodies. Illustrations are lovely and pair well with the soothing text. -Karen

Don't worry, little crab

by Chris Haughton

jE Haughton
Picture Books

"Little Crab and Very Big Crab live in a tiny rock pool near the sea. Today they're going for a dip in the big ocean. 'This is going to be so great, ' says Little Crab, splish-splashing and squelch-squelching along, all the way to the very edge. Then comes a first glance down at the waves. WHOOSH! Maybe it's better if they don't go in? With vivid colors, bold shapes, and his trademark visual humor, Chris Haughton shows that sometimes a gentle 'don't worry, I'm here' can keep tentative little crabs sidestepping ahead--and help them discover the brilliant worlds that await when they take the plunge."--Amazon.

My grandson loved this book! It’s a sweet story about bravery and overcoming fear. Preschool to first grade. -Karen

The snowy day

by Ezra Jack Keats

jE Keats

The adventures of a little boy in the city on a very snowy day.

This is my favorite winter book. I read this book every winter during outreach storytime visits. -Karen

Miss Rumphius

by Barbara Cooney

jE/Cooney
Picture Books

As a child Great-aunt Alice Rumphius resolved that when she grew up she would go to faraway places, live by the sea in her old age, and do something to make the world more beautiful--and she does all those things, the last being the most difficult of all.

A beautiful book about a woman wanting to make the world more beautiful, and she does by planting lupins. -Karen

Beverly, right here

by Kate DiCamillo

eBOOK
Kids

Resolved to leave her home for good, young runaway Beverly is determined not to depend on anyone else, but as she settles in her new home and job, she forms connections with the people around her that alter her perspectives about life and herself.

This is a beautifully touching and funny book to add to your reading list, and since it’s part of a trilogy, you can look forward to triple the reading enjoyment. -Karen

The tiger rising

by Kate DiCamillo

eBOOK
Kids

Rob, who passes the time in his rural Florida community by wood carving, is drawn by his spunky but angry friend Sistine into a plan to free a caged tiger.

Will they free the tiger? Will freeing the tiger free them from the grief they are feeling? You’ll have to read the book to find out, and, believe me, you’ll be glad you did. -Karen

The list of things that will not change

by Rebecca Stead

eBOOK
Kids

Despite her parents' divorce, her father's coming out as gay, and his plans to marry his boyfriend, ten-year-old Bea is reassured by her parents' unconditional love, excited about getting a stepsister, and haunted by something she did last summer at her father's lake house.

The beauty of this story is that it displays the kind of love that doesn’t ask you to be anything but who you are, the kind of love she wishes everyone had. -Karen

Fish in a tree

by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

eAUDIO
Kids

"Ally's greatest fear is that everyone will find out she is as dumb as they think she is because she still doesn't know how to read"--

Think about a teacher you had who made a difference in your life. This is a story about Ally and a teacher who cared. The message? Don’t judge or label someone before you get to know a person. Celebrate the different gifts and talents of others. And remember that all great minds don’t always think alike. -Karen