Staff Picks
Great Books for Ages 3, 4, 5 | 2022
- Richland Library
- Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Collection
"My eyes gaze into space and glimpse trails of light..." --Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho
Preschoolers are listening to longer books and asking LOTS of questions. They are growing their independence along with their attention spans. Bring your book lover to Richland Library and pick up one of these terrific titles today.
Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-929-3434.
Bright Star (read Along)
Published in 2021
Child, you are awake! You are alive! You are a bright star, Inside our hearts. Told with a combination of powerful, spare language and sumptuous and complex imagery that is typical of Yuyi Morales's work, this is the story of a fawn making her way through a border landscape teeming with flora and fauna native to the region. A gentle but empowering voice encourages her to face her fears when she comes across an obstacle in the form of an insurmountable barrier. Perfect for very young children looking for their place in a world full of uncertainty, it is a story that will resonate with many, especially those whose safety is threatened due to the immigration crisis in the US.
Laxmi's Mooch
Published in 2021
After Laxmi's friend Zoe points out the hairs on her lip, Laxmi is very self-conscious until her East Indian parents help her to accept and celebrate her appearance.
I Am Every Good Thing
Published in 2020
Winner of the?NCTE Charlotte Huck Award! An upbeat, empowering, important picture book from the team that created the award-winning Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut I am a nonstop ball of energy. Powerful and full of light. I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader. The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through?as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you?and shows you?who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!
I Am Every Good Thing
Published in 2020
Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child.
What If...
Published in 2018
A child who likes to draw and write stories imagines what would happen if there were no pencils, paper, or other tools for being creative.
All Because You Matter
Published in 2020
Discover this poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, an ode to black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love. Tami Charles pens a poetic, lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that their matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughter, through the hardship of adolescent struggles and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter . Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for the days to come. Lyrical, personal, and full of love, All Because You Matter is for the picture book audience what The Hate U Give was for YA and Ghost Boys was for middle grade: a conversation starter, a community touchstone, and a deep affirmation of worth for the young readers who need it most.
All Because You Matter
Published in 2020
Discover this poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, an ode to black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love. Tami Charles pens a poetic, lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that their matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughter, through the hardship of adolescent struggles and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter. Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for the days to come.
All Because You Matter
Published in 2020
A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will.
Milo Imagines the World
Published in 2021
The team behind the Newbery Medal winner and Caldecott Honor book Last Stop on Market Street and the award-winning New York Times bestseller Carmela Full of Wishes once again delivers a poignant and timely picture book that's sure to become an instant classic. Milo is on a long subway ride with his older sister. To pass the time, he studies the faces around him and makes pictures of their lives. There's the whiskered man with the crossword puzzle; Milo imagines him playing solitaire in a cluttered apartment full of pets. There's the wedding-dressed woman with a little dog peeking out of her handbag; Milo imagines her in a grand cathedral ceremony. And then there's the boy in the suit with the bright white sneakers; Milo imagines him arriving home to a castle with a drawbridge and a butler. But when the boy in the suit gets off on the same stop as Milo?walking the same path, going to the exact same place?Milo realizes that you can't really know anyone just by looking at them.
Milo Imagina El Mundo
Published in 2021
Milo hace un largo viaje en metro. Para pasar el tiempo, observa a la gente a su alrededor y hace dibujos de cómo se imagina que son sus vidas. Está el hombre de bigotes con un crucigrama; Milo lo dibuja jugando al solitario en un apartamento desordenado. Está la mujer vestida de novia; Milo la dibuja en una gran ceremonia en la catedral. Y luego está el chico del traje; Milo lo dibuja llegando a su hogar, que es un castillo. ¿Pero qué pasa si la vida de cada uno es diferente de lo que Milo imaginó inicialmente? De los creadores galardonados Matt de la Peña y Christian Robinson nos llega este oportuno e importante álbum ilustrado sobre cómo no se puede conocer realmente la historia de alguien con solo mirarlo.
Milo Imagines the World
Published in 2021
While Milo and his sister travel to a detention center to visit their incarcerated mother, he observes strangers on the subway and draws what he imagines their lives to be.
Olu & Greta
Published in 2021
Two cousins--one in Lagos, Nigeria, and the other in Milan, Italy--have different lives, but they share a dream of meeting and being together.
The Hike
Published in 2019
With lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world coupled with fun narrative featured throughout, this spirited picture book tells the victorious story of three girls' friendship?and their tribulations and triumphs in the great outdoors. Here is the best and worst of any hike: from picnics to puffing and panting, deer-sighting to detours. Featuring a glossary, a sketchbook by one of the characters, abundant labels throughout, and scientific backmatter, this book is a must-have for budding scientists, best friends, and all adventurers. And it proves, as if proof were needed, what epic things can happen right in your own backyard.
The Hike
Published in 2019
Three friends set out on a day hike to explore their local forest, intending to climb to the top of the hill, where they will plant a flag, read a poem, and release feathers into the wind.
Don't Hug Doug
Published in 2021
"Doug prefers not to be hugged, but there are a variety of other ways his loved ones can show him affection"-- Provided by publisher.
May Your Life Be Deliciosa
Published in 2021
Each year on Christmas Eve, Rosie's abuela teaches her not only how to make a delicious tamale, but how to make a delicious life--one filled with love, plenty of spice, and family.
We Are Water Protectors
Published in 2021
Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal New York Times Bestseller This program is read by the author. Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption-a bold and lyrical audiobook written and read by Carole Lindstrom. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all... When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth And poison her people's water, one young water protector Takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource. A Macmillan Audio production from Roaring Brook Press
Bedtime for Sweet Creatures
Published in 2018
A beloved and very sleepy little boy resists his mother's efforts to put him to bed.
Have You Ever Seen a Flower?
Published in 2021
A child experiences a flower by seeing its colors, smelling its fragrance, and imagining a tiny world within it.
Eyes That Speak to the Stars
Published in 2022
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. This extraordinary picture book redefines what it means to be truly you. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners received three starred reviews and was embraced as "breathtaking," "lyrical," and "poignant." This companion volume is sure to be welcomed with equal joy. January/February 2021 Kids' Indie Next List An Amazon January Best Book of the Month
The Lost Package
Published in 2021
A tour of the busy work that takes place at post offices is depicted through the journey of a lost package that receives a little help reaching its destination, proving that distance cannot keep loved ones apart.
If Only...
Published in 2021
"In a cyclical story, a child wishes to fly like a butterfly, who wishes for privacy like a stick insect’s, who wishes to swim like a whirligig beetle. Each garden creature expresses a desire to be like someone else, ending with the dragonfly who wishes to be like a child who can run, jump, laugh, play, count, build, and more."-- Provided by publisher.
Little Red and the Cat Who Loved Cake
Published in 2021
In this wordless picture book, a variation on the classic fairy tale, Little Red has baked a cake with her father and they set off for Grandma's house, but along the way they are trailed by a cat who loves cakes.
We Are Water Protectors
Published in 2020
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption ? a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all . . . When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth And poison her people's water, one young water protector Takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.
We Are Water Protectors
Published in 2020
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption--a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all. When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource. -- Publisher.
Fry Bread
A Native American Family Story
Published in 2019
Using illustrations that show the diversity in Native America and spare poetic text that emphasizes fry bread in terms of provenance, this volume tells the story of a post-colonial food that is a shared tradition for Native American families all across the North American continent. Includes a recipe and an extensive author note that delves into the social ways, foodways, and politics of America's 573 recognized tribes.
Bathe the Cat
Published in 2021
Dad has posted a list of chores for the family to do before grandma comes, including bathing the cat; but the cat does not want a bath, so she mixes up the instructions, and soon the family is mowing the floor, vacuuming the lawn, mopping the baby--and the house is in chaos.
De Dónde Eres?
Published in 2019
When other children and their parents keep asking a young girl where she is from, she puts the same question to her grandfather who describes the land and people from which her family originated.
Where Are You From?
Published in 2019
"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."--Page [2] of cover.
Bright Star
Published in 2021
"A nurturing voice reassures the lonely and afraid in difficult times"-- Provided by publisher.
Sleep Like Me
Published in 2021
"When a boy can't fall asleep, he asks the animals--including giraffes, koalas, and humpback whales--for their help"-- Provided by publisher.
Fry Bread
Published in 2020
Fry bread is food. It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate. Fry bread is time. It brings families together for meals and new memories. Fry bread is nation. It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond. Fry bread is us. It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference. Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family.
The School Book
Published in 2019
"Todd Parr introduces readers to all the things they can do at school"-- Provided by publisher.
Ravi's Roar
Published in 2020
Tired of missing out on good things because he is the smallest and youngest in his family, Ravi turns into a tiger and gets what he wants with a great roar.
Outside, Inside
Published in 2021
Something strange happened on an unremarkable day just before the season changed. Everybody who was outside... went inside. Outside, it was quieter, wilder, and different. Inside, we laughed, we cried, and we grew. We remembered to protect the ones we love and love the ones who protect us. While the world changed outside, we became stronger on the inside and believed that someday soon spring would come again.
Outside, Inside
Published in 2021
A beautiful book that describes the impact of COVID-19 on communities and why some essential workers could not quarantine.
Construction Site Mission
Demolition!
Published in 2020
In rhyming text, the vehicles of the construction crew set to work demolishing an old rickety building--the necessary first step to building something new.
Construction Site Mission
Demolition!
Published in 2020
The newest adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series! In Construction Site Mission: Demolition!, the construction team we all know and love has an exciting job to do-smashing, crushing, sorting, hauling. Ultimately, this picture book is about working together, breaking things down, and cleaning it all up at the end of the day. - Filled with playful rhyming text and vibrant illustrations to inspire cleanup - Features the same beloved trucks and construction site from the original book Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site - Teaches teamwork, perseverance, and how to overcome obstacles-and have fun! Demolition is tough work, but these powerful vehicles are up to the task-and once the job is done, there will be a freshly cleared and tidy construction site ready for building something new. This satisfying story is from the bestselling team behind Construction Site on Christmas Night and Three Cheers for Kid McGear. - More than 3.5 million copies sold in the series - Perfect for kids who love construction and all the machines that come with it - Resonates year-round as a go-to read for children ages 3 to 5 - You'll love this book if you love books like Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? by Brianna Caplan Sayres, Digger, Dozer, Dumper by Hope Vestergaard, and The Goodnight Train by June Sobel.
Mel Fell
Published in 2021
"...follow Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight in this tale of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith."-- Publisher's description.
Watercress
Published in 2021
Embarrassed about gathering watercress from a roadside ditch, a girl learns to appreciate her Chinese heritage after learning why the plant is so important to her parents.