Children's Books
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ABCs By Jesus and Me
written by Elizabeth Grapes
illustrated by Elizabeth Scolero
A is for Amen. B is for Bible. C is for Christ. In this spiritual journey through the alphabet, children are invited to join in and celebrate the wisdom and teachings of God. ABCs By Jesus and Me guides young readers through each letter, imparting Christ’s love and lessons along the way. Author Elizabeth Grapes weaves powerful meaning into simple, easy-to-understand definitions for kids and parents to explore, while Elizabeth Scolaro’s vibrant illustrations accompany every letter and deepen the experience from the first page to the last. An invaluable way for families to spend time together in the Word, ABCs By Jesus and Me seeks to educate young readers that Christ truly is everything from A to Z.
ABCs of Crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay
illustrated by Heather Cockrell
ABCs of Crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay describes the process of harvesting blue crabs in and around the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as all of the tools and supplies they use. Commercial seafood harvesters are watermen, and they work hard from May through November, catching the blue crab that is used in many delicious seafood recipes. This book is written for readers from one to one hundred, or anyone who loves the water and is curious about crabbing and what watermen do.
Adeline by the Sea
illustrated by Britt Van Deusen
It’s summer, and that means a family trip to visit Grandpa on the coast! Henry loves staying in the old house by the water; he loves listening to Grandpa’s stories, watching the purple martins build their nests, and of course, keeping an eye on his baby sister, Adeline. After all, that’s a big brother’s responsibility! But with little Adeline getting bigger, is it time for Henry to learn the difference between protecting someone and loving them enough to let go?
Adventures in Dinglewood
written by Helen Williamson
illustrated by Nancy Atkins
If you are in a hurry, you might pass by Dinglewood without paying much attention. But if you listen carefully, you just might hear the pitter-patter of small feet and the chattering of tiny voices. Turn the page—There’s a world of adventure here in Dinglewood for you to discover!
PRAISE FOR ADVENTURES IN DINGLEWOOD:
“Meet Henrietta and Jasper, two playful mice whose appetite for adventure inspires the five charming tales in Helen Williamson’s newest release. Beautifully illustrated, Adventures in Dinglewood will remind parents and grandparents of beloved books in the tradition of Peter Rabbit and The Wind in the Willows—But the storylines here are laced with mystery and mettle, crafted to appeal to younger siblings of the Harry Potter generation. Adventures in Dinglewood is sure to take its place alongside many long-loved children’s books as a delightful modern classic.”
~ Kai Rady, Toy and Book Buyer, Shenanigans (est. 1974), Charlottesville, VA, USA
“Helen Williamson and Nancy Atkins charm young readers with the magical adventures of Henrietta and Jasper as they encounter Dinglewood’s many zany woodland creatures. . . Adventures in Dinglewood would be a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf.”
~ Anna Burger, author of Pea Soup and the Seafood Feast and The Sea Hunt
“Imaginatively conceived and lovingly executed, these stories of mice friends Henrietta and Jasper and their encounters with real and fictional creatures catapulted me back into my childhood. Nancy Atkins' charming illustrations complement Helen Williamson’s lovely prose; the combination offers a reading experience likely to live in children's memories.”
~ Jay Strafford, retired reporter, editor, writer, and book critic for the Richmond News Leader and the Richmond Times-Dispatch. A native of Charlottesville with deep roots in Albemarle and Nelson counties, he has lived in Florida since 2015.
Albert
written and illustrated by Beth Roberts
Albert is the story of a mouse—a mischievous, fun-loving and very special mouse. There have been many stories about adventurous, talking mice, but there’s never been a story about a mouse who bakes delicious treats with love and sunshine and delivers them to your doorstep all wrapped in red bows. This is a story about how Albert came to live with Bob and Franny, and how he learned to share love, kindness, and sweet surprises with everyone just to make them merry.
Albert is about loving, baking, and giving. And inside, you’ll find recipes, labels, and inspiration for finding the Albert in your own heart.
Kindle ebook available here ($4.99)
Albert: A Frog and His Dream
illustrated by Keegan Williams
When Albert the tree frog announces that he is going to learn to fly like a bird, his friends and neighbors all think it’s a big joke. After all, Albert is very clever, but he’s also a little odd, what with his constant daydreaming and odd hobbies. But Albert is determined to prove to his friends—and to himself—that with hard work and a little imagination, anything is possible!
Astra in Hollywood
illustrated by Michelle Simpson
Astra the lonely airplane never has to be lonely again! Her new hangar in sunny LA is home to three amazing new friends: Lana, a sleek, beautiful Learjet; a giant cargo plane named Hank; and Helen the crime-fighting helicopter.
In fact, they’re all so cool that Astra soon starts to wonder if she’s cut out for life in Hollywood! But when Lana, Hank, and Helen are each faced with unexpected problems, Astra discovers that you don’t need to be the fastest, the strongest, or the bravest to be important. It’s being a good friend that makes you a star!
Astra the Lonely Airplane
illustrated by Michelle Simpson
Astra is a sleek, shiny airplane who loves to go flying with her best friend, Captain Dan. But when Astra and Dan suddenly find themselves out of a job, Astra must wait in her lonely hangar for a new owner to come along and give them somewhere to go! As the weeks turn into months and the right buyer still doesn’t appear, Astra begins to wonder: Will she ever get to fly again?
The Bears Who Loved a Panda: A Story of Unconditional Love
written by Olga Wall
illustrated by Natalia Logvanova
Ping, an adorable and curious baby panda escapes the confines of the Washington Zoo and ventures into the wilds of the Shenandoah Mountains in search of home. But when Ping encounters a group of pandas unlike any he’s ever seen, his adventure takes an unexpected turn. As Ping navigates this new world and a new reality, he’ll need all of his courage to find his place among this strange looking pack. Will Ping succeed and discover that home is where the bear hugs are?
Because You Are Polite at the Dining Table
written and illustrated by Ginger Johnston Philbrick
Because you’re polite, you know that the table is not where your elbows should rest.
Just suppose that your elbow feels warm and you see that it’s in the cream soup of a guest!
Because You Are Polite at the Dining Table is a playful reminder of the dos and don'ts of dining with others. From practicing patience to being gracious about trying new foods, the advice of etiquette guide Ginger Philbrick is relevant to dinner guests of all ages. Find out how good manners can open doors to new friendships and inspire new experiences!
Beatrice and the Sunflower Gift
written by Stephanie Parwulski
illustrated by Tania Ramírez Cuevas
Beatrice the Turtle is afraid to come out of her shell. Then, one summer day, a butterfly lands in Beatrice’s rock garden, and together, they embark on an inspiring journey through the forest. Join Beatrice in learning how a small act of kindness can change your life in a big way!
Bella Joins the Service
illustrated by Penny Weber
Bella, a fun-loving Lab, spends her days with her person, Kirk. Together, they run, swim, hike, and climb through Colorado’s great outdoors. But one day, everything changes. While mountain biking, Kirk has a disabling fall that leaves him unable to use his arms and legs the way he used to. What’s a Lab to do?
Bella chooses to “join the service”—service dogs, that is. While Kirk learns a new way of life, Bella learns how to do many things with her nose, mouth, and paws that Kirk can no longer do with his hands.
Follow Bella and Kirk’s journey as they come full circle to live the same adventurous life they lived before—just differently.
Bokky for Breakfast
illustrated by Kelly O'Neill
Jossie is NOT a typical toddler.
Jossie’s favorite time is mealtime. She loves trying new, yummy foods.
Sometimes yummy foods are crunchy. Sometimes yummy foods are soft. Sometimes yummy foods taste salty, and sometimes they taste sweet.
But when Jossie asks Mommy for a certain yummy food for breakfast one morning, it’s not what you would expect!
Will Mommy figure out what Jossie wants to eat?
Boswell Bear Goes to School
written by Marilyn Seigle
illustrated by Maegan Penley
Boswell Bear has been patiently waiting for his first day of school! Set off on an all-day adventure with Boswell as he makes new friends, learns new things, and discovers just how fun school can be!
Brave Bird
written by Judy Jamison
illustrated by Yasemin Arkun
Little Bird became Brave Bird when she found the courage to fly. We all experience anxiety, fear, and insecurities. Brave Bird shows the way to overcome those feelings. Have you ever been a “brave bird”? Share your story at judyjamison.com.
Bunny's Busy Day
written by Marilyn Seigle
illustrated by Maegan Penley
Easter traditions have always meant a lot to children—and children at heart. This enchanting story of an Easter morning will continue to add to that tradition.
A Cabbit Tale
Meet Ace, a young and curious cat who loves his family. When Ace loses the precious stone his grandfather gave him, he must venture into the forbidden forest to retrieve it. Before he can get very far, however, his family sets out after him, determined to protect him against all odds. Along the way, Ace avoids a great winged beast and meets a woodland creature: a cabbit—half cat, half rabbit. What else lurks in these strange woods? Does Ace have what it takes to recover his stone, and perhaps solve another mystery along the way?
A Caterpillar at the Dentist
illustrated by Kelly O'Neill
She’s never had a filling before! When Ira meets Zack, a talking caterpillar, in the dentist’s waiting room, Zack knows just how to make her feel better. Zack will explain that the dentist’s tools are simple, harmless objects used in everyday life. Through their imagination, Ira will learn to understand the nature and importance of getting a filling.
PRAISE FOR A CATERPILLAR AT THE DENTIST:
“A Caterpillar at the Dentist is a must-read for parents who want to help their child prepare for their first dental visit. It is a positive story that provides child-friendly language for the different parts of a dental visit and a positive reflection of the dental team, along with the office setting and tools they use to keep kids’ mouths healthy! A great example of caring and collaboration with dental providers and families to maintain a healthy smile, which keeps kids healthy and ready to learn!”
—Tegwyn H. Brickhouse, DDS, PhD; Interim Chair, Department of Oral Health Promotion and Community Outreach; Director, Oral Health Services Research Core, Phillips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry; Director, Oral Health in Childhood and Adolescence; Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry, and Innovation
“Children almost always dread visiting dentists due to anxiety and fear that may stem from parents, peers, or other sources. This book will definitely help in eradicating such fears. It will not only boost the child’s confidence in visiting a dentist, but also make the child look forward to visiting one. I also congratulate Dr. Shweta Ujaoney immensely for coming up with this wonderful caterpillar story, which I believe is so beautiful and colorful that any child will read with keen interest.”
—Dr. Paul Chalakkal, Pediatric Dentist, India; Prestigious Young Pedodontist Award Recipient, Proactive Academician Award Recipient for Pediatric Dentistry
“Extremely well-written and well-illustrated! Very novel way to prepare kids and parents for a visit to the dentist.”
—Manju Mamtani, MD
“Little Ira has a cavity in her tooth, and she’s worried about seeing the dentist. But when she visits Dr. U’s office, she makes a friend who gives her the inside scoop. Join Ira and Zack as they take a special tour of the dentist’s office and meet all the fun characters who help Dr. U every day. Packed with information about tools and procedures, this bright book will be handy for any child visiting the dentist.”
—Pavi Raman, MD
“Informative, educational, and colorful are just some of the words that come to mind when describing A Caterpillar at the Dentist. Join Ira on a fun-filled adventure that thoroughly explains what a cavity is, how it is fixed, and what tools are used to fix it. As a registered dental hygienist, I truly feel this book will familiarize children with the dental office and ease dental anxiety because it is informative and explains things in such a vibrant and calming manner. It is a must-read for all young children.”
— Amanda Hann, RDH
“Informative, innovative, and inspirational!”
— Hemant Kulkarni, MD
Carole Jane from Starfish Lane
illustrated by Cheryl Grant
What do you do at the beach when it’s not summertime? Carole Jane lives on Mac Island, and even though summer is fun, Carole Jane thinks she might love the other seasons even more. She can peek into tide pools in the spring, talk to gulls in the fall, and play in the sand all year round, building all sorts of things. Home on Mac Island is Carole Jane’s favorite place to be.
The pale yellow house at the end of Starfish Lane is where Carole Jane lives. She can see the ocean every day, all year long, and there is always something interesting to see and do on the island. Spend the year with Carole Jane, discovering everything from parades celebrating Mac Island's townspeople, to a bonfire on the beach, to peaceful days reading on the pier.
Chelsea Skye, Nature Spy
written by Kate McCarroll Moore
illustrated by Michelle Simpson
Chelsea Skye grows bored when her family spend all their time on their devices during “the year the world turned upside down.”
With nothing to do, she begins watching the world outside her window—and when she spies a mama robin struggling to build a nest, she comes up with an ingenious way to help.
This is a story about hope, love, and paying attention to the beauty around us—and doing our part to help those in need.
Chester Chipmunk Will NOT Sleep
written by Kathleen George
illustrated by Louisa Mae
It’s bedtime in the nook of Cherry Hill, but Chester Chipmunk just can’t sleep! He’s had too much fun playing today, and he isn’t ready to stop now. Good thing Mom knows a trick or two to help change his mind! Join Mama Chipmunk and Chester on a whimsical journey to discover all the many adventures that await in his dreams!
PRAISE FOR CHESTER CHIPMUNK WILL NOT SLEEP:
“Chester Chipmunk Will NOT Sleep is a heartwarming story that celebrates the wonders of childhood. Through its title character and majestic illustrations, the reader is whisked away on an exciting journey through the imaginative world of dreams. This book is sure to delight and awaken the inner adventurer in all of us!”
—Stephanie Parwulski, author of Beatrice and the Sunflower Gift and Gloria’s Hope Tree
A Chookamook Came Over for Breakfast
written by Cliff Davis
illustrated by Heidi Gibson
Lizzie Lewis hates breakfast. She’d rather eat candy and other sweet treats. But then Mama brings home a new box of cereal for Lizzie to try—magic cereal. With one bite, she finds herself shrunk down to a few inches high and entering the world of Breakfastland, where mountains are made of marshmallows and palaces are made of pancakes. There she meets the Chookamooks, tiny mouse-like creatures that help make breakfasts for the whole world. Can the Chookamooks teach Lizzie that breakfast isn’t so bad? Can she help save Breakfastland from the evil Dr. Darktooth?
To learn more about Cliff Davis and Heidi Gibson, click here.
A Cup of Pretend
written by Tansill Johnson
illustrated by Susan Emery
When it’s too cold to play outside, a cup of pretend is just the thing to warm your heart and spirit! Join a little girl named Rainbow and her grandmother for an afternoon of make-believe. You’ll discover that a little imagination goes a long way, and that you’re never too old to be a kid at heart!
The Day Sweetie Pie Died
illustrated by Emily Hurst Pritchett
Maggie loves attending school, where she and her friends get to play, collect nature treasures, and ride trikes together. Best of all, Maggie looks forward to hearing the class guinea pig, Sweetie Pie’s, daily greeting of “Whee, Whee, Whee, Whee, Whee, Whee, Wheat!” But today, Ms. Lamms has sad news for the class: Sweetie Pie has died, and they won’t be able to see her anymore. Alongside their grief and worries, Maggie and her classmates devise a plan to show their love for the best guinea pig ever!
