Synopsis: It's wintertime again, and Jamaica has to wear her brother Ossie's hand-me-down boots. She finds herself envious of her friend Brianna's pink boots with the fuzzy cuffs, and Brianna teases her about her ugly, old "boy" boots. But one word brings reconciliation for the two friends.

Synopsis: Award-winning artist Jon J Muth retells the favorite tale of a selfish community who is tricked into creating a delicious soup from stones. Set in China in Muth's hauntingly beautiful watercolors.Three strangers, hungry and tired, pass through a war-torn village. Embittered and suspicious from the war, the people hide their food and close their windows tight. That is, until the clever strangers suggest making a soup from stones. Intrigued by the…

Synopsis: Celebrate your individuality with this picture book that honors all the wonderful things that make you . . . you. "In all the world over, this much is true: You're somebody special. There's only one YOU." This feel-good book reassures kids that, whoever and whatever they are, it's awesome being YOU! Expertly written to include all kinds of children and families, this story embraces the beauty in a range of physical types, personalities,…

Synopsis: From Talking Pots Day, when the aunts all gather to make the biggest pot of soup in town, to serenades and stories late at night, when the rest of the world is asleep, "seems like everything good that happens in my house happens in my momma's kitchen." A celebration of African-American life and the bonds that unite all families, generation after generation.

Synopsis: A paperback picture book based on the true story of Wangari Maathai, an environmental and political activist in Kenya and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something--and starts by planting nine…

Synopsis: This soaring story takes readers on a fantastic journey set in the same world and warm relationship as Arthur Dorros's award-winning Abuela! Rosalba is going on an imaginary journey to the Caribbean island where her grandmother grew up. Through her abuela's eyes and stories, Rosalba visits with relatives who still live on la isla and sees the beautiful terrain of the island--from the lush, tropical rain forest to the bustling old city. Along the…

Synopsis: 2000 SSLI Honor Book-Social Studies (Grades K-6) IRA Los Angeles' 100 Best Books A multicultural cast of children imagines what it would be like to be president. Imagine living in the White House, a mansion where you wouldn't have to leave home to go bowling or see a movie! Imagine a chef to cook anything you like. "Two desserts, Madam President? No problem!" If you were president, there would be a lot of work to do too. You would be in…

Synopsis: What magic can be found in a piece of string?  The magic of a million incarnations--when the string is found by an imaginative little girl who spies it on the sidewalk.  Slither, slish--it could be the dance of a scaly dragon.  Or, push-a-pat--the top of the Great Wall of China.  Unique illustrations, inspired by Asian brush-stroke paintings, transform the simple thread into fireworks, thunderclouds, and even the moon.  

Synopsis: Four children who feel good about who they are and how they look enjoy the activities of a typical day at school, happy and brimming with confidence and self-esteem.

Synopsis: NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The treasured childhood classic that tells the heartwarming story of a little bear and a little girl finding the friend they have always wanted in each other.Corduroy lives in the toy department of a big store. Day after day he waits with all the other animals and dolls for somebody to come along and take him home. Yet as soon as Lisa sees him, she knows that he’s the bear for her. Her mother, though, thinks he’s a little…