Grade: 1

This endearing bedtime book is perfect for winding down with little ones at the end of a busy day. After reading it, you’ll feel good too! Each large two-page illustration radiates genuine affection and celebrates the love between moms of all kinds and their young, as they ready them for bed. Mommy mouse embraces her baby. A sheep and her lamb rub muzzles. Mother cow and her calf exchange loving glances. Mommy horse and her foal nuzzle each other. And on and on, concluding with a human mommy tucking her young child in bed with this thought: “The stars on high are shining bright-Sweet dreams, my darling, sleep well… good night!” This book will melt your heart.

Yes, even little animals have to go to sleep. When night falls, little fawns and little bears close their eyes under the watchful care of their mothers and fathers. Sally Lloyd-Jones’s rhythmic text paired with Jane Chapman’s depiction of a nighttime world settling down for slumber will make any reluctant sleepyhead want to curl into bed.

Tomás’s grandfather is a wonderful storyteller. No matter where his family is in their yearly migration, they gather around the fire after their work in the fields is done and are treated to the gift of a story. When Papá Grande runs out of his own stories, he sends Tomás to the library to find more. There, Tomás finds a cozy spot where his imagination soars along with his friendship with the librarian. Based on a true incident in the life of the famous writer and educator Tomás Rivera, this story is about family, friendship, and the power of stories.

This alphabet book stretches readers’ imaginations as they think ahead to complete the sentences. “A is for seed — tomorrow’s APPLE. B is for eggs — tomorrow’s BIRDS.” The challenge will keep students thinking and the possibilities will keep them talking. For another variation of alphabet puzzles, read A Is for Salad by Mike Lester (Puffin, 2000).

Everyone at Robin Hill School is looking forward to Valentine’s Day. Everyone except Neil. He thinks valentines are silly. But on the big day, when Neil doesn’t get any valentines at school, he’s not sure they’re so silly after all!

Toot and Puddle, two pigs, are best friends with different interests. When Toot sets off to see the world, Puddle prefers to stay home. Through the postcards Toot sends from Egypt, Spain, Antarctica, and other faraway places, Puddle learns about his friend’s travels. But Puddle has his own fun at home — ice skating, making maple syrup, and swimming in the pond. When Toot decides to return home, the friends celebrate being together again.

This picture book is based on the true story of Mary Kingsley, a British woman who traveled to West Africa during the 1800s. Author and illustrator Don Brown colorfully captures her adventures, which include staring down a hippo, smacking a rude crocodile with a canoe paddle, and surviving the treacherous rapids of the Remboué River.

Late one night, Rosalinda wakes to see her lovingly cared for lemon tree being robbed of all its fruit. The next day she sees the thief with his family — selling her limones! Then Rosalinda meets the spirit of La Anciana, The Old One, who makes things grow. She gives Rosalinda a remedy that will heal her lemon tree (and her bitter feelings). That night Rosalinda follows the spirit’s instructions and then slumbers under the lemon tree beneath a full yellow moon. When she awakes, the tree is full of fruit and her heart is full of compassion for the man who stole her lemons. This magical story gives practical messages about giving and forgiveness.