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Perseverance

Determination and persistence in spite of difficulty or opposition

How to Catch a Dinosaur

Perseverance, Engineering

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling team comes a dinomite How to Catch adventure sure to delight every dinosaur fan! Do dinosaurs still walk among us? Sure, no one has seen one, but if alligators, whales, and even birds still exist, then dinosaurs must too, right? Join the daring Catch Club Kids as they try to wrangle a dinosaur in time for the school science fair and prove they're still around! Parents, young readers, dinosaur lovers, and educators alike will roar with laughter in this dinosaur picture book that blends STEAM concepts with hilarity and clever chaos. Do YOU have what it takes to pluck a prehistoric pal? Perfect for kids ages 4-10, this fun story makes a great birthday and back to school gift, stocking and basket stuffer, or read aloud for any occasion! Can you catch a dinosaur and prove they're still around? Use your brain and set your traps to get that dino found!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 12820 votes, reviews

Adam Wallace

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Rosie Revere, Engineer

Strong Female Leads, NY Times Best Sellers, Engineering

Rosie may seem quiet during the day, but at night she's a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer. When her Great-Great-Aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her one unfinished goal - to fly - Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt's dream come true. But when her contraption doesn't fly but rather hovers for a moment and then crashes, Rosie deems the invention a failure. On the contrary, Aunt Rose insists that Rosie's contraption was a raging success. You can only truly fail, she explains, if you quit.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 6482 votes, reviews

Andrea Beaty

The Very Busy Spider

Modern Favs, Perseverance, Strong Female Leads

From bestselling author and illustrator Eric Carle, the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, comes another classic tale about one very busy spider. A perfect gift to share with the child or grandchild in your life. Early one morning a little spider spins her web on a fence post. One by one, the animals of the nearby farm try to distract her, yet the busy little spider keeps diligently at her work. When she is done, she is able to show everyone that not only is her creation quite beautiful, it is also quite useful! This multi-sensory board book allows children to feel the pictures as well as see them, and is the perfect size for little hands. With its rhythmic text, The Very Busy Spider becomes an experience to touch, to see, and to hear.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 6018 votes, reviews

Eric Carle

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug

Perseverance, Friendship

An unforgettable character teaches a lesson in overcoming obstacles: Tiny T. Rex has a HUGE problem. His friend Pointy needs cheering up and only a hug will do. But with his short stature and teeny T. Rex arms, is a hug impossible? Not if Tiny has anything to say about it! Join this plucky little dinosaur in his very first adventure, Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug—a warm and funny tale that proves the best hugs come from the biggest hearts. -Tiny T. Rex will stomp into the hearts of readers in this winning new series. -Book teaches lessons in kindness, overcoming obstacles, and perseverance. -Jonathan Stutzman is an award winning filmmaker and children's book author. His short films have screened at film festivals all over the world and on television. Fans of Dragons Love Tacos, Grumpy Monkey, and Llama Destroys the World will love the latest unforgettable character on the picture book scene in Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug. "Wins for compassion and for the refusal to let physical limitations hold one back." —Kirkus Reviews -Great family read aloud book -Books for kids ages 3 5 -Picture books for preschool and kindergarten
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 5408 votes, reviews

Jonathan Stutzman

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Modern Favs, Perseverance

When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 5307 votes, reviews

Mo Willems

Beautiful Oops!

Perseverance, NY Times Best Sellers

Beautiful Oops! from Workman Publishing says "Hooray for mistakes!" This interactive book demonstrates how every mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful. Unique in every respect, this book is full of pop-ups, lift-the-flaps, tears, holes, overlays, bends, smudges, and more, each demonstrating how blunders can become wonders. Celebrate all life's Beautiful Oops! and teach kids that it's perfectly fine, and sometimes fortuitous, to make a mistake. Hardcover, 28 pages.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 4066 votes, reviews

Barney Saltzberg

The Little Engine That Could (Classic Edition)

Classics, Thinking Big, Perseverance

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..." Discover the inspiring story of the Little Blue Engine as she makes her way over the mountain in this beloved classic—the perfect gift to celebrate the special milestones in your life, from graduations to birthdays and more! The kindness and determination of the Little Blue Engine have inspired millions of children around the world since the story was first published in 1930. Cherished by readers for over ninety years, The Little Engine That Could is a classic tale of the little engine that, despite her size, triumphantly pulls a train full of wonderful things to the children waiting on the other side of a mountain.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 3845 votes, reviews

Watty Piper

The Little Engine That Could

Classics, Growth Mindset, Perseverance

The story of a train filled with toys and gifts for little boys and girls that breaks down before reaching the children. After asking several passing trains for help over the hill, a little blue train agrees to help the stranded toys. Even though she is small, the blue train tries her best to bring the toys to the children on the other side of the hill.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 3739 votes, reviews

Watty Piper

The Most Magnificent Thing

Strong Female Leads, Engineering, Perseverance

Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful idea. "She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!" But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right. For the early grades' exploration of character education, this funny book offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity. The girl's frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 3605 votes, reviews

Ashley Spires

How To Catch A Star

Perseverance, Thinking Big

From the illustrator of the #1 smash hit The Day the Crayons Quit comes a story about wishing, persevering, and reaching for the stars. Once there was a boy, and that boy loved stars very much. So much so that he decided to catch one of his very own. But how? Waiting for them to grow tired from being up in the sky all night doesn't work. Climbing to the top of the tallest tree? No, not tall enough. The boy has a rocket ship . . . but it is made of paper and doesn't fly well at all. Finally, just when the boy is ready to give up, he learns that sometimes things aren't where, or what, we expect them to be. Oliver Jeffers offers a simple, childlike tale of reaching for the stars, and emerging with a friend.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 3351 votes, reviews

Oliver Jeffers

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Strong Female Leads, Diverse Leads, Perseverance

Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school . . . until one day, when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill and he can no longer do so. Sofia (aka Sofi) misses her Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea—the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 3274 votes, reviews

Andrea Beaty

My Magical Choices

Emotions, Responsibility

Do your children realize they have one of life's greatest gifts, the ability to make choices that determine how their day will go? No more, "I can't, I don't know, or I'm not!" As you use My Magical Choices to teach your children positive, conscious language, they will choose to be responsible, calm, confident, fun, a good sport, forgiving, generous and more! Boys and girls will be instantly drawn to the beautiful illustrations and fun rhymes that empower them to be responsible for their own happiness. Parents and teachers love the social-emotional message that greatness comes by making the choice to take positive actions towards a goal. These actions create feeling of happiness inside and help develop life-long healthy habits.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 3140 votes, reviews

Becky Cummings

Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll

Friendship, Perseverance

The original, best-selling "Rock" book keeps on rolling, now celebrating its 5th anniversary! This modern-day classic follows 14 lovable rocks (and one wise little ladybug) on a heartwarming and hilarious journey, universally loved by children, parents and teachers alike. From zippy little pebbles to big strong boulders, the rock friends get together to play and roll around their favorite hill, only to find that one of their friends, Ricky, can't roll with them. Unlike all of the other rocks, who are all round, Ricky can't roll because he's flat on one side. Determined not to leave their friend behind, the rocks set out to help Ricky roll - one way or another. When the last knot was tied, and the work was all done, the only step left was for Rick to have fun. They stood back and watched, feeling nervous and tense, as Rick breathed in deep, with increasing suspense. He moved slowly at first, testing out his new mold, and then, for the first time...Ricky the rock rolled! This sweet, imaginative picture book, written in verse, brings a fresh set of characters to life in a story that highlights perseverance and triumph in the face of adversity, and the power of true friendship, combining the spirit of The Giving Tree with the rhyme and rhythm of Dr. Seuss. Targeted for children ages 3-11, this is the first of a series of books featuring the "You Rock Group" that kids are sure to cherish as they grow, and learn from through empowering, motivating and fun-to-read stories.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2973 votes, reviews

Mr. Jay

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Stacey’s Extraordinary Words

Perseverance, Diverse Leads, Strong Female Leads, Celebrity Authors

#1 New York Times bestseller and NAACP Image Award winner! The debut picture book from iconic voting rights advocate and bestselling author Stacey Abrams is an inspiring tale of determination, based on her own childhood. Stacey is a little girl who loves words more than anything. She loves reading them, sounding them out, and finding comfort in them when things are hard. But when her teacher chooses her to compete in the local spelling bee, she isn’t as excited as she thought she’d be. What if she messes up? Or worse, if she can’t bring herself to speak up, like sometimes happens when facing bullies at school? Stacey will learn that win or lose . . . her words are powerful, and sometimes perseverance is the most important word of all. Plus don't miss the follow-up from the same team, Stacey's Remarkable Books!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 2142 votes, reviews

Stacey Abrams

Salt in his Shoes

Black History, Diverse Leads

Michael Jordan. The mere mention of the name conjures up visions of basketball played at its absolute best. But as a child, Michael almost gave up on his hoop dreams, all because he feared he'd never grow tall enough to play the game that would one day make him famous. That's when his mother and father stepped in and shared the invaluable lesson of what really goes into the making of a champion -- patience, determination, and hard work. Deloris Jordan, mother of the basketball phenomenon, teams up with his sister Roslyn to tell this heartwarming and inspirational story that only the members of the Jordan family could tell. It's a tale about faith and hope and how any family working together can help a child make his or her dreams come true.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2076 votes, reviews

Deloris Jordan

Journey

Caldecott Medal, Wordless, Perseverance

A 2014 Caldecott Honor Book Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination — and unexpected friendship. A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a world where wonder, adventure, and danger abound. Red marker in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon, and a flying carpet that carry her on a spectacular journey toward an uncertain destiny. When she is captured by a sinister emperor, only an act of tremendous courage and kindness can set her free. Can it also lead her home and to her heart’s desire? With supple line, luminous color, and nimble flights of fancy, author-illustrator Aaron Becker launches an ordinary child on an extraordinary journey toward her greatest and most exciting adventure of all.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1998 votes, reviews

Aaron Becker

A Giraffe and a Half

Perseverance

From Shel Silverstein, the New York Times bestselling creator of Where the Sidewalk Ends and The Giving Tree, comes a riotous rhyming picture book about a boy and his giraffe! Featuring rhythmic verse and iconic illustrations, A Giraffe and a Half will leave every reader, young and old, laughing until the very end. Beloved for over fifty years, this classic captures Silverstein’s signature humor and style. If you had a giraffe and he stretched another half, you would have a giraffe and a half. But what happens if you glue a rose to the tip of his nose? Or if you used a chair to comb his hair? Join this giraffe on a rollicking and ridiculous journey that will charm readers from beginning to end.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1876 votes, reviews

Shel Silverstein

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The Very Lonely Firefly

Community, Perseverance

From bestselling author and illustrator Eric Carle, the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, comes another classic tale about one very lonely firefly. A perfect gift to share with the child or grandchild in your life. When a very lonely firefly goes out into the night searching for other fireflies, it sees a lantern, a candle, and the eyes of a dog, cat, and owl all glowing in the darkness. It even sees a surprise celebration of light. But it is not until it discovers other fireflies that it finds exactly what it's looking for--a surprise sure to bring smiles to anyone who turn the final page! This board book edition is the perfect size for little hands. Lushly illustrated with Eric Carle's trademark vibrant collage art, soothingly told with a gentle read-aloud rhythm, and complete with a surprise sure to "light up" children's faces, The Very Lonely Firefly will fast become a storytime favorite. Read it with a flashlight in the dark or under the table--and watch those fireflies glow!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1837 votes, reviews

Eric Carle

Sam And Dave Dig A Hole

Caldecott Medal, Perseverance

With perfect pacing, the multi-award-winning, New York Times best-selling team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen dig down for a deadpan tale full of visual humor. Sam and Dave are on a mission. A mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find . . . nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a rare treasure in this witty story of looking for the extraordinary — and finding it in a manner you’d never expect.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 1806 votes, reviews

Mac Barnett

The Little Engine That Could (Little Golden Book)

Classics, Thinking Big, Perseverance

Make family reading a regular and cherished activity with The Little Engine That Could and READ TOGETHER, BE TOGETHER, a nationwide movement developed by Penguin Random House in partnership with Parents magazine. The kindness and determination of the Little Blue Engine have inspired millions of children around the world since the story was first published in 1930. Cherished by readers for ninety years, The Little Engine That Could is a classic tale of a little engine that, despite her size, triumphantly pulls a train full of wonderful things to the children waiting on the other side of a mountain. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of determination and kindness to younger readers with this classic picture book!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1761 votes, reviews

Watty Piper

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Mae Among the Stars

Strong Female Leads, Black History, Diverse Leads, Space

A beautiful picture book for sharing, inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison. Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space. This book will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1741 votes, reviews

Roda Ahmed

Secret Pizza Party

Perseverance

Shhhh! Don't tell anyone about this mouth-watering book from the New York Times bestselling creators of Dragons Love Tacos and Robo-Sauce! How does Racoon love pizza? Oh, let him count the ways. He loves the gooey cheesy-ness, salty pepperoni-ness, sweet sweet tomato-ness, and of course the crispity crunchity crust. But someone is always chasing poor Raccoon away from his favorite food with a broom! What's a hungry raccoon to do? Plan an elaborate secret pizza party, of course! But shhh! It’s a secret! In fact, you should probably just forget I told you. Nope, no secret pizza party happening here.You didn’t already tell all your friends, did you? Uh oh . . .
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 1727 votes, reviews

Adam Rubin

The Little Red Hen

Perseverance

Little Red Hen is a time-tested cautionary tale about how we reap what we sow. When the hen asks a cat, dog, and mouse for help planting some wheat, she gets no takers: "‘Not I!’ said the cat. ‘Not I!’ said the dog. ‘Not I!’ said the mouse." They won’t water, cut, or grind the wheat . . . or help bake a cake with it, either. So guess who eats the cake by herself in the end? Caldecott Honor artist Paul Galdone’s delightfully detailed ink and wash illustrations—packed with charming details—add plenty of sly humor to the well-loved story that not only offers a sage message but also shows children what it takes to make a cake from the ground up!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1543 votes, reviews

Paul Galdone

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The Old Truck

Strong Female Leads, Perseverance, Vehicles

A young girl turns her imagination into action in this beautifully crafted and intricately designed debut picture book. When is an old truck something more? On a small, bustling farm, a resilient and steadfast pickup works tirelessly alongside the family that lives there, and becomes a part of the dreams and ambitions of the family’s young daughter. After long days and years of hard work leave the old truck rusting in the weeds, it’s time for the girl to roll up her sleeves. Soon she is running her own busy farm, and in the midst of all the repairing and restoring, it may be time to bring her faithful childhood companion back to life. With an eye-catching retro design and cleverly nuanced illustrations, The Old Truck celebrates the rewards of determination and the value of imagination.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 1445 votes, reviews

Jerome Pumphrey

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

Caldecott Medal, Perseverance, Bravery

Dan Santat's Caldecott Medal-winning The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend is a humorous and thoughtful celebration of friends. This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and--at long last--is given his special name: Beekle. The #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat--creator of After the Fall and Are We There Yet?--combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art in an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in the world.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1132 votes, reviews

Dan Santat

A Chair for My Mother

Caldecott Medal, Perseverance

Vera Williams tells of a young girl who, along with her waitress mother, saves coins in a big jar in hopes that they can someday buy a new chair for their apartment, the kind of chair her mother deserves after being on her feet all day in the Blue Tile Diner. Into the jar also goes the money Grandma saves whenever she gets a bargain at the market. There hasn't been a comfortable place to sit in the apartment since a fire in their previous apartment burned everything to "charcoal and ashes." Friends and neighbors brought furniture to their new apartment downstairs, but no one brought anything big or soft or comfortable. Finally the jar is full, the coins are rolled, and in the book's crowning moment, mother, daughter, and Grandma search four different furniture stores, and after carefully trying several chairs, like Goldilocks, they find the chair they've been dreaming of at last. Vera Williams enhances this story about family, community, and the power of working together toward a common goal with her signature folk art-inspired paintings.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1128 votes, reviews

Vera B Williams

Hedgehugs

Friendship, Perseverance

Horace and Hattie are hedgehogs, and the very best of friends. Together, they make daisy chains, splash in puddles, and have tea parties. But there is one thing they can't do―hug! They are just too spiky. Throughout the seasons, these two hedgehogs will try many different ways of hugging. But will Horace and Hattie find a hug that feels just right?
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1108 votes, reviews

Steve Wilson

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Angelina Ballerina

Perseverance

In an encore performance, Angelina Ballerina returns in this refreshed picture book from acclaimed author Katharine Holabird and celebrated artist Helen Craig! Angelina is a pretty little mouse who wants nothing more than to be a ballerina. She dances all the time—at home, at school, even in her dreams! In fact, she’s so busy dancing that she forgets all about the other things she’s supposed to do, like cleaning her room and joining her family for breakfast! Her parents don’t know what to do—especially after her arabesques in the kitchen knock over the milk! Then one day they come up with an idea that will change Angelina’s life forever… With Katharine Holabird’s lively writing and Helen Craig’s charming illustrations, the original story, now refreshed and re-released, will continue keeping a whole new generation of young ballerinas leaping with delight.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1029 votes, reviews

Katharine Holabird

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Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

Perseverance, Friendship, Nostalgia

Mike and his trusty steam shovel, Mary Anne, dig deep canals for boats to travel through, cut mountain passes for trains, and hollow out cellars for city skyscrapers. When Mary Anne is destined for the scrap heap, the duo must dig their way out of trouble in this timeless tale of friendship, old-fashioned hard work, and ingenuity.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 959 votes, reviews

Virginia Lee Burton

Pancakes for Breakfast

Wordless, Perseverance

Tomie dePaola's classic wordless picture book is just as fun as a serving of pancakes for breakfast! Missing ingredients and mischievous pets create one humorous complication after another for a little old lady determined to make pancakes for breakfast. Fans of such favorites as Strega Nona will love Pancakes for Breakfast.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 850 votes, reviews

Tomie dePaola

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Jabari Tries

Perseverance

Jabari is inventing a machine that will fly all the way across the yard! But making it go from CRASH to WHOOSH will take grit, patience, and maybe even a little help from his sister. Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! “It’ll be easy. I don’t need any help,” he declares. But it doesn’t work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall’s tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 843 votes, reviews

Gaia Cornwall

Mistakes Are How I Learn

Perseverance, Growth Mindset, Diverse Leads

Join author Kiara Wilson in a new series called “Amazing Affirmations.” ”Mistakes Are How I Learn” is a rhyming story that involves SEL, social emotional learning. This story will help your child know that he/she is not alone when facing defeat. Tamara shares what she does when confronted with challenges. Developed to engage children, Wilson’s stories will empower children with the affirmations to overcome obstacles. With Tamara in examples children can identify with, your child will learn to develop resilience. Amazing Affirmations is the best new series Mistakes are how I learn. I will get there soon. I’ll keep dreaming big. Even if it’s flying to the moon.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 731 votes, reviews

Kiara Wilson

I Choose to Try Again

Perseverance

In this rhyming story, Kiara learns how to keep going even when things get too hard. Through colorful illustrations and rhythmic rhymes, Kiara reflects on her mistakes and realizes that mistakes help her grow. Instead of avoiding them, she learns from them so she can improve. Do you want your child to learn about perseverance and diligence? Your child will learn how easy it is to get back up after failing. "I Choose to Try Again" is a story with social emotional learning (SEL) in mind. It has been praised by teachers and therapists worldwide. This story told from Kiara's point of view will help open your child's mind to what it feels like to fail, and then try again. Kiara will teach your child how to be mentally strong. With Kiara in real life examples, your child will learn to develop their understanding of their own emotions. Throughout the story, Kiara will show you what perseverance looks like. Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose is an empowering series curated to empower young children to become aware of big emotions. A new book series developed in tandem with teachers and therapists to help children cope with a range of emotions and teach them that they indeed hold the power to choose their actions and reactions. Try not to say 'never.'. That brainwashes you to fail. It means that you won't have the chance To raise the victory sail. "I Choose to Try Again" was developed alongside counselors and parents to be used as a resource in a social emotional curriculum.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 728 votes, reviews

Elizabeth Estrada

The Story of Babar

Nostalgia, Perseverance

The classic story of literature’s most beloved elephant. After his mother is killed by a hunter, Babar avoids capture by escaping to the city, where he is befriended by the kindly Old Lady. Later, with cousins Celeste and Arthur, he returns to the great forest to be crowned King of the Elephants. With the original illustrations from Jean de Brunhoff's 1931 classic, this first Babar story has enchanted generations.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 694 votes, reviews

Jean De Brunhoff

It's Okay to Make Mistakes

Perseverance

In a tradition of Todd Parr's fan-favorite It's Okay to Be Different, a book about embracing mistakes and the joy of happy accidents. Todd Parr's bestselling books have reminded kids to embrace differences, to be thankful, to love one another, and to be themselves. It's Okay to Make Mistakes embraces life's happy accidents, the mistakes and mess-ups that can lead to self discovery. Todd Parr brings a timely theme to life with his signature bold, kid-friendly illustrations and a passion for making readers feel good about themselves, encouraging them to try new things, experiment, and dare to explore new paths. From coloring outside the lines and creating a unique piece of art to forgetting an umbrella but making a new friend, each page offers a kid-friendly take on the importance of taking chances, trying new things, and embracing life, mistakes and all.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 661 votes, reviews

Todd Parr

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Brave Irene

Perseverance

This winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on as she ventures through a bitter cold snowstorm in William Steig's classic Brave Irene. Brave Irene is Irene Bobbin, the dressmaker's daughter. Her mother, Mrs. Bobbin, isn't feeling so well and can't possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she's made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace on time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that's brewing-- quite an errand for a little girl. But where there's a will, there's a way, as Irene proves in the danger-fraught adventure that follows. She must defy the wiles of the wicked wind, her most formidable opponent, and overcome many obstacles before she completes her mission.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 631 votes, reviews

William Steig

The Year We Learned to Fly

Emotions, Perseverance, African American Leads

Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López's highly anticipated companion to their #1 New York Times bestseller The Day You Begin illuminates the power in each of us to face challenges with confidence. On a dreary, stuck-inside kind of day, a brother and sister heed their grandmother’s advice: “Use those beautiful and brilliant minds of yours. Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and believe in a thing. Somebody somewhere at some point was just as bored you are now.” And before they know it, their imaginations lift them up and out of their boredom. Then, on a day full of quarrels, it’s time for a trip outside their minds again, and they are able to leave their anger behind. This precious skill, their grandmother tells them, harkens back to the days long before they were born, when their ancestors showed the world the strength and resilience of their beautiful and brilliant minds. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez’s dazzling art celebrate the extraordinary ability to lift ourselves up and imagine a better world.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 587 votes, reviews

Jacqueline Woodson

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Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Growth Mindset, Indian Culture, Sports, True Story

The true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community. Every step forward is a victory. Fauja Singh was born determined. He was also born with legs that wouldn't allow him to play cricket with his friends or carry him to school miles from his village in Punjab. But that didn't stop him. Working on his family's farm, Fauja grew stronger to meet his own full potential. He never stopped striving. At the age of 81, after a lifetime of making his body, mind, and heart stronger, Fauja decided to run his first marathon. He went on to break records all around the world and became the first person over 100 to complete the grueling long-distance race. With exuberant text by Simran Jeet Singh and exhilarating illustrations by Baljinder Kaur, the true story of Fauja Singh reminds us that it's both where we start and how we finish that make our journeys unforgettable.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 546 votes, reviews

Simran Jeet Singh

I Had a Favorite Dress

Perseverance, Tackling Consumerism

Open up a fresh and stylish story for girls and boys about growing up and keeping hold of your favorite memories. This is a lively, energetic story about adjusting when you need to and being creative when you have to. As the year passes, the narrator’s favorite dress goes through a series of creative changes, from dress to shirt to tank top to scarf and so on, until all that’s left of it is a good memory. Assisted by her patient and crafty mama, the narrator finds that when disaster strikes her favorite things, she doesn’t need to make mountains out of molehills—she “makes molehills out of mountains” instead! Structured around the days of the week, the story is also illustrated to show the passing of the seasons, a perfect complement to the themes of growing older and keeping hold (and letting go) of special mementos. The collaged mixed-media full-color illustrations of watercolors, graphite, colored pencil, and needle and thread give this unique and charming story its bounce and flounce. Breezy in style, the artwork smartly stitches each scene of alteration as the not-so-little girl sashays through the days of the week and the seasons. This modernized version of a traditional folk tale will delight new audiences of parents and children who will learn that everything old can really become new again.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 415 votes, reviews

Boni Ashburn

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Spring Story

Perseverance

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge! Wilfred woke early. It was his birthday. He had lots of lovely presents, but the best one was a surprise… Mr Apple had organised a secret celebration picnic and all the mice of Brambly Hedge were invited. There was so much to carry. Poor Wilfred got very tired as he lurched and bumped his way along the grassy track. What was it Mrs Apple had said was in his hamper? Knives? Sandwiches? They were certainly heavy! When they finally arrived, Wilfred was allowed to open up the hamper and there he found the best treat of all… Also look out for: Summer Story, Autumn Story and Winter Story!
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 152 votes, reviews

Jill Barklem

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The Life of / La vida de Basquiat

Art, Perseverance, Diverse Leads

Introduce your little ones to the famous graffiti artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, in both English and Spanish. Known for his contributions to graffiti and neo-expressionism, Jean-Michel Basquiat became one of the youngest household names in the world of art. The Haitian-Puerto Rican prodigy used his obsessive scribbling and skull designs to paint his legacy through New York―and worldwide. Parents will discover this biography book on Basquiat to be an encouraging story to their little ones hoping to express themselves through creativity, imagination, and, most importantly, perseverance.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 48 votes, reviews

Patty Rodriguez

Wei Skates On

Perseverance, Diverse Leads

Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion Nathan Chen delivers an inspirational picture book about facing your fears and finding the joy in sports, no matter the outcome. Wei has loved ice-skating ever since his first visit to the rink. He loves gliding across the ice, taking flight on jumps, and moving with the music—there’s nothing else like it! But as Wei’s first big competition draws near, he begins to worry. He’s been training hard, but what if he doesn’t win? With help from Mom, can Wei find a way to handle his nerves? What would it feel like to skate without the pressure of winning? As the first Asian American man to win gold in figure skating, Nathan Chen is a celebrated role model for kids who want to shine on and off the ice. His uplifting message of positivity and perseverance makes this story the perfect choice for social emotional learning at home or in the classroom.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 47 votes, reviews

Nathan Chen

Her Idea

Thinking Big, Perseverance

Do you love thinking up new ideas? Do you jump from one idea to the next? Would you rather start tomorrow? Or is your brain just brimming with ideas, ready to burst? Join Sozi, the enthusiastic star of The Best Book in the World, as she experiences the elation, struggle, and triumph of making ideas happen. It won't be easy, but Sozi is ready for any obstacle that may stand in her way. Her Idea is a story for all ages and a tale about getting to THE END. Featuring immersive illustrations and bold colors, Her Idea is sure to captivate and inspire readers of all ages, encouraging creativity, and bringing the fruits of imagination to life.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 8 votes, reviews

Rilla Alexander

Perseverance

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
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