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Voicing Opinions

Politely standing up for yourself

The Day the Crayons Quit

NY Times Best Sellers, Voicing Opinions

Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. Blue needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking—each believes he is the true color of the sun. What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best? Kids will be imagining their own humorous conversations with crayons and coloring a blue streak after sharing laughs with Drew Daywalt and New York Times bestseller Oliver Jeffers. This story is perfect as a back-to-school gift, for all budding artists, for fans of humorous books such as Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Sciezka and Lane Smith, and for fans of Oliver Jeffers' Stuck, The Incredible Book Eating Boy, Lost and Found, and This Moose Belongs to Me.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 21122 votes, reviews

Drew Daywalt

Horton Hears a Who!

Seussian Favorites, Compassion, Voicing Opinions

Choose kindness with Horton the elephant and the Whos of Who-ville in Dr. Seuss's classic picture book about caring for others! The new matte finish cover makes it a perfect gift! A person's a person, no matter how small. Everyone's favorite elephant stars in this heartwarming and timeless story for readers of all ages. In the colorful Jungle of Nool, Horton discovers something that at first seems impossible: a tiny speck of dust contains an entire miniature world--Who-ville--complete with houses and grocery stores and even a mayor! But when no one will stand up for the Whos of Who-ville, Horton uses his elephant-sized heart to save the day. This tale of compassion and determination proves that any person, big or small, can choose to speak out for what is right. This story showcases the very best of Dr. Seuss, from the moving message to the charming rhymes and imaginative illustrations. No bookshelf is complete without Horton and the Whos! Do you see what I mean? . . . They've proved they ARE persons, no matter how small. And their whole world was saved by the Smallest of All!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 6243 votes, reviews

Dr. Seuss

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The Day the Crayons Came Home

Voicing Opinions

I'm not sure what it is about this kid Duncan, but his crayons sure are a colorful bunch of characters! Having soothed the hurt feelings of one group who threatened to quit, Duncan now faces a whole new group of crayons asking to be rescued. From Maroon Crayon, who was lost beneath the sofa cushions and then broken in two after Dad sat on him; to poor Turquoise, whose head is now stuck to one of Duncan's stinky socks after they both ended up in the dryer together; to Pea Green, who knows darn well that no kid likes peas and who ran away—each and every crayon has a woeful tale to tell and a plea to be brought home to the crayon box. Look for a special glow-in-the-dark picture [Note: make sure to “charge” it under a light first].
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 5871 votes, reviews

Drew Daywalt

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type

Voicing Opinions, Caldecott Medal

Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears: Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. But Farmer Brown’s problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes! Come join the fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown’s farm upside-down!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 3816 votes, reviews

Doreen Cronin

I Like Myself!

Diverse Leads, Diversity, Voicing Opinions

High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves—inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters. At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful . . . and straight from the heart. The sturdy board book is just right for little hands.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 3492 votes, reviews

Karen Beaumont

A is for Activist

Voicing Opinions, Black History, Diversity

A is for Activist is an ABC board book written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for. The alliteration, rhyming, and vibrant illustrations make the book exciting for children, while the issues it brings up resonate with their parents' values of community, equality, and justice. This engaging little book carries huge messages as it inspires hope for the future, and calls children to action while teaching them a love for books.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 2553 votes, reviews

Innosanto Nagara

The Word Collector

Voicing Opinions, Vocabulary

From the beloved bestselling creator of The Dot and our own Happy Dreamer comes an inspiring story about the transformative and profound power of words. A New York Times BestsellerNamed an Outstanding Literary Work for Children by the NAACPSome people collect stamps. Some people collect coins. Some people collect art. And Jerome? Jerome collected words . . . In this extraordinary new tale from Peter H. Reynolds, Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.From the creator of The Dot, I Am Human, and Happy Dreamer comes a celebration of finding your own words -- and the impact you can have when you share them with the world.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 2439 votes, reviews

Peter H. Reynolds

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I Am One

Voicing Opinions

New York Times bestselling author and illustrator! Companion to I Am Love and I Am Peace “Attractive . . . makes complex ideas simple and opens doors for optimistic discussion.” ―School Library Journal Discover the power of activism in this companion to New York Times bestsellers I Am Human and I Am Love! “How do I make a difference? It seems like a tall order for one so small. But beautiful things start with just one.” One seed to start a garden, one note to start a melody, one brick to start breaking down walls: Every movement and moment of change starts with purpose, with intention, with one. With me. With you. On the first page, the main character asks a beautiful bird, “How do I make a difference?” They doubt their ability to make a difference because they are “so small.” However, when the bird gives them a seed, they realize that “beautiful things start with just One.” They can plant a seed and start a garden! They can also start a journey, paint a masterpiece, compose a melody, and break down walls. All these actions start with “one” thing: a first step, a first stroke of paint, a first musical note, and a first brick. Here is a powerful call to action for young children, encouraging them to raise their voice, extend a hand, and take that one first step to starting something beautiful and moving toward a better world. Includes a guided meditation and self-reflection activity.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 795 votes, reviews

Susan Verde

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Pride and Prejudice (BabyLit)

Voicing Opinions, Counting

A small compact cardboard version of a book - easy for a child to hold, unrippable and chewable. At 22 pages, it was both compact and lightweight, but what will ultimately appeal to parent and child is the Pride and Prejudice theme. . . . I was awed by the choice of characters, Regency clothing and objects used and the ease of the text.. Charming, whimsical and historical accurate, Pride & Prejudice: A BabyLit Counting Primer offers the very young reader an early introduction to Jane Austen, planting seeds for her total world take-over! (Laurel Ann Nattress Austenprose.com 2011-08-03)
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 588 votes, reviews

Jennifer Adams

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Yes! No!: A First Conversation About Consent

Voicing Opinions, Body Boundaries

A picture book edition of the bestselling board book about consent, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. A board book bestseller – now in picture book! Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood development and activism against injustice, this topic-driven book offers clear, concrete language and imagery to introduce the concept of consent. This book serves to normalize and celebrate the experience of asking for and being asked for permission to do something involving one's body. It centers on respect for bodily autonomy, and reviews the many ways that one can say or indicate "No." While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race, gender, and our bodies from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice. These books offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Illustrative art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 460 votes, reviews

Megan Madison

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Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon

Voicing Opinions

The beloved modern classic character, Molly Lou Melon, is tackling the timely topic of speaking up for yourself and others. Molly Lou Melon's mother taught her to use her big voice for good--to speak up for what's right, for those who can't, and even when it's hard. So she does. When school starts and a bully begins teasing everyone, including a new student, Molly Lou knows just what to do. From standing up for a friend to admitting when you've made a mistake, Molly Lou shows us how speaking up is always the right choice. The beloved classic character has another important message to share, and David Catrow's vibrant and spunky illustrations continue to expand Molly Lou's larger-than-life personality.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 318 votes, reviews

Patty Lovell

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We Are Still Here!

Indigenous Leads, Voicing Opinions

Twelve Native American kids present historical and contemporary laws, policies, struggles, and victories in Native life, each with a powerful refrain: We are still here! Too often, Native American history is treated as a finished chapter instead of relevant and ongoing. This companion book to the award-winning We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga offers readers everything they never learned in school about Native American people's past, present, and future. Precise, lyrical writing presents topics including: forced assimilation (such as boarding schools), land allotment and Native tribal reorganization, termination (the US government not recognizing tribes as nations), Native urban relocation (from reservations), self-determination (tribal self-empowerment), Native civil rights, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), religious freedom, economic development (including casino development), Native language revival efforts, cultural persistence, and nationhood.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 284 votes, reviews

Traci Sorell

I Choose to Speak Up

Voicing Opinions, Compassion

What happens when our children witnesses bullying, harassment, or discrimination? Or what do they do when it happens to them? In this rhyming story, children will learn what it means to speak up for themselves and for others. Through colorful illustrations and rhythmic rhymes, children will learn three different solutions - ask the bully to stop, ask an adult for help, and walk away. For every child who wants to use their voice, but might not have the courage to. "I Choose to Speak Up" is a story with social emotional learning (SEL) in mind. It has been praised by teachers and therapists worldwide. Finding your voice is a great way to build confidence and overcome bullying. With real life examples, your child will learn how to deal with difficult situations. "I Choose to Speak Up" is a thoughtful story that teaches readers how to respond and be proactive in dealing with issues like racism, bullying, and harassment. 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. But though we may be different, There is no excuse for hate. Discrimination is a thing I'll never tolerate. "I Choose to Speak Up" 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 277 votes, reviews

Elizabeth Estrada

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Songs for Our Sons

Graduation, Modern Men

What hopes do you have for the future? Who do you long to become? This warm, inspiring book encourages boys to shape a world so much gentler and brighter than before. Playful rhymes and tender illustrations invite them to notice nature, embrace their emotions, and use wise words as their weapons. Whether they’re dynamic dazzlers or marvelous mud sculptors, this book is an opportunity to imagine all the incredible adventures up ahead. A perfect gift for baby showers, graduations, and other celebrations, Songs for Our Sons is a book boys will treasure throughout their lives.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 155 votes, reviews

Ruth Doyle

Dreams for Our Daughters

Graduation, Strong Female Leads, Voicing Opinions

What hopes do you have for the future? Who do you long to become? This empowering book encourages young girls to become leaders unafraid to stand up for themselves and others. The world’s been waiting for them, and there’s so much to discover! Warm, loving rhymes and tenderly detailed illustrations help readers imagine the thousands of adventures up ahead. Each new day is a chance to become a keeper of kindness and a champion of change, an imaginative explorer who listens well and speaks the truth. A perfect gift for baby showers, graduations, and other celebrations, Dreams for Our Daughters is a book girls will treasure throughout their lives.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 36 votes, reviews

Ruth Doyle

My Name Is Malala

Strong Female Leads, Voicing Opinions

In her first board book, Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai introduces herself and her story to inspire the next generation of readers and leaders. With simple text alongside irresistible art, Nobel Prize laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai's first board book offers parents and educators a way to show that extraordinary figures are real people who are both relatable and inspiring. Malala is a daughter, a sister, a friend, a student, and, of course, an activist. The last spread features a brief bio to provide more context for parents, caretakers, and educators who want to start a conversation about Malala's activism.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 6 votes, reviews

Malala Yousafzai

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Voicing Opinions

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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