Additional May Book Recommendations for Grades K-3
Hope
DePaola, Tomie. The Clown of God.
Simon & Schuster, 2018. (K-4)Hope
Orphan Giovanni searches for his talents and finds that he is good at juggling. He joins a wandering troupe and perfects an act that has a spectacular finale. But in time, no one is interested in watching Giovanni juggle: he is old news. One Christmas morning he wanders into a church and finds that he still has a gift to give the Christ child and that someone still finds joy in his work.
Godden, Rumer. The Story of Holly and Ivy.
Illustrated by Barbara Cooney. Viking, 2006. (K-2)Hope
Set in the English countryside, Ivy, an orphan, seeks a home for the holidays. Toys come to life and Holly (a doll) finds a new home for both of them.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “A Disorderly Table,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999. (2-4) Hope
In this charming tale, a kind-hearted, childless couple longs for a child. They open their home to a poor stranger on Passover and extend to him every kindness. They are puzzled and angered by his parting blessing that “when I come again, your table will be disorderly.” But they do not show their anger, not wishing to spoil their good deed, and find themselves rewarded with a new baby by the next Passover. When the visitor returns the next year, they now understand his words and recognize him as Elijah.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “The Weaver of Yzad,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999. (1-3) Hope
Set in Persia, a poor weaver is near despair as his debts overwhelm him and his family is hungry. He tries to run away, but stops to pray and the prophet Elijah comes to him. Elijah tells him to return to his loom, cover it with a large cloth and then weave. The weaver follows his instructions and “right endings” abound.
Hopkinson, Deborah. A Band of Angels: A Story Inspired by the Jubilee Singers.
Illustrated by Raul Colon. Simon and Schuster, 1999. (1-4) Hope
Based on a true story, this is the inspiring tale of the Fisk University Jubilee Singers, who raise money to save their school. The story is of Ella, a woman born into slavery, but one who managed to attend Fisk and lead the Jubilee Singers’ effort. At first, singing classical pieces and songs from white pop culture, the singers meet with lukewarm response. They draw crowds and meet their goal, however, when they turn to singing spirituals. The illustrations—rich, harmonious, and uplifting—make the story even more compelling.
Lester, Julius. John Henry.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books, 1994. (K-4) Hope
Spirited, humorous, and elevating, this is the classic tall tale of the man who built the railroads and died with a hammer in his hand. Ends with the line: “It’s not the dying, but how you did the living that counts.”
Oppenheim, Shulamith Levy. The Hundredth Name.
Illustrated by Michael Hays. Boyds Mills Press, 1997. (1-4) Hope
Salah, a Muslim child, wishes with all his heart to lift the sadness of his friend and constant companion, the camel, Qadiim. This is a rich and moving story of a child’s faith and the love that leads him to ask Allah to reveal to Qadiim, the hundredth name of God, which human beings can never know. Set in Islamic Egypt and lavishly illustrated.
Shannon, Mark. The Acrobat and the Angel.
Illustrated by David Shannon. Putnam, 1999. (K-3) Hope
In this tale from the Middle Ages, young Pequele is orphaned when his parents die of the plague. Before his parents’ death Pequele learned to jump and juggle in order to earn money for the family. The young boy now finds shelter among a group of friars, who forbid him to continue his acrobatics —particularly in front of the statue of the angel in church! Ultimately Pequele uses his talent not just to honor God, but to make a baby with the plague smile. The monks are flabbergasted when the young hero is taken up to Heaven in reward. Art so lively it bounces off the page with Pequele.
Thornhill, Jan. The Rumor. A Jataka Tale from India.
Maple Tree, 2002. (K-3)Hope
This is the richly illustrated and delightful tale of a worry-wart rabbit, who just cannot stop fretting! Reminiscent of Henny Penny and “the sky is falling,” it is a Buddhist tale of a hare who hears a mango fall and concludes the world is about to split asunder. She alerts the forest and terror spreads! This charming tale reinforces Buddhist ideals of calm and detachment in the face of a threatening world, but reinforces anyone’s desire to live in hope and avoiding premature judgment! (Grade 2, Buddha connection)
Tompert, Ann. A Carol for Christmas.
Illustrated by Laura Kelly. Macmillan, 1994. (1-4) Hope
In a humble Austrian village the church organ is broken and parishioners will need a special hymn to lift their spirits on Christmas Eve. This is a beautiful retelling of how the carol “Silent Night” came to be written and a joy for any time of the year.
Watson, Mary. The Butterfly Seeds.
Harper Collins, 1995. (2) Hope
When Grandpa came to say good-bye, he gave Jake something special—butterfly seeds. “Just plant them in your new garden, and like magic, you’ll have hundreds of butterflies.” Set in the 1910s, this is the touching story of Jake, a child whose Eastern European immigrant family sails to America and starts a new life in New York. Jake struggles with loneliness and homesickness but the “butterfly seeds” connect him with his past and bring hope to his American present.
Wildsmith, Brian. A Christmas Story. Eerdmans Books, 1998. (1-2)Hope
Wildsmith, Brian. Exodus. Eerdmans Books, 1998 (K-4)Hope
Israelites, led by Moses, are delivered from bondage in Egypt. Yahweh feed his people in the desert and leads them to the Promised Land.
Wonder
Desaix, Frank. Hilary and the Lions.
Illustrated by Debbi Durland Desaix. Harper Collins, 1990. (K-3)Wonder
Nine-year-old Hilary gets lost in Manhattan and decides to spend the night nestled against the stone lions that guard the New York Public Library. The stone guardians come to life at night and take her on a tour of Manhattan she won’t soon forget—lazing in Central Park by moonlight, taking a lion ride through Greenwich and Soho, and marveling at twinkling lights on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Dunphy, Madeleine. Here is the African Savanna.
Illustrated by Tom Leonard. Hyperion, 1999. (K-1) Wonder
This is a charming, lyrical portrayal of the wildlife and landscape that make up the East African savanna. With its colorful and tenderly drawn giraffes, impalas, baboons, and hippos, it can do nothing but instill wonder. Could be used with either the K or 1st grade Continents overview.
Esterl, Arnica. Okino and the Whales.
Illustrated by Marek Zawadzki. Harcourt Brace, 1995. (K-3) Wonder
Esterl weaves a fanciful tale of a child taken underneath the sea, a whale mother which protects her, and the whale’s request of the girl’s mother in order to release the child. The story and breathtaking illustrations leave the young readers awestruck.
Gollub, Matthew. Cool Melons—Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa.
Illustrated by Kazuko G. Stone. Lee and Low Books, 1998. (2-5) Wonder
Brother Issa, the renowned Japanese master of Haiku (1763-1827), delighted from an early age in the cries of insects and the songs of farmers as they worked. In this beautifully illustrated volume the poet comes to life through his haiku and his wide-open wonder at the world around him. Particularly good for use with Japan unit in 2nd grade or Feudal Japan in 5th grade.
Guthrie, Woody. This Land is Your Land.
Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen. Little Brown, 1998. (K-3) Wonder
Vibrant and intricate folk art brings to life the lyrics of Woody Guthrie’s classic tribute to America. This glorious picture book will inspire in younger children a love of and appreciation for the magnificent sweep of their country—from grassy prairie to stark desert to cities teeming with life and energy. Written during the Depression to remind Americans of their country’s natural treasures, this song with its new illustrations will do the same in the new millennium.
Johnson, Jane. My Dear Noel: The Story of a Letter from Beatrix Potter.
Dial Books, 1999. (K-2)Wonder
Beatrix Potter always knew how to delight children and make the world seem a marvelous place. But she did not begin to write her Peter Rabbit tales until a friend, a six-year-old boy, became ill and had to be in bed all summer. In this true story, Noel Moore receives a great gift from a good friend: the first story of Peter Rabbit. Her story renews his spirits and delights us with a world of naughty rabbits that drink camomile tea.
LeTord, Bijou. A Blue Butterfly: A Story about Claude Monet.
Doubleday, 1995. (K-2) Wonder, Imagination
Celebrating the wonder and beauty of life with his art, Monet painted “with rich colors of vermilion, emerald, apricot and violet . . . painted flowers like tiny jewels or little stars leaping from the sky.” This is a lovely presentation of Claude Monet for the very young. Strangely, there is not a single painting of Monet’s in the book (make sure to have one on hand), but the paintings are created with his pallet of eight clear colors.
Lester, Julius. Sam and the Tigers.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books, 1996. (K-4) Wonder
Julius Lester, the great African-American writer, triumphs in this totally delightful recasting of Little Black Sambo. This version is told in the voice of southern black storytelling. Sam, with his shirt “yellow as tomorrow,” coat “red as a happy heart,” and pants “purple as a love that would last forever” heads off for his first day of school. He is accosted by tigers that keep threatening to eat him up, but each time he exchanges his clothing for his life. Sam’s cleverness and the tiger’s pride (trying to decide which looks the finest in the new duds) make for the wonderful ending. The tigers grab each other’s tails and chase after each other so fast they melt into orange and black striped butter—perfect for putting on pancakes!
Lewis, Richard. In the Space of the Sky.
Illustrated by Debra Frasier. Harcourt, 2002. (K-2)Wonder
This lovely picture book is a meditation on the wonder of the universe. Evocative poetry celebrates the beauty of nature: “There in the space of the sky are paths of birds, rivers of air, gardens of light growing into day, growing into night.” The bold, geometric collage illustrations, suffused with flowers, likewise lift the heart and spirit.
MacLachlan, Patricia. All the Places to Love.
Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. Harper Collins, 1994. (K-3) Wonder
On the day he was born, grandma held Eli up to the window “so that what I heard first was the wind. What I saw first were all the places to love: the valley, the river falling down over rocks, the hilltop where the blueberries grew.” In this beautiful tale, we follow Eli and his family through meadows, hayfields, rocks and rivers, as he learns about all the places to love and imagines sharing them with his newborn sister.
Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Snowflake Bentley.
Illustrated by Mary Azarian. Houghton Mifflin, 1998. (K-5) Wonder
Wilson Bentley (1865-1931), the son of a Vermont farmer, has fallen in love with snow. He is caught up in the beauty of each flake and his passion is to reproduce the intricacy and variety of snow crystals. Bentley’s parents save for years and buy him a special camera to photograph each flake. Throughout his adult life, Bentley sketches, photographs, and shares the glory of nature. (His book, Snow Crystals, is still a classic.) This inspiring and deceptively simple biography can be used in all grades K-5. Read it with its simplest text at K-2; at 3-5 add the sidebar commentary. Available on Epic!
Mitchell, Rhonda. The Talking Cloth.
Orchard Books, 1997. (K-2) Wonder
Amber loves her Aunt Phoebe, who collects strange and wonderful things. In this tale Aunt Phoebe stretches before her niece a long, silky “adinkra” cloth that she bought in Africa. Made by the Ashanti people of Ghana, each symbol and color has a special meaning. Amber imagines herself as an Ashanti princess. Guaranteed to inspire wonder and delight. Could be used with either the K or 1st grade Continents overview for Africa.
Redfield, James and Dee Lillegard. The Song of Celestine.
Illustrated by Dean Morrisey. Little, Brown, and Co., 1998. (K-2)Wonder
The grace, beauty, and depth of this enchanting book will appeal to all ages, but the sparse text and apparent simplicity make it especially appealing to younger children. Celestine is a young boy who “while wandering in the woods one day . . . found a path but lost his way.” His wanderings are a pilgrimage of sorts and in them he is introduced to the beauty and importance of flowers, faces, love, dreams, sharing, rejoicing, and the past. This book is simple on the surface and inspired in its depth. A mini-Dante, little Celestine, leads us back to the things that matter and the divine wonder of the human experience.
Rumford, James. Seeker of Knowledge. The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphics (Houghton Mifflin, 2000). (1-4) Wonder
In this fascinating volume Rumford describes the untiring efforts of nineteenth century Frenchman, Jean-Francois Champollion to decode Egyptian hieroglyphics or picture writing. The scholar’s interest in Egypt was awakened as a boy when Napoleon marched into Egypt. The childhood fascination grew to an adult passion, as Champollion learned of the discovery of the Rosetta stone, and eventually cracked the code. Rumford’s illustrations and story are a complete delight. The book can be used with CK First Grade unit on Ancient Egypt.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride.
Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 1999. (1-4) Wonder
In this gorgeous picture book two accomplished and high-spirited women, Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, excuse themselves from a White House dinner to enjoy an evening plane ride! Amelia Earhart, friend of Eleanor’s, pilots the craft and shows the first lady the beauty of a nocturnal ride in the stars. They return to the White House in time for Eleanor to give Amelia a ride in her new car and for both to have dessert! The breathtaking illustrations (in mauve and charcoal gray) bring to life the wonder, dreams, and passion of these two women for life in all its fullness.
Sabuda, Robert. The Blizzard’s Robe.
Simon and Schuster, 1999. (K-3) Wonder
Sabuda’s stunning artwork and deft prose bring to life this Arctic legend of the origin of the northern lights. In the midst of a storm, Teune, a young robemaker, saves her Arctic tribe by building a great fire. In the process she angers the god Blizzard whose robe she burns. He cries out to her at night, pleads for a replacement, and promises a rich reward for a new robe. Risking the anger of her people, Teune makes him a fine robe, and he in turn provides the gift of the Aurora Borealis for this “People Who Fear the Winter Night.” Using a deep, vibrant palette and batik technique, Sabuda tells the story of compassion, generosity, and wonder.
Sanders, Scott Russell. The Floating House.
Illustrated by Helen Cogancherry. Atheneum, 1995. (2-4) Wonder
Set in 1815, the McClure family floats down the Ohio River in a flatboat to find a new home further west in Jeffersonville, Indiana. This is a rich picture book and fine piece of fiction depicting the excitement and wonder of a young family exploring an uncharted wilderness. The McClures “were eager to reach the wild country downstream, where you could buy farms for a dollar an acre and the dirt was so rich people said you could plant a stick and it would break out in leaves.” The family finds its home, but the children still dream of “riding the river once more, heading downstream to unknown places.”
Sayre, April Pulley. If You Should Hear a Honey Guide.
Illustrated by S.D. Schindler. Houghton Mifflin, 1995. (K-1) Wonder
Set in Kenya, this story does much more than celebrate the beauty and instinct of the African Honey Guide — it rejoices in the ways of nature and leads the young child on a tour of the marvels that await the open eye and ear.
Sheldon, Dyan. The Whale’s Song.
Illustrated by Gary Blythe. Dial, 1991. (1-3)Wonder
A little girl listens to her grandmother’s stories of whale songs. Respect and devotion to one of the world’s largest and most mysterious creatures.
Slepian, Jan. Lost Moose.
Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Philomel Books, 1995. (K-3) Wonder
A moose and her calf are parted in a dangerous swim from their home island. When the young moose wanders onto a new island, inhabited by campers, young James is convinced he has found one of Santa’s reindeer. The two “youngsters” experience the joy of their surroundings together, only to be reunited with both of their worried mothers. Shimmering watercolors bring this delightful story to life.
Wells, Rosemary. Forest of Dreams.
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. Dial, 1988. (K-1)Wonder
The wonder of nature and the handiwork of God are themes as a young child explores the beauty
of the seasons. Stunning paintings.
Willard, Nancy. A Starlit Somersault Downhill.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Little Brown, 1993. (K-1) Wonder
A sprightly rabbit agrees to settle down for a long winter’s nap with a snoozing bear, but instead,
sets off to discover the beautiful world around him.
Winter, Jeanette. My Name is Georgia: A Portrait.
Silver Whistle, 1998. (K-1) Wonder
This is a simple and wondrous portrait of artist Georgia O’Keefe as she explores sky, mountains, desert, red hills, magnolias, bones, and dreams in the distance. It is about hearing the call within and following one’s dream. Can also be used with Lives to Learn From.
Yolen, Jane. Harvest Home.
Illustrated by Greg Shed. Harcourt, 2002. ( K-2) Wonder
Written in verse with the rhythmic repetition of “bringing the harvest home,” this is simple and lyrical celebration of a bountiful fall harvest. The poetry recounts the work it took to make it happen, as well as the joys of reaping its rewards. Our guide is a young girl with honey colored hair and a yellow straw hat, who leads children through the work and joy of gathering in the harvest on a fall afternoon. Greg Shed works visual wonders with golden hues of wheat and sun-baked afternoons suffusing its pages.
Young, Ed. What About Me?
Putnam, Philomel, 2002. (1-3) Wonder
Young’s visually arresting artwork carries this Middle Eastern folk tale of an earnest child who seeks knowledge from a Sufi master. Before imparting his wisdom, the master sends the child out into the world to procure for him a carpet. Going first to the carpetmaker, the child is confronted by the carpetmaker’s question: “What about me?” The weaver needs thread to weave the carpet. The child heads off to a spinner for thread, who asks “What about me?” She needs goat hair to spin the thread. And the chain of people with needs goes on! The child tries to meet the needs of all, and eventually succeeds. He returns to the master with the carpet and learns: “Some of the most precious gifts that we receive are those we receive when we are giving.”
Simon & Schuster, 2018. (K-4)Hope
Orphan Giovanni searches for his talents and finds that he is good at juggling. He joins a wandering troupe and perfects an act that has a spectacular finale. But in time, no one is interested in watching Giovanni juggle: he is old news. One Christmas morning he wanders into a church and finds that he still has a gift to give the Christ child and that someone still finds joy in his work.
Godden, Rumer. The Story of Holly and Ivy.
Illustrated by Barbara Cooney. Viking, 2006. (K-2)Hope
Set in the English countryside, Ivy, an orphan, seeks a home for the holidays. Toys come to life and Holly (a doll) finds a new home for both of them.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “A Disorderly Table,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999. (2-4) Hope
In this charming tale, a kind-hearted, childless couple longs for a child. They open their home to a poor stranger on Passover and extend to him every kindness. They are puzzled and angered by his parting blessing that “when I come again, your table will be disorderly.” But they do not show their anger, not wishing to spoil their good deed, and find themselves rewarded with a new baby by the next Passover. When the visitor returns the next year, they now understand his words and recognize him as Elijah.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “The Weaver of Yzad,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999. (1-3) Hope
Set in Persia, a poor weaver is near despair as his debts overwhelm him and his family is hungry. He tries to run away, but stops to pray and the prophet Elijah comes to him. Elijah tells him to return to his loom, cover it with a large cloth and then weave. The weaver follows his instructions and “right endings” abound.
Hopkinson, Deborah. A Band of Angels: A Story Inspired by the Jubilee Singers.
Illustrated by Raul Colon. Simon and Schuster, 1999. (1-4) Hope
Based on a true story, this is the inspiring tale of the Fisk University Jubilee Singers, who raise money to save their school. The story is of Ella, a woman born into slavery, but one who managed to attend Fisk and lead the Jubilee Singers’ effort. At first, singing classical pieces and songs from white pop culture, the singers meet with lukewarm response. They draw crowds and meet their goal, however, when they turn to singing spirituals. The illustrations—rich, harmonious, and uplifting—make the story even more compelling.
Lester, Julius. John Henry.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books, 1994. (K-4) Hope
Spirited, humorous, and elevating, this is the classic tall tale of the man who built the railroads and died with a hammer in his hand. Ends with the line: “It’s not the dying, but how you did the living that counts.”
Oppenheim, Shulamith Levy. The Hundredth Name.
Illustrated by Michael Hays. Boyds Mills Press, 1997. (1-4) Hope
Salah, a Muslim child, wishes with all his heart to lift the sadness of his friend and constant companion, the camel, Qadiim. This is a rich and moving story of a child’s faith and the love that leads him to ask Allah to reveal to Qadiim, the hundredth name of God, which human beings can never know. Set in Islamic Egypt and lavishly illustrated.
Shannon, Mark. The Acrobat and the Angel.
Illustrated by David Shannon. Putnam, 1999. (K-3) Hope
In this tale from the Middle Ages, young Pequele is orphaned when his parents die of the plague. Before his parents’ death Pequele learned to jump and juggle in order to earn money for the family. The young boy now finds shelter among a group of friars, who forbid him to continue his acrobatics —particularly in front of the statue of the angel in church! Ultimately Pequele uses his talent not just to honor God, but to make a baby with the plague smile. The monks are flabbergasted when the young hero is taken up to Heaven in reward. Art so lively it bounces off the page with Pequele.
Thornhill, Jan. The Rumor. A Jataka Tale from India.
Maple Tree, 2002. (K-3)Hope
This is the richly illustrated and delightful tale of a worry-wart rabbit, who just cannot stop fretting! Reminiscent of Henny Penny and “the sky is falling,” it is a Buddhist tale of a hare who hears a mango fall and concludes the world is about to split asunder. She alerts the forest and terror spreads! This charming tale reinforces Buddhist ideals of calm and detachment in the face of a threatening world, but reinforces anyone’s desire to live in hope and avoiding premature judgment! (Grade 2, Buddha connection)
Tompert, Ann. A Carol for Christmas.
Illustrated by Laura Kelly. Macmillan, 1994. (1-4) Hope
In a humble Austrian village the church organ is broken and parishioners will need a special hymn to lift their spirits on Christmas Eve. This is a beautiful retelling of how the carol “Silent Night” came to be written and a joy for any time of the year.
Watson, Mary. The Butterfly Seeds.
Harper Collins, 1995. (2) Hope
When Grandpa came to say good-bye, he gave Jake something special—butterfly seeds. “Just plant them in your new garden, and like magic, you’ll have hundreds of butterflies.” Set in the 1910s, this is the touching story of Jake, a child whose Eastern European immigrant family sails to America and starts a new life in New York. Jake struggles with loneliness and homesickness but the “butterfly seeds” connect him with his past and bring hope to his American present.
Wildsmith, Brian. A Christmas Story. Eerdmans Books, 1998. (1-2)Hope
Wildsmith, Brian. Exodus. Eerdmans Books, 1998 (K-4)Hope
Israelites, led by Moses, are delivered from bondage in Egypt. Yahweh feed his people in the desert and leads them to the Promised Land.
Wonder
Desaix, Frank. Hilary and the Lions.
Illustrated by Debbi Durland Desaix. Harper Collins, 1990. (K-3)Wonder
Nine-year-old Hilary gets lost in Manhattan and decides to spend the night nestled against the stone lions that guard the New York Public Library. The stone guardians come to life at night and take her on a tour of Manhattan she won’t soon forget—lazing in Central Park by moonlight, taking a lion ride through Greenwich and Soho, and marveling at twinkling lights on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Dunphy, Madeleine. Here is the African Savanna.
Illustrated by Tom Leonard. Hyperion, 1999. (K-1) Wonder
This is a charming, lyrical portrayal of the wildlife and landscape that make up the East African savanna. With its colorful and tenderly drawn giraffes, impalas, baboons, and hippos, it can do nothing but instill wonder. Could be used with either the K or 1st grade Continents overview.
Esterl, Arnica. Okino and the Whales.
Illustrated by Marek Zawadzki. Harcourt Brace, 1995. (K-3) Wonder
Esterl weaves a fanciful tale of a child taken underneath the sea, a whale mother which protects her, and the whale’s request of the girl’s mother in order to release the child. The story and breathtaking illustrations leave the young readers awestruck.
Gollub, Matthew. Cool Melons—Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa.
Illustrated by Kazuko G. Stone. Lee and Low Books, 1998. (2-5) Wonder
Brother Issa, the renowned Japanese master of Haiku (1763-1827), delighted from an early age in the cries of insects and the songs of farmers as they worked. In this beautifully illustrated volume the poet comes to life through his haiku and his wide-open wonder at the world around him. Particularly good for use with Japan unit in 2nd grade or Feudal Japan in 5th grade.
Guthrie, Woody. This Land is Your Land.
Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen. Little Brown, 1998. (K-3) Wonder
Vibrant and intricate folk art brings to life the lyrics of Woody Guthrie’s classic tribute to America. This glorious picture book will inspire in younger children a love of and appreciation for the magnificent sweep of their country—from grassy prairie to stark desert to cities teeming with life and energy. Written during the Depression to remind Americans of their country’s natural treasures, this song with its new illustrations will do the same in the new millennium.
Johnson, Jane. My Dear Noel: The Story of a Letter from Beatrix Potter.
Dial Books, 1999. (K-2)Wonder
Beatrix Potter always knew how to delight children and make the world seem a marvelous place. But she did not begin to write her Peter Rabbit tales until a friend, a six-year-old boy, became ill and had to be in bed all summer. In this true story, Noel Moore receives a great gift from a good friend: the first story of Peter Rabbit. Her story renews his spirits and delights us with a world of naughty rabbits that drink camomile tea.
LeTord, Bijou. A Blue Butterfly: A Story about Claude Monet.
Doubleday, 1995. (K-2) Wonder, Imagination
Celebrating the wonder and beauty of life with his art, Monet painted “with rich colors of vermilion, emerald, apricot and violet . . . painted flowers like tiny jewels or little stars leaping from the sky.” This is a lovely presentation of Claude Monet for the very young. Strangely, there is not a single painting of Monet’s in the book (make sure to have one on hand), but the paintings are created with his pallet of eight clear colors.
Lester, Julius. Sam and the Tigers.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books, 1996. (K-4) Wonder
Julius Lester, the great African-American writer, triumphs in this totally delightful recasting of Little Black Sambo. This version is told in the voice of southern black storytelling. Sam, with his shirt “yellow as tomorrow,” coat “red as a happy heart,” and pants “purple as a love that would last forever” heads off for his first day of school. He is accosted by tigers that keep threatening to eat him up, but each time he exchanges his clothing for his life. Sam’s cleverness and the tiger’s pride (trying to decide which looks the finest in the new duds) make for the wonderful ending. The tigers grab each other’s tails and chase after each other so fast they melt into orange and black striped butter—perfect for putting on pancakes!
Lewis, Richard. In the Space of the Sky.
Illustrated by Debra Frasier. Harcourt, 2002. (K-2)Wonder
This lovely picture book is a meditation on the wonder of the universe. Evocative poetry celebrates the beauty of nature: “There in the space of the sky are paths of birds, rivers of air, gardens of light growing into day, growing into night.” The bold, geometric collage illustrations, suffused with flowers, likewise lift the heart and spirit.
MacLachlan, Patricia. All the Places to Love.
Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. Harper Collins, 1994. (K-3) Wonder
On the day he was born, grandma held Eli up to the window “so that what I heard first was the wind. What I saw first were all the places to love: the valley, the river falling down over rocks, the hilltop where the blueberries grew.” In this beautiful tale, we follow Eli and his family through meadows, hayfields, rocks and rivers, as he learns about all the places to love and imagines sharing them with his newborn sister.
Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Snowflake Bentley.
Illustrated by Mary Azarian. Houghton Mifflin, 1998. (K-5) Wonder
Wilson Bentley (1865-1931), the son of a Vermont farmer, has fallen in love with snow. He is caught up in the beauty of each flake and his passion is to reproduce the intricacy and variety of snow crystals. Bentley’s parents save for years and buy him a special camera to photograph each flake. Throughout his adult life, Bentley sketches, photographs, and shares the glory of nature. (His book, Snow Crystals, is still a classic.) This inspiring and deceptively simple biography can be used in all grades K-5. Read it with its simplest text at K-2; at 3-5 add the sidebar commentary. Available on Epic!
Mitchell, Rhonda. The Talking Cloth.
Orchard Books, 1997. (K-2) Wonder
Amber loves her Aunt Phoebe, who collects strange and wonderful things. In this tale Aunt Phoebe stretches before her niece a long, silky “adinkra” cloth that she bought in Africa. Made by the Ashanti people of Ghana, each symbol and color has a special meaning. Amber imagines herself as an Ashanti princess. Guaranteed to inspire wonder and delight. Could be used with either the K or 1st grade Continents overview for Africa.
Redfield, James and Dee Lillegard. The Song of Celestine.
Illustrated by Dean Morrisey. Little, Brown, and Co., 1998. (K-2)Wonder
The grace, beauty, and depth of this enchanting book will appeal to all ages, but the sparse text and apparent simplicity make it especially appealing to younger children. Celestine is a young boy who “while wandering in the woods one day . . . found a path but lost his way.” His wanderings are a pilgrimage of sorts and in them he is introduced to the beauty and importance of flowers, faces, love, dreams, sharing, rejoicing, and the past. This book is simple on the surface and inspired in its depth. A mini-Dante, little Celestine, leads us back to the things that matter and the divine wonder of the human experience.
Rumford, James. Seeker of Knowledge. The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphics (Houghton Mifflin, 2000). (1-4) Wonder
In this fascinating volume Rumford describes the untiring efforts of nineteenth century Frenchman, Jean-Francois Champollion to decode Egyptian hieroglyphics or picture writing. The scholar’s interest in Egypt was awakened as a boy when Napoleon marched into Egypt. The childhood fascination grew to an adult passion, as Champollion learned of the discovery of the Rosetta stone, and eventually cracked the code. Rumford’s illustrations and story are a complete delight. The book can be used with CK First Grade unit on Ancient Egypt.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride.
Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 1999. (1-4) Wonder
In this gorgeous picture book two accomplished and high-spirited women, Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, excuse themselves from a White House dinner to enjoy an evening plane ride! Amelia Earhart, friend of Eleanor’s, pilots the craft and shows the first lady the beauty of a nocturnal ride in the stars. They return to the White House in time for Eleanor to give Amelia a ride in her new car and for both to have dessert! The breathtaking illustrations (in mauve and charcoal gray) bring to life the wonder, dreams, and passion of these two women for life in all its fullness.
Sabuda, Robert. The Blizzard’s Robe.
Simon and Schuster, 1999. (K-3) Wonder
Sabuda’s stunning artwork and deft prose bring to life this Arctic legend of the origin of the northern lights. In the midst of a storm, Teune, a young robemaker, saves her Arctic tribe by building a great fire. In the process she angers the god Blizzard whose robe she burns. He cries out to her at night, pleads for a replacement, and promises a rich reward for a new robe. Risking the anger of her people, Teune makes him a fine robe, and he in turn provides the gift of the Aurora Borealis for this “People Who Fear the Winter Night.” Using a deep, vibrant palette and batik technique, Sabuda tells the story of compassion, generosity, and wonder.
Sanders, Scott Russell. The Floating House.
Illustrated by Helen Cogancherry. Atheneum, 1995. (2-4) Wonder
Set in 1815, the McClure family floats down the Ohio River in a flatboat to find a new home further west in Jeffersonville, Indiana. This is a rich picture book and fine piece of fiction depicting the excitement and wonder of a young family exploring an uncharted wilderness. The McClures “were eager to reach the wild country downstream, where you could buy farms for a dollar an acre and the dirt was so rich people said you could plant a stick and it would break out in leaves.” The family finds its home, but the children still dream of “riding the river once more, heading downstream to unknown places.”
Sayre, April Pulley. If You Should Hear a Honey Guide.
Illustrated by S.D. Schindler. Houghton Mifflin, 1995. (K-1) Wonder
Set in Kenya, this story does much more than celebrate the beauty and instinct of the African Honey Guide — it rejoices in the ways of nature and leads the young child on a tour of the marvels that await the open eye and ear.
Sheldon, Dyan. The Whale’s Song.
Illustrated by Gary Blythe. Dial, 1991. (1-3)Wonder
A little girl listens to her grandmother’s stories of whale songs. Respect and devotion to one of the world’s largest and most mysterious creatures.
Slepian, Jan. Lost Moose.
Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Philomel Books, 1995. (K-3) Wonder
A moose and her calf are parted in a dangerous swim from their home island. When the young moose wanders onto a new island, inhabited by campers, young James is convinced he has found one of Santa’s reindeer. The two “youngsters” experience the joy of their surroundings together, only to be reunited with both of their worried mothers. Shimmering watercolors bring this delightful story to life.
Wells, Rosemary. Forest of Dreams.
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. Dial, 1988. (K-1)Wonder
The wonder of nature and the handiwork of God are themes as a young child explores the beauty
of the seasons. Stunning paintings.
Willard, Nancy. A Starlit Somersault Downhill.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Little Brown, 1993. (K-1) Wonder
A sprightly rabbit agrees to settle down for a long winter’s nap with a snoozing bear, but instead,
sets off to discover the beautiful world around him.
Winter, Jeanette. My Name is Georgia: A Portrait.
Silver Whistle, 1998. (K-1) Wonder
This is a simple and wondrous portrait of artist Georgia O’Keefe as she explores sky, mountains, desert, red hills, magnolias, bones, and dreams in the distance. It is about hearing the call within and following one’s dream. Can also be used with Lives to Learn From.
Yolen, Jane. Harvest Home.
Illustrated by Greg Shed. Harcourt, 2002. ( K-2) Wonder
Written in verse with the rhythmic repetition of “bringing the harvest home,” this is simple and lyrical celebration of a bountiful fall harvest. The poetry recounts the work it took to make it happen, as well as the joys of reaping its rewards. Our guide is a young girl with honey colored hair and a yellow straw hat, who leads children through the work and joy of gathering in the harvest on a fall afternoon. Greg Shed works visual wonders with golden hues of wheat and sun-baked afternoons suffusing its pages.
Young, Ed. What About Me?
Putnam, Philomel, 2002. (1-3) Wonder
Young’s visually arresting artwork carries this Middle Eastern folk tale of an earnest child who seeks knowledge from a Sufi master. Before imparting his wisdom, the master sends the child out into the world to procure for him a carpet. Going first to the carpetmaker, the child is confronted by the carpetmaker’s question: “What about me?” The weaver needs thread to weave the carpet. The child heads off to a spinner for thread, who asks “What about me?” She needs goat hair to spin the thread. And the chain of people with needs goes on! The child tries to meet the needs of all, and eventually succeeds. He returns to the master with the carpet and learns: “Some of the most precious gifts that we receive are those we receive when we are giving.”