By Lee Wardlaw, Illustrated by Huy Voun Lee (Henry Holt and Company – 2012 )
It’s the Fourth of July! Travel across the country for a city parade, a beach picnic, and fireworks in the park in this celebration of the many cultures and traditions that make America’s birthday Boom!>>>Huy Voun Lee’s books in SHI collection.
Of all the kids in her class, only one makes Violet’s heart skip : Mira, the girl with che cheery laugh who races like the wind. If only they could adventure together! But every time Violet tries to tell Mira how she feels, Violet goes shy. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Violet is determined to show Mira just how special she is.
By Stephanie Watson, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham ( Scholastic Press – 2018 )
Meet Hector and Louie. They do everthing together. They make funny drinks, they tell knock-knock jokes, and they even have pet fish both named Python. Louie and Hector are best friends in the universe, and they want to create a book to celebrate their friendship. But when a secret is revealed by Hector and a secret is revealed by Louis, it’s time for a Do-Over! Join in the hilarity as these two best friends discover the true meaning of friendship!
By Emerson Weber, Illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett ( Harper – 2020 )
There are lots of ways to help the world go around. Some people collect the trash. Some stock grocery shelves. Some drive buses and trains. Some delivery our mail. And some people write letters. One tiny act of kindness can have a huge impact. And in this heartwarming, hopeful, absolutely true story, a simple letter written by 11 years-old girl does just that. >>>On the last page, found a letter to you from the author.
By Rosemary Wells, Illustrated by David McPhail ( Dial Books for Young Readers – 1994 )
Look. Listen. Open all your senses. Spring violets grow bright in the deep black earth. Summer rain patters on the leaves. Autumn brings the tastes and smells of a bakery shop. Winter’s icy wind is soferned by the warmth of an afternoon nap. Night Sounds, Morning Colors moves through the seasons of a child’s year to vividly evoke each of the senses. >>>Rosemary Wells’s books in SHI collection.
Milly’s Dad has been sent to prison, and at first Milly feels angry and confused. But soon she, Mum and her brother, Sam, go to visit Dad and afterwards a surprise package arrives at home. It’s a cd of all Milly’s favourite animal stories, read specially for her by Dad. At Christmas there’s a party at the prison, with Father Christmas, and in the spring comes the best surprise of all….>>>This story for younger children shows how one family comes through a difficult time of separation, by an author and illustrator with extensive experience of working with prisoners and their families.>>>>Karin Littlewood’s books in SHI collection.
Albert, a new boy, moved in to the neighborhood of Dot. Albert looked sad, even thought Dot wanted to play with him. And that night, Dot received a balloon tied to Albert’s hand writing note which said he wished to fly far far away. Dot wanted to make Albert happy, so she put her kite by his window. And then, she found another balloon with another his wish. This time he wished to have a dog. Dot put her stuffed dog by his window, and then she found the 3rd balloon tied to his big wish that his father came back to him. Finally she recognized that it was not necessary to make him happy, just stayed with him. She learned a powerful lesson about empathy, patience, and the joy of making a new friend.
A small tar-paper shack deep in the woods doesn’t look like much of a home to six-years-old Marvel, her seven siblings, and their mom, but it is all they have. Starting over in this new place feels like a struggle at first, but each season in the woods reveals marvelous delights and blessings. The children find ways to work together and make it fun. As the days pass, they and their surroundings are transformed, and Marvel’s family discovers that good things do indeed take root when nurtured and given time to grow. >>> Inspired by the author’s grandmother Marvel’s childhood.
By Wafa’ Tarnowska, Illustrated by Vali Mintzi ( Barefoot Books – 2022 )
Forced to take shelter when their Syrian city is plagued with bombings, young Nour and her cousin, Amir, begin to bravely build a secret underground library. Amir starts picking up books he found in the streets, and then his friends join them to collect books from their destroyed city. Nour’s Secret Library is about the power of books to heal, transport and create safe spaces during difficult times. Illustrations by Romanian artist Vali Mintzi superimpose the colorful world the children construct over black-and-white charcoal depictions of the battered city. >>>Based on the author’s own life experience and inspired by a true story in Daraya, Syria. In the last pages, found background stories of this book.>>>>Vali Mintzi’s books in SHI collection.
By Carol Dodd, Illustrated by Erin Huybrechts ( Bala Kids – 2022 )
Change is all around our planet, but it can be overwhelming! Explore how change exists everywhere in a way that is natural, and even beautiful, in this vibrantly illustrated book with fun rhyming couplets. ”Everything changes, day to night/night to day. Everything changes, and that’s all right.”>>> From the Author’s Note : ” The Buddha taught that wanting things to stay the same causes us a lot of pain, but accepting that nothing lasts forever can lead to peace and happiness.”