Wonder, Words, and Lots of Color
“Every story begins with a quiet moment of noticing something small until its smallness becomes big.
Just like stories, illustrations are safe places children can step into, walk around, think big thoughts, and feel big feelings.”
- Abbie Cooley Moegelvang -
Newborn Amanzi elephant longs to see the world, so she’s off to explore. But when rain falls, startled Amanzi dashes back to Momma for help. She won’t let rain dampen her plans for long, especially when there are fascinating Savannah animals to meet. Amanzi soon learns that curiosity can overcome fear and that there just might be something surprising on the other side. (3-7 years)
Finley Hedgehog dreams of hopping high into the air - simply for the joy of it - like his new friend Felicity Frog. But when he “flops instead”, they set out to find a way together. Searching for ideas in their sunlit valley, Felicity and Finley tie springy grape vines to Finley’s feet and he leaps excitedly up. But even with this burst of enthusiasm, he lands “right on his face”. How can Finley reach his goal when his abilities prove different from Felicity’s?(4-7years)
With rhyme and wit, this story follows a young girl as she joyfully skips through her day. She answers questions in math, creates imaginative artwork, wins a "bird race", and plays hide-and-seek with friends in the "broccoli trees and apple rain". All the while, the first-person text sings of the delicious foods she eats, and the illustrations picture her delight in doing so. (4-8 years)
Mia has just turned thirteen, so she’s certain this summer break will be different than all the summers before. When she visits her grandmother in Maine, Mia is finally allowed to take the canoe out by herself. But what she expects to be a summer of new independence quickly changes when she topples down the stairs and breaks her arm. And that’s not all: there’s a secret about Gran that no one will tell her.
(Middle Grade Fiction)
Two little mice wonder what could make Mommy’s love for them grow. Earning a sparkling sticker on a math paper? Painting Mommy’s portrait? Remembering to say “please” and “thank you”? The siblings soon learn that a mother’s love isn’t measured in tasks or talents because she’s already given them every last drip, drop, and crumb. (3-6 years)
Two sisters whisper wishes for a tree. Maggie-May longs to play in its shade, and Lilly-Lou dreams of branches filled with animal friends. So when the wind brings a seed, curiosity soars! The girls water the seed with melting popsicles, and an ice cream tree sprouts. But, in their excitement, they’ve forgotten about the animals. Maggie-May and Lilly-Lou soon discover that joy is more complete when everyone is included. (4-7 years)
Emma rescues a young wallaby from a frightening storm, and they become fast friends. Together, Emma and Frederick jaunt through a fanciful summer. But Emma is heartbroken to learn she will move from her country home to a city house at summer’s end. She'll have to leave Frederick behind! So, they call on every ounce of imagination between them. Can they come up with a plan powerful enough to stop time and make the summer last forever?(5-8 years)
This lively story in rhyme follows a small boy as he experiences the joy of positive touch with family and friends. The text gently contrasts these healthy interactions with unhealthy touch. With non-clinical language and honor for the feelings of children, this book serves as a safe conversation starter between caregiver and child and includes charts of “My Private Parts” and “My Body Rules”. (4-7 years)
Read-aloud of Original Story, Finley Follows Felicity
Skipper Clement International School, Denmark