Browse our regularly updated lists of staff picks, bestsellers, reading recommendations by grade, award winners, and more.
(Want personalized recommendations? Use our Book Picks for Kids form for suggested reads from our librarians.)
Mathtacular Reads
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Harriet the Invincible
Sleeping Beauty gets a feisty, furry twist in this hilarious new comic series.
Harriet Hamsterbone is not your average princess.
For one thing, she's a hamster.
For another, she prefers sword-fighting and fractions to sighing and fainting.
So when Harriet finds out that she was cursed at birth to fall into a deep sleep at the age of twelve, she doesn't exactly react the way her parents were expecting.
After all, no good curse goes to waste, and so until the age of twelve, Harriet realizes she's . . . invincible!
Of courses, there is still that whole curse thing, but she'll worry about that later. -
Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives
In one lifetime, a caribou will shed 10 sets of antlers, a woodpecker will drill 30 roosting holes, a giraffe will wear 200 spots, a seahorse will birth 1,000 babies.
Count each one and many more while learning about the wondrous things that can happen in just one lifetime. This extraordinary book collects animal information not available anywhere else—and shows all 30 roosting holes, all 200 spots, and, yes!, all 1,000 baby seahorses in eye-catching illustrations. A book about picturing numbers and considering the endlessly fascinating lives all around us, Lifetime is sure to delight young nature lovers. -
Stack the Cats
One cat sleeps. Two cats play. Three cats stack!
Cats of all shapes and sizes scamper, stretch and yawn across the pages of this adorable counting book. And every now and then, they find themselves in the purrfect fluffy stack! -
Navigating Early
When Jack Baker's father sends him from his home in Kansas to attend a boys' boarding school in Maine, Jack doesn't know what to expect. Certainly not Early Auden, the strangest of boys. Early keeps to himself, reads the number pi as a story, and refuses to accept truths others take for granted. Jack, feeling lonely and out of place, connects with Early, and the two become friends.
During a break from school, the boys set out for the Appalachian Trail on a quest for a great black bear. As Jack and Early travel deeper into the mountains, they meet peculiar and dangerous characters, and they make some shocking discoveries. But their adventure is only just beginning. Will Jack's and Early's friendship last the journey? Can the boys make it home alive?
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Numbers
This series uses a comic-book format to appeal to math learners. Cartoon narrators guide readers through different strategies to solve mathematical story problems involving the history of numbers and number systems, fractions, multiplication, and more. For kids and classrooms that need a breath of fresh air -- and a good giggle -- after too much time with the textbooks, these books are a welcome relief.
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Zero Is the Leaves on the Tree
It's easy to count three of something-- just add them up. But how do you count zero, a number that is best defined by what it's not?
Can you see it?
Can you hear it?
Can you feel it?
This important math concept is beautifully explored in a way that will inspire children to find zero everywhere--from the branches of a tree by day to the vast, starry sky by night. -
Lemonade in Winter
A lemonade stand in winter? Yes, that's exactly what Pauline and John-John intend to have, selling lemonade and limeade--and also lemon-limeade. With a catchy refrain (Lemon lemon LIME, Lemon LIMEADE! Lemon lemon LIME, Lemon LEMONADE!), plus simple math concepts throughout, here is a read-aloud that's great for storytime and classroom use, and is sure to be a hit among the legions of Jenkins and Karas fans.
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Absolutely One Thing
Count on Absolutely One Thing for a singularly funny look at simple math as encountered by Charlie and Lola.
Sometimes, as a treat, Mom takes Charlie and Lola to the store and says they may choose one thing. "One thing to share?" Lola asks. No, it's one thing each, explains Charlie, or two actual things between two. Lola is nine minutes late getting ready, and on the way, there are ladybugs and birds to count and maybe a squillion leaves on a tree. At the store, Lola says she'll choose three things, or possibly two. "How about no things?" asks Mom. With Lola hilariously bending everyday numbers to her will, the math goes down easy in this charming picture book loaded with visual appeal. -
Solving for M
When Mika starts fifth grade at the middle school, her neat life gets messy. Separated from old friends and starting new classes, Mika is far from her comfort zone. And math class is the most confusing of all, especially when her teacher Mr. Vann assigns math journals. Art in math? Who's ever heard of such a thing?
But when challenges arise at home, Mika realizes there are no easy answers. Maybe, with some help from friends, family, and one unique teacher, a math journal can help her work out problems, and not just the math ones.
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Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
You've likely heard of the historic Apollo 13 moon landing. But do you know about the mathematical genius who made sure that Apollo 13 returned safely home?
As a child, Katherine Johnson loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, the number of dishes and spoons she washed in the kitchen sink, everything! Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations, young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about math, about the universe.
From Katherine's early beginnings as a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent mathematician at NASA, Counting on Katherine is the story of a groundbreaking American woman who not only calculated the course of moon landings but, in turn, saved lives and made enormous contributions to history.
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Infinity and Me
When I looked up, I shivered. How many stars were in the sky? A million? A billion? Maybe the number was as big as infinity. I started to feel very, very small. How could I even think about something as big as infinity?
Uma can't help feeling small when she peers up at the night sky. She begins to wonder about infinity. Is infinity a number that grows forever? Is it an endless racetrack? Could infinity be in an ice cream cone? Uma soon finds that the ways to think about this big idea may just be . . . infinite. -
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
Lucy Callahan's life was changed forever when she was struck by lightning. She doesn't remember it, but the zap gave her genius-level math skills, and she's been homeschooled ever since. Now, at 12 years old, she's technically ready for college. She just has to pass 1 more test--middle school!
Lucy's grandma insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book (that's not a math textbook!). Lucy's not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy's life has already been solved. Unless there's been a miscalculation?
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Abigail
Abigail the giraffe loves counting. One day, she tries to count the spots on her friend Ladybug, but the little bug scurries away. Abigail tries to count Zebra's stripes and Cheetah's spots, but her friends just won't stand still! After several more unsuccessful attempts, Abigail begins to wonder if there's anything at all that she can count. Then, she has an idea....
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Is 2 a Lot?: An Adventure With Numbers
**** 2020 Mathical Book Honor Book
Two is not a lot of pennies, but it is a lot of smelly skunks. Ten is not a lot of popcorn pieces, but it is a lot of chomping dinosaurs. One thousand is not a lot of grains of sand, but it is a lot of hot air balloons!
While Joey’s mom explains the context of numbers in vivid ways, Joey’s imagination transforms their ordinary car ride into a magical odyssey through a land of make-believe.
Is Two a Lot? is a wonderfully charming and authentic exchange between mother and child. Annie Watson’s story makes numbers tangible, and Rebecca Evans’s illustrations bring them to life.
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Math Games Lab for Kids
Math is the foundation of all sciences and key to understanding the world around us. Math Games Lab for Kids shares more than 50 hands-on activities that make learning about math fun by drawing and building shapes, solving puzzles, and playing games.
Have fun:- exploring geometry and topology by making prisms, antiprisms, Platonic solids, and Möbius strips.
- building logic skills by playing and strategizing through tangrams, toothpick puzzles, and the game of Nim.
- drawing and charting graphs to learn the language of connections.
- discovering how to color maps like a mathematician by using the fewest colors possible.
- creating mind bending fractals with straight lines and repeat shapes.
Everything you need to complete the activities can be found in the book or around the house. Learn to think like a mathematician—see how much you'll discover!
Snowy Day Stories
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How to Build a Snow Bear
Thomas wants to build the biggest and best snowman ever. Since he can't do it alone, he'll need a helping hand--or a paw. But little bears love to hibernate. How do you wake up a snoozing bear? By tickling it? Singing to it? Maybe making its favorite snack?
How to Build a Snow Bear is a story about two siblings sharing a wondrous wintry day. -
Bitty Baby Loves the Snow
Discover the world of Bitty Baby - a special new friend to help girls ages 3 - 5 shine bright! These engaging tales are written by Newbery Honor winner Kirby Larson and illustrated by award-winning artist Sue Cornelison. In this story, a little girl takes her Bitty Baby doll outside to play in the snow, but her big brother is too busy sledding to help build a snowman. As she waits, the girl tells a story about Bitty Baby and a polar bear and how they learn to play together. When her brother finally arrives, she has solved her own problem. Includes a "For Parents" section that provides insight and tips on encouraging positive social play.
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Snow Much Fun!
A charming picture book about the joys of a snowy day, featuring handmade felt characters--just perfect for reading by the fire.
The first snowflakes are finally falling--and Berry and Ginger are SNOW ready!
They can't wait to be sledding, ice-skating, and snowman-building. But Willow is not so sure...
A celebration of friendship and winter wonder, this is a cozy treat for young readers.
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Big Snow
An excited and frustrated boy watches hopefully as wintry weather develops slowly into a "big snow."
While "helping" his mother with holiday housecleaning, a boy keeps a watchful eye on the progress of a winter storm. He's hoping for a big snow. A really big snow. Inside, he is underfoot, turning sheet-changing and tub-scrubbing into imaginary whiteouts. Outside, flakes are flying. But over the course of a long day (for Mom) the clouds seem slow on delivering a serious snowfall. Then comes a dreamy naptime adventure, marking just the beginning of high hopes coming true in this irresistible seasonal story. -
Snow
Every child loves a snow day - no school and snowball fights galore! But Sam has to wait for his Grandad. Trying to hurry him up, Sam tells Grandad all the other kids have gone to the park... and all the local dogs... and all the zoo animals! Only when they finally arrive does Grandad see Sam was telling the truth - and both of them get stuck in having fun on their snow day!
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All Right Already!
SNOW DAY! Duck is super excited and can’t wait to play in the snow with his best friend, Bear.
Bear isn’t excited about playing with Duck, or going out in the snow. As always, he’d rather stay inside, where it’s warm and cozy.
But can Bear resist his persistent friend? If so, who will play in the snow with poor Duck?!
Award-winning duo Jory John and Benji Davies deliver yet another outrageously funny story that will, by the end, warm readers' hearts. Duck and Bear are a pair of pals who prove that best friends come in the most unexpected ways.
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Tracks in the Snow
Just outside my window,
There are tracks in the snow.
Who made the tracks? Where do they go?
A little girl follows tracks outside her window after a fresh snowfall, only to realize that the tracks in the snow are her own from the day before—and that they lead her home. This diminutive and sweet picture book is as cozy as a cup of hot chocolate.
Like Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day, this lovely celebration of snow and winter is just right for the littlest readers. -
Good Morning, Snowplow!
As the rest of the town settles in to bed, one man, his dog, and a trusty snowplow get ready for a night's work. Follow them through slick roads and swirling drifts in this sweet, rhyming book by Deborah Bruss and New York Times bestselling illustrators Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson.
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One Snowy Day
When millions of snowflakes blanket the town in white, ONE energetic puppy and TWO children set out for some snowy day fun--full of friends, sledding, snowballs, puppy hijinks, and more. The lyrical, rhyming text counts up to ten and back down to one, making this the perfect way to incorporate learning into snow day fun. Whether you're looking for counting books or winter weather books for kids, this snowy day book is the one for you!
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When the Snow Is Deeper Than My Boots Are Tall
With young, rhyming verse and bright illustrations, Jean Reidy and Joey Chou captures the joy and excitement of a big snowfall. As the snow climbs over a boy's toes, ankles, shins, and boots, there's more and more fun to be had—snowmen, sledding, snow angels, and, finally, a cup of hot cocoa by a warm fire. -
Ten Ways to Hear Snow
One winter morning, Lina wakes up to silence. It's the sound of snow -- the kind that looks soft and glows bright in the winter sun. But as she walks to her grandmother's house to help make the family recipe for warak enab, she continues to listen. As Lina walks past snowmen and across icy sidewalks, she discovers ten ways to pay attention to what might have otherwise gone unnoticed. With stunning illustrations by Kenard Pak and thoughtful representation of a modern Arab American family from Cathy Camper, Ten Ways to Hear Snow is a layered exploration of mindfulness, empathy, and what we realize when the world gets quiet.
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Snowballs
Pull on your mittens and head outside with Lois Ehlert for a snowball day! Grab some snow and start rolling. With a few found objects, like buttons and fabric and seeds, and a little imagination, you can create a whole family out of snow.
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Over and Under the Snow
Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow exists a secret kingdom of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals that live through the winter safe and warm, awake and busy, under the snow. Discover the wonder and activity that lies beneath winter's snowy landscape in this magical book.
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Snow Doves
Sami has just arrived in a new country. The snow piled up outside his window is a mysterious and, frankly, cold surprise! Joy, his new neighbor, does not speak his language, but that does not stop them from communicating as Joy helps Sami overcome his fears. The two new friends get bundled up against the cold, and Sami discovers the magic of playing outside on a snowy day.
As the sun begins to set on a near-perfect day, Sami and Joy make angels in the snow that transform into doves and fly away, a magical ending to a wordless story of friendship and peace.
Tots Dealing with Big Feelings
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Belly Breathe
A simple relaxation and calming technique, belly breathing is a tool everyone can use! Studies have found that belly breathing improves concentration and relieves tension. This mindfulness board book showcases the easy skill that is a great way to teach kids how to manage stress and emotions.
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When Sadness is at Your Door
When Sadness arrives, try not to be afraid: give it a name, listen to it and spend some time together. Maybe all it wants is to know that it's welcome. This beautiful debut by author-illustrator talent Eva Eland takes a poignant but uplifting look at dealing with sadness.
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I'm Sad
A girl, a potato, and a very sad flamingo star in this charming sequel to I’m Bored by New York Times bestselling author and comedian Michael Ian Black and celebrated illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi.
Everyone feels sad sometimes—even flamingos.
Sigh.
When Flamingo announces he’s feeling down, the little girl and Potato try to cheer him up, but nothing seems to work. Not even dirt! (Which usually works for Potato.)
Flamingo learns that he will not always feel this way. And his friends learn that sometimes being a friend means you don’t have to cheer someone up. You just have to stick by your pal no matter how they feel.
Even if they’re a potato. -
Princess Sophia Gets Scared
"Princess Sophia is scared of lots of things, including thunderstorms and speaking in front of people. Thankfully she has a special saying that helps calm her fears."
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Look for the Helpers
A new generation of children love Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, inspired by the classic series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood!
Daniel gets scared when a storm hits the neighborhood and learns to look for people who can help in this relatable 8x8 storybook based on an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Daniel learns an important lesson that is also a beloved quote from Mr. Rogers: “Look for the helpers.” When something bad happens, whether it’s a bad storm, natural disaster, or anything scary, Daniel learns that if you look closely, you will always find good people helping out those in need. This storybook is perfect to share with little ones who need a helping hand to understand their feelings, and will also inspire them to be helpers in their neighborhood, just like Daniel Tiger!
This book includes a special backmatter section with more information about helpers, like firefighters, how to prepare for the unexpected, make an emergency kit, and ideas to inspire kids to be helpers—and stay safe—every day!
© 2018 The Fred Rogers Company -
When I Feel Scared
Children often feel afraid. This book, with its comforting words and illustrations, will help children address those fears and learn some new ways to cope with being afraid.
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Bear Feels Scared
Bad weather frightens Bear, but his woodland friends are there to help him in this sweet, reassuring Bear story from bestselling duo Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman!
In the deep, dark woods
by the Strawberry Vale,
a big bear lumbers
down a small, crooked trail…
The sun is setting and it’s getting chilly. When Bear’s friends discover that he is not at home in his lair, they march out into the cold to find their pal. Friends don’t let friends stay lost! Wren, Owl, and Raven take to the skies while Badger, Mole, and Mouse search on the ground. Pretty soon Bear is found, and once he’s back in his cave, he feels quite safe with his friends all around. -
Allie All Along
"What appears to be a simple story upon first glance actually offers uncomplicated yet practical remedies for helping a child deal with a strong emotion." --Booklist (Starred review)
Allie All Along deserves a spot on the shelf with Where the Wild Things Are, When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry... and My Mouth Is a Volcano." --Shelf Awareness
"Allie's crayon broke.
I blinked.
She was suddenly . . .
furious, fuming, frustrated . . ."
Have you ever felt mad enough to stomp, smash, and crash? Allie has! Meet one angry little girl and see how she calms down, bit by bit--with the help of her understanding big brother.
Poor Allie! She's in a rage, throwing a tantrum, and having a fit! Her emotions have built and built and now they just burst. Is there a sweet little girl hiding somewhere under all the angry layers? And can her big brother find a way to make things all right again? In the tradition of When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry and Sometimes I'm Bombaloo, Allie All Along explores simple ways kids can center themselves in the face of overwhelming emotions. The illustrations' varying hues and vibrant colors capture the powerful feelings that young children can't always express in words. -
Mad, Mad Bear!
Bear is very, very, very MAD! Will he ever feel better? Find out in this sweet and silly picture book about toddler tantrums that little ones—and their caretakers—are sure to relate to.
Bear had to leave the park early for his nap. Then he fell and got an owie on the way home. And then he had to leave his favorite boots and stick outside. Bear feels like nothing is fair, and that makes him VERY, VERY, VERY MAD! Can he find a way to move through his emotions and get back to feeling better? Maybe…but not before having a major meltdown! -
Grumpy Monkey
The smash-hit New York Times bestselling picture book about feeling your feelings is now available as a board book!
Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it--how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day? They encourage him not to hunch, to smile, and to do things that make THEM happy. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a bit of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?
Suzanne and Max Lang's hilarious approach to this very important lesson is now in a toddler-friendly board book format! It is an excellent case study in the dangers of putting on a happy face and demonstrates to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings (though they should be careful of hurting others in the process!).
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Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Daniel's Big Feelings
In this Tiger-tastic collection of 26 episodes, Daniel Tiger learns to navigate new and important social situations. He visits the doctor, uses the potty, gets ready for school, and learns to talk about feeling sad, jealous, and frustrated. Positive songs and easy-to-remember lessons help reinforce the grr-ific ways your child can explore the world.
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Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings
Ira and Malcolm are best friends: they always make each other laugh, always eat lunch together, and always play together. But one day, a disagreement about whether to play tag or hide-and-seek sees the suddenly über-popular Malcolm run off with a crowd of tag-loving kids--and Ira all alone.
Ira's tummy hurts, his chin is wibbling, and his eyes are leaking. What's happening?! Any efforts to cheer him up fall flat. When Malcolm finally returns and asks what's wrong, Ira tells him: "I had all these feelings...and I didn't have you."
The second Ira Crumb book marks the return of an endearing character full of personality, humor, and heart. With lots of laughs and comics-style storytelling, it's a funny, touching look at how feelings can be confusing, and how processing emotions can take time--and a bit of help from a pretty good friend.
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The Feelings Book
Sometimes I feel silly.
Sometimes I feel like eating pizza for breakfast.
Sometimes I feel brave.
Sometimes I feel like trying something new...
The Feelings Book vibrantly illustrates the wide range of moods we all experience. Kids and adults will appreciate Todd Parr's quirky intelligence as he pays special attention to the ever-changing, sometimes nonsensical emotions that we all feel. Targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to discuss their multitude of feelings in a kid-friendly, accessible format, told through Parr's trademark bold, bright colors and silly scenes.
Along with the four other bestselling Todd Parr picture books, The Feelings Book is designed to encourage early literacy, enhance emotional development, celebrate multiculturalism, and promote character growth. -
In My Heart
Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions.
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Feelings
Are you feeling happy, sad, excited, worried, shy, scared, or grumpy? Do you know why? This book will introduce emotions and show you how to talk about, share, or enjoy what you feel. There are lovely illustrations that will make you smile, frown, or jump for joy.
With fun-to-touch tabbed edges, this is a fun, interactive first book for understanding how we feel--and what to do about it!
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