Preschool (3-5 years)

Hideout is a dreamlike, lyrical picture book with shades of Where the Wild Things Are that illustrates the power of imagination to transport us to new worlds from author Susanna Mattiangeli and illustrator Felicita Sala. A Junior Library Guild Selection It's time to go, but no one can find Hannah! That's because she's in the park with much to do. She needs to collect caterpillars and sticks, make a bow and arrow, and build a bed out of leaves. Deep in the shrubs, she sets up a secret hideout for herself and her companion, an Odd Furry Creature. Together, they hunker down over the campfire, lost in their own little world. But then a voice cuts through the branches and clearly says, "Where are you?" Hannah brushes off her paper, and the reader learns that Hannah was lost, not in the woods, but in her drawing. 

The Lion and the Bird is a sensitive, beautiful, and utterly charming fable about generosity, kindness and true friendship. One autumn day, a lion finds a wounded bird in his garden. With the departure of the bird's flock, the lion decides that it's up to him to care for the bird. He does and the two become fast friends. Nevertheless, the bird departs with his flock the following autumn. What will become of Lion and what will become of their friendship? Young readers will learn about emotions, friendship, and kindness.

This book also serves as a great inspiration for budding artists, illustrators and writers.

Christina's note: I chose this book because it's beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated. The words are just enough to help the artwork tell the story, and bring forward the emotions that go along with unexpected friendship and subsequent loss. The story will tug at your heartstrings, and you and your little one will have to read it yourself to see what happens to the Lion and the. Bird in the end! Ages 3+

Written by Lee Juck Illustrated by Lee Jinhee Translated from Korean by Stine Su Yon An A beautiful picture book of cosmic dimensions about the tranquility and happiness that come from no longer feeling alone, by Korean singer-songwriter Lee Juck and award-winning illustrator Lee Jinhee.

A long, long time ago, in a far, far corner of the universe, there lived a lonely little star. One day, a comet appears—is this finally the star's chance to make a friend?

Inspired by Halley's Comet, this picture book written by Korean singer-songwriter Lee Juck and illustrated by acclaimed artist Lee Jinhee is about the moments of connection—however brief or rare—that give us the joy and hope to shine bright across the vast universe. 48 Pages • Hardcover. Ages 4-8.

Seven-year-old Layla loves life! So she keeps a happiness book. What is happiness for her? For you? Spirited and observant, Layla's a child who's been given room to grow, making happiness both thoughtful and intimate. It's her dad talking about growing-up in South Carolina; her mom reading poetry; her best friend Juan, the community garden, and so much more. 

Written by poet Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin, this is a story of flourishing within family and community. 2020 Ezra Jack Keats Award Winner for Illustration 2020 Ezra Jack Keats Honor for Writing A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of 2020.

48 pages • Hardcover. Ages 4-8.

Written & illustrated by Gaëtan Dorémus Translated from French by Emilie Robert Wong.

A bear cub sets out to discover the world—with a little encouragement from a nearby parent—in this charming, brightly colored picture book about exploration, play, budding independence, and security.

The best way to explore the world is on all fours! With its four little paws, a curious bear cub dances across pebbles, feels the tickling grass, splishes and splashes in puddles. So delightful are the curious cub's encounters that even prickly weeds or a little tumble are just part of the fun!

From sensory experience to sensory experience, the bear cub goes on a journey of discovery and surprise that leads it far away from where it started. Perhaps even too far away? Help!! But the moment of panic is soon resolved when the cub is lifted up by two loving arms into a big hug from a parent. 

40 pages • Hardcover. Ages 3-5

Written and illustrated by Kaya Doi Translated from Japanese by Yuki Kaneko

The first book in a completely charming series by a well-known Japanese author and illustrator, Chirri & Chirra introduces us to two little girls who go on wonderful adventures together through the natural world. Vibrant, lively, and astonishingly sweet in a pure, unsentimental way, these pages present us with relatable children, small animals, lots of food, atmosphere, and many mysteries.

I9.25" (W) x 6.5" (H) • 40 pages • Hardcover. Ages 4-8.

Written and illustrated by Kaya Doi Translated from Japanese by David Boyd A Wall Street Journal 20 Best Children's Books of the Past 20 Years Selection!  Chirri and Chirra go underground in this charming addition to the Chirri & Chirra series. Behind a hole in their basement wall, Chirri and Chirra discover a network of tunnels.

Join them as they visit moles, discover caves full of glowing flowers, poke at the roots of growing plants, traverse a subterranean lake, and spend the night with a family of badgers!

The fourth book in the Japanese Chirri & Chirra series, this underground adventure is sure to charm and delight.

 9.25"" (W) x 6.5"" (H) • 40 pages. Ages 3-8

Costume Cape for Kids. Transform into a mighty T rex with this green cape! Sized for 4-7 year olds, this fun accessory will spark imagination and turn playtime into a Jurassic adventure. No need to roar for attention; with this unique addition to your little one's wardrobe, all eyes will be on them. The T-Rex Green Cape is a prehistoric powerhouse, covered in textured, scale-like fabric in bold, dino green, with a row of dramatic spikes down the back. The attached hood features fierce eyes and toothy details that transform its wearer into a stomping, roaring dinosaur in seconds. Easy to fasten and designed for maximum movement, it’s perfect for jungle adventures and backyard dominion. For dino-lovers and brave explorers, this cape brings the age of giants to life, one mighty roar at a time.