I feel like I had to be a little intentional to find more books that paint the true picture of Christmas or focus on Christ this year, but I am SO excited to share these with you! Now don't get me wrong....I love the occasional Santa or Rudolph tale too, but I wanted to incorporate a more Christ-centered Christmas holiday in my home & what better way than through children's books?
​Please share any books about Christ or the true meaning of Christmas, that are your favorites with me & I will be happy to add them to this list.  
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Christmas Books About Christ: 
1. The First Christmas 
by: Thomas D. Williams & Frank Fraser
(A poem that tells the story of Christ's birth.) 
www.amazon.com/First-Christmas-Thomas-D-Williams/dp/1622828542/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=the+first+Christmas&qid=1607038712&sr=8-6
2. Jesus Calling: the Story of Christmas
by: Sarah Young & Katya Longhi
(This story starts long before Christ's birth; it goes back to the Creation! God has always planned for a Christmas & His great plan involved one very important character: Jesus.) 
www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-Story-Christmas-picture/dp/1400210291/ref=sr_1_2?crid=24NWR6658SPEM&dchild=1&keywords=jesus+calling+the+story+of+christmas&qid=1607038811&sprefix=jesus+calling%3A+the+story+%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-2

3. Over in a Stable
by: Suzanne Nelson & Aleksander Zolotic
(A charming counting & rhyming book leading to the stable where Christ was born.) 
www.amazon.com/Over-Stable-Suzanne-Nelson/dp/0310761123/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=over+in+a+stable&qid=1607038853&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExV05KOExBQk8yRUhDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDE5NDk5M045M0NZQVJKMTRKMyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDIyNzM4U0dNUjVGRlJUSFVKJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

4. The Littlest Watchman 
by: Scott James & Geraldine Rodriguez
(Benjamin's job is to watch a stump as a sign of all of God's promises coming true. Benjamin's family finally gives up waiting, but one night, outside of Bethlehem, Benjamin gets to watch something wonderful.)
www.amazon.com/Littlest-Watchman-Watching-Waiting-Christmas/dp/1784981400/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+littlest+watchman&qid=1607038956&sr=8-1

5. Long Ago on a Silent Night
by: Julie Berry & Annie Won
(This one tells the story of the miracle of Christmas, the wonder of the Nativity, shown through wonderful illustrations.) 
www.amazon.com/Long-Silent-Night-Julie-Berry/dp/1338277723/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JXLGU73XBRCN&dchild=1&keywords=long+ago+on+a+silent+night&qid=1607039071&sprefix=Long+ago+on+a+s%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1
6. Born on Christmas Morn
by: Melinda Busch & Melanie Hall
(Rhymes & colorful pictures bring the Bible story of Jesus' birth, in Luke 2, to life.)
www.amazon.com/When-Jesus-Was-Born-Bethlehem/dp/1573458414/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W182U8MK2H1O&dchild=1&keywords=jesus+was+born+in+bethlehem&qid=1607042795&sprefix=jesus+was+born%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-1

7. Mary's First Christmas
by: Walter Wangerin Jr. & Timothy Ladwig
(Mary tells Jesus the story of his birth & His upbringing; the story is told in 4 different parts.) 
www.amazon.com/Marys-First-Christmas-Walter-Wangerin/dp/0310222168/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mary%27s+first+christmas&qid=1608520622&sr=8-1

8. Mary's Little Donkey: And the Escape to Egypt 
by: Gunhild Sehin
(Mary's donkey was once a donkey who hated hard work, but then he met Mary & the donkey is proud to carry Mary to Bethlehem & then away to Egypt to escape evil King Herod.) 

www.amazon.com/Marys-Little-Donkey-Escape-Egypt/dp/0863159338/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mary%27s+little+donkey&qid=1607061860&s=books&sr=1-1

9. Come & See
by: Monica Mayper
(Everyone comes to see the Christ child the night He is born; shepherds, neighbors, townsfolk, etc. gather to celebrate the child sleeping in a manger.) 

www.amazon.com/Come-see-Christmas-Monica-Mayper/dp/0439216230/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=come+%26+see&qid=1607062972&s=books&sr=1-11

10. God Gave us Christmas
by: Lisa Tawn Bergren  
(Little Cub thinks Santa gave everyone Christmas; Mama Bear decides to take Little Cub out in nature to see all the ways God has blessed them with Christmas. She also takes this time to teach Cub about baby Jesus & His role in God's plan.) 
www.amazon.com/God-Gave-Us-Christmas/dp/1400071755/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=god+gave+us+christmas&qid=1607038452&sr=8-2

11. There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve 
by: Pam Munoz Ryan & Dennis Nolan
(Instead of snow, a desert wind blew palm fronds in the desert as the Christ child was being born. The Nativity is told in the correct time & season, by emphasizing the true importance of the spirit of the season, no matter what the weather is like.) 
www.amazon.com/There-Was-Snow-Christmas-Eve/dp/0786854928/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3T29X29UT2IKT&dchild=1&keywords=there+was+no+snow+on+christmas+eve&qid=1607062636&s=books&sprefix=there+was+no+snow+o%2Cstripbooks%2C373&sr=1-1

12. Asleep in the Stable
by: Will Hillenbrand
www.amazon.com/Asleep-Stable-Will-Hillenbrand/dp/0439727952/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=asleep+in+a+stable&qid=1607062605&s=books&sr=1-1

13. The Little Drummer Boy
by: Bernadette Watts   OR   Ezra Jack Keats version 
(A little poor boy named Benjamin goes with his friend to see the newborn King & he ends up playing on his drum for the baby because he is too poor to bring any other gifts.) 
www.amazon.com/Little-Drummer-Boy-Bernadette-Watts/dp/0735843252/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3V9RV4SFEW8FJ&dchild=1&keywords=little+drummer+boy&qid=1607024409&s=books&sprefix=little+drummer%2Cstripbooks%2C199&sr=1-3 

www.amazon.com/Little-Drummer-Ezra-Jack-Keats/dp/0140567437/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3V9RV4SFEW8FJ&dchild=1&keywords=little+drummer+boy&qid=1607024464&s=books&sprefix=little+drummer%2Cstripbooks%2C199&sr=1-1 

14. Mary's Little Donkey: And the Escape to Egypt 
by: Gunhild Sehlin & Jan 
www.amazon.com/Marys-Little-Donkey-Escape-Egypt/dp/0863159338/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GTMR5L2L8XI1&dchild=1&keywords=mary%27s+little+donkey&qid=1607034725&sprefix=Mary%27s+Little%2Caps%2C234&sr=8-1

15. The Night Of His Birth
by: Katherine Paterson & Lisa Aisato 
(Mary marvels at her perfect little baby as Joseph sleeps & wonders as she realizes her baby is not only a gift to her, but God's gift to the world.) 
www.amazon.com/Night-His-Birth-Katherine-Paterson/dp/1947888129/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+night+of+his+birth&qid=1607035115&sr=8-2 

16. Silent Night
by: Lara Hawthorne
www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Lara-Hawthorne/dp/1786030667/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=silent+night&qid=1607062560&s=books&sr=1-2

17. The Christmas Promise
by: Alison Mitchell & Catalina Echeverri 
(A Bible-centered story of God's promise to send a new King; a forever King!) 
www.amazon.com/Christmas-Promise-Alison-Mitchell/dp/1910307114/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+christmas+promise&qid=1607062411&s=books&sr=1-1

18. The Night Before Jesus
by: Herbert Brokering & David Miles
(This sweet story is set to the rhythm of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" but it depicts the story of Christ's birth.) 
www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Jesus-Herbert-Brokering/dp/0758660294/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+night+before+jesus&qid=1607062496&s=books&sr=1-1

19. A Night the Stars Danced for Joy
by: Bob Hartman & Tim Jonke
(On a clear night, an angel appears in the sky before a shepherd family & instructs them to travel to Bethlehem to witness the birth of the Christ child.) 
www.amazon.com/Night-Stars-Danced-Joy/dp/0745940862/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+night+the+stars+danced+for+joy&qid=1607105540&sr=8-1
​
20. The Legend of the Candy Cane
by: Lori Walburg
(Peppermint candy canes are not just a delicious treat we enjoy at Christmastime. A young girl named Lucy learns this when a stranger comes into town & she is curious what he is up to, so she offers to help him unpack his store. He shares with Lucy the legend of the candy cane, including the Christian symbolism behind the red and white striped stick.) 
www.amazon.com/Legend-Candy-Cane-Newly-Illustrated/dp/0310730120/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1607062182&sr=1-1

21. The Birds of Bethlehem 
by: Tomie DePaola 
(The Nativity story is shared from a birds-eye view. The birds gather in the fields to both eat & share the exciting news of an angel appearing; then they fly off to find the stable where the Messiah lay.) 
www.amazon.com/Birds-Bethlehem-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0399257802/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+birds+of+bethlehem&qid=1607062052&s=books&sr=1-2

22. A Savior is Born: Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas
by: Patti Rokus 
(A picture book using rock art to inspire wonder & awe as all of the characters of the Christmas story are depicted the night that Jesus was born.) 
www.amazon.com/Savior-Born-Rocks-Story-Christmas/dp/0310764963/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+savior+is+born&qid=1607062013&s=books&sr=1-1

23. A Child was Born
by: Grace Maccarone
(A first Nativity book for children.)
www.amazon.com/Nativity-Maccarone-illustrated-Softcover-Scholastic/dp/B002ISXLZI/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+child+was+born&qid=1607061987&s=books&sr=1-1

24. Mary, the Mother of Jesus
by: Tomie dePaola 
(DePaola draws on the Bible & brings the Giotto frescoes of Mary from a chapel in Italy, to life in this book. This book includes 15 stories about Mary, including her role as the mother of the Savior.) 
www.amazon.com/Mary-Mother-Jesus-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0823410188/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3P1506TVSQ5D7&dchild=1&keywords=mary+the+mother+of+jesus+by+tomie+depaola&qid=1607039351&sprefix=mary+the+mother+of+jes%2Caps%2C271&sr=8-1

25. Jesus is Born
Retold by: Sophie Piper & Anne Yvonne Gilbert 
(A picture book retelling the story of Christ's birth from Luke 2 & Matthew in the Bible.) 
www.amazon.com/Jesus-Born-Sophie-Piper/dp/1680991876/ref=sr_1_20?dchild=1&keywords=Jesus+is+Born&qid=1607542907&sr=8-20

I have been compiling this list for some time, because I had hoped to find some bedtime books that will help my family transition better to quiet time/bedtime around our house. I've always read to the kids when they're going to bed, but for some reason, they want to yelp & chase each other around....basically any activity to avoid winding down & snuggling up. And I felt like if I found some intriguing, silly, but also calming bedtime books, we could rewrite that narrative at our house.  I also wrote small good-night books (with pictures) for both my children using the book publishing software of blurb; those individual books have remained favorites for years! Whether it's getting our children to wind down, or reassuring them there's no monsters in the closet & not to be afraid of the dark, we all have issues with encouraging & teaching sleep in our homes. 
So here's my master list of bedtime picture books for kids; I'd love to hear some of your favorites!!! 
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Bedtime Books for Kids: 
​1. Good Night Sleep Tight
by: Mem Fox
(This cute bedtime tale includes lots of songs & rhymes, which will enchant & entertain your kiddos right up until bedtime.) 
www.amazon.com/Good-Night-Sleep-Tight-Mem/dp/0545533708/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=goodnight+sleep+tight&qid=1606703004&sr=8-6
2. God Gave Us Sleep 
by: Lisa Tawn Bergren 
(Those lovable bears are back, & this time Mama Bear is teaching Cub about the importance of our bodies getting rest.) 
www.amazon.com/Gave-Sleep-Lisa-Tawn-Bergren/dp/1601426631/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=god+gave+us+sleep&qid=1606706759&sr=8-1 
3. Guess How Much I Love You 
by: Sam McBratney 
(A rabbit dad is putting his son to sleep, & every time the little rabbit says how much he loves his dad, his dad then expands upon that object until the son finally cozies up & drifts off to sleep. This one is an absolute classic & favorite for baby shower gifts! There's a board book version of this book as well.) 
www.amazon.com/Guess-Much-Love-Anniversary-Slipcase/dp/1536210641/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1606712797&sr=8-2

4. Time to Sleep 
by:  Steve Jenkins & Robin Page 
(A cute look at the animal kingdom, to find out who falls asleep standing up on one leg or who snores while flying?)
www.amazon.com/Time-Sleep-Steve-Jenkins/dp/0547250401/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=time+to+sleep&qid=1606714596&s=books&sr=1-4

5. If Animals Kissed Good Night
by:  Ann Whitford Paul & David Walker
(Every animal in the animal kingdom is going to bed, & through soothing rhyme, you will hear all about their good night rituals-- the slow sloths are mentioned the most, & it's pretty cute!)
www.amazon.com/If-Animals-Kissed-Good-Night/dp/0374300216/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VYQ2OC5BBTQT&dchild=1&keywords=if+animals+kissed+goodnight+board+book&qid=1606713112&sprefix=if+animals+%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1

6. Ten Minutes to Bed, Little Dinosaur
by: Rhiannon Fielding & Chris Chatterton
(Rumble the triceratops is running through the jungle at night, but it's uncertain whether he'll make it on time to go to sleep. A 10-minute countdown to bed that is sure to send your little ones off to the land of nod!) 
www.amazon.com/Little-Dinosaur-Ten-Minutes-Bed/dp/0241484693/ref=sr_1_1?crid=M0NWG6NI8GT5&dchild=1&keywords=ten+minutes+to+bed+little+dinosaur&qid=1606714693&s=books&sprefix=ten+minutes+to+bed+%2Cstripbooks%2C200&sr=1-1

7. Runaway Bunny
by: Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Hurd
(A mama bunny tries to call her little bunny in, but he keeps wanting to run away & adventure on his own. But he realizes that he actually does want to cozy up in their den at home, because he loves his mama bunny. 
Also, Goodnight Moon, is another classic of Brown's but I didn't include it on this list, since it's more of a baby board book.) 
www.amazon.com/Runaway-Bunny-Margaret-Wise-Brown/dp/0061074292/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=runaway+bunny&qid=1606713081&sr=8-1 

8. Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? 
by: Martin Waddell
(This one makes me nostalgic, because I remember it well from my childhood. Little Bear, like many children, is afraid of the dark. Big Bear, Little Bear's father, sets out with all his patience, to light lanterns in the cave & reassure Little Bear, until he finally resorts to offering Little Bear the light of the moon too.) 
www.amazon.com/Cant-You-Sleep-Little-Bear/dp/1564022625/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1X52DE0LBHIWQ&dchild=1&keywords=can%27t+you+sleep+little+bear&qid=1606713641&sprefix=can%27t+you+sleep+li%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1

9. Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey 
by: Emily Winfield Martin 
(This book has the perfect, soothing nighttime rhyme that makes it a good bedtime read, & sparks imagination as your child imagines their dream animal & where it will take them. A fox or a bear who bakes pastries...who knows?) 
www.amazon.com/Dream-Animals-Emily-Winfield-Martin/dp/0449810801/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1606714793&sr=1-1
 
10. Goodnight Ark
by: Laura Sassi & Jane Chapman 
(Noah & the animals are trying to sleep through the storm on the ark; but each animal seeks out Noah in search of comfort & they all start to crowd together! Also, check out this pair's Goodnight Manger book too!) 
www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Ark-Laura-Sassi/dp/0310749387/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=goodnight+ark&qid=1606713769&sr=8-1

11. Good Day, Good Night
by: Margaret Wise Brown  
(As the bunny wakes up, he says good day to everything he encounters, one-by-one; later, when the sun starts to set, little bunny gets ready to wish everything a good-night.) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780062383105B/good-day-good-night

12. Just Go To Bed (Little Critter) 
by: Mercer Mayer
(Little Critter dreads bedtime; sometimes it's the bath or time to stop playing-- something many kids can relate to & empathize with.) 
www.amazon.com/Just-Go-Bed-Little-Critter/dp/0593376234/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1606714927&sr=1-2

13. Llama Llama, Red Pajama
by: Anna Dewedney
(Little Llama is avoiding bedtime; he is also getting impatient waiting for his mama to come up & tuck him in, so he starts to panic & yells until Mama Llama comes running upstairs.  A great book to exemplify that kids don't need to be afraid of the dark, & that their parents have other things to do after the kids go to sleep.)  
www.amazon.com/Llama-Red-Pajama-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0439906652/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1606714999&sr=1-5

14. Night Wishes 
by: Lee Bennett Hopkins & Jen Corace
(Wishes imagined through poetry as they whisper through a young girl's bedroom as she's trying to fall asleep for the night.)
www.amazon.com/Night-Wishes-Lee-Bennett-Hopkins/dp/0802854966/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=night+wishes&qid=1606715109&s=books&sr=1-1

15. Bear Can't Sleep
by: Karma Wilson
(It's winter time, so Bear should be asleep & hibernating, but when his friends come to check on him, he's awake & unable to sleep. Will they be able to help Bear sleep or will he be up all winter? Also, since it's the holiday season, check out Bear Stays Up for Christmas.) 
www.amazon.com/Bear-Cant-Sleep-Books/dp/1481459732/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bear+can%27t+sleep&qid=1606715219&s=books&sr=1-1

16. Rosie the Dragon & Charlie Say Good-Night *(Free on Kindle Unlimited!) 
by: Lauren Kerstein
(Like many children we know, Rosie the dragon has a bedtime routine & Charlie has to help her stick to it as best he can-- but she's a mischievous dragon, & it ends up being a harder task than anticipated, even with Charlie's list & best intentions.) 
www.amazon.com/Rosie-Dragon-Charlie-Good-Night/dp/154201848X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1606715308&sr=1-1

17. Jeremy Noon The Man on the Moon
by: Martin Beckett 
(Jeremy wakes up in the middle of the night, only to realize that the Moon has stopped shining. He sets off on a journey with his star-catching net to make the Moon shiny & bright once more!) 
www.amazon.com/Jeremy-Noon-Moon-Martin-Beckett/dp/1953177077/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3570ZAXLXLPC3&dchild=1&keywords=jeremy+noon+the+man+on+the+moon&qid=1606715365&sprefix=Jeremy+noon+the+m%2Cstripbooks%2C194&sr=8-1

18. What Will You Dream of Tonight? 
by: Frances Stickley & Ansuka Allepuz 
(A beautifully illustrated tale that imaginatively takes a child wherever they wish to go in their dreams; from sailing on the tale of a whale or visiting caves full of dragons!) 
www.amazon.com/What-Will-You-Dream-Tonight/dp/1536214477/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19QF0HLCRE41V&dchild=1&keywords=what+will+you+dream+of+tonight&qid=1606715445&sprefix=what+will+you+dream+of+%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1

19. Bedtime for Sweet Creatures  *Free on Kindle Unlimited
by: Nikki Grimes & Elizabeth Zunon
(Mommy needs to wrangle her sweet boy to sleep so the whole family can sleep too. The little boy is, of course, dodging bedtime, so Mommy has to work with his imagination of the animals & what the animals do when it's time to sleep too.) 
www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Sweet-Creatures-Nikki-Grimes/dp/1492638323/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1606715795&sr=1-1

20. Good Night Little Blue Truck
by: Alice Schertle & Jill McElmurry 
(A sweet ode to Little Blue & Toad as they rush home in order to beat a storm. Soon Little Blue Truck's other friends show up, because lightning & thunder can be scary, but it's easy to be brave together.) 
www.amazon.com/Good-Night-Little-Blue-Truck/dp/132885213X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=goodnight+little+blue+truck&qid=1606715930&s=books&sr=1-1
​
21. Bedtime for Frances 
by: Russell Hoban & Garth Williams 
(Frances does not want to go to sleep; she makes every excuse to avoid going to bed. Her parents wlil 
https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Frances-Russell-Hoban/dp/0064434516/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bedtime+for+frances&qid=1606716246&s=books&sr=1-1

22. Snoring's Boring 
by: Victoria Brotherton  & Billie Hastie
(Henry comes to life at bedtime; he can't go to sleep like other children! But lack of sleep can cause problems for Henry & Henry's parents; can an encounter on a school field trip teach Henry that sleep is important?) 
www.amazon.com/Snorings-Boring-Victoria-Brotherton/dp/1912655306/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=snoring%27s+boring&qid=1606715644&s=books&sr=1-1 

23. Where Do Jet Planes Sleep at Night? 
by: Brianna Caplan Sayres & Christian Slade 
(Have you ever wondered where all the planes, diggers, etc. go to sleep at the end of a hard day's work? Also check out, Where Do Diggers Sleep?) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780399554483B/where-do-jet-planes-sleep-at-night

24. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site 
by: Sherri Duskey Rinker 
(After a long, hard day at the construction site, all the big machines need to get some sleep. Even machinery needs to rest at night! Each machine tucks away for the night in its own way; we have the sound button book, which is engaging & fun!)
www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Construction-Sherri-Duskey-Rinker/dp/0811877825/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1606715734&sr=1-2

25. Stop that Yawn! 
by: Caron Levis & LeUyen Pham 
(Gabby has had enough of bedtime; it's so boring & unexciting! She wants Granny to let her have ice-cream at bedtime, jump on beds, etc. but there's a yawn on the loose-- will Gabby be able to keep it at bay?) 
www.amazon.com/Stop-That-Yawn-Caron-Levis/dp/1481441795/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=yawn&qid=1606714100&s=books&sr=1-5 

26. Woodland Dreams
by: Karen Jameson & Marc Boutavant 
www.amazon.com/Woodland-Dreams-Karen-Jameson/dp/1452170630/ref=sr_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=dreams&qid=1606715570&s=books&sr=1-17 

27. Tiny T. Rex & the Very Dark Dark 
by: Jonathan Stutzman & Jay Fleck
(Tiny wants to have a campout with his very best friend, Pointy. But when things get really dark, Tiny has some tricks up his sleeve to ward off the spooky things they can't see!) 
www.amazon.com/Tiny-Rex-Very-Dark-Read-Aloud/dp/1452170347/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RYC7T3TF2S50&dchild=1&keywords=tiny+t.+rex+and+the+very+dark+dark&qid=1606772285&sprefix=tiny+t.+rex%2Caps%2C255&sr=8-1

28. Bedtime, Ted!
by: Sophy Henn
(Ted is a willful, stubborn toddler....much like many toddlers you probably know! This cute book with flaps goes through all the things Ted will need to do in order to get ready for bed.) 
www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Ted-Sophy-Henn/dp/1419727575/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=time+for+bed+ted&qid=1606772151&sr=8-1

The topic of friendship is always a fun one to explore via picture books, but it's also a topic much on my mind as my kids grow older. It's very important to me that my kiddos feel like they have friends, regardless of how many friends they have. But another thing that's really interesting is that I have noticed how much work friendships take (especially if you live far away from close friends) & that time & effort is also necessary in cultivating new adult friendships. Whatever your case may be, it's always nice to have a friend to rely on. That's what these 15 picture books all depict; the beauty & importance of friendship.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
FRIENDSHIP BOOKS:
1. The Things I Love About Friends
by: Trace Moroney
(Part of a series that celebrates children's everyday experiences, & teaches the importance of learning to be a good friend.)
www.amazon.com/Things-Love-About-Friends/dp/1608875040/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+things+I+love+about+friends&qid=1606070611&sr=8-12.

2. The Bear & the Moon
by: Matthew Burgess & Catia Chien
(The gift of a balloon floats into Bear's life & the story follows a tale of friendship & discovery, as well as forgiveness.)
www.amazon.com/Bear-Moon-Matthew-Burgess/dp/1452171912/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+bear+%26+the+moon&qid=1606080402&sr=8-1

3. Should I Share My Ice Cream?
by: Mo Willems
(Jerald the Elephant LOVES ice cream! He buys a cone one day, but he is deliberating over whether to eat it himself or share it with Piggie...before it melts.)
www.amazon.com/Should-Share-Cream-Elephant-Piggie/dp/1423143434/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25COTCJMDT1TQ&dchild=1&keywords=should+i+share+my+ice+cream+by+mo+willems&qid=1606081931&sprefix=should+i+share+my+ice+cream%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1
4. How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends?
by: Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
(This clever book will give kids good & bad examples of how to share & take turns while playing with friends; an essential social behavior that has to be taught to kids who want to make friends.)
www.amazon.com/How-Dinosaurs-Play-Their-Friends/dp/B00ERJSGFG/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1606081995&sr=8-1

5. The Big Umbrella
by: Amy June Bates & Juniper Bates
(By the front door there is a big umbrella; & it's big enough for everyone encountered to come underneath it; it's metaphorically inclusive.)
www.amazon.com/Big-Umbrella-Amy-June-Bates/dp/1534406581/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+big+umbrella&qid=1606082095&sr=8-1

6. You Are my Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers & His Neighborhood
by: Aimee Reid & Matt Phelan
(The story of little Freddie Rogers who later grew up to be the Mister Rogers we saw on TV.)
www.amazon.com/You-Are-My-Friend-Neighborhood/dp/1419736175/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=you+are+my+friend&qid=1606085434&sr=8-2

7. Peanut Butter & Cupcake
by: Terry Border
(What does a piece of bread do when it's feeling lonely? Find a friend...but Peanut Butter tries & tries to find someone to spend time with, but Hamburger & Egg are too busy for him.)
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780399167737B/peanut-butter-and-cupcake

8. Have you Filled a Bucket Today?
by: Carol McCloud & David Messing
(Did you know that everyone around the world has a bucket, & that you can help your own bucket get filled by filling up the buckets of others? It might be writing a nice note to a teacher or a classmate, or telling Mom & Dad how much you love them.)
www.amazon.com/Have-Filled-Bucket-Today-Bucketfilling/dp/099609993X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=5O32MW98YWEN&dchild=1&keywords=have+you+filled+a+bucket+today&qid=1606085148&sprefix=have+you+filled+a+b%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-2

9. The Cool Bean
by: Jory John
(This story is about the bean who had cool friends & then suddenly felt left out & on the sidelines. Then the cool beans reach out to their old friend & show him how to include others & be friendlier & "cooler" too.)
www.target.com/p/the-cool-bean-by-jory-john-hardcover/-/A-76552991#lnk=sametab
*By the way, this is on an incredible sale for Black Friday at Target right now; it's part of the buy 2 get 1 free books & movies special!!

10. Strictly No Elephants
by: Lisa Mantchev & Taeeun Yoo
(One little boy is excited to attend a pet club for owners, but when he learns that his pet elephant won't be welcome there, he sets out to make a club for kids with unique pets, & makes some new friends along the way.)
www.amazon.com/Strictly-No-Elephants-Lisa-Mantchev/dp/1481416472/ref=sr_1_2?crid=8MS2DHKP108E&dchild=1&keywords=strictly+no+elephants+book&qid=1606085525&sprefix=strictly+no%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-2

11. Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light
by: Apryl Stott
(Bear's sad because all of the other animals think he's mean. His human friend Coco is willing to help him, though. Coco shares this advice: "When life gets dark as winter's night, share some kindness, bring some light.")
www.amazon.com/Share-Some-Kindness-Bring-Light/dp/1534462384/ref=sr_1_9_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=the+friendship&qid=1606085699&s=books&sr=1-9-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQVZaQkhTRjVGS0dZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTI5OTcxM0JHNEc2T0ZWVjQzTCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTkxMjQ5RU1JNU1FM1NISkRPJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

12. Llama Llama Time to Share
by: Anna Dewedney
(Llama has a new friend over to play-- Nelly Gnu. The playdate is going swimmingly until Nelly decides to pick up his prized Fuzzy Llama and play with it; then Llama decides he really isn't in the mood to share. How will Llama & Mama work things out this time?)
www.amazon.com/Llama-Time-Share-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670012335/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=llama+llama+books&qid=1606110151&sr=8-9

13. The Friend Ship
by: Kat Yeh
https://www.target.com/p/the-friend-ship-by-kat-yeh-hardcover/-/A-51496857#lnk=sametab

14. How to Spot a Best Friend
by: Bea Birdsong
(This little girl heads to her first day of school, determined to find the kids who are willing to not only let you borrow a crayon, but a super sharp crayon. Her mother is a little doubtful, but she's determined to try things her way.)
​www.target.com/p/how-to-spot-a-best-friend-by-cailin-garfunkle-bea-birdsong-hardcover/-/A-81805543#lnk=sametab
*By the way, this is on an incredible sale for Black Friday at Target right now; it's part of the buy 2 get 1 free books special!!

15. Lola Dutch, I Love You So Much!
by: Kenneth Wright
(Lola loves showing her friends how much she loves them! She does nice things for Crane & Gator, but she's forgotten about Bear-- how can she show Bear how much he means to her?)
www.amazon.com/Lola-Dutch-Love-You-Much/dp/1547601175/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OPNGSTR9FW37&dchild=1&keywords=lola+dutch+i+love+you+so+much&qid=1606156703&sprefix=Lola+Dutch+I+love+you%2Caps%2C194&sr=8-1

✨Bunny Built
by: Michael Slack
(A bonus read that tells the sweet story of a serviceable bunny when his friends all lose items of value. They find a mysterious seed, which happens to be for a giant carrot, which instead of gobbling up, LaRue goes to work building things for his friends instead.)

  
Hurrah for being thankful & the wonderful autumn celebration of Thanksgiving! Unlike my husband, I LOVE traditional Thanksgiving feast food, from the cranberry sauce up to the stuffed turkey.  But, my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving is gathering with loved ones & sharing gratitude all day long. 
Here are 25ish (more might be added) silly & sentimental books to celebrate Thanksgiving with your little ones, & to help spread an attitude of gratitude, even when it's not November.  
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​
1. Thanksgiving Is -- 
by: Gail Gibbons
​(The tale of the first Thanksgiving feast & the history of Thanksgiving is told through watercolor paintings in this classic.) 
www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Gail-Gibbons/dp/0823419797/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=thanksgiving+is&qid=1605505966&sr=8-2

2. God Gave Us Thankful Hearts  
by: Lisa Tawn Bergren 
(Little pup is not sure he likes autumn or winter; but his mama starts talking to him about all of the many things they have to be grateful for & he soon changes his mind.  Little pup is grateful for a good many things about fall, including yummy food, fishing with his dad & being able to play with his animal friends.) 
www.amazon.com/God-Gave-Us-Thankful-Hearts/dp/160142874X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=38RDPD85AY0AC&dchild=1&keywords=god+gave+us+thankful+hearts&qid=1605505997&sprefix=god+gave+us+thank%2Caps%2C293&sr=8-1

3. Thanksgiving Rules
by: Laurie Friedman & Teresa Murfin 
(Percy has 10 simple rules for you to follow on Thanksgiving Day. Clever sayings like "the early bird gets the turkey" & "life is sweeter when you eat sweets," will entertain the reader, but will Percy realize what Thanksgiving is truly about?) 
www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Rules-Laurie-Friedman-ebook/dp/B00HNXBQA0/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=thanksgiving+rules&qid=1605506050&sr=8-2

4. Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie 
by: Jack Bishop
(Peyton is a picky eater, & she especially does not like pie.  But as all of her family's guests begin to show up for Thanksgiving dinner with an array of pie, Peyton decides she will be brave & try some pie.) 
www.amazon.com/Peyton-Picks-Perfect-Pie-Thanksgiving/dp/1948703262/ref=sr_1_1?crid=236AEUZK6CRIQ&dchild=1&keywords=peyton+picks+the+perfect+pie+a+thanksgiving+celebration&qid=1605506139&sprefix=peyton+picks+the%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1

5. Thanks for Thanksgiving 
by: Julie Markes & Doris Barrette
(Life is full of small things & even bigger pleasures-- where does one start when giving thanks for all of life's blessings? As well as a Thanksgiving feast, these children are grateful for pets & slides or parks too.) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780060510985B/thanks-for-thanksgiving

6. The Very First Thanksgiving Day 
by: Rhonda Gowler Green
(A simple rhyming tale of when two different societies came together to honor earth's bounty & feast in peace.)
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9781416919162B/the-very-first-thanksgiving-day

7. Turkey Trouble
by: Wendy Silvano
(There's a clever turkey on this farm who doesn't want to get stuffed this Thanksgiving. So he dresses up like all the farm animals, & even devises a plan to deliver pizza to the hungry family on Thanksgiving Day.) 
www.amazon.com/Turkey-Trouble-Wendi-Silvano/dp/0761455299/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1605506225&sr=8-3

8. How to Catch a Turkey 
by: Adam Wallace
(His entire How To Catch... series is SO clever!!)  
www.amazon.com/How-Catch-Turkey-Adam-Wallace/dp/1492664359/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=How+to+catch+a+turkey&qid=1605541738&sr=8-3

9. The Thanksgiving Story 
by: Alice Dalgliesh & Helen Sewell  
(Caldecott Honor winner; the story follows the Hopkins family aboard the Mayflower & displays the generous help of the  Native Americans once the Mayflower passengers settled a colony & faced a disastrous winter.) 
www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Story-Alice-Dalgliesh/dp/0689710534/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IMZVD56GR9AT&dchild=1&keywords=the+thanksgiving+story+by+alice+dalgliesh&qid=1605543729&sprefix=the+thanksgivin%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-1

10.Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks
by: Margaret Sutherland 
(Thanksgiving is a reflective holiday that encourages us to reflect on all we have to be thankful for.) 
www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Giving-Thanks-Reading-Railroad/dp/0448422867/ref=sr_1_3?crid=24IVKT1NV0T27&dchild=1&keywords=thanksgiving+is+for+giving+thanks+by+margaret+sutherland&qid=1605544099&sprefix=thanksgiving+is+for+givi%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-3

11. Dino Thanksgiving
by: Lisa Wheeler  & Barry Gott
(The dino characters are back in another Dino Holidays series & this time they're preparing for a Thanksgiving feast! They will be divided into herbivores & carnivores for their respective feasts & they're taking great care to prepare them.) 
www.amazon.com/Dino-Thanksgiving-Dino-Holidays-Lisa-Wheeler/dp/1512403180/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36RSR6KBVQIBZ&dchild=1&keywords=dino+thanksgiving&qid=1605544205&sprefix=dino+thank%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1

12. Cranberry Thanksgiving
by: Wende Devlin  
(Grandmother always baked cranberry bread for Thanksgiving & she invited a guest & allowed her granddaughter Maggie to do the same. But Grandmother was suspicious when Maggie invited Mr. Whiskers to Thanksgiving dinner.)  
www.amazon.com/Cranberry-Thanksgiving-Cranberryport-Wende-Devlin/dp/1930900635/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=cranberry+thanksgiving&qid=1605547353&sr=8-3

13. Just a Special Thanksgiving
by: Mercer Mayer
(Little Critter is going to have a school play & he is looking forward to a special dinner for all of Critterville.) 
www.amazon.com/Little-Critter-Just-Special-Thanksgiving/dp/0061478113/ref=sr_1_2?crid=21YX9G0VJIP17&dchild=1&keywords=just+a+special+thanksgiving+by+mercer+mayer&qid=1605547458&sprefix=just+a+special+th%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-2

14. Gobble Gobble, Mr. Wobble
by: Becky Cummings & Zuzana Svoboda 
(Wobble the Turkey loves Thanksgiving; he doesn't realize that Farmer Joe having him for dinner is not an invitation to dinner, but rather that he is dinner.) 
www.amazon.com/Gobble-Mr-Wobble-Becky-Cummings/dp/1951597028/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=gobble+wobble&qid=1605506371&sr=8-3 

15. The 12 Days of Thanksgiving
by: Jenna Lattice & Colleen Madden  
(A Thanksgiving advent or count-down filled with rhyme; similar to the 12 Days of Christmas.)
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9781524766580B/the-12-days-of-thanksgiving-count-the-days

16. Bear Says Thanks
by: Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
(We sincerely love all the cute, rhyming Bear books because he is a lovable character & so are his woodland friends.)  
www.amazon.com/Bear-Says-Thanks-Books/dp/1416958568/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=bear+says+thanks&qid=1605547060&sr=8-2

17. In November
by: Cynthia Rylant & Jill Kastner
(All about the weather, seasonal changes in November & the day when loved ones gather together to be grateful.) 
www.amazon.com/November-Cynthia-Rylant/dp/0152063420/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JV73XILZTXFR&dchild=1&keywords=in+november+by+cynthia+rylant&qid=1605543548&sprefix=In+Nove%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-1 

18. Balloons Over Broadway 
by: Melissa Sweet 
(A sweet & true story about the puppeteer in the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade. Robert F. Sibert medal)
www.amazon.com/Balloons-over-Broadway-Puppeteer-Education/dp/0547199457/ref=sr_1_2?crid=U8AIBVGHQOYT&dchild=1&keywords=balloons+over+broadway&qid=1605546969&sprefix=Balloons+over+%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-2 

19. The Night Before Thanksgiving
by: Natasha Wing
(The Thanksgiving feast preparation takes place even before the big day itself & it's so much fun to prepare for the feast. Wing's books are so clever & written in rhyme, which I enjoy!) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780448425290B/the-night-before-thanksgiving

20. The Thank You Book 
by: Mo Willems
(Piggie is here to remind us the importance of appreciating our friends & thanking them for their contributions to our life.)  
www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Book-Elephant-Piggie/dp/1423178289/ref=sr_1_2?crid=YPMAV754P4GR&dchild=1&keywords=the+thank+you+book&qid=1605547799&sprefix=a+thank+you+book%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-2 

21. A Turkey for Thanksgiving 
by: Eve Bunting & Diane De Groat
(Mr. & Mrs. Moose have invited all of their animal friends for Thanksgiving, but they can't find Turkey.  It's because Turkey is terrified that they want to eat him, & he didn't realize they wanted him to attend the dinner with all the other animals.) 
www.amazon.com/Turkey-Thanksgiving-Eve-Bunting/dp/0395742129/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3TR8NK1SP0812&dchild=1&keywords=a+turkey+for+thanksgiving&qid=1605547947&sprefix=a+turkey+for+%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-3 

22. Thankful
by: Eileen Spinelli 
(A book to remind us to be thankful & not take things for granted, as well as appreciate essential workers & the service they provide.)
www.amazon.com/Thankful-Eileen-Spinelli/dp/0310000882/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=thankful&qid=1605548022&sr=8-2 

23. Squanto's Journey
by: Joseph Bruchac
(Squanto welcomed the newcomers that disembarked from the Mayflower in 1620. When a good harvest was gathered & the newcomers had established a colony, the two groups feasted together.)  
​www.amazon.com/Squantos-Journey-Story-First-Thanksgiving/dp/0152060448/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=squanto%27s+journey&qid=1605558803&sr=8-1 

24. One is a Feast for Mouse 
by: Judy Cox & Jeffrey Ebbeler 
(Mouse comes out of his hole after the Thanksgiving feast, in hopes of gathering some scrumptious food. He sees a pea, then a plate of mashed potatoes & turkey, & soon Mouse isn't sure if he can get it back to his house to munch on.) 
www.amazon.com/One-Feast-Mouse-Thanksgiving-Adventures/dp/0823422313/ref=sr_1_3?crid=11USA59LXI59B&dchild=1&keywords=one+is+a+feast+for+mouse+a+thanksgiving+tale&qid=1605558932&sprefix=one+is+a+feast+for+%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-3

25. Thanksgiving at Our House
by: P.K. Hallinan 
(Thanksgiving day brings a flurry of activity to the house; watching parades in the morning, playing & watching football, & of course, gathering to feast together.)
www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-at-Our-House-Hallinan/dp/082495534X/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=thanksgiving+at+our+house&qid=1605558874&sr=8-2

It's Veterans Day this week, & to celebrate & help our kids recognize the importance of the war veterans in our country, I have compiled a sweet, educational & endearing list of 8 picture books that can help teach our kids more about what a veteran is & why we honor them. 
Please enjoy these 12 books listed below & feel free to share any your family has loved too!  
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Veteran's Day & Patriotic Picture Books List: 
1. Veteran's Day for Grandpa 
by: Dee Smith  
(An engaging,formatted book to help children learn about veterans & how to celebrate them.) 
www.amazon.com/Veterans-Day-Grandpa-Children-celebrating/dp/1519153260/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1604791764&sr=1-2

2. Pepper's Purple Heart
by: Heather French Henry 
www.amazon.com/Peppers-Purple-Heart-Veterans-Story/dp/0970634102/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pepper%27s+purple+heart&qid=1604937924&s=books&sr=1-1

3. Hero Dad
by: Bryan Langdo 
www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761457135?pf_rd_r=HGJ5WGY1GP29W8154H6E&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee&pd_rd_r=da2b0b1b-676f-43a5-a8cf-e13573df4af4&pd_rd_w=6NYlO&pd_rd_wg=4TUhy&ref_=pd_gw_unk

4. "H is for Honor"  (ABCs of the Military)
by: Devin Scillian
www.amazon.com/H-Honor-Military-Family-Alphabet/dp/1585362921/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1604937546&sr=1-1

5. The Poppy Lady
by: Barbara E. Walsh  & Layne Johnson  
(Monica Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act when some of her friends & family entered WWI; she decided to establish the red poppy just as a symbol to honor & remember the soldiers.) 
www.amazon.com/Poppy-Lady-Michael-Tribute-Veterans/dp/1590787544/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+poppy+day&qid=1604937708&s=books&sr=1-1

6. The Wall 
by: Eve Bunting 
(A boy & his dad go to visit the Vietnam War Veteran Memorial.) 
www.amazon.com/Wall-Reading-Rainbow-Books/dp/0395629772/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+wall&qid=1604937795&s=books&sr=1-1

7. Daddy's Boots
by: Sandra Miller Linhart 
www.thriftbooks.com/w/daddys-boots/9317693/#edition=14809426&idiq=41840610
​
8. Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero  
by: Marissa Moss
(The story of Sarah Edmonds, who was a heroine during the Civil War.) 
www.thriftbooks.com/w/nurse-soldier-spy-the-story-of-sarah-edmonds-a-civil-war-hero_marissa-moss/628762/#edition=10220784&idiq=32161407

9. Don't Forget: God Bless Our Troops
by: Jill Biden & Raul Colon 
(Natalie is a girl who really misses her dad when he leaves to go to war; her mom & grandma help her do some things to feel closer to her dad, but there's no day like the day when her dad comes home.) 
www.amazon.com/Dont-Forget-God-Bless-Troops/dp/144245735X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ZESC0D2RTA9L&dchild=1&keywords=don%27t+forget+god+bless+our+troops&qid=1604938587&s=books&sprefix=don%27t+forget+god+bles%2Cstripbooks%2C191&sr=1-1
10. Veterans Day (Rookie Read-Aloud series)
by: Jacqueline S. Cotton 
www.thriftbooks.com/w/veterans-day-rookie-read-about-holidays_jacqueline-s-cotton/1683087/#edition=4173097&idiq=474861

11. Veteran's Day 
by: Allan Morey & Mark Oblinger
www.amazon.com/Veterans-Day-Holidays-Rhythm-Rhyme/dp/1684102839/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=veteran%27s+day&qid=1604937628&s=books&sr=1-7  

12. The Impossible Patriotism Project 
by: Linda Skeers
(Caleb is trying to think of what patriotism means to him; his class is supposed to display a project for Parents' Night. Caleb starts to think of his dad & what he's doing to serve the country, & that's when inspiration comes!) 
www.amazon.com/Impossible-Patriotism-Project-Rise-Shine/dp/0142413917/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DRPVV6RVLVFG&dchild=1&keywords=the+impossible+patriotism+project&qid=1604938742&s=books&sprefix=the+impossible+patrotism+%2Cstripbooks%2C196&sr=1-1

In conjunction with my latest podcast, my sister & I talked baby reading.  And when we say "baby" we mean baby baby-- younger than 1 year or 12-month olds. So keep that in mind as you peruse this baby book list I compiled; it's specifically targeted for 0-12 months & the books may seem very basic, but that's because they are for newborn babies. I've never made a list like this yet, so I hope this one is helpful & points parents in the right direction as they start reading to their baby. 
_______________________________________________________________


​Baby Books:  
1. Moo, Baa, LaLaLa 
by: Sandra Boynton 
(You can never go wrong with a Sandra Boynton book! The rhyming & illustrations are perfect for little ones, & this one teaches what some of the animals say with a twist.) 
www.amazon.com/Moo-Baa-Sandra-Boynton/dp/067144901X/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=baby+board+books&qid=1603910060&sr=8-7 

2. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See? 
by: Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle 
(This classic introduces different animals & colors with each page.) 
www.amazon.com/Brown-Bear-What-You-See/dp/0805047905/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4WYMQLSEURYI&dchild=1&keywords=brown+bear+brown+bear+what+do+you+see&qid=1603910362&sprefix=brown+bear+%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-1

3. That's Not My Dinosaur
(Usborne) 
(This touchy-feely series is bound to be a favorite at your house for you AND baby! We love these books especially for teaching texture, or encouraging quiet time.)  
www.myubam.com/p/8255/thats-not-my-dinosaur-a-thats-not-my-series-book

4. Baby Let's Eat (Indestructible) 
by: Amy Pixton & Stephan Lomp
(These indestructibles are a *staple* for young readers; they can be ripped, chewed on, washed & they're pretty resilient or...indestructible! They also crinkle in little hands, which makes the sound many babies love. My babies' favorites have been the ones that feature baby faces.)
www.amazon.com/Indestructibles-Baby-Lets-Amy-Pixton/dp/152350207X/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2YKTA7KJIKKD2&dchild=1&keywords=indestructibles+books&qid=1603910586&sprefix=indestruct%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-4 

5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Let's Count On
by: Eric Carle 
(This wonderfully inviting baby book, is a crinkle page book & it mesmerized my son for months when he was a little baby.  It also counts up to 5, with items from the Hungry Caterpillar book on each page.) 
www.amazon.com/World-Carle-Hungry-Caterpillar-Count/dp/B00CDJH4XC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=eric+carle+baby&qid=1603911150&sr=8-1  

6. Baby Sees Colors! A Totally Mesmerizing High-Contrast Books 
by: Akio Kashiwara 
(Baby will see plenty of bold colors & shapes in this cute book!) 
www.amazon.com/Baby-Sees-Colors-high-contrast-improve/dp/4056210403/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=baby+sees+colors&qid=1603990256&sr=8-1

7. First 100 Words
by: Roger Priddy
(This is one of those well-known baby classics, available in board or picture book form, that introduces a lot of vocabulary to your little one; colors, animals, & everyday objects.) 

www.amazon.com/First-100-Words-Roger-Priddy/dp/0312510780/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3VW02W98B4XC3&dchild=1&keywords=abc+books+for+babies&qid=1603911365&sprefix=abc+books+for+baby%2Caps%2C254&sr=8-10 

8. World of Eric Carle, My First Library Board Book Block-- 12 Book Set 
by: Eric Carle
(12 perfectly small board books with concepts like shapes, numbers, & colors.) 
www.amazon.com/World-Carle-First-Library-Board/dp/1503723003/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=eric+carle+books&qid=1603911641&sr=8-14 

9. Hello, Baby Animals (A High Contrast Book) 
by: Duopress & Julissa Mora 
(Friendly pictures in black & white greet your baby in this little book, & it also has basic patterns that will be easy for baby to track & comprehend.) 
www.amazon.com/Hello-Baby-Animals-High-Contrast-Book/dp/1938093682/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=high+contrast+books&qid=1603911833&sr=8-4 

10. Alphaprints: Colors
by: Roger Priddy
(Honestly, all of the Alphaprint books are amazing! We own several, & the thumbprint textures, strange objects for eyes or animals, & bright colors are so engaging!) 
www.amazon.com/Alphaprints-Colors-Roger-Priddy/dp/0312517939/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=alphaprints&qid=1603912779&sr=8-2

11. Curious George: Pat-a-Cake
by: H.A. Rey
(Time to play pat-a-cake with your favorite curious monkey-- George!) 
​www.amazon.com/Curious-George-Pat-Cake-Rey/dp/0547516894/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=pat-a-cake&qid=1603988184&sr=8-2 

12. Five Little Monkeys
by: Cottage Door Press
(A cute little monkey puppet will help you sing aloud this favorite rhyme!) 
www.amazon.com/Five-Little-Monkeys-Finger-Puppet/dp/1680524372/ref=sr_1_9_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=5+little+monkeys&qid=1603990329&sr=8-9-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzNjlDS0lCRk1KTUsyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjYzOTAzMkVSRlcwOVhaU1FGMCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTI4MjgyMUZTR1lNMEdERkk2NSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= 

13.  My Very First Book of Numbers (pictured above!) 
by: Eric Carle  
(This interactive book has colorful fruits on each half-page & corresponding numbers, but they're out of order. It's fun to read this puzzle book together.) 
www.amazon.com/My-Very-First-Book-Numbers/dp/039924509X/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=eric+carle+counting&qid=1603990463&sr=8-3 

14. Zoom, Baby Zoom!
by: Karen Katz
(Open the flaps together in this transportation-themed book as you discover all the places the baby is hiding.) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9781442493148B/zoom-zoom-baby-lift-the-flap 

15. See, Touch, Feel: ABC 
by: Roger Priddy 
(This one teaches first words to baby through creative pictures & textures.) 
www.amazon.com/See-Touch-Feel-Roger-Priddy/dp/0312529708/ref=sr_1_2?crid=15IWW7P2ODHPE&dchild=1&keywords=see%2C+touch%2C+feel+a+first+sensory+book&qid=1603997098&sprefix=see%2C+touch%2C+feel%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-2

Every 4 years, our country experiences the privilege to elect our next government leaders & the President of the United States. It's an opportunity & a privilege, which we should teach our children more about. 
As with many topics, I feel that reading picture books helps explain difficult concepts & perhaps also raises questions from our children that can help to further educate them on these subjects.  Many of these books are pretty basic, because I have such young kids, but I found a couple of books that are more complex & descriptive of the election process. 
Please enjoy these 14 books I've selected & feel free to comment & share any voting books you have particularly enjoyed! 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
VOTING & THE ELECTION BOOKS: 
1. I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference 
by: Mark Shulman & Serge Bloch  
(A kids book that explains the concept of choosing individually & as a group.) 
www.amazon.com/Voted-Making-Choice-Makes-Difference/dp/0823445615/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=i+voted&qid=1603467491&sr=8-3

2. One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote You Vote 
by: Bonnie Worth & Aristides Ruiz  
(The Cat in the Hat is back & he's ready to explain the voting & election process for new government officials.)
www.amazon.com/Vote-Votes-Hats-Learning-Library/dp/0399555986/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1EO7CD0T9NYKB&dchild=1&keywords=one+vote%2C+two+votes%2C+i+vote%2C+you+vote&qid=1603466617&sprefix=one+vote%2C+%2Caps%2C270&sr=8-2 

3. Curious George Votes 
by: Margret & H.A. Rey 
(That mischievous monkey is back, & this time he's going out to exercise his right to vote for a new school mascot!) 
www.amazon.com/Curious-George-Votes-H-Rey/dp/0358272637/ref=sr_1_2?crid=S312QVK9VA63&dchild=1&keywords=curious+george+votes&qid=1603467533&sprefix=curious+george%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-2  

4. Duck for President
by: Doreen Cronin
(You remember the neutral, but really troublesome duck from Click, Clack, Moo? Well, now he's running for president!) 
www.amazon.com/Duck-President-Click-Clack-Book/dp/0689863772/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=duck+for+president&qid=1603471897&sr=8-1 

5. Amelia Bedelia's First Vote
by: Herman Parish (son of the original author, Parish) 
(Amelia gets to be principal for the day & since she is, she organizes a ballot where her classmates can vote on the activities of the day.) 
www.amazon.com/Amelia-Bedelias-First-Herman-Parish/dp/0062094076/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25PPX2BLRHQ0A&dchild=1&keywords=amelia+bedelia%27s+first+vote&qid=1603471991&sprefix=amelia+bedelia%27s+first%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-1 

6. V is for Voting
by: Kate Farrell & Caitlin Kuhwald 
(An ABC book about voting that teaches families concepts like civil rights & social justice.) 
www.amazon.com/V-Voting-Kate-Farrell/dp/1250231256/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=v+is+for+voting&qid=1603472134&sr=8-1 

7. Democracy for Dinos
by: Laurie Krasny & Marc Brown 
(A nonfiction guide to voting that explores civic values & helps show young readers how the things they do every day are guided by principles & government leaders.) 
www.amazon.com/Democracy-Dinosaurs-Citizens-Guides-Families/dp/0316534528/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XQ3OPTQB8S7N&dchild=1&keywords=democracy+for+dinosaurs&qid=1603473747&sprefix=democracy+for+dinos%2Caps%2C662&sr=8-1

8. If You Go with Your Goat to Vote 
by: Jan Zauzmer & Andrew R
( 
www.amazon.com/If-You-Your-Goat-Vote/dp/161519746X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=if+you+go+with+your+goat&qid=1603473863&sr=8-1 

9. Grandaddy's Turn: A Journey to the Ballot Box 
by: Michael S. Bandy
(Grandaddy is a hardworking farmer, but one day when he puts on his nice suit & heads to town, Michael (his grandson) knows something special is happening! Everyone is lined up at Town Hall & for the first time, Grandaddy gets to cast his vote & he couldn't be prouder!) 
www.amazon.com/Granddaddys-Turn-Journey-Ballot-Box/dp/1536205613/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=grandaddy%27s+turn+to+vote&qid=1603474039&sr=8-1 

10. World of Reading: Vote for Minnie! 
by: Brooke Vitale
(Minnie is running for president of the Adventure Club & of course, all her Clubhouse pals are enlisted to help out.) 
www.amazon.com/World-Reading-Minnie-Level-Reader/dp/1368048498/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=vote+for+minnie&qid=1603474068&sr=8-1 

11. A Vote is a Powerful Thing 
by: Catherine Stier & Courtney Dawson 
(Callie knows a big election is coming up, & her class is having an election too! Along the way, she'll learn about the election process & why so many people fought to have the right to vote throughout history.) 
www.amazon.com/Vote-Powerful-Thing-Catherine-Stier/dp/0807584983/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=A+vote+is+a+powerful+thing&qid=1603474216&sr=8-1  

12. Lillian's Right to Vote 
by: Jonah WInter & Shane Evans
(An elderly African American woman named Lillian is on her way to go vote & she is reflecting on the voting history that impacted her family.  This book celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.) 
www.amazon.com/Lillians-Right-Vote-Celebration-Voting/dp/0385390289/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Y678TAZLQ4W8&dchild=1&keywords=lillian%27s+right+to+vote&qid=1603474373&sprefix=Lillian%27s+right%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1 

13. What's the Big Deal About Elections? VOTE.
by: Ruby Shamir & Matt Faulkner 
(A kid-friendly history book about the history of voting & why it's so important; from suffrage to ballots & bonfires, this book will explain it all!) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9781524738075B/whats-the-big-deal-about-elections  

14. Miss Paul & the President
by: Dean Robbins & Nancy Zhang 
(Alice grew up seeing her dad get to go off & vote, but her mother never did. Alice studied the Constitution, & as she grew into a woman, she organized parades & protests outside the White House to seek for equality in voting. She even met with President Wilson to try & persuade him that women deserved to vote too!) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9781101937204B/miss-paul-and-the-president-the-creative-camp

I don't know what it is about dragons, but they always fascinated me since I was a child.  So it is, with greatest joy, that I share this list of darling picture books about dragons; I also feel like this is a good time to share the dragon list, since we are approaching Halloween. Can't wait to hear some of your dragon favorites!!! Here's a list of good ones to check out in the meantime. :) 
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
DRAGON PICTURE BOOK FAVORITES:  
1. Dough Knights & Dragons 
by: Dee Leone 
(An unlikely friendship forms when a young boy, a knight, stumbles into a dragon's lair & then finds that he & the dragon have something in common-- they love to bake! But what will become of them when they have to fight each other in a duel? Read to find out what this creative pair does instead!) 
www.amazon.com/Dough-Knights-Dragons-Dee-Leone/dp/1454921412/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dough+knights+%26+dragons&qid=1602776502&sr=8-1

2. Dragons: Father & Son 
by: Alexandre Lacroix 
​(Drake the dragon is sent to the village to cause problems; he is supposed to start a fire. But Drake has never produced more fire than what was necessary to roast a caterpillar.) 
www.amazon.com/Dragons-Father-Son-Alexandre-Lacroix/dp/1910277258/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dragons%3A+father+%26+son&qid=1602776343&sr=8-1 

3. Dragons are Real 
by: Holly Hatam 
(Take a peek into the world of dragons; sparks & all!) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780525648758B/dragons-are-real-mythical-creatures-are-real 

4. Have you Seen my Dragon? 
by: Steve Light  
(A boy is searching for his dragon all over town; readers will be able to spot the beast across each spread in the book.)
www.amazon.com/Have-You-Seen-My-Dragon/dp/0763666483/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=have+you+seen+my+dragon&qid=1602777779&sr=8-1 

5. The Knight & the Dragon 
by: Tomie dePaola  
(In this tale, a knight who has never fought a dragon & a dragon who has never fought a knight, are about to meet each other in battle.) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780698116238B/the-knight-and-the-dragon 

6. Rosie the Dragon & Charlie Make Waves 
by: Lauren H. Kerstein  & Nate Wragg  *(current fav at our house) 
(Charlie has a big pink dragon named Rosie. He wants to take her swimming, but first he has to pack carefully. There's always an adventure with Rosie, who can spark & cause fires very easily. Will they have a good day at the pool?) 
www.amazon.com/Rosie-Dragon-Charlie-Make-Waves/dp/1542042925/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1602788746&sr=8-2 

7. Dragons & Tacos 
by: Adam Rubin  & Daniel Salmieri 
(Did you know that dragons not only eat tacos, but they love them? In all varieties! Just beware of a dragon who eats the spicy salsa too.....) 
www.amazon.com/Dragons-Love-Tacos-Adam-Rubin/dp/0803736800/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=dragons+%26+tacos&qid=1602788835&sr=8-2 

8. Dragon to the Rescue
by: Sienna Williams 
(Albert is at dragon school, but he still can't blow fire. Will he learn another talent that will help him come to the rescue?) 
 igloobooks.com/product/dragon-to-the-rescue/ 

9. Boy 
by: Phil Cummings 
(A heartwarming story about a sweet boy who is deaf & he's not scared like the other villagers by the dragon bullying the king & his soldiers, so the boy is the perfect source to help resolve the situation, & all using sign language or "dancing hands.")  
www.amazon.com/Boy-Phil-Cummings/dp/1610677390/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WF5NKF11COB7&dchild=1&keywords=boy+phil+cummings&qid=1602817254&s=books&sprefix=boy+phil%2Cstripbooks%2C195&sr=1-1 

10. Teach Your Dragon Empathy
by: Steve Herman 
(There is a whole series about teaching your dragon certain emotional health topics.) 
www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Dragon-Empathy-Understand/dp/1948040751/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=teach+your+dragon+empathy&qid=1602864900&s=books&sr=1-3 

11. The Peace Dragon
by: Linda Ragsdale & Marco Furlotti
(A young explorer stumbles upon a dragon & learns that he shouldn't judge the dragon based on its looks. By the way, this book has gorgeous illustrations! This book is dedicated to teaching kids about peace in the world.) 
www.amazon.com/Peace-Dragon-Tales/dp/148671773X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+peace+dragon&qid=1602865001&s=books&sr=1-1 

12. Dragon Post 
by: Emma Yarlett 
(A boy named Alex finds a dragon living under his stairs one day. Alex writes multiple letters to various people, asking for tips on how to care for his new guest.) 
www.amazon.com/Dragon-Post-Emma-Yarlett-illustrator/dp/1406379719/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dragon+post&qid=1602866896&s=books&sr=1-1 

13. Don't Wake the Dragon
by: Bianca Schulze 
(A story perfect for bedtime, as children read about all the sounds & distractions that might wake the dragon up.) 
www.amazon.com/Dont-Wake-Dragon-Interactive-Storytime/dp/1949998649/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=don%27t+wake+the+dragon&qid=1602868036&s=books&sr=1-1 

14. The Angry Dragon
by: Michael Gordon
(This book deals with emotional health & how to regulate emotions like anger, through the dragon in the book. Most importantly, this book teaches that being angry doesn't make you bad.) 
www.amazon.com/Angry-Dragon-Emotions-Feelings-dp-0578472554/dp/0578472554/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1602868240

15. Dragons Can Sing
by: Basira & Raza- Shuarb 
(Dra doesn't want to be like every other dragon out there, breathing fire & flying around...but will he survive when his talents are so different than the community's?)
www.amazon.com/Dragons-can-Sing-Inclusion-Starts/dp/B08KH2LCFX/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1602868368&sr=1-1 

16. Dragon Loves Penguin 
by: Debi Gliori 
(What happens when an egg hatches & the little creature inside is not so dragon-like? In fact, it's more of a penguin....will the other dragons learn that being different is good?)
www.amazon.com/Dragon-Loves-Penguin-Debi-Gliori/dp/1408839490/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dragon+loves+penguin&qid=1602876330&s=books&sr=1-1 

17. How to Catch a Dragon  (*free on Kindle Unlimited) 
by: Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton 
(The kids are trying to catch this dragon, as they chase him through the Chinese New Year celebration during the Spring Festival. Will they catch the cunning creature?) 
www.amazon.com/How-Catch-Dragon-Adam-Wallace-ebook/dp/B086C9QQFK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+catch+a+dragon&qid=1602876489&s=books&sr=1-1 

18. When A Dragon Goes to School 
by: Caryl Hart & Rosalind Beardshaw  
(This book teaches children how to behave at school, by exemplifying the behaviors through a cute dragon.) 
www.amazon.com/When-Dragon-Goes-School/dp/1788007719/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=when+a+dragon+goes+to+school&qid=1602876680&s=books&sr=1-1 

19. Dizzy Dragon
by: Roger Priddy 
(An interactive book with different dragons with googly eyes & surprise sound effects at the end!) 
www.amazon.com/Funny-Faces-Dizzy-Dragon-Priddy/dp/0312498942/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dizzy+dragon&qid=1602877075&s=books&sr=1-1

20. Good Night Little Dragons
by: Sheri Fink 
(This cute bedtime book talks about all the things dragons have to do to get ready for bed.) 
www.amazon.com/Good-Night-Little-Dragons-Golden/dp/0307929574/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=the+little+dragon&qid=1602880862&s=books&sr=1-8

21. There's a Dragon in your Book 
by: Tom Fletcher & Greg Abbott
(You will see a little baby dragon hatch from its egg in this book. So cute! But don't tickle its nose...we don't want it to sneeze!) 
www.amazon.com/Theres-Dragon-Your-Book-Fletcher/dp/1524766380/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=the+book+dragon&qid=1602880925&s=books&sr=1-8

22. Where's the Dragon? 
by: Jason & Richard Hook 
(You should be able to find lots & lots of dragons in this book!) 
www.amazon.com/Wheres-Dragon-Jason-Hook/dp/1402716249/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=where%27s+the+dragon&qid=1602898806&s=books&sr=1-2

23. When the Dragons Came 
by: Neomi Kefford & Lynne Moore 
(
www.amazon.com/When-Dragons-Lynne-Moore-2010-05-27/dp/B01K9059TM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=when+the+dragons+came&qid=1602898980&s=books&sr=1-1

24. When a Dragon Moves In
by: Jodi Moore & Howard McWilliam
(A little boy builds a sandcastle at the beach & in his imagination, a red dragon mvoes in.  But this red dragon gets the boy into all sorts of mischief; the boy doesn't accept any responsibility for ruining lunch or shoveling sand at his sister. He gets upset & tears the sand castle down...for today.) 
www.amazon.com/When-Dragon-Moves-Jodi-Moore/dp/0979974674/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=when+a+dragon+moves+in&qid=1602881094&s=books&sr=1-1 

25. Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale
by: Josh Funk & Redolo Montalvo 
(George & Blaise are pen pals that write regularly to each other, but George doesn't know Blaise is a dragon! This makes his imagination after each letter very entertaining.) 
www.amazon.com/When-Dragons-Lynne-Moore-2010-05-27/dp/B01K9059TM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=when+the+dragons+came&qid=1602898980&s=books&sr=1-1 

26. The Book Dragon
by: Kell Andrews & Eva Chatelain 
(No one wants to read books in the village Lesser Scrump, because a book dragon will come in the night & steal any books that are being read. But Rosehilda isn't afraid of a dragon, & even though she gets expelled from school for her desires to read books, she finds the courage to go meet the dragon, look for her book & ask for it back, while forming a friendly relationship with the dragon.)
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9781454926856B/the-book-dragon 

27. Unicorns are the Worst 
by: Alex Willan 
(Yes, it's a book about unicorns, but the little goblin telling the story has a run-in with a dragon, that causes him to change his mind about the unicorns being bad neighbors.) 
www.amazon.com/Unicorns-Are-Worst-Alex-Willan/dp/1534453830/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=unicorns+are+the+worst&qid=1605292909&sr=8-1

I have spent a lot of time formulating this list; I am quite surprised I limited myself to 12 books (for now)-- I will probably keep adding to this list in the future. Honestly, most of these historical fiction novels are books I've read in the last couple of years (including this year.) I will include the title, author, historical era it was written in & a link to purchase the book.
I'd love to hear what some of your favorite ones have been! I have done a heavy amount of reading in the World War II era specifically (as you'll note below.) And if you're not a big fan of historical fiction books, I hope you will give them a try now!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HISTORICAL FICTION:
1. Lovely War by: Julie Berry (WWI)
www.amazon.com/Lovely-War-Julie-Berry/dp/0147512972/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=lovely+war&qid=1602200087&sr=8-1
A very interesting shift of perspectives between the gods of Olympus, solving a dispute around the goddess of love, & the story of 4 mortals whose life she gets involved in during the first world war.) 

2. America's First Daughter by: Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie (Revolutionary War & Post-Revolutionary War)
www.amazon.com/Lovely-War-Julie-Berry/dp/0147512972/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=lovely+war&qid=1602200087&sr=8-1
(The somewhat true story of what Thomas Jefferson's daughter endured as she assumed the roles of First Lady, because her mother had died, & the role of mother to her own children as well as the nation.) 

​3. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by: Heather Morris (WWII)
www.amazon.com/Tattooist-Auschwitz-Novel-Heather-Morris/dp/0062797158/ref=sr_1_2?crid=YKBTL25ISJQ5&dchild=1&keywords=the+tattoist+at+auschwitz&qid=1602200256&sprefix=the+tattoist%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-2 
(This heart wrenching story from WWII follows Lale, a multilinguist who is put to work in the concentration camps tattooing his fellow Jews.  He is imprisoned for over 2 years, & ends up falling in love with a woman named Gita, who actually is liberated from the camps before him.) 

4. Hearts of the Children (series) by: Dean Hughes (1960s-1970s)
The Writing on the Wall
www.amazon.com/Hearts-Children-vol-Writing-Wall/dp/1606411721/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=dean+hughes&qid=1602200409&sr=8-7
(

5. The Giver of Stars by: Jojo Myers (Depression-era America)
www.amazon.com/Giver-Stars-Novel-Jojo-Moyes/dp/0399562486/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=giver+of+stars&qid=1602202023&sr=8-1
(Alice Walker, originally from England, joins the Kentucky Packhorse Librarians, WPA, as some of the first women to ride horseback & transport books from the library all over the countryside. She forms an unlikely but very loyal friendship with Margery O'Hare after being abused by her father-in-law & unloved by her husband.)

6. The Dressmaker's Gift by: Fiona Valpy (WWII)
www.amazon.com/Dressmakers-Gift-Fiona-Valpy-ebook/dp/B07P2VZ6ZL/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+dressmakers+gift&qid=1602202768&sr=8-1
​(Three women become friends as they join the French resistance & begin sewing at the same academy in Paris. Claire, who is the great-grandma of the main character, goes on a journey to learn where her loyalties lie, & once she decides, she doesn't go back, even when it lands her in a concentration camp, where most prisoners usually die.)

7. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by: Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows (WWII)
www.amazon.com/Guernsey-Literary-Potato-Peel-Society/dp/0385341008/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3VOSDFTKVP8G3&dchild=1&keywords=the+guernsey+literary+and+potato+peel+pie+society&qid=1602202838&sprefix=the+guernse%2Caps%2C219&sr=8-1
(The story centers around Juliet, an author, & letters she sends to her publicist & to some new acquaintances, who become friends, on Guernsey, a tiny island far from Juliet's home.) 

8.All the Light We Cannot See by: Anthony Doerr (WWII)
www.amazon.com/All-Light-We-Cannot-See/dp/1501173219/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TIK4FLNFWKIY&dchild=1&keywords=all+the+light+we+cannot+see&qid=1602202967&sprefix=all+the+light+we+cannot+see+a+novel%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1
(Marie-Laurie, a blind girl in France, & Werner, a German boy conscripted to become part of Hitler's youth, are who we learn the story of World War II from. Their paths collide after Marie flees with her father to go stay with her great uncle who lives alone by the sea.)

9. Prelude to Glory (series) by: Ron Carter (Revolutionary War)
Our Sacred Honor
www.amazon.com/All-Light-We-Cannot-See/dp/1501173219/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TIK4FLNFWKIY&dchild=1&keywords=all+the+light+we+cannot+see&qid=1602202967&sprefix=all+the+light+we+cannot+see+a+novel%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1


10. Free Men & Dreamers by: L.C. Lewis (Revolutionary War)
Dark Sky at Dawn
www.amazon.com/Free-Men-Dreamers-Dark-Dawn-ebook/dp/B005T100VY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Dark+sky+at+dawn&qid=1602203162&sr=8-1
​(It's after the Constitution has been signed, & Washington, Franklin & Hamilton have all died-- it is a perilous time for America. The story follows Jed & Hannah as they seek the real version of liberty.)


11. Til the Boys Come Home By: Jerry Borrowman (Series that takes place through WWI & WWII) 
www.amazon.com/Til-Boys-Come-Home-World/dp/1591567475/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=jerry+borrowman+series&qid=1602221247&sr=8-1

12. The Scarlet Letter   by: Nathaniel Hawthorne  (Puritan society in 17th century Salem) 
www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Letter-Nathaniel-Hawthorne/dp/1708293469/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=the+scarlet+letter&qid=1602221039&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOUdIVlZaNUg4TlZZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTg5MzgzNVlXNjRGNEc3V1EzJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MDM1NTVDSDFCS1FSUEhWSzImd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl 
(Hester Prynne is forced to wear the scarlet "A" of adultery as she leaves the town prison with her daughter Pearl.  The man who has committed adultery is letting her take the heat for both of them & she is publicly scorned & shamed for having a daughter out of wedlock.)

 



Well the month of October has arrived, so it's time for me to release my Halloween Kids Book List!
This list is meant to be a little less spooky, due to the little ones around my house, but they are still eery or spooky in some way, and cute enough that kids will enjoy them numerous times. You will probably need to reserve any Halloween books you want from your library now; I was surprised a week or so ago when a lot of the books we wanted already had several holds placed on them! Please share any of your favorite Halloween books or Halloween traditions below. :)
ALSO, if you hadn't heard, Janssen Bradshaw has a fantastic FREE Halloween advent calendar available at
everyday-reading.com/halloween-advent-calendar/ & it's definitely worth your time to check out!

HALLOWEEN PICTURE BOOKS LIST:
1) The Runaway Pumpkin
by: Kevin Lewis
(A funny Halloween story of a pumpkin that runs away from the farm.) 
www.amazon.com/Runaway-Pumpkin-Kevin-Lewis/dp/0439565448/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+runaway+pumpkin&qid=1601577537&sr=8-1
​
2) The Little Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything* (favorite!)
by: Linda Williams & Megan Lloyd 
(This brave old lady is walking back on a dark night when she is greeted by various articles of clothing & a jack-o-lantern, which she runs away from & then convinces to become a scarecrow.) 
www.amazon.com/Little-Old-Lady-Afraid-Anything/dp/0064431835/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ORO8PR1K2V0X&dchild=1&keywords=the+little+old+lady+who+wasnt+afraid+of+anything&qid=1601577764&sprefix=the+little+old+lady+who+was%2Caps%2C278&sr=8-1

3) Stumpkin * (current new favorite at our house!)
by: Lucy Ruth Cummins  
(A pumpkin with no stem, named Stumpkin, is wondering whether or not he will be chosen to go home & decorate someone's window. )
​www.amazon.com/Stumpkin-Lucy-Ruth-Cummins/dp/1534413626/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=stumpkin&qid=1601571247&sr=8-1

4) Room on the Broom *(another current favorite!!) 
by: Julia Donaldson  
(A witch goes out for a ride on her broom with her cat; they get joined by a dog, a frog, & a bird & she keeps losing things off her broom. Then her broom breaks & she's pursued by a hungry dragon. This darling story is about friendship & bravery, and it's written in rhyme; that's probably why my kids love it!)
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780803738416B/room-on-the-broom 
*Here's a cute little cut-out if you want to make character popsicle sticks while you read aloud to your kids. * 
​www.pinterest.com/pin/517702919643896805/?nic_v2=1akDLqiEd

5) Creepy Carrots* 
by: Aaron Reynolds
(Jasper Rabbit loves sneaking carrots from the field on his way to baseball practice, but then he thinks some carrots are following him everywhere he goes.  Jasper must come up with a plan to dispense with the creepy carrots once & for all.) 
www.amazon.com/Creepy-Carrots-Aaron-Reynolds/dp/1442402970/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=creepy+carrots&qid=1601577956&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFBTEtPQ1ZYTTJRWTgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5MTk4NzQzSzkwWTE1RlMxNk9MJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0ODcwNTEzRzJONzU0TDlTMjNLJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

6)Little Blue Truck Halloween
​by: Alice Schertle 
(Everyone's favorite little blue truck is back, & it's Halloween night!) 
www.amazon.com/Little-Trucks-Halloween-Alice-Schertle/dp/0544772539/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=little+blue+truck+halloween&qid=1601578214&sr=8-1

7) Curious George's Haunted Halloween
​by: H.A. Rey
(Curious George is eager to find out if there's a ghost haunting the town on Halloween night. Will he & Carlos be able to track it down?)
www.amazon.com/Curious-George-Haunted-Halloween-Reader/dp/0544320794/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=curious+george+haunted+halloween&qid=1601578473&sr=8-1

8) Scaredy-Cat Splat
​by: Rob Scotton 
(Splat wants to be the scariest cat in his class this year, but he's too scared. And everyone says his costume is too silly anyway. He gets nervous when the teacher reads a spooky tale & ends up making a mess of his jack-o-lantern.) 
www.amazon.com/Scaredy-Cat-Splat-Cat-Rob-Scotton/dp/0062368974/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=scaredy+splat&qid=1601578757&sr=8-1

9) Five Little Pumpkins (Pete the Cat) 
by: James Dean 
(This book corresponds with the original 5 Little Pumpkins Halloween song, with a Pete the Cat twist.) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780062304186B/five-little-pumpkins-pete-the-cat

10) How to Scare a Ghost
by: Jean Reagan  
(Have you ever tried to catch a ghost before? Well, these two kids have some handy tips for how you can set traps to catch a ghost & make it your friend before Halloween night.) 
www.amazon.com/How-Scare-Ghost-Jean-Reagan/dp/1524701904/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+scare+a+ghost&qid=1601578823&sr=8-1 

11) The Legend of the Great Pumpkin (Peanuts)
(Do you believe in the Great Pumpkin? Linus tells all the Peanut friends that he is staking out a cornfield & waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive on Halloween night.) 
​kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9781481496285B/the-legend-of-the-great-pumpkin-peanuts 
​
12) Scarecrow Magic
by: Ed Masessa & Matt Myers
(Scarecrow dances & plays with all of his friends at night when the magic arrives; but as day approaches, he knows he won't be able to move anymore. 
www.amazon.com/Scarecrow-Magic-Ed-Masessa/dp/1338130269/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1601586794&sr=8-1 

13) The Scariest Book Ever
by: Bob Shea
www.amazon.com/Scariest-Book-Ever-Bob-Shea/dp/1484730461/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+scariest+book+ever&qid=1601588553&s=books&sr=1-2

14) I Am A Witch's Cat
by: Harriet Muncaster  
(Convinced that her mother is a witch, this cute little girl, who loves to pretend to be a cat, views everything her mom does as witchy behavior, including what she buys at the grocery store.) 
www.amazon.com/Am-Witchs-Cat-Harriet-Muncaster/dp/0062229141/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=i+am+a+witch%27s+cat&qid=1601571124&sr=8-1


15) Dino Halloween
by: Lisa Wheeler  
(The dino crew is excited for Halloween & all dressed up to go out trick-or-treating.) 
www.amazon.com/Dino-Halloween-Dino-Holidays-Lisa-Wheeler/dp/1512403172/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dino+halloween&qid=1601587169&sr=8-1

16) Creepy Pair of Underwear
by: Aaron Reynolds & Peter Brown  
(Jasper is a grown up little rabbit now, which means he wears big boy underwear. But instead of the plain white underwear his mother insists on, he wants to try out the glow-in-the-dark, creepy underwear at the department store. His decision will come back to haunt him though.....)
www.amazon.com/Creepy-Pair-Underwear-Aaron-Reynolds/dp/1442402989/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=creepy+pair+of+underwear&qid=1601571055&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWFQ4OEkxOEM5NzcwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTY0MzcySldEWjJVVEpGRlFBJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3MjY4MzExVThZVFM0UjFHNVFYJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== 
​
17) Pick a Pumpkin
by: Patricia Toht & Jarvis
(This book will convince you to go visit a pumpkin patch, to pick out your perfect pumpkin this Halloween & transform it into a Jack-o-lantern!) 
www.amazon.com/Pick-a-Pumpkin/dp/1406392979/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1601588739&sr=1-1

18) Halloween Hustle 
by: Charlotte Gunnufson & Kevan Atteberry 
(Skeleton is dancing his way to a Halloween party, but as he makes his way, he is tumbling & stumbling apart. Will he make it to the Halloween party in one piece?) 
www.amazon.com/dp/1477817239/ref=booksevents_PD20_APUB_HQP_1020_1477817239?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=hero-quick-promo-books-atf&pf_rd_r=CQHKG2ND5E6WSMDZWENV&pf_rd_r=CQHKG2ND5E6WSMDZWENV&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=ec9d915f-e56e-4d59-9023-f5884e35e52d&pf_rd_p=ec9d915f-e56e-4d59-9023-f5884e35e52d&pf_rd_i=0061989614

19) Mr. Pumpkin's Tea Party
by: Erin Barker
(A cute counting book (all the way up to 13) with some special Halloween guests attending Mr. Pumpkin's dinner & tea.) 
www.amazon.com/Mr-Pumpkins-Party-Erin-Barker/dp/1936669773/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3S9GHFNF088HX&dchild=1&keywords=mr.+pumpkin%27s+tea+party&qid=1601586671&sprefix=mr.+pumpkin%27s+%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1

20) Pumpkin Jack
​by: Will Hubbell 
(He was the first pumpkin Tim ever carved; after Halloween, Tim put him in the garden & watched it begin to change.) 
www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Jack-Will-Hubbell-ebook/dp/B00F3QYJEO/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pumpkin+jack&qid=1601586426&sr=8-1 

21. Big Pumpkin*
by: Erika Silverman
(The witch plants a pumpkin seed; once her pumpkin grows too big, she can't pull it out of the ground. A ghost, a vampire, a mummy & a bat all wander by & try to help her get the pumpkin off the vine, just in time for Halloween.)
www.amazon.com/Big-Pumpkin-Erica-Silverman/dp/0689801297/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=big+pumpkin&qid=1603225225&sr=8-1 

22. Nancy's Ghostly Halloween
by: Krista Tucker 
(Fancy Nancy dresses up for Halloween as a butterfly, & she takes Jojo & her friend Bree along to trick or treat.) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780062798275B/nancys-ghostly-halloween-fancy-nancy 

23. The Night Before Halloween
by: Natasha Wing
(Twas the night before Halloween....& a haunted house awaits you at the end of this book!) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780448419657B/the-night-before-halloween-reading-railroad-b 

24. Franklin's Halloween 
by: Paulette Bourgeois & Brenda Clark 
(Franklin doesn't know what to dress up as for Halloween; he tries on all different costumes for the party, until he decides to become Frankenstein.  He is excited for all the fall  games & treats that will be at the party too!) 
www.amazon.com/Franklins-Halloween-Paulette-Bourgeois/dp/1550742833/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1601607535&sr=8-1

25. Sheep Trick or Treat
by: Nancy Shaw & Margot Apple 
(Remember the Sheep in a Jeep? Well, now they're read to Trick-or-Treat!) 
www.amazon.com/Sheep-Trick-Treat-Jeep/dp/0618070354/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1601607405&sr=8-7