Special Collections
District List: SDP-2018 Summer Reading List for Grades K-2
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He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
by Kadir NelsonWhat began as a spiritual has developed into one of America’s best-known songs, and now for the first time it appears as a picture book, masterfully created by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson.Through sublime landscapes and warm images of a boy and his family, Kadir has created a dazzling, intimate interpretation, one that rejoices in the connectedness of people and nature. Inspired by the song’s simple message, Kadir sought to capture the joy of living in and engaging with the world. Most importantly, he wished to portray the world as a child might see it—vast and beautiful.
Double Trouble in Walla Walla
by Andrew ClementsIt's an ordinary morning in Walla Walla until Lulu, her teacher, the school nurse, and the principal are all infected by a word warp which makes them reduplicate everything they say.
Tanka Tanka Skunk
by Steve WebbRhyming has never been so much fun as in Steve Webb's bold, new picture book, which encourages children to read aloud, following the easy and catchy rhythm of the text. "Skunka Tanka Skunka Tanka Tanka Tanka Skunk! They've got the beat, and so do their friends." "Meet Tanka and his friend, Skunk. When you say their names together, they sound like drums!" Steve Webb's innovative and visually stunning picture book introduces young readers to simple rhythms with this riot of shout-out-loud words and cavorting animals. TANKA TANKA SKUNK! makes reading tons of fun as the text and the illustrations leap and dance across the pages.
You Can't Taste A Pickle With Your Ear A Book About Your 5 Senses
by Amanda HaleyYou Can't Taste A Pickle With Your Ear: A Book About Your 5 Senses Paperback - 2002
No, David!
by David ShannonWhen David Shannon was five years old, he wrote and illustrated his first book. On every page were these words: NO, DAVID! . . . and a picture of David doing things he was not supposed to do. Now David is all grown up. But some things never change. . . .
Over fifteen years after its initial publication, NO, DAVID! remains a perennial household favorite, delighting children, parents, and teachers alike. David is a beloved character, whose unabashed good humor, mischievous smile, and laughter-inducing antics underline the love parents have for their children--even when they misbehave.
Animalia
by Graeme BaseAn alphabet book with fantastic and detailed pictures, bearing such labels as Lazy lions lounging in the local library..
Little Humans
by Brandon StantonStreet photographer and storyteller extraordinaire Brandon Stanton is the creator of the wildly popular blog "Humans of New York." He is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Humans of New York. To create Little Humans, a 40-page photographic picture book for young children, he's combined an original narrative with some of his favorite children's photos from the blog, in addition to all-new exclusive portraits. The result is a hip, heartwarming ode to little humans everywhere.
10 Things I Can Do to Help My World
by Melanie WalshDo you remember to turn off the tap while you brush your teeth? How about using both sides of the paper when writing and drawing? Bold, child-friendly illustrations and die-cut pages will draw even the youngest listeners to this gentle reminder of the easy, everyday ways we can be kinder to the earth.
Mommy's Khimar
by Jamilah Thompkins-BigelowA young Muslim girl spends a busy day wrapped up in her mother’s colorful headscarf in this sweet and fanciful picture book from debut author and illustrator Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn.
A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears. Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head.
A young girl plays dress up with her mother’s headscarves, feeling her mother’s love with every one she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl’s life.
Ocean Counting
by Janet Lawler and Brian Skerry and National Geographic Kids StaffThroughout our world's oceans live wild animals that swim, leap, and dive through the pages of this charming title. The photography in this book presents young readers with a foundation for learning basic counting skills while discovering some magnificent ocean animals. The marine life captured on each page portray familiar favorites along with a few lesser-known, but still amazing, animals. Lyrical text about each creature is both lively and thought-provoking. "Did You Know" facts accompany each spread to add both fun and fascinating tidbits about each creature. Fact boxes in the back of the book include information about the animals' homes, sizes, diets, predators, and babies. The book ends with an interactive map and a brief and inspirational note from National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry. A glossary helps kids expand their vocabulary, and a list of books and websites for further reading help jump-start more discovery.
The Giving Tree
by Shel SilversteinThe Giving Tree, a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein, has been a classic favorite for generations.
Since it was first published fifty years ago, Shel Silverstein's poignant picture book for readers of all ages has offered a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
by William SteigOne rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his own donkey self makes a story that is beautifully tender and perfectly joyful.
Illustrated with William Steig's glowing pictures, this winner of the 1970 Caldecott Medal is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere. It also features his moving Caldecott Medal acceptance speech.
The Totally Secret Secret
by Bob SheaBallet Cat and Sparkles the Pony are trying to decide what to play today. Nothing that Sparkles suggests--making crafts, playing checkers, and selling lemonade--goes well with the leaping, spinning, and twirling that Ballet Cat likes to do. When Sparkles's leaps, spins, and twirls seem halfhearted, Ballet Cat asks him what's wrong. Sparkles doesn't want to say. He has a secret that Ballet Cat won't want to hear. What Sparkles doesn't know is that Ballet Cat has a secret of her own, a totally secret secret. Once their secrets are shared, will their friendship end, or be stronger than ever?
The Quickest Kid in Clarksville
by Pat Zietlow Miller and Frank MorrisonIt's the day before the big parade. Alta can only think about one thing: Wilma Rudolph, three-time Olympic gold medalist. She'll be riding on a float tomorrow. See, Alta is the quickest kid in Clarksville, Tennessee, just like Wilma once was. It doesn't matter that Alta's shoes have holes because Wilma came from hard times, too. But what happens when a new girl with shiny new shoes comes along and challenges Alta to a race? Will she still be the quickest kid? The Quickest Kid in Clarksville is a timeless story of dreams, determination, and the power of friendship. Plus, this is the fixed-format version, which looks almost identical to the print edition!
What Do You Do With an Idea?
by Kobi YamadaA New York Times Best Seller and award-winning book, What Do You Do With an Idea? is for anyone who's ever had a big idea.
This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child's confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who's ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. It's a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's just getting started.
Creature Features
by Steve Jenkins and Robin PageDear axolotl: Why do you have feathers growing out of your head? Axolotl: They aren't feathers—they're gills! They let me breathe underwater. Let's face it. Even as babies, we humans pay close attention to faces. Observing another person's features and expressions tells us whether they are happy, angry, excited, or sad. And when we look at an animal, it's hard not to imagine that its face is communicating human feelings. This isn't true, of course. Squinty eyes, an upturned mouth, or another odd expression is probably there because, in some way, it helps that animal survive. Packed with many cool facts and visuals on where certain animals live and what they eat, this book captures twenty-five humorous—and very true—explanations of why animals look the way they do in order to exist in this world.
We're All Wonders
by R. J. PalacioWe’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children.
I Got the Rhythm
by Connie Schofield-Morrision and Frank MorrisonOn a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her- finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on!
Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?
by Nancy White CarlstromJesse Bear, what will you wear? What will you wear in the morning My shirt of red Pulled over my head Over my head in the morning. And so Jesse Bear starts his day.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
by Michael RosenIt's never easy going on a bear hunt, as the five prospective hunters soon find out. On a beautiful day, four children and their dad cross a field of long grass, wade through a deep cold river ... and go into a narrow cave. They say they're not scared... But what's that fearful creature looming up ahead?
Duck for President
by Doreen CroninPublishers Description: My fellow Americans: It is our pleasure, our honor, our duty as citizens to present to you Duck for President. Here is a duck who began in a humble pond. Who worked his way to farmer. To governor. And now, perhaps, to the highest office in the land. Some say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he is a duck. We say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he will be the next president of the United States of America. Adults and teens will enjoy reading this satirical book to their young charges. Other books by Doreen Cronin are available from Bookshare.org.
Make Way for Ducklings
by Robert MccloskeyThis classic tale of the famous Mallard ducks of Boston was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1941. Make Way for Ducklings has been described as 'one of the merriest picture books ever' (The New York Times). Ideal for reading aloud, this book deserves a place of honor on every child's bookshelf. Images and image descriptions available.
Dad, Jackie, and Me
by Myron UhlbergJackie Robinson is the new first baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers--and the first black player in Major League Baseball. A young boy shares the excitement of Robinson's rookie season with his deaf father.
Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
by Mo WillemsWhen a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate. In his hilarious picture book debut, popular cartoonist Mo Willems perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum. Images and image descriptions available.
17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore
by Jenny OffillI had an idea to staple my brother's hair to his pillow. I am not allowed to use the stapler anymore. Here's a kid full of ideas, all day long. For example, in the morning, gluing her brother's bunny slippers to the floor sounds like a good plan. But now she's not allowed to use glue anymore. And what about when she shows Joey Whipple her underpants--they're only underpants, right? Turns out she's not allowed to do that again, either. And isn't broccoli the perfect gift for any brother? It's just too bad her parents don't think so. But she has the last laugh in this humerous first picture book by an acclaimed novelist of books for adults. From the Hardcover edition.