Special Collections
California Department of Education Recommended Literature List 2025
Description: The California Department of Education (CDE) coordinates the development of Recommended Literature List with the assistance of teachers, teacher librarians employed by schools and public libraries, administrators, curriculum planners, and parents.#CDE
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Hidden Gem
by Linda LiuTHIS BOOK ROCKS!!(It also happens to be about a rock...)"Breathtaking." —Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewPrepare to fall in love with this debut picture book and its irresistibly quirky story of a tiny, unassuming rock's journey to self-confidence, perfect for fans of Eric Carle & Jon Klassen.When a small pebble sees others gathering on the steps of the Museum of Rocks, he grows curious. Once inside the esteemed halls, he is shocked by what he discovers. The only rocks on display are glittering gemstones, geodes, and crystals! These beautiful stones make him wonder: Can he be special, too? Perhaps he’ll find an answer in the World’s Most Beautiful Gem exhibition . . . or maybe, just maybe, he will find the answer inside himself.
Happy Birthday to Me
by Thao LamHow does it feel to turn a year older? A child runs through a spectrum of emotions on the best day of the year, their birthday! A child runs through a spectrum of emotions on the best day of the year—their birthday! Early-morning excitement gives way to shyness at the arrival of guests, hunger for cake, a craze for arts and crafts, and some real piñata problems. So how can a kid possibly answer that age old question: "How does it feel to be a year older?" From bestselling picture-book creator Thao Lam comes this irrepressible celebration of emotions, captured in a rainbow of cut-paper collage. Happy Birthday to Me makes for the perfect birthday present or anytime-guide to naming our feelings. Key Text Features Illustrations Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4 Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
Feel Calm
by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie MillerFrom the creators of the New York Times bestseller Invisible Things, this hands-on board book leads toddlers on a whimsical and reassuring journey from chaos to calm. When you feel wound up, how do you get the knots out? Follow along to unwind the tangled mess of ups, downs, and loop the loops and find the way back to calm. With this book in hand, take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and practice mindfulness and grounding techniques perfectly suited for young readers.Invisible Things introduced the wonderful concept of exploring the invisible things that make up the human experience, encouraging us to look past the visible and connect with the things that are not seen. This inviting board book brings the idea into an interactive format, offering kids a great way to explore and take charge of their emotions.FEELINGS BOOK: Educators, therapists, and caregivers looking to have nuanced or challenging discussions with kids about their experiences can use this as a jumping-off point for conversation: What are your chaos feelings? What helps you feel calm? SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING: One common exercise teachers use is to ask kids to point to their emotions on a chart and then name them, for which this book will be a powerful tool. REVIEWED BY MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT: This book was vetted by a licensed independent clinical social worker specializing in mental health for kids. Pair it with the Invisible Things book or Invisible Things Feelings Flash Cards to create an effective home or classroom resource.POPULAR AUTHOR: Andy J. Pizza is one of the creative minds behind several children’s books, including the bestselling Invisible Things, A Pizza with Everything on It, and A Sundae with Everything on It. He also hosts the popular podcast Creative Pep Talk.Perfect for:Parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and educatorsAnyone interested in social-emotional learning (SEL) and entertaining ways to explore emotions with kidsAnyone looking for interactive books about emotional health for babies and toddlersYoung readers who enjoy tactile board books like Press Here and Mix It Up!Fans of Pixar's Inside OutFans of Andy J. Pizza, the Creative Pep Talk podcast, or his bestselling books, including Invisible Things and A Pizza with Everything on It
Fail-a-bration
by Brad Montague and Kristi MontagueNew York Times bestselling duo Brad and Kristi Montague are throwing a big party to celebrate failures, in this fun and affirming book that finds the joy in trying and learning, even if you don&’t succeedYou are cordially invited to a giant fail-a-bration party! Bring with you the cake that came out lopsided, the spelling test mistakes, or the plant that died.Brad and Kristi Montague have started a movement for kids and adults alike to celebrate the way failing actually means you tried and learned something. Failing doesn&’t have to bad! It's just part of the process of learning to do something better.So if you missed the goal during that soccer game or burned the cookies, put on a party hat and join the fail-a-bration, to let the fail fires light the way to success!
Everyone Gets a Turn
by Marianne DubucA lovely and heartwarming illustrated children’s book about friendship, taking turns, and caring for one another by award-winning author Marianne Dubuc.Beloved children's book author and illustrator Marianne Dubuc chronicles the adventure and collaboration that ensues when four animal friends take turns caring for a precious little egg they find in the woods.Enter the beautifully illustrated world of Bear, Hare, Turtle, and Mouse. In Dubuc's signature soft and inviting watercolor scenes, these forest friends make an unexpected discovery and turn to each other to find a shared solution. They decide they each will have a turn caring for the egg in their homes.Mouse's house is chilly, so a cozy fire is set ablaze in the fireplace. At Bear's house, exercise and activity rule the day, and Little Egg hatches out of her shell! The next stop is Hare's house, where Bear and Hare dote over the newborn chick and face a new challenge: trying to find something for her to eat! Finally, it's on to Turtle's house for a special time exploring Turtle's treasures and sharing stories.An endearing picture book that celebrates friendship and encourages young readers to share and trust in the power of community and their own resourcefulness, Everyone Gets a Turn is a wonderful read-aloud book for children with a timeless message.
Do You Remember?
by Sydney SmithFrom the multiple award-winning creator of Small in the City and the illustrator of I Talk Like a River comes a fresh and moving look at memories, filtered through the mind of a child.Tucked in bed at a new apartment, a boy and his mother trade favorite memories. Some are idyllic, like a picnic with Dad, but others are more surprising: a fall from a bike into soft piled hay, the smell of an old oil lamp when a rainstorm blew the power out.Now it&’s just the two of them, and the house where all those memories happened is far away. But maybe someday, this will be a favorite memory, too: happy and sad, an end and a beginning intertwined.In a series of warm and wistful vignettes, as achingly fleeting as childhood memories always become, Sydney Smith takes us into the mind of a young person processing a bevy of complex emotions during a major life change. Do You Remember? is a stirring meditation on holding fast to the best of the past, and choosing to believe in the future.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Desert Song
by Laekan Zea KempA family joins the music of the Texas desert night in this tale of tradition and memory from Pura Belpré Honor author Laekan Zea Kemp.It starts with a soft tapping,Uncle Eduardo drumming hishands against his dusty jeans.As the blush of sunset gives way to night in the desert, coyotes, cicadas, and barn owls emerge, each calling out to the moon. Watching from their porch, the family joins the song. One by one, each relative offers their drums, flute, maracas, strings, and voices. They sing with the insects, birds, snakes and toads; and they sing with their ancestors, an audience glittering in the stars overhead. With each strum of passed-down instruments, memories renew, and those gone are alive and near again.Desert Song hums and chimes with all the music a front porch and the desert beyond can hold. Pura Belpré Honor author Laekan Zea Kemp&’s masterfully stirring text dances through Beatriz Gutierrez Hernandez&’s enchanting and dynamic artwork. Readers will be left with the soothing sense that when creativity flourishes, the past is never out of reach, and the bonds that matter never break.Simultaneously published in Spanish as Canción del desierto.
Built to Last
by Minh LêMeet two friends who think they're building imaginative worlds with blocks but come to realize they've been building something far greater--a sturdy, solid friendship--in this picturebook by award-winning creators.Two kids build entire worlds out of blocks, cardboard, and imagination. From boats attacked by a sea creature to a castle crumbling into the ocean. And they don&’t mind when these creations break apart and CRASH to the floor. In fact, they think it&’s pretty funny! Every time, a creation falls apart, they pick up the pieces and keep building bigger and better.But when their latest masterpiece tumbles down in spectacular fashion, the boys aren&’t laughing anymore. Have these two friends reached their breaking point?Playful text by wordsmith Minh Le and dazzling illustrations by artisan Dan Santat showcase their close collaboration in their latest picturebook. As merry as it is moving, here is a story that recognizes the friendships in life that are truly built to last.
Buffalo Fluffalo
by Bess KalbIntroducing a sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he really is. This laugh-out-loud story by an Emmy-nominated comedy writer shows it&’s okay to be yourself.I&’m the Buffalo FluffaloI heave and I huffaloLeave me alone because I&’ve had enuffalo.Buffalo Fluffalo arrives on the scene puffed up with self-importance. Stomping around and raising billows of dust, Buffalo Fluffalo proclaims his superiority to the other creatures—the ram, the prairie dog, and the crow—who just want to be his friend. So Buffalo Fluffalo, who has had enuffalo, heads off to grumble to himself. Suddenly, a rain shower pours down from the clouds and—what&’s this? All of his fluffalo is a soggy mess! There Fluffalo stands, a drenched pip-squeak without his disguise. The other animals, who could see through Fluffalo&’s bravado from the start, circle around to comfort him. As prairie dog says with a smile in his eyes, You&’re great how you are, no matter your size.Readers will find Buffalo Fluffalo&’s insecurity endearing and will be moved to reassure him. This humorous and delightful book encourages self-acceptance with a lighthearted touch.
Ahoy!
by Sophie BlackallJoin a child captain and parent first mate as they embark on a wild high seas adventure…all without leaving the living room! This imaginative romp of a picture book is filled with glorious illustrations from a beloved Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling creator.Raise the mainsail! Batten the hatches! It's time to set sail…on the couch!There's a storm coming, and a child is ready to captain the ship. "Make haste and climb aboard," they call out to their parent, "before you're swept out to sea!" Sea? What sea? The parent is only trying to vacuum the rug. But the child is adamant. It's not a rug--it's the ocean. And that broom? It's the ship's mast. Soon enough, child and parent are both off on an imaginary nautical adventure!Here is a thoroughly engaging, hilarious picture book that celebrates the joys of playing make-believe--and hanging out with a parent!
All Are Welcome: Wherever You Go
by Alexandra PenfoldFrom the creators of the bestselling All Are Welcome comes a modern and inclusive picture book that celebrates the many milestones of a child's life ranging from a school play to graduation with an emphasis on kindness and community.Where will you go? Who will you be?I savor the momentsthat you&’re here with me.Follow a set of kids and their families through the big and small moments with colorful illustrations and beautiful, rhyming text--a book that parents and teachers will love reading over and over to their kids--both young and old.With a gorgeous fold-out spread, this is a great gift for any occasion, but a stand-out for graduation with its loving and inspiring message: Wherever you go, whatever you do. I want you know I&’m so proud of you.
We Are Free, You and Me
by Colin Kaepernick and Nessa DiabActivists Colin Kaepernick and Nessa Diab present a poetic anthem to your brilliance, your beauty, your very existence. Every child has the right to be free. . . the right to reach. . . the right to dream. . . This lyrical affirmation of what freedom truly means celebrates the principles of Colin and Nessa's Know Your Rights Camp -- an international movement that has inspired thousands of young people to rejoice in their inherent goodness.We Are Free: You & Me invites even the youngest readers to embrace the Know Your Rights Camp ideals, and to believe they are loved and worthy, just because. . .
Two New Years
by Richard HoA Sydney Taylor Gold Medalist A National Jewish Book Award Winner This warm and welcoming New Year celebration invites readers to learn about Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year traditions and to reflect on the rich blends of cultures and traditions in their own lives.For this multicultural family, inspired by the author's own, two New Years mean twice as much to celebrate! In the fall, Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, offers an opportunity to bake challah, dip apples in honey, and lift voices in song. In the spring, Lunar New Year brings a chance to eat dumplings, watch dragon dances, and release glowing lanterns that light up the sky. With bright, joyful prose and luminous illustrations, Richard Ho and Lynn Scurfield invite readers of all backgrounds to experience the beauty of two New Year traditions, paying homage to the practices that make each unique while illuminating the values of abundance, family, and hope that they share.Full of opportunities to reflect on the rich blends of cultures and traditions in our lives, this moving picture book is a beautiful reminder that, at heart, our celebrations might not be so different after all.TWO BEAUTIFUL NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS: This book is brimming with opportunities for readers to learn about cultures different from their own—from Jewish readers learning about Lunar New Year, to Chinese readers learning about Rosh Hashanah, to readers from other cultures being invited to experience both!A WELCOMING READ: This content-rich picture book encourages readers of all backgrounds to reflect more deeply on the blending of traditions in their own families and communities.A GORGEOUS GIFT: Vibrant illustrations and a lyrical narrative with strong backmatter will make this a treasured gift.Perfect for:Parents, grandparents, and caregiversTeachers, educators, and librariansLunar New Year and Rosh Hashanah gift givingReaders seeking celebrations of different cultures and faithsAnyone who appreciates beautifully illustrated, multicultural picture books
This Is How We Play
by Jessica Slice and Caroline CuppA jubilant, inclusive, luminously illustrated picture book that features families at play, each with a family member who has a disability.With love and adaptation, this is how we play! This joyful read-aloud with an empowering refrain, from disability rights activists Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, demystifies and respects how disabled people and their families use adaptive, imaginative, and considerate play so everyone can join in the fun.Back matter consists of a kid-friendly guide to thinking, learning, and talking about disability; a glossary of the different disabilities represented throughout the book; and a guide for grown-ups on ways to encourage discussions about disabilities with the children in their lives. Throughout, This Is How We Play centers, affirms, and encourages the disabled children and adults who are already doing the challenging work of advocating for themselves and finding strength in community.
The Umbrella
by Beth FerryFrom the New York Times bestselling creators behind Stick and Stone comes an inspiring story of persistence, kindness, and curiosity—a perfect read-aloud, rain or shine.In a dreary town where it always rains, a little girl and her dog discover an unexpected way to spread the light. Told with surprise and humor, here is a story of generosity, perseverance, and the way that happiness can be contagious—all it takes is one person and a bright idea.This gorgeously illustrated story is a feel-good classic in the making for all bedtimes and story times.
The Ofrenda That We Built
by Jolene Gutiérrez and Shaian GutiérrezLearn about and celebrate the Day of the Dead! With warmth and energy, this spirited picture book is a joyful ode to family traditions and the memory of loved ones who have passed but whom we continue to remember.It is Día de Muertos—the Day of the Dead—and the family ofrenda is at the center of the celebration! Inspired by the popular nursery rhyme "The House That Jack Built," The Ofrenda That We Built invites readers to join in the building of a colorful ofrenda, a home altar full of symbols and meaning, one special element at a time.This is truly an intergenerational holiday with deep familial love at its heart. Readers will recognize these moving and universal themes in the hands-on activity of building an ofrenda together, an accessible way of learning more about other cultures and celebrations. Told in warm and welcoming rhyme, with beautiful, immersive illustrations, this is a delight for readers of all backgrounds to enjoy when the holiday arrives each autumn or any time of year that calls for remembrance and connection with loved ones.LA FAMILIA IS LOVE: Every element of the ofrenda speaks to a tradition of togetherness and the enduring importance of community. Combining the poignancy of the past with love in the present, those celebrating Día de Muertos also make a promise to be a part of one another’s futures. CELEBRATES THE CIRCLE OF LIFE: Like Pixar’s Coco, this is a joyful celebration of Día de Muertos, which encourages us to see death as a natural and necessary part of the circle of life to embrace rather than to fear. With an emphasis on remembering the lives of our loved ones with joy, this holiday makes room for both collective grief and collective celebration—a powerful (and always timely) perspective on the nature of being alive that will resonate with children and adults alike.SPIRITED READ ALOUD: Pairing poetic text full of repetition, rhyme, and evocative description with bright, engaging illustrations, this story is just right for group and lap-reads, sure to appeal to booksellers, teachers, and librarians as well as parents and caregivers.Perfect for:Anyone who celebrates or wants to know more about Día de MuertosParents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for unique fall books for kidsFans of multicultural picture booksGift-givers seeking heartfelt picture books about family and celebration
One Small Spark
by Ruth SpiroA young girl is inspired to make a difference in this thoughtful and lyrical exploration of the Jewish philosophy tikkun olam or repair the world.Imagine the world you want to live in. If it&’s not the world you see, will you create it?So begins a young girl&’s journey to solve a problem she notices one rainy day while walking to school. In that moment, the small spark inside her grows and then connects her to others who are inspired to make a change and help the world become a better place.This lyrical and very personal text from beloved author Ruth Spiro, with breathtaking and imaginative illustrations from Victoria Tentler-Krylov, explores the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, or taking part to repair the world. It&’s sure to inspire young readers to nurture their own small spark, taking action today that will change the world tomorrow.
Little Freddie Two Pants
by Drew DaywaltA laugh-out-loud funny picture book about a dog who doesn't know how many pairs of pants to wear (or where to wear them!) by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Day the Crayons Quit.One pair of pants? Two pairs? Three? How many pants should Little Freddie wear? And where should he put them? What about underpants? Where do they go?In a book with text and art that are sure to induce giggles, Drew Daywalt and Lucy Ruth Cummins settle the age-old question: Do a dog&’s front legs deserve pants, too?
Joyful Song
by Lesléa NewmanWhat a happy day! Zachary’s baby sister will have her naming ceremony. In the temple! With his moms, the congregation, and all their friends! He’s so excited he can barely contain it. On the walk from their home, they meet neighbor after neighbor who want to know the baby’s name. But – not yet! – his mothers tell him. The tradition is to have a great reveal at the ceremony. So they invite each neighbor to come along. A colorful, diverse parade blooms along the route, until…At last it’s time, and Zachary gets to reveal his sister’s name…What is it? A truly joyful moment for everyone.
I Hope
by Gabrielle Grimard and Monique Gray SmithThis beautifully illustrated picture book, written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, explores all the hopes adults have for the children in their lives.
Home in a Lunchbox
by Cherry Mo**WINNER OF THE CALDECOTT HONOR**Cherry Mo's stunning debut is about a young girl who immigrates to America and finds home in an unexpected place.When Jun moves from Hong Kong to America, the only words she knows are hello, thank you, I don&’t know, and toilet. Her new school feels foreign and terrifying.But when she opens her lunchbox to find her favorite meals—like bao, dumplings, and bok choy—she realizes home isn&’t so far away after all.Through lush art and spare dialogue, Cherry Mo&’s breathtakingly beautiful debut picture book reminds readers that friendship and belonging can be found in every bite.
The Yellow Bus
by Loren LongPerfect for fans of Love and Hello, Lighthouse, The Yellow Bus from #1 New York Times bestselling Loren Long is a tender and hopeful new classic about a forgotten school bus that finds happiness and purpose in the most unexpected places--and in the journey along the way.
There is a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. She loves carrying children from one important place to another. Every morning they climb in... Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, giggle, giggle-patter. And they fill her with joy.
As time passes, things change. The Yellow Bus gets a new driver, a new route, and new passengers, young and old. Until one day the driving stops for good, and the Yellow Bus is left on her own. And yet, no matter where she is, the Yellow Bus still finds joy and discovery in the world around her.
With stirring black-and-white artwork and powerful pops of color, The Yellow Bus is a poignant reflection on the many new beginnings life has to offer.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Wishes
by Muon Thi VanAn arresting, poetic journey and a moving reflection on immigration, family, and home, from an acclaimed creative team.Wishes tells the powerful, honest story about one Vietnamese family's search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting and powerful impact that makes on the littlest member of the family. Inspired by actual events in the author's life, this is a narrative that is both timely and timeless. Told through the eyes of a young girl, the story chronicles a family's difficult and powerful journey to pack up what they can carry and to leave their world behind, traveling to a new and unknown place in a crowded boat. With sparse, poetic, and lyrical text from acclaimed author Muon Thi Van, thoughtful back matter about the author's connection to the story, and luminous, stunning illustrations from Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Victo Ngai, Wishes tells a powerful and timely story in a gentle and approachable way for young children and their families.With themes of kindness, bravery, hope, and love running throughout, Wishes is a must-have book for every child's bookshelf.
What's the Matter, Marlo?
by Andrew ArnoldWhat's the Matter Marlo? is a picture book about best friends that highlights empathy, as well as anger and sadness, and reminds us that these aren't feelings to run away from, but instead to help each other through. Marlo and Coco are best friends. They do everything together—they read together, laugh together, and play games together. After all, they’re best friends. And that’s what best friends do. But one day, when Coco asks Marlo to play, he doesn’t answer. Instead, Marlo turns away ignoring Coco, until he’s lost in his anger. Coco is worried about her friend, but then she remembers she can always find Marlo. In this charming, thoughtful picture book, author-illustrator Andrew Arnold explores empathy and sadness, and how friends can help each other navigate big emotions. Because that’s what best friends do.
What Can a Mess Make?
by Bee JohnsonAn Indie Next List PickIn this gorgeously illustrated rhyming picture book, two sisters spend their day playing at home and leaving joyful, cozy messes in their wake.Kitchen clatter.Milk and juice.Syrup splatter.Chocolate mousse.Bowl of berries—Red and blue.A mess can make a meal for two.From breakfast to bedtime, from pillow fort to pillow fight, these sisters make all kinds of messes. Imaginative, playful, forgiving, delicious messes.And their messes make a day full of possibilities.With bouncy rhyming language and warm illustrations, What Can A Mess Make? inspires readers to embrace their imaginations, linger in the beautiful messes on every page, and make some messes themselves.