Books like Joy
Award winning
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
Nina Lacour, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diverse family structures warmly and inclusively.
Enhances understanding of separation and reunion.
Encourages emotional expression and resilience.
Supports development of empathy and acceptance.
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
Nina Lacour, 2022
Award winning
Paletero Man
Lucky Diaz, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Vibrant, culturally rich illustrations enhance engagement.
Encourages understanding of diverse communities and heritage.
Stimulates language development through rhythmic, lyrical text.
Supports social and emotional learning.
Paletero Man
Lucky Diaz, 2021
Award winning
Annie's Cat Is Sad
Heather Smith, Karen Obuhanych, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Addresses emotional awareness and empathy development.
Encourages understanding of pet emotions and care.
Supports vocabulary expansion and emotional language skills.
Ideal for shared reading, enhancing parent-child bonding.
Annie's Cat Is Sad
Heather Smith, Karen Obuhanych, 2022
Award winning
The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
34 pages
Why to read
Festive story ignites the magic of Christmas.
Encourages family bonding through shared reading times.
Boosts vocabulary with engaging holiday-themed words.
Supports understanding of cultural holiday traditions.
The Christmas Book
Emily Kilgore, 2022
Award winning
A Very Mercy Christmas
Kate Dicamillo, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming holiday story sparking festive spirit.
Encourages kindness and generous community values.
Engaging illustrations enhance visual literacy.
Ideal read for family bonding during holidays.
A Very Mercy Christmas
Kate Dicamillo, 2022
Award winning
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
368 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming tale promotes empathy and community spirit.
Engages young readers with charming, relatable characters.
Encourages resilience and creativity in problem-solving.
Fosters family connections and shared reading moments.
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
Karina Yan Glaser, 2020
Award winning
My Grandma and Me
Mina Javaherbin, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates multicultural relationships and diverse family experiences.
Illustrates respect, love, and intergenerational bonds.
Enhances understanding of cultural differences.
Encourages empathy and emotional growth.
My Grandma and Me
Mina Javaherbin, 2022
Award winning
Soul Food Sunday
Winsome Bingham Bingham, 2021
48 pages
Why to read
Celebrates family traditions through cooking and sharing meals.
Strengthen bonds with intergenerational, culturally rich storytelling.
Enhances understanding of community and togetherness.
Vivid illustrations complement engaging, heartwarming narrative.
