Books like Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder
Award winning
Maya's Song
Renée Watson, Vicki B. Williamson, 2022
48 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience.
Enhances emotional intelligence and empathy in children.
Vibrant illustrations complement the engaging narrative.
Supports language development and vocabulary expansion.

Maya's Song
Renée Watson, Vicki B. Williamson, 2022
Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and Her Mesmerizing Medusas
Michelle Cusolito, 2025
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates girl power in science.
Teaches observation and experimentation.
Engaging illustrations spark curiosity.
Promotes ocean conservation awareness.

Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and Her Mesmerizing Medusas
Michelle Cusolito, 2025
Award winning
Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
Suzanne Slade, Cozbi A. Cabrera, 2020
48 pages
Why to read
Inspires with Gwendolyn Brooks' remarkable poetic journey.
Enhances appreciation for poetry and literary expression.
Celebrates resilience and determination in creative pursuits.
Supports literacy and language development.

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
Suzanne Slade, Cozbi A. Cabrera, 2020
The Wind in the Willows – 90th anniversary gift edition: With original artwork, by Winnie-the-Pooh illustrator, E. H. Shepard
Kenneth Grahame, 2025
272 pages
Why to read
Timeless friendship tale.
Vivid illustrations enhance imagination.
Advanced yet musical language.
Humor balances gentle life lessons.

The Wind in the Willows – 90th anniversary gift edition: With original artwork, by Winnie-the-Pooh illustrator, E. H. Shepard
Kenneth Grahame, 2025
Award winning
Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People / Poeta del pueblo
Monica Brown, 2011
32 pages
Why to read
Vibrant illustrations celebrate Pablo Neruda’s lyrical talent.
Bilingual format enriches language learning opportunities.
Inspires appreciation for poetry and creative expression.
Emphasizes values of empathy and curiosity.

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People / Poeta del pueblo
Monica Brown, 2011
Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story About Arnold Lobel
Emmy Kastner, 2025
40 pages
Why to read
True story of famous creator.
Models perseverance and growth mindset.
Celebrates nature-inspired creativity.
Warm, engaging illustrations.

Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story About Arnold Lobel
Emmy Kastner, 2025
Cyrano de Bergerac (Classics Illustrated)
Edmond Rostand, 2023
135 pages
Why to read
Timeless story in vivid comic art.
Explores judging beyond appearances.
Balances swashbuckling action and emotion.
Boosts vocabulary through poetic lines.

Cyrano de Bergerac (Classics Illustrated)
Edmond Rostand, 2023
Award winning
Cat Kid Comic Club
Dav Pilkey, 2022
224 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through storytelling and drawing.
Builds confidence with relatable, problem-solving characters.
Encourages teamwork and collaborative play.
Supports linguistic and artistic development.

