When a Dad Says "I Love You"

written by Douglas Wood

How do you like to hear “I love you”? This cozy picture book shows all the ways dads can say it best.

Dads know how to do everything. They can help with homework and carry you on their shoulders. They can make pancakes and teach you how to sing songs. These loving actions are just some of the ways dads show how much they care—and no matter how he says it, “I love you” is wonderful to hear!

 From bestselling author Douglas Wood and illustrator Jennifer Bell, a sunny, cuddly testament to the bond between father and child.

 From Simon and Schuster, available here

Stella Batts Series

written by Courtney Sheinmel

www.StellaBatts.com 

Available here from Sleeping Bear Press

"Meet Stella Batts. She's in third grade, she wants to be a writer, and her parents own a wonderful candy shop. Life should be good, right? Well, it would be if only she didn't have to deal with a pesky five-year-old sister who copies her every move or Joshua, a mean boy at school, who teases her about her name (he calls her Smella).

In this early chapter book series, the ups and downs of Stella's life are charmingly chronicled.

Far Flutterby

written by Karen Kingsbury

Available from Zondervan 

“I wonder,” he said, as he inched up a tree, “If there’s more to this life than just branches and leaves.” Once in the land of Better-Than-Brown lived Cody the Caterpillar, down on the ground. His life he found boring; he wanted much more; then a message of hope told him he would soon soar. A place called Far Flutterby—it just couldn’t be! He thought, That’s only a dream for a small one like me. But God has a plan filled with wondrous things, and Cody would find that through hard times come wings. 

Little Dog, Lost

by Newbery Honor winner Marion Dane Bauer

Available here from Simon and Schuster

  ★ “A perfect selection for pet lovers new to chapter books and anyone who just enjoys a cheerful dog story.” 

 —KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review 

“Told in free verse, this charming novel examines themes of longing and loneliness through three memorable characters.” 

—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 

"Mark is a boy who needs a dog. But he can’t get his mom on board with his plan. Buddy is a dog who needs a boy. Buddy has an owner already, but not one who understands the kind of love and care—the “something more”—a dog needs. Mr. LaRue is a neighbor who needs a community. He’s alone all the time in his huge old house—and everyone needs more than that. Over the course of a summer thunderstorm and one chaotic town council meeting, these three characters cross paths and come together in a timeless tale ripe with emotions and told in verse that resolves with love, understanding, and a sense of belonging—plus a place to play a game of fetch!"

Visit the author's website to download a teachers discussion guide and a readers theater script.

The Little Bully

written by Beth Bracken

Billy is a nice boy who likes school until he encounters a bully named Fred.

 Available here from Capstone Press

Too Shy for Show-and-Tell

written by Beth Bracken

 Available from Capstone Press

*** Awarded the 2012 Eric Hoffer Grand Prize ***

 "Sam is so shy that nobody knows much about him, but when he must stand in front of his class for show-and-tell, he finds the courage to share."