All in Picture Book

Hope's Gift

Hope's Gift

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

A poignant story celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation

It’s 1862 and the Civil War has turned out to be a long, deadly conflict. Hope’s father can’t stand the waiting a minute longer and decides to join the Union army to fight for freedom. He slips away one tearful night, leaving Hope, who knows she may never see her father again, with only a conch shell for comfort. Its sound, Papa says, echoes the promised song of freedom. It’s a long wait for freedom and on the nights when the cannons roar, Papa seems farther away than ever. But then Lincoln finally does it: on January 1, 1863, he issues the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves, and a joyful Hope finally spies the outline of a familiar man standing on the horizon.

Affectingly written and gorgeously illustrated, Hope’s Gift captures a significant moment in American history with deep emotion and a lot of charm.

Ellen's Broom

Ellen's Broom

Debbie Gonzales
Picture Book, Discussion/Activity

A young girl learns a new meaning for freedom during the time of Reconstruction

Ellen always knew the broom resting above the hearth was special. Before it was legal for her mother and father to officially be married, the broom was what made them a family anyway. But now all former slaves who had already been married in their hearts could register as lawful husband and wife.

When Ellen and her family make the long trip to the courthouse dressed in their best, she brings the broom her parents had jumped so many years before. Even though freedom has come, Ellen knows the old traditions are important too. After Mama and Papa's names are recorded in the register, Ellen nearly bursts with pride as her parents jump the broom once again.

Ellen is a wonderfully endearing character whose love for her family is brought to life in Daniel Minter's rich and eye-catching block print illustrations.

Tea Cakes for Tosh

Tea Cakes for Tosh

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

A young boy helps his beloved grandmother remember an important family story

Tosh loves listening to Grandma Honey tell family stories. His favorite is about the special tea cakes that smell like vanilla and sunshine. They were great-great-great-great-grandma Ida's specialty when she was a cook in the big house of a plantation. Unlike Tosh, the slave children weren't allowed to have any of the treats, though Grandma Ida always found a way to put the sugary sweetness into their hands anyway. It was a promise and taste of freedom to come.

Tosh knows this is an important story and he takes care to remember every word. And when grandma Honey begins to forget, he can return the gift of tea cakes and stories. A touching family tale, Tea Cakes for Tosh celebrates the important bond between grandchild and grandparent and the stories that make a family strong.

One More Dino on the Floor

One More Dino on the Floor

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

It's a hip-hopping, foot-stomping, hand-clapping, finger-snapping good time when the dinosaurs go out on the dance floor! One by one (and all the way up to ten), the dinosaurs get their groove on in this delightful counting book! With bright and colorful illustrations and fun, rhythmic text, young readers will be tapping their feet to the Jurassic beat!

Prudence the Part-Time Cow

Prudence the Part-Time Cow

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

Prudence looks like a full-time cow―she wanders through pastures, she swats flies, and she lines up for supper. But Prudence is a part-time cow―she is also a scientist, an architect, and an inventor, studying and building and dreaming and creating. To the other cows in the herd, Prudence is a bit too part-time. She's just too different to be part of the herd. At first Prudence tries to fit in, suppressing all her scientific smarts and imaginative inventing. But in a moment of inspiration―Cow Power!―Prudence realizes how to show the others that she can be a part-time cow and a full-time member of the herd. Funny and sweet, this is a story for anyone who's ever felt a bit different.

It's Your First Day of School, Busy Bus!

It's Your First Day of School, Busy Bus!

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

It’s the first day of school! But is Busy Bus ready? Find out in this darling picture book that showcases the excitement and worries little ones experience as they prepare for their first day.

Today is the very first day of school! Busy Bus is excited, but he also has some first-day jitters. Will the children like him? Will he be homesick? What if he gets lost?! Luckily, bus driver Ben knows just what to do to make sure that the school year gets off to a great start.

A Chip Off the Old Block

A Chip Off the Old Block

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

A plucky pebble shows true grit as he travels the country trying to find out if he fits in with any of his famous rock-formation relatives.

Rocky comes from a long line of rock stars! Uncle Gibraltar, Aunt Etna, and Great-Grandma Half Dome are just some of the legendary rock formations he calls family. It's no wonder he wants to matter in a big way too--but it's not easy trying to get a foothold. Rocky gets tossed by The Wave and driven away at Devil's Tower--but he's determined not to allow these pitfalls to chip away at his confidence. Rather than feeling crushed, he keeps on rolling, hoping to become the rock-star he knows he's meant to be.

In the Canyon

In the Canyon

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

Pull on your hiking boots and get ready to see the magnificent Grand Canyon! From the author of the Caldecott Honoree All the World, here is a marvelous celebration of one of our nation’s natural wonders.

Experience the Grand Canyon through the eyes of a child who is seeing it for the very first time. From soaring vistas and cloud-swept skies to tiny lizards and almost-invisible petroglyphs, the canyon is filled with so many sights waiting to be discovered…and so many amazing memories to carry back home.

Filled with gorgeously depicted, factually accurate info and including a glossary of the flora and fauna contained within, this homage to the Grand Canyon will evoke awe and wonder.

The Good-Pie Party

The Good-Pie Party

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

Posy, Megan, and Mae have always been the best of friends -- but now Posy has to move away. Only their favorite activity can comfort the girls: baking pie! And when they realize they can host a good-pie party instead of a good-bye party, the sad situation becomes a sweet gathering for their entire community. THE GOOD-PIE PARTY celebrates good friends, good memories, and the joy of the just-right good-byes.

Ten Rules of Being a Superhero

Ten Rules of Being a Superhero

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

Author/Illustrator: Deb Pilutti

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co

ISBN: 978-0805097597

Synopsis: In order to be a real superhero, you have to follow some important rules:

Rule #1: A superhero must ALWAYS respond to a call for help.

Rule #2: Saving the day is messy. But everyone understands.

In this handy guide, Captain Magma and his trusty sidekick, Lava Boy, take young readers on an adventure to learn all ten rules of being a good superhero.

Click here for Discussion/Activity Guide

Bear and Squirrel Are Friends Yes, Really!

Bear and Squirrel Are Friends Yes, Really!

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book, Special Projects

Synopsis: Yes, bears sometimes eat squirrels. But can they still be friends? Find out in this clever picture book that’s perfect for preschoolers.

The other bears said, “Squirrel would make a good midnight snack!”

Bear said, “Squirrel’s my friend. I would never eat a friend.”

But what happens if Bear gets really, really hungry? Squirrel has just the solution! This story about the power and bond of friendship will warm the hearts—and tickle the funny bones—of everyone who reads it.

Pie Is for Sharing

Pie Is for Sharing

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

A picnic, a beach, a pie cut into pieces and shared with good friends.
Pie is for sharing.
It starts off round, and you can slice it into as many pieces as you want. What else can be shared? A ball, of course. A tree? What about time?
Through the course of one memorable Fourth of July picnic, Stephanie Ledyard and Jason Chin take young readers through the ups and downs of sharing in this lovely picture book.

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

All the students in the class are assigned reading buddies. Except for Adelaide. She already has one. A bear! And Adelaide is quite persuasive as she explains to her language arts teacher, Mrs. Fitz-Pea, and the reader, that bears really do make the best reading buddies. They sniff out good books. Their claws are just right for turning pages. And the bear looks rather friendly (and studious) in these crayon-bright, contemporary illustrations, making this picture book perfect for every collection.

My Superhero Grandpa

My Superhero Grandpa

Debbie Gonzales
Picture Book, Press Release

2016 Moonbeam Children's Book Award Winner! A beautiful story of a boy and his beloved grandpa, who watches over him with super powers, even though grandpa is in Heaven. This sweet, sentimental story will help little one's understand and cope with the loss of a grandparent. My Superhero Grandpa is cheerfully illustrated and uplifting.

Butterfly Park

Butterfly Park

Debbie Gonzales
Picture Book, Special Projects

When a little girl moves to a new town, she finds a place called Butterfly Park. But when she opens the gate, there are no butterflies.

Determined to lure the butterflies in, the girl inspires her entire town to help her. And with their combined efforts, soon the butterflies—and the girl—feel right at home.

Elly MacKay's luminous paper-cut illustrations and enchanting story encourage community, friendship, and wonderment in the beauty of everyday life.

Wooby & Peep: A Story of Unlikely Friendship

Wooby & Peep: A Story of Unlikely Friendship

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book, Special Projects

Opposites attract and become fast friends in this quirky, funny picture book.


Wooby lives in a nice, quiet neighborhood where everyone minds his own business. And he likes it that way. Then noisy, energetic Peep moves next door with her banging and smashing and crashing. She even gives a “wild” PARTY! At first, shy Wooby is beside himself—until he realizes that he and Peep have more in common than he ever imagined. Hilarious comic-book panels throughout add fun and joy to this unique story.

Bike On, Bear

Bike On, Bear

Debbie Gonzales
Discussion/Activity, Picture Book

Bear can do everything—except ride a bike. Discover how he overcomes his two-wheeled challenge in this irresistibly adorable picture book!

Bear can do almost anything. His one-paw pawstand is perfection. He can solve the trickiest of equations. He can even out-build a brigade of beavers. But the one thing Bear can’t do? Ride a bike.

Bear tries everything to help him learn: library books, training wheels and super-cheers from his fellow animal friends. But all of those fail to get poor Bear on two wheels. The situation is looking unbearable—but an unexpected mishap might be just the thing that propels Bear to bike on!

Load More