Friends Book Sale Library Fundraiser | May 15–20

Member Preview Sale (5/15, 5–8PM) • Book Sale (5/16-5/19) • Take Away Day (5/20, 11am–12pm). See full details.

List

Category
Audience

All My Stripes

Shaina Rudolph

A helpful story for kids with autism spectrum disorders as they follow a young zebra who learns to understand how he is different from the rest of his classmates.

"It teaches us to embrace not only who we are, but also to embrace the people around us who are brilliantly different thanks to their own amazing, colorful stripes."--Stan Lee, Chairman emeritus of Marvel Comics

Gold Medal, Mom's Choice Awards. Foreword by Alison Singer, President, Autism Science Foundation.

Zane the zebra often feels different. He worries that his classmates don't notice his "curiosity," "honesty," or "caring stripes," just his "autism stripe." With the help of his Mama, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes, including his "autism stripe," as the unique strengths that make him who he is.

Includes a Reading Guide with additional background information about autism spectrum disorders and a Note to Parents and Caregivers with tips for finding support.

Excerpt:

All My Stripes provides readers a small yet enlightening glimpse into a day in the life of a young, smart, caring, honest, and curious zebra named Zane. Zane is experiencing challenges at school often associated with autism spectrum disorders. This story can serve as a teaching tool for caregivers--such as parents, grandparents, and teachers--to help other children and family members understand the various challenges individuals on the autism spectrum face on a day-to-day basis. Those that are highlighted in this story are discussed in more depth in the Reading Guide.

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What Happened to You?

James Catchpole

This accessible, funny, and groundbreaking story addresses the questions children often ask, as well as a disabled child's choice not to answer.

What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off? A boy named Joe is trying to play pirates at the playground, but he keeps being asked what happened to his leg. Bombarded with questions and silly suggestions, Joe becomes more and more fed up...until the kids finally understand they don't need to know what happened. And that they're wasting valuable playtime!

Based on the author's real childhood experiences, this honest, funny, and authentic picture book is an empowering read for anyone with a disability, and for young readers learning how best to address differences.

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My Brother Charlie

Holly Robinson Peete

From bestselling author and actress Holly Robinson Peete--a heartwarming story about a boy who happens to be autistic, based on Holly's son, who has autism.

 

"Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at. He knows the names of all the American presidents. He knows stuff about airplanes. And he can even play the piano better than anyone he knows.Actress and national autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborates with her daughter on this book based on Holly's 10-year-old son, who has autism.

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Lucas at the Paralympics

Igor Plohl

Introduce your child to the Paralympics--where physically disabled world-class athletes exemplify strength, determination, and courage.

Lucas and Eddie, two physically disabled friends, visit the Paralympics and cheer on blind and physically challenged athletes as they compete in running, swimming, sitting volleyball, para archery, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair basketball, and more.

Readers learn about some of the rules that expedite play and that even the playing field. For example, blind runners wear blindfolds so none of the competitors (some totally blind and some with limited sight) have an unfair advantage. Also, all of the blind competitors are tethered to guides.

Author Igor Plohl, who lost the use of his legs after a spinal injury, is a teacher and passionate advocate for raising awareness of physical disability. As a teacher, he knows the questions children ask and how to answer them.

A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

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I'm New Here

Anne Sibley O'Brien

Three students are immigrants from Guatemala, Korea, and Somalia and have trouble speaking, writing, and sharing ideas in English in their new American elementary school. Through self-determination and with encouragement from their peers and teachers, the students learn to feel confident and comfortable in their new school without losing a sense of their home country, language, and identity.

Young readers from all backgrounds will appreciate this touching story about the assimilation of three immigrant students in a supportive school community.

Anne Sibley O'Brien is one of the founders of I'm Your Neighbor, an organization that promotes children's literature featuring "new arrival" cultures. As the rate of immigration to the United States increases, topics related to immigration are increasingly more important in the classroom and home. I'm New Here demonstrates how our global community can work together and build a home for all.

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Not My Idea

Anastasia Higginbotham

**A WHITE RAVEN 2019 SELECTION**

Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness is a a picture book that invites white children and parents to become curious about racism, accept that it's real, and cultivate justice.

"Quite frankly, the first book I've seen that provides an honest explanation for kids about the state of race in America today." --Elizabeth Bird, librarian

 

NAMED ONE OF SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL'S BEST BOOKS OF 2018

"A much-needed title that provides a strong foundation for critical discussions of white people and racism, particularly for young audiences. Recommended for all collections." --SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (*Starred Review)

 

"A necessary children's book about whiteness, white supremacy, and resistance... Important, accessible, needed."--KIRKUS REVIEWS

 

"A timely story that addresses racism, civic responsibility, and the concept of whiteness." --FOREWORD REVIEWS

 

"For white folks who aren't sure how to talk to their kids about race, this book is the perfect beginning."--O MAGAZINE

 

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The Breaking News

Sarah Lynne Reul

When devastating news rattles a young girl's community, her normally attentive parents and neighbors are suddenly exhausted and distracted. At school, her teacher tells the class to look for the helpers—the good people working to make things better in big and small ways. She wants more than anything to help in a BIG way, but maybe she can start with one small act of kindness instead . . . and then another, and another.Small things can compound, after all, to make a world of difference.

The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul touches on themes of community, resilience, and optimism with an authenticity that will resonate with readers young and old.

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Tell Someone

Debra Kempf Shumaker

Telling someone can help make things better.

Whether you're sad or angry, happy or proud, there's one thing you can do: tell someone. Just talking about your problems can help make them better, and the person you're talking to may have ways to help. When children feel nervous on the first day of school, or experience that scary feeling of having a secret that doesn't feel right, this book empowers kids to find someone they trust--and tell them.

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We Ask Permission

Lydia Bowers

A story that helps with teaching boundaries.

Asking for permission is a key foundation of consent. We Ask Permission builds children's social and emotional skills and helps with teaching boundaries by encouraging children to look for body language cues and by asking before hugging or touching others.

The third book in the We Say What's Okay series, We Ask Permission follows Jovan as he learns to ask permission and become a body language detective. Using the book as a read-aloud, educators and families can model the language Jovan's teachers use to support children as they learn to look for body language cues and respect the personal boundaries of others. The author, who hosts workshops and trainings on teaching boundaries and consent for families and early childhood educators around the country, offers additional activities in the back of the book.

Digital content includes a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.

We Say What's Okay Series
Centered on a class of preschoolers, the We Say What's Okay series helps teach young children the social and emotional skills they need to understand the complexities of consent. Each book covers a consent theme, such as how to recognize the physical sensations that emotions create, look for body language cues, ask for and listen to choices, and know that our bodies have value. With believable, everyday situations and diverse characters, children can see themselves and others reflected in each story--and develop a vocabulary to communicate consent and feelings. Every book in the series is accompanied by a song from Peaceful Schools with downloadable audio files and sheet music.

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Bye-Bye Binky

Maria van Lieshout

Babies use a binky. Do big kids? No! Big kids say, "Bye-bye, binky!"

Every child's life is filled with milestones. Some happen easily; others need a little extra support. Artist and mom Maria van Lieshout has been there. Drawing upon her own experiences, she has created an engaging series of books that are just right for children on the brink of major changes and the caregivers who encourage them.

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My Own Big Bed

Anna Grossnickle Hines

The independent little girl in this snug story loves her brand new big bed but . . . What if I fall out? What if I get lonely? What if I get lost? What if I get scared? Just right for young children making the transition from crib to bed, and featuring Mary Watson's comforting and realistic paintings, My Own Big Bed celebrates self-reliance, eases fears, and -- with a tuck and a kiss from Mommy and Daddy -- promises a safe and cozy night's sleep.

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Wemberly Worried

Kevin Henkes

Wemberly worried about everything.

Big things.

Little things.

And things in between.

Then it was time for school to start.And Wemberly worried even more.

If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you.

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When Mommy and Daddy Go to Work

Joanna Cole

While Mommy and Daddy are busy at work, I'm busy having fun at day care.

Day care is fun, even though saying good-bye to Mommy and Daddy before work might not be. In this reassuring guide for young children, noted author Joanna Cole shows that, although parents may go to work, they always come back at the end of the day. A helpful Note to Parents is included.

Acclaimed for her Magic School Bus series, Joanna Cole is also the author of the popular I'm a Big Sister, I'm a Big Brother, My Big Boy Potty, and My Big Girl Potty, all illustrated by Maxie Chambliss.

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You Weren't with Me

Chandra Ghosh Ippen

Little Rabbit and Big Rabbit are together after a difficult separation, but even though they missed each other, Little Rabbit is not ready to cuddle up and receive Big Rabbit's love. Little Rabbit needs Big Rabbit to understand what it felt like when they were apart. "Sometimes I am very mad. I don't understand why you weren't with me," says Little Rabbit, "I worry you will go away again." Big Rabbit listens carefully and helps Little Rabbit to feel understood and loved. This story was designed to help parents and children talk about difficult separations, reconnect, and find their way back to each other.

 

The book may be helpful to families who have experienced:

  • Divorce or caregiver separation
  • Caregiver work-related separations
  • Military service related separations
  • Immigration related separations
  • Child welfare related separations
  • Parental incarceration
  • Parental substance use related separations

 

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I Didn't Leave Because of You

Tyechia White

The absence of a parent can be really hard. And the confusion often leaves us scarred. For those that have wondered why their parent isn't there, This book has a few reasons to share. Written as a gentle poem in the voice of an absent parent, I Didn't Leave Because of You offers beautiful and diverse imagery with a glimpse into some of the reasons for abandonment. Whether you are seeking to help a child cope with an absent parent or searching for your own healing, This book is sure to help with the journey toward understanding and forgiveness.

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Divorce is the Worst

Anastasia Higginbotham

""How can you not love a children's author who sees so clearly from her reader's point of view?"-Julie Bowen, actress, Modern Family"This book provides, through honest language and evocative imagery, a uniquely realistic view of how children experience divorce. While neither softening or white-washing this difficult topic, Higginbotham offers an ultimately comforting message to parents and children experiencing separation and divorce."-Lisa Spiegel, LMHC, Soho Parenting, NYCKids are told, "it's for the best"-and one day, it may be. But right now, divorce is the worst. With honesty and humor, Anastasia Higginbotham beautifully conveys the challenge of staying whole when your entire world, and the people in it, split apart. The first children's book to tackle divorce from a child-validating point of view, Divorce Is the Worst is an invaluable tool for families, therapeutic professionals, and divorce mediators struggling to address this common and complex experience.Divorce Is the Worst is the first book in a series of feminist children's books, Ordinary Terrible Things, which deals with common childhood crises and how children themselves find their own way to cope and grow.Anastasia Higginbotham is a writer and illustrator in Brooklyn, NY, whose childhood experience of divorce inspired this book"--

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Remixed: A Blended Family

Arree Chung

In this companion to Arree Chung's stand-out picture book Mixed: A Colorful Story, the colors must re-evaluate what it means to be a family.

In Mixed City, when colors care for each other, they decide to mix. They create families that come in every combination of colors, shapes, and sizes. But sometimes those sizes, shapes, and colors can change. And change isn't always easy. It might be hard to get used to. It might make some colors feel worried, or sad.

Remixed: A Blended Family is an inspiring picture book that celebrates the strength and resilience of remixed families and the beauty of chosen families, showing how even after change, or loss, love can thrive.

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How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear?

Vanessa Bayer

From debut children's author Vanessa Bayer and illustrator Rosie Butcher, How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear? is a sweet picture book with advice for children—and adults—for dealing with a sick friend.

You and your friend Bear
are an excellent pair.

But if your friend gets sick,
And can’t do all the things that you two love to do...

You may wonder--how do you care for a very sick Bear?

When someone dear is dealing with illness, it's difficult to know what to do or say. The actor Vanessa Bayer experienced this firsthand when she was treated for childhood leukemia. In her first children's book, she offers gentle, reassuring advice that people of all ages will appreciate.

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Cancer Hates Kisses

Jessica Reid Sliwerski

Mothers are superheroes when they're battling cancer, and this empowering picture book gives them an honest yet spirited way to share the difficult experience with their kids.
 
Author Jessica Reid Sliwerski was diagnosed with breast cancer four months after giving birth to her daughter. And through all the stages of treatment—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, losing her hair—she thought about how hard it would be to talk to your child about cancer while coping with it. She wrote this picture book to give other parents and their children an encouraging tool for having those conversations—a lovingly upbeat book that is also refreshingly authentic and straightforward. With its simple text and heartwarming illustrations, Cancer Hates Kisses is relatable to any type of cancer.

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Little Bear Brushes His Teeth

Jutta Langreuter

Children will love hearing about Little Bear as he experiences common, everyday life -- from a new baby to brushing his teeth, to a fight at school, going to kindergaten and going to bed. Great tool for value education!

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The Bully Blockers Club

Teresa Bateman

Lotty Raccoon is excited. This year she has a new teacher, new backpack, and new shoes. But her enthusiasm quickly wanes when Grant Grizzly begins bullying her. At the advice of her brother and sister, Lotty tries ignoring Grant and making a joke of it all, but neither approach works. When her parents hear about Grant, Lotty's dad talks to the teacher. Although the teacher speaks to Grant and Lotty, now Grant just bullies her when no adult is around. After talking to her family again, Lotty comes up with an idea. She notices other kids are being bullied by Grant, too. She gathers everyone together and they form a club--The Bully Blockers Club. Now when Grant tries to bully someone, the other kids speak up. That gets an adult's attention, and Grant stops his bullying!

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It Feels Good to Be Yourself

Theresa Thorn

Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between.

This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, It Feels Good to Be Yourself provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity.

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Sometimes When I'm Sad

Deborah Serani

A sensitive and supportive story to help young children recognize and cope with sadness.

"Now when I get sad, I still cry sometimes. I still hide sometimes. But only for a little while. Because now I know ways to feel better." Sadness can be an overwhelming emotion, especially for young children. But it's important to know when sadness can be overcome, and when it's indicative of a greater problem.

Sometimes When I'm Sad is an invaluable self-help resource that helps children identify sadness or depression and offers helpful ways to manage it, such as:

  • Talk about it with a parent or a trusted adult or counselor
  • Draw the sadness with crayons
  • Release tension by squishing clay
  • Run and jump around outside
  • Observe nature


The word depression is never used in the gentle, child-focused text, but this simple story offers an entrance point for both adults and children to identify and address childhood depression symptoms early.

This timely resource is a wonderfully gentle way to take steps toward banishing the stigma around mental illness. A special section at the back of the book provides support for adults, from an explanation of the difference between sadness and depression to helpful tools to manage the illness. Especially useful for counselors, social workers, teachers, parents, and any other adults caring for children who struggle with dark feelings.

Sometimes When Collection
With quiet, sensitive illustrations, the Sometimes When collection helps young children work through big feelings, such as sadness and anger. The stories are accessible to children and grounded in research from an author with over thirty years of experience as a clinical psychologist. A special section at the back of each book provides more information and activities to help young children work through their feelings.

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When Sophie Gets Angry--really, Really Angry...

Molly Bang

"In this Caldecott Honor-winning, head-on exploration of the causes of and solutions to anger, Sophie gets angry and runs out into the woods, where she climbs a tree to calm down, and is soon ready to come home to her loving family. Everybody gets angry sometimes. And for children, anger can be very upsetting. In this Caldecott-honor book, children will see what Sophie does when she gets angry. Parents, teachers, and children can talk about it. People do lots of different things when they get angry. What do you do?" - Publisher.

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How Big Is Baby?

Kirsten Hall

What's in Mommy's tummy? Lift the flaps to learn all about how a new baby grows!

There's a baby inside Mommy's tummy! But how big is it? What does it look like? Lift the flaps to learn all about how a new baby grows in this sweet book for expecting families.

With a sturdy case and nine durable lift-the-flaps inside--one for each month until baby arrives!--this sweet novelty board book will charm new-siblings-to-be and become a go-to purchase for families with young children who are expecting a new little one.

- NEW BABY GIFT: This stylish and deluxe package makes the perfect baby shower gift, and gift for an older sibling. The larger trim size, sturdy case, and numerous flaps inside ensure great value.
- EVERYDAY COMPARISONS: On each spread our family compares the baby to a different food--much like the popular apps used by expecting moms. This relatable comparison will make the size and growth of the new baby tangible for young kids.
- VETTED BY EXPERTS: Fact-checked and vetted by experts, this book features accurate and accessible information on how a baby grows. Answer young kids' questions in a way that's fun, informative--and tactile!
- INCLUSIVE: Many different kinds of families will see themselves in these characters! And most importantly, it features a loving mother-child relationship.
- STYLISH PACKAGE: Modern and playful illustrations from up-and-coming illustrator, Aki, will appeal to hip new parents and grandparents alike.

Perfect for:

- Expecting parents and their toddlers
- Anyone looking for the perfect gift for a baby shower
- Anyone gifting the older-sibling-to-be

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Hello Baby!

Lizzy Rockwell

Hello Baby! is a slice-of-life picture book from the point of view of a three year old whose mother is expecting a baby.

Told as a story, this book includes all the new experiences and information that siblings-to-be are likely to encounter. The young narrator feels the baby kick inside his mother's tummy. He listens to the baby's heartbeat during a doctor visit, and sees a chart depicting how the baby grows inside the womb. At home, his parents are preparing a nursery -- painting, setting up a crib, unpacking his old baby clothes and a special toy he remembers. When Morn goes into labor, Grandma comes to stay and they talk about the day the narrator was born and look at pictures showing his growth from newborn to toddler. He gets to visit his mother and the new baby in the hospital. And when Morn comes home, baby Eliza nurses and sleeps and cries, gets bathed and outfitted, then cries some more -- only to be comforted by her new big brother.

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I'm a Big Brother

Joanna Cole

The author/artist creators of How I Was Adopted present this child's-eye view of family life, deftly describing the joy of welcoming a new sibling into the family. A companion volume to I'm a Big Sister.

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Potty

Leslie Patricelli

A new toddler title charts a crucial achievement.

There comes a point in a toddler’s life when going in one’s diaper is only one possible option, and the question must be raised: Should I go in my potty? With pitch-perfect humor and pacing, Leslie Patricelli follows the inner dialogue (sure to have little ones shouting responses) and hilarious actions of everyone’s favorite Baby, winding up with an over-the-top look of surprise and delight that will have both parents and offspring laughing out loud. "I did it!"

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Everyone Poops

Tarō Gomi

Finally, a beginning science book that really addresses the needs and interests of the very young child. Since we all eat, we all must poop. It is this basic message that this wonderful book presents in a form that is both humorous and informative.

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My Big Girl Potty

Joanna Cole

"What a big girl you are!"

Potty training can be fun. With warmth and sensitivity, Joanna Cole and Maxie Chambliss guide young girls though the challenges and rewards potty training—from the first steps to the joy of graduating to big girl underpants! A helpful "Note to parents" is included.

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My Big Boy Potty

Joanna Cole

"What a big boy you are!"

Potty training can be fun. With warmth and sensitivity, Joanna Cole and Maxie Chambliss guide young boys though the challenges and rewards potty training—from the first steps to the joy of graduating to big boy underpants! A helpful "Note to parents" is included.

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Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs

Tomie dePaola

his wonderful generational story, a classic in its own right, celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary in a new, full-color edition, joining the other appealing picture books in which Tomie draws upon his childhood memories. In re-creating the art, Tomie says, ?Creating this art was as emotional an experience for me now as it was then.??In a quietly touching story the author-illustrator depicts loving family relationships so that even the very young reader can understand the concept.??- Publishers Weekly?Children will want to hear this again and again...? -- School Library Journal (starred review)

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Grandpa's Stories

Joseph Coelho

One young girl reflects on a year with her beloved grandpa. She remembers the fields and parks they explored in the springtime and the old toys they fixed up in the summer. She remembers the handmade gifts they exchanged in the fall and the stories Grandpa told by the fi re each winter. But this year, the girl must say good-bye to Grandpa. In the face of her grief, she is determined to find a way to honor him. She decides to record her Grandpa stories in the notebook he made for her and carry Grandpa with her as she grows. An honest and relatable depiction of loss, Grandpa's Stories celebrates life and the ways in which love lives on.

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The Dead Bird

Margaret Wise Brown

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2016!

This heartwarming classic picture book by beloved children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown is beautifully reillustrated for a contemporary audience by the critically acclaimed, award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson.

One day, the children find a bird lying on its side with its eyes closed and no heartbeat. They are very sorry, so they decide to say good-bye. In the park, they dig a hole for the bird and cover it with warm sweet-ferns and flowers. Finally, they sing sweet songs to send the little bird on its way.

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If Nathan Were Here

Mary Bahr Fritts

If Nathan were here, we would meet in our tree fort. . . we would take the shortcut through the woods. . . we would try to splash each other in the puddles. . .

In If Nathan Were Here, author Mary Bahr gently explores the grief of a young boy whose best friend has died. With the help of an understanding teacher, a kind neighbor, and an empathetic parent, the boy finds ways to give expression to his questions and sorrow and to reach out to someone else who needs him.

Mary Bahr's evocative text conveys a child's grief with honesty and sensitivity, while Karen Jerome's soft watercolors poignantly capture the tender nature of children's friendships.

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If Nathan Were Here

Mary Bahr Fritts

If Nathan were here, we would meet in our tree fort. . . we would take the shortcut through the woods. . . we would try to splash each other in the puddles. . .

In If Nathan Were Here, author Mary Bahr gently explores the grief of a young boy whose best friend has died. With the help of an understanding teacher, a kind neighbor, and an empathetic parent, the boy finds ways to give expression to his questions and sorrow and to reach out to someone else who needs him.

Mary Bahr's evocative text conveys a child's grief with honesty and sensitivity, while Karen Jerome's soft watercolors poignantly capture the tender nature of children's friendships.

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