From award-winning author-illustrator Lisa Thiesing comes the heartwarming and sweetly illustrated follow-up to A Friend Is… that celebrates all the different kinds of families and the joy of having one. Read more about A Family Is

Whether big or small, a family is for reading, for laughing, for holding you tight. And, perhaps most importantly, loving you for who you are.

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“A satisfying picture book.” —Booklist said about Extra Ezra Makes an Extra Special Friend.

“Viewers who struggle to empathize well with their classmates or siblings will receive a specifically catered takeaway from this book.” —BCCB

Perfect for fans of Julian Is a Mermaid, this picture book is about a child named Ezra who does everything a little bit extra. But that doesn’t work out so well when a new girl comes to school and his efforts to make friends go over-the-top awry! 

Ezra always lets his light shine bright—extra bright. And he always makes an extra effort when it comes to the people he loves. So when Ezra meets Jane, the new girl at school, he’s ready to do whatever it takes—and more—to be her friend.

He offers her a sparkly cupcake and colorful balloons, and he even writes a flashy song. But Jane doesn’t seem to notice. Ezra is confused—everyone usually loves his gifts! After his failed attempts, Ezra realizes he must ask himself what it truly means to be a good friend.

This book will teach readers the importance of respecting boundaries and open communication in friendships, and it will inspire everyone to celebrate their differences!

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An anxious baby bird who fears he’ll never learn to fly gets a lesson in mindfulness in this funny and sweetly encouraging picture book about believing in yourself. Check out Take a Breath

Every morning, the birds are flapping with excitement for their first flight of the day…except for Bob. Bob doesn’t get the whole flying thing; when the other baby birds go up, up, up, he goes down, down, down. Bob can’t help worrying…what if he never learns how to fly?

His friend Crow tells him, “All you need to do is breathe, Bob.” Of course, Bob breathes all the time, but there’s breathing and then there’s B-R-E-A-T-H-I-N-G. And it might just be the thing to calm Bob’s ruffled feathers.

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his whimsical and poignant picture book celebrates playing outside and invites readers to grab some friends, gear up their imaginations, and immerse themselves in nature. Check out Would You Come Too?

Can you imagine what it’s like to be a rock, a nest, a bird, or even a bubbling creek? A group of curious children is headed outside to find out… Would you come, too? Join in on an outdoor adventure to discover the magic and mystery of the living, breathing natural world all around us.

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From two bestselling and beloved creators comes a sweet and inspiring picture book about a runaway circus performer who learns to face his fears and follow his heart. Read The Great Zapfino

When The Great Zapfino climbs to the top of the circus platform, all eyes are on him, waiting for his incredible leap. But Zapfino is afraid of heights! He can’t take the pressure and flees, boards a plane, and runs away to start a new life.

In the city, Zapfino starts work as an elevator operator in a tall building but soon learns you can never really outrun your fears. When disaster strikes, can Zapfino find the strength to be great?

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“A delightfully silly story with a sweet heart.” —Booklist

“Capybara is simply a hoot.” —BCCB

Learn what lengths you do and DON’T need to go to in order to be a good friend! This hilarious picture book from Maddie Frost is perfect for social emotional learning! Read Capybara Is Friends With Everyone

Hi, hello. My name is Capybara and I think it’s important to be a great friend. Take it from me, I have 4,382 friends!

Capybara will do anything for his friends. But it’s exhausting—and when Capybara meets a potential new friend who doesn’t seem to be responding to his advances, Capybara learns a valuable lesson. His friends like him just for who he is!

From the creator of Smug Seagull and Just be Jelly and illustrator of Shine Like a Unicorn comes a funny, heartwarming story about friendship.

This book is an excellent teaching tool for lessons on friendship and creating boundaries within those relationships. It is a funny story for families to share, and a great read-aloud at home or in the classroom! 

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ow does a dinosaur say goodbye? Does he shake his head hard? Does she give a loud cry? See How Does a Dinosaur Say Goodbye?

In another installment in this award-winning picture book series by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, dinosaurs teach young readers how to say farewell with love and grace. The names of each dinosaur featured are hidden on the pages, engaging readers in a unique way!

Each How Do Dinosaurs book is a combination of childish antics followed by a gentle lesson.

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To the outside world, it might look like you do everything right: eat your broccoli, share your toys, and behave in the bath. But what about the moments when no-one is looking, and your messier, mushier, scared-ier self is revealed? The only one who knows is… the loyal dog friend who sees it all and still loves you just the way you are. Check Out Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose

Readers of all ages are sure to laugh along with recognition and delight in this celebration of our full inner selves and this tender friendship stories. With tender, humorous text from New York Times bestselling author and joyful, expressive watercolors from artist Lisa Mezoff, this sweet book presents a validating message of confidence, empowerment, and unconditional love.

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