Chapter Books
The List of Things That Will Not Change by
At a time when everything is changing for Bea and her family, the important things will always stay the same. After her parents' divorce, Bea's life became different in many ways. But she can always look back at the list she keeps in her green notebook to remember the things that will stay the same. The first and most important: Mom and Dad will always love Bea, and each other.
Call Number: Junior STEPublication Date: 2022
Family Changes
100 Chapatis by
A boy makes one hundred chapatis with his grandfather while they wait for news of his new baby sibling's arrival Simon doesn't want the baby to come. He was happy with just his mom, dad, and Pappa. Now, Mom and Dad are at the hospital, and Simon and Pappa are waiting for news at home. Knowing how hard it is to wait, Pappa starts Simon on a project of making one hundred chapatis. They measure the ingredients, knead and roll the dough, and then drop them one by one into a giant frying pan. Soon, Simon is so busy that he forgets to worry. "Can I show the baby how to make chapatis?" he asks Pappa. And before they know it, Pappa is frying up the one hundredth chapati ... and the phone is ringing! A debut picture book with texture-rich illustrations and simple evocative text, 100 Chapatisis a gentle lesson in patience that makes for a wonderful read-aloud.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS MASPublication Date: 2023
The Adopted Dragon by
Join Drew and his dragon Diggory Doo in this uplifting story to understand adoption and what it means to be adopted. Your children will learn alongside Diggory Doo as he faces relatable issues children have when being adopted and the underlying grief that most adopted kids can't give a name to. Parents and educators will find this book a great tool to open up a great discussion about adoption, the love of adoptive parents and siblings, the different types of families and how families are made, and much more... Get this book to explain adoption, and give children the empowering affirmation that they are accepted, needed, included, and loved.
Publication Date: 2022
Boyogi: How a Wounded Family Learned to Heal by
When his daddy comes home from the service struggling with PTSD, a young boy discovers that learning yoga together can be a source of healing. Ever since Daddy returned from overseas, he's been different. At first, Butta Bean thinks it's his fault--that maybe his daddy doesn't love him anymore. But Mama explains that Daddy's mind is hurt from things that happened while he was away. When Mama takes them all to yoga class at their local YMCA, Daddy doesn't want to go at first, and Butta Bean thinks it looks weird. But as Daddy and Butta Bean get better at the yoga poses (Daddy says he's a real boyogi), Butta Bean starts to see a change in Daddy. He seems more and more like his old self. In a picture book gently tuned to a child's understanding, award-winning author David Barclay Moore and Caldecott Honor recipient Noa Denmon celebrate the transformative power of yoga, therapy, and abiding love for your family.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS MOOPublication Date: 2023
Divorce Is the Worst by
In her iconic straightforward-but-sensitive way, author Anastasia Higginbotham sheds light on how hard it is for children to stay whole when their whole world, and the people in it, split apart. ...the worst part is feeling alone, and feeling like no one could ever understand how awful it is. This book counters those terrible feelings in a beautiful, heartfelt, funny, and digestible way.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS HIGPublication Date: 2019
Do you Remember? by
From the multiple award-winning creator of Small in the City and the illustrator of I Talk Like a River comes a fresh and moving look at memories, filtered through the mind of a child.Tucked in bed at a new apartment, a boy and his mother trade favorite memories. Some are idyllic, like a picnic with Dad, but others are more surprising: a fall from a bike into soft piled hay, the smell of an old oil lamp when a rainstorm blew the power out.Now it’s just the two of them, and the house where all those memories happened is far away. But maybe someday, this will be a favorite memory, too: happy and sad, an end and a beginning intertwined.In a series of warm and wistful vignettes, as achingly fleeting as childhood memories always become, Sydney Smith takes us into the mind of a young person processing a bevy of complex emotions during a major life change.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS SMIPublication Date: 2023
The D Word by
Otis used to have the "perfect" family. That all changed when his parents told him that they were getting a D...D...D... The "D" Word he can't even say it! At first Otis blames himself. With the help of his Gram, Otis discovers the reasons why people get divorced. He also learns about the Three C's of Divorce: I didn't CAUSE it I can't CONTROL it, so I'm going to have to learn to COPE with it! This book offers both children and adults the tools and insights that are needed to effectively deal with the difficult challenges that a family goes through when parents get divorced.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS COOPublication Date: 2011
Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders by
A picture book about adoption and family. A young girl who is a transracial adoptee learns to love her Asian eyes and finds familial connection and meaning through them, even though they look different from her parents'. Her family bond is deep and their connection is filled with love. She wonders about her birth mom, and comes to appreciate both her birth culture and her adopted family's culture, for even though they may seem very different, they are both a part of her, and that is what makes her beautiful. She learns to appreciate the differences in her family and celebrate them.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS HOPublication Date: 2024
Far Apart, Close in Heart by
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2017 - Best Picture Books to Give Readers Strength STARRED REVIEW! "This book is a necessary one."--Kirkus Reviews starred review STARRED REVIEW! "A highly recommended title that serves as an excellent entry to discuss incarceration in an age-appropriate way."--School Library Journal starred review Millions of children worldwide have a parent in jail or prison. Kids can have all kinds of feelings and questions when a parent is incarcerated. Rafael is embarrassed. Rashid is angry. Yen wonders if it's her fault. This sensitive story illustrates a range of situations children may face with moms or dads behind bars, while reassuring them they are not alone.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS BIRPublication Date: 2017
Finding Papa by
This poignant and lyrical debut picture book based on the author's own experience and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Thi Bui follows young Mai and her mother's perilous journey from Vietnam to America to find Papa--who left ahead of them to start a better life for their family. No one can make Mai laugh like her Papa! She loves playing their favorite game--the crocodile chomp chomp! But then Papa leaves Vietnam in search of a new home for their family in America and Mai misses him very much. Until one day, Mama and Mai pack a small bag and say goodbye to the only home Mai has ever known. And so begins Mai and Mama's long, perilous journey by foot and by boat, through dangers and darkness, to find Papa. Finding Papa reminds us that love and courage can stretch an ocean and that nothing can keep us apart from those we care about.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS KRAPublication Date: 2023
A Garden Called Home by
Mama was born in a country far away from here. I love her stories about warm rain in winter and green mountains. And now Mama's taking me there! When a young girl and her mother go to visit her family, the girl notices a change. At home, her mother mostly stays inside. Here, her mother likes to explore and go hiking. The girl has never seen her so happy! Her mother tells her about the trees, bushes, flowers and birds. Did you know that tree roots make mountains strong? And that ai hao (mugwort) is used to make delicious, sweet dumplings? But her mother's smile goes away when they return home. It's cold and she doesn't want to go outside. She goes back to wearing her big quilted jackets and watering her houseplants. How can the girl show her mother that nature here can be wondrous too?
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS LEEPublication Date: 2024
Home at Last by
A poignant, timely, and universal picture book about fear, adoption, family, and the joy of fatherhood, written by beloved and award-winning author Vera B. Williams and illustrated by the author in collaboration with two-time Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS WILPublication Date: 2016
Just Right Family by
Winner, 2018 Gwen P. Reichert Gold Medal for Children's Literature, Florida Book Award Meili, who is six years old and adopted from China, learns that her parents are going to adopt a baby from Haiti. She's not happy. Why do they need a new baby? Their family is just right as it is. As Meili learns more about her new sibling and the importance of being a big sister, will she realize that a new addition can be just right for their family too?
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS LOPPublication Date: 2018
The Last Stand by
The author of Nigel and the Moon, delivers a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here's a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope. Every stand has a story. This one is mine. Saturday is for harvesting. And one little boy is excited to work alongside his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers and pumpkins to sell at their stand in the farmer's market. Of course, it's more than a farmer's market. Papa knows each customer's order, from Ms. Rosa's pumpkins to Mr. Johnny's peppers. And when Papa can't make it to the stand, his community gathers around him, with dishes made of his own produce. Heartwarming illustrations complement the lyrical text in this poignant picture book that reveals a family's pride in their work, and reminds us to harvest love and hope from those around us.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS EADPublication Date: 2024
Littles: and How They Grow by
In the beloved tradition of Robert Munsch's Love You Forever and Emily Winfield Martin's The Wonderful Things You Will Be comes a beautiful rhyming ode to babies from a New York Times bestselling author/illustrator duo-perfect for baby showers, newborn gifts, first birthdays, christenings, and anytime babies are celebrated. In this unforgettable, squeal-filled, tear-inducing love song to babies and how quickly they grow up,author Kelly DiPucchio's heart-tugging rhyme meets the gorgeous, dimple-cheeked, multicultural babies ofillustrator AG Ford. With adorable scenes from the busy life of a baby-peekaboo, feedings, tantrums, giggles-and a final scene that reminds us how they become big kids all too soon, this is the ideal gift for any new parent and their child.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS DIPPublication Date: 2017
Maribel's Year by
Celebrate the special connection between father and daughter in this gorgeously evocative picture book, recounting the year a little girl and her mother spend in America while waiting for her father to join them from the Philippines. New country, new school, new friends. A lot can happen in a single year. But one thing's for certain: Maribel won't forget her Papa, even when he's 8,000 miles away in the Philippines. After all, Papa is all around. He is the memory of feeding koi fish in their pond every morning. He is the constellation map as Maribel dreams of showing him her new world. He is the packages and letters sent back and forth. He is everywhere except the place he's wanted the most. But the bond between Maribel and Papa transcends oceans. So as the snow melts and turns to rain, as flowers blossom and welcome sun-kissed days, and as the leaves start to change and snow begins to fall once more, can Maribel wait just a little bit longer?
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS STEPublication Date: 2023
Missing Daddy by
"This book is a crucial tool for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the well-being of children who, through no fault of their own, are forced to bear the consequences of our country's obsession with incarceration. For children who desperately miss their parents, feel confused, or are teased at school, this book can go a long way in letting them know that they are not alone and in normalizing their experiences."
--Eve L. Ewing A little girl who misses her father because he's away in prison shares how his absence affects different parts of her life. Her greatest excitement is the days when she gets to visit her beloved father. With gorgeous illustrations throughout, this book illuminates the heartaches of dealing with missing a parent. Missing Daddy was selected as one of Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books 2019. Mariame Kaba is an educator and organizer based in New York City. She has been active in anti-criminalization and anti-violence movements for the past thirty years. bria royal is a multidisciplinary artist from Chicago.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS KABPublication Date: 2019
Monday, Wednesday, and Every Other Weekend by
Henry Cooper and his dog Pomegranate have two houses. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other weekend, they live with Mama in her new apartment, but on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other weekend, they live with Papa in his new house. Henry and Pomegranate are happy as they dance with Mama and sing with Papa, but Henry knows that sometimes Pomegranate gets confused and just wants to go . . . home. This gentle and accessible story about dealing with the many changes that come with divorce is beautifully brought to life by author Karen Stanton's vivid and memorable illustrations.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS STAPublication Date: 2014
A Most Unusual Day by
Something rather extraordinary is happening in Caroline's life today . . . her family is adopting a new baby sister! A warm and loving story about school, family, siblings, and adoption, for anyone eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new sibling. Today is a very unusual day! Caroline wakes up late, forgets her socks, and feels strange all the way to school. She tries to help her teacher, but everything is mixed up today and all Caroline manages to do is make a great big mess. Finally, the school day ends and Caroline rushes outside to greet her parents, who are having a rather extraordinary day themselves. In their arms they hold Caroline's new baby sister, who has just arrived from far away. Sydra Mallery's debut picture book is a loving celebration of family, adoption, and sisters. Exquisitely realized by the acclaimed illustrator E. B. Goodale, this charming adoption story is perfect for anyone welcoming a new brother or sister into the family.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS MALPublication Date: 2018
My Baby Sister Is a Diplodocus by
A brother finds an inventive way to reconcile with his new baby sister through his love of dinosaurs in this eye-catching, neon-bright picture book.My new baby sister comes home. But babies don't drink milk, don't ride a bicycle, don't play my games. Do I like being a big brother? No! Roooarr! I stomp around and go to sleep in my T-Rex onesie. In the morning, I take another look at baby sister--baby sister diplodocus.My Baby Sister Is a Diplodocus is a sibling story that mirrors the imaginative world of a toddler. By fully inhabiting his dinosaur world, a brother reconciles with his baby sister, finding room for everyone in the family.Vivid contemporary illustrations and surprising perspectives complement a spare narrative. Affecting vignettes of this new family, with its little baby tucked up in the center of the story, combine with graphic/comics elements in the storytelling as we share the emotion of each moment unfolding.Praise for My Baby Sister Is a Diplodocus:"A sympathetic read for children adapting to not being 'onlies' anymore."--Kirkus Reviews
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS PETPublication Date: 2024
My Big Fantastic Family by
This funny and reassuring celebration of non-nuclear families will help children to understand that they will always be loved--even if parents separate or divorce. When Dad says that he's moving out, Lily-May feels all upside-down inside. But now Dad comes on Sundays, and they ride their bikes really fast and make secret dens together. Lily-May plays more just with Mom now, too--and when Mom's new partner Peter comes over, they play pirate ships! Sometimes, there are tricky moments--Lily-May hates it when Mum has to work late--but a birthday party with Lily-May's big fantastic family helps her realize just how many people love her. Beautifully written in rhyme by the award-winning authors of the bestselling George's Amazing Adventures series, this uplifting story with a diverse cast of characters embraces all the positive aspects of becoming part of a blended family after a divorce or separation.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS GUIPublication Date: 2023
My Life with a Parent in the Military by
Meet Gracen! She likes karate and ice skating. Her dad is in the military. Gracen is real and so are her experiences with moving often and having her dad away from home. Learn about her life in this illustrated narrative nonfiction picture book for elementary students
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS SCHPublication Date: 2024
Still a Family: A Story about Homelessness by
New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2017. A family has fallen on hard times and are living in different homeless shelters. But even though they are separate, they are still a family. A little girl and her parents have lost their home and must live in a homeless shelter. Even worse, due to a common shelter policy, her dad must live in a men's shelter, separated from her and her mom. Despite these circumstances, the family still finds time to be together. They meet at the park to play hide-and-seek, slide on slides, and pet puppies. While the young girl wishes for better days when her family is together again under a roof of their very own, she continues to remind herself that they're still a family even in times of separation.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS REEPublication Date: 2017
There's Always Room for One More by
A girl struggles to say goodbye to the family table until she discovers that a new, bigger table means more room for creating memories and welcoming loved ones in this heartwarming picture book perfect for fans of All Are Welcome, The Bench, and A Grand Day. Clare loves her family's table--it's the perfect size for homework help and pancake breakfasts. But with Grandpa moving in, Mama says they need a bigger one. Clare is excited for Grandpa's arrival, but not ready to say goodbye to the old table. When the new table arrives, neighbors help clean, sand, and paint. Friends and family bring over puzzles and peaches to help make Grandpa feel at home. But it's not until Clare helps Papa make Grandpa's favorite treat that she finally sees how this table means more space for creating new memories. And that when it comes to the people you love, there's always room for one more.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS MCGPublication Date: 2023
This Is Not My Home by
A humorous and heartfelt reverse immigration story that will resonate across cultures and show us how a place can become home. This is not my backyard barbecue. This is not our car, these are not my fireflies. This is not my farmer's market and... This is not my home. When Lily's mom announces their family must move back to Taiwan to take care of her elderly Ah Ma, Lily is devastated to leave behind her whole life for a place that is most definitely not her home. But Lily soon realizes, through the help of her family and friends, what home means to them. And perhaps someday--maybe not today, but someday--it might become her home too.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS YOHPublication Date: 2023
We Waited for You by
A perfect gift for any parent celebrating the arrival of a child. With breathtaking illustrations and a sweet rhyming text, Golden Globe and Emmy-winning screenwriter and director Cindy Chupack's debut picture book celebrates the moment a child and parent form a family. "We waited for you. Sometimes it seemed everybody we knew even bears at the zoo had a baby or two but we waited for you. We dreamed about you. Dreamed about all the adventures we'd share once you were there safe in our care, sweet dreams of you."
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS CHUPublication Date: 2023
When Otis Courted Mama by
Apart from sticker burrs and sand fleas, Cardell's life is mostly wonderful. He knows he's loved through and through by his perfectly good mama and his perfectly good daddy. They live in different parts of the desert, but that's okay--Cardell is mostly used to it. Then Otis comes calling, and Cardell feels a grrr form in his throat. Otis can't make jalapeño flapjacks or play Zig-the-Zag anything like Cardell's daddy. And so Cardell waits for Mama to say "Adiós, Otis." But what will happen if she doesn't?
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS APPPublication Date: 2015
The Wishing Machine by
Oge Mora's Saturday meets Carmela Full of Wishes in this touching and whimsical picture book about a mother and child's last trip to their local laundromat before moving away. Every Sunday after cereal, Sam and Mom walk to the laundromat, wash their clothes, and see their friends. But this Sunday is different. Today, doing laundry means packing clean clothes in boxes to move away. Sam doesn't want to leave their neighborhood and friends. Maybe if they hope with all their might, they can turn a washing machine into a wishing machine! Sam's imagination transforms the mundane into a series of wonders as they cope with change and learn the true meaning of home.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS HILPublication Date: 2023
Yard Sale by
When a family has to leave their house and move to a small apartment, it's hard to let go of things--but having one another is what counts. Almost everything Callie's family owns is spread out in their front yard--their furniture, their potted flowers, even Callie's bike. They can't stay in this house, so they're moving to an apartment in the city. The new place is "small but nice," Mom says, and most of their things won't fit, so today they are having a yard sale. But it's kind of hard to watch people buy your stuff, even if you understand why it has to happen. With sensitivity and grace, Eve Bunting and Lauren Castillo portray an event at once familiar and difficult, making clear that a home isn't about what you have, but whom you hold close.
Call Number: CHILDREN'S BOOKS BUNPublication Date: 2015
