I Want to Read ALL the Books by Debbie Ohi

I Want to Read ALL the Books 

by Debbie Ohi

Expected Publication

Sept. 17, 2024

Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Hardcover

48 Pages

Fiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

An insatiably curious girl decides the only way to answer all her questions is to read all the books in this funny and charming picture book in the spirit of The Library Fish and Tom Chapin’s The Library Book.Hana wants to know everything about the world around her. When she starts asking questions, her mother gives her a book. She learns so much, but now she has even more questions! She also has a big she will read all the books—every single one! She reads every book in her house…and then her friends’ houses…and then the whole block. Nonfiction, fiction, romance, mysteries, and science fiction. But when her mother takes her to the downtown library, she realizes there are a lot more books than she thought…way more. Maybe she can’t really read all the books—now what?

My Thoughts

What book lover can't relate to Hana's desire to tread ALL the books? She started with a list of questions and then she read books to find the answers to the questions which, inevitably, led to more questions. I won't spoil the ending, but when she realizes that she won't be able to read ALL the books in the world, she needs to see how she can still read lots of books, but then she realizes she can also share the love of reading. 

I can see lots of lists of questions being created in classrooms after reading this book. I can't wait to read it to students in my library. 

Visit Debbie Ohi's website to learn more about the making of this book. 

Finding Grateful by Dianne White and Faith Pray

Finding Grateful 

by Dianne White

Illustrated by Faith Pray

Published April, 2024

Chronicle Books

Hardcover 

44 Pages

Fiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A heartfelt picture book that celebrates embracing the moment and finding gratitude right here, right now.

What does grateful look like? How does it feel? How do you find it? Even in the face of a challenge, you don’t need a You just need to pay attention to the little things—a smile, a hug, the smell of newly cut grass—that add up to a sense of presence and hope.

With evocative, lyrical prose, this warmly illustrated children's book is a reminder to pause, reflect, and take in the glimmers of positivity and connection that can be found amid even the most difficult circumstances. Both a timely meditation on finding gratitude in everyday moments and a timeless ode to the simple joy of truly being present, Finding Grateful encourages readers to slow down and embrace the beauty of being right where they are.

MODELS Kids aren’t immune to the stress and anxiety of an uncertain future—far from it! This book offers powerful tools for reclaiming their thoughts and emotions in difficult practicing awareness, staying open to and present in the world around them, and finding moments of gratitude each and every day.

CELEBRATES THE BEAUTY IN SMALL This picture book's embrace of joy in everyday moments will resonate with parents of observant and curious children who are fascinated by everything in their world.

MAKES BIG FEELINGS MORE Teaching social and emotional skills to kids is more important than ever, and this expressive book models a thoughtful, engaging way of emerging from difficult moments with lasting feelings of gratitude.

A WARM With its accessible and soothing tone, this exuberant yet gentle picture book is just right for reading to kids and for kids reading independently.

Perfect

My Thoughts

Finding Grateful is a sweet reminder that even in the face of challenges, there is still much to be grateful for.  After their car breaks down the girl and her mother find small blessings along the way as they walk to find help: a flower growing in a crack in the sidewalk, a cool sprinkle of water on a hot day, and a smile from a stranger. This book reminds readers that gratitude comes in many forms, big and small. I will be adding Finding Grateful to my school library and our school SEL book list. 

Image from Amazon.com 

September 21 is World Gratitude Day so you still have some time to grab your copy. 

Find recommended reading, activities, and links at findinggrateful.com.

Dianne White is a writing teacher and the author of many award-winning picture books, including Blue on Blue, illustrated by Caldecott medalist Beth Krommes, and Dark on Light, illustrated by Felicita Sala. Forthcoming publications include It's Your Time to Shine, illustrated by Nanette Regan, and Finding Grateful, illustrated by Faith Pray. Dianne loves purple flowers, puppies, and “finding grateful” each and every day. For more, visit findinggrateful.com and diannewrites.com.