UW-Stout Library Educational Materials Center

Poke-a-Dot!: Who’s in the Ocean

Written by Sarah Russel and Lucy Shultz

Ages: 1-6 Years old 

“Click” and “Pop” your way through this interactive book while you discover who all lives in the ocean.

Old MacDonald’s Farm

Written by Melissa and Doug

Ages: 2-4

Count the dots as you find the animals on MacDonald’s Farm.

Excavator’s 123

Written by Sherri Dusky Rinker and Ethan Long (Illustrator)

Ages: 0-2

Count with Excavator and Dumb truck as they complete their tasks through the work day.

Good Night Packers

Written by Brad M Epstein and Curt Walstead (Illustrator) 

Ages: 3 Months - 5 Years 

Enjoy this Good Night story about the Packers with accurate illustrations of Lambeau Field.

Opposites

Written by Penny West 

Ages: 4-6

Using pictures and fun examples you and your Child can learn about things that are opposite of each other.  

Eat Your Colors

Written by Amanda Miller 

Ages: 1-3

Learn about colors as you identify which nutritional foods are which color.

Let’s Play Baseball: Lift-a-Flap

Written by Ginger Swift and Zoe Waring (Illustrator)

Ages: 2-5

You can learn the basics of baseball as you are guided through the book and encouraged to flip flaps to learn more.

A Germ’s Journey: Dirty Hands! Clean Hands!

Written by Katie Laird, Sarah Younie, John Williams and Charles Evens (Illustrator)

Ages: 3-5

From your toilet to your tummy, germs are everywhere! This books will teach you about germs and how they spread as well as how to stay clean and prevent the spread of germs.

Weather 

Written by Jill McDonald

Ages: 0-3

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall are the for seasons and this book will tell you what there is to know about them.

Families Belong

Written by Dan Saks and Brooke Smart (Illustrator)

Ages: 1-3

As you go through this book you will se multiple scenarios of families and the unconditional love they display.

A Little Book About 123′s 

Written by Leo Lionni and Jan Geradi (Illustrator)

Ages: 0-3 

Picture books about immigrants:

The Journey  by Francesca Sanna Age Range: 5-7 Years This shows many situations that a refugee family may have encountered in a simple, picture-book format.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson Age Range: 5-8 Years Picture book about an immigrant boy from Venezuela, with a message about feeling like an outsider.

A Piece of Home by Jeri Watts Age Range: 5-8 Years Story of a Korean immigrant boy that shows starting over in a new place while keeping family and traditions close.

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales Age Range: 4-8 Years Tells the author/illustrators story of coming to America with her infant son. There is also a Spanish-language edition available called Sonadores,

Leela and the Days of Rain by Rita Patel-Garcia Leela is a young girl who has to move, leaving behind her home and friends. Leela finds herself becoming sad and lonely. Leela finds hope once again after speaking to a counselor.

Teach Your Dragon about Diversity: Train Your Dragon to Respect Diversity by Steve Herman Age Range: 3 Months - 12 Years

Chapter books about Immigration or refugees:

Life, After by Sara Darer Littman Age range: 12-17 Years Focuses on the main character, Dani, adjusting to life in the US after she moves from Argentina.

My Name is Not Easy by Debby Dahl Edwardson Age Range: 12-14 Years Historical Fiction about a native American Alaskan boy sent to a boarding school.

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai This book is based on the author’s own experience of coming to the United States from Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon. It is geared toward younger middle school age readers.

The Good Braider by Terry Farish Age Range: 14-17 Years Describes the experience of a girl and her family who flee Sudan and settle in Portland, Maine.

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney Age range: 9-12 Years Middle grade fiction about life in a refugee camp.

The Girl Who Smiled Beads     by Clemantine Wamariya YA memoir written by a girl who survived the Rwandan massacre and lived in refugee camps until she came to the U.S. at age 12.

Bilingual Books immigration, feelings, acceptance –

The Other Bears by Michael Thompson Age Range: 4-7 Years Shows how the koala bear parents were suspicious of other kinds of bears, until they saw that all the bear children were playing together. There are bilingual versions in other languages available from Starbright Books. My copy is in Arabic.

The terrible journey : A Hmong child's true story of his escape from Laos to Thailand by Chsa Yah This is Hmong/English bilingual. Picture book format, but probably better for older elementary grades.

The Hmong Journey

by Ger Thao

I’m Like You, You’re Like Me: A book about understanding and appreciating each other (Spanish/English) by Cindy Gainer Age range: 3-8 Years

Words are not for hurting = Las palabras no son para lastimar by Elizabeth Verdick Age range: 4-7 Years

Just because I am : A child's book of affirmation = Solo porque soy yo by Lauren Payne Age range: 3-8 Years

Missing Mommy Written by Rebecca Cobb Ages: 5-8 Honest and straightforward, this touching story explores the many emotions a bereaved child may experience, from anger and guilt to sadness and bewilderment.

 When Miles Got Mad Written by Samantha Kurtzman-Counter Ages: 4-7 Through this fun story and adorable illustrations, this insightful and entertaining children's book offers much-needed comfort to young children as they struggle to regulate their emotions.

Everyone Feels Angry Sometimes Written by Cari Meister, illustrated by Damian Ward Ages: 5-7 It’s OK to feel angry. What does being angry feel like? What does it look like? How can you help anger go away? Everyone feels angry sometimes.

How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad? Written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague Ages: 3-5 The award-winning team of Yolen and Teague have created a fun, engaging book sure to help children handle anger and frustration.

Night of the Veggie Monster Written by George McClements Ages: 4-8 When a single pea touches the lips of this determined vegetable hater, our hero doesn't cry, whine, or refuse to swallow. He turns into a VEGGIE MONSTER!

Some Bunny To Talk To: A Story About Going to Therapy Written by Cheryl Sterling, Paola Conte, and Larissa Labay Ages 3-7 This book helps children understand what to expect when going to therapy.

Be Positive! Written by Cheri J. Meiners, illustrated by Elizabeth Allen Ages: 4-8 This book introduces young children to ways of thinking and acting that will help them feel good about themselves, cope when things don’t go their way, and contribute to other people’s happiness, too.

Bounce Back! Written by Cheri J. Meiners, illustrated by Elizabeth Allen Ages: 4-8 Young children learn thought processes and actions that are positive, realistic, and helpful for bouncing back, as well as helping them recognize people who can support them in times of difficulty.

How to be Comfortable in Your own Feathers Written by Julia Cook, illustrated by Anita DuFalla Ages: 9 and up Bluebird's Mom comes to the rescue by teaching Bluebird balance and by explaining that everyone needs to feel comfortable in their own feathers.

The Girl who Never Made Mistakes Written by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein, illustrated by Mark Pett Ages: 4-8 Nine-year-old Beatrice Bottomwell has not ever made a mistake, but when she . makes her first mistake, she learns that perfection isn’t everything, and mistakes can be a source of learning and even fun.

It's Okay To Be Different Written and illustrated by Todd Parr Ages: 4-7 Todd Parr’s bright and colorful text and illustrations celebrate all kinds of differences that are "okay," 

The Crown on Your Head Written and illustrated by Nancy Tillman Ages: 4-8 Nancy Tillman expresses the sentiment that every child is special with beautiful illustrations and poetic text.

Better Than You Written by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Adam Gustavson Ages: 6-9 With the help of his uncle Kevin, Tyler begins to understand that bragging can be hurtful, and is not a reflection of his own abilities.

The Skin You Live In Written by Michael Tyler, illustrated by David Lee Csicsko Ages: 2-6 This book celebrates diversity through simple, rhyming text, and reminds children of their similarities.

Whether it’s the first day of Kindergarten, or midway though 3rd grade, going to school can be a source of anxiety for children. Here are a few children’s books to help ease their worries.

First Grade Dropout Written by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Matthew Cordell Ages: 4-7 Helps kids discover that even though embarrassing things happen, they’re usually not as bad as they seem.

School’s First Day of School Written by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson Ages: 4-8 It's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. What will the children do once they come? Will they like the school? Will they be nice to him?

Ally-saurus and the First Day of School Written and illustrated by Richard Torrey Ages: 3-6 Ally is an empathetic guide for young children facing their own first days, no matter what or who they imagine themselves to be.

Ten Rules You Must Absolutely Not Break if you Want to Survive the School Bus Written by John Grandits, illustrated by Michael Allen Austin Ages: 6-9 Kyle’s brother gives him ten rules for riding the bus that he absolutely, positively must obey if he wants to avoid getting laughed at or yelled at. Along the way, Kyle discovers that the school bus isn’t so bad, and he may even have a thing or two to teach his brother.

Mouse’s First Night at Moonlight School Written by Simon Puttock, illustrated by Ali Pye Ages: 3-7 A reassuring look at feeling shy on the first day in the classroom.

ABC School’s for Me! Written by Susan B. Katz, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger Ages: 3-5 A furry and fun introduction to the preschool experience.

Stanley at School Written by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Bill Slavin Ages: 3-7 What could be more fun than four dogs running loose in an elementary school? Not much. Until they get caught, that is!

My Teacher is a Monster Written and illustrated by Peter Brown Ages: 4-8 Over the course of one day, Bobby learns that monsters are not always what they seem.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School Written by Davide Cali, illustrated by Benjamin Chaud Ages: 4-8 A fast-paced, action-packed, laugh-out-loud story about finding the way to school despite the odds—and the unbelievable oddness!

Wiffy Wilson, the Wolf Who Wouldn’t Go to School Written by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Leonie Lord Ages: 5-6 When his best friend Dotty takes him along to class with her one day, Whiffy discovers that school is not the boring, stuffy place he thought it would be. This endearing story will be an instant favorite among children who are preparing for their first day of school and may be feeling just a bit like Whiffy.

Not This Bear Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated Lorna Hussey Ages: 2-6 When given the space and time he needs to acclimate, a young bear learns to love all the new things about school....A reassuring book to share with just about any set-in-their-ways child.

Rocking in My School Shoes Written by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean Ages: 4-8 Pete the Cat is rocking in his school shoes.  And no matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his song...because it’s all good.

If you Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t! Written and illustrated by Elise Parsley Ages: 5-6 The first hilarious story in the New York Times bestselling Magnolia Says DON'T! series about a charismatic kid who's got a terrific knack for terrible ideas!

Oliver and His Alligator Written and illustrated by Paul Schmid Ages: 3-5 A gentle, funny tale about overcoming first day of school jitters.

My First Day Written by Leilani Sparrow, illustrated by Dan Taylor Ages: 3-5 This look at a little bear's first school day will reassure those just starting preschool or kindergarten.

Favorite picture books about hygiene and self care. All can be checked out from the Educational Materials Center, on the 2nd floor of the library.

Woolfred Cannot Eat Dandelions: A Tale of Being True to Your Tummy Written and illustrated by Claudine Crangle Ages: 4-7 Offers information and strategies for developing an emotionally healthy attitude about living with food intolerances. 

Yoga Bunny Written and illustrated by Brian Russo Ages: 4-8 Akin to I Am Yoga by Susan Verde, Yoga Bunny helps readers relax and unwind as they learn beginning yoga poses, from downward dog to tree pose.

Cutie Sue Fights the Germs Written by Kate Melton, illustrated by Ira Baykovska Ages: 5-6 Story about a brave little girl and her brother who fight the germs. This book teaches about the basics of personal hygiene and how to stay healthy. 

I Know Why I Brush My Teeth Written by Kate Rowan, illustrated by Katharine McEwen Ages: 4-8 This book tells about your teeth and how to brush and keep them clean.

Brushing Teeth Written by Mari Schuh, illustrated by Katharine McEwen Ages: 4-8 Book covering the importance of brushing your teeth.

Baby Night-Night Written by Kate Merritt Ages: 2-5 Baby Night-Night makes the bedtime ritual―putting on pajamas, reading a story, and the good-night kiss―a special time for parents and children. Simple, engaging text encourages language development, and each spread is filled with sweet details.

Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Christmas Written by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Elizabeth Fuller Ages: 2-6 It’s Christmas, and that means Mrs.Wishy-Washy wants her animals as clean as shiny new tacks. In fact, if they don’t scrub themselves from foot to head before she returns from shopping, they won’t get their presents!

Maisy Takes a Bath Written by Lucy Cousins Ages: 2-5 Tallulah doesn't want Maisy to take a bubble bath just now. She wants her to come out and play instead. What will Maisy's friend do next?

Hygiene... You Stink! Written by Julia Cook, illustrated by Anita Du Falla Ages: 4-7 In this ingenious tale, young readers are sure to get the message that good hygiene will improve their health and their relationships.

Noses Are Not for Picking Written by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen Ages: 1-4 With gentle humor and kid-friendly support, this board book for toddlers and preschoolers helps guide little ones away from nose picking toward healthier habits, like using a tissue and washing their hands.

Sick Simon Written by Dan Krall, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen Ages: 4-8 Sick Simon learns how to be health-conscious during cold and flu season in this clever picture book from the author-illustrator of The Great Lollipop Caper.

I'm Dirty! Written by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Jim McMullan Ages: 4-8 This construction vehicle with an attitude loves every second of his dirty job! It starts the day sparkling clean--until it has to remove the garbage from an otherwise empty lot.

Favorite picture books about death and loss. All can be checked out from the Educational Materials Center, on 1st floor of the library.

The Heart and the Bottle Written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers Ages 4-7 After losing a loved one, a young girl puts her heart in a bottle, so she won’t be hurt again. However, she realizes she must release it, in order to experience the joy of the world.

Harry & Hopper Written by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Freya Blackwood Ages: 2-5 When Harry's beloved dog Hopper dies, he has a hard time letting go, as Harry sees Hopper still in his life. Eyes will not stay dry as readers experience this beautifully written, gently illustrated story about losing a dear pet.

The Scar Written by Charlotte Moundlic, illustrated by Olivier Tallec  Ages: 5-9 A little boy responds to his mother's death in a genuine, deeply moving story leavened by glimmers of humor and captivating illustrations.

Boats for Papa Written by Jessixa Bagley Ages: 4-7 In this stunning debut, author/illustrator Jessixa Bagley explores the subtle and deep emotions associated with loss in a heartwarming tale that is sure to stay with the reader long after the book is closed.

The Best Cat in the World  Written by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Ronald Himler Ages: 5-8 A young boy deals with the loss of his beloved cat Charlie, eventually accepting the arrival of another, very different cat.

A Name on the Quilt : A Story of Remembrance Written by Jeannine Atkins, illustrated by Tad Hills Ages: 5 and up Lauren misses the feeling of Uncle Ron's hand in hers as they skated across the ice together. She misses visiting Uncle Ron and Michael's kitchen, which was the only place where she got snacks in china bowls and juice in glasses that could break.

The Memory String Written by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ted Rand Ages: 4-7 The buttons Laura cherishes the most belonged to her mother—a button from her prom dress, a white one off her wedding dress, and a single small button from the nightgown she was wearing on the day she died.

Where is Grandpa? Written by T. A. Barron, illustrated by Chris Soentpiet Ages: 4-8 When Grandpa dies, the whole family grieves, and his youngest grandson can't imagine life without him. Everyone has fond memories of Grandpa. His granddaughter talks about hiking the canyon with him, and his grandsons remember Grandpa climbing up to the tree house and carving pumpkins in the kitchen. But where is Grandpa now?

A Dog Like Jack Written by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan Ages: 4 and up After a long life of chasing squirrels, licking ice cream cones, and loving his adoptive family, an old dog comes to the end of his days.

A Story For Hippo Written by Simon Puttock, illustrated by Alison Bartlett Ages: 4 and up A Story for Hippo answers difficult questions in a way that even a very young child can understand and shows us how to keep the spirit of a cherished person alive forever.

Always by My Side Written by Susan Kerner, illustrated by Ian Benfold Haywood Ages: 5-8 Always By My Side is a comforting, rhyming story written to help children understand that a father's love is forever, even if they grow up without his presence in their lives.

Favorite picture books for children, about conquering fears. All can be checked out from the Educational Materials Center, on 1st floor of the library.

Brady Needs a Nightlight Written by Brian Barlics, illustrated by Gregory Burgess Jones Ages: 2-4 In this book you will meet Brady, a bat who oddly has a terrible fear of the dark. Learn how Brady discovers a creative way to solve this problem with a little help from some friends.

Roller Coaster Written by Marla Frazee Ages: 4-7 Get ready to experience the thrill of riding a coaster for the very first time in this vibrant new adventure from acclaimed picture book creator Marla Frazee.

Epossumondas Plays Possum Written by Coleen Salley, illustrated by Janet Stevens Ages: 4-7 Epossumondas is the silliest, most lovable possum south of the Mason-Dixon line. He enters into the swam even though his mother told him not to, and meets all kinds of scary creatures.

Who Feels Scared? Written by Sue Graves, illustrated by Desideria Guicciardini Ages: 4-8 Everybody feels afraid sometimes—like Jack and his friends Ravi and Kevin when they have a sleepover. This reassuring book shows children that they can cope with their fears and be brave.

Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears Written by Emily Gravett Ages: 4-8 Little Mouse is afraid of everything. Join her as she faces her fears and records them in her journal - and discovers that even the biggest people are afraid of some things.

The Scaredy Cats Written by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Victoria Chess Ages: 4-8 Mama and Papa Scaredy Cat are not your ordinary felines. They're terrified of everything, and so they do nothing. Thankfully, Baby Scaredy Cat sees that not being brave at all is just plain silly....But can she help her scared parents find the courage to look at the brighter side of things?

In the Small, Small Night Written by Jane Kurtz , illustrated by Rachel Isadora Ages: 4-8 In the middle of the night the world can seem huge and frightening, especially when you've just moved far from home.

Willoughby & the Moon Written by Greg Foley Ages: 3-7 Every night, the moon outside Willoughby's window gets smaller, and smaller, and smaller . . . until one night it disappears! But Willoughby isn't afraid of the dark. Not really. He just wants to know where the moon went.

Bear Feels Scared Written by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman Ages: 2-4 The sun is setting and it's getting chilly. When Bear's friends discover that he is not at home in his lair, they march out into the cold to find their pal. Friends don't let friends stay lost!

Eek! Creak! Snicker, Sneak Written by Rhonda Gowler Greene , illustrated by Jos. A. Smith Ages: 3-6 Bugbear and Bugaboo are nighttime tricksters who delight in frightening children in bed. But one night these mischievous monsters are so busy scheming how best to scare two particular youngsters that they are caught by utter surprise when the children come up with a scheme of their own.

Favorite picture books about sharing. All can be checked out from the Educational Materials Center, on 1st floor of the library.

The Bear Who Shared Written by Catherine Rayner Ages: 3-5 Norris the bear has been waiting patiently for the last ripe fruit to fall from the tree and because he is a wise bear, he shares it and makes two new friends.

All for Me and None for All Written by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger Ages: 4-7 A playful and delightfully illustrated tale about the dangers of going hog-wild and show, in the end, that sharing just might have its own rewards!

Llama Llama Time to Share Written by Anna Dewdney Ages: 2-5 Fun to read aloud and helpful to children and parents alike, Llama Llama Time to Share is for any child who needs a little encouragement in sharing.

Sharing Time Written by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen Ages: 2-3 This book offers toddlers simple choices (take turns, use the toy together, wait for another time) to make sharing easier, and shows them where to turn for help when sharing is difficult.

Mine! Written by Shutta Crum, illustrated by Patrice Barton Ages: 2-5 Enjoy this adorable, playful, picture-based book about two very young children and an adorable dog navigating the troubles and triumphs of sharing, now available in a board book edition.

Not Fair, Won't Share Written by Sue Graves, illustrated by Desideria Guicciardini Ages: 4-8 When Nora, Dan, and Henry have trouble sharing at school, they all end up feeling mad. With the help of their teacher, the friends learn that when kids get frustrated, there are ways to calm down, share, and play fairly.

New Red Bike! Written by James E. Ransome Ages: 4-7 This deceptively simple-seeming picture book offers a clever take on sharing.

These are some recommended books about friendship and bullying. All of these titles can be checked out from the Educational Materials Center, located on 1st floor of the library.

Llama Llama and the Bully Goat Written by Anna Dewdney Ages: 2-5 Llama Llama and his friends cannot enjoy their school day because Gilroy Goat is being a bully. Although Gilroy’s teacher tries to correct his behavior, the bullying continues into recess until the llama calls him a Bully Goat.

Bully B.E.A.N.S. Written by Julia Cook, illustrated by Anita DuFalla Ages: 5-8 A fun story that teaches people of all ages to become proactive when it comes to bullying. This book can help children and adults understand why bullying happens and what they can do to stop it.

Stick and Stone Written by Beth Ferry, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld Ages 2-5 A book about friendship with a subtle anti-bullying message.

The Recess Queen Written by Alexis O'neill, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith Ages: 4-8 A fresh & original twist on the common issue of bullying. Kids will relate, and parents & teachers will appreciate the story’s handling of conflict resolution.

Ripple’s Effect Written by Shawn Achor & Amy Blankson, illustrated by Cecilia Rebora Ages: 2-6 At first, Ripple is intimidated by their bullying, but her trainer reminds her that happiness is a choice, and that we can each make the world a better place because of who we choose to be.

Tease Monster: A Book About Teasing Vs. Bullying Written by Julia Cook, illustrated by Cecilia Rebora     Ages: 5-12 When One-of-a-Kind”is laughed at by Purple for being weird and Green playfully calls One a klutz after tripping on the stairs, is the Tease Monster to blame?

Red Written by Jan De Kinder Ages: 4-8 Torn between her sympathy for her classmate and her fear of the bully, the girl must make a difficult choice.

Tough!: A Story about How to Stop Bullying in Schools Written by Erin Frankel, illustrated by Paula Heaphy      Ages: 5-9 When Sam is confronted by a concerned teacher about her bullying, and Jayla turns on Sam and befriends Luisa, Sam begins to show some heart and rethink her treatment of others.

Sneaky Weasel Written by Hannah Shaw, illustrated by Paula Heaphy      Ages: 3-7 Although he's had a lot of fun doing sneaky and devilish things to all his friends for his own amusement, Sneaky Weasel learns a hard lesson about friendship and respect when he throws a party for himself and no one shows up.