A Voice Like Yours

Be the you that makes you feel most alive.

Each of us has a unique and powerful voice, whether we speak loudly or softly, sing or sign, or without any words at all. What matters is how we use that voice. Some of us use it to express ourselves through art. And some use their voices to vote and make big changes. Others use their voice to inspire or lift up others, helping other voices to be heard. Your voice is yours alone - and the world needs a voice like yours!

Written by Frank Murphy and April Groman published by Sleeping Bear Press.

Oskar’s Voyage

A giant boat and a tiny chipmunk!

A curious chipmunk named Oskar accidentally stows away on an enormous Great Lakes freighter. Can he survive an epic trip - and find his way back home?

Written by Laura Purdie Salas published by Minnesota Historical Society Press

A Family Like Ours

Everyone's family is unique--and good!

From sprawling extended families and close-knit units to adopted and chosen families, A Family Like Ours celebrates all those important connections we build over the years. Regardless of what yours looks like, family is a place for support, safety, growth, and inspiration. What is special, surprising, or sensational about your family?

Written by Frank Murphy and Alice Lee published by Sleeping Bear Press.

Ruby and Lonely

Written by the bestselling author of The Invisible String

Ruby’s got a problem. At school and at home, everyone is so busy all the time, and no one seems to notice her at all. Ruby finds herself feeling kind of…lonely. It’s a big problem! But one day, while walking home alone after school, she decides to look at her problem from a new angle. She even gives it a name―Lonely―a seemingly small but significant decision that transforms her problem, and entire life, in the most surprising and extraordinary way. Join Ruby as she discovers her inner best friend in this relatable and heartwarming story. A note from the author and discussion questions are included.

Written by Patrice Karst published by Amazon Two Lions

Thursday

A true friend can help us through anything...

When a little girl learns about her parents' divorce on a Thursday, it ruins her favorite day of the week. But her stuffed-unicorn friend steps in to help, taking her on adventures to cheer her up and staying by her side to comfort her when feelings are hard. Then, slowly, the little girl and her unicorn friend awaken to the natural world that surrounds them as life continues to shift and change...until the day that Thursday can become just Thursday again. Told with great sensitivity and beauty, this is a book of healing and hope for children experiencing divorce and a testament to the power of friendship in helping us to overcome life's biggest obstacles.

Written by Ann Bonwill. Published by Amazon Two Lions.

Calvin

In this joyful and impactful picture book, a transgender boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time.

2022 Lammy Award winner and inspired by the authors' own transgender child, this authentic and personal text promotes kindness and empathy, offering a poignant and inclusive back-to-school message: all should feel safe, respected, and welcomed.

Written by JR and Vanessa Ford. Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Penguin Random House

My Blue Ribbon Horse

The picture book version of the #1 New York Times Bestseller The Eighty Dollar Champion

Here is the dramatic and inspiring rise to stardom of an unlikely duo, based on the insight and recollections of "the Flying Dutchman" himself. Their story captured the heart of Cold War-era America--a story of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and the chance to have it all. Elizabeth Letts's message is simple: Never give up, even when the obstacles seem sky-high. There is something extraordinary in all of us.

Written by Elizabeth Letts. Published by Random House Children’s

A Planet Like Ours

Book #5 in the award winning “Like You Series”

Our planet Earth is as individual and special as each one of us. It's ability to sustain and nurture life is unique in our solar system--and beyond. In this book, celebrate all the wonderful, miraculous, astounding qualities of our Earth while learning how to protect her for future generations. Afterall, If not us, then who?

Written by Frank Murphy & Charnaie Gordon. Published by Sleeping Bear Press.

A Friend Like You

From the creators of the award winning picture books A BOY LIKE YOU and A GIRL LIKE YOU, this new edition to the series celebrates all types of friends.

There's nothing in the world like a wonderful friend. Friends are there to laugh with you and ready with a hug when you need one. There are forever friends and brand new friends. Friends for adventures and friends for cozy days indoors. Friends who are just like you and friends who are nothing like you at all. In this book, celebrate ALL the marvelous ways to be a friend!

Written by Frank Murphy & Charnaie Gordon. Published by Sleeping Bear Press.

A Boy Like You

Pennsylvania Library Association Honors Award, Winner of the 2019 Eureka! Gold Award, and Winner of Best of 2019 Kids Books in the Future Classics Category

There's more to being a boy than sports, feats of daring, and keeping a stiff upper lip. A Boy Like You encourages every boy to embrace all the things that make him unique, to be brave and ask for help, to tell his own story and listen to the stories of those around him. In an age when boys are expected to fit into a particular mold, this book celebrates all the wonderful ways to be a boy.

Written by Frank Murphy. Published by Sleeping Bear Press.

A Girl Like You

San Diego Book Awards Association Finalist “Published Specialized Nonfiction”

Every girl is a wonder! A Girl Like You encourages girls to embrace what makes them unique, to choose kindness, and to be their own advocates. In an age when girls can be whatever they want, this books reminds them of all the ways to be beautiful, brilliant, and uniquely themselves.

Written by Frank Murphy & Carla Murphy. Published by Sleeping Bear Press.

A Teacher Like You

The perfect gift for your favorite teachers.

Teachers have the power to change the life of a child with every new school day. Whether they're discovering math or reading, practicing a new instrument or a new sport, or learning about our wonderful, diverse world, students can count on the kindness, innovation, and patience of a teacher. This is a wonderful celebration of all the ways teachers help their student's bloom.

Written by Frank Murphy & Barbara Dan. Published by Sleeping Bear Press.

The Boy Who Grew A Forest

Multi-award winning picture book biography reminds us all of the difference a single person with a big idea can make.

As a boy, Jadav Payeng was distressed by the destruction deforestation and erosion was causing on his island home in India's Brahmaputra River. So he began planting trees. What began as a small thicket of bamboo, grew over the years into 1,300 acre forest filled with native plants and animals.

Written by Sophia Gholz. Published by Sleeping Bear Press.

Fiery Night

Based on a true story, Fiery Night is a heartwarming, empowering picture book about a little boy's devotion to his pet goat, Willie, and how they gave each other strength during the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

Young Justin Butterfield was awakened in the night by neighbors warning his family of the coming fire. The Butterfields did what they could to save their home but eventually had to flee. Justin insisted on taking Willie with them, even though the frightened goat made it more difficult for them to get away quickly. Encouraging and comforting Willie helped bolster Justin's own courage during the family's difficult journey through the burning city.

Written by Sally M. Walker. Published by Capstone.

Hannah’s Tall Order

2019 Florida Literacy Association Nominee, Children's Book Award 2018, Annie Karcher Best in Rhyme Top 10!

Hannah is feeling just a bit peckish and knows exactly what she wants to eat: an A to Z sandwich on thick whole wheat bread! From avocado to zucchini, Hannah's whims throw Mr. McDougal at the cafe into a sandwich-building frenzy. But what happens when Hannah discovers the towering sandwich isn't quite what she ordered? This messy romp through the alphabet will have readers in fits of giggles from beginning to end.

Written by Linda Vander Heyden. Published by Sleeping Bear Press.

Mary Had A Little Lizard

A wordless picture book! Great for young readers and little ones not quite reading yet.

A modern take on "Mary Had a Little Lamb" featuring hilarious antics as Lizard sneaks into Mary's backpack and causes nothing but mayhem in her Kindergarten class. He eats someone's lunch, makes a mess in the painting corner, and scares the teacher silly during story time before being sent to the principal's office to wait for Mary's mom to pick him up. 

It's no fun being alone. But when Mary finally comes home from school, Lizard knows he'll always have his very best friend. A silly, satisfying celebration of new experiences and friendships that can never be broken.

Written by Kayla Harren. Published by Sky Pony Press.

Juma the Giraffe

Juma has been educating children in Tanzania and helping Wild Nature Institute’s conservation efforts since 2016.

Juma feels completely un-special. But Juma's mother teaches him the reasons why each giraffe trait is important for their lives. Juma learns that every giraffe has a unique pattern of spots, making each individual different and special. Written by Monica Bond, a biologist studying giraffes in Tanzania whose community conservation and education work with Wild Nature Institute is helping to ensure a future for rhinoceroses, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife of the African savanna.

Written by Monica Bond. Published by Wild Nature Institute.

Helping Brother Rhinoceros

Children will learn the importance of teamwork while valuing their own special talents.

When Brother Rhinoceros gets stuck in the mud, his friend Mr. Oxpecker brings back different animals to help. They all have a unique skill, but on their own none can help Brother Rhinoceros out of the mud. When they work together as a team, each contributing his or her own special skill, they are able to save Brother Rhinoceros.

Written by Monica Bond. Published by Wild Nature Institute.

Our Elephant Neighbors

Celebrating Africa's Giants: Environmental Education for Conservation of Giraffes, Elephants, and Rhinoceros

One day Robert and his little sister, Mary, head to the waterhole for water. But when they arrive, a 'big' surprise is waiting for them - a family of elephants! Robert and Mary meet two young elephants and learn the many ways elephants and humans are alike, as well as the challenges elephants must face to survive.

Written by Monica Bond. Published by Wild Nature Institute.

Don’t Forget to Remember

"Don’t forget to remember that you’re dearly loved.”

Children and animals dance around in whimsical scenes alongside singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb’s rhyming lyrics.

Written by Ellie Holcomb. Published by B&H Publishing.

Who Sang the First Song?

Have you ever wondered who hummed the first tune?

Was it the flowers? The waves or the moon? Dove Award-winning recording artist Ellie Holcomb answers with a lovely lyrical tale, one that reveals we were all created with a song to sing.

Written by Ellie Holcomb. Published by B&H Publishing.

Darem the Lion Defender

A heartwarming tale about a boy who loves lions.

Darem is from the Barabaig tribe in Africa. He works with the Ruaha Carnivore Project to help protect lions and other carnivores, thereby empowering his local community. With text in both English and Swahili, this story is being distributed to schools and families around Ruaha and beyond, raising awareness of RCP’s work to conserve carnivores in partnership with local communities.

Each purchase of this book will fund the printing of a copy for a child in Africa.

Written by Amy Dickman. Published by Lion Landscapes.

Haikya the Hyaena Friend

Teaching children how they can use their own skills to help wildlife and their own families.

The book features Haikya, a Maasai girl who lives with her mother and sisters. She spends her days looking after the family's cattle but dreams of going to secondary school and making her family more secure. She loves learning about wildlife and particularly likes vultures and hyaenas. People say that hyaenas are bad and ugly, but Haikya knows they can giggle and have big hearts.

Each purchase of this book will fund the printing of a copy for a child in Africa.

Written by Amy Dickman & Alayne Cotterill. Published by Lion Landscapes.