Tola is the youngest of three, but don't underestimate her! Even though she is smaller than her siblings her kindness, bravery, and determination help her to do great things. From standing up to mean older kids to helping neighbors in need with her amazing number skills, Tola saves the day again and again. Get to know Tola and her neighbors in Lagos, Nigeria in this sweet, realistic story.

I love a character who is small but mighty so I naturally love Tola! This early chapter book has ample illustrations and three short stories that are quick to read and entertaining. With great lessons and a wonderful setting this is a perfect read-aloud book.

Too Small Tola by Atinuke, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu 

Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd
tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, global perspectives, People of Color

At first when Sona hears that she's going to have a baby brother or sister, she is not excited. Everyone in her family is talking about the new baby and hardly paying any attention to her. She doesn't want to share her favorite baby clothes and toys and make space for another person in her family. But when she learns about the special naming ceremony she is determined to find the perfect one. Can Sona go from reluctant older sister to being the very best?

This story follows a large and loving family in India as they prepare for a new baby. Learning about the cultural traditions around this event is fun and everything is clearly explained and celebrated with adorable illustrations, sweet characters, and a relatable plot for anyone who has experienced changes in their family. A great story for new chapter book readers.

Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister by Chitra Soundar illustrated by Jen Khatun 

Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd
​tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, global perspectives, People of Color

Grace's aunt Lily is an author and Grace loves visiting her after school. When Lily gets writer's block, she posts an ad for an assistant. Soon a magician arrives at her door with Rex. Rex is a Labrador Retriever with secret talents. He can write messages with the help of Lily's computer and always seems to know just what everyone needs. Not only does he help Lily get over her writer's block, but he helps Grace discover that she's an author too. What can't wondrous Rex do?

This is a cute story with just a touch of magic perfect for young dog-lovers. The ample pictures and short sentences and chapters make it just right for kids starting to read chapter books.

Wondrous Rex by Patricia MacLachlan

Erica's Picks
k - 3
​tags: animals, character driven

Badger lives in a house owned by his aunt where he can focus on his Important Rock Work. He hates any distractions and never goes out to meet new people. Which is why he's shocked and upset when his aunt sends Skunk to live with him. Skunk makes friends with all the local chickens and invites them inside. Skunk makes breakfast and leaves a mess in the kitchen. Skunk interrupts his Important Rock Work. Clearly Skunk must go. But how can he makes Skunk leave? And what will he do once Skunk is gone?

This is a classic odd couple story that hits all the right notes. Badger is the perfect grump even though his desire to work uninterrupted is relatable, if extreme. Skunk brings all the right elements of chaos to shake up his life and ultimately improve it. Skunk's loyalty is admirable and the prejudice Skunk faces because of the occasional smell feels completely unjust. Short chapters with lots of laughs interspersed with beautiful illustrations make this a perfect choice for young chapter book readers or reading aloud.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake, Jon Klassen (Illustrations)

Erica's Picks
k - 3
tags: animals, friendship, humor

Zoey discovers an amazing secret one day, just before her mother goes on a business trip. Her mother can see magical creatures, and so can Zoey. Over the years, these special creatures have come to count on her mom when they're injured and need help. With her mom away, it's Zoey's responsibility. At first Zoey is excited, but when a baby dragon appears she worries she won't know how to care for it. What should she feed it? Where did it come from? And when will her mom come home? Zoey and her faithful cat Sassafras are on the case. It's up to them to save the dragon.

What is not to love in a story about a baby dragon and a cat named Sassafras? Pitch perfect for beginning readers with short chapters and ample pictures, this could make a great read-aloud as well. I particularly enjoyed how Zoey uses the scientific method to learn more about the dragon. Highly recommended for readers just ready for chapter books.

Dragons and Marshmallows (Zoey and Sassafras #1) by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay 
Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd grade
​tags: animals, fantasy, People of Color

Far away in the north pole lives a polar bear named Duane. He loves icicle treats, naps, adventures, and making new friends. There's C.C. the wise owl who lives on a sunken ship. Magic the playful arctic fox who loves playing tricks. Handsome the vain musk ox who loves his own reflection. Major Puff the puffin who comes from a long line of military heroes. Twitch the energetic rabbit who loves to dig. Boo the shy reindeer and Sun Girl who goes everywhere with her pack of wolves. Join Duane and his friends and soon they will be your friends too.

I adored this book which reminded me of Winnie-the-Pooh in the very best way. All the characters have their own unique quirks and the way they learn to work together is both endearing and insightful. Perfect for a read-aloud with even the youngest of children, this book is sure to become a beloved classic.

The Very, Very Far North
by Dan Bar-el, illustrations by Kelly Pousette
Erica's Picks
1st - 4th grade
​tags: animals, character driven, friendship

Patrick has always wanted a dog, and one summer at his grandfather's house his dreams finally come true. When he sees Oz in the shelter, Patrick knows they'll be best friends. But Oz had a rough start with some mean people and doesn't trust anyone. Will Patrick be able to make Oz happy again and help him find his bark?

This is such a sweet story. I loved how the narrative switched between Patrick and Oz's perspectives. Partway through the story Patrick gets some upsetting news and the tables turn so that Oz needs to help Patrick find his happiness again. It's so heart-warming to see them help each other and the illustrations are simply adorable. It's a perfect read-aloud or early independent chapter book for kids who love dogs.

The Dog Who Lost His Bark by Eoin Colfer, illus. by P.J. Lynch

Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd grade
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​Yasmin loves books and she's determined to read a new one every day. After school, she visits Book Uncle on the corner. A retired teacher, he has set up a free lending library for the neighborhood. Book Uncle is always ready with the perfect book and everyone loves him. But when the Mayor shuts Book Uncle down, Yasmin and the other kids worry they won't be able to get new books anymore. Luckily, a new election is just around the corner. If this Mayor won't let Book Uncle operate, they will campaign for one who will.

This sweet story is a great slice-of-life of a kid in India. I loved everything about the story from Book Uncle himself to the way the students get all the mayoral candidates talking about libraries. Highly recommended!

Book Uncle and Me by Uma Krishnaswami

Erica's Picks
1st - 3rd grade
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When Allie's crayon breaks, she is furious, fuming, frustrated, and so, so, sooo, angry! But with a little help from her brother, she is slowly able to calm down until she's his loving sister again.

This is a short book, but it is full of SEL wisdom. I like how well the boy deals with his sister's tantrum and also that it takes multiple techniques to calm her down. Each tool makes her a little bit calmer, which the book shows visually by having her shed a layer of her suit. The tools vary from squeezing a toy to a mindful breathing exercise. This is a great book for children--especially those with toddler siblings!

Erica's Picks
Allie All Along by Sarah Lynne Reul

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This picture book tells the story of a young student in Bangladesh who has to make a project for his science fair. He notices that his mother has a cough from cooking indoors during the rainy season, and he analyzes the needs of his user and does some research to come up with a solution. A great tie-in for units on inventors. The book takes place during Ramadan and they use his new oven to make a feast for Eid al-Fitr, so there could be a tie in there as well. 

The book has a large format and the warm colored pencil illustrations make it perfect for sharing in a classroom setting. Additional backmatter includes more information about clean cookstoves and information on how to make one yourself.

Erica's Picks
Iqbal and his Ingenious Idea by Elizabeth Suneby and Rebecca Green

Tags: global perspectives, people of color, picture books