News & Media
15 Resources for Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5th is the start of Teacher Appreciation Week! To show teachers just how much we appreciate their hard work, ABFYR is sharing some helpful resources for classroom time. Enjoy this selection of downloadable activity kits, discussion guides, coloring pages, and more to keep students engaged and entertained.
ORSON AND THE WORLD’S LOUDEST LIBRARY by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Stephanie Roth Sisson
In this picture book love letter to public libraries, 6-year-old Orson learns to navigate his big feelings by sharing his love of reading with newfound friends at his local branch.
“Gehl and Roth Sisson offer a winning library portrait in this evenhanded picture book…”—Publishers Weekly
THIS IS OUR CITY by Lauren Paige Conrad
In this companion to This Is a Window, the power of children’s imaginations returns to center stage—this time in a shared backyard, where kids run a make-believe city full of hustle and bustle.
“Few stories capture the joy of playing pretend in such a simple, direct way as this immensely charming book, perfect for reading aloud or independent exploration.”—School Library Journal
AMERICAN SPIRITS by Barb Rosenstock
CAN THE DEAD TALK TO THE LIVING? Discover the astonishingly true story of Maggie, Kate, and Leah Fox—the Civil War-era sisters and teen mediums who created the American séance.
A real-life ghost story for young adult readers interested in the supernatural, American history, and women’s rights!
★ “A suspenseful, well-researched read filled with fascinating and evocative visuals.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
THE POETRY OF CAR MECHANICS by Heidi E. Y. Stemple
Dylan seeks solace through birdwatching and poetry in the woods behind his grandfather’s auto shop—but when he rescues an injured hawk, he must learn to confront the broken parts in himself in this powerful middle-grade novel-in-verse.
“This beautifully crafted novel sings and soars.” —Nikki Grimes, author of Ordinary Hazards
A SPLENDID FRIEND, INDEED by Suzanne Bloom
Bear wants to read and write and think. But his friend Goose wants to talk and talk… and talk! Bear and Goose are so different! But can they still be friends? Toddlers and preschoolers will learn about how to make new friends through this delightful story.
A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
★ “A more perfect union between giggle-inducing but reassuring images and a text of very few words is hard to conjure.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
PENCIL by Hye-Eun Kim
What is a pencil? A forest transformed. In this beautifully illustrated wordless picture book, young readers can follow a pencil’s life cycle from tree to factory to store shelf and back to tree.
★ “Impeccably told… an enchanting tribute to the creative process and a celebration of patience and the natural world. A stunning ode to the natural world and the cyclical nature of imagination.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
GEORGE WASHINGTON’S SPECTACULAR SPECTACLES by Selene Castrovilla, illustrated by Jenn Harney
Did you know that George Washington had a secret? He wore glasses! While initially embarrassed by his reliance on this reading aid, Washington’s spectacles proved to be nothing short of spectacular in this charming, funny, and little-known picture book story from American history.
★ “The author of many children’s books based on research into American history, Castrovilla tells her latest story with wit, pathos, and attention to detail. Harney’s quirky illustrations suggest the look of the period while capturing the amusing tone of the narrative.”—Booklist, starred review
RACHEL CARSON’S WONDER-FILLED WORLD by Kate Hannigan, illustrated by Katie Hickey
This STEAM picture book biography highlights how scientist and writer Rachel Carson became the author of the groundbreaking book Silent Spring and the mother of the modern environmental movement.
“A soaring tribute to the perceptive naturalist and writer who jump-started the modern environmental movement… (v)ivid and perceptive.”—Kirkus Reviews
BE MY YUMMY ABC by Joyce Wan
A love letter? A yummy treat? A fun fold-out alphabet poster? Be My Yummy ABC is ALL THREE! This cozy picture book with irresistible art and a sparkly cover that opens up into a poster of the alphabet is perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby shower gifts, and story time, too!
★ “This mouthwatering ABC book introduces children to the alphabet while also exposing them to a wide variety of foods and cultures. Essential.”—School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Download this YUMMY Activity Guide
Create with BE MY YUMMY ABC Coloring Sheets and DIY Valentine’s Day Cards
HAIKU KAIJU AH-CHOO by George McClements
A clever boy comes to the rescue when a sick Kaiju needs help explaining that he feels unwell in this comics-style picture book–perfect for future fans of Dog Man and The Bad Guys.
“Clements brings readers on board right away…providing plenty of inspiration for making kaiju haiku of their own.“ —Publishers Weekly
ITTY BITTY BETTY BLOB by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player
Itty Bitty Betty Blob tries to be bad, like a good little monster—but she’s NOT GOOD at being bad! This social-emotional learning picture book shows kids ages 4 – 8 that being yourself is more than enough. A perfect Halloween gift!
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
A Barnes + Noble Most Anticipated Kids’ Book
A Kids’ Indie Next Pick
★ “Itty Bitty Betty Blob’s nicely balanced combination of humor, emotion and inspiration makes it an absolute treat of a read—a warm and wonderful reminder to celebrate our differences and dare to share joy with others.” —BookPage, starred review
THE LITTLE CHEFS by Rosemary Wells
For anyone who’s tried to whip up something special for someone they love, and stumbled—here is the book for you. Not since her classic Voyage to the Bunny Planet, has Rosemary Wells created such a heartstopper.
★“Charming…stories….admire each cook’s aspirations and determination, while providing a dash of magic and a whisk of expertise.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
THE MOST PERFECT PERSIMMON by Hannah Chung
In this charming author-illustrator debut, a Korean American girl harvests a perfectly ripe persimmon that she can’t wait to share with Grandma.
“A delectable tale that will guide young readers to reexamine their own perceptions.” —Kirkus Reviews
THE STRANGEST FISH by Katherine Arden, illustrated by Zahra Marwan
In this bewitching picture book debut from bestselling fantasy author Katherine Arden, a girl wins an odd-looking goldfish at a county fair that ends up being secretly magical.
Hicklebee’s Picture Book of the Year 2024
A Kids Indie Next List Pick – American Booksellers Association
★ “A deeply empathetic look at the magic of love and compassion.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
WHIRLIGIGS by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham
Take a journey through the creative process that led folk artist Vollis Simpson to create his wonderful and whimsical wind-powered whirligigs and more in this STEAM/STEM picture book written by Children’s Literature Legacy Award winner Carole Boston Weatherford.
2025 Best STEM Book Winner
2025 Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts
