1000 Books Before Kindergarten

What happens when a one-horned calf with impeccable logic is convinced they’re a unicorn? Helen Yoon spins an endearing comedy of self-determination for gigglers everywhere.

“See?” cries the calf. “Uni means one, and corn means horn!” Even their baby picture proves it: they were born with one horn! But as the eager little calf continues their research, a budding identity crisis arises when they realize they don’t quite check all the boxes—should a certain lack of moonlight sparkle or silky mane or rainbow poop decide the issue. Perhaps some unexpected encouragement from a pack of “real” unicorns might be just the assurance they need? Helen Yoon, the comic talent behind Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover) and the anarchic Off-Limits, returns with a clarion call for self-doubters everywhere to embrace who they are—unicorn or otherwise.

Snuggle up together and enjoy this collection of charming and engaging stories written by Gabby Dawnay and selected especially for four-year-olds by literacy experts.

Meet a host of colorful characters and join them on their adventures in this fantastic collection of stories, tailored to suit four-year-old readers.

From the garden hijinks in the Slug Olympics, to the delicious story of The Yummiest Cake in the Whole Wide World, to the touching rhyming story The Boy and His Teddy Bear, these stories, some original, some adapted from fairytales around the world, will enchant and enthral in equal measure.

This beautiful book contains original, inclusive and fun stories about animals, dragons, pirates, nature, vehicles, music and much more, so there will be something for every young reader in this rich collection.

The stories in A Treasury of Tales for Four-Year-Olds are arranged in order of complexity so that the child listening or reading will increase their confidence as they make their way through the book.
 
Most children may not be able to read independently by the age of four, but they can start to prepare for this by building a foundation of literacy skills. For example, many can recognise letters, understand that print carries a message and know that sentences are read from left to right. Some may even be attempting to read.

The luxurious package with sparkling foil and ribbon marker will make this a must-have gift for the birthday of any four-year-old and Heidi Griffiths' charming and engaging illustrations will mean that the child will cherish this book even as they grow older.

From bestselling author Annie Barrows and Pura Belpré Honor award recipient Leo Espinosa, this funny yet thought-provoking picture book offers a sequence of outlandishly fun compare-and-contrasts that show how humans are much more like each other than we are different.

A NEW WAY OF SEEING: The use of comparison and contrast gives readers a new lens through which to see themselves and others.

HUMOR WITH HEART: Annie Barrows uses her trademarked humor to get readers laughing and thinking.

GREAT READ-ALOUD: The silly and surprising text is the perfect read-aloud for homes and classrooms.

Perfect for:

• Parents
• Grandparents
• Gift-givers
• Educators

Every day is a gift in this exuberant picture book about finding happiness in life's small moments



My arms aren't big enough to hold the whole world . . .

But when I feel this happy, it's all I want to do!

My voice isn't loud enough to express this joy!

Why isn't there a word for feeling this alive?



In this poetic and buoyant story from author-illustrator Shelley Johannes, a young child tries to measure the size of her joy and the depth of her gratitude as she embraces the beauty of the day. Reveling in simple wonders with unbridled enthusiasm, This Joy! celebrates living with arms wide open--because today is a gift!

It's the first day of school and Little Tortoise is worried. Can she get there on time?

It's the first day of school and Little Tortoise is ready with a backpack filled with new school supplies. Little Tortoise can't wait to get to school and tries very hard not to be the last student there.

But soon Cheetah, Llama, and even a snail on a scooter, overtake her.
And then when she gets stuck in the gutter of the book, she's sure she'll be the last pupil to arrive! But the timely arrival of Mr. Sloth, her new teacher, changes everything.

Gentle reassuring language full of wordplay, and bold and bright art by an up and coming artist offer students a comforting story about this new experience. Here's a fresh way to encourage reluctant students to be on their way.

Mouse warns her array of animal neighbors of a coming storm in this high-spirited rhyming picture book about friendship, teamwork, and communication.

When a giant storm appears on the horizon, Mouse rushes to alert her nearby neighbors. And there are a lot of them! Mouse’s warning sets off a game of telephone across the land, from Snail to Whale, Loon to Raccoon, Chimpanzee to Manatee! Can this quirky crew come together and take cover before the storm hits?

An inspirational picture book about the miracle of twins, in the tradition of Nancy Tillman's On the Night You Were Born.

Families of twins will see their own hopes and dreams beautifully expressed in this charming and emotional origin story:

You once twinkled in the stars, criss-crossed the cosmos, before and beyond. Until one magic moment . . . destiny dawned.
 
In this luminescent and poetic story, twin babies float and play in the cosmos—at first alone, and then together—dreaming of cuddles and kisses and a place to call home. Soon, they are tenderly called to Earth, where their loving families await them: You once twinkled in the stars. Now you sparkle in our hearts.
 
Families of newborn twins will shed happy tears reading this poignant love letter to their longed-for babies, and little ones will enjoy hearing the magical story of how they came to be and how unique they are. This is destined to be a treasured gift for twins and their loved ones, and a classic for years to come.

This back-to-school season, individuality is in! Nothing makes a splash like being uniquely yourself—and celebrating what makes you different.
From acclaimed authors Zadie Smith and Nick Laird, with art from exciting newcomer Magenta Fox, comes a powerful picture book debut!

"[A] delightful tale for little oddballs everywhere."—Entertainment Weekly

Meet Maud: a guinea pig who inexplicably wears a judo suit—and not everyone understands or approves. When Maud is thrown into a new and confusing situation, it takes brave decisions and serendipitous encounters for her to find her place and embrace her individuality.

The Surprise is an endearing story about the quiet power of being different by New York Times bestselling author Zadie Smith and award-winning writer Nick Laird, and introduces an exciting debut illustrator, Magenta Fox. Together they have created a picture book that adults and children alike will treasure.

Everyone is excited about the chance to perform a solo in the class recital--except Elephant. How will she deal with her anxiety and stage fright? Elephant's Big Solo is a warm and sensitive celebration of meeting life's challenges while staying true to who you are. This picture book will be adored by fans of The Rabbit Listened and Little Elliot, Big City.

Elephant's favorite class is music. She loves playing the French horn and performing with all her friends. But when Ms. Gator suggests that everyone play a solo at the school concert, Elephant hesitates. The thought of performing alone makes her heart race and her stomach twist.

Luckily, Elephant thinks of another way to perform a solo; one that allows her to shine alongside a full orchestra of her friends.

Sarah Kurpiel's accessible text is pitch-perfect and her expressive artwork is irresistible. Elephant's Big Solo explores social anxiety in a sensitive and thoughtful way, always assuring young readers that Elephant stays true to herself. Readers will applaud when Elephant gains the confidence to show her true talents. Elephant's Big Solo is an excellent choice for social and emotional learning, as well as story-time sharing.

In this sweet, reassuring board book, little ones will learn what to do when an ugly bad mood turns into one BIG SCREAM.

Chest aches
Fists pound
Big wail
Kick ground
BIG SCREEEEEEEEEEEEAM!

Everyone has bad days, and it’s okay to be sad and upset sometimes. But what do you do when you want to let out a BIG SCREAM? In this loving story, little ones will learn how to pause, breathe in, and calm down. The perfect read-aloud for parents and little ones to share before and after a big tantrum, this story proves that sometimes the best medicine to cure a big bad scream is a little dose of big love.