by Carol A. Foote, illustrated by Larry Day; Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2025; Tucker doesn’t mean to make trouble: he just loves to play. Channeling his energy, a wise trainer helps Tucker become a respected—and happy—conservation dog.
Social-Emotional Learning
I’m Sorry You Got Mad
by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Julie Kwon; Dial Books for Young Readers, 2024; Told through a series of notes, I’M SORRY YOU GOT MAD is both heartfelt and funny as it explores the art of sincere apology.
A Little Like Magic
by Sarah Kurpiel; Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House, 2024; Building confidence, stepping outside your comfort zone, ice sculptures, and magical moments come together in a recommended read aloud for young listeners.
A Cozy Winter Day
by Eliza Wheeler; Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House, 2024; Welcome to Acorn Village and its cast of charming characters who spend a winter day chasing the chill away with a variety of activities from quiet reflection to rousing romps.
Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better
by Mylisa Larsen; Clarion 2024; Quagmire Tiarello bluffs his way through peer relationships, hiding behind a detached facade while struggling to maintain his home life as his mom’s mental health spins out of control.
A Star Shines Through
by Anna Desnitskaya; Eerdmans; 2024; A girl and her mom find a way to make their new place in a new country feel a little less strange and a little more like home.