Lucas and the Capoeira Circle

Lucas wakes excited for his capoeira moving up ceremony. Getting ready to go in the morning, he eats his breakfast and practices. His little sister tries the moves too, but fall and loses her ginga, or her confidence. As Lucas waits his turn during the ceremony, he starts to wonder what would happen if he lost HIS ginga. And when it happens, he’s not sure he will be able to earn his new cordas like his friends. This story shows the importance of family, community, and capoeira’s movement and music in the Brazilian community. It also speaks the importance of perseverance, effort, and the support of community in self improvement. In the end, Lucas earns his new cord and his nickname.

The inclusion of Portuguese words enrich the cultural experience of the book. The pictures portray the art and motion of capoeira with dynamic expressive illustrations.

Tell My Why Series

The Tell Me Why series invites young readers to stay curious about the everyday wonders of the world. In Set Two, students explore fascinating questions about food and science—like how we taste different flavors and what makes a cake rise.

With lively text, colorful photos, and playful illustrations, these books make complex ideas easy to understand and fun to explore. The engaging question-and-answer format encourages inquiry-based learning and supports classroom discussions in science, reading, and critical thinking. Ideal for grades 2–5, this series is a great choice for classroom libraries and STEM lessons, helping students see that learning starts with one simple question—why?

Jump!’s Digital Wellness Series

The Digital Wellness series from Jump! helps young readers learn how to stay safe, smart, and balanced when using technology and the internet. Each book introduces an important topic—like identifying false information online, practicing kindness on social media, and keeping personal information private—through clear, leveled text that’s accessible for students as young as 2nd grade.

With colorful photos, SEL connections, and hands-on activities such as Grow with Goals and Try This!, these books encourage reflection and real-world application. Each title also includes a glossary, index, and tips for educators and caregivers. Perfect for grades 2–5, this series is a worthwhile addition to any classroom or library collection for teaching digital citizenship, media literacy, and overall digital wellness.

Smoosh’s Super-Duper-Fun Day by Michael Slack

Smoosh's Super-Duper-Fun Day: Ready-to-Read Level 2

Join best friends Smoosh and Mallow, two adventurous aliens, as they discover a fun amusement park in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read. When they find one of the roller coasters is closed, they don’t let it stop the fun! This easy-to-read, entertaining story encourages early readers to keep going, enjoy humor, and engage with imaginative adventures. Perfect for guided reading and independent practice for emerging readers.

The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel by Michael Rex

The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel: Ready-to-Read Level 1

This Level 1 Ready-to-Read story takes readers on an underground adventure with a mysterious tunneler. The Tunneler digs in the tunnel but where he is going and why isn’t revealed until the end. This easy to read story keeps early readers engaged with a surprise ending the sparks curiosity and discussion. Perfect for guided reading and independent practice for emerging readers.

Where the Deer Slip Through by Katey Howes

Where the Deer Slip Through

Follow a day on a woodland farm as animals slip through a gap in the hedge, bringing the farm to life. Told in a repeating, cumulative style, the story introduces woodland animals familiar to the Pacific Northwest. Beth Krommes’ stunning scratchboard illustrations capture every detail of the animals and the landscape, making this book perfect for read-alouds, nature-themed lessons, and library collections.

The Richest Cow in the World by Barroux

The Richest Cow in the World

In this delightful fable, Cow enjoys relaxing under her apple tree, watching clouds and listening to the wind. But Pig has a grand plan: sell the apples, make pies and applesauce, plant more trees, and maybe even start a huge food company! Cow listens patiently but instead of chasing fame and fortune, she has her own idea of what truly matters.

With simple, humorous watercolor illustrations, this charming picture book offers a modern take on the classic story about happiness and contentment. It’s a perfect read-aloud for classrooms and libraries, and it encourages discussions about money, career goals, critical thinking, and what really makes life meaningful.

The Pink Pajamas by Charlene Chua

The Pink Pajamas: A Story About Love and Loss

Charlene Chua tells a gentle, heartfelt story about love, loss, and remembering someone special. A young girl honors her aunt, Ah Yi, by wearing the pink pajamas her aunt sewed just for her. Ah Yi shows love through her sewing, making soft, perfectly tailored pajamas for her niece. The girl loves every pair—except the pink one, her least favorite color—but her aunt always knows how she feels and reassures her.

When Ah Yi becomes very sick and goes to the hospital, she never comes home. Through the customs of mourning, the little girl learns to treasure her aunt’s love in a new way—by wearing the pink pajamas that are now perfect for her. This tender story offers a gentle way to discuss love, loss, and remembrance, making it a thoughtful choice for classroom read-alouds or library collections.

Sharing by Rosemary Wells

Sharing

Author-illustrator Rosemary Wells brings a sweet and relatable story about friendship and sharing. Every night, Charles carefully puts his favorite toys to bed: his doctor kit, racing skates, space man, xylophone, magic stars, alligator, Lionel Messi football, and even his pecka-pecka chicken farm. One day, Charles takes his toys to the park and meets other kids who want to play. Can Charles learn that friends are even more fun than his favorite things?

With charming illustrations and a gentle message about kindness, sharing, and friendship, this picture book is perfect for storytimes, classroom read-alouds, and character-education lessons, and may be best suited for preschool-aged children.