By Brooke Harman; illustrated by Michael Slack

With engaging rhythm and catchy rhymes, Exca-gator! will be a hit with preschoolers who love construction vehicles. In his enthusiasm and confidence, Exca-gator believes he can accomplish the construction tasks on his own. Instead of completing the work, he makes a big mess and angers all his friends. In the end, by working together, Exca-gator and his swamp friend construction workers were able to complete their work. A great preschool read-aloud to encourage working together.

By Rich McIntyre and David A. Poulsen

The results of reintroduction of wolves at Yellowstone offer an interesting story of how the actions of humans can restore ecosystems. Rick McIntyre, a National Park Service Ranger who spent 30 years observing the Yellowstone wolves, partners with David Poulsen to tell the young reader’s version the story of 06, a well known alpha female. From an outsider and loner to part of a well-known alpha pair, 06 and her progeny impacted the interrelationships and pack dynamics of the Yellowstone wolves. Within the story of 06, the reader also meets many of the other extraordinary wolves of the Yellowstone region.

The complexity and constant change of the packs described in the story can be at times confusing. Still, this will be a hit with young animal lovers, especially those interested in wolves or ecological impact of species reintroduction.

by Claudia Dávila

With regular evidence of our strained electrical grid, this is a timely story told in graphic novel format that reinforces the importance of people becoming more resilient. A young girl experiences an increasing number of blackouts with the real life considerations such as not opening the refrigerator, no internet, and limited cooking options. Additionally, the mother in the story helps Luz understand the implications of increased fuel costs; limiting car use, increased expense of food, household essentials, and luxuries. Not able to enjoy her normal activities, she leads an initiative to turn a local abandoned lot into a community park and garden. Her success helps her feel more resilient and helps bring her community closer together. The bonus material provides a brief lesson in composting. This edition is revised from the original 2011 edition.

The format and text make this story an accessible inspiration for young people interested in ecology and environmentalism. The situation and Luz’s actions are relatable and feasible.

by Claudia Dávila

First published in 2012 2026 edition with revised text and an illustrations

It’s a hot summer day and water restrictions are in place. Luz’s solution is to head to a local pond. Unfortunately the pond’s proximity to the new cola production plant had robbed the pond of its spring, turning the pond into a mud hole. Luz, her family, friends and community all work together to raise awareness. As their initiatives attempt to make the cola company change their practices, Luz also works to find a way to water their community park and garden. Luz and her community create a rain collection barrel and a water reclamation gray water filter. Luz experiences the impact of community and industry on the water availability and how it accentuates the consequences of drought.

The format and text make this story an accessible inspiration for young people interested in ecology and environmentalism. The situation and Luz’s actions are relatable and feasible.

First published in 2012. The 2026 edition contains revised text and an illustrations.

As soon as Otter moves into his new lakehouse, his neighbors show up. Each neighbor greets him with “Hello, new neighbor! Welcome to the lake.” and offers him a thoughtful gift. Then bear comes and the others are worried. Bear is too big to fit through the door, but Otter doesn’t want to leave him out, so he gets the others to help. When they finally get Bear inside, the door and all the gifts are splintered. Teamwork helps make everything new and improved again. A great cumulative story about community and inclusion.

Christian loves paying soccer and he can hardly wait to join a team. When he shows up the field all of the other kids are bigger than him. Christian gets nervous and worries that he won’t be good enough. That night he is so withdrawn that his family notices and the next day they plan Super Soccer Day. Will this help him gain confidence in himself? Written by US Men’s National Soccer Team star Christian Pulisic, this is a heartwarming story about family support and believing in yourself.

A black girl and her braids go with sneakers and t-shirts, pigtails and jean skirts, anything! Based on the poem of the same name, this book celebrates a black girl and her braids. The main character celebrates her braids, the different ways she can wear her hair and why, and advocates for the freedom to wear her hair how she wants. This is a great example of cultural education and appreciation.