Luka, the Reluctant Llama Leader
Ptoooey! A spitting challenge decides the next llama leader—and to his surprise, Luka wins. Suddenly in charge and unsure what to do, Luka tries directing—then freezes, overwhelmed. After one lonely night and a second attempt, he discovers he doesn’t need all the answers—he needs to listen to his herd. Luka, The Reluctant Llama Leader (585 words) is a playful picture book about collaboration and community. It combines the emotion of The Rabbit Listened with the teamwork of The Sandcastle That Lola Built.
View from the High Jagged Mountain
As Gio gazes down from the mountain at the villages by the Bubbly River and the Great Forest below, he dreams of safety and finding a new home. Fleeing their war-torn village, his family is now met with warmth and welcome. However, they’re filled with fear and must decide whether to trust and stay or continue their journey. View from the High Jagged Mountain (760 words) is a heartfelt picture book that tells the immigrant story through a child’s eyes. This story combines the themes of What is a Refugee? with the belief that we’re all connected, shared in Under the Same Sky. A sequel to Tree House – Stone House, this can also be a standalone story.
Skipper Chip and Captain Jax
Fish guts and frosting cover the deck of The Matilda, the ship shared by best friends Skipper Chip and Captain Jax after their sailboat, The Angelina, sank. They devise clever, hilarious solutions to keep their fishing and sightseeing tours afloat, prompting passengers to jump ship to escape the chaos! Over their nightly bowls of clam chowder, the two friends build a new idea that will keep their friendship strong and their customers’ bellies satisfied. Skipper Chip and Captain Jax (515 words) is a captivating picture book that beautifully combines the coastal setting of Swashby and the Sea with the resilient spirit found in Dan Santat’s After the Fall. This delightful story will leave you longing to join the characters on the beach at sunset!
Dragon Wagon
Thump! Thump! Thump! Unable to fly, Megan Dragon runs everywhere in her red sneakers, leaving a trail of books, food, and soccer gear! She’s been coached by everyone (even her non-flying friends, Goat and Troll), but when she tries to fly, her knees wobble, her tummy grumbles, and she ends up in a tangled heap. Determined to live a normal life, Megan constructs a contraption that unexpectedly solves her problem. Dragon Wagon (440 words) is a picture book that explores anxiety and tenacity, with a dose of confidence. Combining the themes of If You Met a Dragon and the character growth of Jabari Jumps, it sets readers who deal with their own anxious hearts a-soaring!
The Rusty, Dusty Tractor
Oscar and Jack, 9-year-old brothers, choose ‘Help Bernice’ as their summer service project, expecting a few simple chores—and lots of homemade cookies. They’re surprised to discover she isn’t an 87-year-old grandma, but a broken-down tractor. Since Farmer Sam has promised to lead the parade with Bernice in three days, the boys rally the community to fix her up in time. As more and more neighbors trek to the farm, the boys—and Farmer Sam—discover that restoring Bernice builds something even bigger: a sense of community. The Rusty, Dusty Tractor (670 words) is a heartwarming picture book about collaboration and community. It blends the farm charm of The Little Blue Truck with the “many hands helping” found in Thank You, Omu!
Tree House, Stone House
The Tree-Dwellers and the River People keep their distance. Fearful of the spooky dark forest and the wild raging river, they learned to mistrust one another. When a fierce monsoon brings them together to survive, they realize what they have in common. What happens when a third group moves into their area? Tree House – Stone House (660-word) is a heartwarming, universal fable that illustrates the importance of overcoming our biases and learn to rely on each other. This story combines the strength of confronting your fears in A Little Bit Brave with the broader message of The Garden of Us.
Every Kid’s Guide to Using a Magic Wand
Just in case you find a magic wand, you should read this book! Follow the narrator through five humorous and valuable tips, such as not pointing the wand at a frog, but at food (to lead to a special treat). Every Kid’s Guide to Using a Magic Wand (615 words) is a rhyming picture book that is a lighthearted, fun read for children with opportunities for classroom discussion and a creative art project. This story combines the magical dreams found in The Dream Painter with the lyrical fun of How to Catch a Yeti.
Boyd Bunny: The Stowaway
Boyd Bunny is very real, but to leave his quiet cottage in the woods, he must pretend he is not. Disguised as “Buster Bunny,” a perfectly ordinary stuffed toy, Boyd stows away on a family vacation. Aboard a bustling cruise ship, Boyd dodges curious cabin attendants, drooling dogs, and lurking lobsters, all while quietly bonding with the boy who carries him everywhere. But adventure comes with risk. If anyone discovers Boyd is real, he risks being locked away in a cage. As he pivots between being himself and pretending to be a stuffy, he learns that seeing the world beyond his cottage is worth the danger. Boyd Bunny: The Stowaway (450 words) is a warm, humorous picture book that offers a playful twist on the classic heartfelt emotion of The Velveteen Rabbit with the spirited bravery of Buffalo Fluffalo. With heart, humor, and series potential, Boyd’s story celebrates bravery, connection, and the joy of being fully alive.
The Last Turtle King
King Mateo is tired and must choose a new Sea Turtle King to take his place! Three quirky characters, Mo, Old Toby, and Matilda, step forward to claim the crown, each strong in their own way. If he makes the wrong choice, he’ll have to return to the throne as King. In The Last Turtle King (660 words), a rhyming picture book, Mateo explores their strengths and challenges as they grapple with what defines a strong friend and community builder. This story combines the leadership growth in How Beezy the Bee Discovered her Mission with the leadership qualities found in The Forgotten King.
Hugo Bear’s Big Sleep
Zzzzzz! Papa Bear’s snoring wakes up Hugo…again. But this is the morning after hibernation—so why can’t he sleep? While Papa and Mama sleep, Hugo spends the day eating and playing–until danger approaches, and Hugo discovers that staying awake may be exactly what his family needs! Hugo Bear’s Big Sleep (580 words) is a heartwarming picture book about growth, protectiveness, and love, blending the sweetness of Bear Snores On with the quiet resourcefulness of A Story for Small Bear. Backmatter and discussion questions are available.
Venita Garrison 