ALL THE WORLD

Grades: PreK–2
Author: Liz Garton Scanlon / Illustrator: Marla Frazee

Book Awards: Caldecott Honor Book; ALA Notable Book; Bank Street Best Book of the Year; New York Times Bestseller

This story follows a circle of family and friends over the course of a day -- from morning till night. The importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach…to warm family connections…to the widest sunset sky…is affirmed. Narrated by Joanne Woodward with music by Jack Sundrud and Rusty Young. Directed by Galen Fott. Includes an interview with illustrator, Marla Frazee.

CROW CALL

Grades: 4–7
Author: Lois Lowry / Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video

Book Awards: ALA Notable Book; Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

The story of young Liz and her father, who has been away at WWII for longer than she can remember. They begin their journey of reconnection through a hunting shirt, cherry pie, tender conversation, and the crow call. This allegorical story shows how, like the birds gathering above, the relationship between the girl and her father is graced with the chance to fly. Narrated by Julia Fein, with music by Ernest V. Troost. Includes bonus interview with author Lois Lowry.

CURIOUS GARDEN, THE

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Peter Brown / Illustrator: Peter Brown

Film Awards: Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video; ALA Notable Video

Audio Awards: ALA Notable Recording

Book Awards: ALA Notable Book

One boy’s quest for a greener world... one garden at a time. A little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world. An enchanting tale with environmental themes and breathtaking illustrations. Narrated by Katherine Kellgren, with music by David Mansfield. Animated by Soup2Nuts. Includes bonus interview with Peter Brown.

DON’T LET THE PIGEON STAY UP LATE!

Grades: PreK–2
Author: Mo Willems / Illustrator: Mo Willems

It’s getting dark out, but one stubborn Pigeon is NOT going to bed! Children will love this interactive bedtime romp, which puts readers back in the driver’s seat, deflecting Pigeon’s sly trickery as he tries to escape his inevitable bedtime. Will you let him stay up late? Narrated by Mo Willems with music by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds. Directed by Pete List.

FLETCHER AND THE SPRINGTIME BLOSSOMS

Grades: PreK–2
Author: Julia Rawlinson / Illustrator: Tiphanie Beeke

Fletcher loves everything about spring, but then Fletcher sees something he never expected to see in spring: snow! And it turns out that spring has another surprise in store for Fletcher—a warm and wondrous one. Narrated by Katherine Kellgren with music by John Jennings. Includes an interview with illustrator Tiphanie Beeke.

KATIE LOVES THE KITTENS

Grades: PreK–3
Author: John Himmelman / Illustrator: John Himmelman

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video

Book Awards: Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year

Katie, a little dog, is so excited when Sara Ann brings home three little kittens that she can’t stop herself from howling and trying to run after them. But her enthusiasm frightens the kitties, and she’s sad when they run away from her. Don’t they know that she just wants to play? Narrated by Elizabeth Himmelman with music by Robert Kessler. Directed by Karen Villarreal. Includes bonus interview with John Himmelman.

LION AND THE MOUSE, THE

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Jerry Pinkney / Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

Book Awards: Caldecott Medal Book; ALA Notable Book

In this wordless adaptation of one of Aesop’s most beloved fables, an unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling. His stunning pictures speak volumes. Music by Sazi Dlamini. Includes bonus interview with Jerry Pinkney.

NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Mo Willems / Illustrator: Mo Willems

Film Awards: ALA Notable Video

Wilbur is different from the other Naked Mole Rats in his Colony, because he wears clothes (and he likes it!). But what will happen when Grand-pah, the oldest, wisest, and most-naked Naked Mole Rat ever, discovers Wilbur’s secret? A gentle story about not quite fitting in and expressing one’s own individuality. Directed by Pete List. Narrated by Trixie, Mo and Cheryl Willems.

ROBOT ZOT!

Grades: PreK–2
Author: Jon Scieszka / Illustrator: David Shannon

Book Awards: Bank Street Best Book of the Year; New York Times Bestseller

This is the tale of a quixotic robot determined to conquer the earth. But once he discovers the princess…a toy cell phone…his mission takes a new course. Robot Zot must learn how to be a hero -- in the name of true love. Narrated by James Naughton with music by Ernest Troost. Animated by Soup2Nuts. Includes an interview with illustrator, David Shannon.

SCAREDY SQUIRREL

Grades: PreK–3
Author: Mélanie Watt / Illustrator: Mélanie Watt

Book Awards: ALA Notable Book; Canadian Blue Spruce Award

Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there! Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day… his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy Squirrel suddenly finds himself out of his tree. As he leaps into the unknown, he discovers something really uplifting and surprising about himself. Narrated by David de Vries with music by Scotty Huff and Robert Reynolds. Directed by Galen Fott. Includes an interview with Mélanie Watt.