There’s no better holiday gift for a child than a book, and today we offer some picture books that are enjoyable and subtly teach. Four are from Minneapolis-based Free Spirit Publishing, dedicated to publishing tools that support young people’s social, emotional and educational needs, helping children think for themselves, overcome challenges and make a difference in the world through enjoyable books (all $18.99).  And popular Minnesota author Laura Purdie Salas offers a fun tale of a broken line that is mocked by the other shapes but comes out the winner.

(Courtesy of Free Spirit Publishing)

“Hello, Beech Tree”:  by Rasha Hamid, illustrated by Sofia Moore ( Free Spirit Publishing)

Based on a true story set in Brooklyn, the story of a class of students who miss their beloved beech tree could take place anywhere. The tree, which they greeted every day, had to be cut down by the park service because, a ranger explains, it was sick and might fall on someone. The kids miss the tree, which they often complimented for its beauty. But the Parks department said it would cost $600 to replace it. So, the tree-loving students go to work to raise money for a replacement: “Some students prepared to make lemonade, cookies, and cakes to sell. The buskers practiced songs they would perform for donations. The artists made colorful paintings that people could buy. Finally, the day of the fundraiser came. It was a success and soon a replacement beech tree stood in the park again.” In the back of the book are some questions to think about, such as how do trees help people and how can we help trees, as well as how to take action. The author’s prose is lyrical and the illustrations are lively and inclusive.

“The Sky Is Not Blue”: by Joy Jones, illustrated by Sawyer Cloud (Free Spirit Publishing)

(Courtesy of Free Spirit Publishing)

In a story that invites children to trust and express their beliefs, Robert has an artist’s imagination and doesn’t always see the sky as blue, even though his teacher wants him to use blue crayon to represent the sky. But Robert knows that the sky is more varied, more vivid, much more beautiful than one color: “The colors of the sky make me feel as happy as confetti and as free as a bouncy balloon,” Robert says. When the teacher finds Robert’s drawing of the rainbow, she realizes he is right, and she encourages his use of a spectrum of colors. Questions to talk about, fun facts about the sky and an invitation to draw the sky are included.

“Addy’s Chair to Everywhere”: by Debi Novotny, illustrated by Jomike Tejido   (Free Spirit Publishing)

(Courtesy of Free Spirit Publishing)

Featuring an appealing girl who uses a wheelchair and lives a full life, this story highlights the importance of understanding differences and shows that children have more fun when they include everyone in their play.  Addy worries about making friends, but she draws other children into her games and together they create an imaginary world where they can race in chariots, explore the ocean and travel in space. The author, who lives in Arizona, was inspired to write the story after teaching kindergarten from a wheelchair while recovering from cancer. Tips on building community in the classroom are included.

“Sometimes When I’m Jealous”: by Deborah Serani, illustrated by Krya Teis (Free Spirit Publishing)

“Sometimes when I’m jealous everything bothers me,” says the boy in this story about feeling mad when his parents are busy or when his sister gets to do things he can’t. On jealous days he’s mad or sad. But then his mother helps him remember good things in life, such as how far he can throw a ball and how he gets to sleep later than his sister on school days. Grandpa tells him friends don’t stop liking us because they’re with other people. In the back of the book is a guide for adults for helping children through jealousy.

(Courtesy of Capstone Publishing)

“Line Leads the Way”: by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Alice Caldarella (Capstone Press, $18.99)

Salas, author of more than 135 kids’ books, tells the story of a library looking for a treasure keeper that’s the perfect shape. All the shapes want the job, including Rectangle and Square. Line wants it, too, but he’s broken and the other shapes sneer at him. “You have no sides. You have no angles. You are just a line,” Rectangle mocks. “My prettiness makes you look ever plainer. It’s sad,” says Star. But Line gets the job because, as the librarian says, “Some of our treasures are books. But some of our treasures are feelings we give visitors. Like they belong here. Like they’re safe. Like they can come in and explore the whole world.” When the other shapes complain that Line is broken, the librarian points out that breaks are “where the treasures get in and out.” And Line is perfectly imperfect to do the job.

(Little Brown Books for Young Readers)

“Turkey vs. Santa”: by Todd Tarpley, illustrated by Giovanni Abelle (Little Brown Books for Young Readers. $10.99)

This second book in the Festive Feuds series (after “Leprechaun vs. Easter Bunny”) is a bridge between Thanksgiving and Christmas, as a big-eyed, fat Santa versus a big-beaked turkey. There’s friendly competition, rhyming text and focus on two holidays. This is Turkey’s book but Santa’s already putting up Christmas lights. Who will win the friendly competition?

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