My Family is Forever by Nancy Carlson

32 p., Viking, 2004.

Families are forever, whether they're formed by adoption or by birth. In this story, a little girl tells about her family, which was formed by adoption. Although she doesn't look like her parents, she has her dad's cooking skills and her mom's dancing skills. Her family helps each other and loves each other no matter how things are going, and she knows that her family will always be with her. The girl feels confident that her parents wanted her very much and that she's very special to them. This doesn't mean that she doesn't wonder about her birth parents, but she does feel sure that they wanted her to have a loving family - which she does.The author's colorful, distinctive illustrations are full of the energy of childhood and the girl's joy in feeling secure with her family. Children will feel reassured to know that love and caring make a family

Ages 4-7

Jess Was the Brave One by Jean Little

Illustrated by Janet Wilson.32 p., Viking, 1991.

Claire wishes she were as brave as her sister, Jess. Jess is brave when they get shots at the doctor's office, climb trees, meet big dogs, and watch scary TV shows. She's not afraid of the dark or thunderstorms. Their father attributes Claire's fearfulness to an excessive imagination. But when bullies take Jess's teddy bear, Claire uses this imagination bravely to get them to give the bear back. This story shows children that they can be brave even though they think of themselves as fearful - and in fact, the source of their fears can also be a source of courage.

Ages 3-7

My Red Balloon by Eve Bunting

Illustrated by Kay Life.32 p., Boyds Mills, 2005.

When a parent has been away, even the joy of homecoming can be tinged with worry and concern. Bobby’s father is coming home from the Navy, and Bobby is taking a special heart-shaped red balloon when he and Mom go to meet his ship. Mom has told Daddy that he will have the balloon when they reunite, and to Bobby, this means that Daddy will know it’s him by the balloon. He worries that Daddy won’t recognize him, so when the balloon comes loose and flies away, he bursts into tears. But the balloon floats over to the sailors, and Bobby sees Daddy and calls to him. Daddy tells him that he know the balloon was his, and then he found Bobby in the crowd. The red balloons stands out in the realistic, pastel-colored watercolor illustrations. When a parent is away for a long time, this story offers children reassurance that they can count on the relationship.

Ages 4-7

Best Best Friends by Margaret Chodos-Irvine

32 p., Harcourt, 2006.

Sometimes even the best of friends feel jealous and have conflicts. Preschoolers Mary and Clare are “best best friends” who like to do everything together. But on Mary’s birthday, she gets special treatment at preschool that gets in the way of their routines. Clare feels resentful and jealous, and talks to Mary in a mildly hurtful way. They verbalize anger at each other and say that they aren’t friends. After each plays with other children, Clare draws a picture for Mary and wishes her a happy birthday. Mary invites her to play, and they’re friends again. Illustrated with boldly printed, eye-catching illustrations, this story shows young children how to recover from inevitable conflicts and maintain friendships.

Ages 2-4