Books
We're excited to offer an expanded collection of the best kid books: smart, funny, excellently written, wonderfully illustrated, and honoring the diversity of life. Among the multicultural monsters, global goddesses, two-Mom families, and late bloomers in this collection of award-winning kids' books and poetry books for children, you're sure to find something for each young story fan in your life.
Eco-Books
These planet-friendly books support the development of young environmentalists.
A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids: Understanding Climate Change and What You Can Do About It
Author: Julie Hall
Illustrator: Sarah Lane
In this important new book by ProgressiveKid cofounder Julie Hall, kids, parents, and teachers will find the very latest information about the causes and effects of climate change, how people are working to reduce it, and ways kids and their families and schools can join the fight. Endorsed by clean-energy leader U.S. Congressman Jay Inslee, climate change activist and author Bill McKibben, the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, and Emmy-winning children's science writer Lynn Brunelle, A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids teaches and inspires through clear and accessible writing, engaging illustrations, hands-on activities, cool and hot facts, eco-hero features, and a hopeful and empowering message to get kids involved in confronting global warming and developing their best selves through such work. Parents who read the book with their kids are likely to find themselves learning a lot along the way. Printed on 100 percent recycled, post-consumer paper. For ages 9 and up.
Whole World: Book & CD
Singer: Fred Penner
Illustrator: Christopher Corr
NEW! An Oprah O-List Selection.
Kids love this inspiring pairing of the classic song with lively new illustrations. Sing around the planet, from high in the mountains to low in the valleys, in every town and every city, and with all the fish and birds, trees and flowers! Includes eco-tips on how to live green and a catchy singalong Cd. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Read alone for ages 4-9; read together for ages 0–5.
Whole World Fun Eco Activities Book
Author/Illustrator: Christopher Corr
NEW! This companion to the popular Whole World book-and-cd set is an engaging collection of eco games, puzzles, and brain teasers about our amazing Earth. Buy it with the book or as a stand-alone activity book for Earth-aware kids. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Twenty-four full-color pages of fun. For ages 4–9.
The Sun in Me: Poems About the Planet
Editor: Judith Nicholls
Illustrator: Beth Krommes
From the rainforests of Africa to the mountains of Japan, Judith Nicholls brings together a diverse collection of poems from many cultures that celebrate planet Earth. Beth Krommes's colorful illustrations of landscapes, animals, and people beautifully complement each poem. This lovely book is a great way to engage kids with two of the best things in life: nature and language. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Read alone ages 8-adult; read
together ages 6-10.
Tenzin's Deer
Author (Reteller): Barbara Soros
Illustrator: Danuta Mayer
"This beautifully illustrated story of a young Tibetan boy's efforts to care for a wounded deer aptly reflect the compassionate and caring values pervading Tibetan culture. —The Dalai Lama
Barbara Soros draws on the ancient wisdom of the Tibetan people to narrate the touching story of a young boy named Tenzin and the wounded musk deer he encounters in the woods. By paying heed to his dreams and to the needs of the animal he has rescued, Tenzin is able to cure the deer. But soon he discovers that he must learn one of the most important lessons of all: how to love deeply enough to let go. The lush, intricate illustrations evoke the emotional depth of this tale that encourages the Buddhist virtues of nonviolence, compassion, and the rejection of materialism. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 32 pages. Read alone for ages 6-10; read together for ages 4-8.
A Forest of Stories
Author (Reteller): Rina Singh
Illustrator: Helen Cann
Featuring dancing palms, healing fig trees, magical cherry blossoms, and much more, this radiant collection of folktales about trees will appeal to anyone, young and old, who has ever admired, protected, planted, or otherwise loved a tree. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 80 pages. Read alone ages 6-10; read together ages 4-8.
Camp Out! The Ultimate Kids' Guide
Author: Lynn Brunelle
NEW! This latest book by Emmy-award-winning writer for Bill Nye the Science Guy Lynn Brunelle is the perfect summer companion for outdoorsy kids and their grownups. Whether you're roughing it in the wilderness or sleeping in the backyard tent, this handy guide is packed with informative and fun facts, from packing tips to creepy campfire stories to cookout recipes to telling the temperature by counting cricket chirps. Buy it for your next trip or as a gift for the young nature enthusiast in your life. For ages 7 and up.
Adventures of Riley: South Pole Penguins
Authors: Amanda Lumry & Laura Hurwitz
The latest in the award-winning Riley eco-adventure series takes Riley, cousin Alice, Uncle Max, and Aunt Martha to the South Pole to learn how climate change is affecting the Antarctic food web. Riley sees whales, seals, and penguins as he explores the coldest place on Earth and searches for answers to help this important ecosystem. The Adventures of Riley series is produced in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, Wildlife Conservation Society, and World Wildlife Fund. For ages 4–8.
Adventures of Riley: Polar Bear Puzzle
Authors: Amanda Lumry & Laura Hurwitz
On his newest adventure, Riley goes to the polar bear capital of the world to find out how climate change is affecting this amazing species. Along the way, Riley and family see arctic hares, snowy owls, caribou, the North Lights, and much more. The Adventures of Riley series is produced in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, Wildlife Conservation Society, and World Wildlife Fund. For ages 4–8.
Adventures of Riley: Survival of the Salmon
Authors: Amanda Lumry & Laura Hurwitz
In this installment of the award-winning eco-adventure series, Riley and Alice visit the Alaskan wildness to solve a puzzling salmon migration mystery: Why are Pacific Salmon thriving while North Atlantic Salmon are more endangered than ever? Riley's daring quest for answers features moose, bald eagles, grizzly bears, and a special guest appearance by world-renowned animal expert Jack Hanna (Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo and Host of the Animal Adventures TV series)! The Adventures of Riley series is produced in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, Wildlife Conservation Society, and World Wildlife Fund. For ages 4–8.
Adventures of Riley: Dolphins in Danger
Authors: Amanda Lumry & Laura Hurwitz
This installment of the award-winning eco-adcventure series finds Riley traveling to the South Pacific island of Moorea with his Uncle Max, Aunt Martha, and Cousin Alice to study the local spinner dolphin population while basking in the warmth and charm of Polynesian culture. Their mission takes a troubled turn when a pod of dolphins become dangerously trapped in a local lagoon! Riley holds the key to their survival, but between surfing lessons and close encounters with humpback whales, will he realize it in time? Based on actual events, Dolphins in Danger also features Dr. Michael Poole, the world’s leading authority on spinner dolphins. The Adventures of Riley series is produced in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, Wildlife Conservation Society, and World Wildlife Fund. For ages 4–8.
Story Collections
Kids love these collections of theme-related stories.
Storytime: First Tales for Sharing Book & CD
Author: Stella Blackstone
Narrator: Jim Broadbent
Illustrator: Anne Wilson
NEW! Following the success of The Story Tree and in response to demand for a comprehensive collection for the younger set, this new edition features an accompanying cd with Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent narrating! This lively anthology brings together a familiar cast of characters, from the Ugly Duckling to the Three Little Pigs and the Gingerbread Man. Tailored especially for two- and three-year-olds, this collection will entertain everyone in the family with its dynamic storytelling and vivid illustrations. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Ninety-six full-color pages. Read alone for ages 4-9; read together for ages 2-5.
The Story Tree: Book & CD
Author (Reteller): Hugh Lupton
Illustrator: Sophie Fatus
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2002; Notable Books for Children 2001 Smithsonian Magazine. This delightful book and cd collection of stories from around the world includes favorites like "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" (Norwegian) as well as less familiar stories such as "The Blue Coat" (Jewish) and "The Sweetest Song" (African-American). Hugh Lupton's confident, well-paced narrative quickly draws young readers into each story, while Sophie Fatus's wonderful illustrations will have children laughing in their seats. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 64 pages. Read alone for ages 4-9; read together for ages 4–7.
A Forest of Stories
Author (Reteller): Rina Singh
Illustrator: Helen Cann
Featuring dancing palms, healing fig trees, magical cherry blossoms, and much more, this radiant collection of folktales about trees will appeal to anyone, young and old, who has ever admired, protected, planted, or otherwise loved a tree. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 80 pages. Read alone ages 6-10; read together ages 4-8.
The Barefoot Book of Monsters
Author: Fran Parnell
Illustrator: Sophie Fatus
Nobody, it seems, can get enough of monsters. We love them, fear them, befriend them, laugh at them, cry at them, and tell endless stories about them. Here is a monstrously fun collection based on folktales from around the world for the young monster enthusiast in your life. Meet an abominable snowman from Nepal, a feathered ogre from Italy, and a hungry water monster from South Africa. Expertly told by Fran Parnell and illustrated in Sophie Fatus’ fantastically quirky style, The Barefoot Book of Monsters! is a great choice for bookish types and reluctant readers alike, and it's a favorite around our house. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 64 pages. Read alone for ages 6-10;
read together for ages 4-8.
Grandmothers' Stories: Wise Woman Tales from Many Cultures Book & CD
Author (Reteller): Burleigh Muten
Illustrator: Sian Bailey
Read by Olympia Dukakis
In this fresh and witty retelling of world stories, you'll find a welcome alternative to familiar regressive representations of older women as either dottering or evil. This vibrant collection of wisdom and adventure will forever shape you and your child's view of the older women in our lives. The accompanying double cd set is read with characteristic verve by Olympia Dukakis. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 88 pages. Read alone for ages 8-adult; read
together for ages 5-10.
The Lady of Ten Thousand Names: Goddess Stories from Many Cultures
Author (Reteller): Burleigh Mutén
Illustrator: Helen Cann
NAPRA Nautilus Award Winner 2002; Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2002. Drawing from traditional tales and sacred texts worldwide, Burleigh Mutén tells eight fascinating goddess stories of divine wisdom, strength, power, and beauty. White Buffalo Woman, Cerridwen, Isis, and Kuan Yin are among the strong female figures included in this lovely book. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 80 pages. Read alone for ages 8-adult; read together for ages 6-10.
Animal Tales from Around the World: Book & CD
Author (Reteller): Naomi Adler
Illustrator: Amanda Hall
For your little animal, here is an enchanting collection of animal stories from around the world. Read about a brave rabbit, a resourceful spider, a greedy frog, a clever monkey, and many more fascinating characters in this entertaining book and cd set. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 80 pages. Read alone for ages 4-9; read together for ages 4–7.
Book & CD Sets
Read these books with your children, or have them listen on their own at quiet time.
Whole World: Book & CD
Singer: Fred Penner
Illustrator: Christopher Corr
NEW! An Oprah O-List Selection.
Kids love this inspiring pairing of the classic song with lively new illustrations. Sing around the planet, from high in the mountains to low in the valleys, in every town and every city, and with all the fish and birds, trees and flowers! Includes eco-tips on how to live green and a catchy singalong Cd. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Read alone for ages 4-9; read together for ages 0–5.
The Animal Boogie: Book & CD
Author: Stella Blackstone
Illustrator: Debbie Harter
Best Toy of the Year 2003 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. Shake, shimmy, and boggie-woogie-oogie along with the creatures of the Indian jungle in this award-winning, popular book and cd set! Printed on sustainably forested paper. Read alone for ages 4-7; read together for ages 0-4.
The Gigantic Turnip: Book & CD
Author (Reteller): Aleksei Tolstoy
Illustrator: Niamh Sharkey
Blue Ribbon Book 1999, The Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books. Humorously retold and illustrated, this classic Russian folktale about a farmer who can't get a giant turnip out of the ground has been a favorite for generations. This book and cd set is for reading and/or listening to together or alone. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Read alone ages 4-7; read together ages 0-4.
Storytime: First Tales for Sharing Book & CD
Author: Stella Blackstone
Narrator: Jim Broadbent
Illustrator: Anne Wilson
NEW! Following the success of The Story Tree and in response to demand for a comprehensive collection for the younger set, this new edition features an accompanying cd with Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent narrating! This lively anthology brings together a familiar cast of characters, from the Ugly Duckling to the Three Little Pigs and the Gingerbread Man. Tailored especially for two- and three-year-olds, this collection will entertain everyone in the family with its dynamic storytelling and vivid illustrations. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Ninety-six full-color pages. Read alone for ages 4-9; read together for ages 2-5.
The Story Tree: Book & CD
Author (Reteller): Hugh Lupton
Illustrator: Sophie Fatus
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2002; Notable Books for Children 2001 Smithsonian Magazine. This delightful book and cd collection of stories from around the world includes favorites like "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" (Norwegian) as well as less familiar stories such as "The Blue Coat" (Jewish) and "The Sweetest Song" (African-American). Hugh Lupton's confident, well-paced narrative quickly draws young readers into each story, while Sophie Fatus's wonderful illustrations will have children laughing in their seats. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 64 pages. Read alone for ages 4-9; read together for ages 4–7.
Grandmothers' Stories: Wise Woman Tales from Many Cultures Book & CD
Author (Reteller): Burleigh Muten
Illustrator: Sian Bailey
Read by Olympia Dukakis
In this fresh and witty retelling of world stories, you'll find a welcome alternative to familiar regressive representations of older women as either dottering or evil. This vibrant collection of wisdom and adventure will forever shape you and your child's view of the older women in our lives. The accompanying double cd set is read with characteristic verve by Olympia Dukakis. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 88 pages. Read alone for ages 8-adult; read
together for ages 5-10.
Animal Tales from Around the World: Book & CD
Author (Reteller): Naomi Adler
Illustrator: Amanda Hall
For your little animal, here is an enchanting collection of animal stories from around the world. Read about a brave rabbit, a resourceful spider, a greedy frog, a clever monkey, and many more fascinating characters in this entertaining book and cd set. Printed on sustainably forested paper. Text is 80 pages. Read alone for ages 4-9; read together for ages 4–7.
Picture Books
There is something for everyone among these engaging stories about different points of view.