Children, Youth, & Family
Great children’s books are one of our passions! We stock a large selection of multicultural & inclusive titles, books about God, bible stories, and grief resources. We know every title inside and out, and we would be happy to help you find what you need. Below you’ll find just a few of our many favorites.
The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights by Tim Ladwig, $16.99
Since the earliest days of slavery, African Americans have called on their religious faith in the struggle against oppression. The Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount form the backdrop for Weatherford’s powerful free-verse poem that traces the journey from slavery to civil rights.
Yoga Pretzels Deck: 50 Fun Yoga Activities for Kids & Grownups, $14.99
Yoga Planet Deck: 50 Fun Activities for a Greener World, $14.99
both from Barefoot Books
Let There Be Peace on Earth by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller, $18.99
Penned by songwriters Jackson and Miller in 1955, this beloved song is now available for the first time as a picture book, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist David Diaz and featuring symbols of peace from 12 different regions of the world. It includes an audio CD featuring a previously unreleased recording of the song.
The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall, $6.99
A girl knew an old man who had a special way of listening. He could walk by a cornfield and actually hear the corn singing, and once, he even heard wildflower seeds bursting open, beginning to grow underground. The girl asked the man to teach her to listen, but he said she had to learn how from the hills, ants, lizards, and weeds. For a long time, she tried without success, and she almost gave up. But then, one day, she began a joyous song to the hills and, without even trying, she discovered the secret to the other way to listen. 
Our Enduring Spirit: President Barack Obama’s First Words to America by Greg Ruth, $17.99
This is a stunningly illustrated picture book edition of President Barack Obama’s historic inaugural speech. Artist Ruth interprets Obama’s address and places it in historical context for children. Includes the entire text of this historic address in the backmatter as well as a short biography of Obama. 
Can You Say Peace? by Karen Katz, $16.95
International Peace Day is September 21. On this day and every day throughout the year, children all over the world wish for peace. Katz takes readers on a bright and colorful journey around the globe to meet some of these children and the many ways they say “peace.” 
C is for Cornhusker: A Nebraska Alphabet by Rajean Luebs Shepherd, $17.95
From the state’s eastern border along the Missouri River, where Lewis and Clark embarked on the Corps of Discovery expedition, to the towering geologic landmarks of the west, chronicled in pioneers’ journals, there are treasures to explore on each page.
Global Babies by The Global Fund For Children, $6.95
The Global Fund For Children develops innovative titles that help young readers expand their appreciation of the multicultural world in which they live. Each book depicts positive images of children, promotes multiculturalism, and integrates the child’s perspective into the text. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these books helps support The Global Fund For Children’s grantmaking toward community-based projects benefiting children around the world.
Me & God: A Book of Partner Prayers by Deb Lund, $9.95
Rhyming prayers, with simple refrains for children, teach how to connect everyday activities and feelings with Gods love, presence in life, and faith in all of us.
Big Momma Makes the World by Phyllis Root, $6.99
With infectious rhythms and down-home language, this original creation myth tells how Big Momma makes the world–even with a baby on her hip and the laundry piled up.
101 Places You Gotta See Before You’re 12 by Joanne O’Sullivan, $9.95
To children, the world can seem huge, filled with exciting places to visit and new things to experience. This fun and informative guidebook–the first in a new series–invites kids to embark on an exhilarating scavenger hunt that opens their eyes to things they’ve never imagined before. And there’s no need to go far or plan a big, expensive vacation to see this great stuff. In fact, some of the places may be quite close to home. They can take a peek at what actually goes on at their parents’ office, experience another culture’s cuisine at an ethnic restaurant, immerse themselves in the beauty of nature at a wildlife preserve, or get the inside scoop on what really happens backstage at the theater…or even in the teacher’s lounge! And the ideas are just general enough to provide a gentle push in the right direction, while allowing young dreamers to use their imagination and fill in the specifics. In addition to tons of fun facts, lists of little-known sites, and more than 250 color photos, there’s a bonus fold-out map of North America and stickers, so youngsters can mark where they’ve been.
101 Things You Gotta Do Before You’re 12 by Joanne O’Sullivan, $9.95
In the second book in the series by Joanne O’Sullivan, the adventures continue with an idea-packed book for the under-12 set that’s a sure cure for boredom. From exciting outings to creative activities at home, it’s crammed with stuff that’s amazing, amusing, and inspiring. Plus, this list lets kids take the lead–they can use it as a springboard for their own discoveries. How about visiting a crazy festival, like the UFO Encounter in Roswell, New Mexico? Or competing in a wacky contest–perhaps the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition? Closer to their own backyard, enterprising youngsters can build a tree house, learn to cook a special dish, or trace their family roots. Whatever they choose, this is a fun and challenging to-do list–and, as a bonus, kids get stickers to mark what they’d like to do and what they’ve done.
Listen to the Wind by Greg Mortenson, $16.99
Mortenson stumbled, lost and delirious, into a remote Himalayan village after a failed climb up K2. The villagers saved his life, and he vowed to return and build them a school. The remarkable story of his promise kept is now perfect for reading aloud.
Our Granny by Margaret Wild, $6.95
Two children compare their granny with others. Some grannies have thin legs, fat knees, crinkly eyes, or big soft laps. Their granny has a wobbly bottom and wears an old red sweater that was grandpa’s. She has a style all her own–and to the children who love her, this granny is perfect. Full of warmth and good humor.
A Young People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn, $19.95
Now revised and updated, this classic telling of American history is a companion volume to The People Speak, Zinn’s forthcoming televised series, adapted from A People’s History of the United States.
The Little Bit Scary People by Emily Jenkins, $16.99
Imagination and empathy help a young girl overcome her fears of some scary people in her neighborhood, in this new picture book by the author of the ALA Notable Book Toys Go Out.
To Market, to Market by Nikki McClure, $17.95
Known for art that celebrates the virtues of community, hard work, and living gently on the planet, Nikki McClure here explores a topic close to her heart: the farmers market. Alternating between story and fact, this lovingly crafted picture book follows a mother and son to the weekly market. As they check off items on their shopping list, the reader learns how each particular food was grown or produced, from its earliest stages to how it ended up at the market. “To Market, to Market” is a timely book that shines awareness on the skill that goes into making good food.
Press Here by Herve Tullet, $14.99
Each page of this surprising book instructs the reader to press the dots, shake the pages, tilt the book, and who knows what will happen next! Children and adults alike will giggle with delight as the dots multiply, change direction, and grow in size, in this unique picture book about the power of imagination and interactivity will provide read-aloud fun for all ages.
Listen, Listen by Phillis Gershator, $14.99
Gershator’s rhythmic verse and Alison Jay’s intricate images come together beautifully to celebrate the sounds of the seasons, from summer to autumn, and winter to spring.
Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays and Everydays by Meg Cox $12.95
Families will treasure this collection of rituals and traditions for many occasions, from such personal milestones as a child’s first day of school or a teenager’s new driver’s license to mainstream holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. Special celebrations in a warm family setting help foster self-esteem and creativity, open up communication channels, and may even entice older children to stay at the dinner table a little longer. Such cherished events can be as simple as a Sunday lunch orchestrated by the kids. Each ritual is inspired by those of real families. Their stories are shared, along with practical instructions on how to implement and tailor the ritual to one’s own family. All it takes is organization, imagination, and a willingness to resist outside interference for a few precious moments.
The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination & Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule, $18.95
Offering unique creative activities for the whole family, this inspiring book includes fun and engaging alternatives to television, video games, and the computer that are meant to captivate children’s imaginations, celebrate their achievements, and express love and gratitude as a family.
I Love Dirt!: 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature by Jennifer Ward, $14.00
Packed with activities to help kids discover the wonders of nature, this collection offers alternatives to electronic games and gets kids and parents outside. Each activity presents a project meant to promote exploration, stimulate imagination, and heighten a sense of wonder.
Inside Noah’s Ark by Charles Reasoner, $8.99
Die-cut in the shape of Noah’s ark, this thick, big-trim board book gives kids a fantastical inside view of a bustling, floating menagerie. Full color.
Baby’s First Bible by Standard Publishing, $14.99
Seeing this cute artwork through die-cut windows helps tiny children learn ten of the best-loved Bible stories (such as Noah’s ark, Daniel in the lions’ den and Zaccheus). Features Scripture verses, rhymes and simple activities for children ages birth to 3 years. And the sturdy plastic handle and built-in clasp make storage easy!
God of My Heart compiled and edited by Connie Wlaschin Ruhlman, $10.50
A collection of original prayers written by Christian high school students for teens. Each prayer is based on a scripture passage. The book is organized around the liturgical year and indexed both scripturally and topically.
Connie Wlaschin Ruhlman is a wife, mother and teacher with 20 years of religious education experience. She spent 18 years teaching high school theology. Connie works for the Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska.
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary Schmidt, $6.99
Set in 1912 Maine, this historical novel is based on the true story of a community’s destruction. No one in town will let Turner Buckminster forget that he’s a minister’s son. But when he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a smart and sassy girl from a poor nearby island community founded by former slaves, he enters a whole new world.
Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry Lee MacLean, $16.99, or in paperback for $6.99
Sometimes life seems like it’s all about hurrying. So how do young piggies find a peaceful place in a frustrating world? They meditate. MacLean brings her experience as a meditation therapist to this unique storybook guide.
