Deborah Hopkinson

Nancy Carpenter

This funny, touching picture book—the perfect gift for a child to give to their own teacher—celebrates the difference a good teacher can make. Written as a thank-you note to a special teacher from the student who never forgot her, this moving story makes a great read-aloud and a perfect gift for Teacher Appreciation Day or Graduation!

Dear Teacher, Whenever I had something to tell you, I tugged on your shirt and whispered in your ear. This time I’m writing a letter. So begins this heartfelt picture book about a girl who prefers running and jumping to listening and learning–and the teacher who gently inspires her. From stomping through creeks on a field trip to pretending to choke when called upon to read aloud, this book’s young heroine would be a challenge to any teacher. But this teacher isn’t just any teacher. By listening carefully and knowing just the right thing to say, she quickly learns that the girl’s unruly behavior is due to her struggles with reading. And at the very end, we learn what this former student is now: a teacher herself.

A Letter to My Teacher

Kimberlee Gard

Sandie Sonke

Little i can’t wait to meet his friends at school, but there’s just one problem: he can’t find his dot anywhere? Each letter offers a replacement–an acorn from Little a, a balloon from Little b, a clock from Little c–but nothing seems quite right. Adorable illustrations teach alphabet letters and sounds with a surprising and satisfying ending to Little i’s search.

The Little I Who Lost His Dot

Michelle Cuevas

Erin E. Stead

A message in a bottle holds the promise of surprise and wonder, as told in this enthralling picture book by Caldecott Medalist Erin E. Stead

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles, who lives alone atop a hill, has a job of the utmost importance. It is his task to open any bottles found at sea and make sure that the messages are delivered. He loves his job, though he has always wished that, someday, one of the letters would be addressed to him. One day he opens a party invitation—but there’s no name attached. As he devotes himself to the mystery of the intended recipient, he ends up finding something even more special: the possibility of new friends.

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles

Sophie Blackall

From two-time Caldecott Winner author-illustrator Sophie Blackall! If You Come to Earth is a glorious guide to our home planet, and a call for us to take care of both Earth and each other. This stunning book is inspired by the thousands of children Sophie Blackall has met during her travels around the world in support of UNICEF and Save the Children. - An engaging storybook about a single curious and imaginative child- Simultaneously funny and touching- Carries a clear message about the need to care for the earth and each other If you come to Earth, there are a few things you need to know. . .We live in all kinds of places.In all kinds of homes.In all kinds of families.Each of us is different. But all of us are amazing.And, together, we share one beautiful planet. This masterful and moving picture book is a visually comprehensive guide to the earth, imbued with warmth and humor.  - Ideal for children ages 3 to 5 years old- Resonates year-round as a go-to gift for birthdays, holidays, and more- A great pick for teachers looking for a crowd-pleasing picture book about the world for little students- Perfect for parents, grandparents, and caregivers- Add it to the shelf with books like The Travel Book by Lonely Planet Kids, Atlas of Adventures by Rachel Williams, and If You Lived Here: Houses of the World by Giles Laroche.

If You Come to Earth

Sarah Stewart

David Small

urban gardening

letter writing

By the author-and-illustrator team of the bestselling The Library Lydia Grace Finch brings a suitcase full of seeds to the big gray city, where she goes to stay with her Uncle Jim, a cantankerous baker. There she initiates a gradual transformation, bit by bit brightening the shop and bringing smiles to customers’ faces with the flowers she grows. But it is in a secret place that Lydia Grace works on her masterpiece – an ambitious rooftop garden – which she hopes will make even Uncle Jim smile. Sarah Stewart introduces readers to an engaging and determined young heroine, whose story is told through letters written home, while David Small’s illustrations beautifully evoke the Depression-era setting. The Gardener is a 1997 New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year and a 1998 Caldecott Honor Book.

The Gardener

Karen Kaufman Orloff

David Catrow

Alex just has to convince his mom to let him have an iguana, so he puts his arguments in writing. He promises that she won’t have to feed it or clean its cage or even see it if she doesn’t want to. Of course Mom imagines life with a six-foot-long iguana eating them out of house and home. Alex’s reassurances: It takes fifteen years for an iguana to get that big. I’ll be married by then and probably living in my own house. and his mom’s replies: How are you going to get a girl to marry you when you own a giant reptile? will have kids in hysterics as the negotiations go back and forth through notes. And the lively, imaginative illustrations show their polar opposite dreams of life with an iguana.

I Wanna Iguana

Allan Ahlberg

Janet Ahlberg

This gorgeously illustrated, full-color classic celebrates a time before email by depicting amusing correspondence between fairy tale and Mother Goose characters. What could possibly be in a letter from Goldilocks to the Three Bears? Who would write to the Wicked Witch? Open this book, take out the letters, and discover what favorite characters would write to each other–and reimagine best-loved tales together.

The Jolly Postman

Drew Daywalt

Oliver Jeffers

Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. Blue needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking—each believes he is the true color of the sun.

What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best?

The Day the Crayons Quit

Sally Grindley

Tony Ross

Dear D.J. Lucas,  My uncle bought me one of your books for Christmas. It’s called Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Boy? I want to be a writer. I want to write a story now. Please will you help me? Love from Max   And so begins Max’s funny correspondence with his favorite author, the world-famous D.J. Lucas. What follows is a touching tale about imagination, friendship, storytelling, and sharing secrets.

Dear Max

Alan Zweibel

Dear Kids, A long time ago, when you were little, Mom and I took you to where we wanted to build a house. . . . I remember there was one tree, however, that the three of you couldn’t stop staring at. . . .
After the family spares him from the builders, Steve the tree quickly works his way into their lives. He holds their underwear when the dryer breaks down, he’s there when Adam and Lindsay get their first crushes, and he’s the centerpiece at their outdoor family parties. With a surprising lack of anthropomorphizing, this is a uniquely poignant celebration of fatherhood, families, love, and change.

Our Tree Named Steve

Rosemary Wells

Ruby is busy sending out party invitations, so Max decides he’ll write a letter too, asking for a special present. But when the postman delivers the letter to Grandma, she thinks Max is just saying hello. So Max sends another letter. It soon becomes clear to Grandma that Max is asking for something special. The only question is what? With eight clever flaps to lift, this heartwarming and interactive picture book gives Rosemary Wells fans even more reasons to love Max and Ruby, who are now starring in their own Nickelodeon television show.

Bunny Mail

Ezra Jack Keats

Generations of children have read, re-read, and loved Ezra Jack Keats’s award-winning, classic stories about Peter and his neighborhood friends. Now, for the first time, Peter’s Chair, A Letter to Amy, and Goggles! are available in paperback exclusively from Puffin.  

“A master of ingenious collages, Keats has made brilliant variegated pictures.”—_The Horn Book  

_Ezra Jack Keats (1916-1983) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of more than eighty-five books for children.

A Letter to Amy

Josh Funk

Rodolfo Montalvo

A sweet and clever friendship story in rhyme, about looking past physical differences to appreciate the person (or dragon) underneath.

George and Blaise are pen pals, and they write letters to each other about everything: their pets, birthdays, favorite sports, and science fair projects. There’s just one thing that the two friends don’t know: George is a human, while Blaise is a dragon! What will happen when these pen pals finally meet face-to-face?

Dear Dragon

James Kwan

A sweet and whimsical story of a perfect kid-sized winter adventure, Dear Yeti is the debut picture book of an author/illustrator to watch.

Two young hikers set out to look for Yeti one day, and with the help of a bird friend, they trek further and further into the woods, sending letters to coax the shy creature out of hiding. But as their trip goes on, the hikers find that they have not prepared very well, and though their morale is high, food supplies are low, the forest is getting darker, and a snowstorm looms. Luckily Yeti is a friend they can rely on, and though he’s not ready to come out of hiding, he sneakily finds a way to get the hikers exactly what they need when they need it.

Dear Yeti

The Jolly Postman rides again with more real letters, and presents, too, in his Christmas postbag.

This gorgeously illustrated, full-color classic celebrates a time before email with an interactive picture book full of real letters to read aloud. The Jolly Postman brings a batch of wonderful letters for Christmas, including notes from the Big Bad Wolf and all the King’s men. Open this book, take out the letters, and discover what favorite characters would write to each other–and reimagine best-loved tales together.

The Jolly Christmas Postman

Beverly Cleary

Paul O. Zelinsky

divorce

Dear Mr. Henshaw, I wish somebody would stop stealing the good stuff out of my lunchbag. I guess I wish a lot of other things, too. I wish someday Dad and Bandit would pull up in front in the rig … Dad would yell out of the cab, “Come on, Leigh. Hop in and I’ll give you a lift to school.” Leigh Botts has been author Boyd Henshaw’s number one fan ever since he was in second grade. Now in sixth grade, Leigh lives with his mother and is the new kid at school. He’s lonely, troubled by the absence of his father, a cross-country trucker, and angry because a mysterious thief steals from his lunchbag. Then Leigh’s teacher assigns a letter-writing project. Naturally Leigh chooses to write to Mr. Henshaw, whose surprising answer changes Leigh’s life.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Jane Cabrera

Grace sets off to spread gratitude to everyone in her community and receives a delightful response!

Grace writes charming and humorous letters to thank relatives and friends for her birthday presents. But why stop there? To who else can she give thanks? Grace thanks Mr. Jones for teaching her to read, her dog for his waggy tail, and the sky for being so blue. 

Soon showers of thoughtful letters and notes are circulating through the town. When Grace returns home, a gatefold reveals that the inside is decorated from floor to ceiling with notes, cards, and letters responding to her thoughtful missives.

Favorite storytime author and illustrator, Jane Cabrera’s vivid and textured acrylic paintings are filled with joyful cuteness and warmth. Patterns from the inside of envelopes smartly add to the epistolary theme. This delightful celebration of mindful thankfulness and community togetherness is perfect for curling up in a cozy spot and sharing one-on-one.

The Thank You Letter

Now that Professor Whale has retired, he writes many letters to You, Whoever You Are, Who Lives on the Other Side of the Horizon. Seal and Pelican are busy delivering the letters and Penguin is now teaching. Although he is happy his friends are doing so well, Whale wants a special friend;, who might call him by a friendly sort of name. Like Whaley, maybe, instead of Professor.  In this charming follow-up to the international bestseller Yours Sincerely, Giraffe, another correspondence flourishes across the horizons. The letters bring penguins, whales, and seals together in the famous Whale Point Olympics, where the winners are friendship and humor.

Dear Professor Whale

Lucy Cousins

Maisy is on vacation, and she’s sending mail to all her friends! Readers will be thrilled to open her letters and find surprises inside.

Join Maisy on an exciting journey as she travels through the mountains, visits a market, rows a boat along the river, has fun at a fair, and relaxes on the beach. As part of each adventure, Maisy sends a letter to a friend – and to her fans! Included are six real envelopes containing postcards, games, souvenirs, and more.

Letters from Maisy

Troy Cummings

A dog looking for a home sends letters to prospective owners on Butternut Street, with surprising results.

Can I Be Your Dog?

Peter Sís

A little boy writes a letter to his grandfather about all the reading and studying he is doing this summer–but all his activities revolve around ice cream.

Ice Cream Summer

Mika Song

Oliver the cat is looking for a friend to have tea with, little does he know that under the couch his future best friend, Philbert the mouse is trying to meet him. 

Filled with humor and heart and brought to life with gorgeous watercolor-and-ink illustrations, this book from debut author-illustrator Mika Song shows readers how friends can come in all shapes and sizes and be found in the most unexpected places.

Tea with Oliver

fractured fairy tales

Here’s a new story from the Hidden Forest. The familiar cast of best-loved children’s book characters – Goldilocks, Peter Rabbit, Little Red Riding Hood, and friends – are all set to have a housewarming party for their new neighbors, the Three Little Pigs. But will they be able to avert Wolfy Lupus and Fer O’Cious’s sinister plot to foil their plans? The letters that these characters send to one another and the marvelous details of Leslie Tryon’s illustrations will transport children to the magically clever world of the Hidden Forest, where familiar storybook characters meet, frolic, and come to life.

Yours Truly, Goldilocks

Mark Teague

A beguiling dog laments his fate at obedience school through a series of hilarious letters home–by the best-selling illustrator of HOW DO DINOSAURS SAY GOOD NIGHT? When Ike Larue is “imprisoned” at the Igor Brotweiler Canine Academy, he tries everything to get sent home–weepy letters to his owner, even illness. In reality, Brotweiler is more like camp than prison, but still, Ike’s not cut out for life w/o Mrs. Larue &amp;amp;amp; his creature comforts. Finally, he runs away only to find himself back in Snort City–just in time to save Mrs. Larue’s life.Teague is at the top of his fetching form in this madcap comedy where the real world of Brotweiler &amp;amp;amp; the one Ike imagines are brilliantly depicted thru split-screen visuals, the former in color &amp;amp;amp; the latter in b&amp;amp;amp;w.

Dear Mrs. Larue: Letters from Obedience School: Letters from Obedience School

Simon James

Whales don’t live in ponds–or do they? “Dear Mr. Blueberry, I love whales very much and I think I saw one in my pond today. Please send me some information on whales.” It’s vacation time, so Emily has to write to her teacher to help when she discovers a blue whale living in her pond. Mr. Blueberry answers that she must be mistaken, because whales live in the ocean, not in ponds. Throughout the summer, Emily and Mr. Blueberry exchange letters, until Emily has a happy surprise to share with her teacher. In the process, Emily learns a lot about whales. And Mr. Blueberry learns even more about imagination, faith, and love.

Dear Mr. Blueberry

Cynthia Grady

Amiko Hirao

“Dear Miss Breed . . .”

A touching story about Japanese American children who corresponded with their beloved librarian while they were imprisoned in World War II internment camps.

When Executive Order 9066 is enacted after the attack at Pearl Harbor, children’s librarian Clara Breed’s young Japanese American patrons are to be sent to prison camp. Before they are moved, Breed asks the children to write her letters and gives them books to take with them. Through the three years of their internment, the children correspond with Miss Breed, sharing their stories, providing feedback on books, and creating a record of their experiences. Using excerpts from children’s letters held at the Japanese American National Museum, author Cynthia Grady presents a difficult subject with honesty and hope.

Write to Me

Peter Hinckley

Lu Green (Svetlana Shendrik)

Nothing can stop your love from reaching your child, and in I’ll Love You for Always, that love is always on hand in the form of six beautiful notes that you can write straight in the book! As a young child travels through life’s peaks and valleys, sunshine and shadow, colorful love birds appear carrying six different notes of love and reassurance. Some notes fold out from the pages, some are tucked in envelopes, and all of them include simple prompts that invite parents to write heartfelt expressions that will be treasured for years to come. The perfect I-love-you book for bedtime, birthdays, celebrations, and even grown-up graduations, I’ll Love You for Always is a timeless gift your children will cherish long past childhood.

I'll Love You for Always

Jacqueline Jules

Kim Smith

Sofia is on a mission to make a family time capsule. The whole family contributes pictures and special items. Abuela even writes a letter to each of her grandchildren to be opened in fifteen years. Can Sofia really wait fifteen years to find out what that letter says? Adorable art, a table of contents, writing prompts, discussion questions, and an English/Spanish glossary are all included in this early chapter book.

Abuela's Special Letters

Dimity Powell

Scott Anastasi

Christmas

PS Who Stole Santa’s Mail? is a lightly illustrated, action-packed, comical Christmas mystery about disappearing mail, an evil elf, and questionable smells that rips along at the speed of a galloping reindeer, proving for once and for all that Christmas and Santa are really worth believing in and that the power of belief can allow you to achieve astounding things, no matter how old you are.

PS: Who Stole Santa's Mail?

Norma Lewis 

Olivia Beckman

In a series of letters to Santa, Scalawag the cat explains his recent misadventures, including an incident involving a small house fire, a visit from the paramedics, and broken Christmas tree ornaments.

Dear Santa, I Know it Looks Bad, But it Wasn't My Fault

Megan Atwood

Kim Barnes

Gareth Llewhellin

Molly who lives in New York City, and Olive who lives on a farm in Iowa are email friends, and both think that the other would be in serious trouble if they exchanged places–so they make a bet, and while Olive is getting totally lost in Minneapolis, Molly is at a farm in upstate New York desperately trying to milk a goat.

Molly Gets a Goat (and Wants to Give it Back)

Maree Coote

A brand new collection of illustrations by this award-winning illustrator. Every image is a typographic portrait of each animal subject, created using only the letters of each animal’s name. Remarkable likenesses and body language. A great way to learn the alphabet, improve spelling, letter-recognition and observation, and discover typography and design.

Alphabeasts

Silas House

Neela Vaswani

Hilary Schenker

A twelve-year-old Indian immigrant in New York City and a Kentucky coal miner’s son become pen pals, and eventually best friends, through a series of revealing letters exploring such topics as environmental activism, immigration, and racism.

Same Sun Here

Alison Hughes

Through twenty-six letters to her friend Nina, twelve-year-old Kasey chronicles the often humorous observations and impressions of her unexpected, month-long stay in a geriatric ward for the treatment of a rare but treatable bone disease (“osteo-something-something-itis”). Kasey tries to make her life less dull by wearing her own nightgowns, surrounding herself with her favorite stuffies and developing an unusual exercise routine. Hospital food, insomnia and the germy communal bath are enduring sources of dread, but some new (and unexpected) friends make her life bearable.

Kasey & Ivy

Alice Faye Duncan

Mary Uhles

The Volunteer state is GREAT! When Carly visits her cousin Teddy in Tennessee for Christmas, she discovers how amazing it is. She hikes the Great Smoky Mountains, dances to bluegrass music, tastes Nashville’s famous hot chicken, and meets more than one Elvis Presley. Every day, Teddy gives her a special Tennessee gift, from 12 rockers rocking and 11 eagles nesting to a mockingbird in a tulip poplar tree.

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Tennessee

Kate Klise

M. Sarah Klise

Mom and Dad, You’ve got to get us out of here! When you get this letter, COME IMMEDIATELY! – Charlie The brother-sister pairs who arrive for the summer at Camp Happy Harmony are almost too busy fighting with each other to notice how strange the camp really is. Not only are the campers forced to wear bizarre uniforms, eat gross food, and do chores all day, but the members of the family that runs the camp fight constantly–with each other. Are the campers in danger? Or–in spite of sibling wars–do they need to stick together to solve the mystery humming under the surface of Camp Happy Harmony?

Letters from Camp

Jacqueline Woodson

Twelve-year-old Lonnie is finally feeling at home with his foster family. But because he’s living apart from his little sister, Lili, he decides it’s his job to be the “rememberer”—and write down everything that happens while they’re growing up. Lonnie’s musings are bittersweet; he’s happy that he and Lili have new families, but though his new family brings him joy, it also brings new worries. With a foster brother in the army, concepts like Peace have new meaning for Lonnie.Told through letters from Lonnie to Lili, this thought-provoking companion to Jacqueline Woodson’s National Book Award finalist Locomotion tackles important issues in captivating, lyrical language. Lonnie’s reflections on family, loss, love and peace will strike a note with readers of all ages.

Peace, Locomotion

Lois Lowry

Unfazed by her friends’ decision to give up boys, Anastasia Krupnik answers a personal ad she finds in a magazine. When the special “he” decides he wants to meet her, Anastasia finds herself in quite a predicament–especially since her letters might have stretched the truth just a tiny bit…

Anastasia at This Address

Carolyn Keene

A special treat for Nancy Drew fans, and any reader who’s new to the series! This is a stunning new edition of an old favourite, Nancy’s Mysterious Letter, the eighth book in the incredibly popular, long-running series. It’s the same exciting mystery that readers have fallen in love with for more than 80 years - when Nancy receives a letter informing her she’s heir to a fortune, she decides to track down the sender, as well as the other Nancy Drew. Now with a brand-new look, this is an edition that collectors won’t want to miss!

Nancy's Mysterious Letter

Harry Horse

Grandfather is off on an expedition to the North Pole to find the Last Polar Bears. Accompanying him is Roo, a remarkable little dog with strong views and a short attention span, and a golf cart full of equipment. The intrepid explorers set sail on the good ship Unsinkable and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Grandfather and Roo endure storms, high seas, a temperamental sea captain, and seasickness until the ship reaches Walrus Bay. In the primitive coastal town of Walrus, Grandfather gets in a game of golf but unscrupulous wolves plague him and Roo. Finally, Grandfather and Roo and a penguin companion head off on foot to find the Great Bear Ridge, home to the Last Polar Bears. Author-illustrator Harry Horse tells this hilarious, original story through a series of affectionate letters written by Grandfather to his grandchild back home. Horse s winsome black ink illustrations capture the charmingly eccentric personalities of Grandfather and his delightful canine companion and the amusing calamities that befall them. The result is a fanciful tale that will delight young and old alike. Stay tuned for more adventures with Grandfather and Roo!

The Last Polar Bears (Harry Horse's Last...)

Joanne Rocklin

Lucy Knisley

family

siblings

Penny is excited to welcome her new sibling, so throughout her mom’s pregnancy she writes letters to it (not it, YOU!). She introduces herself (Penelope, but she prefers “Penny”) and their moms (Sammy and Becky). She brags about their home city, Oakland, California (the weather, the Bay, and the Golden State Warriors) and shares the trials and tribulations of being a fifth-grader (which, luckily, YOU won’t have to worry about for a long time). Penny asks little questions about her sibling’s development and starts to ask big questions about the world around her (like if and when her moms are ever going to get married “for real”). Honest, relatable, and full of heart, Love, Penelope explores heritage, forgiveness, love, and identity through the eyes (and pen) of one memorable 10-year-old in a special year when marriage equality and an NBA championship made California a place of celebration.

Love, Penelope

Nancy Drew races against time to unravel the clues in a dead man’s letters. If she succeeds, Philip March and his little granddaughter can be saved from financial ruin. Following obscure clues, Nancy undertakes a search for some unpublished musical manuscripts which she believes are hidden in the dark, cluttered attic of the rundown March mansion. But someone else wants them enough to put many frightening obstacles in Nancy’s way. Will she outwit a trio of ruthless thieves and solves the Marches’ problems?

Nancy Drew 21: The Secret in the Old Attic

A brand-new Crayons book from the #1 New York Times best-selling duo Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, just in time for the holidays. This special book has letters, games, ornaments, a poster, and even a pop-up Christmas tree!

‘Tis the season for all of us to write our holiday wishlists. But everyone–even the crayons–know the best presents are the ones that you give. In this unique book, readers get to see how Duncan, the crayons, and their families celebrate the holidays. With real, folded letters from the Crayons that you can pull from their envelopes and read, games, punch-out ornaments, a poster, and a pop-up tree, this book is the perfect gift for fans of The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home.

The Crayons' Christmas

Mrs. Strook requests Nancy’s help finding an old stagecoach she believes her uncle hid in her hometown of Francisville. Mrs. Strook believes the stagecoach houses a clue that will be valuable for the town! Can Nancy help her find the missing stagecoach?

The Clue in the Old Stagecoach

Dori Hillestad Butler

Kevan Atteberry

A jealous cat really, really, REALLY wants to drive away his young owner’s new dog in this playful illustrated chapter book from a two-time Geisel Honor winner.

Simon has taken care of his owner, Andy, for many years. He’s a good cat. Clean, responsible, and loyal. What more could a boy want? Even when Andy’s dad moves out, Simon is certain that Andy doesn’t need another pet. So why would Andy’s dad adopt a DOG?! To make matters worse, the animal is a rude, rowdy troublemaker.

Simon’s job is clear: the beast has got to go. He decides to write him a letter. Strongly worded, of course. But when the dog’s response sets off an unexpected correspondence, Simon realizes the beast may be here to stay. Can he make room for another pet in Andy’s life?

This funny and heartwarming collaboration between Geisel Honor and Edgar Award-winning author Dori Hillestad Butler and bestselling illustrator Kevan Atteberry is a tribute to the love of a good pet - and the joy found in new friendship. With nine chapters and adorable full-color illustrations on every spread, the series is perfect for kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Dear Beast

Timothée de Fombelle

Isabelle Arsenault

Timothée de Fombelle and Isabelle Arsenault capture the heart-wrenching cost of war for one small girl in a delicately drawn, expertly told tale. While her father is at war, five-year-old Rosalie is a captain on her own secret mission. She wears the disguise of a little girl and tracks her progress in a secret notebook. Some evenings, Rosalie’s mother reads aloud Father’s letters from the front lines, so that Rosalie knows he is thinking of her and looking forward to the end of the war and to finally coming home. But one day a letter comes that her mother doesn’t read to her, and Rosalie knows her mission must soon come to an end. Author Timothée de Fombelle reveals the true consequence of war through the experiences of small, determined Rosalie, while acclaimed artist Isabelle Arsenault illustrates Rosalie’s story in muted grays marked with soft spots of color – the orange flame of Rosalie’s hair, the pale pink of a scarf, the deep blue ink of her father’s letters. All the more captivating for the simplicity with which it is drawn and told, this quiet tale will stay with the reader long after its last page is turned.

Captain Rosalie

Lynn Cullen

Based on the true story behind Gilbert Stuart’s famous portraits of Washington, this funny historical read will leave rascals, ruffians, and troublemakers of all ages laughing.

Charlotte, James, and baby John have promised to be on their very best behavior for when George Washington comes to have his portrait painted by their father, Gilbert Stuart. But, it seems like every time George Washington comes to visit, Charlotte has to write another apology letter, even when they try to follow George Washington’s Rules of Good Behavior. If these whippersnappers want any dessert, they are going to have to learn some manners—and fast! What results is a hilarious chain of events, a giant mess…and a painting that will be remembered for centuries to come.

Dear Mr. Washington

Vincent Kirsch

An unapologetic celebration of friendship and first crushes  
   
“Archie loves Zack!”  
“Zack loves Archie!”  
Everyone said it was so.  
But Archie hasn’t told Zack yet. And Zack hasn’t told Archie. They spend just about every minute together: walking to and from school, doing science and art projects, practicing for marching band, learning to ride bikes, and so much more.  
Over the course of a few months, Archie tries to write a letter to Zack to tell him how he feels: “_From A to Z._” None of his drafts sound quite right, so he hides them all away. One by one, Archie’s friends (Zelda, Zinnia, and Zuzella) find the letters . . . but they know exactly whom they’re meant for.  
This new picture book from Vincent X. Kirsch celebrates young, queer love in a whimsical, kid-friendly way.

From Archie to Zack

Tammi Sauer

Victoria Hutto

This popular holiday book is now available in a sturdy board edition for very young children. The original text has been simplified to focus on the merry lyrics in this fun take on the classic Christmas song. It’s a happy, festive way for families to celebrate the place where they live.

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Oklahoma

Megan McDonald

Peter H. Reynolds

Spurred by a newfound awareness of false advertising, Stink Moody becomes the proverbial kid in a candy store as his letter-writing campaign yields him heaps of free rewards (ages 5-8). When Stink buys a mammoth jawbreaker that doesn’t break his jaw, he writes a letter of complaint to the manufacturer - and receives a ten-pound box of 21,280 jawbreakers for his trouble! This unexpected benefit of acing the art of letter-writing in school sure gets Stink thinking. Soon Stink is so preoccupied with getting free stuff sent to him that he overlooks a scribbly envelope in the mail pile - until his best friend, Webster, starts acting standoffish and looks as mad as a hornet. In this hilarious new episode from Megan McDonald and Peter H. Reynolds, Judy Moody’s shorter sibling truly comes into his own. As a delightful bonus for both teachers and kids, thirty-six common idioms - from “two heads are better than one” to “a leopard can’t change its spots” - are sprinkled throughout the story; seven of the idioms are humorously illustrated by Stink, and all are listed at the end to inspire a search for idioms that’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Top 10 Letter Writing Books

Letter Writing