Children's Picture Book Database at Miami University

A boy realizes he has a problem that he didn't ask for or want to have. He worries about the problem. He ignores the problem. And tries to understand why the problem keeps getting bigger. He uses a new perspective by turning his worry into an opportunity. His change of thinking makes his problem go away!

An idea shows up in a child's life. The child wonders how it came to be and why it stays around. Sometimes the idea makes the child think, and sometimes it wants a lot of attention. The child worries about the idea and sometimes it needs food. The child lets the idea grow into the size of a dream. The child gains the ability to see things differently by walking on his hands. Eventually, the idea becomes part of everything, and it changes the world.

Many workers from Mexico leave their homeland with their families to a land of opportunity where they dream to live a life without borders. A young boy and his parents drive their car far away until there are no city lights. Papa sings a sweet sad song on the side of the road where there are other people at a campfire. The boy eventually learns that the laborers worked in Alaska, Los Angeles, Michigan, Minnesota, Kansas, and Chicago, and they cross the border together to find answers to their dreams.

Yunmi wants her grandmother, Halmoni to feel at home in New York City. However, Halmoni is having trouble adjusting to the American customs that differ so much from the customs of her native Korea. Yunmi's friends suggest that Halmoni chaperone the annual class picnic to Central Park. It may be an opportunity to open-up and feel comfortable in her new home.

Do dogs have feathers? No! Birds do. Through questioning about animal coats, readers have the opportunity to learn about the functions of various animal coverings. The combination of a glossary, an index and factual information and an engaging text makes the book an effective educational tool.