Marie Hermansson – illustratör

Big feelings are hard to manage, especially when you're a small person trying to understand yourself and the world. For those confusing stormy days, I Am a Thundercloud helps readers relate to their feelings through the sounds, sensations and colors of nature, making them feel comfortable and lighter.Having emotions, even angry ones, is a part of being human. In Leah Moser's I Am a Thundercloud a young child is having a bad day-they BOOM, ROAR, CRASH, and CRACKLE like an angry thundercloud. Tense body language, an inability to say the "right" words, the instinct to hide are like a brewing storm within the child. But like the sun breaking through, our protagonist processes big emotions by relaxing, asking for help, opening up, and pausing to permit themselves to breathe. This powerful picture book reminds us that having the ability to recognize how we are feeling not only increases our emotional intelligence and helps us process our own emotions, but it also allows us to recognize and empathize with others who are struggling with their emotions.

This captivating book explores the real connection and communication that runs underground between trees in the forest. The well-researched details about trees' own social network will help readers see that the natural world's survival depends on staying connected and helping others—just like us!The fascinating mycorrhizal fungi network runs underground through the roots of trees in the forest allowing for connection and communication. Readers will discover that trees have their own social network to help each other survive and thrive.Listen to the Language of the Trees captures the magic of talking trees that take care of their neighbors (not to mention the mysterious fungi that help them do it).A lyrical read aloud, Listen to the Language of the Trees is the story of a seedling, newly sprouted at the base of a giant tree, as it stretches its roots into an underground web of fungi, through which the trees pass messages and share resources. It will take great luck for this tiny seedling to survive, but it will have help! The Douglas Fir forest also harbors creatures like a zany Yellow Pine chipmunk gathering and forgetting seed cones, an owl nested in the giant tree, and chattering Steller's jays. And, as we must never forget, no part of the forest is entirely free from danger!

A delightful rhyming picture book for back-to-school about working together and including others!A class of a dozen reindeer is preparing for the big showcase night event when a new student arrives. This isn't a big deal until it's time to divide in groups, and there's a leftover reindeer every single time. How will the class make sure everyone feels included? And what will they learn in the process?Back matter includes facts about division and prime numbers and practical tips for what to do when you or someone else is left out of the group.An excellent read-aloud for both school and home libraries, this is a perfect gift for back-to-school or any time of year!