Penny Weber – illustratör

Welcome to the life of Chris P. Bacon! This adorable baby pig, who was born without the use of this back legs, became a YouTube and talk-show sensation when his adopted dad, veterinarian Len Lucero, posted a video online of tiny Chris learning how to use a cart made out of toys. This determined piglet soon mastered the device and was rolling to interviews across the country. Here, in his first book, this inspiring little guy tells the story of his life so far.

A board book about being part of a family and a group.“I have a place I always belong. People in my family listen and help me.” A sense of belonging is a basic human need. This friendly, reassuring board book shows toddlers what it means to belong at home and in a group. “I belong with my friends, too. There’s a place for me to fit in.” Children see that they have safe places where they feel loved and where they talk, play, share—and help others belong, too. Warm, realistic illustrations illuminate the text, showing children eating, playing, making music, and working together with family and friends. “Belonging feels so good! I want to help others feel good, too.”Learning About Me & You SeriesSupport toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in, too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

A board book about recognizing and understanding emotions.“Sometimes I feel up and down . . . and up again— all in one day!” This reassuring book helps young children identify and understand emotions in terms of up feelings (like happy and loved) and down feelings (like sad and afraid). With straightforward words and warm illustrations, the book guides children to recognize that feelings change and that their own actions can often make a difference in how they feel. When their feelings are too big for them, children can ask for help, talk about things, spend some quiet time . . . or help someone else.Learning About Me & You SeriesSupport toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in, too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

A look at the pleasures and discoveries of play.

A little girl finds she has plenty to share.“I have some special things that belong just to me. I want to get along. What can I do?” So begins this charming book that guides young children to see that sharing is their choice, why they might choose to share, and how sharing can be good for everyone. A little girl thinks about the way her family, her friends, and other children share with her—and how happy she feels when this happens. “I might think, ‘That’s how I want to be!’ I want to show that I care. So I may choose to say ‘Yes!’” Colorful scenes in a variety of settings help little ones see that everyone has “plenty to share.”Learning About Me & You SeriesSupport toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in, too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

A little boy learns to say what he wants, use kind words, and ask for help.“I love to talk with people!” announces the toddler narrator of this charming board book. Language is an essential communication skill and an important avenue for self-expression, meeting needs, conversation, problem-solving, and cooperation. “My friend and I talk about things we both like. We get along.” Through simple text and engaging, realistic illustrations, young children learn when, why, and how to speak up: in order to share feelings, wants, and interests; to say thank you and ask for help; and to offer kind words and feel a sense of belonging. Includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers and downloadable bonus activities.Learning About Me & You SeriesSupport toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers and downloadable bonus activities.

Early listening skills lead to understanding and belonging.“I hear things all around me. Talking is a special sound I hear.” Listening is a critical communication skill that builds a child’s attention span and leads to understanding. This simple but powerful board book helps toddlers see why listening is important, understand what it means to be a good listener, and recognize how listening benefits everyone. At home and at school, a little girl discovers wonderful sounds, kind words, new things to learn, and a sense of belonging. “When I really listen, I feel like I matter to someone. I show people they’re important to me.” Includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers and downloadable bonus activities.Learning About Me & You SeriesSupport toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers and downloadable bonus activities.

A little boy notices helpers and shares ways he is a helper too.“I know lots of people who help me.” Even very young children often respond naturally to the needs of others and want to give comfort and help. As they see family, teachers, and community members helping them, they may want to do helpful things as well. “I’m a helper too. I want to show that I care.”Positive and friendly, this board book encourages toddlers to notice the ways others help them and recognize some of the many ways they can help others. From simple gestures like offering the baby a pacifier or giving comfort to a friend, to bigger tasks that involve working with others to wash the dog, pick up toys, or plant a seedling, children see that they can make an important contribution. “’I’m big enough now to help in a big way.”As children become more aware of the feelings, needs, and wants of others, they can learn simple and ordinary responses that show empathy and caring to those around them. A section for adults offers tips on talking about the book together, along with activities for encouraging children to help others. Access to a digital download with ideas for opportunities for toddlers to help in their community is also provided.Learning About Me & You SeriesSupport toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

A little girl works through strong feelings and learns how to calm down.“Sometimes things seem hard, and my feelings are really big.” Strong emotions can be overwhelming for young children, and at times they need help identifying and coping with what they’re feeling. “I want to feel peaceful. I won’t hit or hurt.”Gentle and encouraging, this board book helps toddlers work through strong feelings like anger and worry. Children learn to use deep breaths, mental images, and other simple strategies to calm themselves. With straightforward words and warm illustrations, I Calm Down helps children understand that feelings change and that their own actions can make a difference in how they feel. When their feelings are too big to manage, children can ask for help and comfort from a trusted adult.A section for adults offers tips on talking about the book together, along with activities for helping children learn to calm themselves. Access to a digital download with ideas for helping toddlers feel calm is also provided.Learning About Me & You SeriesSupport toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.