Sydney Smith

It can be a little scary to be small in a big city, but it helps to know you are not alone. When you are small, people do not always see you, loud sounds can startle you, and knowing what to do is sometimes hard. But this young child knows exactly what it is like and understands the neighborhood perfectly. They offer friendly advice on how to navigate the bustling streets. You will learn which alleys make good shortcuts, which ones are too dark, and where to find the best hiding places under a mulberry bush. And if the overwhelming city gets to be too much, you are always welcome home where it is safe and quiet. Explore a big, snowy world through little eyes in this contemplative and comforting tale.

Tucked into bed in a new apartment, a boy and his mother trade their favorite memories. Some of these moments are idyllic, like a sunny picnic with Dad. Others are more surprising, like a fall from a bike into soft piled hay, or the smell of an old oil lamp when a rainstorm blew the power out. Now it is just the two of them, and the house where all those memories happened is far away. But maybe someday, this new beginning will become a favorite memory, too. This fresh and moving look at the past is filtered through the mind of a child processing complex emotions during a major life change. It is a stirring meditation on holding fast to the best times while choosing to believe in the future.

Get ready to discover the exciting world of making music. Singer and songwriter Jill Barber takes you on an energetic, rhyming tour through many different kinds of music and instruments. From the rhythmic beats of hip hop to the smooth sounds of jazz, the elegance of classical, and the storytelling of folk, there is a style for every listener. The gleeful journey captures all the joy that comes from making music in all its forms. You will be inspired to clap your hands, tap your feet, and maybe even pick up an instrument of your own. This lively exploration shows that no matter who you are or where you come from, music is a universal language meant to be shared and celebrated by everyone.

A young boy spends his mornings with his beloved Baba, his grandmother. She does not speak much English, but they connect deeply through shared gestures, gardening, eating, and walking to school together. Marked by memories of wartime scarcity, Baba cherishes food, and she teaches the boy to do the same as they search for worms to keep her garden healthy. Eventually, Baba needs to move in with the boy and his parents. Now, he has the special chance to care for her just as she has always cared for him. This deeply personal story evokes universal emotions about the bond between a child and a grandparent. It is a beautiful exploration of how we communicate love without needing many words, rooted deeply in daily rituals and quiet moments.

Can you feel the sudden shift in the air? The wind is picking up, whispering through the trees and bouncing the branches together. Dark clouds are rolling in over the water, signaling that a powerful island storm is about to arrive. Stand alongside two young siblings as they witness the awesome, untamed energy of nature. Before they run inside to take shelter, they want to experience every thrilling second of the incoming weather. Watch as the quiet, gentle afternoon slowly transforms into a roaring display of thunder, lightning, and pouring rain, right before your eyes. This stunning visual journey captures the complete life cycle of a violent thunderstorm, from its quiet beginnings to its dramatic, booming peak, and finally to the calm, muddy aftermath. Discover the breathtaking beauty and raw power of the sky cracking open over a tiny, storm-tossed island.

Smoot the shadow has been living a yawn-filled life for years. His boy never laughs and never leaps, so Smoot never gets to do those things either. But everything changes the day Smoot pops free and decides to hit the road in search of the colorful life he dreams about. As he enjoys his very first day of singing, dancing, and playing, other shadows watch him and decide to become brave, too. The frog's shadow takes the shape of a prince, and the dragonfly's shadow transforms into a mighty dragon. Even a rock's shadow gets in on the excitement. Join Smoot on his joyous journey to find out what will become of the timid beings left behind and whether they will be inspired to find their own daring.

While a young boy enjoys a sparkling summer day, his thoughts constantly return to his father, who is digging for coal deep under the sea. The boy wakes up to the soothing sound of the ocean, visits his grandfather's grave after lunch, and comes home to a simple family dinner. But all the while, his mind strays to the dark underground world where the miners work. This beautifully understated story brings a piece of history to life, showing the striking contrast between the bright seaside town and the dark coal mines below. The ever-present ocean and the inevitable pattern of life in a maritime mining town will completely enthrall you. It is a haunting and atmospheric journey that honors the strength and traditions of working families.

A monk leads a quiet and simple life. He studies his books late into the evening, always searching for profound truths hidden in their pages. His faithful cat, Pangur, leads a simple life too, spending his nights playfully chasing prey in the darkness. As the quiet night slowly turns to dawn, Pangur helps lead his human companion to the very truth he has been seeking. This contemplative story is a gentle retelling of a classic Old Irish poem, paying tribute to the wisdom of animals and the quiet wonders of the natural world. Follow the monk and his white cat as they share a peaceful companionship, showing that sometimes the greatest discoveries happen when we simply observe the world and our friends around us.

Wake up each morning with the sounds of words all around you, but find that you cannot say them all. When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating the way he would like, a quiet walk by the river changes his perspective. He cannot stop thinking about all the eyes watching his lips twist and twirl when he tries to speak. But when his father points to the river bubbling, churning, whirling, and crashing, the boy finds a new way to think about his voice. Even the river stutters. This powerful and uplifting story explores what it is like to feel lost or unable to fit in, showing how a change of scenery and a supportive parent can help you find your voice.

Everyone knows that Santa works hard to make dreams come true every December, but it turns out he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves hatch a wonderful plan. They want to make sure he experiences the exact same festive cheer he provides for others all around the world. With the perfect decorated tree, lots of delicious sweet treats, and, of course, beautifully wrapped presents, Santa gets to experience the true magic of Christmas for the very first time. Join the celebration in this warm and original story that reveals a merry new side of Santa you have never seen before.

Follow a little girl as she collects wildflowers while walking through the busy city with her distracted father. In this beautiful wordless picture book, each flower she finds becomes a special gift. Whether her gifts are noticed or ignored, both the giver and the recipient are transformed by their encounter. As you journey through the streets, you will see how the vibrant colors of the flowers bring joy to a gray urban landscape. This gentle story is a quiet ode to the importance of small things, small people, and small gestures. It invites you to look closely at the world around you and find beauty in unexpected places, proving that even the simplest acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day.