A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection Meet Maddie and Mabel, two spunky sisters who navigate their relationship with humor and heart. Maddie is the big sister. Mabel is the little sister. But who is actually in charge? Mabel, who never stops asking questions? Or Maddie, who can be bossy and demanding? Readers will see that being in charge might not be as important as working together. The first book in this early chapter book series introduces two relatable characters who make mistakes as they learn important life lessons. Friendship between siblings can often be a heart-warming work in progress. Through joyful storytelling and story-sharing, Maddie and Mabel exemplify the best of what these young years can offer us: imagination, joy, play, forgiveness, and family. In a way that's accessible for new readers and enjoyable for anyone who has also made mistakes and made amends with their own sibling, Maddie and Mabel endears, entertains, and delights.

Sometimes things are really tough. It's just too hard. You've had enough. Grumble, rumble, bump and roar, The Struggle Bus is at your door! You can cry, or you can shout, kick and scream or have a pout. Feel your feelings for a bit. Just keep moving-don't you quit! This is a must-have picture book for any reader struggling with new experiences and figuring out how to manage emotions. Debut author-illustrator Julie Koon delivers a lighthearted and relatable picture book about facing challenges as you grow up. Incorporating her experience as an elementary school counselor, Koon uses the accessible theme of vehicles to make this social-emotional concept perfect for the preschool and early elementary crowd. It's also a great tool for caregivers to start conversations with children about acknowledging difficult feelings. The Struggle Bus's lyrical, rhyming text adds a comforting touch to the book, while not downplaying the reality that sometimes life is really hard. From a growth mindset perspective, the story gives the main character space to feel those hard feelings, but also to be open-minded to lots of different solutions. With a concluding reminder that we can do hard things, The Struggle Bus offers a lot: self-discovery, tips for problem-solving, and, mostly importantly, an acknowledgement that we all struggle sometimes, but we shouldn't get stuck on that bus.