Even Higher retold by Barbara Cohen, illustrated by Anatoly Ivanov. From the story by I. L Pertz. Lothrop. A doubter determines to find out where the rabbi goes during the Jewish New Year—not believing the villagers who tell him that the rabbi goes to heaven. A wise book with an important message for all times and people.

Frederick by Leo Lionni. Knopf. It is the magic of Frederick’s (a little mouse) words and poetic images that help the other mice through the long cold winter. A celebration of the human spirit.

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr. Lee & Low. Based on an ancient Native American message of appreciation for Mother Earth, this beautiful picture book simply and eloquently itemizes the blessings of the world and country in which we live.

Helping Out by George Ancona. Clarion. An exploration, in black and white photographs, of the pleasures and special relationships of adults and children working together.

Music, Music for everyone by Vera B. Williams. Greenwillow. The money jar is empty and grandma is sick, so Rosa and her friends form a band to earn money to help with expenses.

Peace Begins With You by Katherine Scholes, illustrated by Robert Ingpen. Sierra Club/Little, Brown. How and why conflicts occur and how to resolve them in peaceful ways, beginning with individual’s conduct. The significance of each person’s actions toward world peace is explored. Accessible to young children and meaningful to older ones. A lot to think and talk about.

Preschool to the Rescue by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. Harcourt. By working together, the animal preschoolers save the day when the toy vehicles get stuck in the mud.

Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen Chinn, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright. Lee and Low. Sam isn’t quite sure how to spend the money he received for Chinese New Year. What would you do if you were Sam? A timely book about good values and a good story, too.

Stone Soup: An Old Tale by Marcia Brown. Scribner’s/Athenuem. Unwilling to share their food with three hungry soldiers, the townspeople manage to scrape together some carrots here, a few onions and potatoes there—as they follow the soldiers’ recipe for stone soup. A community feast.

The Brave Little Parrot by Rafe Martin, illustrated by Susan Gaber. Putnam. The animals laugh when the Little Parrot tries to put out the huge forest fire by herself. But the gods do not. A moving story of how one brave and compassionate heart can make a difference. A Jataka tale.

The Gigantic Turnip by Alexei Tolstoy, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey. Barefoot Books. It takes the help of the farmer, his wife, children, farm animals and still, they cannot budge that enormous turnip—until a little mouse adds his weight. A true group effort, with everyone counting.

The Three Questions by Jon M. Muth. Scholastic. Young Nikolai goes in search of answers to three questions, that he believes, will help him become a good person. Children will discover that the answers lie in Nikolai’s compassionate and kind behavior. Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy.

Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan. Morrow. A young boy accompanies his uncle to a soup kitchen where they both help to feed hungry people in need. This gentle picture book presents an unsentimental, yet sensitive portrait of the poor, the homeless and the elderly. It also provides a positive image of community caring and how people can make a difference—even children.

What Zeesie Saw on Delancey Street by Elsa Okon Rael, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman. Simon and Schuster. On Zeesie’s seventh birthday, she is given a dollar and taken to a package party (where people can either take something if they are in need or leave something for someone who is), where she learns an important lesson in the true meaning of giving.