A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams. Greenwillow. After all their furniture is destroyed in a fire, a family saves all its money in a jar to buy a new chair for mother. A Caldecott Honor Book.

Elizabeti’s Doll by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, illustrated by Christy Hale. Lee and Low. A young Tazmanian girl, whose family cannot afford to give her a doll, learns to love and care for Eva, a rock doll. A tender tribute to a loving heart.

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illus. by Anita Jeram. Candlewick. Irresistible illustrations and an engaging story will show you how much Little Nutbrown Hare loves Big Nutbrown Hare in a book overflowing with good feelings.

Hug by Jez Alborough. Candlewick. All the other baby animals are getting hugs from their moms, except for Bobo, a forlon baby chimp in search of his mom. The satisfying conclusion should inspire readers to cuddle up for their own hugs.

Hugs and Kisses by Christopher Loupy, illustrated by Eve Tharlett. North-South Books. Did you know that a duck’s kiss is refreshing, a horse’s is warm, a pig’s is tender and rabbit’s is soft? Hugs, an endearing puppy, has learned all this on his morning exploration that ends with the best kiss of all—from his mother

More More More, Said the Baby: Three Love Stories by Vera Williams. Greenwillow. Three vignettes to delight, cuddle and tickle little ones, who, like the three babies in the book, will ask for more more more!

Off We Go! by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Laurel Molk. Little, Brown. Whether in a tree or underground, in a web or in a nest, grandma’s house is always best. Join Little Mouse, Little Frog, Little Snake and all the other baby critters and their moms as they sing their way to grandma’s house. A beguiling celebration of intergenerational love.

One Lucky Girl By George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Irene Trivas. DK Ink. The world goes dark and all is chaos during the tornado. It’s aftermath brings questions from a worried child, who asks his father where they will live. The answer, together. A realistic, reassuring look at living through and beyond disasters.

The Pocket Dogs by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Michael King. Scholastic. Riding in the large pockets of their owner's overcoat, Biff and Buff (two tiny dogs) go everywhere. Life is wonderful—until one of the pockets gets a hole. Children will sympathize with Biff's fear of being lost, delight in his rescue, and breathe a sigh of relief when Mr. Pockets finally gets out needle and thread to mend the hole. Endearing and reassuring.

Sun Bread by Elisa Kleven. Dutton. This whimsical confection, with light-filled paint and collage art, celebrates the simple joy that bread and sunshine bring. Recipe included.

Tickle Tickle by Dakari Hru, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max. Roaring Brook. This tickling game between father and son will have readers giggling and wanting to play along.