CCBC Choices 2024 -- Primary School (ages 5-8)

The Cooperative Children's Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison compiles a yearly list of excellent books for young readers.

Showing 1 - 20 of 31  There are a total of 151 valid entries on the list.
Book cover for Beneath.
Notes:
Picture Books;4-7
Description:
Finn is in a horrible mood and doesn't want to talk about it. After some persuading, though, they agree to go for a hike with Grandpa. Throughout their forest walk, they see many different things: big, strong trees with networks of roots growing underneath, still water with schools of fish swimming below, and an expectant bird with eggs nestled under her. It’s when the pair pass fellow hikers that Finn realizes that people, just like the elements...

2. Big

Book cover for Big.
Notes:
Understanding Oneself and Others;4-8
Description:
The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.
Book cover for The book of turtles.
Notes:
Science, Technology, and the Natural World;5-9
Description:
"This tribute to one of the most diverse, fascinating, and beloved species on the planet (turtles) speaks to the diversity and wisdom of these long-lived reptiles." --
Book cover for Boyogi.
Notes:
Understanding Oneself and Others;4-8
Description:
"Ever since Daddy returned from overseas, he’s been different. At first, Butta Bean thinks it’s his fault—that maybe his daddy doesn’t love him anymore. But Mama explains that Daddy’s mind is hurt from things that happened while he was away. When Mama takes them all to yoga class at their local YMCA, Daddy doesn’t want to go at first, and Butta Bean thinks it looks weird. But as Daddy and Butta Bean get better...
Book cover for Dim Sum Palace.
Author:
Notes:
Picture Books;4-7
Description:
"Liddy is so excited about going to the Dim Sum Palace tomorrow with her family that she can't sleep. So when a delicious smell wafts into her room, she hops out of bed, opens her door and steps into... an actual palace of dim sum! There are dumplings, baos, buns and more delicious treats than one girl can possibly eat. Liddy just has to take a bite, but she slips and falls... into a bowl of dumpling filling. The chefs are so busy rolling, folding...
Book cover for Frank and Bert.
Series:
Frank and Bert volume 1.
Notes:
Picture Books;3-6
Description:
This laugh-out-loud picture book follows best friends Frank and Bert as they play hide-and-seek, but when Bert isn't so good at hiding (despite thinking he is), Frank must decide between winning or making Bert happy.
Book cover for Great Carrier Reef.
Notes:
Science, Technology, and the Natural World;7-10
Description:
This incredible story brings young readers along on the journey of the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany—the Mighty O—as it gets stripped down to a steel shell for a new life below the waves. After 25 years of service, launching more aircraft than any other carrier of its time, the ship found a new mission as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida. The Mighty O was prepped and reefed by a team of more than 150 scientists, engineers, and technicians....
Book cover for Hornbeam all in.
Series:
Hornbeam books volume 1.
Notes:
Picture Books;4-8
Description:
Hornbeam the moose goes on a picnic with his best friend Eureka, sleeps over at his friend Cuddy's house, and learns how to swim with Adorabelle.
Book cover for The kitten story.
Notes:
Picture Books;3-8
Description:
"When a cat-loving family decides to bring home a pet, their quest reveals the highs and lows of everyday family life in this heartwarming story perfect for kitten lovers and everyone who's ever longed for a pet."--Provided by publisher.
Book cover for A letter for Bob.
Author:
Notes:
Picture Books;4-8
Description:
When its time to say goodbye to a part of her family, a young girl pens a love letter to Bob, the treasured family car that has taken them all over and been there in sad and scary times.

11. Mine!

Book cover for Mine!.
Notes:
Picture Books;3-6
Description:
In a tall, tall tree, at the tip-tippy top, hangs a single red apple... Along skirts Mouse. “An apple!” she squeaks, "How divine! When it tumbles to the ground, it’ll all be mine!” And so it goes, for Hare, Fox, Deer, and Bear, who each can't wait to get their hands on the apple. Soon the wind huffs and puffs, the branch snips and snaps, and down the apple falls. Only one shiny red apple for five furry creatures? What are they to do?!
Book cover for Mnoomin maan'gowing.
Notes:
Picture Books;4-8
Description:
Written in Anishinaabemowin and English, the story opens at harvest time. A child holds a mnoomin seed and imagines all the life that made a single seed possible―Mayfly, Pike, Muskrat, Eagle and Moose, all had a part to play in bringing the seed into being. What will happen if the seed sprouts? Underwater leaves will shelter young fish, shoots will protect ducklings, stalks will feed larvae, in turn providing food for bats…until finally mnoomin...
Book cover for More than words.
Author:
Notes:
Understanding Oneself and Others;4-7
Description:
Quietly observing the many different ways his classmates communicate, Nathan learns that understanding and being mindful of one another are the greatest bridges to friendship and belonging, in this moving picture book that explores and celebrates many forms of expression.
Book cover for My dad is a DJ.
Notes:
Picture Books;6-10
Description:
"Trevor's dad is a DJ, and he always picks the best music--But after his parents split up and Dad moves out, Trevor feels like the pitch doesn't fit between them. Trevor has his own music now--hip-hop--and Dad can't seem to let go of his old soul favorites. As the end-of-year dance approaches, Trevor and his father will have to find their new groove to get the party started."--
Book cover for Nell plants a tree.
Author:
Notes:
Picture Books;6-9
Description:
"This gorgeous picture book shows how one little girl's careful tending of a pecan tree creates the living center of a loving, intergenerational Black family. For Earth Day and every day! Perfect for fans of Matt de la Peą and Oge Mora. Inspired by the pecan trees of the creators' own childhoods, Anne Wynter's lyrical picture book, brought to life with breathtaking illustrations by Daniel Miyares, brims with wonder and love."-- "Three generations...
Book cover for Night owl night.
Notes:
Picture Books;4-8
Description:
"Sova's mother studies owls and their migration patterns, and one night, when Sova is old enough, she accompanies her mother to observe and tag saw-whet owls in the woods"--
Book cover for Nothing ever happens on a gray day.
Notes:
Picture Books;5-8
Description:
A girl thinks that nothing happens in her neighborhood on a gray day--until she ventures into the woods, and discovers the colors and busy animals of autumn.
Book cover for Okra stew.
Notes:
Picture Books;3-7
Description:
Papa has something special planned for tonight's family dinner--and Bobo can't wait! Excited to learn how to make okra stew like his ancestors, Bobo helps Papa pick veggies from the garden, catch shrimp from the creek, rain down rice in the pot, simmer the stew, and even make a tasty side of cornbread. When the stew begins to bubble and pop, Bobo and his family gather around for a mouthwatering feast.
Book cover for Our pool.
Notes:
Picture Books;4-7
Description:
It's pool day in the city and everyone is welcome.
Book cover for The red jacket.
Notes:
Picture Books;3-7
Description:
"Bob loves his red jacket. The red jacket makes him feel swanky cool. The red jacket makes other seagulls notice him and even speak to him. But when a wave washes it away, will Bob lose his cool and his newfound friends, too?"--