Grades
PreK - 3
Joyce Wan’s Favorite Books About Togetherness
These books are all about celebrating the wonderful dynamic of community!
Joyce Wan’s signature style of colorful illustrations and happy, loveable characters has made a huge impact on children’s literature. With cheerful, memorable characters and uplifting messages that children and adults alike love, it isn’t hard to see why they’re such popular titles, and why they’re an essential part of a home library!
In Wan’s newest book, We Are Better Together, little readers will explore themes of togetherness, and working towards a common goal, and how we are all better when we work together!
When it came to choosing her favorite books about togetherness, Wan knew exactly the themes she wanted to focus on. “If this past year has shown us anything, it’s the extraordinary power of community and how it creates hope in the darkest and most uncertain of times,” says Wan. “On the toughest days, we have the power to create connections and draw strength from one another. Better Together reminds us all that we need each other to thrive and celebrates the magic that happens when we come together.”
And in keeping with the themes of togetherness, it’s important to remember the value that joy and laughter can bring to communities, especially during trying times. Wan’s choices in children’s books about togetherness reflect her own love of sweet characters and encouraging messages wrapped up in humor.
“I chose these books because they are sure to keep kids laughing through funny dialogue, playful characters, and silly illustrations all while learning about themes of togetherness, helping each other, teamwork, and collaboration,” says Wan.
Here are Joyce Wan’s top books about togetherness and inclusion!
In this charming book about a grumpy unicorn wanting to write the perfect story, themes of friendship and teamwork are in the forefront!
Unicorn wants to write the most fabulous story in the world. He has a fancy notebook. A special fluffy pen. He has everything just perfect. But Unicorn has NO IDEA what to write!
When their friend Froggy becomes grumpy, Bumble and Bee team up to figure out how to cheer him up in this wonderful book about friendship and acceptance.
Bumble and Bee love to buzz around the pond and make mischief. Their cranky best friend Froggy prefers the peace and quiet of sitting on a lily pad. They may be an unlikely trio, but no matter what these friends dream up, you can count on hilarious, unexpected fun!
In this loveable story about a pup who just wants to hop with his frog friends, readers will explore themes of helping each other and getting along!
Dog wants to play. Can Dog play with Frog, Frog, and Frog? The frogs hop... but Dog just FLOPS. Will the frogs ever play with Dog? Then a hungry bear comes along! Can Dog find a way to help the frogs? Discover this hilarious friendship series perfect for beginning readers, from author-illustrator Janee Trasler.
Penelope T. Rex is a sweet little dinosaur with a big problem—she can’t help but find her human classmates delicious! This story teaches children lessons in empathy and first-day-of-school jitters, all while serving up some laughs!
A young T-Rex learns a lesson in school etiquette and second chances.
In this retelling of the beloved classic story, readers will join these three superheroes as they work together to defeat the Big Bad Wolf and save the world!
After defeating the Big Bad Wolf, the Three Little Superpigs spend their days fighting crime and enjoying their newfound fame. But one day, the Big Bad Wolf escapes from prison and plunges Fairyland into fear. Our curly-tailed friends soon discover that bricks are missing all over town. The Superpigs return to their homes to solve the mystery when they realize it has all been a trap!
This hilarious story about Farmer Brown’s cows finding a typewriter and writing him letters with demands teaches children themes of fairness and working together during some hilarious barnyard hijinks.
Farmer Brown thinks it's odd when he hears typing sounds coming from the barn. But his troubles really begin when his cows start leaving him notes. First they demand better working conditions, then they stage a strike.
This zany story of two squirrel friends after the last pinecone of the season offers readers lessons in sharing and working together for a common goal.
As winter approaches, Cyril and Bruce fight over the last pinecone in this fast-paced rhyming romp.
Two unlikely friends are trying to do what they do best — and getting in each other’s way in the process! This book explores themes of friendship and collaboration that’s sure to delight readers of all ages.
In this funny and light-hearted picture book, a fussy eraser tries to keep the pages clean by erasing the scribbles of a mischievous pencil. But before long, the eraser discovers what can happen when two opposing forces come together to have fun.
Five reluctant friends must work together to save their forest from the Super Slug of Doom in this follow up to Super Happy Magic Forest!
From the adorable mind of Joyce Wan comes a Halloween-themed board book filled with animals and images associated with the holiday—in her unique, signature style!
This lovey-dovey board book includes Wan's iconic bold lines, glitter, and embossing on the cover as well as eye-catching spreads featuring an irresistible cast of chubby, lovable characters, such as candy hearts, a sweetie pie, a honey bun, and more.
