Teamwork is an important concept for young children to learn about and practice throughout their lives. Children's books with storylines featuring teamwork skills such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution can be a valuable teaching tool and conversation starter. Here are a few of our favorite selections.

INFANTS AND TODDLERS

So Far Up - Written and Illustrated by Susanne Strasser

So Far Up offers the reader a simple board book that includes valuable concepts including repetition, opposites, and working together. The bear first notices the cake in the window, only to realize that it is so far up while he is so far down. After receiving help from his friends, he learns that cooperation and kindness can help him meet his goal.

So Light, So Heavy - Written and Illustrated by Susanne Strasser

Zoop! Zippity Zap! Whoop! Elephant wants to teeter-totter but he’s too heavy. That is, until he gets some help from his friends—penguin, monkey, ostrich, giraffe, hippo, and dino! Bright illustrations, playful vocabulary, and a repetitive text will have little ones begging for more.

PRESCHOOL

Tidy - Written and Illustrated by Emily Gravett

Pete, the badger, is a neat freak!  He likes to keep things scrubbed, cleaned and nothing out of place.  When his cleaning gets out of control, the entire forest ends up suffering. Pete works together with his buddies to make things right.

When Pencil Met Eraser - Written by Karen Kilpatrick and Luis O. Ramos, Jr.; Illustrated by Germán Blanco

Pencil loves to draw—by himself. But when he meets Eraser, he slowly changes his mind. Eraser can add (or subtract) things to his drawings that he’d never considered. Fun illustrations and snappy text deliver the gentle message of teamwork and friendship.

The Little Red Fort - Written by Brenda Maier; Illustrated by Sonia Sánchez

Ruby has decided to build a fort. While her brothers taunt her for not knowing how, Ruby resolves to learn what it takes to execute her plan. With determination, she creates a fort that even her brothers can admire. This happy book shares Ruby’s architectural adventure step by step while showcasing her positive attitude and the value of teamwork.

Snail Crossing - Written and Illustrated by Corey R. Tabor

Snail must get across the road. He’s cabbage bound and nothing can stand in his way! Children will love this wacky story of perseverance, teamwork, and friendship.

Maybe Something Beautiful - Written by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell, Illustrated by Rafael López

Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California, this book explores the power of art in the community. Mira, the main character, uses her love of art to spread joy in her neighborhood and inspire others to work together to add color to the world around them. This delightful story brings out the artist in all of us!

SCHOOL-AGE

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street - Written by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeeker family has lived in the same brownstone forever. Unexpectedly, their landlord announces he will not be renewing the leases to his tenants. This delightful story highlights a community with neighbors of different backgrounds coming together for a common cause.

Rescue and Jessica - Written by Jessica Kensky & Patrick Downes; Illustrated by Scott Magoon

Based on a true story about Jessica, who lost her legs as a result of the bombings at the Boston Marathon, this book beautifully articulates the connection between a dog and a human. Once nervous and afraid, both Jessica and her dog, Rescue, use teamwork to enjoy life together.