Top-rated books by Ceseli Jitta
Lola and the Rent-a-Cat
Age: 4-7
Books like Ceseli Jitta’s
Award winning
The Boy and the Whale
Mordicai Gerstein, 2017
40 pages
Why to read
Encourages empathy through relatable storytelling.
Fosters curiosity about marine life and ecosystems.
Strengthens parent-child bonding through shared reading.
Enhances understanding of environmental conservation.

The Boy and the Whale
Mordicai Gerstein, 2017
Award winning
I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience
Susan Verde, 2021
32 pages
Why to read
Empowers children with stories of resilience and bravery.
Illustrates overcoming challenges through courage and confidence.
Encourages personal growth and self-belief in young readers.
Supports emotional development and empathy building.

I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience
Susan Verde, 2021
Award winning
Sometimes I Cry
Jess Townes, Daniel Miyares, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Explores emotional expression through captivating storytelling.
Encourages emotional awareness and empathy in children.
Assures children that feeling sad is okay.
Supports developmental growth in understanding emotions.

Sometimes I Cry
Jess Townes, Daniel Miyares, 2023
Award winning
Kozo the Sparrow
Allen Say, 2023
40 pages
Why to read
Inspires resilience through Kozo's adventurous challenges. Enhances emotional understanding and empathy. Encourages curiosity and exploration in young readers. Beautifully illustrated, captivating children's attention.

Kozo the Sparrow
Allen Say, 2023
For Whom the Ball Rolls
Dav Pilkey, 2019
240 pages
Why to read
Engaging, humorous story keeps children intrigued.
Encourages resilience and teamwork through fun narrative.
Supports literacy and focus improvement effectively.
Great for shared reading, strengthens family bonds.

For Whom the Ball Rolls
Dav Pilkey, 2019
Award winning
Ambitious Girl
Meena Harris, 2021
40 pages
Why to read
Empowers girls to embrace ambition positively.
Inspires confidence and self-worth in young readers.
Addresses overcoming societal barriers with resilience.
Encourages leadership qualities and goal-setting.

Ambitious Girl
Meena Harris, 2021
Award winning
Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2022
32 pages
Why to read
Modern retelling enhances connection to historical spiritual song.
Stunning illustrations complement the powerful narrative.
Fosters cultural awareness and historical understanding.
Encourages family discussions on faith and resilience.

Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual
Carole Boston Weatherford, 2022
Award winning
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Renée Watson, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nikkolas Smith, 2021
48 pages
Why to read
Enhances understanding of African American history.
Strengthens empathy through powerful storytelling.
Encourages critical thinking and discussion.
Beautiful, evocative illustrations complement the narrative.
