The Story Diploma is designed for children below school age, families, and early childhood education workers. The Story Diploma includes many different kinds of books and enjoyable stories to include in readalongs, as well as age appropriate guided reading.
The Story Diploma is completed by reading or listening to ten (10) books. You can select books from the suggestions in the lists or choose your own. Track the number of books read by coloring the Reading Gull picture, which can be picked up from the library or print your own. You can find it here.
When your Reading Gull is colored and assembled, an adult can take a photo of it. As a prize for completion, visit the library and show your picture or tell about the books you read, and you can get a Reading Diploma and a crown for your Reading Gull! Day cares and other children’s groups can receive a Group Diploma.
Audiobooks can be read for the Story Diploma and in general, books in any language count. When you click on a book cover from the Story Diploma website, you can find a short description of the book and a link to find out in which libraries the book is available.
You can also search books to read or to listen from the E-library.
Ask at your local library for more information about completing the Reading Diploma as well as book tips. Reading aloud with children is fun and a great way to spend time together!
Never, not ever!
Pascaline (a bat) DOES NOT WANT to go to school. 'Never, Not Ever!', she shrieks loudly on the first day. So loudly, in fact, that something amazing happens - and it changes everything.
The pandas who promised
Red panda cubs Popo and Ketu live happily with their mama. As the sisters grow, they promise that they will ALWAYS stay close to home. But while Popo is content to stay in the family's cosy treetop nest, bold Ketu dreams of excitement and exploration.
Barnaby unboxed!
In a world where pets are perfectly designed and expertly trained, Barnaby seems like the ideal companion. He’s part mouse, part elephant, and proud to be the newest arrival at the Perfect Pet Shop. When a little girl chooses him, Barnaby’s dream of being loved at last comes true – until someone new appears who seems even more perfect than he is.
Basil dreams big
Basil the bat doesn’t believe he can fly. No matter how hard he tries, he just can’t do it. But when a thundering storm threatens the safety of his beloved friend, Moth, will Basil find his wings and believe in the bat he CAN be?
The princess and the pee
Once upon a bed, in a royal palace, there lived a little princess with a big imagination called Amma. But every bedtime brought with it a whole host of worries. Her blankets felt heavy and the shadows on the walls looked dark and scary.
Safe at last
James lives in a little wooden house beside the sea. Every day he rides his bike around the island, saying hello to all his animal friends. Every day is perfect. Perfect, that is, until one night a fierce storm arrives.
A hug for you
This is the story of a new hug's adventure and the boy who shared it with the world. The book, inspired by true events, tells the story of one little boy with a big idea that came straight from the heart.
Shhh! Quiet!
Quiet little Fox has a problem: her friends are so noisy, she can never make herself heard. It takes courage for Fox to speak up and warn her friends - and even more courage to tell that scary bear a bedtime story!
I'm not (very) afraid of being alone
The fear of being alone is common to many young children. This story explores that worry in a gentle, humorous way, coming to a comforting conclusion that might help allay any similar fears a reader may have.
Be bold, Bob
In the heart of the forest, everyone is getting ready for the Big Show. Bob is desperate to join in, but every time he tries to sing in front of anyone he gets so nervous that his trunk gets tangled and all he can do is squeak.
The duck who didn't like water
Duck is not like other ducks. Duck doesn’t like water and is perfectly fine alone, thank you very much. But then, one dark and stormy night, an outgoing, water-loving, and very lost Frog turns up at Duck’s door. Can this odd couple find Frog’s home? Whale 785
Weirdo
Meet Maud: a guinea pig who inexplicably wears a judo suit - and not everyone understands or approves. When Maud is thrown into a new and confusing situation, it takes brave decisions and serendipitous encounters for her to find her place and embrace her individuality.
Rabbit Bright
When night falls, one brave rabbit sets out to explore the darkness. But, as Rabbit Bright soon discovers, there's light everywhere if you just know where to look.
New In Town
This dog may be alone and without a home, but he's excited and ready to embrace a new life in a new town - and everyone in it! This town is a busy, vibrant place but sometimes it's hard being new and feeling different.
The stompysaurus
One morning, Stompysaurus wakes from a happy dream, feeling excited for the new day, until things start to go a bit wrong. His brother's being a tease, his breakfast isn't his usual favourite and NOTHING is going right. His STOMPS and ROARS start rising inside him, until they EXPLODE! But a tricky start doesn't have to mean a stompy finish.
I Am Enough
We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.
What happened to you?
Constantly seen first for his disability, Joe is fed up of only ever being asked about his leg. All he wants to do is play Pirates.
Twinkle twinkle little dinosaur
Teo is a very special dinosaur – he has magical sparkling feet that shine brightly wherever he goes. But, he is also a SHY dinosaur, and wishes that his feet would stop drawing so much attention.
All Sorts
Organizing is Frankie's favourite thing to do in the whole wide world. But the one thing Frankie cannot seem to sort is herself! Where does one little girl belong in a world of endless colors, shapes, and sizes?
I'm Sticking with You
It's wonderful to have good friends to see you through the good times and the bad. But sometimes, friends can also be a bit - well - overbearing.
Tomorrow I'll be kind
Immerse yourself in the beautifully hand-lettered words of widsom, hope, and positivity alongside adorable illustrations of love and caring.
Something's Wrong! - A Bear, a Hare, and Some Underwear
Jeff the bear has definitely forgotten something. Why does he feel so oddly off? So he asks his friend Anders the rabbit what could possibly be wrong. It couldn't have anything to do with the fact that he's wearing underwear...over his fur...could it?
So Devin wore a skirt
Devin’s family are all dressed up for Nanabapa’s Big Birthday, and everyone looks fabulous! But Devin doesn’t have anything special to wear. Then, he spots one of his sister’s skirts lying on her bed – it’s the deepest blue, and it shimmers in the light. So, Devin puts the skirt on...and it feels amazing! But what will everyone say?
Sulwe
Sulwe's skin is the colour of midnight. All she wants is to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey through the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
Hank goes honk
Meet Hank the Goose. He's never met a balloon he didn't pop, or a conversation he didn't - HONK! - interrupt. Hank even honks in the library and during movies! But being this way isn't always fun - and it's upsetting everyone else...
Cloud boy
When Bobby gets distracted, he starts to float. Everyone tries to help him, but there are so many sights and sounds and smells which draw his attention away from everyday things.
A fox called Herbert
Meet Herbert: the rabbit who knows he was born to be a fox. When his mummy isn't looking, he puts on pointy fox ears, makes himself a bushy tail, and asks his sister to paint him orange, just like a fox. But Mummy doesn't understand: why can't he just be a good rabbit?
I think I think a lot
A young girl notices and wonders about the ways she and her classmates approach doing good work, caring about people's feelings, and showing they're grateful. She comes to accept herself just as she is and celebrates the differences between herself and her classmates. "I care a lot. Not more than other kids, just in my own way."
Me and other bunnies
A hare-larious picture book about bunnies! There are ME bunnies. There are YOU bunnies. There are US bunnies..and WE bunnies..and THEM bunnies.
The poo that grew
The animals were in a funk. The poop was EVERYWHERE. It stuck to paw and claw and trunk, To tail and horn and hair. Dung beetles love to chew on other animals' tasty poo. But when the monkeys make fun of them for having such a stinky lunch, the beetles decide to munch elsewhere. What the monkeys didn't realise is that without the beetles, there's no one to clean up their business.
The song of the tree
Bird loves to sing in the towering tree at the heart of a jungle. But when it’s time to say goodbye, Bird wonders who will sing for the tree.
Big gorilla : a book of opposites
What's the opposite of old? Young! What's the opposite of sad? Happy! But what's the opposite of opposite...? Featuring a range of exquisite primates, from gorillas to chimpanzees, white-faced capuchins to orangutans, this book is sure to charm readers of all ages.
Look What I Found in the Woods
Set off on an outdoor adventure to find natural treasure, from prickly pine cones to swirly snail's shells, then learn more about the found object with irresistibly illustrated and informative nature notes.
If winter comes, tell it I'm not here
Nothing is better than summer, swimming every day and eating ice cream. But a little boy's big sister has BIG news. She tells him that summer is going to end soon ... and winter is coming!
Bothered by bugs
Pete the Badger is choosing a delicious recipe from his new fruit cookbook when his peace is interrupted by a teeny tiny fly. The fly becomes a swarm and soon all the animals are being bothered by bugs and insects of all kinds – so they help Pete capture every single one. But...disaster! Now nobody's around to clean up the poo, and come autumn, there's not a berry or a cherry to be found.
The flower thief
Squirrel is so excited. It's spring and the most perfect flower has started to blossom. But Squirrel is worried there's a FLOWER THIEF about. After what happened to the leaves in autumn (THEY ALL DISAPPEARED), Squirrel's not taking any chances...
Mouse seasons
There is more than one way to prepare for a long winter, as Frederick tells his friends in the classic story. Gathering food and other supplies is important, but gathering the smells, sounds, and sights of a beautiful day to recall later are just as vital.
My friend Earth
Our friend Earth does so many wonderful things! She tends to animals large and small. She pours down summer rain and autumn leaves...
Pocket full of rocks
Rocks in winter. Petals in spring. Seashells in summer. Acorns in fall. What's hiding in your pockets?
When a star falls
Will I fall? asked the snowflake. Yes, but you will cover the world in soft, white wonder. Will I fall? asked the raindrop. Yes, but you will fill streams and ponds with freshness and life. Will I fall? asked the seed. Yes, but new shoots will soon show from the place where you land. Join one little girl and her father as they explore the wonders of the natural world and the changing seasons.
Boo!
It all begins with one tiny pink fish who sets off a chain reaction of chaos beneath the waves until suddenly - SNAP! - she finds herself all alone in the ocean. Where has everyone gone, and how can such a tiny creature rescue her friends?
Busy spring
In this uplifting picture book about spring, follow two children and their father through their backyard as they discover all the different ways nature wakes up from its long winter sleep.
When spring comes
When spring comes, the bees are buzzing in the blossom, flowers are blooming in the soft, green grass and the sleepy hedgehog is waking up from his winter sleep.
Nature Trail
All around us from parks to gardens and flowerpots to pavements, there's a world of wonder just waiting to be discovered. Why not look and see what you find?
A Shelter for Sadness
A small boy creates a shelter for his sadness, a safe space where Sadness is welcome, where it can curl up small, or be as big as it can be, where it can be noisy or quiet, or anything in between.
The grand hotel of feelings
Welcome to the Grand Hotel of Feelings, where all kinds of feelings come and stay. Every guest has unique needs. Anger is very loud and needs plenty of space to scream and shout. Sadness speaks in a small voice and occasionally floods the bathroom. Anxiety takes many shapes and loves the spotlight. Some feelings are big and some are small, some are fun and some are tricky, but all feelings must be listened to and acknowledged. After all, they’re just passing through.
The Goody
Chirton Krauss is a good child - the very goodest. He does everything he is told, when he is told. He even does good things without being told. But what will happen when Chirton Krauss decides that being THE GOODY isn't so good after all?
Ten-word tiny tales of love
Is it possible to spin a tale of love using just ten words? It most certainly is!
I'll love you till the crocodiles smile
I will love you till forever and forever and more, till my love shakes the jungle with a lion-size ROAR, as night blankets the forest near a soothing waterfall and the chimpanzees sleep in trees, two hundred feet tall…
Where happiness begins
Everyone needs happiness in their lives. It can be hard to find and sometimes it feels far away. But there is one place where happiness can always be found!
I hate everything
Have you ever had a day when you just hate EVERYTHING? You have? Well, what if you had a friend who helped you to work out that rather than hating everything, you LOVED everything instead? Sounds good, right?
Leaves
When a wise old tree takes a tiny sapling into his care, they both learn what it means to make memories and put down roots. But when the old tree's leaves begin to fall, it's time for the sapling to grow up and take her own place in the world - and to learn how to hold on to the memories that mean so much.
Dragons don't share
Ruby is a very good dragon. She follows all the rules in her Dragon Rule Book: she steals from everyone, and never shares her treasure with anyone! The other animals are desperate – until they come up with a clever plan to change the Dragon Rules…
Sometimes I Feel...
Sometimes I feel as big as a bear . . . But there will always be someone bigger than me. There are lots of ways that we can feel, so many emotions big and small.
I'm (almost) always kind
Being kind is super important, but it isn't always easy. To be truly kind, it turns out, you have to try to look at things from other people's points of view.
Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree
Every person has their own thoughts in their head, and their own feelings in their heart. Every single person is different. And only they know how to be them.
How we feel
Sometimes we dance with excitement, and at other times we may tremble in fright or beam with joy. This book introduces feelings and the importance of sharing them with each other.
Meesha Makes Friends
Meesha loves making things. But there's one thing she finds difficult to do - make friends. She doesn't know quite what to do, what to say or when to say it, and she struggles reading and responding to social cues.
When Cucumber lost his cool
Kevin the cucumber is so cool - everybody knows it! Whenever anyone gets hot and bothered, Kevin is always there to cool them down. But when Kevin starts to feel like his friends are leaving him out, something happens that has never happened before: KEVIN. LOSES. HIS. COOL!
Bedtime stories for hard days
Bedtime Stories for Hard Days is a thoughtful, loving collection of very short rhyming stories to help children unwind after a day of heightened emotions.
A Home for Luna
When Luna washes up on a strange shore she is scared and lonely. Will she ever feel at home in a place so different from the one she remembers?
A home for Stone
When a little boy finds a lonely stone on a quiet beach, he decides to find him the perfect home among other stones just like him. But nowhere feels quite right for little Stone. And just as the boy is about to give up, he realises that he may have had the perfect home for Stone all along...
Gozzle
It's springtime. Bear has woken up hungry and finds a lost egg outside his cave. Breakfast? No! Out hatches Gozzle, a very sweet little gosling who is convinced that Bear must be her daddy – and that she should be able to climb, dig and eat honey just like him.
Two families to call my own
Florrie now lives in two different houses: One with her mum. One with her dad. And everything finally feels just right. Until Florrie's dad gets a new girlfriend... who's not her mum! Will having two families be too much for Florrie?
We are like birds
Flor is only seven years old and has moved home three times. Now her family is moving again and she has to start all over again in a new country and a new school.
Sisters
Sisters share all your hopes and they soothe all your fears, as days drift to months and float into years.
Brothers
Families are different, with brothers big and small. Stepbrothers or half-brothers, we love them, one and all.
Poor Louie
Louie's life is the dream life of every Chihuahua. But when Mum's belly grows bigger, things begin to change...
Shu Lin's grandpa
Shu Lin is starting at a new school. She stands alone in the playground and at lunchtime she eats by herself from little boxes of brightly coloured food. But when Shu Lin’s grandpa comes to school and shows the class his amazing Chinese paintings, everything changes….
The Forgettery
Amelia’s granny forgets lots of things. Little things, like where she put her glasses, and big things like people and places. But everything anyone has ever forgotten is stored in The Forgettery, and there Amelia and her granny learn the power of making memories.
Home is a wish
Sometimes we leave home in the mornings, in the evenings, or for much longer. But we always come back. Home becomes wish when we move, when the new place isn’t the same. Everything might be different: the sounds, the smell, the people, the weather.
The invisible
Isabel and her family don't have much, but they have what they need to get by. Until one day, there isn't enough money to pay their rent and bills and they have to leave their home full of happy memories and move to the other side of the city.
The bed book
A Tank Bed's got cranks. And wheels and cogs. And levers to pull, if you're stuck in bogs. Or a Jet-Propelled Bed for visiting Mars. With mosquito nets For the shooting stars. Beds come in all shapes and sizes, and need not be boring beds at all...
It's a Moose!
When he first arrives, everyone is expecting the usual kind of baby. But right away, his family notices there's something different about this one. Instead of two feet, he has four hooves. Instead of drinking milk, he eats twigs and weeds. Instead of a tiny human, they bring home a moose baby!
Illustrated myths from around the world
A rich collection of classic and lesser known myths from all around the world.
Paddington's London treasury
Paddington Bear from deepest, darkest Peru arrives in London. The Brown family meets him on Paddington Station.
Little Red Riding Hood and other stories
"Where are you going, Little Red Riding Hood?" asked the wolf. The famous characters in Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs and The Enormous Turnip are given new life and a sprinkle of modern magic.
A midsummer night's dream
Shakespeare’s comedy about four lovers' mishaps in an enchanted forest is unforgettably re-imagined by Shakespeare’s Globe as a picture book for very young readers.
Good night stories for rebel girls
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls introduces us to one hundred remarkable women and their extraordinary lives.
Gender Swapped Fairy Tales
People have been telling fairy tales to their children for hundreds of years. And for almost as long, people have been rewriting those fairy tales - to help their children imagine a world where they are the heroes.
You Choose Fairy Tales
Make up your very own fairy tale adventure where you choose what happens next! Which fairy tale hero would you like to be today? Where will you go on your fairy tale quest?
Tell your own story
If you could choose your own story, what story would you tell? Join in and read along in this funny picture book where YOU pick the story.
Help! We need a story
It's a dull day in the jungle and Artie the macaque's friends are bored, bored, BORED! But with paper, pens and ink, a splash of inspiration, and a pinch of imagination, Artie creates something magical...a book! Filled with hordes of zombie hens, a fire-breathing dragon and robot sharks (yikes!), Artie's newly-created book busts the friends' boredom, and the next day they can't wait to do it all over again.
Once upon a big bad wolf
Have you ever wondered why the Mean Old Witch is mean? Or why the Big Bad Wolf is bad? They weren’t always that way...The Big Bad Wolf used to be small and sweet. But when a witch was mean to him, everything changed...
Who will comfort Toffle?
Who Will Comfort Toffle? A tale of Moomin Valley sees Toffle driven from his home by the frightening noises of the forest.
Are you a sleepy monster?
Are you all set for SLEEPOVER TIME? Monster has your scary pyjamas ready and UNDER the bed is looking perfectly yucky and monstrous. Wait, what do you mean you sleep ON THE BED? Are you not a monster? ALL monsters sleep under the bed! Can you persuade Monster to sleep on the horribly soft bed with a disgustingly fluffy teddy?
Peasant Pig and the terrible dragon
Busylande is a very busy, happy kingdom - until a roaring dragon kidnaps Princess Lily. Who will save her? The knights do try, but everything goes wrong. Now it's all up to Peasant Pig and Lowly Worm . . . but they've not faced a challenge like this - ever!
The jeweller's apprentice
When Mr Peacock hires a shy little chicken as a new apprentice in his jewellery shop, he has no idea what awaits him: a royal visit from the Lion Prince, a mysterious robbery, and a miraculous discovery!