Hey, Little Ant

Authors: Phillip and Hannah Hoose

First line: Hey, little ant down in the crack, Can you hear me?

Why you should read this book: A rhyming dialog in heroic couplets between a child and the ant he intends to squish, this picture book seeks to teach empathy to the very young while giving a voice to the mute. Addressing the hatred of insects, the fear of peer pressure, and the native self-centeredness of childhood, it makes a case for the karma-free high ground while leaving the ultimate decision up to the reader. Includes simple musical notation to sing the book as a melody.

Why you shouldn't read this book: Extermination is the family business.