Back to Staff Picks
Winter is here and little pup is ready to play, but first he needs to bundle up by putting his hat and booties on. A fun board book to remind kids to keep warm while having fun outside. Even though you won't need to put on a coat for how warm this charming little story will leave you feeling!
Jess
Ready or not, here we come! What should a little one do on a snowy day inside? After a quick countdown, Randolph the bear plays hide-and-seek at home, though he’s not very skilled. Coppo’s cute book design allows young readers to identify Randolph’s hiding spots as they lift flaps that shed his endearingly meager disguises as a houseplant or a gift under the tree. Final pages turn the tables on readers.
Kara
At some point in life, we all probably had our first taco, and life have never been the same since! Join our little dragon friend in this simple taco-shaped board book as the dragon is introduced to the magic of, you guessed it, TACOS! A fun book for an older sibling familiar with the book that started it all, Dragons Love Tacos, to share with a new sibling!
Heather
Where’s your nose? BEEP! What about your jelly bean toes? Are they stinky or sweet?! Be super silly and discover all the kooky parts of the body with this vibrant and interactive book! Perfect for toddlers who would rather move around and play during storytime. Why not do both? The illustrations are so fun, there’s no doubt you’ll be ready for the dance party on the last page.
Beth
Although these Arctic animals live in the cold, this poetic gem is so full of warmth and love! It is the perfect welcome for a new baby, with peaceful rhyme and breathtaking illustrations galore. Masiana Kelly beautifully weaves in her First Nations culture and perfectly captures the absolute joy and wonder of celebrating a long-awaited little one.
Beth
his adorable board book is paw-some for the cat loving parents looking to introduce their little one to their furriest member of the family. In fun, simple language (translated from Japanese) this sweetly sketched kitty will stretch stretch stretch, hop hop hop, and munch munch munch its way through the day. You'll be whisk-ered away to the sweet life of this pampered kitty!
Bo
This board book is perfect for anyone who loves to take a peaceful walk through the snow. On the walk we find many footprints belonging to creatures who, if you’re quiet and watchful, you may spot! With fun cutout footprints this book is perfect for a winter read and a fun game of guessing whose prints belong to who.
Mayah
This is one of my favorite board books hiding in our Spooky Shed. Gilbert is a ghost who is very different from his peers. Though his family and friends like that he's different, his principal at ghost school won't accept it. He banishes poor Gilbert until he learns to scare like a proper ghost. Instead, Gilbert learns to be comfortable in his own skin (sheet?) because being different is what makes him special.
Anna
If you're looking for a Halloweeny twist to Pat the Bunny, look no further than this delightful flap book! Explore friendly bats' leathery wings, shiny noses and fuzzy bellies on each sweet-yet-spooky page! This book would be the perfect treat (not trick!) for your kiddo's first Halloween!
Bo
Cryptids have never looked so cute! This board book series takes adorable monsters to the next level. The books are filled with fun flaps and the most darling illustrations you've ever seen. Your kiddo will be hoping they run into these characters out in the wild, in the closet, and under their bed!
Anna
Cryptids have never looked so cute! This board book series takes adorable monsters to the next level. The books are filled with fun flaps and the most darling illustrations you've ever seen. Your kiddo will be hoping they run into these characters out in the wild, in the closet, and under their bed!
Anna
Cryptids have never looked so cute! This board book series takes adorable monsters to the next level. The books are filled with fun flaps and the most darling illustrations you've ever seen. Your kiddo will be hoping they run into these characters out in the wild, in the closet, and under their bed!
Anna
I'm a sucker for a book about a weird bird. This colorful board book is perfect for the weird bird in all of us.
Anna
We Are Earthlings is so adorable and important! Instilling the significance of taking care of our Earth at an early age will benefit all the humans, animals, and plants living here; more so, it will encourage future generations to continue exploring the beauties of the natural world. A great reminder for nature lovers young and old.
Beth
In sweet, simple verse/ this lovely haiku board book/ shows cute nature scenes/ and reveals critters/ behind chunky, fun-shaped flaps/ on each charming page. Bright, gorgeous colors/ make each season come to life/ a feast for the eyes. For the baby who/ loves poetry from the start/ this book's sure to please.
Bo
We Minnesotans are lake life connoisseurs and know just how special spending time by the water can be. Canoeing, swimming, fishing, watching the sun rise and set, you name it; it’s always better with the people you love by your side. With soothing lines and warm illustrations, this is the perfect bedtime story for a trip to the cabin or a fun day at the beach.
Beth
For as long as I can remember, the friendly silhouette of a honey bear in the pantry has been a comforting (and delicious!) staple in my home. So how CUTE is this honey-bear shaped book, explaining the way these sweet little containers make it to our tables! This board book is a first look into the farm-to-table concept, and a great example of expressing gratitude to our wonderful and necessary bee friends!
Heather
Little Flo is NOT about the status quo—she’s all about going with the flow, wherever it takes her. Little Flo likes to follow her own path and her own rules; when Little Flo follows her whims to her heart’s content, she finds herself in unexpected danger. She’ll have to remember Daddy Duck’s Follow Song to find her way back…This is a charming and colorful board book you’ll no doubt have a blast reading aloud!
Jenna
When Stars Arise feels like a deep, contented sigh on a warm summer night. Full of rich watercolors and gentle rhyming verses about winding down at the end of the day, it’s the perfect bedtime read for little ones who have spent all afternoon exploring the natural world around them. This little story feels like being gently tucked into bed with crickets outside your window after a day in the sunshine. A great pocket-sized lullaby to pack for the cabin, or toss in a beach day bag.
Heather
Bats, spiders, snakes, and scary pumpkins all live in this unique book as well as other spooky creatures. These critters all have secrets behind their spooky faces. Pull the flaps to find out! This board book is a fun, interactive way to share a spooky story for all ages.
Mayah
This was my favorite bedtime story growing up! There are very few words and many colorful pictures! The child has 10 minutes until they have to go to bed, but within that short time so much happens. A group of cute hamsters make their way to the house and they have a series of tasks that they must complete before it's time to go. I had fun counting all the hamsters and finding each one on each page until it was my own time to go to bed.
Mayah
A tough-talking, mohawk-rocking baby joyously smashes gender norms with crossed arms and perfect sass. Boy or girl? WHAT'S IT TO YA?! I recommend reading the baby's commentary in the voice of Danny DeVito for maximum effect.
Bo
This adorable board book has a great lesson that yoga and being more mindful has many benefits for everybody. Yoga Bunny helps his many friends with being more present and learning to calm down and breathe. This is a great first introduction to learning awareness and simple yoga poses that can help youngsters relax.Mayah
Every morning we open our store and we often wonder: what goes on inside our little critter friends’ minds? Well, in Nelson’s newest board book we learn what Cat’s first impression of the newest family member, Baby, is. With a hint of sassiness turning into lots of love, this delightful new board book is full of charm. A perfect gift for first-time parents!
Jess
This charming and tender welcome to the world for babies is depicted in the vibrant colors of warm sunsets and lush jungles and the soothing pastels of moonlit nights and Arctic auroras. Gentle repetition is paired with lilting rhymes as mothers–human and animal–introduce their children to the world around them.
Jenna
These two companion books are just about the most beautiful flap books I’ve ever seen! Told in rhyme with sturdy flaps that reveal adorable woodland creatures frolicking on every page, these books are the perfect bedtime (or morning!) read for you and your little one.
Bo
These two companion books are just about the most beautiful flap books I’ve ever seen! Told in rhyme with sturdy flaps that reveal adorable woodland creatures frolicking on every page, these books are the perfect bedtime (or morning!) read for you and your little one.
Bo
Get ready for some fun and creative word play! David Elliot combines simple yet beautiful watercolor illustrations with short, silly text. Follow a menagerie of adorable animals through the pages of this board book. A great tool for teaching kids the names of animals such as “elephant,” “hamster,” “pelican,” and many more.
Anastasia
These adorable interactive books take us around the farm and through the jungles to discover all sorts of animals. Listen to the rhyming clues, then pull the slider to find the animal that each child is thinking of! Every page includes a secret extra surprise when the slider is pulled and teaches fun animal noises so you can moo and roar all the way through these two darling board books!
Claire
These adorable interactive books take us around the farm and through the jungles to discover all sorts of animals. Listen to the rhyming clues, then pull the slider to find the animal that each child is thinking of! Every page includes a secret extra surprise when the slider is pulled and teaches fun animal noises so you can moo and roar all the way through these two darling board books!
Claire
Join Little Fox and his friends at the farmer’s market as they gather their favorite fresh foods, all for Owl’s surprise picnic. Not only does this tender story promote friendship and sharing, it provides extended learning opportunities for grown ups to explore with their little loved ones. Paige’s calming watercolor illustrations, paired with rhyme and charm, make this quaint tale a modern classic.
Beth
This quirky board book is a fun first-look at houseplants for kids and future green thumbs. A perfect blend of humorous illustrations and charming art mixed with basic facts about types of houseplants and plant care, this is book is educational, interactive, and entertaining. From snake plants to peace lilies, this is a great introduction to the concept of plant care, and even has a step-by-step guide for readers to start their own houseplant project.
Jenna
Duh-DOOOO! I recently overheard a lovely customer say that every baby needs a Sandra Boynton book. I wholeheartedly agree...and this may be the best one yet. Fox blows her bugle to announce an exuberant night of dancing under the light of the moon and the Woodland Dance Trio plays until the sun begins to rise. With flowing rhymes and silliness galore, this is sure to be a new bedtime favorite.
Beth
What do Dishwasher, Fridge, Oven, Washer, Dryer, and you all have in common? You all have a big job to do! Rumble, tumble, wash, and bake along with these googly-eyed appliances as they complete their tasks. These three board books are silly, straightforward introductions into the way things work, infusing curiosity and fun into the commonplace. Plus, did I mention they have actual googly-eyes?
Claire
What do Dishwasher, Fridge, Oven, Washer, Dryer, and you all have in common? You all have a big job to do! Rumble, tumble, wash, and bake along with these googly-eyed appliances as they complete their tasks. These three board books are silly, straightforward introductions into the way things work, infusing curiosity and fun into the commonplace. Plus, did I mention they have actual googly-eyes?
Claire
What do Dishwasher, Fridge, Oven, Washer, Dryer, and you all have in common? You all have a big job to do! Rumble, tumble, wash, and bake along with these googly-eyed appliances as they complete their tasks. These three board books are silly, straightforward introductions into the way things work, infusing curiosity and fun into the commonplace. Plus, did I mention they have actual googly-eyes?
Claire
At once gentle and awe-inspiring, intimate as a warm hug and expansive as looking up on a starry night, this book introduces us to wonders small and large—from a ladybug to the northern lights, a dandelion to a blue whale—and our place among them all. Filled with glowing illustrations, this tender picture book is a celebration of the natural world and of the love between parent and child.
Claire
“Circle Under berry, berry over square.” This rhythmic joy is sure to be a hit with all the little ones in your life! Higgins writes an instant classic that pairs bold illustrations with helping kids learn their shapes and directions. This will definitely have your kiddos wanting to read this book over and over again!
Jess
There’s a chill in the air and crisp leaves on the ground…it’s sweater weather! But how long does it take seven little bears to put on sweaters? Longer than there is light left in the day! Frolic along with a bear family caught in the frenzy of getting dressed for cold weather in this yarn spun with few words, a stitch of humor, and a heap of cozy seasonal fun!
Claire
Follow a turtle family as they go on a long, sloooooow walk. Filled with sweet watercolor illustrations of a darling family traveling together, Turtle Walk is a story about taking in the scenery and enjoying time spent together. The journey may last a long time, but the memories made with each other last even longer. And all that traveling and patience may lead to a big reward!
Anna
A good bedtime story never gets old, especially not one as imaginative and tender as this. Fans of Goodnight Moon will find themselves in a familiar atmosphere when they open Night Wishes. Items from a child’s bedroom share their perspectives of the night in a series of short poems. Enchanting illustrations and rhythmic verse roll the reader through a dream-filled slumber, returning to the bedroom when the night is through.
Claire
Hop in your hot air balloon and journey around the world! Both children and parents will delight in this colorful search-and-find book. See if you can point out zebras in Africa, toucans in South America, and wild boars in Asia. Filled with cutouts and adorable animal prints, Paper Peek: Animals is sure to have readers going wild.
Anna
Written by an early childhood social emotional learning educator, I Am! is a brilliant tool for building resilience. We all recognize the importance of giving children space to feel angry, sad, or frustrated. This book teaches that it is also crucial to give kids the skills to move on from those emotions, when they’re ready. Verbal affirmations and soothing embodied practices are paired with simple, brightillustrations. Everyone from toddlers to grown-ups will find strength in this book.
Kara