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Ethan is just an ordinary ghost who is trying to be friends with the scary Living People. He tells the reader that ghosts are just as afraid of us as we are of them! He also apologizes for scaring people and sometimes breaking our things. At the end of the book are some tips for trying to find a ghost in your own home, as well as some real-life ghost stories. If your kiddo likes things on the spookier side, this book is perfect!
Anna
Oliver Jeffers does not miss and this book is no exception. Not only does Jeffers use real pictures of an old Victorian-like mansion paired with his own illustrations, but he also uses transparent pages that make ghosts appear right in front of your eyes! The story is told by a little girl who can’t seem to find any ghosts and needs help to find them. It’s a spooktacular read-aloud for little ones. There's even a little secret twist at the end, can you find it?
Jess
This belongs in our spooky shed indeed, but it's more adorable than spooky! How to Make Friends with a Ghost is the perfect book for kids who want a spooky themed picture book but who don't like being scared. It is an excellent guide on how to befriend friendly ghosts and has step by step instructions on how to do it. This book is truly unique and a great heartwarming story to read on any spooky night to lift anyone's spirits.
Mayah
Sometimes it's easy to feel like you just don't measure up, but Junior's cousin is King Kong—how is he supposed to measure up to that? Throughout the book, Junior compares himself to his larger, stronger, and more famous cousin. He sees Kong doing exciting things while he plays piano or feeds his goldfish. However, when it really matters Junior does something very brave, showing readers that what might be spectacular for one person is not always spectacular for another. Bravery can come in all shapes and sizes.
Anna
The dog at the center of Davide Cali's wonderful book The Writer is incredibly expressive—I mean, just look at that face on the cover! Dog takes care of his human, reminding him to eat and dragging him away from the tic-tic-tic he works in front of every day. Reminiscent of the meet-cute at the beginning of 101 Dalmatians, this sweet book is a love note to the author’s partner, Monica Barengo—who illustrated the book <3
Timothy
The Rabbit Listened nearly brought me to tears! It's about a child who was building an imaginative castle when suddenly it comes crashing down. The story follows the child's emotions and how at first all emotions and feelings may not come out right away. It's a story about waiting and offering comforting silence until it's time to share feelings. This is shown when an adorable bunny shows up and offers this comfort. This book is wonderful at showing that empathy can be given through silence and that it's ok to wait to share your feelings until the time is right.
Mayah
This witchy fable is a heartwarming tale about the magic of kindness and friendship. Fraser’s choice of rhyming words makes for a fun read aloud, while Massini’s stunning illustrations make you want to live in this whimsical world. Little Witchling learns that you don’t need a spell to make a friend, you can be a friend by being kind.
Jess
Perfectly Pegasus tells the story of a pegasus that watches over the night sky from far above the clouds and enjoys her time being alone. Lately, she has been feeling a bit lonesome in the wide sky and travels to earth to search for a fallen star to make a wish upon. During this time, the little pegasus meets some new creatures who happen to make her feel less alone and soon realizes that friends can be found in the most unlikely places.
Mayah
In this goofy but profound tale, one little plunger who wants to be a vase starts a chain reaction of rebranding amongst all the inannimate objects of the house. Through humor and heart, this book teaches us all a valuable lesson: once we learn to let go of societal pressures, we can be anything we want to be.
Bo
One sunny day, a hilariously clumsy assortment of forest animals find themselves on an accidental river ride. Beaver is a bit bossy, the Turtles are a tad persnickety, and the Raccoons are just enjoying the chaos. Though they are different, they find strength in community and remind us that sometimes an unexpected adventure can lead to new friendships.
Beth
This is one of the first picture books I bought myself with my own grown-up money. Sometimes wordless picture books can have sort of a vague message, but Idle's stunning and playful illustrations capture the movements of Flora and her feathered friend perfectly. The pages have flaps allowing the illustrations to really span the whole page and then some. I absolutely recommend this for kids who love dance, art, and making new friends.
Anna
Rosie is dropping off a load of clothes with her mother at their local thrift store when she spots a lovely yellow dress. As Rosie wears her new favorite dress day after day, she imagines who could've worn the dress before her and what activities they might've gotten up to while wearing the dress. This timely picture book teaches kids the value and fun behind second-hand clothing, which couldn't be more important these days as climate change accelerates.
Anastasia
Follow Mouse through the forest as he visits his friends through each changing season! This gorgeous picture book lets you take a look inside each woodland critter's cozy home behind every flap. If you're like me, you'll put some serious consideration into which adorable sylvan dwelling you'd choose for yourself. You'll want to jump inside this book's pages and live there forever!
Bo
This is the kind of book that makes me hold my hand to my heart. Simple yet moving verse flows through each page and honors the good days and the hard days and everything in between. Each line is repeated twice on the page spreads, accompanied by vibrant, richly detailed illustrations of the same scene from two different perspectives. This unique and touching picture book is a delight that invites us to slow down and see our surroundings through new eyes.
Claire
Oh my god I love Aleksandra Zając’s drawings in this book! That’s exactly what Joy looks like while bouncing on a trampoline! You’re absolutely right, Gratitude IS knitting a sweater! This is a wonderful guide to help readers name and communicate their emotions, but also just a delight to look at and hold. (Translator Jennifer Croft has also translated Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk.)
Timothy
A Choose Your Own Adventure lover’s dream come true! A multifaceted interactive journey through hilariously fractured fairy tales, featuring characters such as Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs. Clever storylines and engaging illustrations bring these adventures to life. If I had this book when I was a kid, it would have been in tatters due to overuse and begging everyone to read it with me. Which path will you take?
Beth
We’ve all been there: you are SO hungry, but there is nothing to eat! In Crocodile Hungry, Sumner has crafted a simple story about a very hungry croc who just wants to eat something yummy. Martz’s illustrations are cute and quirky, and they fit the story perfectly. Just reading the book will make your tummy rumble, but not for flamingos.
Anna
Your bug-loving child will delight in this simple story about a ladybug looking for the perfect spot to rest her wings. With juicy, vibrant colors and linework that make you feel like the illustrations are taking flight off the page, this is both a fun read and an informative reference to learn more about your child’s favorite creepy crawly critters!
Bo
Matt Myers’s illustrative and imaginative talents are shown at their finest in this wonderfully entertaining picture book. A big brother and little sister duo try to survive the perils of the wilderness (also known as their backyard!). A great book for new readers with a love of nature and a serious imagination!
Anastasia
Based on the true story from Tokuda- Hall’s own grandparents, Love in the Library is... well, miraculous. This story serves as a reminder of how important it is to have a constant if your life, especially when things are everything but. Make sure you have your tissues in hand because more than a few tears are sure to be shed.
Jess
An absolutely breathtaking ode to motherhood. Julia Kuo captures the beauty in the seemingly mundane aspects of parenting, highlighting those moments of peace where you couldn’t imagine anything better than raising one of your best friends. Brilliant prose will soothe you and dynamic illustrations will strike you in this radiant picture book. A must-have for every parent.
Beth
This is the kind of picture book that I want to give a big hug. At once joyful and wistful, this singsongy book takes time to wonder, “will I ever be the tumble of a bumblebee? Or the bumble of a whale?” and other such delightful nonsense. A dash of whimsy and a splash of color make this touching book a perfect read-aloud, to be enjoyed by all ages!
Claire
You know how the rain scene in Bambi feels? Not only does this gem exude that dark, cozy forest energy, it’s quite environmentally factual. Mushrooms are SO cool! Take your time to admire the stunning illustrations while learning about the intricacies of fungi. Oh, and be sure to check out the tips in the back for your next foraging jaunt!
Beth
I immediately fell in love with this book when I read it the first time. Bob, a little bird who is learning to fly, teaches us a meaningful lesson about mindfulness and the importance of grounding yourself. Rim uses her unique illustration style and comedic dialogue to make this lesson accessible to kids. It is a must-read and a valuable book to have on your shelf.
Anna
At the heart of Ty Chapman’s debut picture book is a scene that demonstrates what makes communities safe: strangers offering one another help and lifting each other up—literally, in Sarah’s case, when she becomes separated from her father at a protest. This book is a great entry point for talking with kids about why we protest, offering a gentle way to approach a difficult subject. A discussion guide and additional resources are included at the end of the book to support grown ups.
Timothy
Nyla knows home is where the trees grow tall and she and Dad make delicious feasts and count the stars. But everything changes when they move to the city. There are crowds everywhere, Dad is busy at work, and she can’t even see the stars. That is until the night the comet arrives...This vibrantly illustrated story shows us that with a little imagination and a whole lot of love, we can make home wherever we are.
Claire
Playing with the four elements–fire, air, earth, and water–Kooser and Wanek compiled imaginative poems about the beauty in nature. Paired with Jones’ captivating illustrations that really bring this book to life, Marshmallow Clouds makes poems accessible to children while keeping the form intriguing to adult readers as well.
Jess
Welcome. Enter. And enjoy The Crab Ballet! Dancing crabs are the star of the show, but an entire menagerie of sea creatures join in on the fun. Use the intermission to brush up on your ballet lingo by taking a peek at the glossary in the back of the book. Ballet and ocean enthusiasts alike will enjoy the beautiful illustrations and fun rhyme scheme.
Anna
All Owl has ever wanted in his whole life is to be a knight. Sure, he may be small, but he is just as brave and clever as any knight around. When he gets the chance to live out his dream, he proves that big knights come in small packages. Denise has written a darling twist on the usual knight's tale, and it is filled with gorgeous illustrations, a charming story, and some pizza.
Anna
A beautiful story about building a shelter for your sadness and letting it be present whenever your sorrow arrives instead of trying to keep it in or push it away. These mindful words are paired with stunning, breathtaking illustrations that outline the beauty that can still be found in dark times. This book serves as a reminder that feeling sad is okay no matter what age you are. For fans of Pixar's Inside Out.
Jess
I loved this book from the moment I set eyes on it. Ward's illustrations are truly unique, and her use of perspective (using her crocodile characters' extremely long snouts) is unlike any other picture book I've seen. Not to mention the delightfully alphabetical names of the naughty crocodile children. Full of alliteration and cheekiness, this alphabet book is for kids who want to go beyond your basic ABCs.
Anna
Here it is: your new favorite read-aloud! Full of fast-paced fun, from the beloved illustrator of the Questioneers series, join the family as they attempt to do the chores. Simple, right? Not when the mischievious cat gets involved. Rhyme along and get your goofies out, but please, whatever you do, don't scrub the fish...
Beth
Lala is playful and adventurous, but she is also very kind. She jumps and runs and waters her plants with words of encouragement and love, watching them grow each day. But Lala’s mother wants her to be still and quiet. So what happens when her mother tells her, “No more jibber-jabber in dirt and grass! Today you are staying at home.” How will her plants survive? This story illustrates just how powerful our words can be to one another and to ourselves.
Jess
Oftentimes, life will give us a sign to try something new. In this case, it comes in the form of a strawberry pie. Although change can be scary, Bear shows us that there is so much beauty in the journey. Dubuc charms again with a gentle reminder to trust your instinct and follow the path the wind, and your heart, tell you to. It will always guide you home.
Beth
Written in 1895 by Dutch artist Theo van Hoijtema, Celestino Piatti was asked to illustrate the 1963 German edition, which is the basis for this beautiful English edition. Piatti’s owls are so alive and expressive that I couldn’t help but be sucked into this story, which is about how to find happiness by focusing on the moment in front of us and the beauty in the changing seasons around us—even if others think our happiness is foolish. A great, unique gift book!
Timothy
This stunning picture book recounts the history, uses, and cultural importance of the color blue, a hue that was surprisingly hard to come by for much of history. Both highly informative and poetically phrased, this gorgeoulsy illustrated book delivers a compelling and far-reaching story of how the color has touched our human story in surprising ways, and how blue shaped our world as we know it.
Claire
Llewelyn and Evelyn are collectors: of autumn leaves and cherry sunsets and the wind just before the snow falls, storing ordinary and impossible things alike in jars of all shapes and sizes. When Evelyn moves away, the friends discover that their collections can help keep their friendship strong from afar. They share their worlds with each other by sending jars of meteor showers and city lights. This endearing book is a testament to the beauty we can encounter in the world, and to the friendships that make our memories, and our lives, more vibrant.
Claire
Come celebrate intergenerational love and gender expansion. Young Julián's imagination flows from page to page — whether visualizing women on the bus as lovely mermaids or himself as that same sea creature. As he finds household items to make his dream come to life, Julián appears in front of his Grandma in full mermaid-garb. In a moment where I wondered if Grandma would judge his creative powers she instead leads the way for Julián to explore the city sporting his carefully crafted mermaid-wear. What a treasure of a book.
Carolyn
Camilla the boar loves to look at her map collection, but she can’t help but wonder what it would be like to chart her own course. When snow falls around her woodland home, she realizes that she has the chance to do just that! With her friend Parsley and her trusty mapmaking tools, Camilla sets out to make her own paths. But what will become of them when the snow melts? Follow a snowy path with this lovable character to discover that there’s always another way to walk through the world, even in the most familiar surroundings!
Claire
Every so often a book combines gorgeous illustrations with the perfect amount of humor and charm. Such is the case with Bear Wants to Sing. After finding instruments in the woods, Bear wants to share his song with his friends. After multiple interruptions, he is not so sure that the world will actually want to hear his song. Bear must learn that despite the quality of our song, true friends will encourage us to sing our hearts out.
Anna
Tom Gauld’s art is instantly recognizable by his linework and crosshatching. His first picture book is adventurous and sweet, following the titular robot and princess as they rescue one another after a misunderstanding sends them both far from home. Gauld packs whole epics into single pages without overloading the story. Throughout, he always reminds us that we can only succeed with help from others and that family is the most important thing.
Timothy
In this endearing picture book narrated in exchanged letters between Owl and Squirrel, Owl longs only for peace and quiet. He requests books from Squirrel’s bookshop to cope with the forest’s youth who’ve made themselves at home in his space, but before Owl knows it, they’ve found a place in his heart, too. With bright, cheerful illustrations that have a timeless feel, this charming book reminds us all how beautiful friendship and community are.
Jenna
When the snowflake begins to fall she starts to worry that she won’t ever find her special place in the world. That is until Noelle creates the perfect little home for the snowflake to land. Filled with astonishing illustrations, this delightful story will be the perfect read-aloud for sitting next to the fireplace on a cold winter’s eve.
Jess
Part fable, part fairy tale, Mohammadi’s story feels both timeless and contemporary. A little girl imagines the horses of a mobile above her bed and soon enough they come alive. In her fantasy, six horses lend parts of themselves—their color, their homes, even their dreams—to a seventh horse. This book is about the ways we are created by the people, culture, and community around us. Safakhoo’s illustrations are gloriously full of expression and movement.
Timothy
An eccentric story that brilliantly celebrates the joy of expressing yourself through clothing. Getting ready for a birthday party is tough enough, especially when you don’t feel like yourself in your outfit. Frankie shows how magical and liberating it is to be who you truly are. An important lesson for young and old, as Frankie's family encourages her individuality every step of the way. What would your dream party outfit be?
Beth
Yuyi Morales does it again with this uplifting picture book. Morales creates a beautiful world and reminds readers how important it is to care and love for one another. Follow the journey of one little fawn as she trots and gallops the world around her and finds a voice within herself.
Jess
Wild Rumpus has always had a soft spot for chickens, but none of them have been magic as far as I can tell. Not like the legendary Gladys, who traveled the land in ancient times. Wishes were fulfilled wherever she went, because Gladys was magic, right? Or maybe we are all just hoping to see a little magic in the real world, even if it may come from a chicken.
Anna
When a mysterious object falls from the sky, all of the insects are baffled by its appearance and enchanted by its beauty, but “the crafty Spider” convinces everyone that it has been his all along. He creates WonderVille so he can cash in, charging an ever increasing fee to see it. The Fan Brother’s art is gorgeous and gloriously detailed (look at those hats!), using only a little bit of color to highlight the wondrously mundane object.
Timothy
This comforting collection of stories is absolutely one of a kind. Little Witch Hazel may be small, but she is a hard worker and a loving friend, whom we follow throughout each season in Mosswood Forest, as she helps creatures of all shapes and sizes. Wahl's stunning illustrations invoke a feeling of nostalgia and a tender appreciation for the natural world. A timeless gem for all ages.
Beth
“Good people of every sort, come listen to my song—” for in this tale of cat-meets-dog, you get to sing along! Rollicking rhymes and bold illustrations evoke the jovial atmosphere of an old folktale in this perfect read-aloud. The tale of four-legged friendship even invites us to yip, meow, bark, and purr along.
Claire
Time can be a ticking clock or a calendar, but what else can it be? In the time it takes to read this book, time is a tree, a web, a song, a loaf of bread, and so much more! Morstad explores a multitude of ways to understand the passage of time with bold, brightly colored, yet soothing illustrations. Inquisitive, playful, and profound, this is the perfect book to contemplate alone or share as a read-aloud!
Claire
From the Tops of the Trees pinpoints the moment in Kao Kalia Yang’s life when her father showed her how huge the world is and told her she would journey far into it. Readers of Yang’s work know she certainly has and will recognize the photograph of the author with her father from her book The Latehomecomer. Lovingly illustrated by Rachel Wada, this book shows Yang’s clear-eyed generosity toward the world and the wonder her father instilled in her.
Timothy
In J.C. McKee's first book, readers are faced with a universal dilemma: whom do we invite to share a cake? Sloth and Lemur debate many options, from mammals to insects, and everything (real or fictional) in between. Of course, there are consequences to our choices, as Sloth and Lemur find out. This book is mischievous and fun, told in understated language that heightens the drama.
Timothy
Acclaimed Nordic illustrator Linda Bondestam’s authorial debut is a delight in translation. An adorable family of aliens monitor the success of bedtime for the young ones of all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures on Earth–Chimps, an Axolotl, Cats, Meerkats, Kiwi, Sloths, and even a Tarsier. This small-scale picture book includes high-contrast multimedia illustrations with vibrant textures, humorous details, and even little half-pages to mimic tucking all the creatures into bed.
P.S. Watch Linda read Good Night, Earth herself on our YouTube page!
Kara
I love everything Corinna Luyken makes! This neon pink-hued picture book feeds my soul. Poetic text guides the reader through the fruits, shapes, and growth of trees. Next time you need a little nurturing, turn to this effervescent book to remember that the shade and the wind are a part of you, too.
Kara
From the author of Fox the Tiger comes an inventive picture book that will make you fall in love with nature in springtime and maybe even take a leap of faith. Follow Mel the Kingfisher’s first flight along this picture book’s vertical page turns. During Mel’s seemingly perilous fall, many forest creatures (even the small-but-mighty ones) try to slow her descent, but a clever twist will show Mel’s true bravery and triumph.
Kara
When bookshelves are saturated with stories about bedtime, a picture book about bath time is a treasure. Grimes’ text encompasses satisfying sounds and the sweet pleading dialogue of a parent at bath time. Zunon’s pencil and collage illustrations are vibrant, simultaneously tangible and surreal. Sail into this tender, magical, sea-worthy adventure.
Kara
On a small farm, an old truck worked hard. Off a small island, an old boat rode the tide. So begin two warmly illustrated books that send readers on a journey through the years. The vehicles in these books center stories about how people, families, and homes change overtime. The Old Truck celebrates imagination and determination. The Old Boat explores the natural world and perseverance. Both books transport readers on terrific tales, perfect for any truck or boat lovers, and for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt story.
Claire
On a small farm, an old truck worked hard. Off a small island, an old boat rode the tide. So begin two warmly illustrated books that send readers on a journey through the years. The vehicles in these books center stories about how people, families, and homes change overtime. The Old Truck celebrates imagination and determination. The Old Boat explores the natural world and perseverance. Both books transport readers on terrific tales, perfect for any truck or boat lovers, and for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt story.
Claire
Eridani and Acamar are best friends, but they live worlds apart. Eridani is made of blood and bones and looks up at the night sky. Acamar is made of space and stars and looks down at Earth. This beautiful, captivating tale brims with vivid celestial illustrations, powerful wishes, and the strength of friendship across great distances and differences.
Claire
Beetle and Caterpillar picnic together every day and look at the moon every night. When Caterpillar suddenly goes missing, loyal Beetle embarks on a quest to find his friend. Charcoal drawings with a pop of red accompany a sweet story of friendship enduring through changes, separations, and reunions.
Claire
In the latest installment in the beloved Bear books, Bear and his friends prepare for a surprise birthday party, and Bear is so excited that he can’t wait! Can he be patient until the party starts? Join Bear and friends in this colorful woodland rhyming story to find out!
Claire
Romp through the alphabet and the bookstore with everyone’s favorite feline, the bookstore cat! This is the perfect picture book for any young readers who miss visiting our bookstore cats, Booker T and Earth Kitt, or for anyone looking for a warm, playful bookstore adventure to bring home.
Claire
The adventurous, joyful, confident Black narrator of this book leads us in one powerful affirmation after another. “I am every good thing that makes the world go round...I am brave. I am hope. I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” Each page is filled with beautiful, lively portraits and empowering text. As a teacher, I would read this to students in elementary, middle, and high school to remind them that they are, “a star-filled sky of solutions.” A vital and relevant picture book you’ll want to share.
Karlyn
We watched homeless encampments crop up in south Minneapolis this summer. We see our neighbors in need. Day-to-day survival for so many balances on a knife-edge. Drawing from her own weekly commitment to provide a nourishing meal, Jillian Tamaki serves up just the soul-stirring story for this moment. In one little kitchen, an eclectic crew comes together with superhuman energy to feed bellies and fill hearts.
Jesse
Kalia’s grandmother was born on the other side of the world, across a wide ocean, where, “she once looked into the gleaming eyes of a tiger.” All the grandchildren love to hear their beloved grandmother’s stories of bravery and resilience. The book moves from the jungles of Laos to life in the United States. Captivating, with gorgeous illustrations so beautiful they could be framed.
Karlyn
Black Lives Matter. An uncontroversial statement. An uncontroversial statement?!? While the world struggles with that, this poetic work fosters conversations concerning racial injustice for all families. For Black families, this buoyant book offers an affirmation of community support along with ancestral and familial love that does not require permission from society to be granted. What an empowering book for our times!
Carmelle
Swift Fox is filled with nervous butterflies as she meets her extended family for the first time. What if they don’t like her? What if she doesn’t fit in? Everyone has those concerns sometimes, and Thomas has crafted a beautiful story about embracing yourself. Alongside McKibbin’s rich colorful illustrations, we learn about Swift Fox’s Mi’kmaq heritage as she struggles to embrace it and join a bigger family.
Anna
A stranger arrives one day pulling a big suitcase. When the other animals ask him about it, he explains that there’s a teacup inside. When pressed he adds: also a table, a chair, and a little kitchen in a cabin. Their curiosity turns into disbelief and suspicion; after the exhausted traveler falls asleep, the animals break open the suitcase. I won’t give away the ending, but when he wakes up, the stranger can’t believe what the others have done. A beautifully spare tale about immigration, remorse, and reparation.
Collette
On Lina’s winter walk to her grandmother’s to make warak enab, she listens closely to all the ways she can hear snow: boots crunch, shovels scrape, and a blanket of white wraps the neighborhood in silence. This book celebrates everyday moments: cooking in a warm kitchen with family, the cold quiet of snowy days, and all that we can discover when we take time to listen.
Claire
In all seasons, Deer likes to gather ingredients from the forest to bake sweet treats for his neighbors. One day, his recipe book goes missing, and mysterious footprints are found near his house. Follow the trail to enjoy a whimsical woodland story about generosity, friendship, and the power of a shared meal. This book will make you want to cozy up in the kitchen and bake with loved ones!
Claire
A meditation on the natural world spans a day and you might be the only human around to witness it. Hone your senses through rainstorm, setting sun and rising moon admidst an ancient starry sky. Listen to the elements and feel the vibrancy in every skyscape. Deeply textural illustrations are windows to one remote place in time, each shedding new light on the visible spectrum. Here is a poetic invitation to lose ourselves in a lush, reflective world. Settle in.
Jesse
This epistolary picture book from beloved author/illustrator Sophie Blackall tells aliens everything they need to know before visiting Earth. Full of facts about the diversity of people, plants, and animals that inhabit our planet alongside gorgeous illustrations, this is a perfect read-aloud for curious kids.
Linda
Animals have a lot to teach us about how to be good creatures. A weasel can teach forgiveness, an octopus to find common ground, a dog to trust in tomorrow. Full of bright illustrations, good lessons, and even better creatures, this touching book is perfect for young animal lovers, and a wonderful invitation for readers of all ages to learn from the world around us.
Claire
The Fan Brothers have done it again with this quirky picture book. Barnabus, who is half elephant and half mouse, was created to be the perfect pet. Instead, he is kept in a glass jar on a shelf with all the other failed pets. With illustrations ranging from hauntingly beautiful to bright and cheery, this imaginative book teaches readers that in a world obsessed with perfection, it’s ok to be imperfect.
Anna
Two kids living in neighboring buildings never wave to each other because they have nothing in common, although separately, they love watching the old man with his marvelous dog. They both notice the day when something changed: “Neither had ever seen an old man cry. Or heard a name called so sadly it flies through your window and lands on your chest.” In parallel searches, they both go looking for the dog, and when they find him, they also find that they need each other to guide him home to the old man. Finally, they have something in common: friendship.
Collette
Half a flower, half a vase, half a rug, half a face. Even half a cat! Everything in this strange room is only one half, but this book is a whole work of art. Ellis’s charming illustrations are captivating alongside fun, simple rhymes. This sweet and quiet book is perfect for snuggling in at bedtime (especially for all cat lovers).
Sarah
What happens to the birds that don’t fly south for the winter? Snow Birds introduces us to these resilient birds through verse bursting with sound and soft, striking illustrations. This book could be a delight for any season, but is especially a treasure for the winter months, revealing how life and beauty can endure through the harshest conditions.
Claire
After a snooze, Bear looks skyward, where a little dot grows into a floating red moon on a silver string. Bear is delighted to have company and shares his life with the moon. But one day, he squeezes too hard and the moon bursts, leaving only scraps of red. Distraught, Bear blames himself. With time, he finds a transcendent source of love and comfort. Filled with exquisite language and whimsical illustrations, this is a tender and subtly-humorous story of friendship, loss, and self-forgiveness.
Kara
This book is an essential addition to any toddler’s bookshelf because it addresses the biggest challenge of toddlerhood--intense, indiscriminate GRUMPINESS. Little ones will find the spare text resonantly funny. The illustrations are at once simple and expressive. Allow Penguin to demonstrate a reliable prescription to wash away a bad mood: a bath, your favorite pair of PJs, a cup of cocoa, and a comforting book.
Kara
This luminous tribute to the United States' National Parks is filled with sweeping saturated landscapes from Hawaii Volcanoes, to Acadia, and every national park in between. Intertwined with the rich illustrations is an ode proclaiming that everyone, from all walks of life, is home here.
Claire
Have you ever wondered how an ant spends his day? See the world through the eyes of an ant in this whimsically illustrated book. Follow a colony of ants through their forest home while learning about their plant and animal neighbors. Be sure to keep your eye out for little Red Socks as you wind your way through the imaginative drawings and unexpected text placement in this darling book.
Anna
Six-year-old Marvel, her seven siblings and newly widowed mother are forced to find a new place to live. That place turns out to be a tar-papered shack deep in the woods. Marvel says “it doesn’t look like much of a home to me”. Local author/artist Eliza Wheeler recounts this story of her Grandma Marvel’s life during the Great Depression in a series of tableaux passing through each of the Wisconsin seasons. We see the shack transform into a livable place with the hard work and perseverance of all of those siblings, always with the refrain: “our joyous laughter echoed through the trees”. From a grim beginning, they make the shack “warm and bright and filled up with love” and Marvel is finally home! Wheeler makes a compelling case for listening to the reminiscences of our elders: ‘They will soon be gone, and if we haven’t yet collected their stories, the time is now.” This is a lovely family book for sharing.
Collette
What if we let our kids run away with their fascinations? For Pokko, it’s her new drum. For her quiet frog family, the gift is the biggest mistake. But when Pokko steps out of her mushroom to explore the musical possibilities, results are rip-roaring and wonderful. Pokko marches to her own beat, inspiring a vibrant band of forest animals to join her jam. A sensational young frog makes a statement. Play on!
Jesse
“At the mountain’s base grows a hickory tree. Beneath this sits a cabin”. So begins a story poem about expecting a loved one to return from military deployment: waiting, weaving, worrying. What makes it glorious is that it’s a Cherokee family waiting for their mom, daughter, sister to return from flying as a WWII pilot. Not enough is celebrated about Native American women serving in the Armed Forces. This woman, Ola Mildred Rexroat (Ogalala Lakota) was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her achievements and contributions and yes, she came back to that cabin at the base of the mountain under the hickory tree: “the roots that ground us help us soar”.
Collette
Ready to discover pure joy in the form of a book? An ode to personal expression, this book makes me grin every time I open its pages. Don’t miss the catalogue of new dance moves, the storyline of the unwilling dancer in the green sweater, or the dance party in the dark! Heder’s dynamic illustrations will inspire all readers to get up and start movin’. Because the best way to dance is exactly how you want to!Kara
Yang’s words and Kim’s drawings create a layered story about an attentive and empathetic young girl named Paj Ntaub. As Paj helps her grandmother hang a special story cloth that tells how the Hmong made their way to America, Paj notices how their new house finally feels like home. Paj takes note of all the changes inside and outside the house as the seasons pass. These observations are gathered up like treasures and shared in a beautiful chalk drawing at the end of the story. Pictures and words to linger over.
Karlyn
How can we truly prepare our little ones for life’s amazing journey? It’s a mind-boggling endeavor, for sure, but this book suggests a few key items that can help: wind, songs, snacks, laughter, a little bit of luck, and the comfort and promise of home. Fogliano’s delightful and occasionally unexpected rhymes pair perfectly with Robinson’s whimsical, charming illustrations in this heart-warming book that’s sure to become a favorite in your travel bag or on your bedroom shelf.
Katie
This wordless picture book is captivating from start to finish. Told in the style of a silent film, Sima’s illustrated narrative follows a young child whose best friend is a balloon dog. Going for a walk is treacherous for them, however, because the world is full of pointy objects… Suspense builds as they have near miss after near miss, but just when you think the inevitable will happen, there’s a twist!
Linda
Who would win: a supervillain or a little girl who listens? Seasoned picture book author Adam Rex takes a situation children and adults are both all too familiar with (the seemingly endless stream of “Why?”s that curious kids can generate) and makes a delightful story about the power of sympathy. This book is fun, funny, and at the end of the day, quite simply clever as all get out!
Linda
How lucky are we to have a planet with graced with both rhinoceroses and rhinoceros beetles? With gorgeous illustrations adorning each page, this book will leave you marveling at our natural world. Adolfo Serra has crafted a meditative narrative whose scope is at once grand and granular. As you turn the last page of this story about finding commonalities and celebrating difference, you’ll find yourself pausing with wonder
Paige
What better way to celebrate the end of the year than by honoring all the different ways people across the world gather around a table? In this ode to the universal tradition of breaking bread together, luscious illustrations sweep you into the field where food is grown and the kitchen where it is prepared. Insightful verse welcomes the reader inside, sets the table, and reminds us all to give thanks.
Paige
Everyone deserves to find their passion and the possibilities are infinite. Tanco's charming illustrations simply capture the perspective of a child who sees the math that is all around us. From concentric circles in a pond to the velocity of a paper airplane, there is so much to understand! Don't miss the helpful index at the end!
Kara
Did you know that an African elephant tusk can grow as long as two seven-year-olds toe to toe?! Nonfiction comes alive with Desmond's brilliantly illustrated collection featuring our world's most captivating endangered creatures: the elephant, polar bear, and blue whale. Follow our red crown-wearing narrator on a fun, factual journey that will leave you wanting to learn more.
Beth
SPOILER ALERT: Llama destroys the world on Friday. In the meantime? Llama will enjoy ever-wackier days and make honest mistakes that may just lead to the ultimate doom of everything. Great for fans of Dragons Love Tacos or Super Happy Magic Forest. Any book that starts with cake and ends with pie is a winner!
Kara
Toot LOVES to travel and do adventurous things like climb mountains and ride camels. Puddle LOVES the quiet life of home, doing things like cooking, gardening, and painting. As Puddle goes through daily pleasures at home, we follow Toot through postcards sent home to Puddle. Upon his return, they take joy in hearing about each others' experiences and creating memories together. I love this heartwarming story about being true to yourself and having loving, supportive friendships that allow you to be uniquely you!
Stacy