Are you looking for picture books to share with your children or students?
Here are a few of my favorite new releases.
Look for these at your local bookstore or library. You can also use the links below to order online from Indiebound or Amazon. Descriptions are from the publishers.
Grow Up, David!
by David Shannon
David is back! The series that includes No David!, Davis Goes to School, and more returns after an 8 year gap. The David books were always in high demand with kindergarten and first graders in my library. Kids will be thrilled to get their hands on Grow up, David! and it doesn’t disappoint.
“Little-brother antics have never been so endearing — or true to life! David Shannon’s beloved character in his bestselling book No, David! captures the attention and hearts of young children as few characters can. Readers relish David’s exuberance, defiance, and wildly energetic curiosity, and when there’s trouble, you can bet “David did it!” Now he’s taunting his older brother by eating his Halloween candy, making a bathroom mess, and following him up the tree house. “You’re too little!” won’t stop David’s tricks in this all-time “read it again” favorite.”
A Parade of Elephants
by Kevin Henkes
Kevin Henkes is the beloved author/illustrator behind Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, Chrysanthemum, Kitten’s First Full Moon and many more. A Parade of Elephants would make a delightful bedtime story for preschoolers and toddlers.
“Up and down, over and under, through and around . . . five big and brightly colored elephants are on a mission in this picture book for young children by Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes. Where are they going? What will they do when they get there? It’s a surprise! With a text shimmering with repetition and rhythm, bright pastel illustrations, large and readable type, and an adorable parade of elephants, Kevin Henkes introduces basic concepts such as numbers, shapes, adjectives, adverbs, and daytime and nighttime.”
Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience & Fortitude
by Josh Funk, illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Fans of Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen will enjoy this new title by Josh Funk. Lost in the Library is ideal for sharing in public and school libraries.
“Steadfast Fortitude and curious Patience are waiting every morning to greet visitors of the Library. That is until, one early morning, when Fortitude finds Patience is missing. The city is about to awake, and the lions absolutely must be in their places before the sun rises. Now, Fortitude must abandon his own post to find his best friend in the Library’s labyrinthine halls.”
The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López
This book has been on my TBR list since it came out and I finally got my hands on a copy! Elementary school teachers, librarians, and parents: I can’t recommend this picture book highly enough. Run to your school or local library and borrow a copy! This would spark such valuable discussions about feeling like an outsider, acceptance, differences, and classroom community. A must read.
“National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpre Illustrator Award winner Rafael Lopez have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.
There will be times when you walk into a room
and no one there is quite like you.
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.
Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez’s dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.”
Lovely Beasts: The Surprising Truth
by Kate Gardner, Illustrated by Heidi Smith
This beautiful and fascinating nonfiction picture book is full of surprising facts about animals we might deem frightening, mean, or ugly. Engaging and perfect for reading out loud. Follow up with The Blue Whale by Jenni Desmond or Feathers, Not Just for Flying by Melissa Stewart.
“Spiders are creepy. Porcupines are scary. Bats are ugly. Or are they . . . ? This captivating book invites you to look beyond your first impressions at these awe-inspiring animals in the wild. After all, it’s best not to judge a beast until you understand its full, lovely life.”
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