Board Books
Animals Go Vroom!
by Cushman, Abi
Viking Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Isabella K.
Following in the footsteps of Richard Scarry, in ANIMALS GO VROOM!, Cushman illustrates a world in which animals drive cars, ride bikes, and navigate cities, all in their own unique animalistic ways. Cut-outs on solid-color pages provide a teaser for the following pages in which animal sounds and mechanical sounds merge to form an engaging landscape for young readers to navigate. Humorous and surprising, this board book won’t be soon forgotten.
Big Bear, Little Bear
by Schneider, Marine
Cameron Kids
Nominated by: Sam Richardson
A delightfully simple yet heartwarming read, Big Bear, Little Bear takes a look at the belongings of both a parent and child as they’re used throughout the day. While some items are identical, other selections are hilariously different. Big Bear’s home and Little Bear’s home are one and the same. Big Bear’s car is an automobile, while Little Bear’s car is Big Bear wearing a sling. Little Bear’s lovey is a stuffed animal, while Big Bear’s lovey is Little Bear. Schneider’s illustrative style is full of heavily contrasted, bold colors that will keep the eye of even the youngest readers. Children will appreciate the familiarity in the book while older audiences will appreciate the humor. It’s clever, cute, and short enough to read over and over again.
Caution! Road Signs Ahead
by Buzzeo, Toni, illustrated by Birmingham, Chi
Rise x Penguin Workshop
Nominated by: Beth Mitcham
An engaging book which explains, in a simple fashion, the uses and purposes of signs, and introduces children to some of the most important, including stop signs, railroad crossing, school bus stop, and more! Kids can enjoy learning to recognize the signs page by page and then, if they would like, quiz themselves in the back of the book. Chi Birmingham’s art is vivid and accurate. Cut-outs allow for easy page-turning.
Circle Under Berry
by Higgins, Carter
Chronicle Books
Nominated by: Sandy Brehl
Circle Under Berry is a deceptively simple book. Each page features brightly colored shapes shuffled around in relation to each other. Circle under berry, berry over square, etc. The unique combination of colors, shapes, and animals playfully introduces readers to patterns, classification, perception, and problem-solving. It is overflowing with possibility, discovery, and fun.
Comparrotives (A Grammar Zoo Book)
by Coat, Janik
Harry N Abrams
Nominated by: Becky L.
Filled with humor from the very first page (and Title!), Comparrotives, teaches toddlers about comparatives. Bright illustrations and novelty elements make this hilarious concept book even more fun. From messy to messier, noisy to noisier to happy and happier, this concept book cleverly makes comparatives a laugh-out-loud experience.
This Is Still Not A Book
Jullien, Jean (Artist)
Phaidon
Nominated by: Deb Nance at Readerbuzz
This is still not a book, you say? So what is this? It looks like a book…from the outside. But on the inside…what is it? A mousetrap? An elephant? A suitcase? Whatever it is, this is fun, fun, fun.
Turn Seek Find:Habitats
Newman, Ben (Artist)
Twirl
Nominated by: Kim Aippersbach
Little hands crave connection to their world through touch. Turn Seek Find: Habitats, a sturdy and oversized board book, will withstand endless readings. And those little hands will love to spin the wheel to choose new items and colors on each page. Growing minds will enjoy hunting for their chosen items in the variety of busy habitat illustrations. Follow along to explore The African Savannah to The Big City!
Fiction Picture Books
Arlo Draws an Octopus
by Mortensen, Lori, illustrated by Sayegh Jr., Rob
Harry N Abrams
Nominated by: Sam Richardson
When young Arlo sets out to draw one of his favorite animals, he becomes disappointed and defeated when no part of his drawing turns out as intended. Arlo’s frustration continues to grow until he crumples his drawing and tosses it, exclaiming he “hates drawing octopuses!” Determined not to litter, Arlo goes to pick up his drawing, only to have a chance encounter that changes his entire perspective. This all-too-relatable story promotes a growth mindset in young audiences, often quick to give up when something seems challenging. With great detail and texture in each illustrative spread, perfectly captured expressions on characters’ faces, and fun crayon art from Arlo that’s true to a child’s drawings, there’s as much to appreciate in the art as there is in the story itself.
Bodies Are Cool
by Feder, Tyler, illustrated by Feder, Tyler
Dial Books
Nominated by: Aimee Smith
A truly inclusive book can be hard to find, but Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder is just that! All kinds of skin tones, hair types, clothing choices, abilities, and body shapes can be found within its pages. This book is a wonderful example of being a place children can find themselves and see people they love joyfully represented. Using repetitive, rhythmic text and inviting illustrations, this book will inspire body confidence in readers of all ages and have them chanting, “Bodies are cool!”
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem
by Gorman, Amanda, illustrated by Long, Loren
Viking Books for Young Readers
Nominated by: Sandy Brehl
No one speaks to our world like young poet Amanda Gorman. In this picture book, Gorman celebrates the arrival of change in our country, with vibrant rhyme and alliteration. The words and pictures make you want to read this story over and over, to sing it, maybe even to shout it in the streets.
Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn
by Hale, Shannon, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Harry N Abrams
Nominated by: Melissa Fox
Shannon Hale and Leuyen Pham have created yet another compelling read! This book might possibly be the cutest book ever written. With a pink kitten who thinks she’s a unicorn where can you go wrong? Sparkly expressive illustrations enhance the humor and darling text. Themes of acceptance, friendship, and knowing who you are will evoke discussion long after you’ve finished reading this book.
Someone Builds the Dream
by Wheeler, Lisa, illustrated by Long, Loren
Dial Books
Nominated by: Katie Michols
In rolling rhythm, Lisa Wheeler shows what it takes for homes, amusement parks, bridges, fountains, libraries, and more to come to life. Many people and their many hands and thoughts contribute to these wonderful structures and places. A nice glimpse of building-related occupations and the roles they play! A wonderful and inspiring book, with absolutely beautiful art by Loren Long.
The Midnight Fair
by Sterer, Gideon, illustrated by Di Giorgio, Mariachiara
Candlewick Press
Nominated by: Patricia Tilton
The mystery and magic of a traveling carnival merge with the delight of animals exploring it after dark in this brilliantly illustrated wordless picture book. The illustrations gradually reveal a luminous nighttime world of familiar woodland creatures. The colors are breathtaking, and details from every montage present a clear and touching narrative. This is a book to marvel over again and again.
Watercress
by Wang, Andrea, illustrated by Chin, Jason
Neal Porter Books
Nominated by: Darshana Khiani
A stand-out picture book is one that transports your mind and heart through words and images. There could not be a more perfect pairing between this raw story and these gentle watercolors. Wang and Chin have both infused this book with personal and authentic pieces of themselves and their heritage. From Wang’s touching story of a child of immigrants, to Chin’s melding of western and Chinese watercolor brushes and techniques, this book is an honest look at how we can both love and feel deeply embarrassed of who we are and where we have come from. And whether it is heritage from another country and culture, poverty growing up, or the actions of parents that hauntingly tug at us, many children and adults can connect to these feelings of shame and healing.