Picture Books

Beloved author-illustrator and three-time Caldecott medalist Kevin Henkes continues to delight readers with his masterful ability to take a few words and a few shapes and create an utterly wonderful story. Young and old readers alike will find this book charming and discover something new each time they read it. This is a book children will request again and again—and that adults won’t tire of reading! — Kathy

Julián is going to a wedding! At this “party for love,” Julián makes a new friend, Marisol, and discovers a fairy house in a willow tree. The stunning closing spread shows Julián and Marisol snoozing under Abuela’s shawl while the beautiful brides dance in the background. In this follow-up to Julián Is a Mermaid, Jessica Love treats us to a wonderland of florals, lace, and pastel finery. Those who adored the Julián picture book debut are sure to enjoy this fanciful romp. — Molly

This picture book, loosely based on Jillian Tamaki’s experience working in a community kitchen in Brooklyn, does not disappoint. It's a magnificent snapshot of a diverse cast coming together one night a week to cook and share a meal. Tamaki uses every inch of the paper and meshes her signature style with charming, rhyming prose. In a world of rough individualism, this is the perfect addition to any child’s library to promote an invaluable sense of community. — MJ

This book utterly charmed me! Denos’s story and art are nothing short of magical. I loved Eridani and Acamar’s long-distance, interstellar friendship, as well as their sheer delight when they swap places (if you’re a dog lover like me, look for star-boy Acamar hugging Eridani’s dog—I WEEP). The ethereal, whimsical art makes this story magic in book form. Perfect for any reader with stars in their eyes and a longing for adventure in their heart (and don’t miss the author’s note!)! — Stephanie

A young immigrant girl arrives in the home of her aunt and uncle in the States, where everything she experiences, including the language, is unfamiliar. Bereft of her culture and homeland, the girl listens as her aunt recounts a Persian folktale about a king who felt he had no room for foreigners until one of them offered sugar for the king’s milk. The story changes the girl’s perspective as she realizes that kindness toward others changes everything. A beautiful book! — Noreen

This #OwnVoices story immediately made me smile, with its depiction of a lovely family finding a solution for their trans daughter’s need to feel like herself. Twink’s vibrant illustrations partner perfectly with the Neals’s prose, welcoming us into the household’s warm embrace by giving us an immediate sense of connection to the family’s kids and their adorable pet pig. Perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good family story and a reminder to kids about how good it can feel to be themselves. — Jocelyn

All Because You Matter is the continuation of an important conversation parents are having right now about the Black Lives Matter movement. The art celebrates Black joy and the text is uplifting—a celebration without minimizing the wrongs done to Black people. The past must be reckoned with to move forward and work toward a more just world, and as the parent of a white child, I appreciate the support and language this book gives us to build a better future for all. — Ivy

Newbery medalist Meg Medina hits it out of the park in her third picture book offering. This heartfelt story of the depth of childhood friendship warmed my heart. Sánchez’s art is a perfect pairing for Medina’s words, allowing readers into Daniela and Evelyn’s world, highlighting the pairs’ spunk and imagination, and making the heart of their bond apparent. An ode to friendship, this wonderful book is perfect for readers of all ages! —Stephanie

With a beautiful spirit, the Black boys in this stunning picture book declare their truth: they are a myriad of good things. The Caldecott medal-winning team of Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James creates a perfect harmony of poetic words and lively illustrations that show the breadth of creativity, talent, curiosity, bravery, and hope in each child. A timely message of Black Lives Matter, these boys declare to readers: “I am worthy to be loved.” Can’t get any clearer than that. —Noreen

When a boy’s stutter isolates and embarasses him, his dad says, “Let’s go somewhere quiet,” and takes him to a river. Based on his own childhood experience, Jordan Scott’s prose is full of beautiful imagery, and the quiet love the father shows is deeply touching. Sydney Smith’s gouache and watercolor paintings deftly capture the boy’s emotions from loneliness to anxiety to tranquility. The perfect pick for those looking for #OwnVoices stories of disability infused with pride and strength. —Molly