Picture Books

Such a beautiful book! I felt the delight of the children exploring the enchanted watery world below the pier. Both the pastel color palette and the perfectly used gold accent highlight the magic of the sea and the natural world. Perfect for Santa Cruzans and sea lovers (like me).

Poor harangued older sister Iris always finds joy in pushing elevator buttons, until one dark day when her role as elevator-button enthusiast is usurped by her toddler sibling. When the word “BETRAYAL” appears above Iris’s head in the illustration, I laughed out loud. And that wasn’t the last time I did so as I read this hilarious, fantastical story that highlights both the creativity of the illustrator/author team and the love/frustration of the sibling bond. A great choice for creative-minded readers who enjoy a good laugh.

Retired Captain Swashby lives quietly by the sea with his trusty boat El Recluso for company. That is, until a bright-eyed girl and her granny arrive with a bucketful of beach fun. Swashby knows in his bones that “the sea provide[s] exactly the right thing at exactly the right time” and that’s just how this tale unfolds, one “fiddled-with” gift after another. Sink into the velvety, ocean-colored pastels but don’t be lulled into thinking you already know this story!

I love most things with farm animals—and if they feature an odd-couple animal relationship, I’m completely sold. This book fits the bill! The pastoral illustrations capture the personality of grumpy, aloof goat, Jack, and the gentle giant of a horse, Charlie. Their friendship shows that anyone can be friends, regardless of differing abilities, and also highlights how friendship, animal and otherwise, enriches our lives. A heartwarming read for animal lovers.

I loved Susan Verde’s I Am Love (illustrated by Peter Reynolds), so I took a chance on this book, even though I’m not always a fan of picture book fairy tale retellings. I’m so glad I did! The Three Little Pigs framework is perfect for examining emotions, mindfulness, meditation, and breath. The poor angry little wolf is such a sympathetic character, and the three little pigs’ kindness in helping guide him to making peace with his emotions made me smile.

A young girl sets her baby brother, Moses, in a basket to float down the Nile River to an uncertain future. Not everyone thinks about Miriam and how she felt losing her brother, but this book does. Every page is worthy of a frame—the art is that good, it gave me goosebumps, and the beautiful poetic text brought tears to my eyes. While religious in origin, this story touches on universal fears, hopes, and dreams.

At the beginning of every day, Afiya’s dress is white. As she experiences new things, the dress takes on the imagery of her experiences, the fabric making visible all the beauty that can be seen as a child walks through the world. Award-winning writer Berry’s poetic text is brought to life by illustrator Cunha, whose delicate paint strokes create a sense of movement that flows from page to page. A whimsical story for the creative child.

Inspired by the very first Earth Day celebration, this wordless story follows a paper bag from its stately origins as a forest-dwelling tree through two generations of sack lunch–carrying kids and finally back to the rich soil to nurture a seedling. With intricate pen-and-ink illustrations that completely fill the page, you can find plenty of crisscrossing storylines (e.g., the general store’s “free puppy”, HART-FELT branding, guitars lurking in corners)—sharp eyes will be rewarded with discoveries of their own!

Beautifully rendered, this book is a nursery rhyme gem for all preschool & elementary-age children! I instantly connected with Loomis's progressive poetic story, which builds upon itself and invites us to learn about and enjoy the celebration of Hawaiian land and culture: "This is the land that's never been sold, where work the hands, so wise and old, that reach through the water, clear and cold, into the mud to pick the taro to make the poi for our Ohana's Luau.” —AZIA

In this lovely, spirited ode to the majesty of nature, Sanna’s illustrations are graceful and whimsical, with beautiful color choices and entertaining cut-out features. Mother Earth is a dark-skinned youth with round cheeks and long, flowing black hair who starts the book asleep under a bed of snow, then wakes to celebrate her way through the seasons, before settling in for her winter nap. An excellent read-aloud for nature-loving families looking forward to Earth Day, which turns 50 this year!