Picture Books

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!

This sweet, adorable tale follows Little Cheetah learning to be kind and fair to those around him through his relationship with his shadow. Simple and effective, the story guides Little Cheetah to a moment of clear understanding of another’s perspective that he had previously never considered. Warm illustrations and a comforting narrative make this a great book for a read-aloud. Dubuc brings her wealth of experience to making another great book for emotional development!

This magical ode to friendship warmed my heart! I loved how Llewellyn collects experiences in jars, allowing him and his best friend, Evelyn, to continue to share their lives, even when she moves away. The illustrations are as utterly charming as the story itself, which is full of the magic of the ordinary. A perfect read-aloud for any and everyone!

To call this book beautiful is an understatement: this lovely fable’s illustrations are breathtakingly gorgeous, pulsing with such life and detail I felt I discovered something new each time I looked at them. The story itself—of how stars ended up in the sky—is simple yet elegant and has the cadence perfect for putting a young one to sleep. Take a look for yourself and you’ll discover the wonder of the night sky all over again.

LET’S. GET. REAAAAADY. FOR. FUN!! In one corner, we have Dangerous Daddoo and in the other, the Tag Team Twins (with special guest Big Bald Baby). Who will come out on top? Can the kids squash the chance of bedtime? With surprising twists and incredibly dynamic art, this is one you don’t want to miss. I had a grin for every page. Perfect for humor fans of all ages.

“Haiti is free! Freedom Soup for everyone!” Belle and her grandmother sing and cook for New Year’s Eve. On pages full of sunny yellows and sky blues, the story of the Haitian Revolution rises in the steam from the soup pot. Charles’ text is richly poetic and Alcantara’s illustrations dance across the page. An excellent choice for discussing the cultural significance of food and a filling tale of intergenerational learning sure to be loved by all who partake.

A fabulous read-aloud bedtime story for today’s new and soon-to-be parents! Bilingual lyrical text, alongside brightly colored illustrations, tells a sweet story "from dusk, til tuck in" of a young Afro-Latinx family’s day. For me, this book conjures fond memories of the family rituals at home that shape our daily lives and follow us into adulthood. —AZIA

This book is laugh-out-loud funny! Mama Bird thinks it’s time for Baby Bird to fly. So she attempts a coercive strategy to get her baby out of their apparently too comfy nest, but Baby Bird has other ideas, as readers will see in the pair’s comical illustrated speech-bubble dialogue. When Baby Bird’s brattiness lands it on the ground, the hilarity soars—as does Mama Bird’s frustration with Baby Bird’s antics. Sure to elicit laughs from adult and child readers alike. - Stephanie