New children’s books seem to pile on the shelves every day. Their beautiful, shiny covers all beckoning you to read them and bring them home. So how do you pick?
How do you narrow down which books are worth reading again and again?
Luckily for you, I read tons of children’s books. Not all of them…is that even possible? But a lot. Piles and piles so that I can make sure I’m sharing the best of the best with you.
Here are our favorites from 2019. There are a lot of good ones, great ones even, but these are the ones that I believe are worthy of adding to your collection so far this year. The “you can’t miss this one” ones. The ones your kiddos will beg to read again and again.
If you think I missed one let me know in this comments. I will keep adding to this post all year long.
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7 Best Board Books of 2019
1.Where Is My Car? by Laurent Richard
This bright, happy board book is seek and find amazingness for your vehicle lover. The pages alternate between introducing you to a vehicle that has been lost and a page with tons of similar vehicles for you to search through to find the one you’ve memorized. The game is fun. The seek and finds are just hard enough. The illustrations are the spectacular kind that you want to frame on your little toddler’s wall. You can also get WHERE IS MY HOUSE? with animals and houses around the world.
2. Silly Lullaby
by Sandra Boynton
This book begins “Your pajamas are on. There’s a duck on your head. I think that this means you are ready for bed.” The silliness that follows will not surprise Boynton fans. In the middle is a gibberish lullaby that may just be the song your little ones insist on hearing every single night for months to come. Boynton is back with another delightful board book full of goofy words, cheerful animals (including my favorites – the chickens) and a book that your toddler will want to read again and again. A board book definitely worthy of the Boynton name.
3. A Little Book About Spring
by Leo Lionni & Julie Hamilton
This is a darling little book for Spring. Full of cheerful colors and Leo Lionni’s sweet textured little mice, this is a board book gem. It holds charming characters, excellent vocabulary words, and plenty of playful Spring. A great addition to the Leo Lionni collection and your toddler bookshelf. The new LEO LIONNI’S FRIENDS A LITTLE BOOK ABOUT COLORS is also adorable.
4. My First Quiz Picture Book of Animals
illustrated by Tiago Americo
This is such a clever board book series for older babies and younger toddlers. It takes the general word book format and adds questions. It could definitely still be used as just a point and say word book. The pictures are delightful and colorful. However, you could also look through it with your little one and ask the questions on each page. The questions encourage you to think a little more, expand the vocabulary a touch, or interact a bit. This animal book is our favorite. It covers home (pets), the garden, sea, farm, forest, savanna, on and under the ice, and extraordinary. There is also a more general vocabulary version.
5. Stanley’s Train
by William Bee
Stanley is a Train Driver in the latest addition to the Stanley series coming out in August. It has all of the bright colors and darling characters consistent with this series of little books but this one is full of train fun. The train takes Stanley and his friends on a little summer adventure and the story ends with Stanley’s comforting goodnight routine. A great book for older toddlers and younger preschoolers – especially the ones as obsessed with trains as my twins were!
6. This Little Dreamer: An Inspirational Primer
by Joan Holub and Daniel Roode
This little board book is kind of an introduction to historical figures who made a difference and part of the THIS LITTLE series from Simon & Schuster. Each spread has a person (Sojourner Truth, Clara Barton, John Muir…) and shared a rhyming verse that starts with “this little dreamer” introducing them. The other side of the spread has a brief description of what they did to make our world better. I like the layout. I like the concise information for young kids. I wonder about the decision to make this a board book. The target audience for this is 3-5 years and I wonder if kids will miss this little gem because it isn’t a picture book. I like this series though. It’s bit sized history that is well written for its target audience.
7. Jump!
by Tatsuhide Matsuoka
This is such an adorable and fun board book. It’s a brilliant use of page turns and direction of the board book. The text is brief and repetitive which is perfect for little readers. I love the simplicity. I love the illustrations. A truly excellent board book is rare, but this is a true delight.
31 Best Picture Books – Fiction
1. Lubna and Pebble
by Wendy Meddour
illustrated by Daniel Egneus
The simplicity and beauty of childhood soars off the pages of this book. A little girl finds a pebble and draws a face on it. The pebble becomes her best friend as she endures the uncertainty of life as a refugee with her father. When another little boy arrives at the World of Tents, the little girl’s friendship and kindness is an ode to the kindness that can endure no matter the circumstances. An achingly lovely book about dislocation and childhood and life as a child refugee.
2. Spencer’s New Pet
by Jessie Sima
Oh this is so clever. It is described as a classic tale of a boy and his dog – except in this unique story, one of them is a balloon! Entirely wordless, you follow the boy and his balloon dog through town as they narrowly evade various pointy obstacles and wind gusts. I don’t know that I’ve ever described a wordless book as suspenseful or a page turner before, but this is definitely both. You will sit on the edge of your seat until the surprising end.
3. Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog
by Lisa Papp
This is a wonderful, heartwarming story about a little girl decides to make a difference at her local shelter. Her small ways of trying to help the dogs are so full of childlike love and caring and in the end do make a lasting difference to at least one dog. The gentle illustrations perfectly mirror her gentle heart. The story is well paced and tugs at the heart strings. For my dog obsessed, animal loving little girl this story is perfection.
4. The Wolf Will Not Come
by Myriam Ouyessad
illustrated by Ronan Badel
Oh man do I identify with this conversation. I’ve had similar ones with my child at bedtime. The kind that go on and on with endless questions and me attempting to rationally explain why something irrational will not happen. Kids will see themselves in the sweet little bunny and worry about that wolf coming but that’s where the best part comes in. The ending is the absolute best. The parent / child relationship is well captured in the writing and the sweetest of the illustrations makes what could be a scary story simply endearing and relatable.
5. The Star in the Forest
by Helen Kellock
Two sisters, Pip and Maisie, are waiting for night to fall when one of them sees a bright light fall from the sky. It is the adventure Maisie has been waiting for and so they set off through the forest at night. This is an atmospheric adventure story full of imagination and animals and the perspectives of two sweet, unique sisters. Beautifully illustrated and well paced, this is a gentle, but exciting story to share with children. To me, it feels like a delightful bedtime story. One you want to cozy up and read, dream about all night, and wake up ready for adventures the next day.
6. Another
by Christian Robinson
Sly, playful, creative. Carefully crafted, this wordless book makes you wonder and begs you to turn the page as you follow a little girl and her cat. Full of imagination and adventure and just a touch of humor. This is unlike anything you’ve read before and is so much fun.
7. Poetree
by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds
illustrations by Shahrzad Maydani
This is a such a lovely book for poetry lovers. Or introduction to poetry for those not yet in love. A little girl writes a poem and gives it to the tree. The tree writes back. Small poems are shared throughout this gentle story about a girl, believing, creativity and friendship.
8. Carl and the Meaning of Life
by Deborah Freedman
You will never think about earthworms the same after you have read Carl’s story. That I can promise you. What is the meaning of life? Now there’s a big question for a picture book. Deborah Freedman asks big questions with witty, well paced text and the most endearing earthworm character I’ve ever seen. A book to read aloud. A book that will make you ask questions. A book that will make you look at the world a little bit differently. Now that is quite a book.
9. Mary Wears What She Wants
by Keith Negley
This is the kind of book that makes you laugh and think and close it and rush to your nearest friend to insist they read it too. Or at least that’s what it made me do at the bookstore before I happily added it to my must-own pile to bring home. It is a story based on Mary Walker, one of the first women to wear pants. Her defiant spunk is well captured on the pages. It is also a brilliant example of the marrying of text and illustrations on the page to tell a story and heighten humor. A well crafted tale of an awesome woman to inspire the little people in your life to stand up and think for themselves.
10. If I Was the Sunshine
by Julie Fogliano
illustrated by Loren Long
I am kind of obsessed with this new picture book. It is poetic and beautiful in a way that feels epic. The verses pair partners in nature – like winter & spring or sunshine & day – and talk about relationships. The illustrations are stunning in a frame worthy way and full of animals which is always a hit with my kids. This is thoughtful and soothing. I think it makes for a perfect bedtime story despite only briefly mentioning night. It draws you in, settles over you like a blanket and leaves you with a calm feeling. Can you tell I really like it?!
11. Small in the City
by Sydney Smith
Wow. This book is something special. The text is brief. It has a wordless book quality to it because the illustrations carry so much of the story but the text that is included is well placed, well written and well paced. The text is written as a message to someone. About half way through the book you realize that he’s talking to his missing cat. It is about a missing animal but it’s also about being a kid in the city. A thoroughly absorbing book.
12. Lottie and Walter
by Anna Walker
This is a darling book about a little girl who is afraid to get into the pool at swimming lessons. Told in simple, perfect text and illustrated with gentle, watery pictures this is simply beautiful. Lottie is endearing. Walter is humorous. And the very real fear of swimming is so well discussed.
13. Little Tigers
by Jo Weaver
This book is an understated yet emotional portrayal of the endangered Bengal tigers. LITTLE TIGERS explores what it might be like to be a mother with two cubs worried about hunters. The mama tiger gently and patiently explores the jungle with her cubs looking for somewhere safe and suitable to live when their home is invaded by hunters. This powerful book is quiet and stunning. Good to read as a bedtime story but also for older kids to discuss other more complex issues like endangered animals and even immigration.
14. Norm
by Sylvia Liang
Norm, with his friends Plain and Simple, like their orderly world. One day that world is thrown off by a strange yellow bird that leads to all kinds of strange and unsettling discoveries like odd hats and messes and other horrors. How Norm considers these differences and the realization he makes about what is normal is a delightful message. A unique and inspired book about differences that will both make you smile and spark a conversation.
15. Nobody Hugs a Cactus
by Carter Goodrich
I don’t think I’ve ever liked a cactus more. This sweet book is about a cactus who is all alone in the desert and he’s pretty sure he likes it that way. Whenever tumbleweeds and tortoises come past he pushes them away with his cranky demeanor. Eventually he starts to want what he never thought he would – a hug. Too bad nobody hugs a prickly cactus. A good metaphor is hidden in this book but what I think kids will enjoy are the character of Hank the cactus, all of the other animals and elements unique to deserts, and the great way it’s all wrapped up in the end.
16. Sign Off
by Stephen Savage
SIGN OFF is a wordless book that feels as if it were born in the imagination of a child. As you page through, you watch as the characters on signs jump off and begin to interact with the world. This is graphic design magic and creative story telling at it’s best. Closing the pages you will feel inspired to wonder and to look at the world, but especially it’s signage, in a new way.
17. Aalfred and Aalbert
by Morag Hood
Okay, first of all, who knew aardvarks were so cute? These two are adorable and obviously destined to be friends. Unfortunately, one sleeps all day and the other sleeps all night. A little bird though is determined to make sure they meet. This is sweet and funny and gentle and quirky. It’s a delight.
18. Under My Hijab
by Hena Khan
illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
I remember riding on the subway with my twins when we lived in New York City and one of them asked me why one of the women was wearing a hijab. My answer was clumsy. When they asked me what was under the hijab I didn’t honestly know the answer…hair? I wish I could have read this to my kids that day. Khan does a wonderful job of answering that question and introducing hijabs to young readers. She does this by celebrating the different women in the little girl’s life who wear them. It is a diverse group of women from her grandmother to her scout leader to her hip auntie. The rhyming text is cheerful, the bright illustrations are gentle, and you close the book feeling like you understand just a little bit better. I love this for the little girls who will see their moms and aunties in this book and I love it for kids like mine who will understand someone who is different than them a little better because of this book.
19. Lula and the Sea Monster
by Alex Latimer
A book about moving and the environment and friendship, but it was Lula’s kind heart that drew me into this book. The illustrations are bright and whimsical. The relationship between the two unlikely friends in endearing. But it is Lula’s spirit and empathy that wins the day. Lula is a little girl that loves her home by the sea, but her family is being forced to move so that a highway can be built. In her last days along the coast Lula meets and befriends a sea creature. She helps to care for him and he rapidly grows from something small and unusual to something quite large. The main message here is subtle and may get missed by younger readers, but I believe all ages will enjoy Lula and Bean’s friendship and Lula’s ultimate triumph. This book was originally published in the UK in 2018, but it was newly released in the US this year.
20. Truman
by Jean Reidy
illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
One of the most delightful and unexpected back to school books I have ever read. This is Sarah’s first day of school, but it is told through the eyes of her sweet turtle, Truman. Sarah leaves and it feels different this time and Truman decides to go after her. The world through the eyes of a turtle is so dear and their relationship even more so. A great story to share any time of the year, but particularly when one must be brave before a first day.
21. Sweety
by Andrea Zuill
“For all those who have accepted their inner oddball” says the back dedication. I would say this is also for those who are odd and are working on accepting it or need to know it’s okay. Sweety is odd but she learns through gentle conversations and inner reflection that it’s probably okay to just be her weirdo self. If that sounds like a boring description, I promise it is not. Andrew Zuill has a wonderful voice and Sweety is an endearing character. The text is brief but deep and humorous at the same time. I love that this book dives into not only accepting yourself, but trusting that you will find your people. Such a wonderful message for kids who feel out of place.
22. How to Read a Book
by Kwame Alexander and Art by Melissa Sweet
This pairing is perfection. Kwame Alexander’s textured, vibrant poem with Melissa Sweet’s collage, emotional illustrations. This is reading like it has never been described. It is poetry. It is art. It is lovely. I would love to see this paired in a storytime or read aloud with another “how to read” book and have kids compare and contrast. But all on it’s own this is a rich book that celebrates the magic of opening a book and reading.
23. Once Upon a Goat
by Dan Richards and Pictures by Eric Barclay
Oh this is the kind of picture book my kids love most. From the moment you notice the little chewed corner of the first page you know this is going to be a good one. It starts with a fairy tale like premise of a king and queen who ask their fairy godmother for a child – any kid will do. A goat appears on their doorstep. This is funny enough but the twist towards the end makes it even better and the sweet ending all the more satisfactory. A terrific read aloud with witty, quick text and illustrations that only enhance the already plentiful humor.
24. One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller
by Kate Read
I admire an author who can do a lot with few words and I adore a counting book that tells a story – this is both and it’s awesome. With carefully chosen words, ONE FOX tells an intense, suspenseful story (in which – spoiler alert! – no chickens are harmed). From “one famished fox” to the surprisingly humorous ending this is counting book perfection.
25. The Book Hog
by Greg Pizzoli
A seriously cute book about loving books and learning to read. Greg Pizzoli is so great at pacing his books in a way that is perfect for read alouds and picking simple topics that appeal so well to his audience. This does both. A little pig loves books but he has a secret, he doesn’t know how to read them. One day he goes into a library and a librarian opens his eyes to a whole new world.
26. Bad Dog
by Mike Boldt
The premise of this book is picture book genius. The words announce: “Look what I got for my birthday! A pet dog!” while the pictures tell the reader that it’s obviously a cat. The kid’s grumbling from their about their “bad dog” who doesn’t listen or do tricks is hilarious. The expressive cat is particularly funny. A clever concept that is well delivered.
27. This Book is Gray
by Lindsay Ward
Gray has decided to create his own Gray Book because he is always feeling left out. The other colors have a lot to say about that idea. This is a clever, cheerful story that fans of THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT will love. This book plays with colors and color concepts and it also addresses feelings about being left out – something everyone has felt at one time or another. A fun, character filled comedy with plenty of heart.
28. In Every House, on Every Street
by Jess Hitchman
illustrated by Lili La Baleine
Okay, first I love the illustrations in this book. I was in love from the end papers. But the words are just as lovely. Have you ever wondered what goes on in someone else’s house? Sure everyone eats and sleeps and baths…but we’re all different. This is a peek inside one house. One busy, loving, playful family. At the end though, it leaves you to wonder and talk about how is their family like the others on their block and yours? The last spread to me is everything. A warm, delightful book full of energy and openness. The kind of book that makes the world a little bit better.
29. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Noble Maillard
Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
This is a beautiful and powerful story about the Native American fry bread. It uses this traditional bread as a moving depiction of modern Native American families with their great diversity and sense of history. I love the way the story moves with rhythm and engages the senses. I love the way the variety of Native Americans are drawn in the tender illustrations. The detailed backmatter shares the strength, challenges, and complicated history and present of the Native American tribes around the United States. An incredible book that honors and celebrates the enduring people and proud culture that are too often ignored both in our history books, but also in our modern world.
30. The Very Impatient Caterpillar
by Ross Burach
This book is laugh out loud funny and also happens to impart knowledge about metamorphosis. This is a book about a caterpillar going through metamorphosis and about the great amount of patience that requires. The perfect addition to a spring time caterpillar or butterfly story time or unit. A read aloud must!
31. Bear Came Along
by Richard T. Morris
illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Some books are perfection. This is just such a book. Beautifully illustrated, perfect tight text that uses page turns amazingly well. It is funny but also sweet and insightful. Pay close attention to the end papers and the use of color throughout the book. This is a great one to read aloud.
Also Read: New Halloween Books for Kids age 3-10
14 Best Picture Books – Non-Fiction
1. A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr & the Speech That Inspired a Nation
by Barry Wittenstein
illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
I am in awe of Wittenstein’s story telling abilities and Pickney’s illustrations are beautiful works of art. Both have separately made their mark on the children’s books world and the hearts of children – together they do not disappoint. This is the story of Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream Speech. It is written with the beauty and urgency and poetry with which Wittenstein excels and his style felt perfectly matched to its subject. I love how the story describes the process of writing a speech – much like the process of writing a book. It is a different perspective on this well known speech, but also on Martin himself. Pinkney captures all of this depth with layers and texture and portraits that are worthy of frames. A moment in history brilliantly captured.
2. Away with Words: The Daring Story of Isabella Bird
by Lori Mortensen
illustrated by Kristy Caldwell
The story of a truly incredibly daring woman. Isabella Bird was an adventurer and writer who explored the world despite what was considered proper for women at the time. This book captures the breath of those travels and the conflict she often encountered with the world and herself over her less traditional life choices. This is a longer story – best for elementary schoolers – but written with pace and vigor that mirrors the subject’s. Isabella Bird was new to me when I opened the book, but I left inspired, in awe, and eager to share her story.
3. Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars
by Richard Ho
illustrated by Katerine Roy
This one sets you down on the red planet. The illustrations feel immersive and bring Mars and all of it’s texture and grit and redness to life. This is a story about exploring Mars and in particular Curiosity the most recent rover. The text is simple, but informative. The illustrations are beautiful. I love the back matter, especially the diagram of the rover. Included is also information about Mars and about the other rovers sent to space and the one scheduled to be sent in 2020. There is a sense of adventure and hope that swells up in you as you read this book.
4. Four Otters Toboggan
by Vivian Kirkfield
illustrated by Mirka Hokkanen
At first glance this is another counting book. A quiet, lyrical counting book about animals. I encourage you to look closer.
Upon a closer look you will discover beautiful poetic language, delicious word choices, and a flowing story about the interaction between water and animals. Over the course of the day, the water changes and animals play, dance, and live all illustrated with graceful, muted art.
Make sure you don’t miss the thorough look at each animal mentioned in the story, along with a “spot these animals” page that encourages you to search the illustration for more and information about conservation.
5. Do Penguins Have Pediatricians?
by Patrick O’Donnell
illustrated by Erik Mehlen
This book will make you smile, perhaps even giggle. You know those silly questions that kids ask you that seem ridiculous but also have that grain of truth and ‘huh, I’m not sure’ to them? Do whales get bronchitis? Do foxes have to get flu shots? Do narwhals get tummy aches? With rhyming text and cute illustrations, this asks a parade of questions all with one simple, well articulated answer at the end. A happy book for curious kids…that’s basically all kids right? So a happy book to read to every kid.
6. Just Like Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines
by Sarah Aronson
illustrated by Robert Neubecker
A completely delightful biography about Rube Goldberg. Snappy text, an unbelievable but true story, and an inspiring message make this book nonfiction gold for kids. This book has an energy and humor to it, much I imagine like Rube Goldberg himself, that makes you smile and want to jump up and do something when you’re done. A biography picture book you can definitely read aloud and one that will undoubtedly get the wheels turning in the little minds that hear it.
7. The Big Book of Birds by Yuval Zommer
I adore this series of books and THE BIG BOOK OF BIRDS is a welcome addition. It covers birds from owls and robins to secretary birds and hoopoes. The book is built around a question and answer format that I think is perfect for the audience. Each page offers interesting information about a bird or group of birds. For example, the hummingbird page asks and answers “Does a hummingbird hum?” but it also offers other interesting information. Did you know that hummingbirds are the only bird that can fly backwards? Beyond the breath of information covered and the appealing format, the illustrations are lovely icing on a delicious cake. They are graceful and eye catching like all of Yuval Zommer’s books.
8. Photo Adventures
by Jan Von Holleben and text by Monte Packham
This book is SO MUCH FUN. It is definitely a different kind of non-fiction book and it is geared towards First Graders and Up but it’s a great way to get kids playing around with cameras (just one form of technology for kids!) PHOTO ADVENTURES is written for kids and it does a great job of explaining how to create interesting art with photography. My twins have had so much fun playing with cameras and photography inspired by this book.
9. 1001 Ants
by Joanna Rzezak
This is a unique book that captures the world of ants. I love that the illustrations shrink you down to their level so that the mushrooms and blades of grass tower over you. Dotted along the way are interesting facts about the things you encounter as the ants trot across the page. The text is interesting but we really found the illustrations most fascinating. A book that makes the world of insects and plants feel larger than life. It brings them to life in the way that other bug books I have read just don’t. A welcome addition to our nonfiction shelf.
10. Bird Count
by Susan Edwards Richmond
illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
Have you ever heard of the Christmas Bird Count? This was new to me and I found it fascinating. I love that this story is told from the perspective of a young girl who joins her mom as a citizen scientist for the annual bird count. There is so much rich content here – being a scientist, how to count with tally marks, all about different kinds of birds – but it is all told in an engaging narrative and illustrated with calm, snowy pictures. A wonderful nonfiction book to inspire your little scientist.
11. Nose Knows: Wild Ways Animals Smell the World
by Emmanuelle Figueras and Claire De Gastold
I don’t think I realized there was so much to say about noses and smelling. This is a fascinating book. Did you know that polar bears can smell through the ice? Or that elephants are likely the best smellers? This nonfiction book shares the many ways that noses and smells are used to help newborns, find dinner, impress a mate, navigate, and more. If you’re like me it answers questions you didn’t even know you had. Fascinating and beautifully illustrated, this is a fun nonfiction book to give to an animal lover.
12. Instructions Not Included: How a Team of Women Coded the Future
by Tami Lewis Brown and Debbie Loren Dunn
illustrated by Chelsea Beck
Impeccably paced and well written, this book is one you could easily read aloud despite the length and seemingly bland subject matter. These women were incredible and their work in coding reads as a vivid, exciting adventure on these pages. It is amazing how far we have come with computers in such a relatively short period and the role these women played was impressive. For children used to cell phones and tablets, the beginning of computers is almost unfathomable. A nonfiction and STEM must read.
13. Sea Bear
by Lindsay Moore
This is a breathtakingly beautiful story about a polar bear. It addresses climate change without really directly discusses it. Rather it shows the affects of climate change through this polar bear’s struggle to survive. It is illustrated with cool, grand illustrations and told with such heart that it breaks yours. A must read and must share book for our time.
14. Moth: An Evolution Story
by Isabel Thomas
illustrated by Daniel Egneus
This is a gorgeous story about adaptation. It is the story of the peppered that has adapted to environmental changes over time to stay camouflaged. It is a seriously cool story, but also a great example of adaption and highly readable.
6 Best Easy Readers / Early Chapter Books
1. Gulp, Gobble
by Marilyn Singer
illustrated by Kathryn Durst
24 words. That’s all Singer used to tell this fun, rhyming, animal filled story. At the front of the book there is a list of the words with their pronunciations – most of which can be sounded out with a basic knowledge of phonics. I love all of the warm, cheerful illustrations – especially the big picnic scenes. I love that although this is an easy reader with exceptionally few words, it also challenges readers to sound out less familiar words. Such a cute, original easy reader book.
2. If You Love Dolphins You Could Be…
by May Nakamura and illustrated by Natalie Kwee
I love this new Ready to Read series and because dolphins have been my favorite animal since I was 7 this is my favorite. A practical, well written easy chapter book for new readers. It has an introduction and three chapters, each with a different option for career paths for kids who love dolphins. Short enough to not be overwhelming but detailed enough to be interesting and with the structure of later non-fiction books. We have also read and loved If You Love Video Games You Could Be…
3. Who Is The Mystery Reader
by Mo Willems
He does is again. This is clever, funny, and engaging. Mo Willems is an easy reader genius. In this one the silly squirrels discuss how to become a reader which will definitely encourage your little reader.
5. Your Turn, Adrian
by Helena Oberg and illustrated by Kristin Lidstrom
A gentle graphic novel, newly translated, about a little boy who gets nervous at school and feels different and alone. This is for every child who struggles to meet expectations at schools. It is a beautiful book about friendship, reading when it doesn’t come easy and so much more. The text is brief which works well for kids who will identify with Adrian’s frustrations and early readers. The illustrations are engaging and textured like the main character. An vulnerable work of art.
6. Frankie Sparks series
by Megan Frazer Blakemore
illustrated by Nadja Sarell
I am delighted to be able to put this series in the hands of my third graders. There is so much to love about these books. Frankie Sparks is a wonderful, well rounded main character. I love that she has all the big emotions that kids this age experience. It makes her feel real and relatable. I also love the STEM elements to the book. The realistic problems, the thoughtful research, the problem solving. Gosh, this just oozes with creative examples of teaching and learning. Well written, well paced, well crafted stories that early elementary school readers will love. The first three are already available, the fourth is coming out in early 2020.
7. So You Want to be a Roman Soldier?
Abridged from the original by Georgia Amson-Bradshaw
Illustrations by Takayo Akiyama
I never thought a book about Roman soldiers could make me laugh out loud – let alone amuse my 8 year olds but this one did both. A ton of actual information is crammed into this book but it is done with humor and illustrations that will appeal to graphic novel fans. Clever and full of history, this is a great book for elementary school kids.
4 Great New Middle Grade Books
1. Babysitter’s Club audiobooks
by Ann M. Martin
performed by Elle Fanning
Okay, so yes, I’m very aware that these books are not new in the traditional sense of the other books on this list. I’m also aware that they are not the deepest, most amazing books ever written. BUT they were the first series that I was truly obsessed with as a kid. I read every single one and because of them I loved searching the library racks for a new one every week and because of that searching I also find other books that I loved. I’m not going to completely credit these for my love of reading but they were definitely loved. AND did you know that they just released all of the babysitter’s club books on audiobook? We listened to a few of them on our last road trip with our twins and they both loved them. The reading is done so well and the characters are captured perfectly. We’re huge fans so I had to include them here.
2. The Okay Witch
by Emma Steinkellner
This graphic novel blew me away. It is the story of a young girl who doesn’t fit in and then discovers that she is the descendant of witches. Readers will relate to her struggles to fit in and balance the different aspects of middle school and life even if they don’t have a talking cat or generations of secrets to unpack. Thirteen year old Moth Hush (quite the name!) is complex and interesting and such an endearing character to root for throughout this tale. I love the expressive way the characters are drawn and the way past and present are woven together. The element of magic is playful and just the right touch of fantasy, but it is truly the characters and relationships that propel this story forward and grab your heart. A compelling story, THE OKAY WITCH is well paced and hard to put down.
3. More to the Story
by Hena Khan
I somehow completely missed that this was a modern interpretation of Little Women until I read the author’s acknowledgments at the back, but I can see all of the parallels now. Jameela is an easy to love heroine. She has faults (just like Jo in Little Women) but they are ones I immediately identified with and loved her for. The relationships between the sisters and the entire family are warm and real and make you invest in the story that much more. There is so much on these pages; being Muslim, family dynamics, liking the new kid, all the chai tea, journalism, figuring out who you are, making mistakes and learning from them, and the biggie – having a sibling diagnosed with cancer. There is so much and it is all handled with grace. It is a well paced, engaging, heart warming read from start to finish.
4. Becoming RBG
by Debbie Levy
illustrated by Whitney Gardner
This is a graphic novel biography of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It tells her story from childhood until she becomes a Supreme Court Justice. Thorough, well researched, and somewhat dense (don’t miss the afterwards and list of references at the back) – I think the choice to make this a graphic novel was a good one. Adding the illustrations and breaking up the text helps to make this more readable for younger children. It shares a more detailed version of her story than a picture book could carry, but the illustrations prevent it from becoming too overwhelming for an upper elementary school student to consume. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a fascinating lady and I’m glad to put this in the hands of children who can be inspired by her strength, brilliance, and hard work.
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