2020 has arrived and, as with any new year, this means a new plethora of children’s books hitting the shelves.
I cannot claim to read EVERY new book that is published in a given year, but I read stacks each week in an effort to keep up with the best new children’s books available. You can see my full list of read books on Goodreads.
Below are the ones that me and my kids have loved the most in 2020. The ones that feel special and have great re-readability. As more books are released and read I will continue to build this list throughout the year.
You May Also Want to Read: Best New Children’s Books of 2019
As always, if you have recommendations for this list make sure to tell me about them in the comments! Happy Reading.
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you can also shop this complete list at bookshop to support local bookstores.
Board Books
What Am I? A Let’s Learn Spanish Book
by Diane de Anda
illustrated by Sara Sanchez
This is everything you want in a board book. Short, engaging text. An interactive element. Bright cheerful illustrations. This one also integrates some simple Spanish as an extra layer giving you the Spanish word for each type of vehicle. A board book winner.
The Wolf and the Fly
by Antje Damm
This board book is so clever. It begins with a wolf who is hungry and facing a shelf of assorted items. Page turns allow the reader to predict and then determine what the wolf ate. It is a brilliant way to engage little readers. Unique and fun. My favorite board book so far this year.
Making Tracks: City
by Abi Hall
This is part of a Making Tracks series that uses flaps, die-cuts, and thick board book pages to create a fun and interactive book for toddlers. Each page has a trail of tracks leading under the flap which invites guesses about who is making the tracks. Bright, engaging, and fun.
Go, Grandpa, Go!
by Lynn Plourde
illustrated by Sophie Beer
A lively board books for little ones. Quick, snappy text is paired with vibrant illustrations in this energetic board book full of grandfather’s interaction with their grandkids. I love the variety of activities and the diversity of people represented. Little ones will love the refrain and the chance to read all about grandpa.
In My Heart
by Mackenzie Porter
illustrated by Jenny Lovlie
This is such a sweet board book. It is written for (and perfect for) working moms and their little ones. It tells the story of a woman and her daughter saying goodbye for the day and the child wondering if the mom will miss her. The simple ways the mom thinks about her child all day are relatable and heartfelt. The illustrations are warm and equally sweet. This book would be a great gift for working moms and their babies and toddlers.
Animal Antics
by Whitney Stewart
illustrated by Rocio Alejandro
Part of the Mindful Tots series, this is a transition activity in book form. Part yoga, part imaginative play, completely delightful. The thick cardboard book and bright illustrations that depict the movements are all perfect for toddlers. Sweet and simple, this book will help your toddler be mindful and focus before you move on to whatever is next – even if that’s just re-reading this book again.
Pride 1 2 3
by Michael Joosten
illustrated by Wednesday Holmes
A bright, cheerful book that celebrates diverse families, love and the LGBTQIA+ community while counting to 10. A great board book for little ones who will enjoy the energetic and colorful illustrations. The brief text and lively message is perfect for toddlers. A positive, diverse, and warm book.
Love
by Casey Rislov
artwork by Rachael Balsaitis
An adorable baby board book. Based on the well known Bible passage 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, this uses sparse text and absolutely darling illustrations of an owl family to depict love between family members. The words and illustrations together emphasize a gentle and enduring love. This would make an excellent baby shower gift or new baby gift. This is one to snuggle up and read aloud with a baby.
Picture Books – Fiction
I Am the Storm
by Jane Yolen and Heidi E Y Stemple
illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell
The mother-daughter writing team have created something beautiful and necessary for right now. It is a book of hope and persevering. This centers on the power of nature and how we weather hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and forest fires and endure afterwards. The predictable pattern the poems settles into as it goes through the acts of nature is comforting and hopeful. I think we all need phrases like “When the forests cooled, as wildfires always do…” this year. This book feels like a hug. A poetic, gorgeous, emotion affirming hug.
On Account of the Gum
by Adam Rex
This is pure genius. Such a simple concept – gum stuck in a little girl’s hair – but it is perfectly written and illustrated with humor on every page turn. The text rhymes, the page turns are well executed, and the laughs are over the top. A witty read aloud that will have your listeners giggling.
Share Some Kindness Bring Some Light
by Apryl Stott
This book is so cute. It is the story of two unlikely friends who try to change the minds of the forest animals who think bear is scary because he’s so big. The pair is tasked with trying to demonstrate kindness and just like parents struggle to explain abstract words like this, Coco and Bear aren’t sure how to give kindness to the animals. Their attempt is sweet and a little funny, but really it is the gorgeous warmth of the illustrations and the relationship between the two that are the best part of this book. A wintry delight about kindness and making the world just a little better.
Amadou’s Zoo
by Rebecca Walsh
Amadou is so excited to go to the zoo with his class but when they get there his teacher wants them to walk quietly, stay together, and read all of the facts on the placards. We’ve all been on this field trip, right? If you haven’t, you’re lucky because it’s a boring way to spend a day at the zoo. Amadou’s imagination roams, understandably, and his enthusiasm for the animals is contagious. I love the way color is used to demonstrate this joyfulness and life. At first only Amadou and the animals are colorful and the rest of the illustrations are gray. Slowly this changes as you progress through the book and Amadou’s way of seeing the zoo takes over the class. This book is full of wonder and beauty and shows you how one child’s exuberance and curiosity has the power to change a whole day.
The Farm and the Monkey
by Marla Frazee
Wordless. Gentle. Quiet. Amusing. This is all the lovely things. It is a story of a farmer who receives a surprise visitor – a monkey. The monkey is a bit of a handful and the farmer isn’t so sure he wants this ball of energy on his farm. It is the story of sometimes what you need is what you expect or plan. It is a story about how life surprises you. It is so good.
The Poisoned Apple: A Fractured Fairy Tale
by Anne Lambelet
What if Snow White hadn’t eaten the poisoned apple? What is she gave it away? What would the witch do? Oh how I love a good fractured fairy tale and this one is a delight. With excellent suspense and genius page turns and uniquely beautiful illustrations, this tells a what if version of Snow White that is just tremendous fun.
Rita and Ralph’s Rotten Day
by Carmen Agra Deedy and Pete Oswald
This is a seriously cute book about two friends. Best friends. They live on opposite hills and meet in the middle to play together each day. One day they have a disagreement and it will take a lot of back and forth on those hills before they can figure out how to meet in the middle again. A sweet story about friendship and the disagreements that unfortunately arise, but how they can get put back together again. Great repetition and the darlingist of illustrations.
Unstoppable
by Adam Rex
illustrated by Laura Park
Who could not love a book that has a Birdraburtle, Craburbearbird, a Bear named Steve and still somehow manages to seriously discuss preserving our national resources and the role of Congress. It’s all kind of ingenious. This book is hilarious. Perfect for reading aloud. It also gives a (somewhat overly simplified and optimistic) look at protecting forests when the animals discover their land is being turned into a mall and quite determinedly get the President and Congress involved. If only animals could band together and talk to humans, then they might truly be unstoppable.
You Are a Beautiful Beginning
by Nina Laden
illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley
This is a swoon worthy picture book. It read as a poem and is full of lush, warm photos that together envelope you in a hug. The messages of collaboration and loving yourself and imagination are lovely. The rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud at story time or when a little one is tucked on your lap before bed. The illustrations enrich the story with their own tale of friendship and adventure. An absolutely gorgeous new book to add to your shelves.
Our Favorite Day of the Year
by A. E. Ali
illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell
A beautiful, warm story about starting a new school year and different cultures. Their kindergarten teacher invites each child to share their favorite day of the year with the class during the year. Only four of the days are shared, but they offer a wide variety of days that are celebrated by different families. I love how it encourages us to share our different family traditions. I also love that it goes beyond just your typical holidays found in picture books. A great book to share at the beginning of the school year – or on your favorite day all year round.
Two Dogs on a Trike
by Gabi Snyder
illustrated by Robin Rosenthal
I adore a counting book with a good story and this one is oh so fun. The words are concise and encourage little ones to count the growing number of dogs and later subtract as the dogs depart. The illustrations however tell the story of a rather determined cat chasing after them. This adds an excellent layer of suspense, adventure and humor that will keep kids coming back to this book again and again. A counting book with dogs, cats, all manner of transportation, and a little humor – really what more could you want? A excellent book for toddlers and preschoolers learning to count.
Bess the Barn Stands Strong
by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia
illustrated by Katie Hickey
A warm and poetic book about an old barn who shows she’s sturdy enough to save the ones she loves. The writing is poetic and evokes the seasons on a farm, while the illustrations are cozy and sweet. Together they tell the tale of a barn who has been abandoned and replaced to who shows she’s not to old to stand strong and shelter others when it’s needed. It reminded me of OTIS by Loren Long in the best possible ways.
Let’s Get Sleepy
by Tony Cliff
This is a seriously fun book. It is a story of a family of little cats with a LOOK-AND-FIND book enclosed within the story. The spreads where you’re searching for mouse are gorgeous and full of such fun details. My kids loved sitting and absorbing those pages long after they found mouse and telling me the things they noticed. The rhyming text and playfulness of this book is so much fun to share with kids any time of the day, but it also ends with bedtime which makes it a good story for bedtime story time as well.
Jules Vs. The Ocean
Jessie Sima
I loved this adorable story about Jules who is trying to impress her busy, older sister with the most amazing sand castle ever. The ocean has other ideas. I love the bright, sun filled illustrations. I love the relatable story. And I love how in the end the ocean brings the two sisters together. A great summer time story to share aloud.
Rescuing Mrs. Birdley
by Aaron Reynolds
illustrated by Emma Reynolds
This is a seriously funny book. I think all kids who have seen their teacher outside of school will relate to that feeling of surprise and confusing. Clearly they are not in the right place!? Miranda, the heroine of this tale, is a nature expert and she knows just what to do. Following the tactics she has learned from her favorite nature show, she attempts to capture and return her teacher to her nature habitat, the classroom. Outrageous in concept and execution, this is sure to be a read aloud favorite.
Field Trip to the Ocean Deep
by John Hare
I was not expecting this to be a wordless picture book from the cover. It is an inventive tale about a group of students that go on a field trip under the sea and one of the kids gets left behind. I love the use of photography and the subtle humor. Great fun for kids who love the ocean.
Snail Crossing
by Corey R. Tabor
A snail spies some cabbage across the street. It is a broad street with dangers like fast moving cars and crows along the way but that won’t stop this determined little snail. A cute picture book.
Wonderful You
by Lisa Graff
illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki
I cannot think of a more perfect book to gift new parents or read aloud to your newborn. WONDERFUL YOU is all about the waiting that happens those nine long months and how the you that arrives is even better than a parent could hope. It is full of the anticipation and love that carries each parent through that time. The illustrations add a lovely multicultural and diverse family element as a huge range of families are shown preparing for their new ones. The waiting for a new baby is a universal experience and that is so well depicted here. A truly wonderful book. A must read. A must gift. A must share.
Hurry Up!: A Book about Slowing Down
by Kate Dopirak
illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
If this felt timely when it was written, and I’m sure it did, it has even grown even more so with the pandemic. This is a discussion about our society’s urge to constantly hurry up and a little encouragement to slow down. With brief text that lends itself well to being read aloud and bright, cheerful illustrations this is a great one for story times or read together at home. I love the way it celebrates the things you see and notice when you slow down a little. A book for now definitely, but a good reminder to carry into the world as we start to feel compelled to hurry up again as well.
Unicorns are the Worst
by Alex Willan
Hilarious. I think we could all use a good laugh right now and this delivers so many of them. Told from the perspective of a goblin who is unimpressed with unicorns and suddenly finds himself neighbors with a herd of them, this is silly and sparkly and fun from start to finish. The voice is perfect and makes this so much fun to read aloud. One your kids, unicorn obsessed or not, will want to read again and again.
The Paper Kingdom
by Helena Ku Rhee
illustrated by Pascal Campion
This is the kind of story that fills you up. It is the story of night janitors who have to bring their son to work one night and so they invent playful stories about the “castle” they clean. Their imagination bring dragons to life in the bathrooms and king and queens in the cafeteria for their son as they work hard to polish every room. It is the perfect balance of vibrant playfulness and heart filled honesty. It is about people making the best of their lives. It is about the love between parents and their child. It is about the value of hard work. It is about imagination. It is about love. A must-read.
Gloria’s BIG Problem
words by Sarah Stiles Bright
pictures by Mike Deas
I usually wholeheartedly prefer my children’s books to be short and snappy, especially when they’re on the funny side, but this one – this one – completely won me over. It is on the more wordy side for a picture book but every word is delightful and builds up Gloria and her worries and her Big Problem. They build to the perfect climax that leaves you smiling big and rooting for Gloria. This is a book about worries and for the child with worries that seem crippling sometimes, this is a must read.
The Society of Distinguished Lemmings
by Julie Colombet
Oh this book is lovely. This is the story of a group of lemmings who are “distinguished” in every way (gosh I love books that introduce kids to big important words) but one lemming decides to venture out of the burrow and meets a bear. Bears are not distinguished and together they have fun but it breaks all of the society’s rules. This book has so much to say about society and friendship and being different. It is full of heart and warmth and I adore the illustrations of all of the chatty lemmings. A wonderful book being brought across the ocean from Great Britain – I’m so glad it’s here.
Hat Tricks
by Satoshi Kitamura
Now here is an illustrator who understands page turns! This book is a magic show where the reader gets to guess what’s coming out of the hat next. A little peak of ears gives them an idea and the page turns reveal the next animal popping out. A thoroughly entertaining read that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
One of These is Not Like the Others
by Barney Saltzberg
This is so cute and perfect for sharing aloud with a young audience. It is a series of “one of these things is not like the others” with a page turn to reveal some little humor or fun. The repetition is great. The message is wonderful. And the whole concept makes me want to sing that song from Sesame Street. A story they’ll want to hear again and again.
‘Ohana Means Family
by Ilima Loomis
illustrated by Kenard Park
A warm, vibrant story about the Hawaiian lu’au traditions. Written in a cumulative style, like THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT, this starts with “the poi for our ‘ohana’s lu’au and zooms out to the rich land, large family and gorgeous world that going into this custom. A story of land and family and culture. Beautifully written and illustrated with lush watercolor paintings. A wonderful book about Hawaiian family and culture.
Bilal Cooks Daal
by Aisha Saeed
illustrated by Anoosha Syed
I am such a sucker for a good book about cooking food. In this one Bilal introduces his friends to the patient processes of cooking traditional daal. I love that the need to wait is repeated. I love that it’s a dad helping them cook. I love that this is the story of a child sharing a portion of his culture with friends. And I love that the recipe is included in the back because I am not officially hungry.
When Numbers Met Letters
by Lois Barr
illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
What a fun way to discuss letters and numbers with kids. Numbers that look like letters confusing anyone you know? That’s such a common problem and it’s addressed with some comic relief on these pages. There is even a discussion about Roman numerals thrown in for good measure. A great book to share with early elementary schoolers.
You Matter
by Christian Robinson
This is the newest book by Christian Robinson an author/illustrator who has yet to create a book I don’t absolutely adore. Whimsical, subtle, and so full of heart, YOU MATTER is a message to all children that they matter.
To the Moon and Back for You
words by Emilia Bechrakis Serhant
art by EG Keller
This is the book you gift to the new mom who has had a long journey to her baby. It was written by a mom who struggled through years of infertility but I think it could also work with an adoption journey. It is a gorgeous book that I wish I could have read to my twins when they were babies. The words are powerful and poignant, the illustrations are luminous and stunning. You can feel the heart of the mother pounding on these pages. A gift.
Arlo The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep
by Catherine Rayner
This is the perfect bedtime story. It is breathtakingly beautiful, the words are patient and calm, and the refrain is a wonderful mindful meditation anyone struggling to sleep can use. It is the story of a lion who is having trouble sleeping. He meets an owl who, being an expert at sleeping when everyone else is noisy and the sun is beaming, teaching him her secret. Catherine Rayner has long been one of my favorite children’s book author/illustrators. Her books are consistently stunning, graceful, and full of heart. They leave the reader with a contentment whether they immersed in her gentle humor or with books like this one, her bedtime calm. ARLO THE LION is a delight and a wonderful addition to her catalog of books.
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Friday Night Wrestle Fest
by J. F. Fox
illustrated by Micah Player
It’s Friday Night and for this family it’s time for an over-the-top comical wrestle fest! This is a playful book about a family spending time together and an every day, imaginative way. I love the bold illustrations and energetic text and I love that the mom in the family is the one coming home from work. In truth there is so much to love about this family and they’re togetherness.
Overwhelmed? Here is my
2020 New Children’s Book Gift Guide
Picture Books – Non-Fiction
She Leads: The Elephant Matriarch
by June Smalls
illustrations by Yumi Shimonkawara
This is a gorgeous book. It shares how the matriarch of the elephant herd leads, teaches, and cares for her family. Stunningly illustrated this captures the strength and empathy of these giant animals. This nonfiction text features a simple sentence with a second set of text smaller that offers more information.
Music is…
by Stephen T. Johnson
What a unique celebration of music genres. When you read through it, at first it is an explosion of onomatopoeia as the author goes through each of the ten genres of music from classical to latin to country to hip hop. It is fun to read aloud and captures the different flavors of the kinds of music. Then at the back a new book begins. A detailed nonfiction book that once again goes through each genre. This time with information about the genre and subgenres. It talks about the instruments commonly used and gives a list of examples for each. Bold, energetic, imaginative, and whimsical while providing an in depth look at ten genres of music. Beautifully orchestrated.
Migration
by Gail Gibbons
The original nonfiction master has out down herself with this book. I have read and shared a lot of Gail Gibbons’ books over the years. They are reliably clear, straightforward, and quality nonfiction books to use with any unit study or to hand to a child with a huge range of interests. MIGRATION is all of those things. The writing is concise and direct. It covers a wide array of animals that migrate around the world. From sea turtles and blue whales to zebras and gazelles to cranes and penguins. I love that this is one of her books that works as a read aloud if you focus on the bigger, brief text on each page, but that you can look closely and learn more as well. I also loved that she included maps of each migration route. This book has so many potential applications for kids who love and are learning about animals. A must read book on animal migration.
The Metric System
by David A. Adler and Edward Miller
The metric system is often confounding to even American adults. Adler has done his best to make using the Metric System more accessible for children. The book walks through using the Metric System for measuring length, distance, weight, and volume using examples, small digestible facts, and invitations to explore further. I like the variety of explanations, bright cheerful illustrations, and activity ideas. A solid introduction to the Metric System for elementary schoolers.
Lotte’s Magical Paper Puppets
by Brooke Hartman
illustrated by Kathryn Carr
Stunning. This picture book is luminous and magical. It tells the story of Lotte Reiniger who made the first animated feature film. Her story of creativity and beauty dances across the backdrop of World War II. Hitler and the Nazis are mentioned in a way that younger children will likely miss entirely, but they did play a role in shaping Lotte’s life, art, and courage. An inspiring and creative person and story like this has endless possibilities of how to extend the experience after you close the book. Encouraging children to create their own paper puppets, retell their favorite stories, or learn more about Lotte and Germany at this time are just some of the directions you could go. A truly magically told and illustrated story.
Life in a Frozen World: Wildlife of Antarctica
by Mary Batten and Thomas Gonzalez
Antarctica is the coldest, windiest and driest place on earth. It is somewhere that most humans will never go, but it is how to many living things from microscopic krill to penguins to giant blue whales. This book looks at these animals and also at the scientists who are learning about how they survive and even thrive in the extreme habitat of Antarctica and it’s chilly ocean. The text is lengthy, definitely more appropriate for older elementary schoolers, but it is fascinating and paired with gorgeous painted illustrations of the stunning world and wildlife of the far southern reaches of our globe. A great book for a study of marine biology or climate change.
Marvelous Magicians
by Lydia Corry
Do you know a child who loves magic? This is an impressive introduction to magic and the illusionists who have shaped modern magic. The bulk of the book is devoted to the magicians both famous and obscure who have shaped magic. From Harry Houdini to Dante the Magician they share fun facts about how they got started, their biggest tricks and more. There are also general pages about magic through time and closer looks at specific aspects of magic and performing. From facts about magic from the first magician 5,000 years ago to secret societies for magicians, to tips on how to become a magician this book is thorough and fascinating. An inspiring book for the next generation of illusionists and magicians.
Flibbertigibbety Words: Young Shakespeare Chases Inspiration
by Donna Guthrie
illustrated by Asa Gilland
This is fantastic fun. Historical Fiction might be the best way to describe where this would fit on a shelf. It is based on Shakespeare but with some creative storytelling that integrates Shakespeare’s actual writing with a playful story about a young William chases words around town. Never have I read anything that made Shakespeare so accessible to young children and applicable to an elementary classroom. Where does inspiration come from? How do we use it? You’ll close the book curious about this William and itchy to write down your own words.
Underground: Subway Systems Around the World
By Uijung Kim
This is SUCH a cool book on so many different levels. There is the around the world nature of the book which offers diversity of people and languages and trains, but also invites comparison and discussions about similarities. There is the train aspect which is obvious the focus and for a kid who loves trains there is a lot to learn about subway systems on these pages. There is a look-and-find element that is always fun in this case also encourages a discussion about the culture and food and clothing of the different countries. And then there is the numbers element on each page. The stats about the train provide opportunities for counting, reading longer numbers, comparison with the number stats on other pages – so much potential for learning.
Pop-Up Volcano
by Fleur Daugey, Bernard Duisit and Tom Vaillant
This is a seriously cool pop-up book. The neon illustrations and dramatic topic make the subject literally burst from the pages. The authors cover volcanoes from topics ancient myths to outerspace to under the sea. It is in depth, interesting, and eye catching.
Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant
by Allan Drummond
Such a cool story! Did you know that the largest solar plant in the world is in Morocco? A fascinating story about solar power, life in a different part of the world, and introductions to concepts like sustainability. I love the conversational tone of this story. Kids will see themselves in these children while marveling at the differences between their school day and ours. The solar plant itself is impossible not to be amazed by and immediately prompted some google searching on our end to see real live photos. A great book to share aloud at home or in a classroom.
Oil
written by Jonah Winter
illustrated by Jeannette Winter
Based on the true events of an oil spill that happened in Alaska in 1977, this book is beautiful and powerful and frightening. I think books like this are needed. Kids need to understand the darkness in the world sometimes and this is described lyrically, wonderfully and appropriately for kids to understand. There is no uplifting joyful lesson at the end and I think that’s okay. It doesn’t read as depressing or scary, but it is a firm example about the dangers of transporting oil and how human impact other life on this planet. Incredibly well written and beautifully illustrated this is a must read story.
Also Read: Picture Books about Climate Change & Caring for the Environment
Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America
by Deborah Diesen
illustrated by Magdalena Mora
A book that calls attention to voting in America seems incredibly relevant right now. My mom often told us as kids that voting was a right that we shouldn’t take for granted. This book has that same message as it’s under tone. It shares the story of how although voting was written into the constitution it took a long time for voting for all citizens to be realized. The lyrical text and warm illustrations are filled with energy and the quiet power of history. A great one to share aloud in November with children in classrooms and libraries.
Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers
by Laura Renauld
illustrated by Brigette Barrager
I grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and as a parent appreciate his philosophies about childhood and education even more. Fred Rogers was a special person and that is well depicted on the pages on this biography. I love the theme of expressing feelings that runs throughout the book. One of the many things Rogers did was teach us that feelings are normal and need to be talked about and expressed appropriately. That message glows from these pages and I hope it will be used to start conversations about emotions with a new generation of children. His history and how he impacted public television is also discussed well. Whether it’s used as part of a lesson on emotions or to teach kids about an influential man in American history, this is a book to put in the hands of teachers, librarians, parents and children.
Women Artists A to Z
by Melanie LaBarge
illustrated by Caroline Corrigan
This is such a cool nonfiction book for kids about women but also about art. It is structured like an alphabet book. Each page has a letter of the alphabet, a kind of art, and an artist. What I love most is the huge range of techniques and types of art that are represented on these pages. It is inspiring to look through and think “what do I want to try next?” The backmatter is well done as well. There is more information about each artist and then questions below each to further inspiring your budding artists. A book to love for so many different reasons.
Hoot and Howl Across the Desert
by Vassiliki Tzomkaka
I didn’t appreciate deserts until we moved to California. They are an incredibly interesting and beautiful habitats. This book is full of fascinating information about deserts. It covers everything – the different kinds (did you know there are three categories of deserts), the various plant and animal life that lives in different desert areas, and it dives in deep to many of the deserts around the world. I learned so much from these pages celebrating the deserts around the world. A must read nonfiction on a seriously cool topic.
Beehive
by Jorey Hurley
A sweet, simple, beautiful book about bees for younger listeners. I’m including this here because it is indeed a picture book, but board book readers would certainly enjoy it. Each page has one word and a lovely illustration. With a gentle, Spring palette and words and movement that depict the active lives of bees, this is a highly engaging book. A wonderful book to read aloud as the weather gets warmer.
The Big Book of Blooms
by Yuval Zommer
A big beautiful book of flowers. I am always thrilled when I see a new title from this series is being released. They are all stunning and fascinating and THE BIG BOOK OF BLOOMS is no exception. Zommer’s gorgeous illustrations capture the flower world with perfection and his facts are as interesting as ever. The information ranges from general about pollinators and why flowers are bright colors to diving in deep on a variety of flowers from water lilies and wildflowers to roses and tulips. My kids were especially excited to see a page on the bird of paradise flowers on our front lawn. A brilliant nonfiction book to have on your shelves or in your collection for spring time and garden units and flower enthusiasts.
Common Critters: The Wildlife in Your Neighborhood
Poems by Pat Brisson
Pictures by Dan Tavis
I always think helping kids explore their area and the creatures in their own backyard is a wonderful idea, but even more so in our current situation. We have been spending an abundance of time in our backyard and walking our neighborhood. This book of sweet poems about the earthworms, birds, and bugs crawling around us is just the delight we need right now. At the end there is more information about the different critters and about poetry that would support a poetry unit wonderfully in a classroom. From cover to cover, this is a playful, gentle collection of poems to share with any child.
Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come From
by Patrick Skipworth
illustrated by Nicholas Stevenson
Any time my kids are faced with a new list of frustrating spelling words I tell them the same thing, “English is a very complicated language to learn.” It often seems like for every “rule” we teach children there are 400 exceptions. This is of course because our words do not all come from one language, they come from many. I don’t think there is a better explanation or example of this than this book LITERALLY. It offers 12 examples of interesting words that we use as part of the English language that come from languages around the world. Their place of origin and the story behind the word are shared. A fascinating look at words and language that could easily be a starting place for further word exploration.
Every Second
by Bruno Gibert
What happens in one second? How many bolts of lightening strike earth? How many text messages are sent? How many babies are born? How many chickens hatch? Books that use numbers like this to help kids grasp the enormity of our world and our actions are powerful. From the seemingly insignificant to the earth changing statistics, this book covers a wide range. I will admit I paused when I opened the book and saw a gun in front of my face. There is a stat about the amount of money invested in humanitarian aid on a page facing the amount spent on arms and weapons. I think stats like that are important but there is a judgement being made there by the author that I can see some people taking issue with. I read this as a revealing book about climate change and the choices we as humans make. I think it was even more powerful because it never states a single opinion, just facts. I believe that better opens the door for conversation and the best books do just that – invite us to discuss and perhaps understand our world a little bit better.
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Ready, Set, Go! Sports of All Sorts
by Celeste Cortright
illustrated by Christiane Engel
An upbeat celebration of sports. With bright, colorful illustrations and cheerful, rhyming text, READY SET GO introduces a wide variety of sports and encourages kids to give them a try. There are just enough facts woven into the lines to keep it highly readable while still offering kids information. It is reinforced by a box on each sport in the back of the book. You’ll close this book feeling inspired to get out and try a new sport.
Dictionary for a Better World
by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
We adore poetry in this house and this is our new favorite. Organized in alphabetic order, each entry of spread presents a word that will help make the world better – ally, justice, etc. It has poems, quotes, and anecdotes. Power and beautiful.
Ocean! Waves for All
by Stacy McAnulty
illustrated by David Litchfield
Another book in the OUR UNIVERSE series. The team that brought you EARTH!, SUN! and MOON! released a new one – OCEAN! This one is told by Ocean and he introduces you to all of his nooks, corners, and secrets. Entertaining voice, interesting nonfiction information about oceans, and brilliant illustrations teeming with the life and layers in our oceans. A great book for any unit or storytime on the ocean or the environment.
5 Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime
by Various Authors
If your kids love nonfiction, this is such a fun bedtime story. There are 30 different stories in this book. They are all nonfiction and they are all bedtime related. From the history of beds to how animals sleep in the ocean, from sleeping on a train to sleeping in space. Interesting, only a few pages each, and quite varied, this is a fun book to read a little at a time. This is such a clever and completely unique bedtime book.
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Early Chapter Books and Easy Readers
Pool Party
by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
If you’re looking for a book for your new reader to enjoy this summer then this is the book for you. It is a simple, silly story with repetitive text and illustrations that help fill in any potentially confusing words. It also works as an early math book for toddlers to count or for kindergartners to do a little simple addition and subtraction on your lap. Playful, cheerful, and perfect for summer.
So You Want to be a Ninja?
by Bruno Vincent
illustrated by Takayo Akiyama
Want to learn how to be a ninja? Want to know their tricks, skills, and secrets? I was so excited to see another book in this fun series and this might be my favorite one yet. There is so much information in this book from using ropes, ninja enemies, ninja weapons and more. What is so great about these books though is that it is all conveyed in a playful manner with three kids, including one who reminds me of Author from The Magic School Bus, learning along with the reader.
Mindy Kim series
by Lyla Lee
illustrated by Dung Ho
This is such a sweet concept. Mindy Kim is a Korean American girl who recently lost her mom and moved with her dad from California to Florida. Her relationship with her dad feels so real and full of heart. Readers who have ever been the new kid or felt different at school will emphasize with Mindy as she attempts to make friends at her new school. There are two books in this series so far and two more on their way this fall.
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InvestiGATORS
by John Patrick Green
Fans of DOGMAN will love this new graphic novel for kids. It is the story of two crime solving gators from the author/illustrator of the KITTEN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY and HIPPOPOTAMISTER books. It is just as over the top with bad puns and ridiculous storylines as DOGMAN. The Investigators are trying to solve the mystery of a missing chef. I won’t go in details because you’d think I was nuts but it’s just the kids of crazy fun that early elementary schoolers can’t get enough of and good news two more investigator books are on the way.
Middle Grade Books
Santiago’s Road Home
by Alexandra Diaz
Mexican-American border crossing, ICE detainment, and other hardships are all a part of Santiago’s heart breaking, eye opening, and inspiring story. Well paced and full of heart, this book is impossible to put down. There are parts that are difficult to read. Nothing too graphic, but I would recommend this for kids in about fifth grade and up. Readers will root for Santiago as they follow along on the emotional ups and downs of his journey. One of the best middle grade books I’ve read this year.
Stepping Stones
by Lucy Knisley
This is one of the best graphic novels I have read. It is the story of a girl adjusting to live on a farm, divorce, and step sisters. The relationships and characters feel so real. The illustrations are wonderful and well utilized for telling the story. Heart filled and heart warming book.
History of the World in Comics
by Jean-Baptiste de Panafieu
illustrated by Adrienne Barman
For kids who love graphic novels and the popular SCIENCE COMICS series, this is a fascinating look at the history of the world. Written in comic form, this nonfiction book starts with the earth being born 4.6 billion years ago and marches through history. It visually brings to life the transformation of the planet and in particular the animal life. Kids interested in dinosaurs and animals will find the evolution of animals and the information included fascinating. A well written, thorough look at the world in an appealing format. A nonfiction win for upper elementary schoolers / early middle school.
The Amelia Six
by Kristin L. Gray
This is a mystery set in the childhood home of Amelia Earhart. It involves a pair of missing flight goggles, a blizzard, secret passageways, a cat and a mouse, and six girls who love science and are about to be thrust into the middle of an adventure. Paced well and keeps you guessing about who to trust. Also set us up to learn a lot about Amelia Earhart and the ’99s.
What I Like About Me
by Jenna Guillaume
Sweet. Sassy. Funny. This is such a fun read. It definitely feels like the kind of book you need to take to the beach and read with your toes in the sand. The main character is so easy to root for and the cast of characters around her are lovable and vibrant. Part summer romance, part relationship story, but mostly about figuring out how to love who you are.
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