Bookshop's Favorite Picture Books

Stickler, a wonderfully optimistic and peculiar little creature, is guided by curiosity and kindness. We are the lucky ones to be swept along as Stickler introduces a mysterious new friend to the wonders of the forest. Each page is full of charming details by Lane Smith, who also illustrated the award-winning Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. This picture book is an engaging read-aloud for kids who are curious about the world around them.—Isaac
 

Thatha shuffles, saunters, and strolls. Aarav runs, rushes, and races. What do they have in common? Masala Chai! Aarav’s grandfather Thatha makes the best chai every day at five, and he says it can’t be rushed. One day when Thatha hurts his foot, Aarav steps in to make the chai. He has the milk, tea leaves, spices, and sugar. What’s missing? A simple story sweetly told, with a recipe to try it yourself.—Noreen

Neil Gaiman's lyrical, ethereal writing style pairs beautifully with the stunning ink illustrations by Lorenzo Mattotti to create this retelling of the classic Grimm fairy tale. Together these artists breathe new life into a story everyone knows, including important historical context from the time period in which the original story was written. To me, this is the only Hansel & Gretel you'll ever need. —Mo

With each reading of this wordless story, I see more. First time through, I understood the barebones buddy road trip featuring a bunny with two different ear colors, an uprooted tree, and a red cart. But then! The expressiveness of the tree, the explosion of color, the intentions unlocked so many more details in Balint Zsako’s beautiful illustrations. Time spent with this lovely book is richly rewarded. For all ages.—Michelle
 

April and Esme are two little tooth fairy sisters ready for their first solo assignment without Mom and Dad. Daniel's lost a tooth and his grandma calls April and Esme on their cell phone. Can they do the job? Whimsically told. — Noreen

Allen Say tells his grandfather's story of leaving Japan to explore North America. The author uses expressive watercolor illustrations to connect his grandfather's personal story to his own. (Caldecott Medal 1993) — Noreen

Now in paperback, this Caldecott Honor picture book transports you to another world. Wildly imaginative bugs embrace the growth of seedling as it pushes through the soil, all while speaking a language that we know but don't know. It's a lesson in observation, resilience, and keeping your mind open to all the possibilities. Worldbuilding at its finest. — Michelle

Philip Stead takes us through the thoughtful routines of Amos McGee's usual workday at the zoo, where "he always made time to visit good friends" the elephant (who needs a chess partner), the owl (who is afraid of the dark), and the rhinoceros, the tortoise & penguin. One morning Amos wake sup with a bad head cold and calls in sick. After waiting and worrying and missing their friend, the animals hop on the busy and pay Amos a visit, giving him the care he has so kindly provided them every other day of the week. Erin Steady's lovely pencil-and-color illustrations hold the attentions of read and child alike, with new things to discover with every reading (look for the tiny mouse!). So cozy. — Michelle

Mama & Mommy & Me is a gentle exploration of emotions, one where a  young girl is safely allowed to dwell on her sadness as she misses one of her mothers. Nina Lacour, better known for her emotional and impactful young adult novels, demonstrates her ability to tell a story to all ages, even young ones. I adore the LGBTQIA representation and the pure love this book radiates. 

— Andrea C.

Mac Barnett and Christian Robinson’s collaborative picture book comes alive when read aloud to an inquisitive kid. Twenty open-ended questions—made even more speculative by the bold, colorful, quirky illustrations—are really 20 conversation starters. “What kind of beast lives in this bathtub?”  Read this book again and again and see where it takes you.  —MICHELLE