Bookshop's Favorite Picture Books

Jovita always preferred pants rather than those long flowy skirts she was forced to wear. When a revolution takes hold of her country, she wishes to join her father and brothers in battle but is held back for being a woman. With dynamic and stunning illustrations by Molly Mendoza, Aida Salazar’s writing highlights the powerful story of Jovita during the Cristeros Revolution in Mexico.

—Andrea

Rejoice! It’s a new Aaron Becker book. His wordless creations (read the Journey trilogy!) are storytelling genius, and this latest is perhaps my favorite. On intricately detailed, full-spread pages, Becker follows the life of a tree alongside a river. This tree witnesses civilizations—both real and fantastical—rise and fall, revealing truth and beauty, and in the end, hope. There is so much to explore and discuss in this wonderful, important, and timely book.

—Melinda

Max is a big cat with an even bigger personality. In The Truth about Max, we get a glimpse of the cat’s life on the farm told through fantastic and whimsical illustrations. From the time he was a kitten to a full grown cat, we get to see Max wander lazily around the farm doing all of his favorite (and least favorite!) activities. Read this one aloud to fellow cat lovers, farm lovers, and those with big purrsonalities!

—Andrea

This magical picture book opens with a crow so deep in despair in the corner—the gutter between left and right pages—that the bird is hardly visible. But the tiniest idea sparks a full-fledged coziness makeover, with passing time marked by a lovingly watered houseplant. Something’s still missing. What does it take to open yourself up to possibilities? This is the first book by award-winning author and illustrator Zo-O (whose name incorporates the Chinese character for crow) to be translated from Korean into English. Lucky for us!
—Michelle

Matthew Cordell’s newest picture book describes a wonderful adventure through a forest full of delightful creatures, both friendly and fearsome. Our protagonist Evergreen is a young squirrel who has to brave the woods to deliver soup to her grandma. Over the course of her journey she relies on her wits to become more courageous and help her family. The expressive art and subtle use of color is engrossing, drawing you right into Evergreen’s world. —Isaac

“In every smile, blessed is the light…. In every sadness, blessed is the comfort… In every life, blessed is the love.” Marla Frazee again combines simple words and profound illustrations to remind us that life is both precious and hopeful. A thoughtful look at the depths of our humanity. Make it a gift to yourself, your children, and everyone you know.

—Noreen

Just like many things that are really worthwhile, seeing a whale takes an ocean view, lots of patience, and “a not-too-comfy chair… because sleeping eyes can’t watch for whales and whales won’t wait for watching.” In a world full of distractions, these pages lay out a few simple rules for staying focused on the important things. Erin Stead’s intricate pencil and color drawings are cozy and detailed all the way through, but the finale is really something.

Are we there yet? Is this as good as it gets? How long should we keep looking? To explore these age-old questions, Sam and Dave (along with their surprisingly insightful dog) resolve to keep digging until they find “something spectacular.” Join them in this hilarious cross-sectional view as they tunnel through the earth. You’ll never guess what happens!-Michelle

The sweetest step-by-step guide for befriending ghosts that ever was! This book has all the information you will need for identifying, finding, befriending, and caring for your new ghost friend. This book is so sweet and funny and I absolutely love Rebecca Green’s art style. After reading this, I wanted to go out and find my very own ghost friend—and you will, too! - Alana

One of my absolute favorite picture books! I adore Phoebe Wahl’s illustrations and the loving amount of detail that she puts into each page. The story is told in four short chapters- one for each season- and follows Little Witch Hazel as she goes about her daily life in the forest. This is a book you can reread over and over again and every time it feels like revisiting old friends in the forest. -Alana