Spring 2020 Kids Picture Book Recommendations

A young girl sets her baby brother, Moses, in a basket to float down the Nile River to an uncertain future. Not everyone thinks about Miriam and how she felt losing her brother, but this book does. Every page is worthy of a frame—the art is that good, it gave me goosebumps, and the beautiful poetic text brought tears to my eyes. While religious in origin, this story touches on universal fears, hopes, and dreams.

At the beginning of every day, Afiya’s dress is white. As she experiences new things, the dress takes on the imagery of her experiences, the fabric making visible all the beauty that can be seen as a child walks through the world. Award-winning writer Berry’s poetic text is brought to life by illustrator Cunha, whose delicate paint strokes create a sense of movement that flows from page to page. A whimsical story for the creative child.

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.