Winter Newsletter 2022 Picture Books

Lami’s love for her chickens will liven up everyone’s storytime. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the familiar mayhem and antics in this delightful board book, with full-page spreads of colorful illustrations that are rich with family and community. Loving lessons about leaning into your own giftedness and being unapologetically “you” are themes we all need to learn, no matter how old we are.  —JENNY

Friends, we have hit my personal jackpot: the genius collaboration of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen (think Sam & Dave Dig a Hole), the perfected hilarity of Barnett’s storytelling, the understated comedy of Klassen’s art, and goats! I am rich with love for this book, and I know I’m not alone, as the kids (my kid, my friend’s kid, all the kids!) are clamoring for it. The Three Billy Goats Gruff is a classic crowd pleaser, and this is definitely the version to have. 
—MELINDA

This is my absolute favorite picture book series, in which sisters Chirri and Chirra go on a unique little adventure in every installment. Every page is softly illustrated with vibrant and textured color pencils, creating a wonderful and inviting magical world where black cats offer you sparkling full-moon sodas. A cozy nightcap to read to a little one before bed. Check out the other books in the series; I adore them all!  —ISAAC

Yes, I’m sure you noticed the title’s past tense. And honestly, you and I know that some friends come into our lives for a short—but nonetheless important—time and then they leave. But if you’re a kid, you might think you’re the first one ever in the whole world to lose a friend. That’s why I love this quiet book. It whispers that it’ll be okay. One morning soon, a beautiful day will bring the whiff of adventure. Heartfelt and hopeful, for kids and their parents.

—MICHELLE

Regardless of your familiarity with Cree singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie, you will fall in love with this gorgeous rendering of her song “Still This Love Goes On.” With simple phrasing and a powerful lyricism, she honors home and place, family and community. Combined with the vibrant and sweeping art of award-winning Cree-Metís illustrator Julie Flett, this book is a treasure, one for your bookshelf and those of your loved ones, young and old. 
—MELINDA

If you were a city, how would you be? Asking readers this question opens the door to a celebration of the diversity of cities as well as a hopeful vision for future urban centers. This colorful poem is perfect for engaging kids in a conversation about what their city is like and how their idea of home might change in other cities. It's a brilliant companion to Patricia MacLachlan's My Friend Earth, another book illustrated by Sanna. 
—MOLLY

Kids and parents may be skeptical of an exploration of the avant-garde Dadaist art movement riffing on classic nursery rhymes, but readers will quickly discover that all this premise entails is playful word games and artistic expressions of nonsense. In a way, this book reminds me of how internet culture twists and reshapes familiar ideas in funny ways. Read this book with any kid who loves delightfully strange poetry with amusing illustrations.

—ISAAC