by Winsome Bingham

illustrated by E. B. Lewis

40 pages, 5–9 years; published 2023 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

This picture book by Winsome Bingham is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the concept of voting. It tells the story of a young girl and her grandmother embarking on a long walk to a voting site. They stop along the way to pick up friends and neighbors and remind one another about why this freedom is so important to exercise. The paintings by E. B. Lweis are tenderly rendered to show the colorful diversity of the urban setting and its community. It may be a cold fall day, but readers will feel the sun’s warmth on the characters and the hope and dedication in their hearts to carry out this call. 

written & illustrated by Chad Otis

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Rocky Pond Books

The Bright Side by Chad Otis brings a much-neglected topic to the picture book realm. His story about an unhoused boy living in a school bus with his parents is autobiographical. This helps Otis present genuine fears and challenges for his character. He brings attention to the fact that schools include children from diverse backgrounds and experiences which warrant compassion and tolerance. There’s a beautiful frankness to the story paired with colorful illustrations conveying emotion and showing readers that kids are both adaptable and resilient. Otis reminds us that staying positive through adversity requires sparks of imagination, something readily available to kids if they continue to be surrounded by love, no matter where they sleep at night.

by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido

illustrated by Melissa Sweet

32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Quill Tree Books

How to Write a Poem holds the charm of being both a short story and an imaginative poem. It contains layers of meaning mirrored in the illustrations by Melissa Sweet. Her collages engage your senses with hand-drawn type, organic shapes, and pops of color. Children’s ears and eyes will want to read this picture book over and over again. There is so much to take in, interpret, and explore. Kwame Alexander sums it up in the author’s note when he says he and Deanna Nikaido, “wrote this poem to remind us all that words are fun….” 

written & illustrated by Airlie Anderson

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Some may say Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone by Airlie Anderson is quiet, but this picture book is also bursting with colorful illustrations and charming birds. Sometimes when the other birds are noisy and playing games, Only flys off on their own to sit and read. This story does a great job of showing how some of us need downtime, quiet time, or alone time. Despite this fact, no one actually wants to be lonely. Kids will see ways you can enjoy friendship in a low-key manner and how empowering it can be to identify what your personality needs and ask for it from others. Readers will also love analyzing the unique details in Anderson’s adorable paintings—something often done quietly. 

by Judith Henderson and Ellen Yeomans

illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

I love how Henderson and Yeomans built their story around something as simple as a mysterious yellow envelope arriving in the mail. This humorous story is full of spunky grandmas and bright colors courtesy of Kheiriyeh’s detailed artwork. The highlight is the birthday bash, for no one and everyone, that shows how we all simply crave each other’s company—no reason needed. Grandmother’s Galore! has a Grammy, Abuela, Nana, Nonna, Bibi, Nai Nai, Bubbie, and even a Bubbie Two-Two, plus a whole lot of heart.