• The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals

    The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals

    written by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Clarion Books (Harper Collins)

    The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals is a charming story from Deborah Underwood. This classic tale is about a rigid gentleman who enjoys his tidy home and never entertains the idea of owning a messy pet. Until a cat shows up at his door that isn’t so bad. The man grows to like the cat and then another cat, and a dog, and a menagerie of creatures that pay him a visit. The illustrations by LeUyen Pham double the charm. Pham loads each spread with fabulous details kids will love discovering. The story builds to the point where the man needs to kick all the animals out of his home or move somewhere bigger. Turns out this is an Old McDonald origin story—what fun!

  • “That is, freedom begins the moment we forget ourselves.”

    —Johannes from The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

  • Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing

    Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing

    written by Amy Hest, illustrated by Erin Stead

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Neal Porter Books

    I love the simplicity and tenderness of this picture book, Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing. Hest uses few words to convey the emotional connection between Big Bear and Little Bear, but each word is chosen with care. The bears use the same level of intention to pack up and prepare for their day of fishing. Stead’s paintings are nothing short of perfection, containing just the right amount of color and content. She creates bears with body language that speaks volumes. This thoughtful combination of words and illustrations culminates in a story that truly warms the heart. Readers come to learn that a day of fishing for Little Bear and Big Bear is really about quality time with one another.

  • “Great fiction opens readers’ hearts and, once they are captive and pliant, then opens their minds.”

    —Donald Maass

  • The City Sings Green & Other Poems About Welcoming Wildlife

    The City Sings Green & Other Poems About Welcoming Wildlife

    written by Erica Silverman, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Clarion Books

    This picture book presents a unique approach to a non-fiction topic. Silverman pairs informative poems with short success stories about wildlife projects around the world. The poems reflect the practical, hands-on activities people are doing to improve the natural habitats of their communities. These lyrical verses engage listeners’ ears while Hsu’s artwork delights their eyes. Back matter adds additional content and resources. The breadth of this book means you can read only the poems, only the non-fiction paragraphs, or take a deep dive that includes everything. No matter how you enjoy it, The City Sings Green will inspire readers to become rewilding activists.

  • “Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens as well.”

    —Mark Haddon

  • Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller

    Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller

    written by Breanna J. McDaniel, illustrated by April Harrison

    40 pages, 5–8 years; published 2024 by Dial Books for Young Readers

    Go Forth and Tell celebrates one of the greatest children’s librarians, Augusta Braxton Baker. McDaniel does a wonderful job describing the love of story that Baker cultivated throughout her lifetime. Readers learn about the special collection of books she curated and the authors she supported in her quest to provide positive stories for and about black children. Baker’s indelible contribution to children’s literature is mirrored in the remarkable illustrations by Harrison. Her bold colors and patterns create visual textures that dazzle. This picture book belongs in every library where it can influence literary inclusivity, just like Augusta Braxton Baker did.

  • “Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.”

    —Maya Angelou

  • The Yellow Bus

    The Yellow Bus

    written & illustrated by Loren Long

    48 pages, 3–6 years; published 2024 by Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan Kids

    A picture book about a school bus and her many uses. This touching story highlights the unique camaraderie between the bus and her community over the years. Long’s illustrations draw the reader in with a limited palette that only focuses color on the bus. The rich yellow seems to glow off the page, and kids will enjoy scanning the extra details in every scene. Long built a remarkable 3-D model of the town he depicts, something readers can learn more about in the back matter. The Yellow Bus feels destined to become a classic with appeal for all ages of kids and adults. A wonderful tale about love, devotion, and new beginnings.

  • “The habit of reading is the only enjoyment in which there is no alloy; it lasts when all other pleasures fade.”

    —Anthony Trollope

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