• Flat Cat

    Flat Cat

    Written by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Pete Oswald

    40 pages, 3–7 years; published 2023 by Flamingo Books at Penguin Random House

    Tara Lazar has a knack for tapping into off-beat topics that humor kids, and this picture book is no exception. Flat Cat might not be your typical cat, but that’s just the way he likes it—or is it? This story shows readers how we often don’t know what we really want until we try something new. It includes fun language like splish-splosh, fuzzy-wuzzy, and comfy-cozy, and the illustrations by Oswald push the fun even further. Kids will love seeing Flat Cat in a waffle maker and being sat on by Aunt Harriet—all sure to warrant multiple readings!

  • “Books don’t go out of fashion with children. They just go out of fashion with adults and publishers.”

    —Maurice Sendak

  • The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll)

    The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll)

    written 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 in The Walk. 

  • “The books that help you most are those which make you think the most.”

    —Pablo Neruda

  • The Bright Side

    The Bright Side

    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.

  • “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”

    —Walt Disney

  • The Little Books of the LIttle Brontës

    The Little Books of the LIttle Brontës

    written by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Briony May Smith

    40 pages, 5–9 years; published 2023 by Tundra Books/Penguin Random House of Canada

    What I love most about The Little Books of the LIttle Brontës by Sara O’Leary is how it highlights the imagination of the Brontë siblings. The story focuses on the miniature books they created and the storytellers they embodied. Readers do learn about some of the sadness that entered their lives, but it’s not dwelled on. 

    The endearing illustrations by Briony May Smith truly enrich the story. They have a timeless quality and attention to detail that children will love to examine. The back matter is equally rich and gives a deep dive into the history of the Brontë family that older children and teachers will enjoy. There’s even a craft guide. What a wonderful literary biography tackled in a thoroughly unique way.

  • “I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve.”

    — Montesquieu

  • Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards

    Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards

    written by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

    40 pages, 7–10 years; published 2022 by Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers

    This biography about the author/illustrator Robert McCloskey will likely surprise young readers. It’s hard to believe his artwork for Make Way for Ducklings referenced live ducks. Kids will chuckle when viewing Stadtlander’s paintings of silly duck antics paired with Smith’s tales of the havoc they caused in McCloskey’s apartment. What an impressive effort to ensure his illustrations were authentic. The success of that award-winning picture book gives readers a wonderful example of how doing your best can make a difference. Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards: The Making of MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS contains interesting back matter that includes a note from McCloskey’s daughter along with a few original sketches and photos. 

  • “You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.”

    — C.S. Lewis

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