• Sunrise Summer

    written & illustrated by Matthew Swanson & Robbi Behr 

    48 pages, 4–7 years; published 2020 by Imprint by Macmillan

    This fascinating story about commercial fishing in Alaska becomes even more fascinating when you learn it’s from the illustrator’s childhood. Robbi Behr brings her family’s story to life with deeply saturated images packed with details. Kids will love her character’s independence as she helps work the salmon nets on the summer shoreline. Matthew Swanson tells the complex story in a simple, engaging tone that makes you feel like you’re part of the fishing team. Fact-packed backmatter adds even more interest. Sunrise Summer is a beautiful book about teamwork, family traditions, and living in harmony with nature. 

  • “Books to the ceiling, Books to the sky,

    My pile of books is a mile high.

    How I love them! How I need them!

    I’ll have a long beard by the time I read them.”

    — Arnold Lobel

  • Chez Bob

    written & illustrated by Bob Shea

    40 pages, 3-5 years; published 2021 by Hatchett Book Group

    From the very first line, this book is 100% Bob Shea humor. Chez Bob is such a delight to read and is bursting with dynamic illustrations. Shea has a flair for getting to the heart of a story with simple, yet witty language (many a line will amuse the adult reading). Kids will grow fond of alligator Bob as quickly as he grows fond of the birds on his nose. What a fun way to show the importance of friendship and what it means to be part of a community.

  • Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.

    — Lemony Snicket

  • Change Sings

    Change Sings book

    by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long

    32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2021 by Viking Books for Young Readers

    This debut picture book from Amanda Gorman bears the perfect title, Change Sings. Colorful, engaging artwork pairs alongside this inspirational poem. Gorman’s carefully chosen words contain layers of meaning, and Loren Long does a masterful job of adding even more layers with his illustrations. The images depict a diverse array of children working together to better their community and will do wonders to inspire young readers. This book is a very timely, and refreshing, cry for change.

  • “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or a duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift.” 

    ―Kate DiCamillo

  • If You Come to Earth

    written & illustrated by Sophie Blackall

    80 pages, 5-8 years; published 2020 by Chronicle Books

    Sophie Blackall’s illustrations never disappoint, and If You Come to Earth provides an abundance of visual gems for readers to enjoy. The story serves as a guide for an outer space visitor and delves into all the different things one can find on planet Earth. It’s difficult to tear yourself away from these imaginative illustrations. The book feels like a luscious, modern-day Richard Scarry, one which kids will come back to again and again.

  • Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

    —Joseph Addison

  • Mistletoe: A Christmas Story

    Mistletoe book cover

    written & illustrated by Tad Hills

    40 pages, 3-7 years; published 2020 by Schwartz & Wade

    Such a charming Christmas story. Tad Hills chose the perfect pair of animals to share a friendship—an elephant and a mouse. His illustrations are richly saturated in color and deeply draw you in. Mistletoe: A Christmas Story cleverly builds anticipation for the reader as Mistletoe the mouse tackles a knitting project. The concept of a tiny mouse taking on such a monumental task for a friend is sure to resonate with young kids who often feel inadequate. One of the best images is certainly the last, and that alone will likely spark many pleas to read it again!

  • You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.

    ―Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White

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