• Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border

    Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border

    by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Sara Palacios

    40 pages, 3-6 years; published 2019 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux/Macmillan

    A heartwarming story about the challenges US families and their relatives in Mexico face. La Posada Sin Fronteras takes place at Christmas time and allows families in San Diego a chance to see loved ones in Tijuana for a few minutes through the border fence. Readers will sense the longing between Abuela and her grandchildren. They will also feel hope as they cheer on Maria while she devises a way to share her brothers artwork with their grandmother. Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border includes informative back matter. This is Mitali Perkins first picture book, but certainly not her last.

  • “‘What day is it?’, asked Winnie the Pooh.
    ‘It’s today,’ squeaked Piglet.
    ‘My favorite day,’ said Pooh.”

    —The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne

  • You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood

    by Aimee Reid, illustrated by Matt Phelan

    40 pages, 5-8 years; published 2019 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

    Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a favorite of mine growing up. I loved the warm way he talked to the camera, and I enjoyed learning new things from his special guests. Aimee Reid’s book, You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood has the same warm vibe. It’s thoughtfully written and shares several facts about Mr. Rogers that readers may be surprised to know. Matt Phelan’s wonderful water color illustrations reinforce the gentle, nurturing tone of the story. Back matter gives additional details into Fred Rogers’ career path and provides more resources to explore. After reading this picture book, kids and adults will come away with a greater understanding of what made Mr. Rogers so special.

  • “I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.”

    — Langston Hughes

  • A Green Place To Be: The Creation of Central Park

    A Green Place To Be

    written & illustrated by Ashley Benham Yazdani

    40 pages, 7-10 years; published 2019 by Candlewick Press

    Ashley Benham Yazdani paints whimsical depictions of Central Park in her fabulous debut picture book, A Green Place to Be: The Creation of Central Park. Her detailed illustrations allow for new discoveries on subsequent readings. Kids will learn about Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, the park creators, but they will also learn the value of giving your all. Olmstead and Vaux go from uncertainly about even entering the city park contest, to rising to the top of the entrees. Not only did their winning design lead to the creation of an amazing park for the citizens of New York City, but it lead to future parks across America. 

  • “Let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons.”

    – Malala Yousafzai

  • Renato and the Lion

    Renato and the Lion

    written & illustrated by Barbara DiLorenzo

    44 pages, 5-7 years; published 2017 by Viking Books for Young Readers

    Barbara DiLorenzo tells a wonderful tale in Renato and the Lion about how World War II threatened the art of Florence, Italy. Her expressive watercolors add richness to the story and depict many landmarks for the reader. She blends historical details with imaginative storytelling to bring a Medici Lion to life for a small boy named Renato. The dangers of war cause Renato’s family to flee Italy, but not before his father protects many of Florence’s finest sculptures, including the Medici Lion. Young Renato is grateful. His gratitude is reignited decades later when he revisits the famous Florentine sculpture with his granddaughter.

  • “Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short.”

    – Henry David Thoreau

  • Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous

    by Keith Calabrese, illustrated by Juana Medina

    40 pages, 4-8 years; published 2018 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

    Most kids get nervous on the first day of school, but not many have nervous shoes. Keith Calabrese offers a unique perspective on this common problem in Lena’s Shoes are Nervous. Lena can’t get dressed for kindergarten because her shoes refuse to go. Her father suggests asking another item of clothing to talk to them. This charming story is a great example of encouraging children to work out their feelings in their own way. It’s sure to bring a smile to anyone starting their first day of school.

  • “I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in.”

    — Robert Louis Stevenson

Categories