• Stillwater and Koo Save the World

    Stillwater and Koo Save the World

    written & illustrated by Jon J. Muth     

    32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Scholastic Press

    Muth’s watercolor paintings in Stillwater and Koo Save the World bring beauty to the eyes and serenity to the soul while his words tug at the heart. Little panda Koo tells his uncle he’d like to spend the day, “saving the world!” As they tackle several projects throughout the day, Koo can’t help but think he’s not doing enough. Wise Uncle Stillwater helps Koo see that every act of kindness and betterment add up to great things. Everyone, everywhere, doing their part makes a difference. What a wonderful message of hope for all ages.

  • “All good books have one thing in common—they are truer than if they had really happened.” 

    —Ernest Hemingway

  • Bedtime For Bo

    Bedtime For Bo

    written & illustrated by Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold 

    illustrated by Mari Kanstad Johnsen, translated by Kari Dickson

    76 pages, 3–6 years; published 2022 by Enchanted Lion Books

    How wonderful to have an English version of this charming Norwegian story. Bedtime for Bo is slightly oversized which allows the bold illustrations to truly captivate with their intense compositions and saturation of colors. Bo and his mother share thoughts about animals as he prepares for bed, but there is nothing predictable about this rote exercise. The dialogue and images hold the reader’s attention and spark the imagination. What a unique yet universal story that’s sure to delight all ages. 

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

    —Walt Disney

  • Hold Them Close

    Hold Them Close

    by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Patrick Dougher with photography by Jamel Shabazz

    48 pages, 4–8 years; published 2022 by HarperCollins

    Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children is truly captivating and has a soulful intention. Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow’s text reads like poetry, blending words of wisdom and hopeful wishes alongside historical references. Patrick Dougher adds collage-style illustrations with vibrant patterns that envelop Jamel Shabazz’s photographs in dynamic ways. Brilliant back matter gets children started on a valuable knowledge journey. The creative trio packs endless layers of content into this picture book. What a gem to add to any library.

  • “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” 

    —Jackie Kennedy

  • The Little House of Hope

    The Little House of Hope

    by Terry Catasús Jennings, illustrated by Raúl Colón

    32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2022 by Neal Porter Books

    The Little House of Hope tells a tale of compassion in which a Cuban family helps others navigate the challenges of immigration in the US. Jennings shows how even small acts of kindness among friends and family can really make a difference. Esperanza and her brother provide proof that kids are a part of the hope and change in our society and have the ability to support their community alongside their parents. The illustrations by Colón bring warmth and beauty to the story and are sure to captivate readers with their texture and details. The fact that this story is inspired by Jennings’s childhood makes it all the brighter.

  • “I you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” 

    —Albert Einstein

  • Annette Feels Free

    Annette Feels Free

    written & illustrated by Katie Mazeika

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2022 by Beach Lane Books

    Such an interesting biography about world-class swimmer Annette Kellerman. Annette Feels Free is packed with information and yet it never feels didactic. Kellerman was a remarkable woman, and it’s fantastic to share her story with young children. Mazeika’s illustrations have delicate lines paired with powerful colors and composition. She shows how Annette went from wearing leg braces, to swimming, to winning races, and then designing her own swimwear. An amazing inspiration for females, and any child with disabilities, to show how you can break barriers and achieve success while striving to be your true self. 

  • “Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.” 

    —Malorie Blackman

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