Picture Book - Sondra Zalewski

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.
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.
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.
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.
Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas

written & illustrated by Matt Tavares

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Candlewick Press

This heartfelt Christmas story has something for everyone: a talking reindeer, a flying adventure, and the kindness of strangers. Framed text blocks and subtle lighting give Tavares’ illustrations a classic feel, and the detailed close-ups of Dasher prove captivating. Kids will enjoy rooting for the impatient Dasher when she travels alone and loses sight of the North Star guiding her home. Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas reminds readers to be brave, kind, and thoughtful—grand notions for the holiday season. (This picture book is a sequel to DASHER but each story stands alone.)
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!
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 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.
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.
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.