The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll)

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. 

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

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

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. 

How to Write a Poem

by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido

illustrated by Melissa Sweet

32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Quill Tree Books

How to Write a Poem holds the charm of being both a short story and an imaginative poem. It contains layers of meaning mirrored in the illustrations by Melissa Sweet. Her collages engage your senses with hand-drawn type, organic shapes, and pops of color. Children’s ears and eyes will want to read this picture book over and over again. There is so much to take in, interpret, and explore. Kwame Alexander sums it up in the author’s note when he says he and Deanna Nikaido, “wrote this poem to remind us all that words are fun….” 

Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone

written & illustrated by Airlie Anderson

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Some may say Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone by Airlie Anderson is quiet, but this picture book is also bursting with colorful illustrations and charming birds. Sometimes when the other birds are noisy and playing games, Only flys off on their own to sit and read. This story does a great job of showing how some of us need downtime, quiet time, or alone time. Despite this fact, no one actually wants to be lonely. Kids will see ways you can enjoy friendship in a low-key manner and how empowering it can be to identify what your personality needs and ask for it from others. Readers will also love analyzing the unique details in Anderson’s adorable paintings—something often done quietly. 

Wombats Are Pretty Weird

written & illustrated by Abi Cushman

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Greenwillow Books

Wombats Are Pretty Weird: A (Not So) Serious Guide packs loads of humor around its non-fiction text (which includes back matter). Kids won’t realize how much they’re learning! Abi Cushman possesses incredible skill at drawing animals with both cute and expressive faces. She pairs her illustrations with hilarious dialogue and somehow gets animal facts in there too. The mystery of square poop is laid to rest thanks to Cushman’s relatable science speak. Turns out wombats are indeed pretty weird, and a whole lot of fun.

Grandmother’s Galore!

Grandmother's Galore! picture book cover

by Judith Henderson and Ellen Yeomans

illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

I love how Henderson and Yeomans built their story around something as simple as a mysterious yellow envelope arriving in the mail. This humorous story is full of spunky grandmas and bright colors courtesy of Kheiriyeh’s detailed artwork. The highlight is the birthday bash, for no one and everyone, that shows how we all simply crave each other’s company—no reason needed. Grandmother’s Galore! has a Grammy, Abuela, Nana, Nonna, Bibi, Nai Nai, Bubbie, and even a Bubbie Two-Two, plus a whole lot of heart.

Butt or Face?

by Kari Lavelle, designed by Michelle Mayhall

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Sourcebooks Explore

Kids will love the silliness Kari Lavelle brings to her non-fiction picture book about unique animal heads and heinies. Readers are sure to giggle while gaining knowledge from text that’s often accompanied by a pun or two. This book includes extra factoids in the back matter regarding animal locations and diets. Book designer, Michelle Mayhall, creates wonderful artwork by pairing reference photos with colorful graphics in a fun collage effect. Butt or Face? provides a fun and interactive way to introduce children to non-fiction topics with visuals and jokes that will entertain everyone. 

Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse!

by George Mendoza, illustrated by Doris Susan Smith

48 pages, 3–7 years; published 2023 by New York Review Books

Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse! was first published in 1981 and later went out of print. I loved it as a child and was thrilled to see it brought back to life by New York Review Books. The story features Henrietta Mouse, a brilliant architect who bucked gender stereotypes in the 80s and continues to be an inspiring character for girls today. The details in Smith’s illustrations make this book stand out (endpapers and copyright page are no exception). Each spread presents one of Henrietta’s designs for her many friends including mole, caterpillar, and rabbit to name a few. Smith’s imaginative dwellings and floor plans are fresh and intriguing with unique furnishings that will captivate the eyes of young and old for many readings. The re-printing of this book is a gift to the picture book world and one sure to resonate with future generations as it did with mine.

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.

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. 

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.

The Little House of Hope

The Little House of Hope book cover

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.

Annette Feels Free

Annette Feels Free book cover

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. 

Wishes

by Mượn Thị Văn, illustrated by Victo Ngai 

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2021 by Orchard Books at Scholastic

Such a profound message in only 75 words. Muon shares crucial information by attributing wishes to inanimate objects, and Ngai’s illustratrations add much more content to each spread. This family’s journey across the vast ocean is a scary and lonely time, but the muted color palette makes the scenes intriguing and dreamlike rather than frightening. Wishes is a wonderful, heartfelt story about refugee families and the sacrifices they make in order to better their lives. The art note adds informative historical and personal details as well. Wishes is a must-read that will inspire empathy.