Category: Fiction

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. 

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 Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow’s text reads like poetry, blending words of wisdom and hopeful wishes alongside historical references.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.

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.

by Cheryl B. Klein, illustrated by Abhi Alwar

32 pages, 3–7 years; published 2022 by Dial Books

A gem of a story about the challenges of relationships brought to life by cohabitating hamsters. Klein addresses this complex topic with a simple and fun scenario children will relate to. Despite the confines of a cage, Henry tries to distance himself from George, his chatterbox of a roommate. Henry speaks few words but all with optimum effectiveness. This story is both humorous and heartfelt, pairing well with quirky illustrations by Alwar. Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates is a great read-aloud with a wonderful message about compromise. 

by Hilda Eunice Burgos, illustrated by Gaby D’Alessandro

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2021 by Kokila

The Cot in the Living Room has a universal appeal to children who have all felt at one time or another that things were unfair. Burgos presents young characters whose parents have diverse jobs that create a need for overnight child care. D’Alessandro’s illustrations are packed with details, and the wordless spread at the end is a delightful bonus. The jealousy about sleeping on the cot with great views of the George Washington bridge eventually turns into understanding that it’s never easy to sleep anywhere without your family. What a touching story about community and culture, and looking out for one another.

written & illustrated by Michaela Goade 

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2022 by Little, Brown and Company

The Berry Song book cover alone is stunning. The pages inside reveal more beauty and a poetic story about a young girl and her grandmother on a hunt for wild berries. Michaela Goades’ artwork bears luscious colors and mystical layers sure to captivate the eyes of every reader. Her words read like a rhythmic song, and the attention to detail includes renderings of different berries on the endpapers complete with a caution about toxic look-alikes. Backmatter describing the foraging way of life for the indigenous peoples of Alaskan is not to be missed. Such a beautiful ode to a grandmother. 

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. 

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.

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.