Fiction

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.

written & illustrated by Sophie Blackall

80 pages, 5-8 years; published 2020 by Chronicle Books

Sophie Blackall’s illustrations never disappoint, and If You Come to Earth provides an abundance of visual gems for readers to enjoy. The story serves as a guide for an outer space visitor and delves into all the different things one can find on planet Earth. It’s difficult to tear yourself away from these imaginative illustrations. The book feels like a luscious, modern-day Richard Scarry, one which kids will come back to again and again.

written & illustrated by Tad Hills

40 pages, 3-7 years; published 2020 by Schwartz & Wade

Such a charming Christmas story. Tad Hills chose the perfect pair of animals to share a friendship—an elephant and a mouse. His illustrations are richly saturated in color and deeply draw you in. Mistletoe: A Christmas Story cleverly builds anticipation for the reader as Mistletoe the mouse tackles a knitting project. The concept of a tiny mouse taking on such a monumental task for a friend is sure to resonate with young kids who often feel inadequate. One of the best images is certainly the last, and that alone will likely spark many pleas to read it again!

by Susana Gómez Redondo, translated by Lawrence Schimel
illustrated by Sonja Wimmer

32 pages, ages 3–8 years; published 2020 by Blue Dot Kids Press

This picture book is simply beautiful with luscious illustrations that take your breath away. There is so much tenderness in both the paintings and the prose. A new student who cannot speak English is kindly welcomed by her classmate. Determined to become friends, the girls make an effort to learn one another’s native language. This story demonstrates how patience and compassion go a long way in creating harmony among people with diverse backgrounds. The Day Saida Arrived leaves readers with a calming and lasting impression of hope.

written & illustrated by Henry Cole

48 pages, 4-8 years; published 2020 by Scholastic Press

One Little Bag: An Amazing Journey is Henry Cole at his finest. This wordless picture book speaks volumes. The story takes you on the journey of a paper bag and the boy who owns it. The bag bears witness to many milestones in the boy’s life, and in turn becomes more than just a bag. The detailed drawings pull you in and encourage viewers to find the brown bag on each page and consider its purpose. While the story needs no explanation, an author’s note informs readers about a similar paper bag Cole once kept for many years. This helps tie the story into conservation and the ways in which people  can minimize their footprint and look at material things in fresh new ways. 

by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade

40 pages, 3–6 years; published 2020 by Roaring Brook Press

What a beautiful picture book that more than lives up to its hype. The writing feels poetic despite the seriousness of the subject matter. Carole Lindstrom describes the threat of the Dakota Access Pipeline with a mystical voice that honors indigenous heritage, including her own. Michaela Goade’s luscious watercolor illustrations are equally captivating as they highlight the purity and life force of water. Children will be drawn to the calm beauty of this book while also feeling the power of its message to push for social and environmental justice and advocacy. We Are Water Protectors is a true gem of artistic talent that includes informative back matter.

by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe

40 pages, preschool to 3 years; published 2020 by The Innovation Press

What a wonderful story for children feeling unseen and unimportant. It all starts with your name. For many kids, this initial identity marker comes with a great burden when your classmates, and even your teachers, can’t pronounce it. Thompkins-Bigelow weaves a refreshing tale about the beauty, rhythm, and creativity of personal names. Your Name is a Song is a book I can deeply relate to having grown up with repeated misspellings and mispronunciations of my first and last name. Your name is important, and even more important is that the people around you take the time to get it right. I hope this book starts the conversation and helps more children to feel accepted. 

Check out this great video of proper name pronunciations from the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmXqJGherE8

by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Shane W. Evans

40 pages, 4-8 years; published 2020 by Harper Collins

One of the best features of Big Papa and the Time Machine is its authentic voice. From the first few words, you are drawn into the dream world that the boy and Big Papa share. Big Papa tells unique stories about courage and all the varied ways in which life may ask it of you. Kids will see that no matter your age there will be times when you will feed scared, but we can all practice being brave. Daniel Bernstrom’s characters are inspired from his own life which he shares about in a touching author’s note. The captivating illustrations by Shane W. Evans contain many textures and colorful layers that beg to be gazed at.

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.

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.

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.

by Jacqueline Véissid, illustrated by Merrilees Brown

32 pages, 3-5 years; published 2019 by Chronicle Books

Caspian Finds a Friend contains a wonderful story, but the pictures add even more depth to it. There is both a delicate and bold quality to Marilees Brown’s illustrations, and this style mimics the story itself. A lonely boy living in a lighthouse ends up befriending a polar bear. What a fantastical story; what magical illustrations! This book will pleasure both the ears and the eyes.

written & illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

32 pages, 4-8 years; published 2018 by Candlewick Press

Author/illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal has a tremendous gift for illustrating whimsical characters in enchanting settings. In Alma and How She Got her Name, she adds simple and engaging story-telling to create a book as beautiful as it is unique. One can understand Alma’s initial complaint about her very long name: Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela. Her father’s story regarding it’s creation will come to delight both Alma and the reader.

by Jessie Oliveros, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

48 pages, 5-9 years; published 2018 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

When a picture book makes you cry, it’s a keeper. Consequently, I own a copy of The Remember Balloons. I first learned about this book when hearing it received a Golden Kite award for the story. The concept of balloons as a metaphor for personal memories was very intriguing. Oliveros says her grandfather’s dementia served as inspiration. I’ll let the book tell the rest, because it does so with such a unique and authentic voice. One that any child will enjoy hearing, especially those with aging family members.