Category: Fiction

Renato and the Lion

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.
Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous

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.
Caspian Finds A Friend

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.
Alma and How She Got Her Name

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.
The Remember Balloons

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.
I Am a Thief!

by Abigail Rayner, illustrated by Molly Ruttan

32 pages, 4-8 years; published 2019 by NorthSouth Books

Every child struggles with controlling impulses. It’s the cornerstone of the maturation process. Kids often do things without knowing why. In Abigail Rayner’s book, I Am a Thief!, Eliza Jane Murphy steals something from her classroom that’s just too irresistible to pass up. She immediately feels terrible. Herein lies the beauty of this story. It doesn’t dwell on the fact that Eliza did something wrong. It focuses on the mixed emotions impulsive acts create. The illustrations by Molly Ruttan play a great role in showing this duality. Readers will learn that doing the right thing takes courage. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s what you do afterwards that counts.
Bob, Not Bob!

by Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick,
illustrated by Matthew Cordell

40 pages, 3-5 years; published 2017 by Disney • Hyperion

I love that I didn’t know much about this book before I read it. I’ll afford you the same courtesy. What a great concept! Such humorous writing and perfectly paired illustrations. Any child who’s ever had a bad cold, or witnessed one in the family, will find this story hilarious. Bob, Not Bob! is a fantastic read-aloud begging for embellishment.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee

by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

32 pages, 2-6 years; published 2010 by Roaring Book Press

Philip and Erin Stead have created many unique books together, but this may be one of their finest. It also happens to be the first book Erin illustrated (winning her a Caldecott Medal). The story of Amos the zookeeper charms you with simplicity and honesty, but the illustrations add storytelling magic of their own. Several wordless spreads prove this point. What a fantastic menagerie of friends Amos has to cheer him up during a day at home. A Sick Day for Amos McGee is the perfect book to cuddle up with any day.
Goodnight Whispers

by Michael Leannah, illustrated by Dani Torrent

32 pages, 3+ years; published 2018 by Familius

Seldom are fathers the sole parent presented in a picture book. Not only is dad a focal point in Goodnight Whispers, but we’re shown his sensitive and caring side. It’s so refreshing to read a book about a nurturing father who whispers love and encouragement to his daughter every night. These wonderful supportive words help shape the child into a strong and capable young woman. This story reminds readers of the power of positive affirmations. Something every child, especially daughters, can use. A simply beautiful story, and one to be handed down.
All the World

by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Marla Frazee

40 pages, 3–8 years; published 2009 by Beach Lane Books

I’m a sucker for great illustrations (which will become more & more apparent), but this book also delivers a touching message in exemplary rhyme. While I love how the story weaves together so many elements of our world into one, Marla Frazee’s illustrations take it to heights it could never reach on it’s own. There is so much depth and care in every scene. All the World is a treat for all ages. The melodic verse makes this a wise choice at bedtime to help ease a toddler into slumber. Unless of course they can’t stop gazing at those pictures! A classic.