Picture Book

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.