Category: Picture Book

The Beak Book

written & illustrated by Robin Page

40 pages, 3–8 years; published 2021 by Beach Lane Books

Robin Page’s The Beak Book packs a visual punch. The stark white pages contain brilliantly colorful birds. These closeup illustrations of beaks contain unique patterns and intense gazes. Each zoom view is accompanied by a small vignette of the entire bird’s body. These two perspectives do a great job of entertaining and educating readers. Back matter adds yet another layer of intrigue by providing geographic locations, diet, and even the size ratio of one bird to another. What a striking compilation of non-fiction material!
The Cot in the Living Room

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.
Berry Song

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.
Sunrise Summer

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.
Chez Bob

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.
Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.

— Lemony Snicket
Change Sings

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.
If You Come to Earth

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.
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

—Joseph Addison
Mistletoe: A Christmas Story

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!