Staff Suggestions — Picture Books
Elegantly beautiful illustrations and simple sentences tell the story of a young frog and her brand new drum. This picture book will have you giggling and inspire kids and adults to get out their own musical instruments to join in the fun. Fans of Jon Klassen will love this one too.
— Lindsey
An inspiring story about a young immigrant artist who created all the background art for Walt Disney’s Bambi. Beautifully illustrated!
— Barb L.
Multi-talented Lupita Nyong'o's Sulwe is a story about a girl who feels "less-than" in comparison to those around her. The moving story is told as she learns to embrace what maker her her, and the gorgeous illustrations throughout will resonate with readers of all ages.
— Kelly
Elisha Cooper has graced us with yet another fabulous book. Journey down the Hudson River and follow a woman's canoe trip where she encounters wildlife and the mountain environment. Not just for children, River is a gorgeous compliment to nature and art enthusiasts alike.
— Lindsay A.
Every father will see themselves in this charming book. The special relationship between a father and daughter is celebrated in sweet poignant vignettes as a young girl explains what her big bear and little bear each mean to her.
— Jamie
Hammers are great, but not everything is a nail. A simple lesson applicable across all of life’s problems. Children will laugh as Mr. Nogginbody learns the limitations of brute force.
— Andrew
If you are looking for a seriously fun picture book with a lot of heart, than you have found it! Following the paw prints of Skippy JonJones, Judy Schachner has created yet another fabulous feline cast of characters you will love! The adoringly funny illustrations and rhyming text will have you enjoying this perfect read aloud over and over again, guaranteed!
— Tonya
For a book to really stay with me it has to be important, thoughtful, and passionate. A Stone Sat Still will stay with me for years to come. A book about perspective, change, and possibilities.
— Lindsay A.
I want to be Greta Thunberg when I grow up. With many school climate strikes taking place, this is a great read to educate kids on whats happening around them. Its also a wonderful example of persistence and determination for all ages.
— Lindsay A.
"How can you love me when you do not understand me?" An absolute urgent/timely fable by mastermind Oliver Jeffers. While greed and the need for possession are at an ever present high, this gorgeous tale is a great lesson of how to treat others.
— Lindsay A.
This is the beautiful story of an unlikely friendship that bestows an important message: the choices you make and actions you take make you who you are, not your looks, beliefs, or stereotypes. The soft, natural illustrations from the Fan Brothers bring this tender story to life. It is a perfect book to celebrate the fulfillment of friendship while demonstrating the cyclical rhythm to nature and life.
— Tonya
I love the illustrations for this quirky counting tea party! Charming rhymes, with scones and truffles, make this my new favorite Halloween book.
— Jamie
Jessica Sima’s Spencer’s New Pet is exceptional! I love the irony it introduces to the reader, likely to be a bit magical and mind blowing, like any great book should be! The simplicity of this story, in mostly black and white illustrations without words, is crafted masterfully to assume the most from its little and big readers - and pushes them to think outside the box about story and perhaps even life! My favorite picture book of the year!
— Tonya
A clever combo of magic and science! Can Esther use her love of facts and data to solve a problem and make her fellow fairies believe in science, too?
— Becky
The future is uncertain and it can be a scary and unpredictable concept for many children. Hau and Volk have created a space and characters that emulate bravery and courage. I cannot recommend this book enough. This is for everyone who has ever felt anxious about the unknown and had the strength to venture into it.
— Lindsay A.
A sophisticated story with sparse text and deep meaning. A strong girl character, the Ranger, and gorgeous illustrations give this story the feel of an ancient legend. A very different and special picture book!
— Jamie
Told with beautiful simplicity and effortless rhyme, a flock comes together, one starling at a time, making a new whole. This is a counting book that reads like a classic bedtime story.
— Laura
A sentence you'll never hear again: I want to be a turtle named Truman! Bravery can come in all shapes, sizes, ... or species! An important tool for any parent or classroom teaching courage.
— Lindsay A.
Meet Amani, brought to beautiful life by Zachariah's text - imbued with fatherly love - and Bobo's gorgeous illustrations! Watch Amani in full bloom under the night moon as she plays hide and seek with her friends in the warm glow of community. The night thanks Amani for her brightness. We thank Zachariah for this sparkling debut and serious source of self-love and local pride! It belongs in every house and hand.
— Lauren
Everyone has a passion, and this little one happens to have a passion for math. She'll help you see its magic and inspire you to find and follow your own interests, even if - especially if - they're different than your friends' and family's! A sweet story with lovely line drawings, a unique and warm palette, and great, informative, math-y fun back matter...
— Lauren
Featured Merch
RJ Julia "Peace Love Books" Apron
Get cooking in our RJ Julia Apron! Peace Love Books logo and RJ Julia logo on front
The Book Lover's Journal (4.5 x 7.5 )
Calling all book lovers — here's the journal you've always wanted! At last, a place to record the books you've read and the ones you want to read, a...
Airmail Boxed Flat Notes
Write your thank you notes or friendly messages with these designer flat notes made with busy lifestyles in mind. With 50 cards and envelopes in...
2019 R.J. JULIA BOOKSELLERS
DESIGN BY JULIA BALFOUR, LLC