Staff Suggestions — Picture Books
The perfect cure for rainy day blues! Playful pictures reflect a soggy bear’s struggle to stay grumpy in spite of friends who stay true no matter what. This is a book you will want to read more than once, when you aren’t searching for that hula hoop you thought was in the closet. P.S Don’t forget to peek under the cover.
— Laura
The Color Monster is feeling very conflicted about starting school! But when he meets new friends, plays new games and learns exciting things, he finds that his emotions change. Perfect for kids nervous about starting school.
— Lindsay A.
The perfect picture book for creative kids and curious minds alike! Sophia has a thing or two to teach us about perspective, art, and making your voice heard. She's up against a tough panel of judges, but there's nothing stopping this six-year-old from having her art hung in a place of honor!
— Becky
A gentle story about making new friends, with whimsical illustrations, and cool animal facts. Wonderful!
— Jamie
The perfect summer book! Jules has made it her mission to impress her sister with the coolest sandcastle she can make but the ocean thwarts her every move. Jules’s determination and dedication are so admirable and makes you want to build a sandcastle of your own!
— Lindsay A.
We are all PURPLE! Purple people like to ask questions, use their voice, and work hard. I am so glad that I picked this book up. This is a book about embracing the things that make us different and bringing us all together. This is a must-read picture book.
— Lindsay A.
As every family with children knows, the struggle to push the elevator button first is real and can get ugly. In Lift, Minh Le gives us a creative little girl who takes the challenge to new 'heights' and succeeds in using her imagination to come out on top during this age old contest of sibling rivalry.
— Lauren
Growing up with Mr. Rogers allows you to look at the world in a different way. This picture book is a great way to introduce a show, that has long been off the air, to a new generation! Matched with Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell’s magical illustrations, Hello Neighbor tells the remarkable tale of Mr. Rogers and the love he showed the world.
— Lindsay A.
Join Elephant and Piggie's bookclub with the latest installment from Ryan T. Higgins! I love worms, but perhaps they are a little confusing to a Tiger, especially since you can't tell their tops from their bottoms! But, of course, when you don't know someone, you can make some pretty funny assumptions. With plenty to talk about after, read this with your favorite Elephant and Piggie fan. Signed copies while supplies last.
— Jamie
Paolo's view of the vibrant Roman streets is through a glass door.... until the day he seizes his opportunity to roam freely. His pluck and heroism serve him well as he discovers what one of the world's most beautiful cities has to offer. Charming and gorgeously illustrated!
— Kelly
At once both an ode to cherishing a child and a nod to the profound changes parenting can bring, I laughed and sighed with the wolves as they prepared their young charge for life. A sweet bedtime story, wonderful Mother or Father's Day gift, adoption gift, or just to let a child know how special they are.
— Jamie
A fabulous look into the life of the Dalai Lama, written by the Dalai Lama! The examples of kindness and love he portrays is remarkable. I love how he asks for children to ponder how they show compassion in their own lives.
— Lindsay A.
This is one song I could listen to over and over! Henkes brings his genius to the summer season. I love his association of fireflies and music, that they too give off a summer song but without sound!
— Lindsay A.
"I will be fierce" is a mantra we could all use. A little positivity goes a long way, and the heroine of this story knows that there's no dragon too strong or challenge too scary when you start your day believing in yourself.
— Becky
A stunning example of change. "Things come and go- you'll see." Emile is tasked with watching the moon but worries when it starts to disappear! Incredibly heartfelt and kind.
— Lindsay A.
"Every veggie's snoozing, beneath the moon so bright, for nothing's more exhausting then growing day and night."
Who knew a goodnight book about veggies could be so entertaining and adorable! Not me! I love the illustrations and so will you--they're the kind you can just pour over and study again and again. And the perfect rhyming text is sure to charm your child to sleep.
— Susan
A cabbage bound snail and a group of “antsy” ants come together in this delightful adventure! Brimming with cuteness, new found friendship, and thoughtful critters, this is sure to be a new favorite read a loud! Love it!
— Tonya
When a little girl has doubts about the color of her skin, her mother lyrically explains the many beautiful brown things in the world, engaging all five senses. Brown is music in an old violin, ginger bread men, and spiced cider to name a few. This is a magical book for so many reasons. The dreamy illustrations and rich descriptions, but most of all the heart and message: loving the skin you are in.
— Tonya
I was so captivated by this whimsical tale of friendship. And I also just loved all the possible, and impossible, ideas that could be stored in a jar--I want to collect a meteor shower to keep on my shelf! What makes this book even better is that it shows us how to mend out broken hearts when a friend moves away. Charming, colorful illustrations complement this story.
— Susan
I was thoroughly uplifted when I read this book! And you will be too, because oh-what-a-heartwarming discovery Grace makes when she writes thank you cards to everyone. You and your children will be inspired to do the same! After all, "gratitude can be contagious."
— Susan
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