Staff Suggestions — Picture Books
“Equality. Pride. Hope. Love. Harvey’s dream became a flag for us all.”
This book balances facts & celebration with sensitivity. It is an excellent introduction to Gay Pride. A good book to read together as it offers opportunities for child-led questions.
— Laura
Alma has TOO MANY names! But as her father explains where each one comes from, they start to feel like they are the exact right amount! A lovely story of a girl learning about her rich family history, and the meaning behind the names she has been given.
— Kelly
Randal desperately wants to be accepted as one of the elephants. An encouraging story about being whoever you want to be!
— Lindsay
On a mission to discover who she is for a school project, little Lola asks each of her neighbors for their memories of their shared island, an island she was too young to remember when they left. A moving, joyous and nuanced story of a past we can all relate to, and share in Lola’s joy at learning she is not just from the island, she is the island.
— Jamie
Mayhem ensues as a boy finally gets his wish to take care of an animal. Join in on this crazy pet adventure; a silly read perfect for story time!
— Lindsay
Luscious illustrations accompany text that both dares to dream big dreams and then answers the doubting voice that says she can’t. Caldecott Medal Winner Diane Dillon has made a compelling message accessible to young girls, and one which should also be read to their brothers!
— Jamie
A remarkably gorgeous book about the groundbreaking fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli that shows there are many ways to appreciate beauty and to exhibit creativity in the world around you. A fittingly vibrant story of the life of an iconic woman.
— Kelly
Lola Dutch doesn't do anything without doing it BIG! From breakfast, to a trip to the library, to painting, she has a tangible joy for trying new things. Check out the adorable doll house printed on the reverse of the book's jacket!
— Kelly
From the author of The Dot, comes the story of Jerome, a quiet hero for turbulent times. Jerome collects words, all sorts of words. Alone, together, mixed up in unexpected combinations, Jerome’s collection makes him happy. But what will happen when the wind carries his collection away? This book makes me happy!
— Laura
Inviting illustrations and spare text tell a gentle story of a child’s love for their favorite companion. Everyone should be so lucky to have someone like Woolly in their lives!
— Susan
This book follows the growth of a child, from newborn to the moment they head off to discover the world, in a simple but evocative way that will stay with you for a long time!
— Jamie
A group of determined wildflowers fly through these pages as they fill the gray, dull park with color and wonder. Supplied with skateboards & parachutes, this group of friends goes on an adventure to bring nature back!
— Lindsay
What a beautiful book! This story tells an intricate tale about a girl named Hortense and her shadow. It’s a darker story, but teaches a wonderful lesson about gratitude and being true to yourself.
-Lindsay
Rediscover The Wind in the Willows with this beautifully illustrated new edition! The friendship, adventures and high-jinks of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad in this timeless story are perfectly suited for sharing across generations.
— Laura
An adorable tale of sharing and learning to collaborate, told through the illustrations drawn on a wall and the two children putting them there.
- Lindsey
Jim the Lumberjack spends his days cutting down trees and burning brush, until his activities disrupt the forest and take away homes from the creatures that reside there. As a result, Jim opens his beard to the displaced animals, but their new home in his beard disrupts his life completely. Jim has to make it right, so he and his animal buddies can live in harmony. This is a delightful story about animals, pancakes, the importance of nature conservation and being ecofriendly as well as practicing proper beard maintenance.
— Chris
On a cold winter’s night, William is visited by a progression of animals of increasing size, each requesting a warm place to rest their head. When a bear shows up, the other guests are reluctant to share their space in bed, but William’s generosity has warmed them to accepting one last friend. Fun to read with expressive illustrations, this is a beautiful tale of sharing.
— Terri
Such a down-right clever, unique, interactive book! You and your little one will have so much fun lifting flaps, turning pages and discovering opposites. Whether it’s left from right or outside from in, you will enjoy pulling this book off the shelf again and again. Even the big kids will like this one. :)
— Susan
Circle and Square are best friends until Triangle comes along and shakes things up. From Madison’s own illustrator rock star Bob Shea comes a tale of change, compromise, and the unexpected magic of new friends.
— Andrew
From the first page, fun and vivid illustrations capture the magic of two siblings waking to freshly fallen snow. Ignoring the biting cold, the two venture out to build their Snowbear. But there's a slippery hill and a dark forest and all that lurks inside, just waiting. Grab your hot cocoa, cuddle up, and enjoy this perfect winter's tale.
— Ginger
Yes, he’s back, but now our favorite, grumpy bear is on the move. Join Bruce as he heads out on the open road and of course, whether he likes it or not, is joined by four geese and three mice. Will he truly find what he’s looking for? Find out in this highly entertaining and latest installment of the “Mother Bruce” series. This story will make the whole family laugh. Seriously! Even your older kids will appreciate the humor and illustrations. I know my fourteen-year-old surely did!
— Susan
This gorgeously illustrated picture book takes readers on an adventure…all within the back yard. The beam of the flashlight uncovers marvelous wonders: A tiger’s jungle, a pirate’s ship, a giant squid! With simple lines, and storytelling pictures, this book is a fun read-aloud that inspires imagination.
— Jana
A sweetly heartfelt book about friendship. Yak and Dove are quite different in many ways, but in the ways that really matter they just might be perfectly matched friends. You will be charmed by them both as they figure out the strength of their friendship, and the ways in which they make each other better.
-Kelly
A charming fairy tale with an important lesson! King Jasper thinks that getting anything he wishes can solve any problem that pops up in his kingdom, but soon comes to learn that having more things might actually introduce new problems. A fun and fast-paced adventure with a whimsical setting!
-Kelly
Gorgeous illustrations coupled with lovely rhyming text. Watch a single sycamore seed grow into a massive tree that provides a home for a wide variety of birds, bugs, and all sorts of wildlife.
— Susan
Mike Curato has certainly done it again with his latest Little Elliot book. Beautifully illustrated with recognizable New York landmarks, you’ll enjoy following Little Elliot and best friend mouse out of the city and into the country. A gentle, charming story for boys and girls that ties in with the season.
— Susan
The amazing story of a sunflower seed as he travels, learns, and changes, with all the character development of a Tolstoy novel. Love it. Don’t be a bad seed.
— Andrew
We all love this hilarious book about a glowing pair of underwear. Creepy, yes, but maybe that is just what this big bunny needs in his dark room at night!
— Jamie
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