Staff Suggestions — Picture Books
First in a series of imaginative picture books, this is a special seasonal read aloud about friends lost and then found, and new ones made!
— Jamie
This book utterly charmed me. Reminiscent of Harold and the Purple Crayon but told with a red string and brimming with humor, this is a story about perseverance and friendship.
— Susan
Breathtaking imagery and imagination! Get whisked away in the current of Sophia's narrative and explore the ocean depths through her eyes. Peaceful and serene, opportunities in Sophia's underwater escape are limitless.
— Lindsay
Warm up your read-aloud muscles and get ready to release your inner Big Bad Robot for this out of the world retelling of a classic.
Meep! Greep! Boink!
— Laura
A wonderful back-to-school choice. I love the way the story moves between one girl and each child, making it both intimate and universal.
Beautifully illustrated, too!
— Laura
Oh what a glorious book! Learn all about the New York Public Library as a lion named Fortitude searches for his friend, Patience. Stylish illustrations and crackerjack rhyming makes this the perfect book!
— Susan
Who doesn't want to learn about animals, what they eat, AND colors all at the same time? I know I do! And you can too in this fun and clever book! Filled with vibrant illustrations, you and your little ones will go back to this again and again. Be sure to check the last two pages that give you info about animals and their habitats.
— Susan
Start the new school year off with a splash! Mermaid School is a fun tail (Oops I mean tale) that shows how school under the sea isn’t so different from school on land. Get ready to learn your A B Seas!
— Lindsay
Welcome the new school year with open arms and say hello to all things both new and old. Perfect for helping younger students familiarize themselves with their new surroundings.
— Jamie
Finding your place on the first day of school can be tough, especially if you are a stick insect who blends in a little too well! Readers will enjoy hunting for Twig and her classmates in the beautiful illustrations.
A great addition to every back-to-school collection.
— Laura
More than just scatological! Let’s face it, poo is really interesting to the picture book crowd. This informative and entertaining book is just the thing to elevate “potty talk” to a scientific conversation about how zoos handle a messy situation.
— Laura
A simple, elegant biography of a girl who loved math and couldn’t stop studying, even during the French Revolution! It also explores math as an art, using numbers instead of notes or words to create, explore, and to better understand the world around us.
— Laura
Would a walrus make a perfect pet? Wendell thinks so. But while he's waiting, he meets Morrell, who wants a whale. Friends make waiting so much easier in this engaging read-aloud!
— Laura
Are you heartbroken when you must leave the beach? This young girl is but decides to take a bit of the beach home after their family trip. A beautiful picture book about dreaming and hope for the future.
— Lindsay
My favorite picture book of the year! Explore the age-old profession of a lighthouse keeper! Gorgeous illustrations and a beautiful story. A perfect gift!
— Lindsay
“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
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