Staff Suggestions — Picture Books
I can’t help but sing along as this thoughtful frog helps the Easter Bunny. Hilarious and touching, reading this book every Easter will be my new tradition!
— Jamie
Oh my, I am absolutely smitten! This warm and tender tale of a girl and her grandmother finding joy when they rent their apartment, Over The Shop, is also a story of tolerance, acceptance and friendship. In this wordless picture book, you and your child will become engaged by filling in the dialogue. What fun to ask your children: "What do you suppose she's thinking?" or "What do you think he said?" A story of transformation.
— Susan
This book about bravery is so ridiculously fun to read aloud (wait til you get to the twist in the middle). I love Corey R. Tabor's storytelling style; with delightful characters, actual facts about Kingfishers and an inventive format, this book has got it all. A new found favorite for me that's sure to be for your family as well. Cheers!
— Susan
Lyrical text is matched with gorgeous watercolor illustrations in this ode to spring. A stunning creation that engages all of your senses and revels in the season.
— Jamie
This has been one of my favorite picture books since it first came out. Stunningly illustrated with a wise message, share this book with a young protector.
— Jamie
Philip C. Stead and Matthew Cordell won me over with their fantastic The Only Fish in the Sea, so I was so excited to see another book from them! Follow That Frog! is a hilarious tale featuring long words, exotic locales, and an eccentric narrator- a perfect combination! Another winner that is sure to entertain!
— Kelly
Our favorite donut-loving panda is back, this time offering hugs! Any story that ends in a giant pile of animals is perfect fun for toddlers! Simple and sweet.
— Jamie
Regardless of how well her new pet dragon is behaving, Twinkle simply asks him to try his best. A charming addition to this series, with sparkles and a great message!
— Jamie
It's never too early to talk about our planet and to learn ways we can protect it in our daily lives. This simple story with fabulous illustrations demonstrates how one child CAN make a difference!
P.S. Don't miss out on the back pages which list many of our planet's child climate change activists. Inspiring!
— Tonya
Here's a book for your littles who can't get enough stories about trucks, trucks, trucks! Not only is it fun to read aloud, but there's also a wealth of info about tow trucks for big rigs subtly woven in. Add to that Chris Gall's wonderful illustrations and you've got a winner!
— Susan
A must for all Mother Bruce fans! Can an exuberant bunny who loves the smells of spring get a smile from our favorite grumpy bear? Simple enough for beginning readers to read on their very own.
— Jamie
A beautiful, timely book with an important message! For anyone looking for hope during current times, look no further!
— Patrick
When the forest’s best chef’s recipe book goes missing, he is on the case, but how he handles the culprit will warm your heart. Made with stone paper that wears better than paper, the gorgeous illustrations will have you looking for clues, and the generous resolution is a timely reminder about good will. A new classic.
— Jamie
Playful text celebrates the awe and wonder of ships at night. Luminous illustrations showcase dozens of different ships; I couldn’t help but get caught up in Egger’s enthusiasm!
— Jamie
There are so many positive messages in this story. As the crew of trucks works together it teaches teamwork and that everyone is important. The flatbed, skid steer, and loader are all girl trucks- trucks aren’t just for boys! Maybe most importantly, the story of demolition tells that everything destroyed will be sorted, saved, and used again.
— Carlene
A wonderful introduction to the steps of quilt making that also shows the amazing ways the creating of a quilt becomes the foundation of friendships.
— Jeannette
Every child will relate to this young boy and his dog as they wait those last 5 days!
Start your own tradition this year with our newest bundle featuring five brand new picture books, including this charming rhyming story. Read this book on the 20th, then choose one of the other four for each night leading up to Christmas. A fun way to give the gift of reading this year! Click here to learn more about this bundle!
— Jamie
I love the tiny chef, I love his tiny house, I love his tiny Mise En Place, and his ersatz cookware, and his calendar, and his hat. I think it’s fair to say I love this book top to bottom. It’s hilarious, charming, and great for making adults say silly words.
— Matt
This is a seriously fun story that teaches even the youngest reader that EVERY voice counts! A group of forest friends can't agree on anything...that is until snail finds a solution to them all being heard - VOTING!
— Tonya
This is a fun alphabet book with adorable illustrations sure to please any cat lover. Based on a Victorian parlor game, “The Minister’s Cat," adjectives are used in alphabetical order to describe the cat. I always enjoy a book that is entertaining for both the child and the adult doing the reading, and this one does just that.
— Laura B.
This gentle sequel to Guess How Much I Love You finds Little Nutbrown Hare looking for a new friend. Playful and satisfying, the two books together will make a treasured gift for years to come.
— Jamie
Could there be a better picture book combination than kittens and dinosaurs? After three kittens have climbed all there is to climb on Kitty Island, they hop into their litter mobile and head for Dinosaur Island, determined to climb dinosaurs! There’s no stopping them! With great illustrations by the author.
— Marilyn
Oliver Jeffers has written a picture book for all types of parents! Follow this father and daughter as they collect tools and build foundations for their life together. Jeffers is my favorite picture book author/illustrator, and this newest release rocked my world and cemented its place on my "perfect gifts to give" list. Truly a masterpiece.
— Lindsay A.
Can there ever be enough stories about kindness and friendship? Never! Especially when the story's written in such a fun, accessible manner. I love this book! Hooray for Chris Naylor-Ballesteros!
— Susan
Lovely: having a beauty that appeals to the heart, mind and eye. That sums up Mary and her story. A great read-aloud for the family and when you're done, go outside and be quiet...because you never know what glorious sounds (and sights!) you'll encounter.
— Susan
This book warmed my heart! The cute illustrations and message of kindness and new friendship make for a simply sweet read.
— Maddie
So. Much. Glitter. My son and I love reading about this little goblin every night. He just wants peace and quiet to work on his spells, but unwanted Unicorns move into the meadow next door. A hilarious lesson on judgement and making new friends.
— Andrew
On unicorn overload? Here's the perfect book for boys and girls about a goblin (also magical) whose new unicorn neighbors might turn out to be the perfect neighbors for him. Except for the glitter. So. Much. Glitter.
— Jamie
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