Another month, another list of fabulous new picture books! Whether you’re an adult reader who loves a good illustrated story, a parent looking for new titles, a teacher who loves bringing new books into the classroom, or (like me) all of the above, this month’s list has something for you:
This is Not A Valentine, by Carter Higgins and Lucy Ruth Cummins
Yes, Valentine’s Day may be over, but that’s okay because this is not a Valentine’s Day book. Valentines are pink and glittery and fancy. They come with flowers that make you sneeze, and candy that will give you cavities. This is not a book about valentines. Instead, it’s a book about paper airplanes, and superhero capes, and old peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It’s a book about a lot of things. But definitely, definitely not about valentines.
Lola Dutch, by Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright
Lola Dutch is a thinker of grand ideas. From the time she wakes up, to the time she goes to bed, Lola is bursting with adventurous plans. Whether it’s a breakfast feast, a little “light” reading, or the creation of an artistic masterpiece, Lola Dutch lives life to the fullest, along with her friends Gator, Pig, Crane, and Bear. For Bear, though, Lola can be a bit exhausting and he’s ready to tuck her in at the end of the day. But Lola has just one more request…
Marigold & Daisy, by Andrea Zuill
Marigold is used to being her parents’ favorite little snail. When her little sister Daisy is born, everything changes. Suddenly, all attention is on Daisy. The other insects in the garden ooh and aah over her cute ways, and perfectly swirly shell. Obviously, Marigold realizes, Daisy has an evil plan to conquer the world with her cuteness. So why is Marigold the only one who seems to realize it? This book pairs nicely with Marla Frazee’s Boss Baby.
A Chip Off the Old Block, by Jody Jensen Shaffer and Daniel Miyares
Rocky is just a pebble, nothing compared to his much more rock star (ha!) relatives like Aunt Etna, or Uncle Gibraltar, or Cousin Rushmore. And yet, Rocky knows he has it in him to be something great. And so he sets of to join one of his more famous relatives, to become part of something bigger than himself. The only problem is, the more he tumbles, the smaller he gets! Full of science content and puns, this title would be a fun addition to both home and classroom.
Neither, by Airlie Anderson
“Once upon a time there were two kinds: this and that…” So begins this little story with a big message. The two kinds live alongside each other just fine until the day something new is born. Something that is a blend of both This and That…a Neither. No matter how hard he tries, Neither doesn’t fit in. He’s taunted by his peers, eventually forced to leave home. Fortunately, he stumbles upon a more inclusive land, one where he is accepted unconditionally. When This and That show up, will they be accepted, too?
The Big Umbrella, by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates
The Big Umbrella is a collaborative effort between a mother and her sixth grade daughter. A red umbrella sits by the front door, ready to serve on a rainy day. The umbrella is big, but is it big enough for a ballerina? A hairy creature? A sad beagle? Miraculously, the umbrella expands for all. Fans of Jan Brett’s The Mitten will enjoy this rainy day version.
Old Hat, by Emily Gravett
Acclaimed author and illustrator Emily Gravett (we love Again! at our house) has brought us another delightful story. Since he was a little pup, Harbet has had a favorite hat, warm and cozy and knitted by his Nana. But one day, Harbet realizes his hat is old. It isn’t the latest fashion, it isn’t trendy. Harbet decides it’s time for a new hat. He’s sure he’s found the perfect one, but pretty soon that hat isn’t trendy anymore, either. So Harbet sets out to find the new perfect hat. It’s perfect…until it’s not. Hat after hat, Harbet chases the latest fad. But what happens when Harbet has had enough of being fashionable?
Idea Jar, by Adam Lehrhaupt and Deb Pilutti
Perfect for young storytellers, both enthusiastic and reluctant, The Idea Jar embraces the idea that all stories start from a single thought, and every idea is a good idea. Not only that, but there is more than one way to tell a story, and more than one person to tell it. Released from the jar and woven together, these single ideas can become beautiful creations. But left trapped, the ideas become a little bit rowdy….
The Rabbit Listened, by Cori Doerrfeld
No matter the age, whether adult or child, we’ve all been in those situations where life just doesn’t seem fair. In those times, well-meaning friends offer advice: talk it out, get angry, laugh. In The Rabbit Listened, young Taylor is so proud of his tower, until it’s knocked down. All the animals have advice, but it’s only Rabbit who stays by Taylor, without speaking, until Taylor is ready to talk. Sweet illustrations accompany this text that guides young readers through complex emotions.
What other titles are you swooning over this month?
The post A Snail Gets a Little Sister, a Pebble Soul-Searches, and a Rabbit Listens: 9 New Picture Books We Love appeared first on The B&N Kids Blog.