There’s a little bit of something for everybody this month, as we look to the arrival of fall. From Halloween to yoga to life lessons, this month’s picture books will having you looking forward to cooler days and cozier nights.
Stellaluna (25th Anniversary Edition), by Janell Cannon
It seems impossible that this much-loved little bat is 25 (they grow up so fast!) Nothing about this wonderful story has changed. We still gasp when Stellaluna is separated from her mother. We laugh as she bumbles her way around with her new bird siblings, while simultaneously wanting to wrap her in a hug. We rejoice when Stellaluna discovers her own personal strengths, and is reunited with her mother. The special anniversary edition also includes additional activities and crafts to extend the text.
Baby Unicorn: Finger Puppet Book, by Chronicle Books
This simple board book follows a baby unicorn as she discovers what makes her special and explores the world around her. Each interactive page offers an introduction to the unicorn’s magical forest home, the other animals who inhabit it, and the magic of the unicorn herself.
The Day You Begin, by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López
This beautiful book, written by the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Jacqueline Woodson, and illustrated by award-winning Rafael López, explores what it’s like for a child to feel different. Whether it’s the way you look, the way you talk, or what you eat, taking that first step into a room full of people different than you can be terrifying. This text recognizes that fear, but also celebrates the bravery of taking the step forward anyway, and the opportunities that arise in conquering our fears and reaching out towards friendship.
Planting Little Seeds of Kindness, by Scarlett Wing
A board book that introduces random acts of kindness to the youngest readers. Whether it’s an unexpected phone call, sharing with friends, or a simple smile, Little Mouse’s small gestures are reminders of ways that young children can bring joy to the lives of others.
Cuddly Critters for Little Geniuses, by Susan Patterson, James Patterson, and Hsinping Pan
Husband and wife team James and Susan Patterson follow up their first collaboration, Big Words For Little Geniuses, with this newest installment. From axotoles, to chinchillas, to panda ants, children will love exploring the the wild and wonderful world of animals, insects, and birds that goes beyond those they may see in their day-to-day lives. With 50 cuddly (and not-so-cuddly) creatures to discover, there’s something strange and exotic for every reader.
Yoga Bear: Simple Animal Poses for Little Ones, by Sarah Jane Hinder
While parents will appreciate the title’s hat tip to a slightly less zen bear, they will also enjoy the way this book teaches children the power of yoga. With simple instructions and helpful illustrations, children will learn basic yoga movement and breathing techniques along with animal friends.
Pig The Fibber, by Aaron Blabey
Pig the Pug learns a common childhood lesson the hard way. Pig knows there are treats hidden at the back of the closet. A little lie gets his friend Trevor tossed out of the house, leaving Pig all alone with the treats. But lies have consequences, and Pig is about to learn the hard way that those consequences aren’t fun.
Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody, by Michael Rex
For children ready for something a little beyond the gentleness of Goodnight Moon, or for those parents who need a little diversity in their bedtime reading, this book new board book delivers. Following the same rhythm and sequence as the classic bedtime story, this version features a young werewolf settling in for the night. But a havoc-wreaking goon continually delays bedtime, until finally the young werewolf puts him in his place. The story ends on the same quiet note, and offers just the right amount of silly spookiness for young listeners.
How to Scare a Ghost, by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish
From the team who brought us How to Babysit a Grandma and How to Babysit a Grandpa, comes the quintessential guide to luring and scaring a ghost. Two young narrators lay out the step-by-step plan for implementing Halloween type activities that are sure to tempt a ghost out of hiding. Once the ghost arrives, there is the necessity of determining whether or not it’s real before the scaring can begin. But beware: ghosts are not so easy to scare, and what does scare them just may surprise you.
Don’t Push the Button! A Halloween Treat, by Bill Cotter
In this board book companion to Don’t Push the Button! , readers are once again invited to interact through the age-old temptation of being told NO! On this trick-or-treating adventure, all is going along smoothly until we arrive at that one house, the one that looks just a little bit spookier than all the others. “Don’t push that button!” we are told. And so, of course, that doorbell button must be pushed…
What books are on your bedtime reading pile this month?
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