September means back-to-school, and a whole new list of top picks in picture books! This month’s list brings a mix of the classic and the brand-new.
Princesses Save the World, by Savannah Guthrie, Allison Oppenheim, and Eva Byrne
The sequel to Princesses Wear Pants sees the return of Princess Penelope Pineapple. This time, Princess Penny receives an urgent request from Princess Sabrina. The Strawberry Kingdom’s bees have vanished, and without the bees, there will be no strawberries! Calling on her friends from all over the Fruit Nations to help, Princess Penny and her pals come up with a plan to reintroduce the bee population to the Strawberry Kingdom, and bring both bees and berry goodness to the land once agaain.
Corduroy Takes a Bow, by Viola Davis and Jody Wheeler
Looking awfully good for his 5o years, Corduroy is back in this brand-new book, which celebrates the iconic bear. When he goes to the theater for the first time, Corduroy is amazed by everything there is to see. So amazed, in fact, that he can’t help but wander off on his own to explore the backstage areas. It’s official: everybody’s favorite bear has stage fever!
Who Will I Be?, by Abby Huntsman and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
It’s a question every kid hears: What do you want to be when you grow up? And it’s a question Isabel doesn’t have an answer for. What will she be when she grows up? The only thing Isabel knows for sure is that she likes helping people. Through an exploration of her local community’s jobs, she discovers that there are many folks working each day to help others. It turns out that Isabel really can grow up to be a professional helper.
My Wish for You: Lessons from My Six-Year-Old Daughter, by Kathryn Hahn and Brigette Barrager
Actress Kathryn Hahn presents wishes inspired by her six-year-old daughter, and shared by parents around the world. In a world where self-expression and individuality sometimes lead to heartbreak and insecurity, Hahn encourages girls (and boys!) everywhere to find that special spark inside that makes each child an individual, and to nurture that spark into a steady flame. Beautifully bright and cheerful illustrations lend to this book’s appeal.
Presto and Zesto in Limboland, by Arthur Yorinks and Maurice Sendak
Sendak’s signature style is instantly recognizable in this never-before-been-released collaboration. Friends Presto and Zesto have found themselves in the strange world of Limboland, where everything is completely topsy-turvy and unexpected. To find their way home, the pair must find the monster Bumbo’s bagpipes, and secure them as a gift for the sugar beets’ wedding. Their adventure weaves in and out of the preparations of other wedding guests, all as fantastically unexpected. This is a tale in the true old-school storytelling tradition.
Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch
This new board book version contains the classic text that has been read over the heads of sleeping children of all ages for more than 30 years. A mother rocks her young baby to sleep in a gentle opening scene. As the child grows, the mother ages, but continues to sing her litany over her boy, illustrating how a parent’s love for her child endures long past the days of childhood. As the story comes full circle, that love is reciprocated in the child’s gentle care of his parent.
Corduroy Shaped Board Book (B&N Exclusive), by Don Freeman
Introduce the youngest readers to the famous department store bear with this board book perfect for small hands. With simple text, this version follows Corduroy through his busy day, with activities that young readers can relate to and understand. A nice beginning for soon-to-be Corduroy fans.
But Not the Armadillo, by Sandra Boynton
Another board book pick, by an author-illustrator well loved by the toddler (and parent) community. Sandra Boynton’s latest book features a character first introduced a generation ago on the last page of BBut Not the Hippopotamus. Now Armadillo has his own story, an adventure that has him following his rather generous nose across the pages. After a quiet day of exploring, Armadillo heads home, passing a hippo sprinting by on his own adventure.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (B&N Exclusive Edition), by Tim Burton
Jack Skellington wants nothing more than to break free of his scary role, and bring joy to Halloweenland. And so he hatches a plan to kidnap Santa and replace him as the seasonal bringer of glad tidings. But undertaking Santa’s annual joy-giving mission isn’t easy, especially not when your sleigh is guided by reindeer skeleton and your toys are…unconventional. Jack has to learn how to be his best self, and to find the true meaning of Christmas.
Santa Bruce, by Ryan T. Higgins
Fans of Bruce know he’d love to live out his life in the forest alone, where he can grump in peace, but that doesn’t seem to be in the cards. First it was the goslings who adopted Bruce as their mother. Then it was the mice who turned his den into a hotel, forcing Bruce to move, but that doesn’t work out as planned, either. Now Bruce has been confused with Santa Claus, and the whole forest has lined up to sit on his lap and share their holiday wishes. This is one bear who can never quite seem to catch a break.
Whether it’s revisiting a favorite classic character or exploring a brand new story, what books are you looking forward to this September?
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