Saturday, April 13, 2019

10 Perfect Picture Books to Read Now


Steve Antony, author & illustrator
Blip, the robot, loves being on her computer  She learns new things, plays fun games, dances to music, and visits faraway places. When she accidently gets “unplugged” and tousled far from home, she realizes there are other ways to learn new things, play fun games, dance to music, and visit faraway places.  Eventually, Blip plugs back in, but all she can think about is the fun of being unplugged.  This wonderful, timely story reminds us of the importance of really living in the moment—away from electronic devices. 


Deborah Diesen, author
Kris Aro McLeod, illustrator
Izzie and Mama playfully blow kiss to each other and catch them.  When Izzie misses one of her mom’s kisses, she runs as fast as she can to catch it.  Nevertheless, it glides away with the wind.  Mama shares a secret: ”No matter how far they have to go, no matter what they have to get through, and even if they get lost along the way, Mama-kisses ALWAYS come find you.”  Sure enough, the missed kiss finds its way to Izzie.  This sweet mother-daughter story is full of love, affection, and, of course, kisses.


Susan Hughes, author
Carey Sookocheff, illustrator
The protagonist experiences bullying on a daily basis.  Using an original story prompt format, the internal conflict and external coping are revealed in a raw and realistic way.   The child is called weirdo and laughed at, which causes feelings of isolation and insignificance.  After talking the situation over with his/her mother, the protagonist feels empowered to confront the bully.  The situation does not miraculously change, but it does improve. This picture book is ideal for discussing bullying, relationships, and empathy.


Troy Cummings, author and illustrator
In this adorable book, Arfy, a stray dog, writes letters to each house and business on Butternut Street, asking to be their dog.  He makes arguments for why he would be an ideal fit for them—potty trained, can work with cats, will clean the floor, can fetch boots, and so forth.  In return, he gets letters back on why he cannot stay there. After he feels all his options have been exhausted, Arfy gets a letter from an unexpected person asking: Can I be your person?  Can I Be Your Dog is full of charm, personality, and wit. 


The Fan Brothers, authors and illustrators
Finn misses his grandfather.  To honor him, he builds a boat to go on a long journey—one he had planned with his grandfather.  As the journey begins, he encounters a great golden fish, a library island, an island of giant shells, and a sea of moon jellies dancing.  Finally, he reaches the place of his grandfather’s stories: A magical place where ocean meets sky.  Breath-taking illustrations and imagination fill every page in this story about loss and coping. 


Grace Lin, author and illustrator
Little Star bakes a big, yummy mooncake with her mama.  She promises her mama she will not eat any yet.  In the middle of the night, though, she tiptoes toward it.  Little by little, she nibbles on it—until it has disappeared!  Now, mother and daughter must work together to make a new one.  With striking illustrations, the phases of the moon are explained in a memorable and imaginative way. 


Eve Bunting, author
Will Hillenbrand, illustrator
A little duck is afraid to swim in the water with her mom and siblings.  After some encouragement and practice, she finally takes the plunge!  Perfect books for kids with fears of water or other things. 


Ali Pye, author and illustrator
Bella wants to be just like her friend, Anna—only sometimes it does not work well for one or both of them.  After a disagreement, Anna stomps off, leaving Bella feeling lost and alone with no one to copy.  Bella learns to do her own thing.  Soon after, Chloe is watching her and wanting to join in.  The girls learn how to cooperate and to collaborate with each other, making for a more satisfying playtime together. Copy Cat is a delightful book about bring a good friend and being your own person.


Richard Byrne, author and illustrator
The chalks love drawing pictures.  Someone keeps erasing them though!  With the help of their teacher and Sergeant Blue, they look at the evidence and solve the case.  However, they realize the issue is not so black and white.  This fun mystery has a creative and inclusive ending. 


The Greatest Adventure
Tony Piedra, author and illustrator

Eliot loves adventure!  Living in the city means using lots of imagination to find it.  When his grandfather comes home from his real adventures at sea, Eliot is ready for a REAL adventure too.  Together, they find that imaginative ones can be just as real.  Stunning illustrations and brilliant imaginative text round out this amazing picture book experience.

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