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Picture Books September 2021 |
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| Bird Boy by Matthew Burgess; illustrated by Shahrzad MaydaniWhat it's about: Quiet Nico's interest in watching bugs and birds at recess earns him the nickname "Bird Boy," prompting Nico to daydream about fluttering, diving, and soaring like a bird.
Art alert: The gently shaded watercolor and pencil art of Nico's world provides an inviting backdrop for his avian visions, drawn in a whimsical, childlike style.
Why kids might like it: it provides a reassuring ending, in which Nico's authenticity leads to understanding friendships. |
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| I Love Insects by Lizzy RockwellWhat it is: a friendly debate between two children with diverging opinions about insects. One kid thinks that bugs are pretty, helpful, and musical, while the other thinks they're ugly, pesky, and noisy. Who's right? That's for readers to decide!
How it's told: through short sentences of dialogue in large type that's tailor-made for beginning readers. However, clear, bright artwork also makes it a good pick for sharing aloud, as does the interactive insect seek-and-find activity. |
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All of Us
by Kathryn Erskine
The National Book Award-winning author of Mockingbird and the best-selling illustrator of the She Persisted series demonstrate how the world is one global community made up of people who are more similar than different.
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The Worm Family Has Its Picture Taken
by Jennifer Frank
Featuring illustrations by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Interrupting Chicken, a picture-book debut follows the experiences of a young worm who apprehensively prepares for a family portrait while comparing herself to the fancy, decked-out individuals in other family photos.
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| Grandma's Purse by Vanessa Brantley-NewtonWhat it's about: a little girl's exploration of her Grandma Mimi's oversized purse, which is filled with a variety of objects just as beautiful and fascinating as Grandma Mimi herself.
Who it's for: anyone looking for a bright and upbeat story about intergenerational bonding.
Further reading: Families whose elders are a bit prickly may prefer Vaunda Micheaux Nelson's Don't Call Me Grandma. |
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| Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez; illustrated by Jaime KimThe question: When kids ask "where are you really from?" and don't accept the response of "from here," a little girl asks her abuelo for insight.
The answer: With pride and vivid imagery, Abuelo describes the beauty of the Pampas in Argentina; and, pointing to his heart, he reminds his granddaughter that her ancestors' love is where she truly comes from.
Why kids might like it: Where Are You From? offers a culturally specific perspective with universal resonance. |
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| My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero; illustrated by Zeke PeñaWhat it is: an exhilarating, wind-in-your-hair ride through Corona, California, from the perspective of an adventurous girl on the back of her papi’s motorcycle.
Art alert: With kinetic lines, muted ice cream colors, and a detailed cityscape, the book’s illustrations feel just as vivid and authentic as its bilingual dialogue.
Try this next: For a quieter but equally joyful visit to an urban neighborhood, try Windows by Julia Denos. |
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| The Night is Yours by Abdul-Razak Zachariah; illustrated by Keturah A. BoboWhat it's about: an adoring father watching his daughter and her friends play in the neighborhood courtyard on a summer evening.
Why kids might like it: Lyrical language and dusky, moonlit hues evoke an atmosphere of wonder among the excited kids, as well as the parent who knows his child can "show everyone else how to embrace the night like you."
About the illustrator: You might recognize Keturah A. Bobo's luminous painting style from Grace Byers' bestselling I Am Enough. |
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Eleanor Wyatt, Princess and Pirate
by Rachael MacFarlane
A rhyming, empowering challenge against stereotypes features an imaginative little girl who enjoys pretending she is a knight, a princess, a ninja, a ballerina, a pirate and anything else she wants to be, including herself.
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The Magician's Hat
by Malcolm Mitchell
When a magician makes a surprise appearance at the library's Family Fun Day, local kids are amazed by his invitation to reach into his hat and pull out amazing books that convey wonderful adventures and inspire them to live their dreams.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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