|
Picture Books February 2022
|
|
|
|
| Where Is Bina Bear? by Mike CuratoWhat it's about: Bina the bear attends her friend Tiny's party under cover of camouflage. First she's a lamp, then a table, then a chair...but when Tiny finds a Bina-shaped bag of groceries, the bear finally confesses: she doesn't like parties.
Why kids might like it: Along with the fun of finding Bina in her implausible disguises, kids (both shy and outgoing alike) will feel affirmed by Tiny's caring response to her anxiety. |
|
| The Cats and the Cake by Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss; illustrated by Steve HenryWhat it's about: When two cats bicker over ownership of a tempting, pink-frosted cake, a cunning red fox steps in with a self-serving solution.
How it's told: Through cute, colorful cartoons, as well as speech-bubble dialogue with plenty of beginner-friendly repetition. |
|
| Even Robots Aren't Perfect! by Jan ThomasStarring: Red Robot and Blue Robot, two devoted pals who work through every comical mishap, mistake, and misapprehension that threatens their friendship.
Art alert: The illustrations in this comic book-style easy reader are rendered in bold outlines and primary colors, making them simple for kids to follow. |
|
| I Love You Because I Love You by Muon Thi Van; illustrated by Jessica LoveWhat it is: A call-and-response read-aloud about the loving bonds people share, illustrated with an inclusive, affirming cast of characters.
How it's told: In dialogue-style text that pairs "I love you because" statements with "Because I love you" responses. For instance, when a child tells an adult "I love you because you tell the best stories," the adult replies "Because I love you, my best story is you." |
|
| Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild; illustrated by Charlene ChuaWhat it's about: Scarlet-haired Violet longs to share laughter and adventures with classmate Mira, but she gets shy whenever Mira's near. As Valentine's Day approaches, however, Violet comes up with a plan to express her feelings to Mira without saying a word.
Read it for: Heartfelt emotions, graceful watercolor art, and a sweetly uplifting conclusion. |
|
| Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd CooperWhat it's about: On the eve of the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth, excited young Mazie listens as her dad relates the history of the holiday: from the June day in 1865 when news of emancipation reached Galveston, Texas, to all the people who "sweat, struggled, bled, and cried" since then in pursuit of equality.
Art alert: Floyd Cooper's inimitable oil paint style brings a soft, luminous quality to both the past and present. |
|
| Rain Fish by Lois EhlertWhat it's about: When sunny skies turn gray, "that's when rain fish come out and play."
How it's told: Using leaves, cardboard, feathers, and other debris that might gather in a rain-swept gutter, picture book veteran Lois Ehlert creates unique fish collages to swim alongside her lively rhymes.
Why kids might like it: Not only is Rain Fish a fun read-aloud, it may also serve as inspiration for children to make found-object art of their own.
|
|
| Alaina and the Great Play by Eloise Greenfield; illustrated by Colin BootmanWhat it is: A day in the life of kindergartener Alaina, from her exuberant, jumping-on-the-bed morning to the long-awaited thrill of the school play, in which she gets to deliver the final lines.
Why kids might like it: Vivid, realistic illustrations and strong characterization make Alaina's excitement -- and the loving support of her community -- palpable.
Also available in eBook on Hoopla |
|
| The Little Mermaid by Jerry PinkneyWhat it is: A fresh spin on Hans Christian Andersen's classic, as imagined by picture book legend Jerry Pinkney.
Featuring: Melody, an inquisitive mermaid; Zion, the human girl Melody longs to meet; and the Sea Witch, the red-tentacled monster who gives Melody legs in exchange for her voice.
Why kids might like it: With an empowering new ending, an infusion of Black Girl Magic, and illustrations so lush you can practically feel the sea-spray, this retelling makes a splash. |
|
| Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley SayreWhat it is: A photo-illustrated thank-you note to the planet we call home.
What’s inside: Lilting, poetic words of gratitude for Earth’s gifts, set in large text; and a stunning array of nature photographs, including vivid close-ups of animals and plants as well as sweeping natural vistas. |
|
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
|
|
|
|
|
|