Picture Books
October 2020
Recent Releases
Sun Flower Lion
by Kevin Henkes

What it's about: While snoozing in the warmth of a flower-shaped sun, a little lion (whose mane resembles petals) dreams about a field of sun-drenched, scrumptious cookie-flowers.

Why kids might like it: Repeated shapes, gentle whimsy, and easy-to-read sentences give this book an inviting, approachable tone.

Who it's for: Bridging the gap between preschoolers and kids who've just started to read, Sun Flower Lion can be shared aloud by an experienced reader or explored independently by a beginner.
Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away
by Meg Medina; illustrated by Sonia Sánchez

Starring: Imaginative Daniela, who introduces readers to Evelyn, "my mejor amiga, my número uno best friend."

What happens: Living in nearly identical apartments and playing together every day, Daniela and Evelyn are so close that they feel like twins. But all of that changes when a moving truck arrives to take Evelyn and her family away.

Why kids might like it: A hopeful ending, a relatable friendship, and exaggerated, pattern-filled illustrations combine to give the book a warm, lived-in feel.
 
Also available in eBook, eAudiobook and Movie on Hoopla
Picture Book by Dog
by Michael Relth

Narrated by: Dog, an affable brown mutt who describes how he lived on the street and in a shelter before he was adopted by his best friend (a curly-haired girl) and her family.

Why kids might like it: While Dog's initial plight will tug on their heartstrings, kids will smile at Dog's well-intentioned mishaps as he adjusts to life with his forever family. (Don't miss Dog's map of places NOT to poop or chew!)
Bedtime Books
Just Because
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

What it's about: The time-honored bedtime-stalling tactic of asking questions.

What kind of questions? A not-sleepy child begins by asking why the ocean is blue, and follows up with queries such as "Why do leaves change color? What is a black hole? Why do people have to sleep?" For each question, the child's patient parent spins an imaginative answer.

Who it's for: Although kids who prefer factual answers may be disappointed, those who relish flights of fancy will be charmed.
All Ears, All Eyes
by Richard Jackson; illustrated by Katherine Tillotson

What it is: A hushed and awestruck dive into the sights and sounds of forest animals at twilight.

What's inside: Swirling lines and luminous colors distinguish the watercolor illustrations, while rhyming text rich with onomatopoeia invites both wonder and quiet calm.

Want a taste? "Fox, mouse, owl, bat, this and that (was that a cat?), in our deep, dark woods. Where? There! Shhh."
The Big Bed
by Bunmi Laditan; illustrated by Tom Knight

What it's about: One child's pitch about why she should get to sleep in the big bed with her mom, instead of her dad. (For starters, he already has a mommy, and he's not afraid of the dark.)

Why kids might like it: The contrast between the girl's businesslike dialogue and her intense demeanor generates sly humor that will amuse kids and adults alike.

About the author: Caregivers might recognize author Bunmi Laditan as the creator of the Honest Toddler blog.
Thank You and Good Night
by Patrick McDonnell

What it's about: A girl named Maggie hosts a sleepover for her pint-sized animal friends: bunny Clement, elephant Jean, and bear Alan Alexander. 

Why kids might like it: Winsome illustrations enhance the coziness of the animals' games and their before-bed gratitude practice, while playful details (like "nom nom nom" sounds during snacktime) temper the story's sweetness with humor.

Did you know? The adorable animals in this book are named after iconic children's book creators Clement Hurd, Jean de Brunhoff, and A.A. Milne.
Goodnight, Good Dog
by Mary Lyn Ray; illustrated by Rebecca Malone

What it's about: It's bedtime, but the little yellow dog in this book isn't ready for sleep. Instead, he remembers the happy events of his day until the soothing repetition of his memories makes him drowsy and ready to dream. 

Why kids might like it: Though its gentle lines and comforting colors have a more contemporary look, Goodnight, Good Dog recalls the classic simplicity of Margaret Wise Brown's Goodnight Moon, and is bound to become a bedtime favorite.
 
Also available in eBook on Hoopla
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!