| Serafina Makes Waves by Matthew Burgess; illustrated by Robin RosenthalMeet Serafina, a little cat with a gigantic loathing for water. When her parents insist on swim lessons, Serafina's attempts to avoid the pool are hilariously histrionic -- until her beloved stuffed bunny, Noodles, requires an aquatic rescue. Prepare for repeat read-alouds of this buoyant tale.
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Forty the Fortune Teller
by Drew Daywalt
A laugh-out-loud funny graphic novel-style picture book about a paper fortune teller left behind at recess who ends up saving the day, by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Day the Crayons Quit. What's a fortune teller to do when she's dropped on the ground half-finished when the bell rings to mark the end of recess? Make friends and save the day, that's what! In this hilarious graphic novel-style picture book, Forty the Fortune Teller, along with her friends Potato Chip and Basketball convince a team of chewed-up chewing gum to help repair the playground slide so that the kids at school won't get hurt. This story is totally wacky, totally adorable, and a perfect read-aloud for a storytime.
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The Sweater: A Story of Community by Larissa TheuleAn unforgettable picture book about the power of kindness and the importance of community.As Holly takes her morning stroll in the thicket, she comes across a small bird. It was plain to see he'd been through some things. The bird is alone and trying to find shelter for the winter. And Holly knows exactly what to do to help.
Illustrating the transformative role a community can play in caring for its members, The Sweater is a powerful and poignant tale of compassion and acceptance.
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Becoming Boba by Joanna Ho From New York Times bestselling creators Joanna Ho and Amber Ren comes a sweet, bubbly story about self-love and belonging. In Milk Tea Town, where tradition reigns, Mindy stands out with her bright green, white, and red colors among the classic shades of brown. Worried she isn’t “milk tea enough,” Mindy explores the town’s history with her friends—only to uncover a surprising truth that could change everything. A charming tale about embracing who you are, with a gentle reflection on Asian American identity and the immigrant experience.
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| Shrinking Violet by Laurel Snyder; illustrated by LeUyen PhamViolet lives in a seaside castle with her companion, Bird. Bird loves exploring, but Violet is cautious, since feelings of fear or anger cause her to physically shrink or grow. Can she ever figure out how to stay grounded enough to expand her horizons? Swirling colors and inventive perspectives will help kids understand Violet's changing emotions in this sensitive fantasy. |
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| Everything's Wrong! A Bear, a Hare, and Trouble Everywhere by Jory John; illustrated by Erin KraanFrom lost socks and head-on collisions to bees, burrs, and spilled breakfasts, Jeff the bear and Anders the hare are having a morning full of misadventure. But maybe, with a bit of space to manage their reactions, they can salvage the day? For fans of: the previous funny and heartfelt Bear and Hare books, Something's Wrong! and Nothing's Wrong!. |
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| Accident! by Andrea TsurumiMortified that she spilled juice on the couch, Lola the armadillo flees to the library, but her escape is hampered by an epic, ongoing pile-up of mishaps and mayhem. This uproarious read is ultimately reassuring, and Booklist declares that "poring over the riotous illustrations is pure joy." |
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| How to Pee Your Pants The Right Way by Rachel Michelle WilsonThough this playful picture book about pants-wetting focuses on an anthropomorphic owlet, it also provides matter-of-fact reassurance to readers: "We've all been there." The suggested coping techniques -- such as starting a food fight as a distraction or repurposing a lampshade as trousers -- may be outrageously silly, but the overall message of genuine empathy is sure to resonate. |
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| Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival by Kat Zhang; illustrated by Charlene ChuaIn this sweet and relatable 5th volume of the Amy Wu series, Amy is excited to celebrate the Lantern Festival of the Lunar New Year -- until she accidentally smashes her family's heirloom lantern. Devastated, Amy needs reassurance from Dad before accepting that traditions can evolve and repair doesn't have to be perfect. Read-alike: Broken by X. Fang. |
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