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Picture Books January 2025 |
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| The Band in Our Basement by Kelly J. Baptist; illustrated by Jenin MohammedWhen a pair of up-too-late siblings sneak downstairs for a peek at Daddy's band practicing in the basement, they get a surprising invitation to a raucous family jam session. Rhythm and wordplay combine with jazzy collage art in this upbeat read that works for storytime and bedtime alike. |
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| Bunny Hop by Sarah Hwang A cornucopia of adjectives brings a stealthy language-learning element to this minimally illustrated and easy-to-read tale of an adorable pink bunny who hops into an unattended kitchen and feasts on an appetizing array of foods. |
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| Eli and the Uncles by Jehan Madhani; illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh In this winsome family story, readers get to meet little Eli and his eight uncles. The uncles all have differing skills, personalities, and fabulous beards, and they're all portrayed in whimsically exaggerated illustrations that are sure to make kids smile. Read-alike: Adam Rex's Oh No, the Aunts Are Here. |
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| Thank You, Everything by Icinori; translated by Emilie Robert Wong Beginning as a child's simple litany of thanks to everyday objects, an unexpected twist turns this story into a globetrotting exploration of gratitude for everything from colors to concepts. Leaving room for audience interpretation and connections, this unusual book will be best enjoyed by thoughtful and creative children. |
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| Lefty: A Story That Is Not All Right by Mo Willems; illustrated by Dan SantatPopular kidlit creators Mo Willems and Dan Santat bring their idiosyncratic charms to this historical overview of left-handedness. Willems infuses the text with equal parts silliness and affirmation, while Santat blends photography with an array of drawing styles in the offbeat illustrations. |
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| I'm From by Gary R. Gray Jr.; illustrated by Oge Mora The question "Where are you from?" can feel loaded, but for the young hero of this story in verse, it's an invitation to affirm his identity and community. Depicted in collage art overflowing with texture and pattern, this slice of life is "intimate, poetic, singular, and broadly relatable" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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| The Red Jacket by Bob HoltLonely, insecure seagull Bob suddenly becomes friendly and confident after he's randomly gifted a jaunty red jacket that's like "wearing a big hug." Can this new attitude persist even after he loses the jacket? Expressive cartoon illustrations heighten the accessible feel of this goofy modern fable. |
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| Masala Chai, Fast and Slow by Rajani LaRocca; illustrated by Neha Rawat Young Aarav is excitable and speedy, while his grandfather Thatha is slow and deliberate. But every day they come together to make afternoon chai. With illustrations as warm as a homemade cup of tea, this intergenerational tale is a just-right cozy read. Read-alikes: Chaiwala! by Priti Birla Maheshwari; Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed. |
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| Hidden Gem by Linda LiuWhile visiting a gem musuem, a wide-eyed anthropomorphic rock offers up deep, kid-friendly ruminations on what it means to be special. Rock-loving children will be drawn to the illustrations; readers of all ages may come away with strengthened appreciation for their own uniqueness. Read-alike: Deb Pilutti's Old Rock (Is Not Boring). |
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| The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith A compassionate child with a gift for painting sees injustice around him and decides it's time "to take ACTION with my ART." Examples of how art can create change bring both joy and inspiration to this "empowering call to action" (Booklist). Read-alike: Lubaya's Quiet Roar by Marilyn Nelson. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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