| The Perfect Place by Matt de la Peña; illustrated by Paola EscobarGetting a perfect grade on his robot report makes Lucas hyper-aware of how his seemingly perfect prep school compares to his family's shabby apartment. Thoughtfully detailed digital art follows Lucas as he begins to understand the benefits of imperfection. Read-alike: The Yellow Handkerchief by Donna Barba Higuera. |
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| Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing by Amy Hest; illustrated by Erin SteadGently muted watercolor illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Erin Stead boost the cozy, classic charm in this tale of two bears who gather their fishing supplies (poles, a book, fresh-baked scones) and embark on an idyllic, sweetly unproductive expedition. |
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| Go and Get with Rex by David LaRochelle; illustrated by Mike WohnoutkaFrom the award-winning duo behind See The Cat comes a new character: Rex, an adorable, anthropomorphic dog with some unconventional responses to an alphabet game. Featuring speech balloons, goofy visuals, and lighthearted humor, Go and Get with Rex is perfect for beginning readers.
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| Being Home by Traci Sorell; illustrated by Michaela GoadeThis spare, imaginative picture book is styled as a Cherokee child's sketchbook, detailing the journey as she and her mom leave the crowded city and are welcomed into a large, loving community on the reservation. With a multi-award-winning pair of Indigenous creators, Being Home is a must-read family story. |
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| Summer Is Here by Renée Watson; illustrated by Bea JacksonA young girl guides readers through her perfect summer day, including swimming, double dutch, blowing bubbles, and a communal cookout. This picture book debut from author Renée Watson overflows with delicious sensory details in the lyrical text and the sunshine-bright illustrations. |
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| This Beach Is Loud! by Samantha CotterillDuring a much-anticipated beach trip, a young boy is overwhelmed by the noisy, too-stimulating atmosphere until some support from Dad helps him enjoy a day of play. While it's designed specifically for kids who experience sensory processing issues, this own voices book (part of the Little Senses series) may appeal to a wide variety of readers. |
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| Little Houses by Kevin Henkes; illustrated by Laura DronzekQuiet wonder suffuses this story about a child visiting her grandparents at the seaside. Bold, up-close illustrations of the shells the child finds balance her expansive musings about the shells' former inhabitants and the mysteries of the deep ocean. Read-alike: Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse. |
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| Saving American Beach: The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee... by Heidi Tyline King; illustrated by Ekua HolmesIn this fascinating biography, vibrantly textured collage illustrations pay fitting tribute to MaVynee Betsch, the distinctly dressed opera singer turned eco-warrior who fought to preserve public access to American Beach, a piece of Florida coast purchased by her grandfather to combat segregation. |
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| Hot Dog by Doug SalatiWhen a summer's day in the city gets too hot and claustrophobic, the titular dachshund and his human travel to a breezy, beachy island where "a pup can run." Kids will be drawn in by the evocative atmosphere and the winsome dog's expressive body language. Hot Dog is the winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal. |
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| Jules vs. the Ocean by Jessie SimaWith a sunny summer color palette, this playful picture book pits the famously ephemeral nature of sand and waves against one defiant little girl who's determined to impress her big sister with a sandcastle. Read-alike: A Day for Sandcastles by JonArno Lawson. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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