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Picture Books October 2022 |
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| Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana ArandaWhat it's about: celebrating the Day of the Dead, as experienced by one family as they honor their beloved ancestors and prepare treats, music, and decorations for a special party (attended by the living and the dead).
Why kids might like it: Newcomers to these traditions will appreciate the colorfully illustrated introduction, while kids who are familiar will enjoy the heartfelt family story.
Kids might also like: Pat Mora's The Remembering Day or Yuyi Morales' Just In Case. |
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| Me and Muhammad Ali by Jabari Asim; illustrated by AG FordWhat it is: the uplifting story -- inspired by the author's family history -- of how a tenacious kid gets to meet iconic boxer and wordsmith Muhammad Ali.
How it's told: through bold, energetic illustrations and punchy poetry that begs to be read out loud.
Reviewers say: "This bundle of Black joy belongs on every bookshelf" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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| Farmhouse by Sophie BlackallWhat it's about: Over the years, a family of fourteen fills their beloved clapboard farmhouse with life and personal touches. Eventually, they move on, leaving the house ramshackle with neglect...until the author rediscovers it.
Art alert: Two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall uses materials found inside the real-life farmhouse (documented in a fascinating author's note) to add texture and dimension to the book's detail-rich, mixed-media illustrations. |
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| Over and Under the Waves by Kate Messner; illustrated by Christopher Silas NealWhat it is: a child's lyrical, wonder-filled exploration of the ocean's kelp forests and the biodiversity above and below the water's surface.
Including: abundant nature notes and graceful, vivid illustrations of sea life such as anemones, pelicans, whales, wolf eels, bat stars, moon jellies, sea otters, and leopard sharks.
Series alert: This is the latest in the Over and Under series -- check out the earlier books spotlighting life in a canyon, a rainforest, a pond, and a snowscape. |
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| I'm a Unicorn by Helen YoonStarring: a little brown calf with one horn, proud to be a unicorn until a book of "unicorn facts" fills them with self-doubt (after all, they don't poop rainbows).
What happens: An encounter with some storybook-typical unicorns makes them think they might've been too quick to judge themselves.
Why kids might like it: Goofy cartoon art and an affirming tone will provoke smiles from readers (and listeners) of all ages. |
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| All of the Factors of Why I Love Tractors by Davina Bell; illustrated by Jenny LovlieWhat it's about: When Frankie wants to check out another library book about tractors, his mom urges him to try something -- anything -- else. But Frankie knows what he likes and is eager to explain all about it.
Who it's for: kids who unabashedly embrace special interests, and the grown-ups who support them with endless re-reads.
Kids might also like: Tony Mitton's Tremendous Tractors and Daisy Hirst's I Like Trains. |
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| Have You Ever Seen a Flower? by Shawn HarrisWhat it's about: A city kid gets up-close with nature in this imaginative, multisensory romp through a field of wildflowers.
How it's told: metaphor-laden questions encourage young readers to ponder their own sensory experiences.
Art alert: Mesmerizing patterns enhance the book's thoughtful tone, while hyper-saturated neon flowers practically vibrate off the page with energy. |
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| The Lost Package by Richard Ho; illustrated by Jessica LananWhat it's about: After a child mails a carefully wrapped box, it begins a cross-country odyssey with the postal service -- until an accident leaves the final delivery in the hands of kind strangers.
Why kids might like it: Spare text keeps the focus on the illustrations, allowing readers and pre-readers alike to experience the gentle suspense in this warmhearted tale. |
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| Time for Kenny by Brian PinkneyWhat it is: episodic, everyday adventures from the perspective of endearing preschooler Kenny.
What happens: Kenny experiments with clothes while getting dressed, faces his fear of the roaring vacuum cleaner, learns that soccer is a "no-hands" game, and resists sleepiness for as long as he can.
Kids might also like: Puppy Truck or On the Ball, both featuring further slice-of-life stories and lithe, lively artwork by author/illustrator Brian Pinkney. |
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| Strollercoaster by Matt Ringler; illustrated by Raúl the Third and Elaine BayWhat it's about: When "inside feels too small" for toddler Sam, her dad has just the thing: a pell-mell stroller ride through the streets, hills, and tunnels of their bustling city community.
Art alert: Busy, dynamic illustrations bring even more verve to this upbeat story featuring eye-catching details, such as street art in both Spanish and English.
Try this next: Isabel Quintero's My Papi Has a Motorcycle, another exhilarating ride through a much-loved neighborhood. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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