There are hundreds of great picture books at most libraries and most book stores carry a handful of the well-known author and illustrators without keeping many new titles in stock. The selection can be overwhelming. After a long hiatus, I am bringing back my blog to help you find some fun and unique reads! I love feedback, please let me know what you think.
Sweety by Andrea Zuill
I mean, look at this naked mole-rat! What is not to love! Sweety does not fit in. She like a warrior princess, identifying fungi and interpretive dance. She is very jealous of Deb’s luxurious hair (which, because she is a naked mole-rat is literally a single hair). Through this charming and truly hilarious tale, Sweety learns that not only are mole-rats all different, but they can change. Her own Mom and Aunt were punk-rock mole-rats when they were younger! With rich animation and an endearing tale, kids and parents alike will want to revisit this book often.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Publication date: March 26, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-525-58000-3
Page Count: 32 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
Under My Hijab by Hena Khan, Illustrated by Aaliyah Jaleel
A young girl notices how and when her family and other Muslim women wear a hijab. Each page reveals a new observation of the child. She sees her grandma wear a hijab at the bakery, but not while baking at home. She observes that her mother wears her hijab at her doctor’s office, but not while gardening. Of course, my favorite reference is her pink and purple-haired Aunt who lives brightly, and when she wears a hijab it is pinned with a brooch. This simple text and soft, comforting illustrations educate while they tell a story. A perfect introduction to this tradition for those who are unfamiliar with it, or a lovely affirmation of the tradition for those who follow it.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Publication date: February 5, 2019
ISBN: 978-1620147924
Page Count: 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Skulls! by Blair Thornburgh, Illustrated by Scott Campbell
Kind of creepy, a bit of science and biology and a whole lot of fun, Skulls! is one of my favorite picture books of 2019. Most kids don’t know what a skull is. They don’t realize that they have one, that everyone and every living creature has one too. This book explains that and a few other facts with a bouncy, cool style and awesome water colored illustrations. Count the skulls! Look at all of the different shapes! Help kids to look at the world a little differently with this fabulous book.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Publication date: July 23, 2019
ISBN: 978-1534414006
Page Count: 40 pages
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
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