Picture Books
The katha chest
Radhiah Chowdhury
jE Chowdhury
Picture Books, Read Woke, Crafts
Asiya loves to visit Nanu's house and rummage through her katha chest filled with quilts that tell stories about the bold and brave women in Asiya's family.
Somewhere in the bayou
Jarrett Pumphrey
jE Pumphrey
Picture Books, Animals, Humor
Rat, Squirrel, Rabbit, and Mouse want to cross the bayou, but next to the log they are considering as a bridge is a sneaky tail, which may be attached to someone dangerous--each of the four approach the problem with a different strategy, with varying results.
The Pumphrey brothers' latest title is fabulous. Pick this one up if you're looking for something funny and fun to read aloud! -Casey
Knight owl
Christopher Denise
jE Denise
Picture Books
After achieving his dream of becoming a knight, a small owl protects the castle from a hungry dragon.
What more could you ask for than an owl that's a knight? With fun illustrations, great rhythm, and surprises this would be a great addition to any storytime repertoire. Opportunities for using your best theatrical voices too! -Frannie
No nibbling!
Beth Ferry
jE Ferry
Picture Books, Gardening, Humor
Derwood the goat has planted a garden and is prepared to defend it from all nibblers, including Tabitha the bunny, whom Derwood is convinced has designs on his growing vegetables; she teases him as the months go by, but after she helps him with the weeding the two become friends and share the feast.
Puns galore and adorable illustrations make perfect storytime fare! -Casey
Kat hats
Daniel Manus Pinkwater
jE Pinkwate
Picture Books
A trained cat who is able to form himself into specialty hats, Thermal Herman 6 7/8ths is world-renowned for his warmth and agility, but when a friend wanders off with a brain freeze and finds themself in peril, Thermal Herman must rush in to save the day.
This is one of the strangest picture books I have ever read, which is to say I loved it. Yes, the plot is all over the place, but that's hardly the point. Come for the kat hats, stay for amazing illustrations, original concept beyond compare, and the sort of creative fuel to start a mental bonfire. -Frannie
Women artists A to Z
Melanie LaBarge
jE LaBarge
Nonfiction, Picture Books, Biographies
An empowering alphabet book celebrates famous and less-represented women artists in a variety of genres who have transformed the art world, from Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe to Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Xenobia Bailey. --
I was reshelving this book on the bookmobile and my eyes were instantly drawn to the bright colors of the cover and the stylistic illustrations of the female artists. I read through the whole alphabet and learned about several artists I didn't know about and enjoyed learning about art history in the context of women's role in society during each artist's time. It's also very cool how the illustrator recreated each artist's work on their page but kept the same unique style throughout. So beautiful! -Mari
I'm not scared, you're scared!
Seth Meyers
jE Meyers
Picture Books
Bear is so timid that he is even afraid of his own reflection, but he does not like to admit that he is scared to his friend, Rabbit, who is very daring--but when Rabbit is in danger Bear finds the courage to rescue his friend.
Such a fun book! I heard about this delightful picture book from listening to an interview Meyers did with Fresh Air's Terry Gross, and was tempted to give it a try. Did not disappoint! I'm usually dubious of celebrity picture books, but often pleasantly surprised. This has all the hallmarks of a great read-a-long book and I recommend adding to your repertoire. -Frannie
The crab ballet
Renée LaTulippe
jE LaTulippe
Picture Books, Nature, Music
When the tide is out, the Crab Ballet begins, featuring anemones, squid, crabs and many other sea creatures, an aquatic corps de ballet performing for the reader.
Beautiful, entertaining, and educational! -Casey
Thingamabob
Marianna Coppo
jE Coppo
Picture Books
"What is a thingamabob? A thingamabob can be anything . . . and so can you! A sweet, empowering picture book about self-discovery from the acclaimed author-illustrator of Petra. In the beginning, the universe was one great big thing. Then that thing exploded into gobs and gobs of thingamabobs. All of the thingamabobs had a purpose . . . all except for one small, shapeless thingamabob. No one knew what it was for. It wasn't this or that. It wasn't here or there. What's the use of this thingamabob? But everything changes for Thingamabob when it makes a friend in the park. And Thingamabob realizes that if you aren't one thing . . . you can be everything!"--
Really fun whimisical illustrations bordering on minimalism. You'll be pulled in by the drawings and the same font as "Everyone Poops", but end the book feeling great about a story of inclusion that doesn't have moments of meanness like those types of stories normally have. Think the "Ugly Duckling" without the ugliness. -Frannie
A perfect day
Jennifer Yerkes
jE Yerkes
Picture Books, Nature
"One bright summer day, the animals of the pond create a symphony of sounds"--
Beautiful illustrations, minimalistic text, and ample space for performative storytelling make for a fabulous storytime read-aloud. Just right for sharing and beginning readers! -Casey
I love this new picture book about the intersection of family history and handicrafts, best shared in lap-sit sessions poring over the lush illustrations. -Casey