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Picture Books January 2021 |
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Do Not Let Your Dragon Spread Germs
by Julie Gassman; illustrated by Andy Elkerton
What it's about: "Your dragon loves to hug and high-five and shake hands and sing and blow bubbles and share happiness everywhere she goes. Dragons want to spread joy to everyone! But some of those actions are also spreading germs. It's time to wash your hands, mask up, and teach your dragon how to share joy in a safe and healthy way.
What's inside: Author Julie Gassman uses rhyming text, relatable examples, and a diverse cast of characters to teach kids about germs in the sixth book in the Do Not Take Your Dragon picture book series" (from Hoopla).
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| Can Bears Ski? by Raymond Antrobus; illustrated by Polly DunbarSay what? Little Bear can feel lots of things, like his bed rumbling when Dad Bear wakes him up in the morning. But he's often uncertain when people say things, especially when everyone keeps asking him "can bears ski?" Maybe visiting someone called an audiologist will help...
Says who? Both the author and the illustrator use their own experiences of deafness to inform an authentic story filled with expressive illustrations, complete with a satisfying explanation of the titular question. |
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Everybody counts : A Counting Story from 0 to 7.5 Billion
by Kristin Roskifte; translated by Siân Mackie.
What it is: A celebration of the differences found in people invites readers to count from zero to 7.5 billion.
What's inside: "A lot of secrets to be discovered for the sharp-eyed! You'll see that everyone is different, everyone has their own life, and that--most importantly--everybody counts. At the end, a spotting section allows you to go back and have even more fun."
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Ten beautiful things
by Molly Beth Griffin
What happens: Lily is moving into her grandmother's farm in Iowa, and she is sad about all the changes necessary in her life--but on the long drive her grandmother challenges her to find ten beautiful things that they can share together.
Read it for: "Ten Beautiful Things leaves the exact cause of Lily's move ambiguous, making it perfect for anyone helping a child navigate change, whether it be the loss of a parent, entering or leaving a foster home, or moving" (from Goodreads).
Also available as an eBook.
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Lion needs a haircut
by Hyewon Yum
What it is: A relatable exploration of the universal fear of getting a first haircut follows the experiences of a little lion who insists that he is neither scared nor worried but simply does not want a haircut, before discovering that his equally shaggy father does not want one, either.
What happens: When Lion's father insists he needs a haircut, Lion resists, not because he is afraid, but because he likes looking like his father.
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Focus on: African American Illustrators
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| Hair Love: A Celebration of Daddies and Daughters Everywhere by Matthew A. Cherry; illustrated by Vashti HarrisonWhat it's about: From beaded braids to perky puffs, Zuri loves expressing herself through her curly, natural hair. And today, she's going for an extra-special style with some help from her devoted dad.
Media alert: This book is based on author Matthew A. Cherry's Oscar-winning animated short, which you can stream on YouTube.
Kids might also like: Nancy Redd's Bedtime Bonnet or Derrick Barnes' Crown, two other sweet and joyful picture books celebrating Black hair. |
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The stuff of stars
by Marion Dane Bauer; illustrated by Ekua Holmes
What it is: The Newbery Honor-winning author of On My Honor and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award-winning artist of Out of Wonder vibrantly describe the void that existed before the Big Bang generated life throughout the galaxy, making it possible for wondrous human children to evolve.
More about the Illustrator: "Growing up in Boston’s neighborhoods, Holmes was profoundly influenced by what she saw was an absence of positive Black images and believed that art could fill this void. Holmes became the founder and director of The Great Black Art Collection, providing a platform for emerging artists while introducing Black art to new audiences" (from ekuaholmes.com).
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| Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons; illustrated by Daniel MinterWhat it's about: At a big family reunion, Lil' Alan worries that he doesn't have a tribute to share like the other kids. Inspiration finally strikes, however, after he sees the family's deep connection to Granny's farm.
Art alert: Textured, color-washed illustrations add depth and a palpable atmosphere of warmth to this story, making it relatable and reassuring for many kids.
Reviewers say: it's a "necessary reminder of the power in families coming together" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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| Saturday by Oge MoraWhat it’s about: Ava looks forward to Saturdays all week long, because it’s the one day she gets to spend with her hardworking mom. This Saturday, however, none of their cherished, eagerly anticipated activities are going as planned.
Read it for: a touching and realistic parent-child relationship, as well as a practical example of how to move on from disappointment.
Art alert: Lively cut-paper collages distinguish this reassuring read by Caldecott honoree Oge Mora. |
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| The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Frank MorrisonWhat it is: a rhythmic, free-flowing, free verse tribute to the origins of hip-hop, accompanied by smooth yet striking illustrations filled with famous faces.
Who it’s for: young fans who might not know the history of their favorite music, as well as caregivers eager to share their love of classic hip-hop.
Further reading: For a deeper dive into the life of a hip-hop innovator, pick up Laban Carrick Hill’s When the Beat Was Born. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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