Picture Books
March 2023
Recent Releases
In Every Life
by Marla Frazee

What it is: a lyrical, color-suffused album of moments in which we can experience mindfulness and gratitude. 

Want a taste? "In every birth, blessed is the wonder. In every smile, blessed is the light. In every hope, blessed is the doing. In every love, blessed are the tears." 

Who it's for: While creator Marla Frazee based this book on a Jewish baby-naming blessing, its warmth and sense of promise is accessible to kids and families of all kinds.
Sometimes It's Nice to Be Alone
by Amy Hest; illustrated by Philip C. Stead

What it is: an ode to introversion in which a glasses-wearing child enjoys the simple pleasure of being alone with her own imagination. 

How it's told: in vignettes, each one depicting the child's solo activities -- turning somersaults, crunching leaves, eating a snack -- followed by her imagined version, in which her animal toys become life-size and join in.

Who it's for: kids who love imaginative play, and anyone who enjoys whimsical artwork.
Good Morning, Good Night
by Anita Lobel

What it's about: From morning to evening, a family explores their city, taking time to "look and see" everywhere they go. 

Who it's for: Visually oriented kids who enjoy poring over pictures will savor the detail-rich art, rife with contrasts -- high and low, big and small, young and old -- for them to seek and find.
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past. 
 
Eyes That Speak to the Stars
by Joanna Ho; illustrated by Dung Ho

What it's about: After a friend makes him feel insecure about the shape of his eyes, a Chinese American boy finds comfort in seeing how his eyes can hold not only starshine or sunlight, but also a cherished resemblance to his grandfather, dad, and little brother.

Art alert: Sweeping illustrations of the cosmos are balanced by cozy, down-to-Earth family moments.

Try this next: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, a similarly affirming picture book from the same creative team.
Hot Dog
by Doug Salati

What it's about: When 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."

Why kids might like it: Spare yet vivid text allows the illustrations to shine, and kids will be drawn in by the evocative atmosphere and the winsome dog's expressive body language.

Award buzz: Hot Dog is the winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal.
Sir Ladybug
by Corey R. Tabor

What it's about: Despite his sword, round Sir Ladybug is gentle soul. When he and his friends Pell (a roly-poly) and Sterling (a snail) set out to save a caterpillar in peril, the knight saves the day not with fighting, but with clever creativity. 

Series alert: Sir Ladybug's quests continue in Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee and Sir Ladybug and the Bookworms.

Kids might also like: Katherine Battersby's Cranky Chicken, another playfully absurd graphic novel early reader.
Big Truck Little Island
by Chris Van Dusen

What it's about: When a huge tractor trailer gets stuck on a twisting, narrow road across a tiny island, no cars can get past in either direction. While the adults in the cars "stew and steam," the kids come up with an elegant solution.

Read it for: snappy rhymes, cool vehicles, arresting illustrations of the idyllic island, and a sweet tale of cooperation.

Did you know? This book is based on a true story.
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Daviess County Public Library
2020 Frederica Street
Owensboro, Kentucky 42301
(270) 684-0211

www.dcplibrary.org
Facebook   Twitter   YouTube   Instagram   Snapchat