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| Plátanos Go with Everything by Lissette Norman; illustrated by Sara PalaciosWhat it's about: Dominican American Yesenia describes the sensations, emotions, and cultural importance that accompany her very favorite food: plátanos (plantains).
Why kids might like it: Lyrical language evokes the sensory delights of plátanos, while warmly colored illustrations welcome readers into Yesenia's comfortable family home.
For fans of: Kevin Noble Maillard's Fry Bread, another joyful culinary exploration that's both culturally specific and broadly appealing.
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Groundhog gets it wrong
by Jess Townes
What it's about: when his mis-forecast ruins the spring carnival, Groundhog tries to make things right but ends up making them worse and realizes that the only way to truly fix his mistake is to literally learn his meteorological lessons.
Reviewers say: "...its cheery, animation-style digital cartooning makes an unmistakable point: there are no shortcuts to understanding one's calling, one's strengths, or the natural world."
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| Mister Kitty is Lost! by Greg PizzoliWhat it is: a playful, interactive story in which kids help the pigtailed protagonist search for the lost Mister Kitty through counting and color matching. Art alert: The dimensional, cut-paper illustrations are bold and attention-grabbing, yet still clear enough that young participants can easily count objects and find colors. Who it's for: preschoolers eager to flex their developing skills (as well as adults who'll appreciate the quirky conclusion). |
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| Very Good Hats by Emma Straub; illustrated by Blanca GómezThe premise: "Anything can be a hat if you believe it is."
What's inside: bold paper collage illustrations of people, animals, and objects embracing a flexible definition of "hat," including bath bubbles, pot lids, pet cats, and tiny acorn caps for fingertips.
Who it's for: Whether you're sharing it with a group or one individual child, Very Good Hats provides a perfect launch into further categorization activities or imaginative endeavors. |
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| Stanley's Secret by John Sullivan; illustrated by Zach ManbeckWhat it's about: Dedicated tap-dancer Stanley dreams of the stage, but is too shy to perform in front of anyone but his pet mice. However, after encouragement from new friends, Stanley decides to risk the school talent show.
The take-aways: It's worthwhile to pursue passion projects, and you might be surprised by how many people appreciate them.
Try this next: Mac Barnett's John's Turn, a similarly sweet and satisfying tale of a young dancer braving the spotlight. |
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| Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter; illustrated by Daniel MiyaresWhat it is: a nostalgic, detail-rich story about how one girl's choice to plant a seed leads to a beautiful pecan tree that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
How it's told: in dual visual timelines, with atmospheric, mixed-media art depicting young Nell lovingly tending a sapling alongside older Nell and her boisterous family enjoying the majestic tree. |
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| Sealed with a Kiss by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Olivier TallecStarring: Seal, a French newcomer at the zoo who's uncertain about the other animals' customs but eager to make friends.
What happens: Seal's enthusiastic kisses of greeting provoke a not-so-welcoming response from some animals, prompting others to make overtures of friendship that are comfortable for everyone.
Why kids might like it: Cute artwork and silly dialogue keep things breezy in this book about respecting boundaries while being mindful of cultural and personal differences. |
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| Don't Hug Doug (He Doesn't Like It) by Carrie Finison; illustrated by Daniel WisemanWhat it is: an upbeat and inclusive primer on consent and the various ways in which people do -- or don't -- prefer to show affection.
Starring: Doug, a kid who likes socks and rocks and chalk, and definitely likes you, but doesn't like hugs. He'd much rather do high fives!
Want a taste? "Can you hug these people? There's only one way to find out. ASK!" |
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| Group Hug by Jean Reidy; illustrated by Joey ChouStarring: a slug who offers an embrace to a lonesome beetle -- and then welcomes a mouse, a skunk, a goose, and many others into the comforting cuddle.
Read it for: goofy visuals (the bear provides a challenge for the hug-happy slug), playful rhymes, frequent repetition, and a good-natured message.
Try this next: Brian Won's Hooray for Hat! or Richard T. Morris' Bear Came Along for further animal hijinks in a cumulative, comical style. |
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| Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug by Jonathan Stutzman; illustrated by Jay FleckWhat it's about: Short-armed, large-headed, and kind-hearted T-rex Tiny is willing to try any advice if it teaches him how to give a consoling hug to his glum stegosaurus friend, Pointy.
Why kids might like it: The playfully self-referential text gives young readers a window into Tiny's thoughts as he discovers that friendship isn't limited by ability, and that "tiny" is a matter of perspective. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
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Picture Books February 2023 |
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