Picture Book List: 4 Picture Books That Showcase Kidlit Agents’ Favorite Elements—and Why They Shine

On December 23, 2024December 19, 2024 By Only Picture BooksIn Picture Book ListsLeave a comment

Last month, I shared a list of picture books that kidlit editors frequently mention, and I got a lot of nice notes about it! So, I’m bringing back the concept—this time with insights from some of the wonderful literary agents who are friends of the blog.

I asked four agents to name a picture book they often reference when talking to clients or writers about what makes a story shine. Each book showcases qualities that agents admire, from compelling narratives to unforgettable art. While I’m keeping their names private to avoid any unintended favoritism, their thoughtful feedback is reflected in the commentary below.

If the language is in quotation marks, it’s directly from the agents. The rest is from me. Enjoy!

Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Why Agents Love It:

Economy of Text: “This book is proof that less can truly be more. Every word is purposeful, and the space between the lines lets the illustrations tell so much of the story.”
Celebration of Individuality: Julian’s journey of self-expression is told with tenderness and authenticity, making it a standout example of how inclusive stories can feel universal without being preachy. “It’s the kind of book that shows you don’t need to explain everything—sometimes the best stories trust the reader to feel the message.”
Art That Transports You: The lush, painterly illustrations are a visual feast. “Every page feels like stepping into Julian’s world, and the quiet magic of the art lingers long after you close the book.”

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

Why Agents Love It:

Timeless Themes: Omu’s generosity and the community’s gratitude create a feel-good story that celebrates kindness and connection. “It’s one of those books that feels like it’s been around forever—and I mean that as the highest compliment.”
Unique Art Style: Mora’s collage illustrations are rich, textured, and vibrant. “There’s a warmth and energy to the artwork that makes every page feel alive. You can almost smell the stew simmering!”
Perfect for Read-Alouds: With its rhythmic, repetitive structure, this book practically begs to be read aloud. “The storytelling cadence makes it a go-to for libraries and classrooms—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.”

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López

Why Agents Love It:

A Universal Yet Personal Theme: This book speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong. “It’s a quiet powerhouse of a story—one that gives kids (and adults) permission to embrace their differences and share their truths.”
Lyrical Text: Woodson’s poetic language lends the story an emotional depth that lingers long after the last page. “The writing is so lyrical and beautiful, you almost want to read it aloud just to hear the words again.”
Stunning Illustrations: López’s bold, vibrant illustrations perfectly complement the text, capturing the emotions of the characters and drawing readers into the story. “The interplay between the words and art is magical—this is what picture books are all about.”

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Why Agents Love It:

Humor with Heart: This hilarious story about a dinosaur learning to navigate the social challenges of school strikes the perfect balance between funny and heartfelt. “It’s laugh-out-loud funny, but it also sneaks in such a sweet message about kindness and empathy.”
Relatable Concept: Starting school is a major milestone, and this book cleverly addresses first-day jitters in a way that feels fresh and engaging. “It’s such a smart take on school anxiety—familiar, but with a totally unexpected twist.”
Lasting Appeal: Its humor and relatability ensure that it’s a favorite for both kids and adults. “The kind of book parents don’t mind reading over and over—and believe me, that matters.”

If you’re a picture book creator, take note of what makes these books shine—they might just inspire your next project!

Educational Activities: Hey, Bruce!: An Interactive Book by Ryan T. Higgins

On April 15, 2024July 14, 2024 By Only Picture BooksIn Educational Activities, Reading Activities1 Comment

Hey, Bruce!: An Interactive Book
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins
20 September 2022
Disney Hyperion
48 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “In Hey, Bruce!, Bruce the bear experiences … well, whatever readers want him to.

Rupert, Thistle, and Nibbs, the fun-loving mice in Bruce’s begrudgingly expansive family, guide readers on a quest for a fun reading experience, with Bruce the ever-reluctant star. As readers turn the page, flip the book, and follow the mice’s increasingly silly instructions, Bruce is sent flying and tumbling—all as he looks right up the reader’s nose! How will you interact with Bruce?

Bruce’s life is what YOU, the reader, make it in this special interactive addition to the award-winning Mother Bruce series.”

Need some reviews for Hey, Bruce!?

Educational Activities inspired by Hey, Bruce!:

Before Reading–From looking at the front cover:
- Take a good look at the cover. What clues can you find about what might happen in the story? What does Bruce’s expression tell you?
- Knowing it’s an interactive book, what sorts of silly things do you think the mice might ask you to do?
- What questions would you like to ask the author–or the Bruce himself!–before reading the book?
- Have you read any of the other Mother Bruce books by Ryan T. Higgins? If so, what’s one thing you remember about them?
After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story:
- One mouse says he can see up the reader’s nose. How did you react to that?
- What was the funniest or most surprising thing that the mice asked you to do?
- What did you want to do beyond what the mice asked you to do?
- Did you feel sorry for Bruce at any point?
- What was your favorite part of the book and why?
- Which illustration surprised you the most? Which did you like best?
- Would you recommend this book to a friend? What part would you tell them about first?
Bruce Says! Play a round of “Bruce Says” – have one person be “Bruce” and give silly commands from the book (“Pat Bruce’s head!” or maybe “Tickle Bruce’s toes!”).
The Giggles Report: Draw a picture of the funniest part of the book. Write a silly caption to go with it!
Build a Bruce Fort: Build your own cozy naptime fort with blankets and pillows – just like Bruce would love!
Rhyme Masters: Pick a word from the book (shake, wiggle, nose) and write as many rhymes for it as you can!
Your Interactive Story: What silly things would YOU put in an interactive book? Write or draw your ideas!
Further Reading: Hey Bruce! An Interactive Book isn’t your typical picture book. It breaks the fourth wall, meaning the characters in the story know they’re in a book and directly talk to the reader!
Here are some other picture books that use this playful technique. Which of these have you read before? Which would you want to read first?

Picture Book List: 20 Terrific Books About School

On August 29, 2022August 29, 2022 By Only Picture BooksIn Picture Book Lists

Since it’s Back to School time pretty much everywhere, it just made sense to have this special Monday post about some of the best picture books about school. If I missed YOUR favorite picture book about school, drop me a note in the comments and I’ll try to include your fave in a future list or Bonus Goody post.

Brand-new Pencils, Brand-new Books by Diane deGroat (June 2007)

From Goodreads: “Gilbert, the popular star of deGroat’s New York Times bestseller Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink, returns in this humorous and reassuring back-to-school story, in which Gilbert experiences his first day in first grade.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–8

Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Adam Rex (June 2015)

From Goodreads: “It is Chu’s first day of school. Chu is nervous. He hopes the other boys and girls will be nice. Will they like him? What will happen at school today? Will Chu do what Chu does best?”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 1–5

David Goes to School by David Shannon (May 2021)

From Goodreads: “David’s teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David’s high-energy antics fill each school day with trouble—and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-behaved reader.

In ‘David Goes to School’, young David shows up late to class, goes wacko at the blackboard, chews gum in class, yells answers out of turn, pulls pigtails, stares out the window, cuts in line, has a food fight (“I don’t care who started it!” says the teacher), lingers at recess, and more. Colorful, hilarious, childlike illustrations examine our strangely appealing demon-boy at eye level.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–6

Don’t Eat the Teacher! by Nick Ward (January 1998)

From Goodreads: “Sammy has trouble controlling his enthusiasm on his first day of school.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 2–6

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love (February 2000)

From Goodreads: “Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn’t want to start over at a new school. She doesn’t know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton, who helps smooth her jittery transition. This charming and familiar story will delight readers with its surprise ending.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–8

First Grade Jitters by Robert Quackenbush, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene (June 2010)

From Goodreads: “Perfect for nervous/excited kids about to go to school (and their parents!), this engaging story convinces parents and children alike that there is no place cooler than a first-grade classroom. Time to shake those jitters!

Here is the story of a young boy who is about to enter first grade and doesn’t know quite what to expect. Will his friends be there? Will he have to know how to read and spell? What if he can’t understand anything his teacher says?

Looks like a case of first grade jitters!”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–6

Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz (September 1998)

From Goodreads: “Froggy’s mother knows that everyone’s nervous on the first day of school. “Not me!” says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop — flop flop flop. Froggy’s exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun.“This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation.…A charming story to calm those pre-school jitters.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 2–6

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child (August 2005)

From Goodreads: “Lola is not so sure about school. After all, why would she need to count higher than ten when she never eats more than ten cookies at a time? Once again, it’s up to ever-patient big brother Charlie to persuade Lola that school is worthwhile — and that her invisible friend, Soren Lorensen, will be welcome, too.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–7

I Got the School Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison (July 2020)

From Amazon: “This exuberant celebration of the first day of school illustrated by award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison will have every kid cheering for school to begin!

Summer is over, and this little girl has got the school spirit! She hears the school spirit in the bus driving up the street–VROOM, VROOM!–and in the bell sounding in the halls–RING-A-DING! She sings the school spirit in class with her friends–ABC, 123!”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–6

If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen (June 2015)

From Goodreads: “In this exuberant companion to If I Built a Car, a boy fantasizes about his dream school–from classroom to cafeteria to library to playground.

My school will amaze you. My school will astound.
By far the most fabulous school to be found!
Perfectly planned and impeccably clean.
On a scale, 1 to 10, it’s more like 15!
And learning is fun in a place that’s fun, too.

If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court in the gym, a robo-chef to serve lunch in the cafeteria, field trips to Mars, and a whole lot more. The inventive boy who described his ideal car and house in previous books is dreaming even bigger this time.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–8

Little Mole Goes to School by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sally Garland (July 2022)

From Goodreads: “It’s Little Mole’s first day of school, and he’s nervous. What if he is the last to know his alphabet? What if he’s not good at anything? With a good bit of anxiety, Little Mole heads to class and begins to compare himself to his peers. How will he ever measure up? But soon a crisis on the playground reveals that he has everything he needs in his own two paws to save the day. In this third installment of the Little Mole series, author Glenys Nellist and illustrator Sally Garland spin another endearing tale of the beloved Little Mole, his encouraging mama, and his forest friends. Children will relate to Little Mole’s feelings of self-doubt, will cheer him on when he discovers his unique gifts and talents, and will be inspired to confront their own insecurities and celebrate what they have to offer, too.”

Pages: 36
Reading Age: 2–5

A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade by James Preller, illustrated by Greg Ruth (June 2013)

From Goodreads: “Arr! It’s the first day of first grade, and it’s all hands on deck for a young pirate and his crew. How much trouble can they get into? What will they do at recess? And, most important, what treasure awaits them at school?”

Pages: 48
Reading Age: 3–6

Pterodactyl Show and Tell by Thad Krasnesky, illustrated by Tanya Leonello (October 2018)

From Goodreads: “When a boy brings his pterodactyl to school for show-and-tell, hilarious havoc ensues. The creature’s delightfully demented antics, the kids’ expressions as they try to avoid the hungry pterodactyl, and the out-of-control imagination of the boy yield a wild and wacky romp. Kids who dig dinosaurs will devour this preposterous pterodactyl tale written in rhyming couplets and teeming with edgy school-age humor and giggle-inducing illustrations.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–7

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson (June 2016)

From Goodreads: “It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially … the school.”

Pages: 40
Reading Age: 5–6

The Class from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler, illustrated by Jared Lee (June 2009)

From Goodreads: “Is it true that the new class REALLY is just a bunch of horrible ghouls? The new teacher has heard all sorts of weird stories about her students. What will she find when the students arrive?”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 4–8

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (July 2019)

From Goodreads: “Starting kindergarten is a big milestone–and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements–and then wake up to start another day.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–6

The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Julie Durrell (July 2001)

From Goodreads: “It’s the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all—saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won’t be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 5–6 years

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins (June 2018)

From Goodreads: “Penelope the dinosaur starts school, but it’s hard to make friends when her classmates are so delicious!

It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates. But it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all… Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from award-winning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.”

Pages: 48
Reading Age: 3–6

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes (April 2010)

From Goodreads: “Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start. And Wemberly worried even more. If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you.

Wemberly worried about spilling her juice, about shrinking in the bathtub, even about snakes in the radiator. She worried morning, noon, and night. “Worry, worry, worry,” her family said. “Too much worry.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–6

Wow! School! by Robert Neubecker (April 2011)

From Goodreads: “What could be more WOW! than the first day of school?
From science and storytime to music and math, Izzy’s classroom is full of new things to explore. Tag along with Izzy and experience the wonder and excitement of school from a child’s-eye view.”

Pages: 32
Reading Age: 3–7

Picture Book List: 12 Great Picture Books About Mothers

On April 29, 2019April 28, 2019 By Only Picture BooksIn Picture Book Lists

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it seems more than appropriate to sit back and take a good, long look at some of the best picture books featuring mothers of all types.

This is not an exhaustive list of every single picture book written by, about, for, or including mothers–there are MANY quality ones out there. The 12 included in this list are simply a small selection of OPB favorites.

Enjoy! And happy Mother’s Day!

Hair for Mama by Kelly A. Tinkham (illustrated by Amy June Bates)

It’s Family Photo Time, yet Mama doesn’t want her picture taken because she’s embarrassed. The chemo she’s receiving to treat her cancer has made her hair fall out. Leave it to eight-year-old Marcus to come up with a plan because it won’t be the same without her.

My Monster Mama Loves Me So by Laura Leuck (illustrated by Mark Buehner)

This rhyming bedtime story is sure to please young readers. Sure, it’s fine for Halloween, but this monster mama’s love is worth reading about any time of the year. Be warned: your kids might soon be asking for lizard juice on ice or cookies with bugs!

Enjoy a video read-aloud of My Monster Mama Loves Me So.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (illustrated by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak)

First published in 1993, this book is widely used on the first day of school in kindergarten because it helps kids feel reassured anytime the world feels a little bit scary. Young readers will enjoy learning about Chester Raccoon’s secret–the kissing hand–that makes a new experience (like the first day of school) feel just as safe and cozy as being home with family.

Enjoy a video read-aloud of The Kissing Hand.

Mama’s Saris by Pooja Makhijani (illustrated by Elena Gomez)

Mom has a suitcase full of silk, cotton, and embroidered saris, and when her daughter finds them, she wants to dress in those beautiful garments too. Of course, Mom understands this, and for the child’s seventh birthday, Mom allows her to dress beyond years–just for one magical day.

This sweet book captures every child’s wish to be just like their parents.

My New Mom & Me by Renata Galindo

If you’re looking for a book about nontraditional families, this is a great place to start. This emotional tale about a cat mom and a dog child (he’s a bit older than one might expect) is a good conversation-starter for foster or adoptive school-aged kids. I dare you not to feel weepy when the dog paints on stripes to be more like his new mom, and she washes them off because “She likes that we are different.”

Did I Tell You I Love You Today? by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan (illustrated by Shane W. Evans)

I’m from Chicago, so I can’t help myself. This book–written by basketball legend Michael Jordan’s mother and sister–has to appear on this list. It does a very good job at showing the routines that effective parents have, even if you’re not a big fan of the Chicago Bulls or Michael Jordan (the greatest basketball player ever).

Kirkus call it a “tender read-aloud.” OPB agrees.

Enjoy a video read-aloud of Did I Tell You I Love You Today?

Mommy, Mama, and Me by Lesléa Newman (illustrated by Carol Thompson)

Many know Lesléa Newman for her groundbreaking book Heather Has Two Mommies and for her terrific interview at Only Picture Books! 🙂

Using rhythmic text and striking mixed-media illustrations, this book shares the gentle, nurturing relationship of a lesbian couple and their little child. It does not get preachy or overly philosophical–it simply presents the clear, honest love that parents have for their child.

Enjoy a video read-aloud of Mommy, Mama, and Me.

Mom School by Rebecca Van Slyke (illustrated by Priscilla Burris)

From the publisher: “Imagine what would happen if moms went to Mom School! In this adorable kid’s‑eye view of what would happen if Mom went to school, a little girl imagines Mom School, where all moms learn their amazing skills, like fixing a bike tire and baking cupcakes. With warm, funny illustrations and a fun role-reversal story in which moms act like kids, young readers will love imagining what would happen if their own moms went to Mom School.”

Is Mommy? by Victoria Chang (illustrated by Marla Frazee)

From poet Victoria Chang comes this irreverent tale about toddlers and mommies that’s ultimately an insightful look on motherhood from a kid’s point of view. “Is Mommy fun or boring? BORING!” Spoiler: toddles love their mommies anyway. No matter what.

Just Like My Mom by David Melling

The mischievous lion cub in this story wants to show how he can act just like his mom. When it comes to bedtime, though, no one’s as terrific as she is. Melling is one of the UK’s best-loved author/illustrators. Check out Just Like My Mom (the Australian version is called Just Like My Mummy) and see why.

Enjoy a video read-aloud of Just Like My Mom.

Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Leave it to Ryan T. Higgins to create a fresh take on the “Are You My Mother?” tale. In this and Higgins’ other Bruce titles (5 total so far), poor Bruce just wants to have a good meal. But sometimes when you plan on having hard-boiled goose eggs for dinner, things go sideways. Yet even a grump like Bruce can summon maternal instincts when a group of goslings decide he’s their mommy. To no one’s surprise, Higgins’ illustrations are (once again) hilarious and captivating.

Enjoy a video read-along of Mother Bruce.

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown (illustrated by Clement Hurd)

In this classic (first published in 1942, it has never been out of print), a young bunny chooses to run away. “If you run away,” his mother says, “I will run after you. For you are my little bunny.” And so the imaginary game of chase begins. Generations of readers have fallen in love with this story’s reassuring words and soft, gentle pictures.

Enjoy a video read-aloud of The Runaway Bunny.

Only Picture Books’ 18 Favorites of 2018

On December 31, 2018December 31, 2018 By Only Picture BooksIn OPB Favorites, Picture Book Lists

What better way to close out 2018 than with a list of OPB’s 18 favorites from this past year?

Some of these titles appeared in the (digital) pages of OPB.

Some didn’t. (Alas, this isn’t a comprehensive PB review site like PW, Kirkus, or others.)

But make no mistake–I’m a fan of these 18 titles. I’ll even offer up a sentence or three for each to give a sense about why I liked them.

Note #1: Every book listed below is a total winner via my super-subjective estimation. By that, I mean:

I own a copy. (Yep. Not just the freebie ARCs/galleys here!)
I’d be happy to read any of these with a child.
I’d be happy to re-read any of these, even without a child handy.
I’d be happy to have written, illustrated, and/or edited ANY of these.
I’d be pleased as Hawaiian punch for any of the involved authors, illustrators, and editors to hit up OPB for an interview. HINT HINT HINT!

Note #2: They aren’t ranked in any particular way, save alphabetically by title. Want to know the #1 picture book of 2018? Read them yourself and make your own choice. Post your choice as a comment here. Or offer it up on your social media. Or add your glowing recommendation on an Amazon or Goodreads page.

Note #3: I like notes.

Note #4: There should be more picture books about sloths. (Please refer to question #1 of the Speed Round of editor Kait Feldmann’s OPB interview for proof of this profound sloth lack!)

Note #5: Refer to notes 1–4, as needed.

Are You Scared, Darth Vader? by Adam Rex (3 July 2018)

I often bring a picture book to share at my SCBWI PALs meetings, and this one brought the house down. It’s loads of fun, but it’s far more than just a Star Wars nostalgia riff. Well done, Mr. Rex!

Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson (9 October 2018)

If you liked Last Stop on Market Street, you’ll love de la Peña’s new book that powerfully spotlights children who are worthy of our attention. Plus Robinson’s acrylic paintings are rich and captivating. Simply terrific.

Enjoy an Oct 2018 interview about Carmela Full of Wishes with Matt and Christian at PW.

A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Marlon Bundo and Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG Keller

To everyone’s surprise, political satire and picture books can go together like chocolate and peanut butter. Plus Jim Parsons really rocks it on the audio version.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López (28 August 2018)

It’s a memorable, inclusive story with lyrical writing and dreamy art. This is a book for every child who feels alone (which is to say “everybody” at one time or another).

Here’s The New York Times article on two of Woodson’s books (including this one).

Drawn Together by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat (5 June 2018)

This gorgeous book shows the power of art–and the creative process–in action. It’s a visual WOW.

Here’s a June 2018 NPR interview with Minh Lê about Drawn Together.

Giraffe Problems by Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith (25 September 2018)

About twice a month, I go to my local library and grab two huge bags of whatever picture books catch my eye. Then I read them all at home. That’s the story of how I got introduced to this book, and it was the star of the whole batch by far. Clever. And full of positive messages too.

Here’s a Dec 2018 “speed interview” with Jory John on this cool book.

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang (15 May 2018)

The simplistic yet powerfully expressive illustrations are first-rate. Plus there’s something wonderful about a grumpy monkey screaming “I’m not grumpy!” This is great for a kindergarten reading session. They’ll all make the faces along with the characters for sure.

How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk, illustrated by Sara Palacios (15 Mary 2018)

No rhymes or delicious puns here, but instead you have a kid-friendly book that shows how to break down a seemingly big problem into small, manageable steps. It’s smart, useful, and just silly enough to keep all the learning fun.

Here’s a “Simply 7” interview (by Jena Benton) with the always-interesting Josh Funk.

I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (2 October 2018)

I’ve been paying attention to this picture book team since I Am Yoga and they continue to deliver. This book is a fine celebration of the beautiful imperfectness of humanity. It’s a book that says it’s okay to make mistakes, and that’s a fine lesson for young readers that counteracts the over-tested, over-scheduled, must-have-GPAs-higher-than‑4.0 world in which we live.

I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët (24 April 2018)

I’ve been a fan of this husband-wife team since their graphic novel Beautiful Darkness. This picture book shows just how magical a wordless story can be.

Here’s a fine review of I Walk with Vanessa at Unleashing Readers.

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (23 April 2018)

This is a book that could’ve gone wrong in a host of ways … but doesn’t. It’s beautiful and empowering without being preachy.

Here’s a May 2018 interview with Jessica about this book at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung (3 July 2018)

This celebratory book feels more relevant by the day. I’m also a fan of the graphic, eye-catching style.

Read the full review of Mixed at OPB!

Night Job by Karen Hesse, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (11 September 2018)

This gentle story has a great big heart and Karas’ mixed media illustrations are spot-on in every way.

Here’s the starred review of Night Job at Kirkus.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno (10 April 2018)

I know Rob pretty well and despite that (just kidding, Rob!), I think this book is tremendously good and tremendously important. When Rob visited my Writing Picture Books class at Ringling College in spring 2018, he shared this book with them–it became the #1 most talked-about book of the entire semester for the students, and for that reason alone, it’s got to be on this list. I also really dig the back matter timelines.