I’m excited to add a new feature to my blog…a monthly list of great new (and new-ish) picture books. I’ll share what I like and love about them and hope it’ll help you add tons of awesome books to your must-read pile.
I hope you’ll share what you can’t wait to read and your new favorites in the comments, too.
In addition to discovering amazing new books, you can also enter to win prizes! If you’re a teacher, media specialist or parent and win a critique prize, I’d be happy to try to hook you up with a Zoom chat with a book reading & Q&A instead.
Sunday Rain by Rosie J. Pova, Amariah Rauscher (Illustrations)
An imaginative adventure that helps a new place feel like home
Elliott has just moved into a new house. He spends his days with his fictional friends, immersed in a book. When an inviting Sunday rain gathers the local kids to play in the puddles, Elliott longs to join in, but he’s too shy to go outside. Soon, Elliott discovers that new friendships are like a new book―you just have to plunge into the adventure.
Such a delightful dive into a child’s imagination…full of sensory details and amazing, bright illustrations. This friendship story is fun to read out loud and is full of adventure.
A little rain + a big imagination = tons of fun with new friends.
Secret, Secret Agent Guy by Kira Bigwood, Celia Krampien (illustrations)
Send little spies to sleep with this hilarious, tongue-in-cheek lullaby set to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
Dear Fellow Agents:
Your mission—should you choose to accept it—is to join Secret, Secret Agent Guy on his bedtime assignment, code name: Operation Lollipop. Equipped with night-vision goggles, a jetpack, and grappling hook, he is prepared for every eventuality…or is he?
Will this 007-year-old complete his covert quest, or will he be outsmarted by an adversary he never saw coming?
Such a fun read with sparse text, suspense, and lots of cool spy gadgets. I can imagine kids creating their own gadgets and secret agent plans after reading this.
I especially love the spy…and the surprise twist at the end is absolutely delightful! I hope this means a sequel is in the works, because I want more, more, more!
Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero by Megan Hoyt
Iacopo Bruno (Illustrations)
The inspiring, true story of Gino Bartali—beloved award-winning Italian cyclist, humble man, and secret champion in the fight for human rights during WWII and the Holocaust.
Gino Bartali cycled across Italy, winning one race after another. And when he won the 1938 Tour de France, Gino became an international sports hero. But everything changed the following year when World War II broke out.
Soldiers marched into Italy. Tanks rolled down the cobbled streets of Florence. And powerful leaders declared that Jewish people should be arrested.
To the entire world, Gino Bartali was just a champion cyclist. But Gino was keeping his greatest achievement hidden. Only upon his death was the truth uncovered—that he secretly worked with the Italian resistance to save more than eight hundred men, women, and children from certain death, using the one thing no authority would ever question—his bicycle.
I teared up reading this story—it’s so powerful! I never heard of Gino Bartali before, but I’m so glad I know about him now.
Both the text and illustrations are stunning. I can’t wait for more people to learn what an amazing hero Gino was.
Go Be Wonderful! by Donna Gephart, Francesca Chessa (illustrations)
A book about the unconditional love we have for our little ones—at every age and stage.
When Daisy is born, Daddy says she’s wonderful for crying, sleeping, and playing peek-a-boo. When she’s one, Mommy says she’s wonderful for banging on pots and pans in a “rock ’n’ roll band.” Grandma and Grandpa say she’s wonderful for saying, “Nooooooooo,” when she’s two. Her uncles for taking a mud bath when she’s three, and her neighbor for riding her scooter all the way to the library when she’s four.
Then comes the biggest milestone of all. School! It takes a village to get her there—as parents, grandparents, uncles, and neighbors escort Daisy to the door. But will Daisy be wonderful at school? Yes! She shares, makes a friend, and reaches the toilet just in time! “I was wonderful!” Daisy shouts.
Bright colors and joyful compositions filled with humorous details depict Daisy’s community of adoring family and friends.
This is such a wonderful book! I love how it starts before Daisy is born and we experience all the human and dog love surrounding her. All children should have that kind of encouragement!
I absolutely LOVE Daisy and Mr. Bonkers (her dog). It reminds me of the special relationship my girls had with our Siberian Husky from the moment they came home from the hospital. This is great for a baby shower/new baby gift on up…and also a good way to help ease new school jitters.
We Move the World by Kari Lavelle, Nabi H. Ali (Illustrations)
Meet some of the world’s most beloved movers, shakers, scientists, activists, dreamers and doers—in this inspirational book by debut author Kari Lavelle, who gently reminds us that before folks like Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Neil Armstrong, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Misty Copeland were activists and trailblazers, they spoke their first words, took their first steps, and dreamed about the future.
We Move the World introduces these folks and more from the past and present as models for what every childhood first can lead to. From first steps to solving puzzles and learning the alphabet, all the small things are only the beginning. They can lead to future activism and innovation that just might change the world!
With Nabi H. Ali’s vibrant illustrations, which introduce memorable moments from history, We Move the World is a picture book that gives the youngest movers and shakers a chance to see how much is possible just because of the things they already do. The book includes robust backmatter that gives further context on each figure and historical moment, including the most recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Absolutely brilliant nonfiction book that every family and classroom should read. I love how empowering it is…showing how milestones children have can eventually lead to great events that can make the world a better place (and in one case—an eight-year-old who made a huge difference by using her writing skills to send a special letter).
There’s so much in here for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy.
Daisy by Jessixa Bagley
When Daisy the warthog’s classmates tease her, she finds comfort collecting lost and forgotten things. She knows they’re special – and soon she meets a friend who knows it too.
“Daisies seem so simple on the surface, but when you look closely you see their hidden beauty.”
That’s what Daisy the warthog’s mom always says, and it’s the reason she got her name. But when Daisy goes to school, she doesn’t feel like her name. The other kids, Rose, Violet, and Petunia, make fun of her and call her “Thistle.”
Daisy spends a lot of time with her head down, but she doesn’t need her classmates to have fun. When she looks at the forest floor, she starts to find all sorts of treasures, beautiful things that were once special and have since been forgotten. The other kids might make fun of her pastime, but it turns out she’s not the only one who appreciates the hidden beauty of forgotten things when she meets a like-minded new friend.
With vibrant, sun-dappled art, this is a book for any kid who has trouble fitting in and marches to the beat of their own drum, from the acclaimed author and creator of Boats for Papa, Laundry Day, and Henry and Bea.
There’s so much I love about this book! I want to read it again and again to pick up clues and tidbits I missed. The illustrations are stunning, and I wish I could reach through the book and hug Daisy.
“Daisies seem so simple on the surface, but when you look closely you see their hidden beauty.” Now I want to look at daisies and other things up close. I love when books help me view the world another way.
Watercress by Andrea Wang, Jason Chin (Illustrations)
Gathering watercress by the side of the road brings a girl closer to her family’s Chinese Heritage.
Driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl’s parents stop suddenly when they spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road. Grabbing an old paper bag and some rusty scissors, the whole family wades into the muck to collect as much of the muddy, snail covered watercress as they can.
At first, she’s embarrassed. Why can’t her family get food from the grocery store? But when her mother shares a story of her family’s time in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food they foraged. Together, they make a new memory of watercress.
Andrea Wang tells a moving autobiographical story of a child of immigrants discovering and connecting with her heritage, illustrated by award winning author and artist Jason Chin, working in an entirely new style, inspired by Chinese painting techniques. An author’s note in the back shares Andrea’s childhood experience with her parents.
Wow. It’s hard to speak or write anything right after reading this powerful book packed with emotion. The notes from the author and illustrators made me tear up, too. Sometimes you can skip them in a book…but these notes and this book NEED to be read.
The text and illustrations are stunning—and beg me to read Watercress over and over.
Bear Outside by Jane Yolen, Jen Corace (illustrations)
Lots of people have inner strength, but one girl wears hers as a bear outside.
In this imaginative picture book by Jane Yolen, acclaimed author of many distinguished children’s books including Owl Moon and How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight, a girl explores the many ways she expresses herself by imagining that she wears a bear as her personal protective shell. They go everywhere and do everything together. The Bear is like a suit of armor and a partner all in one, protecting her from bullies and giving her strength to be bold when she needs it. In turn, she listens to and takes care of the Bear.
Jane Yolen’s story beautifully portrays the relationships we have with our inner-selves, encouraging readers to stay in touch with and wear these qualities with pride. Her text is paired with the spritely art of Jen Corace, illustrator of bestseller Little Pea, Small World, and Brave Jane Austen.
This book is so full of heart. It makes me smile…and see the world in a slightly new way. I especially love the surprise ending. Another masterpiece from Jane Yolen…and Jen Corace’s illustrations are adorable.
My Tree by Hope Lim, Il Sung Na (Illustrations)
When a young boy’s beloved plum tree falls in a storm, he feels like he’s lost both a friend and a connection to his old home.
A young boy, recently arrived from Korea, finds a glorious plum tree in his new backyard. It reminds him of a tree his family had back home, and he names it “Plumee” for the deep purple plums on its branches. Whenever the boy is homesick, he knows he can take shelter in Plumee’s tall branches.
And when a storm brings the old tree down, he and his friends have all kinds of adventures on its branches, as it becomes a dragon, a treehouse, and a ship in their imaginations. But soon it’s time to say goodbye when the remains of the tree are taken away. Before long, a new plum tree is planted, new blossoms bloom, and a new friendship takes root.
Wow—so much emotion in this beautiful and lyrical story about a boy and a tree that makes a new house in a new country feel like home. This should help encourage kids to find a piece of something familiar in new situations.
I especially love the imaginative fun with friends, the spread with all the seasons plus discovering hidden creatures.
Three by Stephen Michael King
A heartwarming story of a three-legged dog who follows his nose all over the city, out to the country, and into the arms of a new friend.
One, two, three…
One, two, three…
Every day was a skip
And a hop
For Three.
As a three-legged dog on his own in the big city, Three does pretty well for himself. His waggly tail keeps him fed, and he meets so many different legged creatures along the way. He’s happy just the way he is, but sometimes he wonders what it’d be like to have a real home. That all changes when he wanders into the country and meets a quirky young girl and her welcoming family.
Such a sweet story. Three is adorable…I loved viewing the world through his eyes. So unique to count every creature by the number of legs. I especially love that he doesn’t feel like he’s missing a leg…he likes himself just the way he is. This is an amazing, inspiring dog who discovers the bright side of every situation.
And Then Came Hope by Stephen Savage
When the boats in the harbor are feeling unwell, all they need is Hope to get back in ship shape.
From Geisel Honor Book author and artist Stephen Savage comes a new vehicle book for the very young, sure to provide comfort and reassurance, based on the true story of the S.S. Hope hospital ship!
The boats around the harbor haven’t been feeling too well lately. First, Barge got bonked. Then Submarine started shivering. Ferry came down with a fever, little Dory’s nose wouldn’t stop running, and even mighty Aircraft Carrier had developed a terrible cough! They sent out an S.O.S. for help, and then a ship called Hope came to the rescue.
With her team of tugboats at her side, Hope set about tending to the out of sorts boats. With her help, Barge gets a bandage, Submarine is soothed with a blanket, Aircraft Carrier is cured, and little Dory’s nose dries up. The boats are feeling fit again, but they know whenever they are feeling sick, Hope will always be there to take care of them.
The brightly-illustrated, kid-friendly picture book includes an essay about the real S.S. Hope and its service in humanitarian aid projects. Perfect for boat lovers of all ages!
Sparse text with tons of wordplay make this sweet, hopeful story shine. I love the illustrations, especially the expressions on the boats.
Amira’s Picture Day by Reem Faruqi, Fahmida Azim (illustrations)
Ramadan has come to an end, and Amira can’t wait to stay home from school to celebrate Eid. There’s just one hiccup: it’s also school picture day. How can Amira be in two places at once?
Just the thought of Eid makes Amira warm and tingly inside. From wearing new clothes to handing out goody bags at the mosque, Amira can’t wait for the festivities to begin. But when a flier on the fridge catches her eye, Amira’s stomach goes cold. Not only is it Eid, it’s also school picture day. If she’s not in her class picture, how will her classmates remember her? Won’t her teacher wonder where she is?
Though the day’s celebrations at the mosque are everything Amira was dreaming of, her absence at picture day weighs on her. A last-minute idea on the car ride home might just provide the solution to everything in this delightful story from acclaimed author Reem Faruqi, illustrated with vibrant color by Fahmida Azim.
I loved learning about Eid! The mehndi designs and shalwar kameez are incredible.
Amira’s issue is so relatable. As someone who missed important school days for religious holidays as a child, I felt for Amira and hope books like this will help schools try to plan events on days that don’t conflict with holidays.
Toasty by Sarah Hwang
A deliciously funny story about Toasty, a piece of bread who wants to be a dog, for fans of Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller and Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly DiPucchio.
Toasty loves dogs—so much so that he’d like to be one. He knows there are some differences—most dogs have four legs, but Toasty has two arms and two legs. Some dogs sleep in dog houses, but Toasty sleeps in a toaster. All dogs have hair and fur, but Toasty has neither because he’s made of bread. In spite of these differences, he decides to go to the park to play with the dogs but runs into trouble when they want to eat him. Lucky for Toasty, he is rescued by a little girl who has always wanted a dog but can’t have one because she is allergic. Toasty is the perfect dog for her.
Sarah Hwang’s inspiration for Toasty came from her childhood experience as an immigrant and her discovery that you find your best friends when you’re willing to just be yourself. Her playful art for Toasty came to mind when she saw a piece of toast that reminded her of the way she used to draw dogs as a child.
I’m still laughing. The cover of this quirky book immediately caught my attention. Toasty’s fun personality will probably have kids longing for a Toasty of their own.
Tuesday Is Daddy’s Day by Elliot Kreloff
The girl in this story has two rooms: one at Mommy’s house and one at Daddy’s apartment, which he shares with his partner Harry. All that’s lacking is a puppy!
Daddy picks her up after school on Tuesdays. But mommy is here instead! What’s going on?
Becky likes everything to be the same. But sometimes change can lead to a happy surprise!
Tuesday Is Daddy’s Day is a reminder that family comes in many forms, but always comes with love. In this book, best-selling author-illustrator Elliot Kreloff writes from the heart, as the story is based upon his own family.
Cute, child-like illustrations and a story that should help kids set in a routine realize some changes/surprises are a good thing.
Sunday Funday in Koreatown by Aram Kim
Yoomi and Daddy are going to Koreatown today! This story celebrates family, resilience, and Korean culture.
Yoomi has planned the perfect Sunday! But the shirt she wants to wear is in the laundry. And she doesn’t have the seaweed she needs for a kimbap breakfast.
So Yoomi wears another shirt and eats a different breakfast, and she and Daddy take a bus to Koreatown, where they read Korean books, eat Korean treats such as patbingsu and tteokbokki, and visit Grandma. Though Yoomi’s perfect day is filled with mishaps and things don’t always go her way, Yoomi learns the advantages of being resilient and open-minded. Yoomi’s imperfect day is better than she ever could have imagined!
A family recipe for kimbap is included.
We’ve all had days where everything seems to go wrong. This is a great reminder that you can still find some great moments, even if the day doesn’t go as expected. I love learning about new foods (and there’s a recipe, too)! The illustrations are vibrant and adorable—especially all the different animals and Yoomi’s cute heart-shaped nose.
Thanks so much for reading my first monthly PB Buzz! And a huge thanks to everyone who generously donated a prize on the Rafflecopter below to help celebrate all of these amazing new books. All 4 prizes are on this Rafflecopter (you can view them by clicking the arrow under each prize). You have the opportunity to win:
PB critique or 30 minute Zoom chat with me (WINNER: Sarah K Rose)
PB critique (no more than 700 words) by Kira Bigwood, author of Secret, Secret Agent Guy (WINNER: Amy Benoit)
PB critique by Megan Hoyt, author of Bartali’s Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy’s Secret Hero (WINNER: Lindsey Hobson)
Non-rhyming PB critique by Rosie J. Pova, author of Sunday Rain (WINNER: Chloe Ward)
*Rosie is also holding a Twitter giveaway for one lucky person to win this fun Sunday Rain swag. (U.S. only). It contains a signed bookplate, model boat, a dragonfly bracelet, a button, 2 bookmarks and an owl sticker.
Winners will be chosen on Friday, May 28. Good luck! 🙂
I can’t wait to share more amazing books with you next month!
If you have a recently released or upcoming picture book with a publisher on the SCBWI PAL list and would like me to read and consider it for PB Buzz, click here to fill out a Google form. I’m excited to read all of your books…but can only share a limited amount each month.
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