People need stories and books to help them make sense of the world - and children are no exception. Books can be a wonderful way for parents and children to share feelings, concerns, and emotions. For a child, nothing can be as safe and cozy as reading a special book with Mom, Dad, Grandma, or Grandpa and learning something about the world at the same time.
Children who love books at an early age are likely to love them when they are older too. But choosing the right book for a preschool child can sometimes seem like a difficult task. - from How To Choose A Picture Book by Ellen Jackson.
For your enjoyment, here are some of my favorite picture books that have been released this year. I selected these titles based on the appropriateness of the illustrations to the stories and their appeal to children.
FOX AND CROW ARE NOT FRIENDS by Melissa Wiley; illustrated by Sebastien Braun
is a fresh, funny retelling of the Aesop's fable "The Fox and the Crow." Fox and Crow can agree on two things: their love of cheese and loathing of each other. These cagey animals will do whatever they can to outwit their sworn enemy and claim sole possession of the prized cheese they keep finding. But they are too caught up in their plotting and planning to realize they've picked the wrong house to steal from-since the mother of the house is one fed up Mama Bear who knows exactly how to contend with freeloaders.
This book is perfect for newly independent readers who are ready for more involved, episodic stories, this title will be a staple in early elementary classrooms curriculum units about fables.
DINOSAURS: In Your Face! by Dr. Robert T. Bakker; illustrated by Luis V. Rey is offers cutting-edge dinosaur science and illustration-in 3-D! Renowned paleontologist Robert T. Bakker and paleoartist Luis V. Rey combine forces in this hardcover omnibus of three impeccibly accurate, dino-centric Picturebacks, available for the first time in 3-D! The dynamic dinos in Dinosaurs!, Prehistoric Monsters!, and Dino Babies! have always looked like they could jump off the printed page-and now they can! Watch as a spiked stegosaurus tail whips off the page and scores a direct hit into an allosaurus, or a pack of raptors leap onto the back of an unsuspecting tenontosaurus, or a squealing baby titanosaur hatches from an egg and is greeted by its giant mother. Complete with a sturdy pair of 3-D glasses that fold into a reusable storage case, Dinosaurs: In Your Face! makes a perfect gift for kids who like their science to come with a little action!
A MARY BLAIR TREASURY OF GOLDEN BOOKS is a motherlode from the Golden Book archives-now back in print. Fans of illustrator Mary Blair will cherish this never-before-published treasury of her Golden Books, which includes material that hasn't been in print in decades. I Can Fly is here in its unabridged glory, as are Baby's House, The Up and Down Book, and The Golden Book of Little Verses. Many of the finest pages from The New Golden Song Book are included, to round out this gorgeous collection. All of the original artwork has been digitally reproduced, and has never looked more breathtaking.
Academy Award-winning animator John Canemaker, author of The Art and Flair of Mary Blair, wrote the foreword for this highly anticipated book honoring one of the most beloved illustrators of our time.
MINE! by Shutta Crum; illustrated by Patrice Barton, is a must-have book about sharing, now available as a board book!
"A delightful example of the drama and emotion that a nearly wordless book can convey. . . . The laughter of young readers will doubtlessly round out the
narrative."-The New York Times Book Review
Have you ever had a toy you really, really liked? Have you ever had a lot of toys you really, really liked? Have you ever said "MINE!"? If so, this book is for you! Enjoy this playful, picture-based book about two very young children and an adorable dog navigating the troubles and triumphs of sharing, now available in a board book edition.
MONKEY PLAY by Alyssa Satin Capucilli; illustrated by Ariel Pang is a companion book to Bear Hugs and Panda Kisses features feisty monkeys bringing monkey mayhem to an Indian market. Monkey Play is an energetic companion to Bear Hugs and Panda Kisses. One by one, monkeys add to the jungle fun-swinging from palm trees, hiding in an Indian market, and playing from sundown to sun-up! This playful title features a rhyming text with a bouncy rhythm and bright illustrations.
A PRINCESS LIKE ME! by Matthew Reinhart is a new addition to a popular 8 x 8 paperback pop-up series featuring kids' perennial favorite subjects, princesses and dinosaurs! Following the publication of
Rescue: Pop-Up Emergency Vehicles and P
uppies, Kittens, and Other Pop-Up Pets, Matthew Reinhart turns his pop-up wizardry on new subjects including princesses. This young and very affordable pop-up series is perfect for these economic times.
Please share some of your favorite picture books and why you like them.