When it comes to a new school year, one of the things we know our students are most excited about is storytime. With all of the new books out this year, we’re inviting you to join in on the fun of reading with your young scholar. Read on below for our favorite new children’s books of the past year!
THE BOY WHO LOVED EVERYONE
BY JANE PORTER AND MAISIE PARADISE SHEARRING
Publishers Summary: On his first day of preschool, Dimitri’s vocal affection for everything is met with wary reactions—until his guileless words begin to take root and grow.
Our take: ‘The Boy Who Loved Everyone’ is an endearing picture book that teaches our young readers that everyone shows their love differently. Understanding affection is an essential part of emotional development. For children’s books, this one is a must!
OUTSIDE, INSIDE
BY LEUYEN PHAM
Publishers Summary: From Caldecott honoree LeUyen Pham, Outside, Inside is a moving picture book celebrating essential workers and the community coming together to face the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It’s about waiting, and growing while we wait, and eventually reuniting with loved ones.
Our take: While ‘Outside, Inside’ focuses largely on the last year, it provides a moving and heartfelt approach to our ‘new normal’.
OFF TO SEE THE SEA
BY NIKKI GRIMES AND ELIZABETH ZUNON
Publishers Summary: In Off to See the Sea, night has fallen and Mom and Dad need to get their little one in the tub. To make it more fun, Mom brings a magical adventure out at sea to life. In their ocean journey, Mom and Dad manage to get their little one clean just in time to dock for bedtime.
Our Take: We know when it comes to your little one, simple tasks sometimes need to become fun adventures. ‘Off to See the Sea’ is the perfect book to provide inspiration for your child, that magic can be found in even the smallest of daily tasks. We absolutely recommend ‘Off To the Sea’ for children’s books to enjoy with your little one!
TOO CROWDED
BY LENA PODESTA (SOURCEBOOKS; APRIL 6)
Publishers Summary: Gil the goldfish lives in a fishbowl with 138 pebbles—he counts them every day—and a plastic castle. It’s too crowded! When leaves his fishbowl in search of open spaces, he finds a loud, dangerous, dry land that is full of many interesting creatures but is not quite suitable for a fish. Thank goodness for Turtle, the new friend Gil meets in the not-so-great outdoors! Will Gil and Turtle make it back to the fishbowl, and will Gil make peace with his home sweet home?
Our Take: This hilarious picture book will certainly become an enjoyable read for you and your little one. ‘Too Crowded’ teaches our young readers that it’s not about what you have, it’s about who you share it with
ZONIA’S RAIN FOREST
BY JUANA MARTINEZ-NEAL
Publishers Summary: Zonia’s home is the Amazon rain forest, where it is always green and full of life. Every morning, the rain forest calls to Zonia, and every morning, she answers. She visits the sloth family, greets the giant anteater, and runs with the speedy jaguar. But one morning, the rain forest calls to her in a troubled voice. How will Zonia answer?
Our Take: A beautifully stunning book that captivates our young readers with every page turn, we absolutely love ‘Zonia’s Rain Forest’.
