In addition to being an author, I am a book reviewer and share my favorite titles for children 0-12 on my Instagram page @picturebookrecommendations. Please feel free to reach out if you are looking for a book on a specific topic for a kiddo in your life!
Please see my current review policy here.
If your kid loves bugs… or is a little unsure about them… this one is such a fun read. 🐞🪲
Lydia LOVES bugs— "She loves big, bouncing bugs and small, squiggly bugs"
Not everyone in her family feels the same (relatable 😄), but with the help of her mom—an entomologist—Lydia sets out to share her passion for insects at school. And along the way, something special happens… others start to see bugs the way she does.
I love how this book celebrates kids leaning into what they love—even when it’s not everyone else’s favorite thing—and gently opens the door to curiosity instead of fear.
It’s playful, packed with adorable creepy-crawlies, and ends with fun facts that make it perfect for little nature lovers and budding scientists.
Such a joyful, bug-filled read! 🐛
✨ Highlights:
✔️ celebrating unique interests
✔️ bugs made fun (not scary!)
✔️ STEM + nature exploration
✔️ building curiosity & confidence
✔️ family support & understanding
✔️ fun facts for little learners
Bug lover… or bug avoider—what about your kids? 😄
@heidieystemple #YuliyaPankratova @familiusbooks
#bugbooks #scienceforkids #natureforkids #kidslit #raisingreaders
🦥✨ A Beautiful Story About Friendship & Space 🐛
Not all friendships stay the same—and that’s okay. 💛
Sloth and Moth have always done everything together. But as they grow, Sloth begins to want something different… and that change isn’t easy for Moth. What follows is a tender, honest look at what happens when friends need space—and how time apart can help a friendship grow in new and meaningful ways.
This story beautifully reassures kids that relationships can evolve, and that needing independence doesn’t mean losing connection.
✔️ an unusual sloth–moth friendship
✔️ being together… and needing space
✔️ learning independence
✔️ missing a friend when apart
✔️ finding balance in relationships
✔️ inspired by real animal connections
Sloth & Moth: A Better-Together Friendship
#HelenTaylor
#GavinScott
@sleepingbearpress
Such a gentle, important message for growing hearts 💛
#picturebooks #kidsbookstagram #friendshipbooks #socialemotionallearning #readaloudbooks #childrensbooksofinstagram
Looking for books to welcome summer (and slow down a little)? Save this list. 🌞🌿
From sunshine-filled adventures to quiet, reflective moments, these books are perfect for helping kids connect with nature, wonder, and the changing season.
✨ Highlights:
✔️ summer vibes + outdoor adventures
✔️ gentle, mindful moments
✔️ perfect for seasonal read-alouds
☀️ The Sun Thief
A playful, laugh-out-loud story about a squirrel convinced someone has stolen the sun. Silly, bright, and perfect for read-aloud fun.
@alicehemmingauthor @nicolaslaterillustration @sourcebookskids
🐻 This Was Not the Plan
A humorous and heartfelt camping story about expectations, surprises, and embracing the unexpected.
@janechapmanillustrator @tigertalesbooks
🌞 Summer Solstice Wish
A lyrical, peaceful celebration of the longest day of the year—filled with light, nature, and quiet wonder.
@kateallenfox @elisapaganelli_illustration @beamingbooksmn
🌙 Pondering: A Story in Cinquains
A thoughtful, poetic invitation to slow down and notice the beauty of the natural world.
@daothuylinh.art @worthykidsbooks
👻 Little Ghost’s Summerween
A playful, slightly spooky-sweet reminder to embrace and celebrate your true self all year long.
@maggieedkinswillis @simonkids
🎶 It’s Swing Time
A joyful, rhythmic celebration of swing time.
@quartokids
Which one would you read first to welcome the season? 🌿
#picturebookrecommendations #summerbooks #mindfulkids #naturebooks #kidslit
🐶 A Love Letter to Our Favorite Furry Friends 💛
This sweet celebration of all things puppy is a reminder of just how much our four-legged friends bring into our lives. From wagging tails to unconditional love, dogs have a way of making even the simplest moments feel special.
I love how this story highlights not only the joy they bring us—but also what we learn from them: to slow down, play more, be patient, and love wholeheartedly.
A warm, tender read that will resonate with every dog lover (big or small 🐾).
✔️ celebrating all kinds of dogs
✔️ loyal, loving companions
✔️ finding joy in little moments
✔️ life lessons from puppies
✔️ love, care & connection
✔️ a heartwarming pick for dog lovers
A Puppy Like Yours
@authorfrankmurphy
#CarlaMurphy
@kaylaharren
@sleepingbearpress
For anyone whose heart belongs to a dog 🐕💛
Hashtags (optimized mix):
#picturebooks #kidsbookstagram #dogbooks #readaloudbooks #petlovers #childrensbooksofinstagram
❤️ A Nostalgic Favorite with a Big Heart 🐾
If you grew up loving Clifford, this one will hit you right in the heart 💛 This sweet story follows a young girl and Clifford as they grow up side by side—encouraging each other, facing challenges, and dreaming big together.
It’s such a beautiful reminder of the power of friendship and how having someone by your side can make even the biggest dreams feel possible.
✔️ dreaming big
✔️ friendship & support
✔️ growing together
✔️ small steps, big dreams
✔️ courage through fear
✔️ believing in yourself
Dream Big
#NormanBridwell
@meredithrusu
#JoAnneDavies
@scholastic
For anyone who grew up with Clifford… and for a whole new generation to fall in love 🐶❤️
#cliffordthebigreddog #picturebooks #kidsbookstagram #readaloudbooks #nostalgicreads #childrensbooksofinstagram
Some books just wrap little ones (and grown-ups too) in love 💛
These four sweet and silly favorites by Jimmy Fallon are perfect for celebrating all the special people in a child’s life — from mamas and dadas to papas and nanas!
📚 Featured Books:
💛 Nana Loves You More
💛 Papa Doesn`t Do Anything! (But Love You)
💛 Your Baby`s First Word Will Be DADA
💛 Everything Is Mama
@jimmyfallon
@miguelordonezillustrator
@mackidsbooks
These playful read-alouds are filled with humor, heart, and the kind of love little readers feel on every page.
✔️ celebrating family love
✔️ playful read aloud fun
✔️ baby & toddler favorites
✔️ giftable family books
✔️ silly humor kids adore
✔️ sweet bonding moments
✔️ books for grandparents & parents
✔️ joyful everyday love
Which one would your little reader pick first? 🥰
#picturebooks #boardbooks #babylit #toddlerbooks #familybooks
If you have a vehicle-obsessed toddler… save this post. 🚚🚂
These new board books are perfect for little hands and big vehicle fans—packed with things to explore, spot, and read again and again.
🚚 Touch a Truck Day: A Lift-the-Flap Book
Such a fun, interactive read! Kids can choose which truck to explore using the tabs at the top—then lift flaps to climb inside and discover all the different parts.
Highlights:
✔️ lift-the-flap exploration
✔️ choose-your-truck tabs
✔️ real-life vehicle parts
✔️ hands-on learning fun
@carriefinison @violawangstudio @chroniclekidsbooks
🚂 Go, Trains, Go!
A lively, read-aloud favorite filled with all kinds of trains—from snowplows to cargo trains (and even some surprising ones!). So much to spot and talk about.
Highlights:
✔️ tons of trains to explore
✔️ great for read-alouds
✔️ spotting & naming fun
✔️ perfect for little train lovers
@alexandermostov @littlebigfootbooks
Which one would your little one pick first? 👇
#toddlerbooks #boardbooks #thingswithwheels #kidslit #raisingreaders
What happens when one book gets banned…? 📚
At first, it’s just one.
But then more things start to disappear… and before long, an entire town begins to change in ways no one expected.
This story shows how quickly a single decision can grow into something much bigger—and how limiting access to books doesn’t just remove stories, it limits ideas, curiosity, and connection.
I love how this book takes a complex topic and makes it accessible for young readers, while still leaving space for important, meaningful conversations. It’s a powerful reminder that what we read—and our ability to read it—matters deeply.
Such a timely and thought-provoking read.
✨ Highlights:
✔️ the power of books
✔️ standing up for stories
✔️ curiosity & critical thinking
✔️ access to knowledge matters
✔️ empathy through reading
✔️ one voice can make a difference
Would you share this one with your kids or classroom? 💭
#bannedbooks #freedomtoread #kidslit #raisingreaders #classroomreads
𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗨𝗧 𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗞𝗘𝗧🍩🩷
PRIZES:
-apple labtop
-apple ipad
-apple watch
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-paris hilton pan set
-white fox hoodie
-donut maker
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-sol de janerio mist
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🍩𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗢 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗦
1️⃣ like & save this post
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3️⃣ tag 3 friends
🩷𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗜𝘁, 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼!
If you have a soccer-obsessed kid… save this list. ⚽️
From funny friendship stories to fact-packed guides, these books are perfect for kids who can’t get enough of the game—on and off the field.
⚽️ Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Plays Soccer
A sweet and relatable story about friendship, teamwork, and what happens when someone feels left out.
Highlights:
✔️ Friendship & loyalty
✔️ Navigating big feelings
✔️ Growing through mistakes
@chris.naylor.ballesteros @nosycrow @littlenosycrow
🦖 Tiny T. Rex Tries Soccer
Tiny wants to play like the big dinos—but learning something new isn’t always easy. A great message about patience and perseverance.
Highlights:
✔️ Trying something new
✔️ Practice & teamwork
✔️ Building confidence
@thedustdancestoo @jayafleck @chroniclekidsbooks
📘 The World’s Best Soccer Book
A super engaging, kid-friendly guide packed with rules, teams, players, and iconic moments.
Highlights:
✔️ Soccer encyclopedia for kids
✔️ Rules, players & teams
✔️ World Cup history
@chroniclekidsbooks
🌍 The World Game
A beautiful look at how soccer connects kids around the globe—across cultures, countries, and time zones.
Highlights:
✔️ Soccer around the world
✔️ Global connection & culture
✔️ A shared love of the game
@johncoy23 @phung.nguyenquang @lernerbooks
🏆 Goal!
A fact-filled deep dive for older kids—packed with player profiles, history, and fun trivia.
Highlights:
✔️ 100+ player profiles
✔️ Soccer legends & rising stars
✔️ Major moments in history
@carlosmojica @quartokids
Which one would your soccer fan pick first? 👇
#soccerbooks #kidslit #raisingreaders #sportsforkids #middlegradebooks
The deeper you go, the stranger it gets…
If your kid is fascinated by the ocean… this book is a must-read. 🌊
This brand-new picture book is absolutely stunning.
Through lyrical text and breathtaking illustrations, it truly feels like you’re diving deeper and deeper—past the sunlight layer, into the twilight zone, and all the way down into the mysterious depths of the ocean.
Along the way, readers encounter incredible sea life—some familiar, and some so strange and surprising I had never even heard of them before.
I love how this book sparks curiosity while also building awareness of the ocean’s interconnected ecosystems and why they matter so much.
Such an immersive, fascinating read for curious kids.
✨ Themes:
✔️ Deep-sea exploration
✔️ Marine life
✔️ Ocean layers
✔️ Ecosystems & balance
✔️ Environmental awareness
✔️ Mysteries of the deep
Would your kids dive all the way to the bottom? 🐙
If You Went to the Bottom of the Ocean
@brookemcintyrewriter
@inked_voices
@Gordyjwright
@chroniclekidsbooks
#oceanbooks #scienceforkids #nonfictionforkids #kidslit #raisingreaders
IT’S HERE!!! 🌊🐡🎂
THE QUIET OCEAN is officially out in the world today!!
One tiny pop…
one very chaotic ocean…
and a journey back to calm 💙
✔️ laugh-out-loud read-aloud
✔️ cause & effect kids feel
✔️ big emotions → gentle resolution
✔️ perfect for classrooms + bedtime
If you grab a copy today, tag @picturebookrecommendations & @abi.cushman - we would LOVE to see it out in the wild 🥹
And if you’re in LA, come celebrate with @picturebookrecommendations at Children’s Book World on May 16 🎉 comment LAUNCH and I’ll DM you the details 💙
#thequietocean #newpicturebook #readaloud #kidsbooks #bookstagram
