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.
I have been thinking a lot about the importance of voting lately and want to share these brand new books in hopes that we can use them to best equip our children for this essential responsibility.
The Cookie Vote (Mr. Tiffin’s Classroom Series)
Mr. Tiffin’s class is off to the state capitol! In this charming story we see them prepare of their visit by brainstorming ideas of bills that they would like to see passed into law. They research ideas and vote on the best one - proposing an official state cookie. They then have their work cut out for them on agreeing on the best cookie to propose. I love that we get to see the process play out, from campaigning to emotions running high to finding a collective solution. Highly recommend!
#DanielBernstrom
#MargaretMcNamara
@randomhousekids
@randomhousestudio
The Day Madear Voted
Madear is a black woman who finally in 1969, after many years of fighting for her rights, is going to vote for the very first time. I love that this book emphasizes the right of every individual no matter their color having the right to vote while also detailing the process of voting itself. The book then shows how having this right allowed black people to have a voice and to make a difference in having themselves represented - for example, with 44th President Barak Obama! This is a fantastic book for showing the importance and process of voting.
@wadehudsonjr
@devas_t
@penguinclassroom
@penguinkids
#vote #govote #kidsvote #picturebook
Celebrating Bravery in Many Forms
Tiny Bear Goes Missing
A small brave knight and their best friend, tiny bear, love to go on adventures, but when tiny bear goes missing, anxiety monster appears and grows and grows. The knight faces anxiety and is then able to think carefully through his day and find his bear. A wonderful book that shows the importance of having the courage to face your emotions.
@manka_kasha
@mackidsbooks
Brave Buzzy Bee
Buzzy Bee can’t wait to compete in the upcoming race but he isn’t very fast. He practices and practices, but on the day of the race, when the unexpected happens, he finds another way to win by helping a friend in need. I love that this book shows bravery and winning come in many forms.
@Rimafakih
@Theresaalhayek
@Angelaillustration
@pegnuinkids
Nop
This book shows a scruffy bear who has the courage to recognize that what is right for the other toys isn’t right for him. He goes against the grain to choose his own path and find happiness in a way that works for him. I love that this book encourages readers to be brave and follow their heart.
@Carolinemagerl
@walkerbooksaus
Dare to Be Daring
From conquering heights to singing on stage to braving the creepy basement and more, this delightful new book encourages kids to step outside their comfort zones and delight in the upside of facing fears. This book is brilliant to read aloud and encourages readers to be brave!
@chelsealinwallace
@liantomato
@abramskids
Find Your Brave
Coco and Bear are performing in a talent show together but as they get ready for the dress rehearsal, Coco whispers “Bear, I think I’ve lost my brave.” Bear and Coco visit various friends to see what they do when they need help finding their brave. When Bear needs help crossing a bridge, though, it is Coco who helps him find his brave instead. I love that in helping her friend Coco figures out how to be brave herself!
@aprylstott
@simonkids
After the Fall
Okay I know this one came out in 2017 but it is one of my all-time favorite picture books. This one is for ANYONE who has ever fallen down and needs to find the courage to try again. Picture Book Perfection.
@dsantat
@mackidsbooks
Are you an animal lover? Which is your favorite animal?
Hello, I’m an Axolotl
This playful voice-y and informative series is back! This time from the perspective of an Axolotl. Learn all about how they can regrow body parts, including parts of their hearts and brains and the multiple ways they breathe!
@Hayleyroccobooks
@roccoart
@putnambooks
@penguinkids
Papilio
This adorable book shows a caterpillar growing up and transforming to chrysalis to butterfly. I love that this book illustrates the process while showing the complexities of navigating big firsts and finding inner confidence.
@benclantoon
@Coreyrtabor
@vikingbooks
@penguinkids
Don’t Squish a Slug: A Wonderful Celebration of Marvellous Minibeasts!
This book shines a light on some of the smallest of earth’s creatures – the bugs! Read all about your favorite creepy crawlies in this fascinating and engaging new book. I love that this book shows why these creatures are important to our planet!
@yussef.rafik
@Rileyalwayssmiley
@quartokids
Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero
Tucker is a destructive shelter dog who struggles to find a forever home until Laura comes along. She puts his energy to work and trains him as a conservation dog. This is a fascinating and engaging story that informs readers about real like canines working to save wildlife around the world. I love that this book also shows that Tucker doesn’t need to change who he is, he just has to find the right home and work to accept him – a beautiful message for all.
@Carolafootewriter
@larry.day56
@eerdmansyoungreaders
Salamander Song
This lyrical book shows the salamanders who slumber underneath throughout winter waking up with spring and the plight they face. This sweet book reminds us that we share this world with others and to consider all creatures and the effects as the seasons change.
@ginnyneilwrites
@charliv_illustration
@tilburyhousepublishers
Shabbat shalom!
This colorful warm new board book celebrates all that Shabbat encompasses from setting aside our busy week to “pause the doing to enjoy just being.”
I love that this beautiful new book uplifts while encouraging connection and being present.
Shabbat is a day of rest that takes place every week from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
Shabbat Shalom: Let’s Rest and Reset
@Suzyultman
@penguinkids
#boardbook #newbook #shabbat
My kiddos used to be OBSESSED with all things vehicles and construction. The garbage truck was a weekly event, I even took them to the LA Sanitation Open House so they could climb inside one! I was thrilled when there was construction across the street because it provided endless entertainment and quite honestly they still enjoy watching! Here are a few favorites I highly recommend for like-minded children.
Every Monday Mabel
Warning, Mabel will steal your heart. She is beyond adorable and reminds me so much of my own kids who pulled their chairs to the window to watch the garbage truck come to our house each week. I miss these days so much and absolutely LOVE that Jashar celebrated the magic that happens in childhood that adults too easily forget.
@Jasharawan
@simonkids
This Is the Crew That Builds Our School
This fun rhyming read around includes builders, bricklayers, plumbers and painters all working to build a brand new school. This is a fun look at construction and is filled with adorable humorous animal characters.
@sherry_fellores
@samcaldwelldraws
@sleepingbearpress
Little Excavator
A board book version of an old favorite of my kiddos. We read this book over and over and over. The onomopeia, the adorable character, the wonderful message of size not determining your worth all combine in a winning combination!
@Annadewdney
@penguinkids
#construction #vehicles #garbagetruck #school #building
WAHOO! We are thrilled to share that Matzah Day is officially out in the world! Please help us celebrate by letting sharing your favorite way to enjoy matzah. Or if you haven’t tried this traditional Jewish food (that is fairly plain tasting and cracker like), then let us know if you think you would prefer it covered in cheese and sauce (matzah pizza) or covered in caramel and chocolate (matzah buttercrunch)! Both of these recipes and more about ‘what is matzah,’ ‘what is Passover and why is it celebrated’ as well as ‘why is matzah eater on Passover’ can be found in the back of MATZAH DAY!
For @psoffsay, who fills every holiday with warmth, love, and deliciousness @picturebookrecommendations
For all the family and friends I’ve shared a Seder table with— @jkirsch118
Thank you @msgracemac, @holidayhousebks, @nicolegeigerpublishing, @fullcirclelit & @bookmarkliterary – creating a book you can hold takes a village and we are endlessly grateful for this one!
Book Description:
It’s Matzah Day! Celebrate with this joyful rhyming story!
Mom and Dad and baby, too,
We love matzah! So will you!
In this fun rhyming story, a family celebrates Passover with lots of matzah–with lox, as stuffing, matzah pizza, and matzah candy. Get it from a box or make it yourself.
#picturebook #outnow #newbook
📚 open 🚪💙
Grumble Boats
@Susannahmcfarlane
@Tamsinainslie
@Charlesbridgepublishing
Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams
@Chiarabcolombi
@skortch
@penguinkids
Wee Unicorn
@megface.mclaren
@Charlesbridgepublishing
Nimbus Plays Alone
@sakitales3
@Henryholtbooks
Far, Far Away
@mbgriffinbooks
@Baoluuart
@Charlesbridgepublishing
Peg Gets Plucky
@jorenfro_illustrator
@beamingbooksmn
Otter Carries On
@Petitemayat
@Henryholtbooks
#feelings #picturebook
What does your curious kid want to learn more about?
Secrets of the Dead: Mummies and Other Human Remains from Around the World: Mummies and Other Human Remains from Around the World
#MattRalphs
@gordyjwright
@Nosycrow
Zero! The Number That Almost Wasn’t
@sarahjalbee
@chrisillustration
@charlesbridgepublishing
The Greatest Stuff on Earth: The amazing science of sunlight, smartphones, microphones, mushrooms & everything in-between
#SteveTomecek
@johndevolle
@whatonearth_books
Factology: Vikings: Open Up a World of Information!
@gmcpublications
When a Tree Falls: Nurse Logs and Their Incredible Forest Power
@Kirstenpendreigh
@theremaybecats
@chroniclekidsbooks
In Our Solar System
@Jensunwriter
@susannacovelli_art
@familiusbooks
Atlas of Prehistoric Animals
#RadekMaly
#PetrModlitba
@albatrosmedia
#math #science #kidlit #picturebook
Descriptions below! Wishing you all a weekend filled with giggle-inducing reads as good as these!
Goat Is the G.O.A.T.
Giggle while seeing there is greatness in all over us and comparison is the thief of joy.
@Beabirdsong
@yllekyhprum
@nancyrosep
@penguinkids
This is NOT a Polar Bear!
Hilarious and fun to read aloud this book shows that we are so much more than what a single label can convey!
@Barrytimmsauthor
@Gedadamson
@Nosycrow
E-I-UFO: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
A fun-filled spaceship twist on the classic song that is impossible not giggle at while also seeing that more isn’t always better and sometimes things are pretty perfect the way they started.
@Zachvonzonk
@benjaminchaud_illustration
@chroniclekidsbooks
Baa Haa
This sweet book shows that laughter isn’t always the best medicine and while we should definitely laugh sometimes, other times it is important to let our true feelings shine.
@audreysbooksandbakes
#RossBurach
@Scholastic
Cantaloupe and HoneyDo Bake a Cake
Baking hilarity that shows there may be more to making something than meets the eye but the journey with a friend makes it all worthwhile and something doesn’t have to be perfect to be delicious!
@Thatmikeboldt
@penguinkids
That’s Not Funny, David!
David’s mischievous shenanigans are sure to leave everyone smiling while also seeing some moments are better for humor than others.
@nodavid2018
@Scholastic
Mister Norton’s New Hat
A cumulative tale of animals taking over Norton’s personal space to humerous effect. I love that this book shows finding your voice and that sometimes the things that annoy us become exactly what we can’t live without.
@Huwlewisjones
@coreyegbert
@tigertales_books
#funny #funnnybook #booksforkids
My favorite little bat is back! I adore the huggable Bitsy series and this time we get to meet Enzo Owl.
Enzo is new to the class and uses a tablet and sign language to communicate. He has joined just in time for the Critter Games and Bitsy worries that Enzo will be a better flier than she is. When the worst happens and he beats her, Bitsy doesn’t handle it well and has to head off to the sensory room to calm down. She focuses on trying to beat Enzo in the next race but when her biggest moment arrives she finds that there are things (or friends) more important than winning.
I love that Bitsy learns that it is okay to win sometimes and that it’s okay not to others - her friends won’t think any less of her for losing. She figures out that being a good friend and doing what is right is what will make her really ‘win’ in the long run.
Highly recommend
Bitsy Bat, Team Star (The Bitsy Bat Series)
@kazwindness
@simonkids
Agree or disagree… fun facts are a fantastic way to get curious kiddos reading?
“Did you know that a blue whale weighs about the same as 33 elephants?” Doesn’t that make you want to read more?! See these Factology Ocean for more on that particular fact and the rest of these fascinating books to get your curious kiddos excited about books!
Nature School: Planet Earth: Lessons and Activities to Inspire Children’s Fascination with Our Planet
Explore and fall in love with Planet Earth. Learn all about “Earth’s stunning structure, its amazing atmosphere, and the foremost features that enable it to support life.” The illustrations are stunning and the book has more than 30 interactive activities.
@chickieandroo
@fireflynatureschool
@stephhathawaydesigns
@quartokids
Whose Poop Is That?
Seven different types of poop for your littles to guess which animal they came from and learn to identify out in the wild!
@darrenblunden76
@kelzuki
@charlesbridgepublishing
Factology: Ocean: Open Up a World of Information!
Maps, timelines, statistics, fun facts and more! I adore this series that keeps my kiddos picking up these books time and time again. “This visually stunning science guide takes you on an underwater voyage past coral reefs, submarine volcanoes and deep-sea fish. Learn about how tides and currents work, why the ocean is so salty, how humans have dived to the depths in submersible craft and much more!”
@gmcpublications
Nature: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About the Natural World! (OH NO THEY AREN’T)
This fun and fascinating book will prove nature’s greatest myths wrong! This is a fun way to engage and turn common misconceptions upsidedown!
@erichuangbooks
@samcaldwelldraws
@quartokids
How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up
I love that this book empowers kids to talk to the adults in their lives about the importance of climate science. They will learn and be able to discuss “The difference between weather and climate, how climate scientists collect data, what causes climate change and what we can do to reverse course and repair the planet.”
@ruthspiro
@teresamtzjun
@charlesbridgepublishing
⬇️Descriptions below ⬇️ Comment LINK for this list!
Revolutionary Mary
Learn all about the only woman whose name is printed on the Declaration of Independence. The inspiring story of a brave woman who took action for her beliefs.
@karenblubooks
@eabaddeley
@mackidsbooks
Beyond the Game: LeBron James
This chapter book takes a look at the upbringing, basketball legend, & change maker – Lebron James.
@amaraniss
deandrahodge_
@kingjames
@penguinkids
@penguinclassroom
Remarkable Women: Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Amazing Women!
A fun, playful approach to learning about some of the women at the forefront of history. This book busts myths & engages readers.
@erichuangbooks
@samcaldwelldraws
@quartokids
Girls to the Front
An inspiring book filled with the stories of 40 Asian American women changemakers!
@ninamataart
@harperkids
Great Lives in Graphics: Muhammad Ali
Fascinating, engaging, & packed with info about boxing legend Muhammad Ali. (We take these books everywhere!)
@gmcpublications
Yayoi Kusama
Learn all about artist Yayoi Kusama & the inspiration behind her dot-covered creations. This book encourages readers to embrace their unique selves & follow their dreams.
@mariaisabelsanchezvegara
@ricoliro
@quartokids
I am Jesse Owens
Learn all about legendary track & field star Jesse Owens. I love that this story shows that determination & big dreams can transform your life.
@bradmeltzer
@penguinkids
Stephen Curry: The Official Graphic Novel
A graphic novel retelling of basketball legend Stephen Curry’s rise to fame! Inspiring, engaging & fantastic from beginning to end.
@stephencurry30
@damionscottart
@richardkorson
@penguinkids
Unstoppable John
Did you know that as recently as 1956 libraries were only for white people? This is the story of how John Lewis fought injustice & created change. Inspiring and eye-opening.
@patzmill
purplehood2
@penguinkids
Great Lives in Graphics: David Attenborough
Fascinating, engaging & packed with info, this book details the life and work of broadcaster, writer, & naturalist David Attenborough.
@gmcpublications
Previously reviewed:
Maya Angelou
The Story of Serena Williams
The Story of Fannie Lou Hamer