Picture Books

In the Night Garden

by Carin Berger

available in July, hardcover, Neal

Porter

The story is lovely of course but, my gosh, these illustrations are STUNNING. I want a print of every one of these on my wall because they are so concrete and bold but so evocative of wonder and joy that I smile every time I look at this book. Perfect for bedtime or anytime with your littles.

–Sarah

Simon and the Better Bone

by Corey R. Tabor

available now, hardcover, Balzer + Bray

One day, down by the pond, Simon meets another dog just like him. And that dog has a bone just like his, only better! How will Simon ever get him to trade, when the other pup knows all the same tricks…? Using the same innovative format as his Caldecott Honor winner Mel Fell, Corey R. Tabor reimagines Aesop’s “The Dog and His Reflection” in a clever, charming tale of empathy and generosity.

If You Get Lost

Bunny & Tree

by Balint Zsako

available now, hardcover, Enchanted Lion Books

Bunny and Tree first meet when the tree observes a ferocious wolf threatening the bunny and comes to its protection. From that moment on, there is a bond of trust between the two, which flowers not only into friendship, but amazingly, into a road trip adventure, when Bunny convinces Tree that it’s time to uproot and see the world. This gorgeous wordless adventure story about a surprising friendship is incredibly moving.

I Touched the Sun

by Leah Hayes

available in June, hardcover, Enchanted Lion Books

Warm and kindly, the Sun shows the boy the world from her perspective: her friends the clouds, the beaches upon which she shines down, the trees she’s grown, the rainbows she creates. In return, the boy shares with her some of his dreams, fears, hopes, and uncertainties—complexities of the human condition that the Sun, as a cosmic force of constant light, has never experienced. In this way, the boy begins to understand something about the pattern of light and shadow that makes up every human life.

Nikki Loftin, illustrated by Deborah Marcero available in July, hardcover, Anne Schwartz Books

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“If you get lost, and you might get lost....” In simple language that speaks directly to us, a magical and soothing story unfolds. A little girl accidentally drops her stuffed bunny out the car window, and the bunny—which has quietly come alive—feels scared. Searching up, down, in, out, and between, it soon finds itself among a group of friendly forest animals, who accompany it on its journey. Together they frolic through the woods and over a stream until the bunny finds itself safely back where it belongs, in the little girl’s arms.

The Skull : A Tyrolean Folktale

by Jon Klassen

available in July, hardcover, Candlewick

A new title from Jon Klassen inspired by an Austrian tale that is a bit macabre, funny, and mysterious. It illustrates the empowerment of a young girl who takes the trajectory of her life into her own hands and isn’t afraid to confront the darkness she encounters. Its even kind and perhaps sweet? Scary stories are also a good resource for kids to temporarily explore topics of grief, loneliness, and other big feelings while still being in a safe and secure place.