1. Bell, K., Hart, B., & Wiseman, D. (2020). The world needs more purple people. New York, NY: Random House.
Blog: This book answers a question you never knew you had: What is a purple person? The answer isn't in skin tone or clothing choice, but in personality. A "purple person" is someone who is kind, curious, and silly. Purple is made when red and blue work together. Is this a subtle political allegory for the elementary school set? Penny, the book's young narrator, looks like she may have been modeled off a young Bell, the actress and author of this title, and her classmates are a diverse group. Penny engages in enjoyable activities, like wearing a monster costume to school and helping her grandfather water strawberry bushes. The message is inspiring: Ask questions, advocate for positive change, and have fun while collaborating with members of your family and community.
Summary: Penny Purple explains what a purple person is and leads readers through the steps on becoming a purple person.
Similar Titles: Dear girl by Amy Rosenthal; I promise by Lebron James
2. Carle, E. (2018). I love dad with the very hungry caterpillar. Melbourne, Australia: Penguin Random House Australia.
Blog: Celebrate Dad's special day by saying "I Love You"--with a little help from The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This bright and colorful book is the ideal way to tell the person you call "Dad" how much you appreciate him. It's the perfect gift for Father's Day, Dad's birthday, or any day that you want to show Dad just how much you care.
Summary: The very hungry caterpillar shows its love for Dad.
Similar Titles: If I didn't have you by Alan Katz; The cranky caterpillar by Richards Graham
3. Daywalt, D., & Jeffers, O. (2019). The Crayons' Christmas. London: HarperCollins Children's Books.
Blog: The holiday season is underway at Duncan's house, and with it comes a flurry of mail-for his crayons. In envelope and package style pouches that occur throughout, readers will find crayoned correspondence and holiday cards, along with decorations, a foldout game, and other interactive items. Peach's parents, living the good life in Florida, send much-yearned-for clothes in paper-doll format, including a jazzy purple tux. Duncan isn't totally neglected: Gray, who is visiting relatives in Tennessee, sends Hanukkah greetings and a punch-out dreidel; Neon Red and Esteban include a mixed-up map of their world travels.The crayons' ending offering, a pop-up tribute to the boy "who had always given them love, respect, and even a home", rounds out the book's meaningfully handmade feel.
Summary: Duncan, the crayons, and their families celebrate Christmas.
Similar Titles: How the crayons saved Christmas by Monica Sweeney; How to catch Santa by Jean Reagan
4. John, J. (2021). Bad seed. S.l.: Harperfestival.
Blog: What makes him so bad? He lies, he’s late, he doesn’t listen, he tells boring jokes, and he never puts things back. Of course, he wasn’t always like that. Like many bad guys, he’s has a pretty tragic backstory. But maybe he’s done being bad. Maybe he wants to be good again, if he can remember how. Readers will enjoy watching the dramatic seed intimidate his nervous neighbors, and might not even realize they’re learning a lesson about good behavior in the process.
Summary: This is a book about a bad seed. He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and never listens. But in the end, one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to be-happy
Similar Titles: The wolf, the duck, and the mouse by Mac Barnett; Are we pears yet by Miranda Paul
5. Klassen, J. (2021). The rock from the sky. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
Blog: This witty story is made up of five short chapters that are outstanding examples of pacing, less-is-more illustration, and comedic timing. Unaware of impending doom from above, Turtle enjoys standing in his favorite spot. His friend Armadillo thinks he has a better spot. Disaster is avoided, but the interplay of text and images as a giant rock falls from the sky will have readers and listeners howling with delight. The subsequent chapters capture other moments in the life of Turtle, Armadillo, Snake, and of course-Alien. Wacky, witty fun, this could be used to introduce a unit on humor. Laugh-out-loud funny, children will be predicting, warning, and laughing their way through any reading.
Summary: A funny meditation on the workings of friendship, fate, foresight and the funny feeling that something is off, when two companions stand in a perfectly good spot that may be hit, sometime, by a falling rock.
Similar Titles: Carl and the meaning of life by Deborah Freedman; Old Rock (is not boring) by Deb Pilutti
6. Lang, S. (2019). Grumpy monkey. Random House Books for Young Readers.
Blog: The hilarious picture book about dealing with unexplained feelings and the danger in suppressing them. Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it--how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day? They encourage him not to hunch, to smile, and to do things that make them happy. But Jim can't take all the advice...and has a bit of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy? Suzanne and Max Lang bring hilarity and levity to this very important lesson. This picture book is an excellent case study in the dangers of putting on a happy face and demonstrates to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings (though they should be careful of hurting others in the process!). Need more Jim Panzee in your life? Don't miss the next book, Grumpy Monkey: Party Time!
Summary: Jim Panzee wakes up in a bad mood one beautiful day, but he keeps denying he is grumpy even as his friends give advice for feeling better.
Similar Titles: Grumpy monkey 1 Freshly squeezed by Suzanne Lang; Grumpy duck by Joyce Dunbar
7. Lindstrom, C., & Goade, M. (2020). We are water protectors. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press.
Blog: Lindstrom honors those who fight to protect the Earth's fresh water. The words are spoken by a child who's shown first with her grandmother: "Water is the first medicine.... Water is sacred," the white-haired woman tells her. The girl tells of the arrival of an oil pipeline, the "black snake" that will "spoil the water, poison plants and animals, wreck everything in its path." The half-bleached figures of a bird and a fish lie next to the pipeline leaking black sludge. "The plants, trees, rivers, lakes...", Goade pulls back to view the Earth from space studded with stars-"We are all related." Observation is not enough, the book communicates: action is necessary. And the girl doesn't just participate in protest; she stands at the front, carrying a feather in one hand, as other protestors answer her call. "We are water protectors. WE STAND!"
Summary: When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.
Similar Titles: Alba and the ocean cleanup by Lara Hawthorne; We need water by Charles Ghigna
8. Martin, E. W. (2020). The wonderful things you will be. London: Puffin.
Blog: A parent talks to her (or his) child and ruminates on all things there are to do or be. After all, this is the first time that “there’s ever been you.” Sometimes the list seems to put pressure on the child (“Will you stand up for good by saving the day?”), but there are also more doable activities: taking care of small animals or being kind. Martin presents a cast of multicultural children adorable in every way. Some wear knowing expressions, wise beyond their years, while others, like the African American sister and brother sharing an ice cream cone, have a pure innocence. The paintings, distinct in their own way for the sheer delightfulness of the characters and for inventive design. This is particularly evident in a final foldout spread that features costumed characters and invites children to imagine who they would like to be. A thoughtful book to share.
Summary: Illustrations and simple, rhyming text reveal a parent's musings about what a child will become, knowing that the child's kindness, cleverness, and boldness will shine through no matter what, as will the love they share.
Similar Titles: Only you by Robin Cruise; If I was the sunshine by Julie Fogliano
9. Rubin, A., & Salmieri, D. (2014). Dragons love tacos. Boston, MA: National Braille Press.
Blog: A bemused young dragon fan and his dog are given the inside scoop on the best way to entertain dragons-with a taco party. A helpful narrator offers the boy advice about planning the festivities, informing him that dragons love tacos-beef tacos, chicken tacos, gigantic tacos, and tiny tacos. But those preparing to host these parties are cautioned to keep any kind of spicy salsa off the menu or suffer the consequences. After filling his house with tacos, getting rid of the salsa, and letting the party begin, the host is sure he's properly prepared, but he's missed the jalapenos peppers listed in the fine print of the "Totally Mild Salsa." Uh, oh!
Summary: Explores the love dragons have for tacos, and the dangers of feeding them anything with spicy salsa.
Similar Titles: Dragons love tacos 2: the sequel by Adam Rubin; If an armadillo went to a restaurant by Ellen Fischer
10. Willems, M. (2019). The pigeon has to go to school! New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
Blog: It's time for Pigeon to start attending school. However, he has absolutely no intention of going. He doesn’t do mornings, and he already knows everything, including how to “spel.” His poise, wings on his little birdie hips, shows his determination to avoid what he considers unnecessary and a waste of his time. But as he goes through a list of “what-ifs,” his anxiety begins to show through his stubbornness. While addressing his list of concerns, he slowly begins to understand that school just might be helpful when it comes to learning about things like the alphabet, finger painting, and reading. The text is transmitted entirely through his dialogue bubbles. The ending is spot-on, as Pigeon spots something big, something bright, and something yellow, and his excitement skyrockets. Children on their way to kindergarten may recognize themselves in Pigeon’s story and take heart at his (eventual) enthusiasm
Summary: The pigeon must go to school, but frets about math, learning the alphabet, heavy backpacks, and what the teacher and other birds will think of him.
Similar Titles: First day critter jitters by Jory John; Chicken Little: the real and entirely true tale by Sam Wedelich
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