You might have noticed by now that I absolutely love discovering new picture books. I wish I could get every kid on my Christmas gift list a book. Yet I am fully aware that unwrapping a book might not be something most kids are hoping for. So to channel all my book-buying energy, I thought I would share several of the new(ish) selections we have been loving lately. Perhaps there is a child in your life who might enjoy one of these. Along with a battery operated something or other, of course.
Links to each book can be found in the caption.
Imaginary Fred by Oliver Jeffers – It should come as no surprise if you read THIS post that Oliver Jeffers’ newest picture book is #1 on this list. It is quintessential Oliver Jeffers material…a bit of sentiment mixed with humor and whimsy. This is a story about friendships and the joy in finding a true friend. This book would be best for: kids who have an imaginary friend or have vivid imaginations.
Robo-Sauce by Adam Rubin – This is the newest book from the author of Dragons Love Tacos, which was on THIS list of funniest picture books we recommend. This story has the same humor and quality illustrations, but also has a really cool surprise at the end (shhhh…don’t tell anyone, but the book turns into a robot). This book would be best for: boys age 4-8 who like robots and figuring out how things work.
Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal – The cover illustration of this story drew me in, and the sweet story inside is the reason I have purchased it twice as a gift already to two of my favorite little girls. It’s the story of a unicorn who dreams and wishes for a little girl of her very own. This book would be best for: little girls age 3-6 who are little dreamers and typically love princess type stories.
- Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey – This is not a new book, but it is new to us. I have the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and found it to be a pretty heavy read. I bought this for our kids and myself. It is hands down my son Ben’s favorite book to read over and over again. There are seven different stories inside, each highlighting one of the 7 habits at a kid’s level. This book would be best for: Boys and girls (ages 5+) who could benefit from learning 7 habits to be happier and more effective in their lives.
Be Happy! by Monica Sheehan – This little book is not a story, but each page has great advice on living a good life. If I followed the advice in this book daily, I know it would be transforming. This book would be best for: Boys and girls (ages 4+). The older they are, the more they will be able to apply these wise tips.
I Really Like Slop by Mo Willems – Although I am featuring the newest in the Elephant and Piggy series, they are all great. We are huge fans of this series and of Mo Willems. When you have a beginning reader, the books are perfect for reading practice. As your kids get older, these are great for getting them to show expression. The better you are at reading them, the funnier they are. This book would be best for: Boys and girls (ages 4-8) who are learning to read and like to laugh.
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek – This is a little book about feelings. Which I always feel is helpful for kids to read so that they can not only identify that they experience these feelings, but also that they are normal. The illustrations are adorable and the cut out heart is fun to follow along. This book would be best for: Boys and girls (ages 3-8) who would feel comforted by this message.
Waiting by Kevin Henkes – Soothing is the first word I can think of to describe this book. A great option for a bedtime read. It’s a simple story of some little toys that sit on windowsill watching the days pass by. It really is a sweet story, with soft colors and soft words. Makes me sleepy just looking at the cover. This book would be best for: Boys and girls (ages 0-5) who like to be read to at night.
Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds – Based on the cover, you might guess that this book is about a nerdy bird who doesn’t really fit in. And you would be right. Up to a point. What I really like about this story is how it dives a little deeper than you would expect, and shows how even the not-cool group can also exclude others. This book would be best for boys and girls (ages 3-9) who are learning how to make friends and navigate social circles.
For more picture book recommendations check out THIS, THIS and THIS post.
