Category: picture books

Posted in picture books

Bienvenida a Casa, Esmerelda/Welcome Home, Esmerelda embrace new beginnings

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Bienvenida a Casa, Esmerelda, by Daniela Ramirez/Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga, (May 2025, Charlesbridge), $17.99, ISBN: 9781623544386

Ages 6-9

Esmerelda is a young girl living with her mom, older sister, and dad, who serves in the military. He comes home to announce that they have short-notice orders to move back to the States, to their hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Mamá is delighted and Mariana, Esmerelda’s older sister, promises this is a great move, but Esmerelda isn’t so sure. The school year isn’t over, and she’s not even from San Antonio. Heartbroken, Esmerelda says goodbye to everything and everyone she knows as the family moves into temporary housing on-base and then boards the plane to Texas. When the family lands, they are surrounded by smiling, exuberant family members who can’t wait to welcome Esmerelda; still feeling like a fish out of water, it isn’t until her Tío George turns up the radio on plays music by Selena that Esmerelda finally feels familiarity and connection. She and her family dance together and she realizes that her “heart is home”.

I read the Spanish version of this story and loved the emotional storytelling, told from Esmerelda’s point of view. We’re never told where her family is stationed, but we understand that it’s overseas and that she’s lived there for most of her life (note: the verso page mentions that the family is stationed in Germany). Ramirez’s story resonates with children of the military that often have to pack up and move at a moment’s notice and the complicated feelings that come as part of the life. As a military spouse and “military kid”, Ramirez notes in an author’s note, she describes her inspiration for writing Bienvenida a Casa, Esmerelda and how the connection to Selena Quintanilla’s music helped smooth her own transitions. Digital illustrations are colorful and have fun details that provide texture to the characters: Esmerelda’s room contains a poster of Selena and a military teddy bear; the family’s belongings show possessions from around the world, giving a clue to multiple deployments. A celebration of family and music, this is a great addition to picture book collections and is available in English and Spanish.

Posted in Early Reader, Fiction, Fiction, Intermediate, picture books

Tales from the TBR: A Man and His Cat Picture Book!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

A Man and His Cat Picture Book: Fukumaru and the Spaceship of Happiness, by Umi Sakurai, (July 2024, Square Enix Books), $17.99, ISBN: 9781646092819

Ages 5-8

How did I miss this one last year? A Man and His Cat is a popular manga series that’s released in the U.S. from Square Enix; somehow, I missed the picture book release that stars the cat, Fukumaru, who has his own adventure. In Fukumaru and the Spaceship of Happiness, Fukumaru meets two space cats whose ship has crashed. Powered by happiness, it’s up to Fukumaru to share his own joy to help his new fureinds (fur + friends) get back home. He shares tasty treats and fun toys, but when they need that last burst of joy to get liftoff, Fukumaru worries – how can he possibly share his Daddy? Sakurai creates a sweet story that emerging readers will love. The chibi illustrations are too cute for words, and the strong theme of sharing will resonate with readers who are learning to share their possessions while teaching them that sharing joy is just as important and as wonderful as sharing material things. If you haven’t gotten this on your shelves yet, give it a whirl, especially if you have manga readers at your library. 

Psst… if you haven’t explored cat manga for kids, yet, I humbly recommend Chi’s Sweet Home (also available to stream) and Fuku Fuku Kitten Tales, both by Konami Konata. My library kids wear my copies out!

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

The Aliens Do NOT Want to Go Home!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

The Aliens Do Not Want to Go Home!, by Adam Gustavson, (June 2025, Charlesbridge Publishing), $17.99, ISBN: 9781623544942

Ages 4-7

This hilarious book is perfect for every single grownup who has had to endure the end of a playdate/family or friend gathering/insert your own dilemma here. A group of adorable aliens are not ready to go home, and the laugh-out-loud narrative will list all of the reasons, which sound suspiciously like ones we’ve all heard before: they haven’t said good bye yet! They have to put on their shoes (it’s ALWAYS the shoes)! It’s not even dark out, and they have to do something very important that absolutely, positively, cannot be done at home! It’s been so long since their last sleepover; maybe they can just borrow a pair of pajamas? So many delaying tactics; so many excuses, but the aliens are just not ready to go home. Gustavson’s adorable illustrations show aliens engaging in very kid-like behavior and making the funniest faces to delight young readers, who will see themselves in these quirky creatures. The little critters frolic through crop circles and scale clock towers, clean up their messes and settle in at a drive-in just as the tractor beams pull them up from their reverie, still pleading their cases. A must-have for storytime collections, this will be a home-run readaloud that kids will want to hear again and again.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

The Mood Swing taps into highs and lows

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

The Mood Swing, by B.R. Duray/Illustrated by Momes, (June 2024, Moon Tree Studios, LLC), $19.99, ISBN: 979-8989710317

Ages 4-8

A boy named Peter suffers the loss of his father and discovers a magical swing in this touching story about grief. The swing, tethered to a Moon Tree, allows Peter to go on adventures that reflect his emotions: a happy Peter ventures into outer space, his parents by his side; a year after losing his father, the swing plunges Peter into quicksand, mirroring the drowning feelings of grief and loss. His mother helps Peter learn to find balance and enjoy riding the swing, just as he must learn to navigate the ups and downs of life after loss. The rhyming storytelling falls into a soothing cadence and the colorful illustrations bring readers on fantastic and emotional journeys. A good addition to social-emotional collections and collections that help soothe children experiencing loss.

As an somewhat related aside, I’ve just gotten off my own mood swing. I had to take a brief hiatus as I got used to Nana Life (SO awesome!) and looking for a new home for our family (not entirely awesome). Long story short, my granddaughter is amazing, my family is healthy and happy, and we’ve finally signed the lease on a new place to live. The blog marches on!

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Toddler Reads

Bubbeleh, you have to read Sweet Babe! by Robin Rosenthal!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Sweet Babe! A Jewish Grandma Kvells, by Robin Rosenthal, (Feb. 2025, Tundra Books), $17.99, ISBN: 9781774884324

Ages 2-5

This adorable book packs the excited punch of an over-the-moon Bubbe (that’s grandma, in Yiddish) into every page. Bubbe is so happy to be with her grandchild! The story gives a view into grandma time, as Bubbe plays with and exclaims over the wonder that is her adorable grandchild: she nibbles on fingers and toes, delights over cheeks, and marvels at the obvious brilliance that baby displays. Boldly outlined and colorful, with huge, easy to read fonts to communicate Bubbe’s euphoria on each page, this is a book that you’ll want to read again and again to any and every baby you see. Sweet Babe! is so relatable and so enjoyable that you’ll want to read it just to feel good. Need help navigating the Yiddish terms? There’s a glossary at the end. An absolute must-add to picture book and storytime collections.

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Ballet Brown: Because ballet is for everyone

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Ballet Brown, by Bellen Woodard/Illustrated by Fanny Liem, (May 2025, Scholastic), $18.99, ISBN: 9781546134077

Ages 4-7

Crayon Activist Bellen Woodard loves ballet and how dance is “a conversation with the world”. As she gets older, she’s uncomfortable with the pink shoes, leotards, and pink or white tights – referred to as Ballet Pink – that she has to wear, or the bun she has to “pin and tuck and pull” her afro into. They don’t reflect her, and as she reads more about ballet, she learns that “Ballet Pink” was chosen to be an extension of the ballerina: the body and clothes, all one. But as new people discovered ballet, the rules were slow to change. Bellen and her mom decide that it’s time to make some changes of their own, even if the studio that Bellen enjoys is one of the things that need to change. A moving story of discovering what gives one power and creating healthy spaces, kids will love this first-person story about a girl who loves ballet so much that she made a place for herself where she – and other kids – felt safe and could embrace joy. Liem’s illustrations show a love of dance and are diverse, pairing nicely with Woodard’s narration. Woodard draws readers in with a real-talk look at the need for representation in ballet and the pushback to expect. Back matter includes photos of the author and author notes on Ballet Brown, Ballet Pink, and pointe shoes. An excellent addition to picture book collections, every kid who loves ballet books deserves to read this one. Download free activity and coloring sheets here!

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Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Maybe Just Ask Me! encourages kids to be brave and speak up!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Maybe Just Ask Me!, by Katie Mazeika, (April 2025, Beach Lane Books), $16.99, ISBN: 9781665949897

Ages 4-8

Mazie is excited about starting at her new school and making new friends. She wears her prettiest eye patch and favorite scarf, and she’s ready to answer any questions her classmates may have… but the silence is deafening, and Mazie feels self-conscious. When a breeze blows her scarf off of her head, the whispering starts: did she lose her hair because she worked for the circus and had it burned off by the fire breather? Does she have an eye patch because she was a pirate? Mazie goes through the day hearing her classmates whisper and wonder about Mazie, but no one will talk to her and ask her directly. By the time she’s in gym class, Mazie’s had enough. Blowing her teacher’s whistle to gets her class’s attention, she lays it out for everyone: “… if you really want the story of what happened to me… Maybe just ask me!” Based on the author’s own childhood cancer experience, Maybe Just Ask Me! is about bravery and an invitation to a conversation. So often, people find it easier to murmur behind people’s backs, wondering about someone’s appearance, because it’s either considered rude or too awkward to ask outright, but Mazie shows us that folks want to be seen; they want to share their stories and their experiences to connect with others. By the end of Mazie’s day, she’s got a bunch of brand-new friends because she was brave enough to invite questions. Digital illustrations are colorful and imaginative, bringing pirates, circuses, aliens, and jungle creatures to life as the other kids imagine how Mazie lost an eye and her hair. Mazeika beautifully captures Mazie’s expressions and internal dialogue as she goes through the school day. Back matter includes an author note and a list of ways to be a supportive person. A good choice for social-emotional collections.

Check out this curriculum guide for Maybe Just Ask Me!, and visit TeachingBooks.net for an author interview, a word search, and book cover jigsaw.

 

“A reminder that kids with disabilities are the authorities of their own stories.” —Kirkus
Katie Mazeika is an author and illustrator with a BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design. When she isn’t in the studio, she likes to spend time at the theater, in her garden, or getting lost in a good book. She is the creator of picture book biographies including Annette Feels Free and Beulah Has a Hunch!. She lives in Ohio with her family and two dogs. To learn more, and download a free curriculum guide, visit her website at katiemazeika.com.
Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Friends Forever! So-Hee and Lowy

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

So-Hee and Lowy, by Anna Kang/Illustrated by Christopher Weyant, (Apr. 2025, Two Lions), $18.99, ISBN: 9781542036658

Ages 3-7

So-Hee is a kid who desperately wants a pet she can hug, but she’s allergic to just about everything with fur or feathers. She happens upon a big yellow snake at the pet store’s “giant non-furry pet sale” and she brings Lowy home. Weyant’s adorable illustrations show the two becoming friends: sunbathing, going on rides, playing together. One cold winter day, though, the unthinkable happens: Lowy is nowhere to be found! As So-Hee mobilizes her building in the search, Lowy is ultimately found in the most amusing of places, and So-Hee has widened her social circle. Another great story about friendship from Kang and Weyant, whose You Are (Not) Small series is still one of my go-to recommendations. Kang deftly incorporates narration and dialogue to place readers right in the story, and Weyant’s colorful illustrations are expressive and downright lovable. Their message – that friendship can be found anywhere, as long as you’re open to it – is positive and upbeat. So-Hee appears Asian; neighborhood characters are diverse. An absolute joy to read, this will fit in nicely with picture book collections.

Posted in picture books, Toddler Reads

Three Board Books for Spring and Easter

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

It is no secret that I love board books. Having a new grandbaby to share all these great new board books with? GOLD. Here are a few I’ll be tucking into her Easter basket – and reading at Spring storytimes!

Egg Hunt with Max and Moo, by Susie Lee Jin, (Jan. 2025, Schiffer Kids), $9.99, ISBN: 9780764368851

Ages Birth-3

Max and Moo are having an Easter egg hunt, and you’re invited! Fun lift the flaps and a playful story show the two joining their friends preparing and enjoying the egg hunt. Doubling as a concept book, Egg Hunt helps reinforce colors as readers discover the eggs and the friends they’ll discover on the way. Characters from Max and Moo’s previous adventure, Peek-a-Moo!, show up here and will delight readers who are familiar with them. Bold, colorful illustration with bold, black fonts make for easy reading. Durable flaps will hold up to multiple reads. A fun read for holiday and board book collections!

Visit Susie Lee Jin’s website for fun and free downloadables and more about her books.

 

Oh So Sleepy Head to Toe, Illustrated by Maria Gabriela Gama, (April 2025, Scholastic), $8.99, ISBN: 9781546139409

Ages Birth-3

This is more of a bedtime story, but there are adorable animals, including a bunny, so Spring it is! Animal friends are all getting ready for bed, and it’s up to readers to soothe them to sleep. Rub Little Sheep’s fuzzy tummy; smooth Little Pup’s blanket, pet Little Bunny’s ears: touch-and-feel pages and the repetitive “Goodnight” on each spread will soothe and relax readers and provide a gentle bedtime routine. If you’re holding a pajama storytime, encourage your attendees to repeat the behaviors on their own stuffed friends. Gama’s illustrations are adorable, with bright colors and cartoony animals, all curled up under their covers. A final directive to readers to “Wiggle your toes. Stretch your arms. Close your eyes” provides more interactivity and leads them into their own slumber (or the close of your storytime). Don’t miss this one.

 

Spring ABC, by Jannie Ho, (Jan. 2025, Candlewick Press), $7.99, ISBN: 9781536237689

Ages Birth-3

It’s a Spring alphabet! Filled with Spring images, this ABCedary is sure to be a hit. Cheerful, colorful illustrations will capture any reader’s attention, with playful alphabet choices like Apple Blossoms and Daisies; Ho thinks up creative ways to highlight other letters, like G, choosing the word “grow” and showing a worm next to a series of growing saplings; X for Extra Eggs, and Z for Zipper, showing the zipper of what could be a spring jacket. The book is well-constructed, with hardy pages that will hold up to multiple readings. A concept books essential, make sure to put this in your collections.

Spring ABC is the fifth book in Jannie Ho’s ABC series – visit her website to find out more!

 

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Three picture books to welcome Spring

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Spring is springing! I’ve got my Cricut kicking into high gear and am preparing displays for the children’s room here at the library. What better time to start talking about Spring Storytime? Here are three fun books to start things off.

Let’s Be Bees, by Shawn Harris, (Feb. 2025, Neal Porter Books/Holiday House), $18.99, ISBN: 9780823457090

Ages 3-8

It’s all about imagination and sounds with this storytime between a father and child. Starting with the two reading a story – why, they’re reading the same book we are! – there’s a statement: “Let’s be bees”. The next spread expands on the fun as parent and child turn into bees, the accompanying statement reading “Let’s be fuzzy, buzzy bees and BUZZ!” The two turn into chitty, chatty birds (“CHIRP!”), lofty, leafy trees (“RUSTLE!”), and a host of other nature and animal sounds. It’s great fun made for an interactive storytime with onomatopoeia and alliteration to keep kids’ interest with wordplay. The two even mimic each other for a delightful close to a perfectly fun story. The crayon artwork beautifully matches to the playful theme. Do not miss this one; it’s an essential add to storytime collections.

Let’s Be Bees has starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist and is a Shelf Awareness pick.

 

 

Alfred Blooms, by Carrie Kruck & Carrie Mok, (March 2025, Random House Studio), $18.99, ISBN: 9780593647608

Ages 4-8

This amusing story about friendship, flowers, and blueberry treats is just what a Spring storytime needs. Alfred would love to have a beautiful garden like his friend Lulu, whose garden “was full of flowers and fruits trees and friends”. Try as he might, though, nothing grows in Alfred’s garden, leaving him disheartened until he sees some wildflower seeds and decides to give it one more try. As Alfred gets the seeds open, though, he sneezes, and the wind blows the seeds right back in his face. The seeds are EVERYWHERE, and when it starts raining , the flowers sprout: all over Alfred! He’s got flowers in his hair, flowers in his nose, flowers all over his clothes! As much as Alfred wants to hide away, the smell of blueberry muffins reminds him of Lulu’s favorite snack, so he heads to the local bakery and then to Lulu’s, where he discovers that a blooming garden isn’t the most important thing to have, and that sharing a kind moment with a friend is the best way to spend time. The gouache and pencil artwork create soft and gentle illustrations; Alfred, covered in flowers, will amuse readers and Lulu’s kindness will resonate with readers. Endpapers show the before and after of the garden. The cast of characters is diverse. Don’t miss this one for your Spring storytimes.

 

Fairy Walk, by Gaia Cornwall, (April 2025, Candlewick Press), $17.99, ISBN: 9781536230710

Ages 3-7

Three kids and their puppy friend are in search of fairies! While their moms relax, the explorers head into the woods on a wordplay adventure that gives We’re Going on a Bear Hunt vibes: “River rushes icy cold. / Step, / hop, / hop. / Splish-splash… / into the misty magic”. The group encounters all sorts of flora and fauna, but where are the fairies? Readers who keep an eye on the canine companion may see a fairy or two before the kids do – there’s playful magic to be found if only you look! The story is a light-hearted walk through a magical world that makes for a lively storytime. Fun storytime tip: flannel fans can create some fairies for readers to place on the flannel board. Pencil, watercolor, and collage illustration sets a magical stage for the story; the woods seem to glow with magic in the background on the opening pages, and the sprites bring a whimsical joy with them when they appear. Endpapers give readers a lay of the land, with fairies transparent yet visible for sharp eyes. Fairy Walk is magical and playful and a do-not-miss addition to storytime collections.

Don’t forget to have some fairy coloring sheets on hand for a post-storytime activity!