Delightful New Picture Books
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Delightful New Picture Books for Summer (2017)
Tizzy Tornado is feeling silly. But Tizzy’s acted too silly and made his friends feel badly. Use this simple, relatable board book with fun comic illustrations to introduce children to emotions.
Stack the Cats by Susie Ghahremani COUNTING
 
Go Sleep In Your Own Bed! by Candace Fleming and Lori Nichols HUMOR
 
Warthog: A Counting Adventure by Birdie Black, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw COUNTING
Moo Moo in a Tutu by Tim Miller HUMOR
Moo Moo wants to be a ballerina. His friend, Quackers, is a bit concerned since Moo Moo hasn’t ever had lessons but is a very supportive friend. Can you predict how this will go? I predict you will crack up! Love the speech bubbles and cartoon style illustrations, too.
Early Sunday Morning by Denene Millner, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton FAMILY & CHURCH
It’s Sunday and Sarah and her family are going to church. But this day, Sarah is singing her first solo in the choir. As we watch she and her family prepare for services, she gets advice to help her nervousness, and a wonderful surprise when she does sing. This picture book is a beautiful portrayal of an African-American family and their church culture accompanied by outstanding illustrations.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall FACING FEAR
Jabari is ready to jump off the diving board. Mostly. His dad tells Jabari that he feels scared too, and sometimes after a deep breath and telling himself he is ready, the thing stops feeling scary and feels like a surprise instead. I like this advice. And it works for Jabari, too. Beautiful illustrations, perfect text to picture ratio, and a helpful, relatable story make this a new summer favorite. (ADDED to my big list of picture books with diverse main characters.)
Kid Amazing vs. the Blob by Josh Schneider SUPERHERO KID
Fantastic artwork plus a mesmerizing story of a boy superhero who must defeat the Blob and his super gross stinking. Hilarious! Because the Blog is the Kid Amazing’s little brother. Luckily, Kid Amazing has some tricks up his sleeve. ADDED TO: Superhero Books for Kids
Good Morning, Grizzle Grump! by Aaron Blecha HUMOR
Grizzle Grump is starving after a long hibernation but every time he finds food, the other animals take it first. What is going on? He’s so frustrated. And can you blame him? Then he finds out where all the food went — a surprise bear fair! Light-hearted and fun.
Shorty & Clem by Michael Slack FRIENDSHIP
Shorty is SO excited to see that he’s received a box!! Until he sees it’s for his friend, Clem. But he just is so excited and can’t resist opening it. Not to worry. Clem knew this would happen. In fact, it was his plan all along.
 
Prince and Pirate by Charlotte Gunnufson, illustrated by Mike Lowery COOPERATION
Prince and Pirate are two unique fish who live in their own fish bowls. Until one day. That is the day they are moved to a tank together! They do not get along. AT ALL. They name call and pester each other up until they decide to help the new arrival, a small, scared dogfish. You’ll love the bright illustrations, hilarious dialogue, and strong personalities of Pirate and Prince.
The Great Jumperee by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury ADVENTURE
There’s a GIANT JUMPEREE in Rabbit’s burrow! Who says scary stuff to Rabbit and his friends like he’s going to sting them like a bee, squash them like a flea, . . . until Mama Frog hops over. She counts to three and out jumps . . . Baby Frog! Your kids will love the building suspense and this funny surprise. Plus, I love the amazing Helen Oxenbury’s illustrations.
 
Hattie & Hudson by Chris Van Dusen FRIENDSHIP
Hattie’s sweet singing draws a large green “monster” reminiscent of the Loch Ness Monster out of the lake’s depths to investigate. The two become good friends. Unfortunately, the lake’s other residents are terrified of the so-called dangerous monster who Hattie has named Hudson. Hudson comes up with a brilliant idea to show the townspeople what they can’t yet see — his kind heart.
 
Mine! by Jeff Mack COOPERATION
Two mice each want the large rock — but first, they must get rid of the other mouse. Told in hilarious illustrations and only the word “mine”, you’ll crack up at the story and surprise ending.
Frankie by Mary Sullivan COOPERATION
Frankie is going home from the shelter. Is the bed Frankie’s? No. It’s Nico’s. The blankie, bed, rope, and puppy all are Nico’s. Poor Frankie. Will these two cute doggies learn to share? Gorgeous illustrations and simple text.
 
Pete with No Pants by Rowboat Watkins HUMOR
Pete’s a unique elephant with a big imagination who doesn’t understand why in the world he needs to wear pants. Quirky and tons of fun!
Morris Mole by Dan Yaccarino DETERMINATION
None of the other moles listen to Morris’s idea when they need to find more food. So he just does it — and after digging UP, instead of down, he discovers a wonderful world of tasty food and beauty. Until a fox comes along. How will Morris avoid being eaten and still help his family?
Splatypus by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic FRIENDSHIP
This fun story’s language just invites reading aloud. Platypus wants to play — so he finds animals and tries his best to fit in — skipping, hopping, dipping, dropping, and splat! Kangaroos, dingoes, possums, and fruit bats all make Platypus become Splatapus. Then he finds penguins who are swimmers just like him.
 
The Wolf’s First Howling by Laura McGee Kvasnosky, illustrated by Kate Harvey McGee INDIVIDUALITY
Big Wolf says Little Wolf is good at a lot of things but his howling technique isn’t right. Little Wolf’s style is quite unusual in fact — he beep-bops instead of aaaaoooos. Big Wolf listens. And then he joins in, accepting his son for who he is. Which is what all kids want and need from parents, right?
 
Dinosaur Pirates! by Penny Dale PIRATE ADVENTURE
Begging to read out loud, this rollicking adventure of pirates searching for buried treasure will keep your kiddos well entertained this summer. ADDED TO: Best Pirate Books for Kids.
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