Picture Book Recommendations

Picture books are often young readers' first introduction into the wonderful world of books. We want to help you find books that make kids' reading experiences delightful-- for the adults who read them and the kids who listen to them. 

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Clover By Nadine Robert, Qin Leng (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Nadine Robert, Qin Leng (Illustrator)
$19.99
ISBN: 9781990252143
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Milky Way Picture Books - September 13th, 2022

Is it possible for a picture book to be quiet and epic at the same time? I think this manages! It's beautiful and adventurous and loving and thoughtful. (I also adore that Clover's gender is never specified.) --Tegan


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Booker the Library Bat 1: The New Guard By Jess Brallier, Jeff Harter (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jess Brallier, Jeff Harter (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781645950462
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Pixel+Ink - November 15th, 2022

This adorable picture book is inspired by the real bats that live in Portugal’s oldest library. Yes, the illustrations represent the elegant beauty of the Joanine Library in Coimbra. Yes, bat guano is a plot point. Because it has suspense and more text than some picture books, it makes a great all-family read-aloud. --Tegan


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The Cookie Maker of Mavin Road By Sue Lawson, Liz Anelli (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Sue Lawson, Liz Anelli (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9781536219975
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Candlewick - December 7th, 2021

Heart-warming! When the neighbors come together and reach out at the end, the vibrant colors and smiles light up the pages. 


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99 Tomatoes and One Potato: A Seek-and-Find for Curious Minds By Delphine Chedru Cover Image
$15.99
ISBN: 9781419753770
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Abrams Appleseed - March 29th, 2022

This is so clever and fascinating! Each big, bold page has 99 items that fit a category and ONE that doesn't belong. It's a beautiful seek and find type of book that can spark interesting conversations. I could happily spend days poring over these pages, and I think kids will, too. 


Room for Everyone By Naaz Khan, Mercè López (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Naaz Khan, Mercè López (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781534431393
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - November 9th, 2021

Hop on the daladala (a kind of minibus taxi) on the way to the blue crystal waters of Zanzibar! The vibrant illustrations play with color, perspective, and texture. Rhythmic language dances across the pages as more and more people and their belongings pile into the vehicle on the way to the beach. It seems there can’t possibly be room, but “after some wiggles and giggles and fun, they made enough room for everyone.” Even the typeface becomes flexible, with words such as “shuffle,” “squirm,” and “squeeze” taking up extra space on the page. 

--from Tegan's review for the Christian Science Monitor Dec. 2021

The bus fills up and the illustrations keep expanding until a truly spectacular cross section of the overloaded daladala is followed by the cathartic release. Ahhhhh. After the characters climb out to enjoy the beautiful beach, readers should stay on board for a glossary of Arabic and Swahili words as well as a page about Zanzibar and its culture. This is a book you will be happy to read again and again because it’s so full of sunlight and energy.


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At This Very Moment By Matthew Hodson Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9781908714923
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Cicada Books - September 21st, 2021

Gorgeous! I think this makes a great baby shower gift-- the world and its wonders in one beautiful package. -Tegan


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Where Three Oceans Meet By Rajani LaRocca, Archana Sreenivasan (Illustrator) Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9781419741296
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Abrams Books for Young Readers - August 24th, 2021

Beautiful! It will make kids want to explore the world and their own heritage-- and it will make adults like me cry in a good way.  --Tegan


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Bathe the Cat By Alice B. McGinty, David Roberts (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Alice B. McGinty, David Roberts (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781452142708
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Chronicle Books - February 8th, 2022

Delightfully silly! It made me giggle out loud, and it just might make chore-time a little more fun if we say, "Alright, time to rock the rug!" This family just looks like a lot of fun, and I think readers will enjoy spending time with them. --Tegan


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I Really Want the Cake  By Simon Philip, Lucia Gaggiotti (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Simon Philip, Lucia Gaggiotti (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781338589412
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Orchard Books - May 5th, 2020

I don't know if I've ever related more to a main character... The cake-lover/ attempted cake-ignorer/ cake-eater/ cake-baker is earnest and honest and oh-so-endearing even as I sympathized with her poor mom-- and her dog's reactions delighted me even more. The illustrations perfectly capture the temptations, agonies, and delights I feel around cake.  The rhymes are funny and really fun to read aloud. My one problem with this book? NOW I'M CRAVING CAKE!!!


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The Secret Fawn By Kallie George, Elly MacKay (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Kallie George, Elly MacKay (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780735265165
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Tundra Books - February 2nd, 2021

Absolutely gorgeous! Soft and light-filled illustrations complement the sweet story. As the second child, I also appreciate the first-person narration that explains the frustrations--and good things!-- of being little.


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Eyes That Kiss in the Corners By Joanna Ho, Dung Ho (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Joanna Ho, Dung Ho (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9780062915627
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: HarperCollins - January 5th, 2021

Charming, celebratory, and absolutely beautiful! Hits home in a wonderful way.


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The Pirates Are Coming! By John Condon, Matt Hunt (Illustrator) Cover Image
By John Condon, Matt Hunt (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9781536212167
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Candlewick Press - July 7th, 2020

In this book, a boy repeatedly raises false alarms that the pirates are coming (like "The Boy Who Cries Wolf"), but watch for the very fun twist at the end. I got a real kick out of the hiding spots the villagers choose when the boy cries pirates, and I think young readers will enjoy the refrain, speculating about pirates, playing peek-a-boo to "hide" whenever the boy shouts, and spending time alone after the read-throughs, just looking at all the silly illustrations. 


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Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut By Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James (Illustrator)
$18.95
ISBN: 9781572842243
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Agate Bolden - October 10th, 2017

Treat yourself to an immersion in the community feeling and sense of self-worth that shine throughout this gorgeous book. It's difficult to choose, but I think my favorite pages might be the second-to-last about tipping the barber. Come check it out in person. You'll be glad you did!


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The Trouble with Penguins By Rebecca Jordan-Glum, Rebecca Jordan-Glum (Illustrator) Cover Image
$18.99
Email or call for price
ISBN: 9781250208484
Published: Roaring Brook Press - November 3rd, 2020

Absolutely adorable! The penguins are extremely expressive and relatable. Plus, marshmallows are integral to the plot!


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Milo Imagines the World By Matt de la Peña, Christian Robinson (Illustrator) Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780399549083
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers - February 2nd, 2021

A very touching, uplifting reminder to imagine beyond our first impressions and to hold kindness and hope for others in our hearts.  Milo's pictorial explorations peeking into possibilities will help us all perceive how much better the world can be when we think about empathy, inclusiveness, and more love for everyone.
I cried in a good way. --Tegan


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Natsumi! By Susan Lendroth, Priscilla Burris (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Susan Lendroth, Priscilla Burris (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9780399170904
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers - March 13th, 2018

So fun! Natsumi is an exuberant girl whose family doesn't always appreciate her energies. She tries a variety of traditional Japanese arts until her grandfather introduces her to something that is a perfect fit. 


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All Are Welcome By Alexandra Penfold, Suzanne Kaufman (Illustrator) Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780525579649
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers - July 10th, 2018

This is a beautiful and brave book. The inclusive colorful, joyous illustrations help get across its  very important message, which was inspired by a statement made by Seattle public school teachers in response to the Muslim ban, and the illustrations are inspired by a local school. All Are Welcome makes me very proud to be a Seattleite!


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The Lost Words By Robert MacFarlane, Jackie Morris (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Robert MacFarlane, Jackie Morris (Illustrator)
$35.00
ISBN: 9781487005382
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Anansi International - October 2nd, 2018

Wow! This is for all ages. It reclaims words left out of a recent edition of the Oxford Junior Dictionary and leaves me absolutely agog. It feels like a well-curated museum exhibit, a coffee table book, and an exploration of nature all in one. It was the winner of the Children's Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. 


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Maria the Matador By Anne Lambelet, Anne Lambelet (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Anne Lambelet, Anne Lambelet (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781624146565
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Page Street Kids - February 5th, 2019

I love this almost as much as I love churros! It's the story of a girl who loves churros so much, she's willing to risk everything for a lifetime supply. She is creative and caring and peaceful, so her matador style might suprise you... Sweet and charming!


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There Must Be More Than That! By Shinsuke Yoshitake Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9781452183220
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Chronicle Books - October 6th, 2020

If you're feeling bummed out about the state of the world, take a page out of this girl's book! She's got some great ideas about the future--she's just the sort of thinker we need right now! (Particularly if you're thinking about how you'd like your eggs for dinner.)


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The Barnabus Project By Terry Fan, Eric Fan, Devin Fan Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780735263260
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Tundra Books - September 1st, 2020

This is an adventure tale of daring escape! Barnabus, half mouse, half elephant, leads his "imperfect" friends to freedom. This sweet story's message is about loving yourself, friendship, and the power of imagination. --Erin


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Maud and Grand-Maud By Sara O'Leary, Kenard Pak (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Sara O'Leary, Kenard Pak (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9780399554582
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Random House Books for Young Readers - August 18th, 2020

This charming book is as cozy as Maud and Grand-Maud's matching flannel nightgowns. If we can't have our own visits with Grand-Maud, we can make do enjoying Maud's.


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No Fuzzball! By Isabella Kung, Isabella Kung (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Isabella Kung, Isabella Kung (Illustrator)
$14.99
ISBN: 9781338565423
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Orchard Books - August 4th, 2020

Pretty hilarious! I've definitely known cats like Fuzzball/ NoFuzzball! (She thinks her name is actually "NoFuzzball!" because her family is constantly having to yell at her for her naughty acts.) Her "regal" behavior and sassy monologue made me laugh out loud-- plus she's adorable. Thank goodness she's cute... ;) And you might be glad that you can't leave your cat at home alone while we wait for the world to get healtier. 


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Folk Tales from Japan: Fables, Myths and Fairy Tales for Children By Florence Sakade, Yoshio Hayashi (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Florence Sakade, Yoshio Hayashi (Illustrator)
$14.99
ISBN: 9784805314722
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Tuttle Publishing - August 4th, 2020

An absolute favorite! I grew up on these stories--how great to have them all in one book! Memorable, silly, and packed with charming illustrations. Get it! Love it! Tell me which story you enjoyed most (and why it's "The Rolling Mochi Cakes")!


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Margaret's Unicorn By Briony May Smith Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9781984896537
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Anne Schwartz Books - September 15th, 2020

A delightful story about chance encounters, friendship, and appreciating the time we (us and unicorns, obviously) have together. Features rolling hills, blustery weather, and unicorns that are sweet (but not overly so). 


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The Lost Spells By Robert MacFarlane, Jackie Morris Cover Image
$26.00
ISBN: 9781487007799
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Anansi International - October 27th, 2020

It feels a bit trite to call “The Lost Spells” magical, but I was—and am still—genuinely spellbound by this book. Enchantment of this sort is Macfarlane and Morris’s specialty (see, “The Lost Words”). Their nature poems and illustrations are so alive they breathe. They also flutter, caw, and root. Everyone—and this is a book for everyone, no matter your age or opinions on poetry—who reads these spells will find themselves doing the same. This is a good thing. If we learn the spells now, maybe they won’t be lost.


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Something's Wrong!: A Bear, a Hare, and Some Underwear By Jory John, Erin Kraan (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jory John, Erin Kraan (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780374313883
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) - March 23rd, 2021

Something's wrong. But this little bear just cannot figure out what, and goodness, is the suspense getting to him. Features copious anxious babble, best friends, and some wonderfully wide-eyed blank stares. This book had the whole staff giggling! 


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We Wait for the Sun By Katie McCabe, Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Katie McCabe, Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9781250229021
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Roaring Brook Press - February 9th, 2021

If you love "Blueberries for Sal," take a look at this! It has the same potential as a classic, with sensory details and family connection that are wonderfully evocative plus gorgeous illustrations to bring the magic of the scenes to life. 


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My First Day By Phung Nguyen Quang, Huynh Kim Lien Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780593306260
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Make Me a World - February 16th, 2021

A young boy goes to school by boat! He's independent and eager to learn--and he's got things to teach us about his commute! Illustrations are bright, beautiful, and full of movement. 


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Sato the Rabbit By Yuki Ainoya (Created by), Michael Blaskowsky (Translator) Cover Image
By Yuki Ainoya (Created by), Michael Blaskowsky (Translator)
$17.95
ISBN: 9781592703180
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Enchanted Lion Books - February 23rd, 2021

Sometimes you become a rabbit. That's all right! It's a lovely way to see the world, as Sato can attest.


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Daisy By Jessixa Bagley Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780823446506
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Neal Porter Books - March 2nd, 2021

Author and illustrator Jessixa Bagley's Daisy is teased at school, so retreats to her own special place where she collects treasures everyone else overlooks--and then a sweet friend comes along. I love Bagley's art and the message: there's someone for everyone.  --Erin


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Where's Halmoni? (Halmoni & Family) By Julie Kim Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9781632170774
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Little Bigfoot - October 3rd, 2017

Problem-solving siblings, fantastic facial expressions, and a snack-littered adventure--this story is a delight! See if YOU can find Halmoni first!


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The Little Mermaid By Jerry Pinkney Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780316440318
Availability: Available - On our shelves now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - November 3rd, 2020

A gorgeous reimagining of a childhood classic that emphasizes the power of friendship. --Rachel


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I Dream of a Journey By Akiko Miyakoshi, Akiko Miyakoshi (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Akiko Miyakoshi, Akiko Miyakoshi (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9781525304781
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Kids Can Press - March 3rd, 2020

This one really hit me. A little melancholic, a little hopeful, very lovely.


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In the Half Room By Carson Ellis, Carson Ellis (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Carson Ellis, Carson Ellis (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9781536214567
Availability: Available to order - Usually arrives at our store in 1-5 days
Published: Candlewick - October 13th, 2020

Oh, I wish I'd written this book. I love the concept and illustrations, and there's a certain feel here reminiscent of the beloved classic Goodnight Moon. A treat for every reader! Be sure to check out Carson Ellis' other books, too-- they're all marvelous. --Erin
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