Great picture books are special gifts. Many dedicated teachers from pre-school to high school know the power of these collaborations between poetic text and vibrant artwork when read in their classrooms. I have picked some of my very favorites for you to discover and enjoy. Lovingly crafted by genius creators to open the big wide wonderful world to readers of all ages. - Brein
Matt De La Pena and Christian Robinson are a gold medal team in their picture book collaborations. This incredible book about hopeful and observant young Milo journeying with his sister through the city to visit his incarcerated Mom. Along the way he imagines and draws the hopes and dreams of the people he meets and watches. A must own book for your collection. - Brein
I have been lucky enough to try many different fry breads at many different pow wows. This book captures the familial and communal pleasure of making and breaking bread with friends and family. Juana Martinez-Neal's artwork is exquisite and vibrant. Plus you get lots of important history and fun facts, a delicious family recipe, and the end pages are filled with an alphabetical of contemporary indigenous nations of the Americas (including my Salt River Pima - Maricopa Community)! - Brein
Award -winning illustrator Raul the Third puts a fresh and vibrant spin on the classic genre of neighborhood picture books made beloved by Richard Scarry. Travel the bustling streets with Little Lobo, Bernabe, and Kooky Dooky searching for something delicious to eat and learn the Spanish words for lots of scrumptious comida. - Brein
The artwork in this book is epic and gorgeous. All about the joys and fears of big change as captured so poetically and beautifully by the author and illustrator. - Brein
Zuri Ray takes all of her pint size dramatic, vivid, colorful energy to ballet class and manages to uplifts her friends and teachers with her free spirited and positive attitude. Zuri and her BFF Jessie are great new additions to the picture book world. - Brein
A boy and his grandfather (moshom) take a trip to the northern wilderness and share memories and special moments. Grandpa's stories of growing up as a boy in his Cree community enchant and delight his grandson and the readers. The author David A. Robertson and the artist Julie Flett are both Indigenous award-winning creators. - Brein
A joyful, body positivity book for every kid (and adult) who may claim something different and special about their appearance. It is a funny and heartwarming picture book about loving yourself from top to toe.- Brein
A beautiful book about cultural differences and feeling embarrassed by the traditions of your beloved parents. Jason Chin's artwork is outstanding. Love this book.- Brein
A wonderful and thoughtful book about a young undiscovered reader who inspired by a magnificent librarian finds a creative and engaging path through the pages of a book and transforms his little community. This is a special book and you might want some kleenex nearby. - Brein
Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael Lopez have crafted a gorgeous classic that is for every child. This book should be in everyone's library. - Brein
This is my go to picture book for an engaging dinsoaur book with an actual story. It is funny and engaging with gorgeous art and a special twist at the end that ties the package up perfectly. - Brein
Don't tell Lucia that girls can't be superheroe! With a special gift and message from her Abuela, Lucia transforms the playground and her friends with her mighty powers and epic kicks and karate chops. So much fun! - Brein
Hello Broadway! Introduce your kids to an ABC of the greatest singing and dancing divas of the lit up stage. This is a great book and one you can read in conjunction with watching vidoe clips of these awesome performers. - Brein
The 2020 Jumpstart Read for the Record Selection (2.24 million readers) * An American Library Association Notable Children’s Book * A Publisher’s Weekly Best Children’s Book of the Year * A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year * A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
“When Barbara Jordan talked, we listened.” —Former President of the United States, Bill Clinton
Congresswoman Barbara Jordan had a big, bold, confident voice—and she knew how to use it!
From Christian Trimmer and bestselling illustrator Jessie Sima comes an adorable and imaginative twist on the tale of Snow White…with lots more ponies!
Sweet Snow Pony is loved by all for her beautiful coat as white as snow and her mane as black as ebony.
#1 New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
Winner of the Newbery Medal
A Caldecott Honor Book
A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
Step inside the pages of a little girl's magical book as she discovers the profound and inspiring notion that we each bring something different to the same story. Two-time Caldecott Honor artist Pamela Zagarenski debuts as an author in this tender picture book about the joy of reading.
One day, a bear cub finds something strange and wonderful in the forest. When he touches the keys, they make a horrible noise. Yet he is drawn back again and again. Eventually, he learns to play beautiful sounds, delighting his woodland friends.
Then the bear is invited to share his sounds with new friends in the city.
In the spirit of Goodnight Moon and The Curious Garden comes a stunning debut picture book filled with whimsy and creativity from brothers Terry and Eric Fan.
One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last.
When a young boy learns about what makes art special—sometimes it’s beautiful, sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it tells a story—he realizes that these same characteristics are what make his grandmother special, too.
A 2018 Caldecott Honor Book that Kirkus Reviews calls a must-read for our times, A Different Pond is an unforgettable story about a simple event - a long-ago fishing trip. Graphic novelist Thi Bui and acclaimed poet Bao Phi deliver a powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son - and between cultures, old and new.
