I’ve gathered some of the best picture books from the first part of this year. I’ll share the rest of my favorites at the end of December. Each of these books is wonderful for reading aloud and perfect for children ages four and up.
Don’t Trust Fish, by Neil Sharpson, with illustrations created through a blend of pencil, watercolor, and digital techniques, this book is as visually stunning as it is funny. It makes for a delightful read-aloud that will have audiences of all ages laughing throughout. Be sure to check the final page to discover who actually made this book!
Fairy Walk, by Gaia Cornwall, is beautifully painted in soft hues of blue and green using pencil, watercolor, and collage, then finished with digital color. This book shimmers with magic. Three youngsters venture into the forest in search of fairies, and the gentle geophony of nature rolls off the tongue as you read it aloud.
Little Lion Girl, by Olivia Hope and gorgeously illustrated using hand-cut stencils, acrylic paint, colored pencils, oil pastels, and blow pens, then digitally compiled by Fiona Woodcock, this book follows a little girl and her mother as they explore the city. The vivid imagination of this adorable girl shines through every page, while the strong bond between mother and daughter is beautifully portrayed.
Something Good, by Kenneth Kraegel, begins on a bad note, right from the first page, with a little girl feeling forlorn and gloomy. But when she discovers a pair of magical socks, everything turns around for the better. The expressive illustrations, created with watercolor, gouache, and ink, bring this magical transformation to life beautifully.
New Shoes for Leo, by Lauren Agra Deedy, with stunning illustrations created in pencil, ink, and watercolor on paper, then digitally assembled by Susan Gal, this beautiful story explores family love and sacrifice. A young boy learns the true meaning of giving something precious away. Don’t miss the glorious endpages, they’re truly something special. This book has all the qualities of a potential Caldecott contender.
It Started with a P, by Brittany Pomales and cleverly painted with humor and character by Andrew Joyner, this story features a king prone to frequent meltdowns. He dreams that his birthday party will be ruined, but he can’t remember why. In an attempt to prevent disaster, he bans everything starting with the letter “P.” Each illustration is packed with fun, funny details, making this an absolute joy to read.
Our Lake, by Angie Kang, is a tender, heartfelt story of loss. Two young brothers visit a special lake where their late father used to take them. The sparse, poignant text beautifully conveys the deep love they share for each other and for their father, who has passed. The lush illustrations, created with gouache, crayon on watercolor paper, and enhanced with digital media, add to the emotional depth of this touching tale.
Bear and the Three Goldilocks, by Patrick Horne and Dan Yaccarino, is a clever, reversed take on a well-known fairytale. The humor is deadpan and full of fun, making it the kind of story kids will want to hear again and again. The illustrations, created with brush, ink, and digital tools, complement the story perfectly, enhancing the overall experience.
Through Sand and Salt: A Tale of Discovery Across the Sahara, by Elizabeth Zunon, filled with breathtaking scenes in muted yellows and browns, this book beautifully depicts the vast Sahara Desert. A young boy travels with his father and camel to trade salt in a place few will ever see. The rich illustrations, created with acrylics, oils, and pastels, spread across the open pages, offering a truly enlightening experience.
Frog Trouble and Eleven Other Pretty Serious Songs, songs and illustrations by Sandra Boynton, is the perfect book to get your little ones singing and smiling. This delightful collection features the lyrics to all the songs in the first part of the book, followed by the catchy, fun tunes themselves. A CD is included, with famous country-western singers performing the songs. The illustrations, as always with Boynton, are charming and perfectly match the music, adding to the fun and joy of this book!
A Little Like Magic, by Sarah Kurpiel, is a sweet, tender story about loss and discovery. A young girl and her mother venture out into the cold to admire the newly made ice sculptures in the dead of winter. The little girl, pushed in her wheelchair, carries her precious tiny toy horse with her. How she eventually finds her lost horse will truly melt your heart. The soft blues that surround the illustrations add to the book’s warmth and tenderness.
Here is a Book, by Elisha Copper, may be one of the best illustrations of how a book comes to life, from its initial creation to the final product. The words are poetically brief, and the illustrations, created with watercolor and pencil, are full of beauty, guiding you through every step of the process in a way that feels like an exciting journey.
