The Children’s Book Review | December 1, 2016
9 New Release Picture Books
Love, hugs, and loneliness are the main themes you’ll discover from our best-of-the-best picture book list that we feel represents the highlights of December. And, just to counter the sweetness that oozes from these loving tales, we have a non-fiction picture book about an amazing woman scientist, Eugenie Clark, also known as “The Shark Lady.”
Love
Written and Illustrated by Emma Dodd
Publisher’s Synopsis: Join little rabbit and her parent as they spend a glorious sunny day together in the meadow. Little rabbit finds love everywhere, but knows that a parent’s love is always the best love of all.
Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Nosy Crow | December 13, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0763689414
What Color is a Kiss?
Written and Illustrated by Rocio Bonilla
Publisher’s Synopsis: This sweet, heartwarming story asks one simple question: What color is a kiss? Sassy and intrepid Monica loves to paint and sees her world in every color of the rainbow, but this question nags at her. She paints and paints, hoping to discover the answer. With the help of her mother, Monica discovers that kisses and love come in all colors.
Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Charlesbridge | December 6, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1580897396
That’s Me Loving You
Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrated by Teagan White
Publisher’s Synopsis: This book fits perfectly on the shelf next to the classic The Runaway Bunny and is a gift that promises continuous love.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal captures parents’ desire to be ever-present in this simple and touching poem offering reassurance of their love. Signs of affection can be found in the natural world around us—from a soft breeze to a shimmering star.
Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | December 27, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1101932384
When an Elephant Falls in Love
Publisher’s Synopsis: From the bestselling author of I Didn’t Do My Homework Because… comes an irresistible meditation on the quest for connection. When an elephant falls in love, he does many foolish things. He hides when the elephant-object of his affection is around. He writes dozens of letters that he will never send. And he tries to be healthy, but ends up finishing the cheesecake. This soulful book is at once relatable and revealing, a reminder that love is worth striving for, and that the very best things in life will come to those who wait.
Ages 4-7 | Publisher: Chronicle Books | December 20, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1452147277
I Heart You
Written by Meg Fleming
Illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright
Publisher’s Synopsis: This tender, rhyming picture book is a lively celebration of love.
Little ones adore being independent and trying new things. But they also need Mom and Dad’s reassurance and snuggles. With her spare, lyrical text, debut author Meg Fleming captures the exuberance, the affection, and the tender push-and-pull of life with a child. And illustrator Sarah Jane Wright’s evocative illustrations infuse the story with generous helpings of warmth and love.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Beach Lane Books | December 6, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1442488953
Yoga Bunny
Written and Illustrated by Brian Russo
Publisher’s Synopsis: Even bunnies do yoga!
It’s a perfect day for yoga, and Bunny is practicing his poses and wishes his friends would do yoga with him! But Lizard is too tired, Fox is in a rush, and Bird has the hiccups. Will Bunny ever be able to get his friends to slow down and realize that yoga just might be the solution to their problems?
Akin to I Am Yoga by Susan Verde, Yoga Bunny helps readers relax and unwind as they learn beginning yoga poses, from downward dog to tree pose. Debut author-illustrator Brian Russo shows readers just how relaxing yoga can be.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: HarperCollins | December 6, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0062429520
Hedgehugs and Hattiepillar
Written by
Publisher’s Synopsis: In this sequel to Hedgehugs, Horace and Hattie return for another sweet story of friendship.
It’s spring! And everything is colorful―rainbows in the sky and flowers blossoming on trees. When Horace and Hattie Hedgehog see a caterpillar become a butterfly and take flight, they decide to try a transformation of their own. When these two best friends put their minds to solving a problem, nothing can stand in their way!
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. | December 13, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1627794145
The Lonely Giant
Written and Illustrated by Sophie Ambrose
Publisher’s Synopsis: After inadvertently destroying his home, a well-meaning giant must learn the true value of the natural world.
In the middle of a vast forest lives a giant who spends his days hurling and heaving, smashing and bashing. Over time, the animals flee as their homes vanish, the birdsong dwindles away to silence, and, finally, the forest itself disappears. Now the lonely giant misses the crackling warmth of a fire and the sweet songs of the yellow bird — but will he realize it’s up to him to restore what he loves? Sophie Ambrose debuts with a beautifully illustrated modern fable offering a poignant environmental twist.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Candlewick | December 13, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0763682255
Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark
Written by Heather Lang
Illustrated by Jordi Solano
Publisher’s Synopsis: Before Eugenie Clark’s groundbreaking research, most people thought sharks were vicious, blood-thirsty killers. From the first time she saw a shark in an aquarium, Japanese-American Eugenie was enthralled. Instead of frightening and ferocious eating machines, she saw sleek, graceful fish gliding through the water. After she became a scientist―an unexpected career path for a woman in the 1940s―she began taking research dives and training sharks, earning her the nickname “The Shark Lady.”
Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company | December 1, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0807521878
For more of the best new picture books for kids, follow along with our articles tagged with New Books for Kids, Picture Books, Books for Ages 0-3, and Books for Ages 4-8.
