The Children’s Book Review | September 30, 2019
This month the best selling picture book from our affiliate store is a book from our list 34 of the Best Picture Books of 2019, so Far, How to Give Your Cat a Bath: in Five Easy Steps.
You’ll also find our hand-selected titles of the most popular picture books from the nationwide best-selling picture books listed by The New York Times. We’re happy to see Lupita Nyong’o’s new picture book, Sulwe, on the bestsellers list.
The Children’s Book Review’s Best Selling Picture Book
How to Give Your Cat a Bath: in Five Easy Steps
Written by Nicola Winstanley
Illustrated by John Martz
Publisher’s Synopsis: In this hilarious and clever “how-to,” a little girl and a know-it-all narrator are thwarted by a cat who refuses to take a bath. The perfect read-aloud for fans of Snappsy the Alligator and Interrupting Chicken.
Step one: fill the bath
Step two: put the cat in the bath
Step three: put shampoo on the cat
Step four: rinse the cat
Step five: dry the cat
Seems simple, right? One problem: the cat has no intention of doing ANY of these things! Watch as the steps keep changing, the cat keeps escaping, the girl keeps eating cookies and the mess keeps escalating. Soon it’s not just the cat who needs a bath–it’s the whole house!
This spoof on an instruction manual features an increasingly bewildered human, a nonchalant cat and a know-it-all narrator . . . who really doesn’t know it all. How DO you give a cat a bath? Read on to find out!
Order a Copy Now: Amazon
Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Tundra Books | January 22, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-0735263543
Nationwide Best Selling Picture Books
Good Night, Little Blue Truck
Written by Alice Schertle
Illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Publisher’s Synopsis: Beep! Beep! Beep! It’s time for sleep. Say goodnight with Little Blue Truck and friends—a perfect bedtime read-aloud in this bestselling series!
A storm is brewing and Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are hurrying home for bed. But who can sleep with all that racket? It’s not long before other friends show up seeking safety from the storm. Thunder and lightning sure can be scary, but it’s easy to be brave together. When the clouds roll on and the sky is clear, it’s all aboard for a bedtime ride! Beep! Beep! Shhh…
Order a Copy Now: Amazon
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers | October 15, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1328852137
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
Written and Illustrated by Emily Winfield Martin
TCBR Review: Every child is unique, and parents can’t wait to see what they will one day be!
Emily Winfield Martin’s delightful book dreams of what children will someday grow to be.
This is a gorgeous book with warm and playful illustrations featuring a diverse set of children. Little ones will be drawn to the pictures, quickly pointing out which one matches what they themselves want to be. The surprise of a double foldout page at the end is a very exciting treat for children too, and my daughter wanted to look at it over and again. The prose is sweet and rhyming, drawing children in and lulling them (hopefully) to sleep before bedtime. A charming book that I highly recommend for young children. Read the full review …
Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon
Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Random House Children’s Books | 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0-385-37671-6
Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
Written by Sonia Sotomayor
Illustrated by Rafael López
Publisher’s Synopsis: Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and award-winning artist Rafael Lopez create a kind and caring book about the differences that make each of us unique.
Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.
In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges–and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us but we’re not sure why, all we have to do is Just Ask.
Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Philomel Books | September 3, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-0525552918
Dragons Love Tacos
Written by Adam Rubin
Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
Publisher’s synopsis: This scrumptious New York Times bestseller has a whole lot of kick!
Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You’re in red-hot trouble.
The award-winning team behind Those Darn Squirrels! has created an unforgettable, laugh-until-salsa-comes-out-of-your-nose tale of new friends and the perfect snack.
Ages 3-5 | Publisher: Dial | June 14, 2012 | ISBN-13: 978-0803736801
Sulwe
Written by Lupita Nyong’o
Illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Publisher’s synopsis: From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
Order a Copy Now: Amazon
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers | October 15, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1534425361
The information for the best-selling picture books was gathered from the New York Times Best Sellers list, which reflects the sales of picture books sold nationwide, including independent and chain stores. It is correct at the time of publication and presented in random order. Visit www.nytimes.com for their most current and up-to-date list.
The best-selling picture books by Emily Winfield Martin and Adam Rubin are truly great choices. Follow along with our Picture Book category for more great titles to peruse.
