November is National Picture Book Month

Happy National Picture Book Month!!  I can’t wait to share books that some of my favorite authors and illustrators have published this past year.  Young children gain early literacy skills with text to illustration comprehension, while wonderfully crafted and illustrated books create memories for years to come.  I fondly remember making a connection to Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey as a young child.  It is still one of my all-time favorite books that I love to revisit from time to time.  You are never too young or old to enjoy a good picture book.

Here are some of my favorites from this past year:

Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds is an empowering story encouraging us to use our voice to help make a difference in the world.  Beautiful, colorful pictures inspire you to express your opinion in various ways- in art, action, and through words.  Get out there and add your voice to the world- Say Something!

The creators of The Bad Seed, Jory John and Peter Oswald, are at it again with The Good Egg.   Do you feel like you are about to crack up from the pressure of being perfect?  This is the book for you!  The Good Egg is feeling the pressure of thinking that he needs to be perfect in a carton full of bad eggs. He decides to make a change.  Enough is enough!  The story is a fun journey as the Good Egg discovers the importance of self-care, balance, and acceptance of others especially those who you love.   An egg-ceptional read aloud for any sized group!  Keep an eye out for their next book, The Cool Bean coming out December 3^rd, 2019.

Because by Mo Willems, illustrated by Amber Ren, is a wonderful story about chance that leads to discovery.   A moving story that illustrates a young girl’s because that creates a journey to center stage.  It is a beautifully conducted moving story exploring the domino effect of how tiny actions can affect others’ lives.

The Little Guys by Vera Brosgol is a fun read-aloud about community dynamics.  The Little Guys might be small but together they are strong.  As they set off to search for breakfast, they find together they can conquer anything.  Throughout the book, they find nothing can stop them as they collect more than they could ever need.  The other forest creatures begin to wonder what will happen when no one can stop the Little Guys.  Will this lead to their downfall?

Jack is back in If I Built a School by Maine author/illustrator, Chris Van Dusen .  This time he describes to his teacher the ideal school that he would build.  Wonderful illustrations and perfect rhythm and rhymes make for an excellent read aloud.  Everyone will have fun using their imagination to come up with their own dream schools.  Mine includes a room full of puppies and kittens in it!

High Five from creators Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri discovers the lost art of the high five.  A sensei guides the reader through interactive challenges to train for the annual high five contest.  Will you have what it takes to win?!

In The Pout Pout Fish Cleans up the Ocean by Deborah Diesen, and illustrated by Dan Hanna, Mr. Fish and his friends notice that the ocean is a big mess!  Deborah Diesen uses rhythmic repetitive verses young children will love, while sending a good message about protecting the environment.

Abner & Ian Get Right-Side Up by Dave Eggers, Art by Laura Park, is a fun interactive book.  Ian and Abner are stuck- sideways- on the pages of the book and they need the readers help.  Abner decides that the readers should shake and turn the book until they become right side up.  Should be easy, right?! You’ll have to read the book to find out!

Christie Matheson’s newest book Bird Watch engages readers to search each beautifully illustrated page for birds hidden amongst the trees.  This picture book merges basic math concepts with seek and find elements.  You will be inspired to search for birds in your own backyard!

One of my most anticipated books of the year here just in time for the holidays is Dasher by Maine Author/Illustrator, Matt Tavares.   Beautiful illustrations help to capture the magic and spirit of the season with a story of Santa’s original reindeer.

You are never too young or old to enjoy a great story and discover a picture book that will make a lasting impression!

We’re sending a big thanks to Brooke Palmer for writing this guest blog post. Brooke is the Children’s Librarian at Dyer Public Library in Saco, Maine. 

In celebration of National Picture Book Month, we’d love to see what picture books your family’s reading. Post a photo to Raising Readers’ Facebook or Instagram and be sure to tag us!