by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated Isaac Liang; Kids Can Press, 2023.
Wordless picture book Next Door highlights the joy in appreciating simple pleasures and the value in finding positive ways to overcome differences and connect with others.
Picture Book
The Pie That Molly Grew
by Sue Heavenrich, illustrated by Chamisa Kellogg; Sleeping Bear Press, 2023.
Molly plants a seed, nurtures the growing vine, observes the bees that carry pollen from flower to flower, harvests a (huge!) pumpkin, and bakes a pie she shares at an outdoor gathering in this jaunty STEM/STEAM picture book that uses “The House That Jack Built” rhyme scheme.
Nila’s Perfect Coat
by Norene Paulson, illustrated by Maria Mola; Beaming Books, 2023.
On a trip to the thrift store, Nila finds the perfect puffy coat. She wants it, and she buys it—even though her coat from last year still fits. What happens next is the crux of Nila’s Perfect Coat, an accessible story that provides entry into a discussion of needs and wants, and helping others through difficult times.
This Is the Tree We Planted
by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Alison Friend; Knopf, 2022.
From the title page onward, the children in this informational story plant, learn, and grow as they enjoy the gifts their tree offers as it matures and flourishes. Young listeners will collect facts and gain appreciation as they happily follow along in this cumulative rhyming tale.
Yours In Books
Told entirely in letters, this warm and whimsical picture book celebrates the joy and treasure of new friendships that challenge us to grow and flourish. Owl relishes solitude and turns to books to help him solve problems–such as coping with the noisy young ones with whom he shares the forest. When he corresponds with the local bookshop owner seeking assistance with helpful titles, he gets more than he bargained for, much to his eventual delight.
Red and Green and Blue and White
In this hopeful story inspired by real events that took place during the holiday season in Billings, Montana, a community chooses to stand up to hurtful behavior and join together to advance kindness, friendship, acceptance, and love.