We loved these books and will repeat reading them every often. This time many of our story picks are must-read.
Best Book - Overall
# 1 Beautiful Oops
It is never a bad thing to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. And that is precisely what this book's fascinating pages convey to young children through its engaging narrative. This book is an excellent example of how to include interactive elements into a storyline. Check our full review by clicking on the book icon.
Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg is a highly interactive book that will captivate children for hours while communicating the important message that it is okay to make mistakes.
# 2 Don't Hug Doug: (He Doesn't Like It)
You have to ask permission to hug someone, and when someone says no, it means no, as Doug shows you with his narrative. The text is ideal for a read-aloud session. And the illustrations are vibrant and appropriate for the plot. Check our full review by clicking on the book icon.
Carrie Finison's Don't Hug Doug, masterfully illustrated by Daniel Wiseman, is a hug story with a gentle message about personal space and consent.
# 3 If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
The book is widely read and provides a humorous depiction of what occurs when a mouse is given a cookie. The little boy's simple act causes him to spend the entire day with the mouse, exhausting him. The visuals complement the story nicely. Check our full review by clicking on the book icon.
Laura Joffe Numeroff's book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, illustrated by Felicia Bond, is a circular narrative that revolves around a young boy, a mischievous mouse, and a simple cookie that will tickle any child's funny bone and spark their imagination.
Best Book - Illustration
# 1 Eyes that Kiss in the Corners
A young girl welcomes herself and speaks empoweringly about how her small eyes are not so small when it comes to loving everyone around her, allowing her to imagine larger-than-life stories and how they, too, are gorgeous. The illustrations are vibrant and complement the story well. Check our full review by clicking on the book icon.
Joanna Ho's Eyes that Kiss in the Corners is a motivating story of confidence and compassion, wonderfully illustrated by Dung Ho.
# 2 My City Speaks
Even when we can see the same things, we perceive the world in front of us in quite different ways. In this story, a visually challenged young girl perceives her city, and her perspective is fueled by noises, smells, and touch. The illustrations perfectly complement the plot. Check our full review by clicking on the book icon.
What if not just seeing alone is believing? A little girl believes in the beauty of her city in My City Speaks by Darren Lebeuf, whimsically illustrated by Ashley Barron.
# 3 We Are Here
This book is a tribute to the black community throughout history, demonstrating their unwavering determination and resilience. Captivating imagery brings the story to life. However, young readers may struggle with complex words and require adult support when reading. Check our full review by clicking on the book icon.
Tami Charles' We Are Here is a poetic narration that beautifully captures the spirit of the black community, complemented by the stunning illustrations of Bryan Collier. The words and images encourage readers to embrace their identity and celebrate their cultural heritage.