Whether you’re looking for a baby shower gift, growing your kids’ book collection, or satisfying your own love for picture books, I think you’ll find something for your shelf in the roundup below.

Stories

My mother introduced me to Corey R. Tabor’s picture books last year—and what a treat they’ve proven.  The ones I’ve read so far are Mel Fell, Ursula Upside Down, and Simon and the Better Bone.  They all play with animal perspectives of the world, from a kingfisher to a special kind of topsy-turvy catfish to a little dog.  So far with all of Tabor’s books, there’s a fun moment where you must rotate the book to continue reading as the characters’ view of the world suddenly changes.  I think this would have been quite fun to read as a child.

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker (illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld) makes for a lyrical read-aloud.  And maybe I missed out on a critical piece of childhood upbringing that you got, but I didn’t know all the construction equipment names and had fun finally learning them. In case you missed it, I reviewed the Christmas book in the Construction Site series back in December.

Hundred Years of Happiness by Thanhhà Lại (illustrated by Nguyen Quang and Kim Lien) explores a question.  How far will you go to bring back a memory for just one moment?  An and her family labor to reach her grandmother Bà, whose memory is fading, as they search for the key to unlock her memories from the past.  Accompanied by lovely illustrations that blend watercolor, acrylic, and digital mediums, this is a winning picture book.

Because Barbara by Sarah Mackenzie (illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen) is a true work of art, making it a perfect tribute to the life and work of Barbara Cooney.  I can’t say enough about the gorgeous colors, styling, and tasteful layouts.  Like Cooney’s work, this book is full of details that show the author and illustrator did their research.  As just one example, keep an eye out for the cats, who seem to be up to something on every page.

Colors

Nothing Ever Happens on a Gray Day by Grant Snider is an ode to color and the possibilities an observant wanderer can find on even the grayest of days.

What Color Is Night? by Grant Snider is simple and poetic, and I like the art style and colors. For more by Grant Snider, check out his Poetry Comics graphic novel, which I highly recommend.

Science Fun

Blue Floats Away by Travis Jonker (illustrated by Grant Snider) has the charm of a Pixar short film.  Jonker and Snider craft a complete story in a few simple pages that brim with storytelling magic.  As a plus, the story also serves as a simple introduction to the water cycle.  Snider’s illustrations remind me of the paper cut-out art my siblings and I made as kids, and I think that style provides the perfect touch!

Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber by Sarah Albee (illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen) is incredible.  The content is fascinating to me as an adult and yet, somehow, I imagine it would be just as fun to a little kid because of how well the author and illustrator present and balance the content.  For more excellent picture books that make science fun and accessible, check out Nick Seluk’s The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal and The Brain Is Kind of a Big Deal.

What would make it onto your roundup list?  Drop it in the comments below, and happy reading!