I planned to participate, but I didn't. And then I started reading posts and I decided I had to participate. I wanted to be part of this tenth year celebration of picture books. So here's my one-day-late list of picture book favorites (no particular theme) I've discovered and enjoyed this year.
I'm Grandma to three grandsons under the age of four so you might notice that we have some vehicular and road and verse love at work in the first three titles I'm sharing.
Clackety Track by Skila Brown, illustrated by Jamey Christoph
If you have a train lover in your life, this is a must read. You can read my review in this Train Thoughts post I shared with Poetry Friday friends.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Car by Kate Dopirak, illustrated by Mary Peterson
Children will love joining the little red car's visits to his four-wheeled friends to bid them good night.
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, illustrations by Vivan Mineker
One of the world's most quoted poems, in picture book form for the first time. A young boy makes choices that take him along life's journey.
The next two favorites continue a nighttime theme.
Tuck Me In by Dean Hacohen, illustrated by Sherry Scharschmidt
I discovered this book at the public library. Animals at the zoo need to be tucked in and a flap allows the child to tenderly tuck and whisper good night to each one.
On the Night of the Shooting Star by Amy Hest, illustrated by Jenni Desmond
Bunny and Dog live solitary lives, side-by-side, until an extraordinary happening nudges them into friendship.
And the Bunny character in Amy Hest's book leads to another favorite bunny character who begs for reader involvement in his adventures.
Hungry Bunny by Claudia Rueda
Another library find, loved by Jack for the interactive nature of the book. The red bookmark becomes a scarf, a ladder, and a bridge. The reader is asked to shake the book, tilt the book, all in order to help bunny get home with the apples.
The last four books I'm sharing are loved for the things they teach about being human and being optimistic in the face of difficulty, and about the power of love and kindness.
Martin & Anne: The Kindred Spirits
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Anne Frank
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Anne Frank
by Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg
A beautiful pairing of the lives of two well-known figures, the book concludes with these words: "Love is stronger than hate. Kindness can heal the world."
Loving Hands by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Amy June Bates
This one was a birthday gift from my daughter. It celebrates the bond between a parent and child. I passed it around when I had a baby shower at my house and everyone who read it cried.
What is Given from the Heart
by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison
by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison
This last picture book by the late Patricia McKissack is a powerful tribute to the power of compassion and giving. The illustrations by artist and designer, April Harrison, are exquisite.
The Stars Will Still Shine by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke
I checked this 2005 book out of the library and immediately knew that I had to own it. This words from the flap of the book capture my feelings: "...this gentle, life-affirming book reassures us all that, even in uncertain times, every day of every year offers good things that will bring us joy." This book provides reassurance that "...there will be light in every dark place,..." something needed now even more than when it was written.
And now that I've completed my post, I can get back to reading and requesting new finds from your posts. Thanks to your recommendations, my holds shelf at the library will be filled with picture books for weeks to come. And a gigantic thank you to Cathy and Mandy who bring us together each year to celebrate picture books. You can find everyone's list at Cathy's post.
This is my sixth year to participate and here are my previous posts:
2018 - Favorites Paired
2013 - Golden Lines about Night
I didn't know you had shared until you commented, Ramona. I know most except the ones toward the beginning and except Loving Hands. I love Tony Johnston's books, will be sure to find it! Thanks, and enjoy those wonderful boys! I'm sure you're busy!
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