Even though 2020 has been a challenging year, we are extremely blessed to receive some of the best books for the year. From colorful indestructible books to astronomical masterpieces, we hope you had as much fun stacking your library as we did.
Below we’ve reviewed 40 of this year’s best picture books we know are fun and interactive, with great messages that children would love.
A LITTLE ZODIAC BOOKS
A LITTLE ZODIAC BOOKS by Daria Harper is so adorable. The entire collection features a book for every astrological sign.
From Aquarius to Sagittarius this delightful book introduces children to astrology with rhyming text, bright, bold and vibrant illustrations by Anna Hurley.
Whether they’re spring or fall babies, these zodiac books are absolutely relatable and makes the perfect baby shower gift.
THIS IS A BOOK OF SHAPES
From an oval to an octagon, THIS IS A BOOK OF SHAPES by Kenneth Kraegek introduces children to the concepts of shapes.
Coupled with brightly colored illustrations, this book isn’t only interactive, it offers a little humor with some shapes that you won’t expect.
IN MY HEART
Are we the only ones obsessed with this recent release by Mackenzie Porter?
IN MY HEART is a heartfelt board book that celebrates working mamas and reassures little ones that they are always thinking of them even though they might be apart.
From browsing pictures of your child on your phone to designing at work and reminiscing about the art they drew you, the bond between a mother and child is unbreakable.
Mamas will love this ode to motherhood, because it’s relevant and relatable and can help both parent and child deal with being separated during the day.
We love the bright, vibrant illustrations by Jenny Løvlie. It captures the essence of the entire book.
MY FAVORITE COLOR
There are many books about colors, and MY FAVORITE COLOR by Aaron Becker is one of our favorites.
The color squares synched beautifully, creating a kaleidoscope of hues on every page. From Brilliant sunset hues to Blue ripples on an emerald sea, each page will intrigue little readers.
UP CAT DOWN CAT
Steve Light’s UP CAT DOWN CAT introduces children to the concept of opposites.
Two playful cats, one white and one black, explore their home playing together with a toy mouse. From lost to found, straight to curvy and short to tall, it’s guaranteed to enlighten children on learning differences even when things are similar.
The vibrant collage illustrations make it a super fun book to read and interact with children. Great for teachers, too.
OUTSIDE IN
OUTSIDE IN by Deborah Underwood is the perfect introduction to summer. We have all been stuck inside for a few months and everyone cannot wait to get back outside.
Outside reminds us of what we’re missing by rays of sunlight entering the windows of the house, creating dancing shadows inviting us to play.
We need outside. The cotton provides clothing and its trees give us a place to sit.
Coupled with luscious, delicate illustrations by Cindy Derby OUTSIDE IN is a delightful addition to summer reading because when outside calls us, we answer.
LITTLE GREEN DONKEY
LITTLE GREEN DONKEY by Anuska Allepuz is such an adorable book. It features a little donkey who loves eating grass.
He ate it every chance he got until he started turning green. His mom suggested he try new foods, so he tried apples, watermelons, and even broccoli, but he liked none of them. He tried carrots and loved it so much; he ate it every chance he got and guess what? He started turning orange.
This book is hilarious and encourages children to try new things and to be creative with food.
The green-orange illustrations are beautiful and vibrant, and the donkey is so adorable.
SOME DINOSAURS ARE SMALL
Are you obsessed with dinosaurs? Most children are so SOME DINOSAURS ARE SMALL by is a book that they will definitely love.
It portrays a tiny dinosaur collecting his food in the jungle when he encounters larger predators who try to steal his food. Those T-Rex’s were bigger and much scarier, but luckily his mother was even bigger than they were and scared the predators away.
In this delightful teeth-wrenching tale of survival, children get to learn about the different dinosaurs in the book and how they interact with each other. In prehistoric times, the larger dinosaurs such as Brachiosaurus used their size to ward off predators.
SOME DINOSAURS ARE SMALL is full of bright, colorful illustrations and it’s another fun book to read.
WAYS TO WELCOME
What are some ways you welcome someone? WAYS TO WELCOME by Linda Ashman portrays the many ways you welcome.
From inviting someone to play on the first day of school and welcome signs at the airport to neighborhood greetings, giving a warm welcome sends a message of belonging.
The illustrations Joey Chou are absolutely vibrant with bold, bright hues that children will love.
KARATE KIDS
KARATE KIDS by Holly Sterling is absolutely delightful. It features a cute girl named Maya as she goes to her Saturday morning Karate class.
Wearing her crisp white uniform called a “gi”, she meets her friends and teacher at the Dojo and they learn Karate.
First, they greet their Sensei, then practice moves such as “age uke” and “gedan barai.” Her friends also help her with the moves and after practice, they cool down with a “mokuso” or breathing exercise.
This book is perfect for children who love Karate. It’s great for improving their flexibility and they learn discipline and respect. It’s also a wonderful way to remain active during these times.
The karate steps in the book are easy to follow along and the illustrations are bright and engaging.
I especially love how diverse the children are on the cover.
LOOKING FOR SMILE
LOOKING FOR SMILE by Ellen Tarlow is another favorite of ours. It features a cute bear and his wonderful smile. His smile went everywhere with him. They splashed in water and ate honey, but one morning he woke up and his smile wasn’t there. He was very sad.
He looked everywhere, but couldn’t find it. Finally, he met his friend Bird who cheered him up with her singing and his smile returned.
LOOKING FOR SMILE is such a sweet, motivational book that celebrates friendship and teaches children that it’s ok to be sad sometimes.
A smile may not always be on your face, but it’s always within you and just needs a little encouragement to emerge. The message in the book is amazing and relates to everyone.
We love the bright, vibrant illustrations by Lauren Stringer and Bear is adorable. Link in bio for this and more of our favorites.
SWASHBY AND THE SEA
SWASHBY AND THE SEA by Beth Ferry is such a sweet story of unlikely friendship and companionship.
Retired Captain Swashby loved the sea, and they have always been friends. He lived close to it, and the sea provided him with everything he needed.
He loved its peaceful tranquility until one day an adventurous girl and her granny moved into the house next door. Swashby was not happy about that. He loved the quietness and didn’t want neighbors, so he left messages to stay away in the sand. The sea, however, kept washing away some of his words and the messages ended up being positive and encouraging to the girl.
Instead of NO TRESPASSING, the words read, SING, so the girl sang her heart out on Swashby’s deck. He was not happy.
The sea kept interfering with all his messages and even had more tricks by having Swashby save the girl from being swept away by the sea.
This created a special bond that he was thankful for. Swashby now had friends, companionship, and best of all family.
The beautiful beige-tan, pencil-like illustrations by Juana Martinez-Neal gives a serene oceanic feel that makes it the perfect book for summer that sends a message of love and powerful intergenerational bonds and the value of having great neighbors.
THE CASE OF THE MISSING CAKE
THE CASE OF THE MISSING CAKE by Eoin McLaughlin is not your typical alphabet book.
It was supposed to be, but Mr. Bear’s C for cake went missing. Determined to find the thief, he sets out through the pages in search of suspects. Maybe it’s E for Eyes since he sees everything, or maybe F for Fox because he’s always stealing sweets.
He searches high and low, in Jack-in-the-box and beneath the ocean where O for Octopus lives. Where could it be? I bet you couldn’t guess who stole it.
THE CASE OF THE MISSING CAKE is hilarious and makes the alphabet so much more fun to learn. Children can solve the mystery and learn letters, which is super cool.
The illustrations by Marc Boutavant are bright and vibrant, making this book an instant favorite for your little ones.
WILLOW THE ARMADILLO
WILLOW THE ARMADILLO by Marilou Reeder features a talented little armadillo named Willow who dreamed of being the hero in a picture book.
Though doubted by many students and her parents, Willow persevered and never gave up on her dreams. They rejected her after every audition and she felt sad.
She loved visiting the library because books made her feel better.
While there, the entire library when dark and no one knew what to do but Willow comforted everyone and made them feel safe.
She dried tears and told stories until the lights came back on.
Everyone cheered, and she was finally the hero she wanted to be.
Willow realized she didn’t have to be in a book to be a hero, she can write her own story and be her own hero.
This book teaches children to dream big, stay positive, and never give up.
The illustrations by Dave Mottram are colorful and vibrant and Willow is just adorable. Thank you to our bookish besties @abramskids for sending up this book.
A LITTLE SPACE FOR ME
A LITTLE SPACE FOR ME by Jennifer Gray Olsen is one of my top 5 favorite books for the year so far.
It features a girl being bombarded by everyday life. Life for her feels too crowded, too loud, too messy, too everything.
One day she got her own space by climbing up a ladder and collected some space from above.
She collected so much space that there wasn’t much space for anything or anyone else. Her mind finally felt at peace because she had space to think, breathe, rest, dream and feel. This allowed her to share some space with people around her, yet always keeping a little for herself.
This is such a wonderful book that everyone would love because we all need a little space sometimes. Space from work, school, family, or friends to just unwind and be mindful and grateful.
It promotes mental stability and self-awareness, no matter how old you are. The illustrations are vivid and detailed and incorporate well with the message in the book. This is a definite must-have. Thank you to our bookish besties @mackidsbooks for sending us this gem.
WHAT WE'LL BUILD
WHAT WE’LL BUILD: Plans For Our Together Future by Oliver Jeffers celebrates the bond between a father and daughter.
Together they build their future, starting with a door to a house that provides security, and later a fire to keep them warm.
Along the way, he encourages her to be strong and also to show kindness to people.
This book is so much fun to read and full of metaphors that awaken children’s imagination, so prepare for lots of questions.
Oliver Jeffers creates such vibrant illustrations that incorporate well with the theme of the book. It’s about family and community and provides hope when we need it the most.
THE WHATIFS
THE WHATIFS by Emily Kilgore features a timid girl named Cora. She was always on edge and worried about everything. Because of this, the whatif’s loved her and clung to her all day and night.
She wondered what if her dog ran away or if her crayon broke? And worst of all, what if she didn’t perform well at her piano recital?
The whatifs bombarded her thoughts and made her extremely nervous, but with the help of her friend Stella, Cora mustered up the courage and changed her negative whatifs to positive, hopeful ones.
This book is wonderful because there are times we doubt ourselves and our whatif’s take over. That’s alright sometimes, but learning to put aside our fears and change our negative whatifs can always reassure great outcomes.
With her distinctive, vibrant, and vivid illustrations, Zoe Persico brings this book to life and further spreads this great message of bravery, self-acceptance, and hope.
TOMORROW I'LL BE KIND
TOMORROW I’LL BE KIND by Jessica Hische is a book that graciously incites children to be hopeful, grateful, patient, and kind.
It’s vibrantly illustrated with adorable animals that are portrayed helping, loving, and learning from each other.
It provides hope for a better tomorrow and it’s full of positivity
NO ORDINARY JACKET
Do you still own that one T-shirt or shirt that you just can’t let go of?
NO ORDINARY JACKET by Sue-Ellen Pashley is another favorite of ours.
Amelia loved her favorite Jacket. It was soft like dandelion fluff, warm like the afternoon sun, comforting like a hug, and adorned with four dazzling buttons on the front.
She wore it everywhere she went until it couldn’t fit her anymore, so she gave it to her little sister Lilly who loved it just the same. Lily wore it to the park and even at the beach until SHE grew out of it.
The jacket was so wonderful and meant so much to the family that they handed it down to Lilly’s doll, then to Cornflake the cat when she had her baby kittens and later to the teddy that their brother loved so much. No one wanted to part with the jacket, so they kept it very close.
This book is so beautiful and teaches us that letting go of something we love is never easy, but it’s sometimes necessary because it could be useful to someone else. It definitely wasn’t an ordinary jacket. It was a source of love, joy, and comfort for the entire family.
LION NEEDS A HAIRCUT
It’s International Day for Biological Diversity and we are celebrating with DARWIN’S RIVAL: Alfred Russel Wallace and the search for Evolution by Christiane Dorion.
This is a day dedicated to making sure that Earth remains a place where all creatures—no matter what environment they depend on—can not only survive but also thrive.
Charles Darwin is famous for his Theory of Evolution, but he had a rival and his name was Alfred Russel Wallace. This informative book tells the story of young Alfred as he explores the world anddiscovers alternative theories. One being the process of Natural Selection.
From the equipment he used to collect data to the detailed summary of rare undiscovered species, this book takes you on a journey through Amazon rainforests, the Malay Archipelago, the forest of Borneo, boating through the Rio Negro and the volcanic islands of Bali.
Children get to explore through the pages as they arrive on different continents and meet new exotic animals.
Little Scientist will love the creatures and learning their unique characteristics and what makes them special to their environment.
Omg the brownish-earthy illustrated hues by Harry Tennant are magnificent. I am obsessed!
YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL BEGINNING
YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL BEGINNING by Nina Laden is overflowing with positive affirmations that children can learn and be inspired by.
A group of friends ventured into the nearby woods to play. They have a picnic and build a treehouse.
Through awakened creativity and imaginative play, they create a haven that fosters their friendship as they motivate each other to be their best.
Because they are different, their ideas make it a special place to cultivate their creativity.
YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL BEGINNING motivates children to explore nature and encourages them to learn new, exciting things.
The creatively majestic illustrations by Kelsey Garrity-Riley are full of fun, vibrant colors that even grownups will adore.
DO NOT GO IN THERE
In DO NOT GO IN THERE by Ariel Horn, Bogart and Morton are creature friends who didn’t agree on most things. When facing a red door with a golden knob, the friends had mixed thoughts about whether to enter.
Bogart was very skeptical about entering, fearing that there might be something scary behind the door, whereas Morton was optimistic and reassured him that everything would be perfectly fine. Maybe there’re fireworks and party balloons, Morton said.
No matter how much of a pessimist Bogart was, Morton reassured him that no matter the circumstance, the outcome will amaze because they took a chance and opened the door.
It’s ok to question what we don’t understand. We face countless opportunities, and we may miss them because of fear or skepticism, however, there is no reward without taking some risks.
I absolutely love this book, and the illustrations by Izzy Burton are splendidly bright and witty. The friendship dynamic is amazing. We all need friends who encourage and support us to take risks and open doors. Thank you @mackidsbooks for sending us this amazing book.
THE SEED OF COMPASSION
THE SEEDS OF COMPASSION by His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivers a valuable lesson in Compassion.
It shows his life as a Buddhist and the many lessons that the monks taught him. No matter how many lessons he learned, he always remembered the seed of compassion that his mother planted in him as a child.
IF YOU COME TO EARTH
IF YOU COME TO EARTH by Sophie Blackall is one of the best books of the year and should be in every home and classroom. It features a child writing a letter to a visitor from outer space, preparing them for the adventures awaiting them on earth.
The letter is full of vivid descriptions of homes and the different families that abide in it, the clothes we wear, the foods we eat, and our different modes of transportation.
From the differing climates and cultures to different animals and their characteristics, this book will entice anyone who reads it.
Not only is it diverse and inclusive, but the illustrations are also absolutely magnificent.
With all that’s happening in the world, this book is a reminder of how wonderful the world is and how we can do our part to make it greater.
FLYING PAINTINGS
FLYING PAINTINGS by Amy Alznauer features the lives of famous painters ShanZou and DaHuang Zhou.
They grew up in Wuming, China with their grandmother Po Po, and loved hearing her stories of flying paintings in the mountain Cliff. She taught them that to be an artist, you must possess the highest spirits.
They longed to make their own art that flew like the stories PoPo told them. Through much turmoil in their country, the boys found solace in their art, persevered through tough times, and created the most beautiful paintings together.
Though initially, they dreaded painting together, their magnificent and majestic artwork came alive and inspired many around the world.
There are so many reasons to love this book. It encourages children to explore their creativity, to rise above difficult times by being yourself, and it encourages children to express themselves genuinely through art.
THE POWER OF HER PEN
THE POWER OF HER PEN by Lesa Cline-Ransome tells the story of groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne. Young Ethel had been collecting stories since she was a child and though it was tough growing up in Chicago, she wrote stories in her English class and read them aloud at home for her family.
As she grew older, she fought against racism and injustice, traveled outside the country to report on important affairs around the world. She went to Japan and fought for the rights of black American soldiers over there by writing stories and sending them back to Chicago.
When she returned to the U.S, she became a journalist for the Chicago Defender and was one of three black journalists invited to the White House.
She asked questions about segregation and education to the presidents and later earned the title of First Lady of the black press.
She became the voice of those who had none; she wrote stories that mainstream media refused to and her efforts made people and leaders pay attention to the plight of African-Americans.
The illustrations by John Parra are vibrant and perfect for aspiring journalists.
She is such a monumental part of black history and all should celebrate her legacy.
LETTERS FROM MY TOOTH FAIRY
Did your kindergartener lose their first tooth yet? I’ve read lots of tooth-fairy books and by far LETTERS FROM MY TOOTH FAIRY by Brooke Hecker is the best.
It is hilarious and features a cute girl named Natalie who becomes pen-pals with her tooth fairy. Whenever she loses a tooth, her tooth fairy writes her beautiful, heartfelt, and hilarious letters that are encouraging and uplifting.
Natalie is always thankful and happy to receive the letters and responds to questions such as, why are my teeth so big or what would happen if I swallow a tooth?
Her tooth fairy is happy to answer, and it creates a special bond that she will remember forever.
LETTERS FROM MY TOOTH FAIRY is funny and so much fun to read-aloud. Children can have mixed emotions when losing a tooth, and this book definitely helps as inspiration during this transition.
The vibrant, witty, and quirky illustrations by Deborah Melmon are delightful and make the reader feel like they’re a part of the journey to full adult teeth.
We also loved the useful information about teeth and their anatomy on every page.
ALREADY A BUTTERFLY
ALREADY A BUTTERFLY by Julia Alvarez is a meditative story that features a butterfly named Mari.
She was always busy fluttering from flower to flower and never took the time to slow down.
One day she met a bud that encouraged her to be mindful of her surroundings. Mari didn’t feel like a butterfly, but he taught her to accept who she is.
With breathing exercises and remembering what made her special, Mari started to enjoy every moment.
This book is inspirational and motivating. Understand who you are and learning self-acceptance and self-actualization boosts confidence and allows you to live freely and be your best self.
The vibrant watercolor lithographic illustrations by Raul Colón are beautifully draped over every page.
EXQUISITE
EXQUISITE by Suzanna Slade celebrates the life and poetry of Gwendolyn Brooks.
Gwendolyn grew up in Chicago and loved writing poems. She sat on her back porch and drew inspiration from colorful clouds and from the people in her neighborhood.
After many magazines rejected her poems, Gwendolyn persevered and never stopped writing inspiration poetry.
She wrote poems of the war, the civil rights movement, entertainers, and shared important stories about her life growing.
Gwendolyn later won the Pulitzer Prize and became the first African-American to do so.
Gwendolyn Brooks is an icon and her books and poems still live on today and it’s truly an inspiration for young poets worldwide. I couldn’t get enough of the vibrant, canvas-like illustrations by Cozbi A. Cabrera.
DARWIN’S RIVAL: ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE
It’s International Day for Biological Diversity and we are celebrating with DARWIN’S RIVAL: Alfred Russel Wallace and the search for Evolution by Christiane Dorion.
This is a day dedicated to making sure that Earth remains a place where all creatures—no matter what environment they depend on—can not only survive but also thrive.
Charles Darwin is famous for his Theory of Evolution, but he had a rival and his name was Alfred Russel Wallace. This informative book tells the story of young Alfred as he explores the world anddiscovers alternative theories. One being the process of Natural Selection.
From the equipment he used to collect data to the detailed summary of rare undiscovered species, this book takes you on a journey through Amazon rainforests, the Malay Archipelago, the forest of Borneo, boating through the Rio Negro and the volcanic islands of Bali.
Children get to explore through the pages as they arrive on different continents and meet new exotic animals.
Little Scientist will love the creatures and learning their unique characteristics and what makes them special to their environment.
Omg the brownish-earthy illustrated hues by Harry Tennant are magnificent. I am obsessed!
MCTAVISH GOES WILD
We have known dogs to be man’s best friend, but in MCTAVISH GOES WILD by Meg Rosoff, this dog is Family and portrays how his witty actions reunite a family in crisis and also make camping fun.
It’s summer and the Peachey family is planning a vacation but is undecided on where to go. They couldn’t agree on anything.
Ollie wanted to go somewhere loud with beautiful girls, Ava wanted to visit Germany, Ma Peachey wanted a yoga retreat in India and Betty wanted to go camping.
Reluctantly, they settled on a camping trip because it better suited the family dog named, McTavish.
What happens when five people with different interests go on a camping trip? Will they get along?
What does McTavish do that brings them closer to nature and closer to each other? Well, I can guarantee you that this book will intrigue young readers.
It’s perfect for summer and a delight for dog-lovers and campers everywhere.
THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT TOO
We love books like THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT TOO by Karl Newson because it celebrates the uniqueness of every individual.
Whether you’re big or small, fast or slow, or quiet or loud, we are all special and contribute to the world in our own way.
Children can learn opposites it allows them to accept themselves for who they are in the process.
The witty and vibrant illustrations by Kate Hindley are adorable and also make the perfect addition to your bedtime routine.
A STORY ABOUT AFIYA
A STORY ABOUT AFIYA by James Berry is a captivating book that features a young, spirited girl named Afiya.
She owned a white frock that she washed every night because it collected everything she encountered on her adventures.
Whether it’s walking through the rose and sunflower fields, visiting animals at the zoo, or watching the fishes by the sea, they all imprinted on her white dress. When she returns home, her frock is adorned with sketches and designs she picked up along the way.
A STORY ABOUT AFIYA pays homage to the playfulness and imaginative nature that is the beauty of childhood.
Rather than seeing the dress full of dirt, it reflected the fun and adventures Afiya had during the day.
The illustrations by Anna Cunha are majestic with chalk-like hues that capture the message in the book. Click the link in our bio to see more of our summer faves.
BOX
BOX, Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford celebrates the life of an enslaved Henry Brown and his escape to freedom by hiding in a box and mailing himself to Philadelphia.
The book features poems of his childhood and life on the plantation as a slave. Each poem portrays gripping and heartfelt details that inspire and educate.
The intricate illustrations by Michele Wood are brilliant and capture the essence of each poem through the pages.
BOX makes a perfect addition to black history books for middle graders and a must-have for teachers and educators.
A PLACE INSIDE OF ME
A PLACE INSIDE OF ME by Zetta Elliot celebrates black lives, even during moments of struggle.
It features a boy, his skateboard, and his many emotions. From the joys of playing with his friends in the summer to the sorrow and sadness that befalls him in autumn when someone gets shot by police in his neighborhood.
His fear, then turns to anger that makes him realize that he hungers to be free and won’t stay silent. This fills him with pride and strength because he ultimately emerges triumphant and full of peace.
This book is absolutely captivating with radiant and vivid illustrations by Noa Denmon.
The poem resonated with the core of what black people experience in their own community and provides hope. The transitions between each page take the reader on a journey into the life of the boy as he navigates his feelings.
Through all the pain and anger, he still has LOVE in his heart for everyone and everything and most importantly…himself.
It’s a perfect representation of what some black children experience and also provides a way to create discussions among them that may provide insights into how they feel.
We need to protect our children and allow a safe and free space for them to express their emotions.
THE BOY WHO DREAMED OF INFINITY
I first learned about world-renowned Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan when I saw the movie “The Man Who Knew Infinity” starring Dev Patel and loved every minute. (Check it out)
Amy Alznauer’s THE BOY WHO DREAMED OF INFINITY features his life as a child growing up in South India. Born in 1887, as a child he never talked much, but he had a passion for numbers which often got him in trouble. He wanted to understand how many numbers made a single number by understanding how they work.
Deemed unteachable by several teachers, Ramanujan left school and studied math on his own, using college math books. He studied math every chance he got and discovered intricate formulas and patterns. Will an endless list of tiny numbers add up to one or infinity?
Soon Ramanujan’s ideas on infinity were admired all over the world. He was a genius at Mathematics, and like most child geniuses, often misunderstood.
With exquisite and vibrant illustrations by Daniel Miyares, this book is perfect for young aspiring Mathematicians. It’s very inspirational and encourages children to embrace their differences and to never be afraid to explore their curiosity. Thank you to our bookish besties @candlewickpress for sending us this gem. Perfect for middle graders♾.
ROCKET SCIENCE
ROCKET SCIENCE by Andrew Rader, PhD is perfect for little space engineers.
It introduces children to the world of outer space. From the solar system to how rockets function, the information is mind blowing and guaranteed to intrigue aspiring astronauts and space crafters.
The vibrant, intergalactic illustrating by Galen Frazer are also amazing.
CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE
CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE by Ray Jayawardhana is a beautiful ode to the universe and how much we are in unison with it.
As a dad sits with his daughter before bedtime, he likens her features to that of the universe.
From the reflection of the galaxy in her smile to the curls swirling over her face like the majestic Milky Way, we are a part of the universe more than we may realize.
With vibrant galactic hues by Raul Colón, this book absolutely magnificent and portrays how connected we are with the universe.
BUTTERFLIES BELONG HERE
I am obsessed with three things, books, butterflies, and wind-chimes so when I received BUTTERFLIES BELONG HERE by Deborah Hopkinson, I could not be any happier.
This delightful and informative story portrays the life cycles of monarch butterflies as they migrate from Mexico to the north of America during the seasons.
It features an immigrant girl who learned English by reading about butterflies. Her love of monarch butterflies inspired her to make changes so that these butterflies can thrive.
Female monarch butterflies only lay eggs on one kind of plant called Milkweed. Milkweed is slowly becoming scarce because of human pollution and developmental buildings being built where they grew.
With the help of her school’s librarian, teachers, and other students, they created a Monarch Way Station for planting milkweed to attract more butterflies.
This book is absolutely inspirational and relates to the girl as she also migrated to a new place, navigating and transforming through life’s changes. Children can learn about these magnificent creatures and their life cycles. They help pollinate plants and they should be cherished and be allowed to thrive.
BUTTERFLIES BELONG HERE is perfect for educators and little aspiring naturist. It encourages children to make changes that help the environment. Allowing them to be brave and make a difference.
The beautiful and vibrant illustrations by Meilo So are breathtaking and perfectly transcends the message in the book.
