Best of August
The Balloon Moon
by Emmelyn Gray
Join a gentle breathing exercise in this whimsical picture book, perfect for calming energetic little bodies before hibernation.
Echoes of the Imperium
by Nicholas and Olivia Atwater
It takes a special book to give grief and trauma the respect they deserve while also maintaining a humorous swashbuckling adventure. This thick adult steampunk novel does it with gusto.
Friends Furever
by Robin Needham
A new dog moves in, and although the pups don't mean to find trouble, trouble might find them! This quirky illustrated chapter book delightfully captures some canine personalities while offering a very gentle lesson on ways to view situations from different perspectives.
Sometimes Grandpa Calls Me Herman
by Michelle Olson
Norman doesn't like spending time with Grandpa, but when he takes the time to get to know the forgetful and sleepy guy, Norman realizes that he may have judged too quickly. I mean, who doesn't love thoughtful stories told with buttons as protagonists?
I Find You in Little Things
by Rosie Fenwick
How do you talk to your kids about death and grief? This warm picture book offers some strategies and a sweet story that opens the door for meaningful conversation.
An Octopus Named Houdini
by Zana Fraillon
This book in verse, featuring an octopus protagonist, explores the power of connection and active listening against the backdrop of a daring escape that might lead to true understanding.
The Very Unusual Pumpkin
by Marilyn Singer
Grandma isn't very good at telling stories, so her granddaughter offers to help her out, creating a fairytale like no other and a powerful moment of connection. I particularly love the bright illustrations in this picture book.
The Yellow Bus
by Loren Long
A yellow bus goes through many changes as it ages, and this concept-based picture book invites readers to stop and ponder along the way.
You Better Be Lightning
by Andrea Gibson
What does it mean to change and grow? Queer poet Andrea Gibson offers life experiences that try to express the deepest forms of love, even if the poet themself isn't convinced they've achieved it. Still made me cry.
Best of July
The Civil War of Amos Abernathy
by Michael Leali
Amos loves volunteering as a Civil War reenactor at a local tourist attraction in this middle grade novel, but he starts to realize that the park doesn't offer equal representation to all the folks who were around in that period of history. This book thoughtfully drives home the point that "we have always been here," and intelligently handles some questions about how to verify historical facts and stand up for things even when they're risky.
Sounds Fake But Okay
by Sarah Costello and Kayla Kaszyca
Podcasters Sarah and Kayla delve into a variety of commonly-asked questions about asexuality in this insightful, humorous, personalized, and relatively short nonfiction.
I Am Not Boring
by Lena Podesta
Fallen logs don't do much. Or do they? This playful picture book features a log continually contradicting an unreliable narrator while giving readers a glimpse into the wonder of ecosystems and their cycles.
Willodeen
by Katherine Applegate
Nobody likes Screechers, but everyone loves the adorable hummingbears that create a tourist attraction that keeps an unstable village alive. But when the Screechers all but disappear, the hummingbears do too, and it's up to one girl to figure out why before it's too late. I can't believe I didn't read this lovely and thoughtful middle-grade novel sooner.
Stir Crack Whisk Bake
by America's Test Kitchen
Invite your toddler to participate in a playful role-play as kitchen implements help bake a cake. This board book made me smile, and I'm looking forward to reading it with all my favorite two-year-olds.
Best of June
Birds of America
by Chera Hammons
If this book makes me cry one more time ...
The Wheel of the Year
by Fiona Cook and Jessica Roux
Yes, yes, this is a book for kids (despite what the marketing doesn't say), but it's also one of the most beautiful and comprehensive activity books on the topic I've ever seen.
Two Moms, the Zark, and Me
by Johnny Valentine
When a child gets lost at the zoo and a "helpful" parent realizes he's from a nontraditional family, it's a race to find the right help. While the rhymes are a bit wonky and the concept slightly over satirized, I couldn't help but love the heart of this lengthy picture book and its playful rhythms.
Best of May
The Circus Rose
by Betsy Cornwell
A classic fairy tale, a lot of queerness, a circus, and a dash of poetry. This is everything I want in a book. This one is truly worthy of being called "for fans of the Night Circus."
Illuminating Nature
by Jon Reynolds
These photographs. Very worth the look.
The Summer War
by Naomi Novik
Another fairy tale for adults, this short story is a beautiful adventure that considers true love, honor, and war.
The Great Escape
by Deborah Marcero
A girl is tired of her younger siblings following her around, so she disappears into a snowbank in this gorgeous picture book.
Best of April
Beatrix and the Unicorn
by Lita Judge
Beatrix is alone, but she's sure if she goes out into the woods on a magical night, she can find a unicorn to be her friend. This gentle picture book is full of lush illustrations and a gentle reminder that magic and family aren't always what they appear.
Sir Edmund and the Wild West: Mystery in the Grand Canyon
by Dusti Bowling
A service dog and his new partner head to the Grand Canyon to try to solve a mysterious disappearance, much aided by Sir Edmund's ability to talk to ghosts, but despite resolving the original mystery quickly, Edmund realizes there's a lot more he'll have to discover before they'll all be safe. This charming illustrated chapter book had me giggling and gasping in turns with its delightful characters and thoughtful portrayal of service animals. I can't wait for more books in this series!
The Witchlets' Mother's Day Surprise
by Laurel Lorenzini
The witchlets are back, and this time, they want to make Mom's day really special ... but what if they end up with a mess instead? With playful rhymes and mentions of real spooky plants, this picture book is a lovely read for Mother's Day and beyond.
Best of March
Alice with a Why
by Anna James
You know, I think if Lewis Carroll could be here now, he would have written a book very like this one.
The First Rule of Climate Club
by Carrie Firestone
In this middle grade contemporary, the school starts a pilot program for kids interested in learning and being active about the state of the environment. I really appreciate how this book explores the complexity of race, gender, class, finances, and so much more instead of just focusing on "pollution bad."
Once Upon a Tim
by Stuart Gibbs
Tim has discovered that being a peasant isn't that great, so in this illustrated middle grade, he sets out to become a knight and help out a nobleman. I appreciated the way this book was pretending to be educational while mostly just being silly and fun.
Falling in Love with my Vampire Cat
by Camilla Evergreen
Listen, I know how this looks, but I promise this is one of the most wholesome, clean, cozy, and humorous romances you're likely to find. Yes, the paranormal aspect is weird, but it's well done.
Best of February
A Family is a Family is a Family
by Sara O'Leary
Although one student is a little shy about sharing her unique family situation, as the class explores how everyone's family is different, they realize that they all have one thing in common: a commitment to be there for one another.
Around the World in 80 Plants
by Jonathan Drori
Explore the world, crossing continents to find plants of significance in a variety of communities. From edible plants to those used for crafting and building, as well as a few unique ones that you just can't help but stare at, this book invites you to learn a lot and enjoy the view.
Every Word You Cannot Say
by Iain S. Thomas
Feeling a little lonely and sad and rejected? This awkward poetry reads like a comforting letter from a friend, carefully crafted to avoid being overly fawning or sappy and instead nudging toward healing and self-love.
The Lions' Den
by Iris Mwanza
Grace is taking on her first big case as a lawyer, trying to step out of poverty and earn a name for herself outside the obligation to get married, but while she's passionate and determined, it's unclear if anyone else supports the cause of one gay teenager who's turned up missing under police custody. This high-stakes contemporary adventure set in Zambia took me entirely by surprise, in the best way, introducing me to a culture I'd never thought much about and reminding us that it's not just the rich and powerful who can make a difference.
A Plan for Pops
by Heather Smith and Brooke Kerrigan
A little boy loves spending time with his grandpas, but one day, Pops gets sick and doesn't feel like adventuring anymore, so Grandpa and the boy make a plan. Sweet and beautifully illustrated, this book centralizes an older gay couple while also generously showing a child making kind and thoughtful choices.
Best of January
The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher
by E.M. Anderson
Edna is eager to escape the nursing home, and being selected as the chosen one seems like a great way out, even if she has to take her walker along on the adventure. Humorous, sweet, cozy, and full of adventure.
Aggie and the Ghost
by Matthew Forsythe
Aggie moves into a house in this lengthy picture book, only to find that the ghost won't leave her alone, so they must find a way to get along. This book is an honest take on what being roommates is actually like, all accompanied by stunning illustrations.
All the Things The Said We Couldn't Have
by T.C. Oakes-Monger
Divided into seasonal vignettes, this book reminds us that coming out as trans isn't just about dealing with transphobia, and being authentic is worth it. Yes, this book is messy, but it's so heartfelt, the rough edges become part of the charm.
Humble Pi
by Matt Parker
So, math is hard, but sometimes failing to check one's work results in real-world consequences. I found this book both entertaining and informative, one I'd like to come back to when I'm feeling down on myself for making a mistake.
Nature Poems to See By
by Julian Peters
A breathtaking blend of beloved poems set to illustrations. See your favorite poems brought to life.
Semicolon: The past, present, and future of a misunderstood mark
by Cecelia Watson
Remember the good old days when people used correct grammar? Yeah, me neither. This snarky book takes a look at both the essentials of the semicolon and subtly pokes holes in the logic of grammar snobbery.
Starfell: Willow Moss and the Lost Day
by Dominique Valente
Willow Moss has the rare but seemingly useless power of finding lost things, so when Tuesday goes missing, she collects a group of unlikely allies and sets out to find it, discovering some hard and beautiful truths along the way. This middle grade book deals with grief and community in ways both breathtaking and full of warm laughter.
Yellow Kayak
by Nina Laden and Melissa Castrillon
A gentle rhyming picture book about going away and coming back again. Honestly, just a really cozy read with gentle classic style illustrations.
