Picture Books: February 2023
Plátanos Go with Everything
by Lissette Norman; illustrated by Sara Palacios
What it's about: Dominican American Yesenia describes the sensations, emotions, and cultural importance that accompany her very favorite food: plátanos (plantains).
Why kids might like it: Lyrical language evokes the sensory delights of plátanos, while warmly colored illustrations welcome readers into Yesenia's comfortable family home.
For fans of: Kevin Noble Maillard's Fry Bread, another joyful culinary exploration that's both culturally specific and broadly appealing.
Mister Kitty is Lost!
by Greg Pizzoli
What it is: a playful, interactive story in which kids help the pigtailed protagonist search for the lost Mister Kitty through counting and color matching.
Art alert: The dimensional, cut-paper illustrations are bold and attention-grabbing, yet still clear enough that young participants can easily count objects and find colors.
Who it's for: preschoolers eager to flex their developing skills (as well as adults who'll appreciate the quirky conclusion).
Very Good Hats
by Emma Straub; illustrated by Blanca Gómez
The premise: "Anything can be a hat if you believe it is."
What's inside: bold paper collage illustrations of people, animals, and objects embracing a flexible definition of "hat," including bath bubbles, pot lids, pet cats, and tiny acorn caps for fingertips.
Who it's for: Whether you're sharing it with a group or one individual child, Very Good Hats provides a perfect launch into further categorization activities or imaginative endeavors.
Stanley's Secret
by John Sullivan; illustrated by Zach Manbeck
What it's about: Dedicated tap-dancer Stanley dreams of the stage, but is too shy to perform in front of anyone but his pet mice. However, after encouragement from new friends, Stanley decides to risk the school talent show.
The take-aways: It's worthwhile to pursue passion projects, and you might be surprised by how many people appreciate them.
Try this next: Mac Barnett's John's Turn, a similarly sweet and satisfying tale of a young dancer braving the spotlight.
Nell Plants a Tree
by Anne Wynter; illustrated by Daniel Miyares
What it is: a nostalgic, detail-rich story about how one girl's choice to plant a seed leads to a beautiful pecan tree that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
How it's told: in dual visual timelines, with atmospheric, mixed-media art depicting young Nell lovingly tending a sapling alongside older Nell and her boisterous family enjoying the majestic tree.
Hugs and Kisses
Sealed with a Kiss
by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Olivier Tallec
Starring: Seal, a French newcomer at the zoo who's uncertain about the other animals' customs but eager to make friends.
What happens: Seal's enthusiastic kisses of greeting provoke a not-so-welcoming response from some animals, prompting others to make overtures of friendship that are comfortable for everyone.
Why kids might like it: Cute artwork and silly dialogue keep things breezy in this book about respecting boundaries while being mindful of cultural and personal differences.
Don't Hug Doug (He Doesn't Like It)
by Carrie Finison; illustrated by Daniel Wiseman
What it is: an upbeat and inclusive primer on consent and the various ways in which people do -- or don't -- prefer to show affection.
Starring: Doug, a kid who likes socks and rocks and chalk, and definitely likes you, but doesn't like hugs. He'd much rather do high fives!
Want a taste? "Can you hug these people? There's only one way to find out. ASK!"
Rissy No Kissies
by Katey Howes; illustrated by Jess Engle
No kissies? Round, yellow-green Rissy wonders why she can't bear the affectionate kissing that all the other lovebirds enjoy. Is she really confused, sick, or just rude like they say?
Be yourself: Rissy's Mom swoops in with an affirming reminder: "Your body and your heart are yours, and you choose how to share. You get to pick the ways you want to show us that you care."
Read it for: rhyming verse, adorable watercolor art, and a great conversation-starter.
Group Hug
by Jean Reidy; illustrated by Joey Chou
Starring: a slug who offers an embrace to a lonesome beetle -- and then welcomes a mouse, a skunk, a goose, and many others into the comforting cuddle.
Read it for: goofy visuals (the bear provides a challenge for the hug-happy slug), playful rhymes, frequent repetition, and a good-natured message.
Try this next: Brian Won's Hooray for Hat! or Richard T. Morris' Bear Came Along for further animal hijinks in a cumulative, comical style.
Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug
by Jonathan Stutzman; illustrated by Jay Fleck
What it's about: Short-armed, large-headed, and kind-hearted T-rex Tiny is willing to try any advice if it teaches him how to give a consoling hug to his glum stegosaurus friend, Pointy.
Why kids might like it: The playfully self-referential text gives young readers a window into Tiny's thoughts as he discovers that friendship isn't limited by ability, and that "tiny" is a matter of perspective.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 0-8!
Have a question? Let us help!
Email us at info@ocrl.org
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