It’s spring and that means LOTS of new picture books are being released! I thought I would share some of the new picture books I have been reading over the past few weeks, featuring MANY Canadian authors! Would love to know which titles catch your eye!
A Dupatta Is… – Marzieh Abbas
A Dupatta is… is such a great introduction to the much loved piece of clothing for many in South Asia. Dupattas are beautiful and colorful of course, but they’re also fun, functional, and carry the sounds and smells of family and identity. Sweet, beautifully illustrated and wonderfully descriptive. (Feiwel & Friends – April 11, 2023)
What If I’m Not a Cat? – Kari-Lynn Winters
Such a sweet and very funny story about a donkey who thinks he’s a cat. The commentary by the cats is hilarious and expressions on the various animals’ faces is delightful. Lots of laughs with this book which is a wonderful anchor book to introduce the concept of identity. A great example of how you don’t have to put a label on yourself to have an identity. (Kids Can Press, Release date: June 6, 2023)
Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship – Heather Smith
This is a beautiful book for young children who may be dealing with the grief of losing a grandparent. The story explores how remembering our loved ones is a way of keeping them alive in our hearts. I can see how this book may be a gentle way to help start the conversation about loss with younger children.(Kids Can Press – release date: June 6, 2023)
The Shape of You – Mugn Thi Van
Oooooo – this book surprised me in such a wonderful way! It is a beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of the shapes found in our everyday lives. The story follows a mother as she describes the shapes around them to her young daughter, starting with literal shapes like rectangles and squares, and moving on to more abstract shapes like questions and spaces waiting to be filled. I love the lyrical, soothing language and the way the story gently encourages readers to observe and think more critically about the shapes that surround them. Gorgeous illustrations. (Kids Can Press, May 3, 2023)
The Invitation – Stacey May Fowles
A whimsical, imaginative story about a little forest fairy named Fern. When she discovers an invitation to a super surprise at the museum, she begins to worry about so many things. But with the help of friends, she faces her fears and overcomes her worries. Lovely! (Groundwood Books – April 4, 2023)
Dear Street – Lindsay Zier-Vogal
When Alice hears others complain about her street, she writes a letter highlighting the things she enjoys and leaves the letters around for people to find them. When the adults find them, they are reminded to look for the positives in the world around them. This book reminds readers of many aspects that make up their neighbourhood and would be the perfect anchor book primary students who are exploring community. (Kids Can Press, May 3, 2023)
The Loud Librarian – Jenna Beatrice
This book is adorable! A young girl finally gets her turn to be the student librarian. She has practiced and can do every part of the job except for one small thing – she is very LOUD! She is empowered to solve her own problem but remains true to her spirit. This is a great story and the illustrations are delightful! (Atheneum Books for Young Readers – April 11, 2023)
A Day with No Words – Tiffany Hammond
This moving look invites readers into the life of an Autism Family who communicates just as the child does, without spoken language. I have never read any book that captures so beautifully the daily life of a family with non-speaking and speaking family members. An incredible story that represents neurodiversity and autism in a way that affirms and celebrates. A must have for your school library! (Wheat Penny Press – Release date: May 9, 2023)
You are a Story – Bob Raczka
This beautiful book explores the big question “What makes you you?” You are a child, an animal, a body of water, a friend, a mystery, one-of-a-kind, a miracle. You can be so many things, but whatever you choose to do, it’s your life to write, you are a story. Such a great anchor book for an All About Me unit. Love the message that we are all more than one thing. (Neal Porter Books – Feb. 21, 2023)
Nothing’s Wrong!: A Hare, a Bear, and Some Pie to Share – Jory John
A new Jory John! Yay! This great laugh-out-loud story helps teach readers how to handle situations when a friend is grumpy or they themselves are grumpy. A gentle reminder that communication and being a trusted friend are important. Wonderful, fun illustrations! (Farrar, Straus and Giroux -May 2, 2023)
Very Good Hats – Emma Straub
A wonderful, joyful, inventive read-aloud story will inspire kids to look at ordinary things through new eyes! Some people think hats are fancy things you buy in a shop, but this book quickly changes our thinking! EVERYTHING can be a hat – if you believe it is! Acorns, pajama pants, bubbles… Hats are everywhere you look! (Note –Author Emma Straub was abruptly UNINVITED to read this book at a school in Texas because she apparently used an F-Bomb in one of her social media posts during covid. Seriously?) (Rocky Pond Books: Jan. 10, 2023)
This is Not My Story – Ryan Uytdewilligen
A CLEVER and fun way to introduce children to a variety of different genres. The graphic novel format is inviting and the story is so funny, kids won’t even realize they are learning! There is an information page at the end that gives more details about the genres. A perfect anchor book to inspire both reading and writing different text structures! (Kids Can Press, Released: June 6, 2023)
Will these books be in the GearPicks pack?
They all look wonderful!
Morgan
Thank you for your message and GREAT question! The Spring 2023 GearPicks packs have already been sent out so these books did not “make the cut” mostly because their release date was too late for our delivery date! Most likely, they will NOT be included in new Fall boxes as likely there will be another surge of new releases for fall! Spring and Fall are always the big seasons for new releases.