Stanley's School, by William Bee
Stanley’s School invites young readers to explore everyday classroom activities in a sweet, simple world. With bright illustrations, adorable characters, and a padded-cover format, William Bee’s Stanley series is perfect for readers transitioning from board books to picture books.
Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes, by Hena Khan,
Illustrated by Merhsdokht Amini
From a crescent moon to a square garden to an octagonal fountain, this breathtaking picture book celebrates the shapes-and traditions-of the Muslim world.
Are You Scared Darth Vader? by Adam Rex
Rex tackles the Star Wars universe with his characteristic humor and wit. In bold, yellow text, an unidentified narrator asks Darth Vader what scares him. Practical and unfazed, Vader denies any fears, responding dryly in black speech bubbles. (When Vader scoffs at vampire bites, for example, the narrator notes that vampires can turn into bats. So, a much smaller thing that bites you, Vader quips.) He doesn't even fear children, despite their exasperating, rambunctious behavior, such as stealing his lightsaber and jumping on his back. Rex's silly tone, goofy creatures, and spry children humorously offset Vader's beautifully charcoaled figure silhouetted against a dark, dreary swamp.
How to Be a Lion, by Ed Vere
In this timely and charming story about the importance of being true to yourself, mindfulness, and standing by your friends, we meet Leonard, a lion, and his best friend Marianne, a . . . duck. Leonard and Marianne have a happy life together—talking, playing, writing poems, and making wishes—until one day a pack of bullies questions whether it's right for a lion and a duck to be pals. Leonard soon learns there are many ways to be a lion, and many ways to be a friend, and that sometimes finding just the right words can change the world . . .
This sweet, funny, thoughtful, and much-needed story will open up readers' eyes to the importance of being who they are and not backing down to hurtful criticism. It's an empowering tale about connecting with others and choosing kindness over bullying, and shows children how angry and provocative words can be overcome by empathy and courage.
Run Wild, by David Covell
Get back to nature in this gorgeous sunlit filled book that celebrates the joy of being outdoors.
"Hey, you! Sky's blue!" a girl shouts as she runs by the window of a boy bent over his digital device. Intrigued, the boy runs out after her, leaving his shoes (and phone) behind, and into a world of sunshine, dewey grass, and warm sand. Filled with the pleasures of being alive in the natural world, Run Wild is an exquisite and kid-friendly reminder of how wonderful life can be beyond doors and screens.
