Children's Picture Books: Incidental Category

The Village Blacksmith

2020

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and G. Brian Karas

"A contemporary envisioning of a nineteenth-century poem pairs artwork by G. Brian Karas with the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow classic. His brow is wet with honest sweat; He earns whate’er he can, And looks the whole world in the face, For he owes not any man. The neighborhood blacksmith is a quiet and unassuming presence, tucked in his smithy under the chestnut tree. Sturdy, generous, and with sadness of his own, he toils through the day, passing on the tools of his trade, and come evening, takes a well-deserved rest. Longfellow’s timeless poem is enhanced by G. Brian Karas’s thoughtful and contemporary art in this modern retelling of the tender tale of a humble craftsman. An afterword about the tools and the trade of blacksmithing will draw readers curious about this age-honored endeavor, which has seen renewed interest in developed countries and continues to be plied around the world." -- publisher

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be

2020

by Joanna Gaines and Julianna Swaney

"In the #1 New York Times bestseller, The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be, Joanna Gaines celebrates how creativity and acceptance can come together to make for a bright and beautiful adventure. The book, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, follows a group of children as they each build their very own hot-air balloons. As the kids work together, leaning into their own skills and processes, we discover that the same is true for life—it's more beautiful and vibrant when our differences are celebrated. Together with Joanna, you and your kids will take a journey of growth and imagination as you learn in full color to: Celebrate every child's one-of-a-kind strengths and differences; Embrace teamwork; Share our talents and abilities to make everything more beautiful; Lend a helping hand and do our best to show kindness and take care of one another. The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be is a vibrant picture book perfect for: Ages 4-8 Grandparents, parents, teachers, and librarians; Classroom story times and discussions about diversity and being a good human being; Households that enjoy watching Chip and Joanna on Magnolia Network and HGTV's Fixer Upper. With plenty of pink, a bounty of blue, orange and green and yellow too, this vibrant hot-air balloon adventure celebrates every child and teaches kids that we are in this together. 'You're one of a kind, and it's so clear to see: The world needs who you were made to be.'" -- publisher

To the Moon and Back for You

2020

by Emilia Bechrakis Serhant and EG Keller

"A perfect gift for Mother’s Day for any parent who has struggled on their journey to have a baby, Million Dollar Listing star Emilia Bechrakis Serhant’s debut picture book poignantly explores her own difficulty conceiving and her life-changing experiences with IVF. I swam through the deepest ocean. I climbed the tallest mountain. Finding you was a journey. And meeting you was my greatest joy. In this picture book, illustrated by the #1 New York Times bestselling artist of A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, families of different shapes, colors, and sizes must cross deserts, navigate rough seasons, and climb mountains—all to find their miracle babies. Emilia’s story reminds us that, despite the challenges and complications often thrown our way, hope will always prevail. To the Moon and Back for You combines a timeless feel with a timely subject, and is poised to become a modern classic for years to come." -- publisher

Two bicycles in Beijing

2020

by Teresa Robeson and Junyi Wu

Lunzi and Huangche were made in the same bicycle factory and remained close in a shop, but when Huangche is purchased before Lunzi, she races through Beijing seeking her friend. Includes glossary of Mandarin Chinese terms and descriptions of the places visited

Vote for Our Future!

2020

by Margaret McNamara and Micah Player

"In this charming and powerful picture book about voting and elections, the students of Stanton Elementary School learn how we can find—and use—our voices for change. Every two years, on the first Tuesday of November, Stanton Elementary School closes for the day. For vacation? Nope! For repairs? No way! Stanton Elementary School closes so that it can transform itself into a polling station. People can come from all over to vote for the people who will make laws for the country. Sure, the Stanton Elementary School students might be too young to vote themselves, but that doesn’t mean they can’t encourage their parents, friends, and family to vote! After all, voting is how this country sees change—and by voting today, we can inspire tomorrow’s voters to change the future." -- publisher

Waiting Is Not Forever

2020

by Elizabeth Verdick and Marieka Heinlen

"With the newest paperback addition to the Best Behavior® series, children develop strategies to make waiting less frustrating and learn that patience is a virtue. Children are often waiting—for the school bus, their turn on the slide, or their birthday—and waiting can be frustrating! But learning to be patient and developing self-control will equip children with tools for success in school and in social settings. With vivid illustrations and simple strategies, this reassuring book helps children learn to delay gratification and make waiting more fun without relying on electronics. With her trademark mix of empathy and encouragement, author Elizabeth Verdick provides activities and ideas for children—like observing the world around them, inventing new games, and anticipating what’s to come—that can be adapted for any situation. In this addition to the best-selling Best Behavior series, children will learn how to avoid boredom and replace whining words with waiting words: “This will be worth the wait!” A section for adults includes tips and activities to foster patience in children. Best Behavior® Series The Best Behavior® series uses simple words and delightful full-color illustrations to guide children to choose peaceful, positive behaviors. Select titles are available in two versions: a durable board book for ages baby to preschool, and a longer, more in-depth paperback for ages four to seven. Bilingual board books and paperback editions are available for select titles. Kids, parents, and teachers love these award-winning books. All include helpful tips and ideas for parents and caregivers." -- publisher

Water Rolls, Water Rises / El agua rueda, el agua sube

2020

by Pat Mora and Meilo So

"Now in paperback: In a series of poetic verses in both English and Spanish, readers learn about the movement and moods of water around the world and the ways in which water affects different landscapes and cultures. Here is an ode to the beauty of the natural world as expressed by the movement and moods of water. With every evocative verse, we visit one of fourteen different water landscapes and cultural areas around the world. Each is stunningly illustrated with a breathtaking view of the drama, joy, power, serenity, grandeur, or peacefulness of water. From the Grand Canal of Venice to Qutang Gorge in China, from the Sahara in Morocco to the Andes of Chile, we learn about the world through the lens of water, our most precious, life-giving resource." -- publisher

Ways to Welcome

2020

by Linda Ashman and Joey Chou

"A sweet, timely picture book about kindness and connection, perfect for fans of Be Kind and ideal for schools and classrooms. When everyone knows they're welcome, the world is a better place—and you might just make a new friend. This timeless picture book about small acts of kindness in a big world is one that kids and grown-ups will reach for again and again." -- publisher

We the People

2020

by Peter Spier

"The US Constitution brought to life for young readers! In this visual celebration of the US Constitution and America’s founding fathers, Caldecott Medalist Peter Spier tells the stirring American tale of how this most important document came to symbolize freedom, justice, equality, and hope for all citizens. This fact-filled volume includes: • The complete text of the Constitution • An illustrated preamble to the Constitution, illuminating its signifcance from its birth through to modern times • The fascinating history of the struggle to create and ratify the Constitution • A historical reproduction of the original document Full of illustrations that bring the Constitution to life, this is a must-have resource for every American school, library, and home." -- publisher

We Wear Masks

2020

by Marla Lesage

"In this picture book, readers are introduced to all sorts of professionals and other people who wear masks in their daily lives and are reminded that wearing a mask to limit the spread of germs is an act of kindness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many children have been introduced to wearing face masks and seeing others in masks. Author and illustrator Marla Lesage normalizes mask-wearing by introducing young readers to artists, ranchers, pilots, welders, scientists and many more people who already wear masks in their day-to-day lives. This delightful, rhyming picture book will help explain to children why wearing a mask is important as we interact with others in our communities. Readers will learn that, when they put on their mask, they are choosing to be kind and considerate of others. We Wear Masks is a fun tool to help children make sense of this new reality and make wearing masks less scary and more relatable. This book can be used as a conversation starter about the pandemic, the spread of germs and viruses, and what families can do to keep themselves and the people they care about safe." -- publisher