Best of
Storytime

2022

Bathe the Cat


Alice B. McGinty - 2022
    Get ready for a rollicking read-aloud with a truly purrfect ending.It's cleaning day, but the family cat will do anything to avoid getting a bath. So instead of mopping the floor or feeding the fish, the family is soon busy rocking the rug, vacuuming the lawn, and sweeping the dishes. Bouncy rhyme carries the story headlong into the growing hilarity, until finally Dad restores some kind of order—but will the cat avoid getting his whiskers wet?HILARIOUS READ-ALOUD: Word scrambles are a delight in this silly rhyming picture book! Kids will love the accessible rhyming text, and emerging readers will be able to anticipate words after repeated reads, making for an engaging and interactive read-aloud experience.CATNIP FOR CAT LOVERS: This sweet and sneaky feline will do anything to get out of having a bath! Ample cat antics and scenes of increasing mischief (and increasing chaos!) will tickle young readers and entice parents—particularly those with a furry feline member of their own households.TWO DADS LEAD THE WAY: Dad and Papa are the heads of this large and loving biracial family, mirroring illustrator David Robert's own orientation and providing picture book readers with a positive depiction of LGBTQ+ characters in a fun and funny family story.WINNING AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR TEAM: Alice McGinty is a prolific author of books for children, and David Roberts is well-known for his work on the popular Questioneers series. Together, their upbeat text and energetic art with pops of neon color make for a standout picture book, just right for gifting and enjoying together at storytime.Perfect for:• Parents• Gift-givers• Cat lovers

Mina


Matthew Forsythe - 2022
    Nothing ever bothers Mina, until one day, her father brings home a suspicious surprise from the woods. Should Mina trust her father—or listen to her own instincts?

Anzu the Great Kaiju


Benson Shum - 2022
    An adorable picture book about a tiny monster with a big heart trying to follow in his family's footsteps.All great Kaiju are born with a super power to strike fear in the heart of the city.But Anzu is different.Instead of mayhem, he likes May flowers.Instead of striking fear, he prefers to be sincere.Can Anzu find a way to make his family proud and stay true to his kind self?From Disney animator and illustrator Bensom Shum comes an adorable and heartwarming picture book about making your own way and the unexpected power of gentleness—perfect for fans of Ferdinand the Bull.

Where Is Bina Bear?


Mike Curato - 2022
    Is that Bina hiding under a lampshade? It looks like Bina . . . but it must be a lamp. Is that Bina beneath the fruit bowl? It could be . . . but it's probably just a table. Searching for Bina, Tiny realizes something is wrong—and sets out to make it right. This is a humorous yet sincere picture book about friendship, understanding, and embracing our loved ones just as they are.Godwin Books

I Want My Book Back


Viviane Elbee - 2022
    His imagination takes him to prehistoric places, and he pretends to be a triceratops, microraptor, and even a T. rex! But Daryl does not want to share his book, so when he has to return it to the library, Daryl goes wild. Using all of his dinosaur skills, Daryl tries his best to get his book back! But when a clever librarian notices Daryl's passion, she encourages him to share his favorite book and make some new friends along the way. This playful, silly, funny, tale about reading, books, and sharing is sure to be a hit with any child.

Crocodile Hungry


Eija Sumner - 2022
    But where?Though crocodile is surrounded by food, he doesn't know it. He's used to food coming in packages and boxes and in handy tins. Will the hungry crocodile figure it out?Readers big and little will laugh out loud at the simple but hysterical text and illustrations by debut author Eija Sumner and cartoonist (and now resident crocodile expert) John Martz.

How to Say Hello to a Worm: A First Guide to Outside


Kari Percival - 2022
    Less of a traditional how-to and more of a how-to-appreciate, this soothingly sparse text paints an inviting and accessible picture of what a garden offers. And with an all-child cast, the absence of an adult presence empowers readers to view the garden and its creatures through their own eyes, driven by curiosity and wonder.This delightful book embodies the magic of gardening and encourages all readers, from those who LOVE the outdoors to those with hesitation, to interact with nature at their own, comfortable pace.

When I'm With You


Pat Zietlow Miller - 2022
    The people who understand us and make us happier than anyone else in the world. After all, no matter how much time passes or how many miles tug us apart, there is no one quite like a best friend. From New York Times bestselling creators Pat Zietlow Miller and Eliza Wheeler, this jubilant celebration of friendship and the adventures of childhood will make your heart sing.

How to be a Real Man


Scott Stuart - 2022
     Encompassing boys and men from different backgrounds, and told in irresistible rhyme, How to be a Real Man is a must-have picture book for all young readers. Men should be STRONG with helping hands. Men should FIGHT for what is right. Men should be BRAVE and show how they feel.

The Leaping Laddoo


Harshita Jerath - 2022
    Can anyone end this crazy chase?Featuring vibrant illustrations and sprinkled with Hindi words, this fun read-aloud also includes a laddoo recipe.

One Sun and Countless Stars: A Muslim Book of Numbers


Hena Khan - 2022
    Like Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns and Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets, this latest offering in the Concepts of the Muslim World series has stunning illustrations, rhyming read-aloud text, and informative back matter, and it is equally at home in the classroom or being read on a parent's lap.HENA KHAN'S AWARD-WINNING BOOKS: Hena Khan's picture books have garnered numerous awards: Parents' Choice Recommended Seal, Booklist Top 10 Religion Book for Youth, and Chicago Public Library Best Book, among many others.MUSLIM TALENT: Created by a Muslim Pakistani American author and a Muslim Pakistani British illustrator, this book reflects their shared experiences and vision.NUMBERS & COUNTING: It's a perfect introduction to counting and numbers! Children will delight in counting the items in the illustrations on each spread along the with the satisfying rhyme of the text.BACK MATTER: The back matter includes a comprehensive glossary and an author's note, making this a great classroom book!Perfect for:• Anyone looking for picture books to teach religious literacy and/or about Islam• Muslim parents and grandparents looking for picture books that reflect their culture/faith• Fans of previous books in the series, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns and Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets• Anyone looking for picture books to build early counting and number proficiency

Smooch: A Celebration of the Enduring Power of Love


Karen Kilpatrick - 2022
    

Firsts and Lasts: The Changing Seasons


Leda Schubert - 2022
    But there’s also the bittersweet feeling of doing something for the last time, like mowing the lawn one final time on a brown day in autumn, or watching the last of the geese fly south in the early weeks of winter. Whichever way you mark the changing of the seasons, every year feels like an extraordinary miracle! In this jubilant ode to seasonal rituals, Leda Schubert evokes the familiar, enchanting rhythm of the four seasons, while Clover Robin’s bold collages bring warmth and magic to everyday occurrences.

Let’s Talk About Race in Storytimes


Jessica Anne Bratt - 2022
    But when it comes to talking about race, they often don’t know how or are hesitant to take the first steps. This includes children's librarians, who are taking seriously our profession’s calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion. They already know that popular storytimes can be an effective way to increase community representation and belonging at the library. Incorporating race into storytimes is an ideal way to foster inclusion by normalizing conversations about these issues. This book will help public and school librarians face their own biases, showing them how to have honest discussions with children, their caregivers, and storytime attendees, as well as their colleagues. In this book, you will discoverseveral ready-to-use library storytimes that incorporate racial themes, complete with sample activities and booklists;an anti-oppression framework, based on the author’s own real-world practice, that is customizable for different settings and situations;concrete suggestions for overcoming fears and awkwardness when it comes to talking about race, with advice on practicing new language, making space to connect around appropriate cultural books for read alouds, and evaluating books for storytime;interactive self-reflecting worksheets which explore planning picture book introductions and songs for inclusive storytimes, providing age-appropriate glimpses into history, and suggested affirmations in describing skin tone, hair, and language;advocacy talking points centered on social justice that will encourage discussion with co-workers and other library staff; andguidance on community engagement, relationship building, and intentionally trying to diversify your world in order to truly become an anti-bias practitioner.

Piper and Purpa Forever!


Susan Lendroth - 2022
    Piper loves Purpa, her favorite purple sweater. She wears it everywhere--to the park, to birthday parties, and every occasion in between. But as Piper grows bigger and taller, Purpa does not, and soon Piper can't fit into Purpa anymore . . . though maybe she can find another way to keep her beloved sweater in her life. This reassuring story reminds us that growing up doesn't always mean leaving our favorites behind.

Hello, World! Garden Time


Jill McDonald - 2022
    Told in clear and easy terms (Roots spread into the soil below, and then a shoot pushes up out of the earth) and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. And each sturdy page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child. It's a perfect way to bring science and nature into the busy world of a toddler, where learning never stops.Look for all the books in the Hello, World! series: -Solar System-Weather-Backyard Bugs-Birds-Dinosaurs-My Body-How Do Apples Grow?-Ocean Life-Moon Landing-Pets-Arctic Animals-Construction Site-Rainforest Animals-Planet Earth -Reptiles-Cars and Trucks -Music-Baby Animals-On the Farm-Planes and Other Flying Maches-Garden Time

Skater Baby


Jack Noel - 2022
    While her mom isn't looking, the baby crawls away and finds a skateboard. As Skater Baby goes on a fun-filled joyride through the park, she continues to pass one distracted, unsuspecting adult after another and snags something new from each of them (like an umbrella, a clown's nose, and even an unsupervised dog). While her haul steadily grows, so does the crowd of adults who are chasing after. But no one seems to be able to catch the daredevil tyke. And wait, is Skater Baby heading for the huge, scary Mega Ramp?

Star Fishing


Sang-Keun Kim - 2022
       “Oh, I see a light!Is somebody awake?”     Brimming with wonder and enchantment, award-winning author-illustrator Sang-Keun Kim’s Star Fishing imagines who else might be awake on a sleepless night—taking young readers and listeners on an adventure through the stars and into sweet dreams.

Acorn Was a Little Wild


Jen Arena - 2022
    When he’s the first of his friends to jump off the oak tree, he’s on his way into the wide world, full of new experiences that fill his little heart with excitement! But when a squirrel buries Acorn deep underground, the thrill-seeking Acorn finds himself forced to stay still, in the darkness, for a long time. To turn this biggest setback into a wild adventure, Acorn may have to change from the inside out.

Inch by Inch: A Lift-The-Flap Book (Leo Lionni's Friends)


Leo Lionni - 2022
    A new lift-the-flap board book inspired by Inch by Inch, one of Leo Lionni's bestselling books!Now kids can help a little inchworm measure his friends by lifting fun flaps to find a flamingo, a toucan, a hummingbird, and more! This bright and engaging board book is inspired by the works of legendary children's book author-illustrator Leo Lionni! With sturdy pages, simple text, and colorful collage-style artwork, this book is perfect for children ages 0 to 3.Other LEO LIONNI'S FRIENDS Board Books: A Little Book About SpringA Little Book About ABCsA Little Book About ColorsA Little Book About 123sA Little Book About OppositesWhere Are Swimmy's Friends? A Lift-The-Flap Book

A Friend for Yoga Bunny


Brian Russo - 2022
    When he bumps into a bear who is anxious about celebrating her birthday, Yoga Bunny knows exactly what do to. The two friends learn a variety of poses, meditation warm-ups, and the importance of deep breathing together.But will it be enough for Bear to enjoy her big day?Relax and unwind with Yoga Bunny and friends! This approachable and sweet book about yoga for kids is a fun way to introduce kids to child's pose and other basic moves.A perfect match for the first book, Yoga Bunny.

A Brave Cat


Marianna Coppo - 2022
    From hunting fierce shoelaces to climbing all the way to the top of the bookcase, Olivia has always been able to count on her bravery. But will it be enough to help her face the big, uncertain world outside her home?From Marianna Coppo, the critically acclaimed author of Petra and Such a Good Boy, comes a charming picture book about the life of a cat: its ups and downs and sometimes-surprising in-betweens. At once relatable and illuminating, this story takes the youngest of readers straight into the mind of a cat! What may seem quiet and subdued from the outside is in fact an emotionally rich existence filled with likes and dislikes, adventures and misadventures, challenges and fears. Featuring whimsical, color-drenched art and warm, thoughtful prose, this uplifting book proves that courage is not the absence of fear—courage is believing in yourself, no matter what.PURR-FECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: From its stand-out cover to its expressive spreads, this book will make an exceptional year-round gift for lovers of cats and whimsical art—at every age!SMALL ACTS OF COURAGE DESERVE CELEBRATION: At some point, we've all felt the impulse to venture out and be brave, knowing that taking that leap requires faith in oneself and heaps of imagination. This book teaches young readers that it's okay to have feelings, to react to the world around them, and to take steps beyond the familiar—even if those steps are sometimes small.PROMOTES VISUAL STORYTELLING: Coppo's whimsical, color-drenched spreads bring Olivia's story to life. Young readers will delight in her escapades, and marvel at her profound realization by the book's end.Perfect for:• Cat lovers (and cat owners) of all ages• Parents, grandparents, and caregivers of cat-loving children• Gift-givers seeking beautiful, distinctive offerings for young readers• Lovers of animals, nature, and everyday adventures• Teachers and educators looking for books about bravery

Skip to My Moo: A Rollicking Barnyard Story


Iza Trapani - 2022
    Follow the animals as they do-si-do, two-step, sashay, and line dance their way to the best barn party you ever saw.

I Love You More Than Ice Cream


Becky Davies - 2022
    Grandpa loves her more than friendly aliens, and the little girl loves her grandpa more than dinosaurs in ballroom gowns on Mars. And Daddy loves her more than rainbow capes and castles made of flowers. A sweet, funny book to share with a little one at bedtime!

Somewhere in the Bayou


Jerome Pumphrey - 2022
    But a questionable tail adjacent to that log gives them second thoughts. Opossum believes it’s a sneaky tail and that they must pass it quietly. Squirrel thinks it’s a scary tail that can be cowed by intimidation. Rabbit decides it’s a mean tail that deserves a taste of its own medicine. As the critters exhaust approaches one by one, Mouse, the smallest of the lot, observes their folly and adjusts accordingly. But is it the mouse or the tail that will defy expectations?Pairing their iconic illustration style with a wry irreverence, the Pumphrey brothers have crafted a delightful tale that reminds us to think before we act.

Stella Keeps the Sun Up


Clothilde Ewing - 2022
    Because sleep is boring. And there are so many better things you could be doing. And Stella is tired of being tired. So she comes up with a plan. People only have to go to bed when it gets dark, and it only gets dark because the sun goes down. If she can keep the sun in the sky, she and her best friend, Roger, can stay up for a hundred years!They enact their magnificent, wonderful, genius plan, offering the sun a cup of coffee, shining a light at it so it will shine back, and jumping on a trampoline to reach the sun and push it higher. But before long, Stella begins to wonder…are there downsides to keeping the sun up forever?

Let's Build a Playground


Robert Pizzo - 2022
    Join the construction team and help build a playground!Let's build a playground! Follow along step-by-step as we construct a fun neighborhood playground, from digging holes for the support poles to assembling the slide and more! With a simple format and the introduction of new engineering concepts and words, tiny tool lovers will enjoy being a part of the construction crew.The Let's Build series introduces young readers to engineering, construction, and architecture, helping them imagine what they can build!

Dress-Up Day


Blanca Gomez - 2022
    Can a little bit of confidence and an unexpected new friend turn a self-conscious moment into a wonderful one? Funny, endearing, and relatable to any kid who’s ever felt insecure, Dress-Up Day is an ode to friendship, embracing individuality, and putting yourself out there no matter the occasion.

Chirp


Mary Murphy - 2022
    One by one, each bird wakes up and issues its call, with songs rising into a crescendo until a little bluebird calls for a hush—and finds its own voice. With bold shapes, deeply saturated colors, and simple language, Mary Murphy revels in the joy of sound and offers an ode to individuality sure to enchant the youngest of listeners.

How Do You Love?: The Five Ways We Show We Care


Kellie Byrnes - 2022
    When we look closely, we see it everyday! Love is a constant in all of our lives, but how we express that love differs person to person! This warm picture book shows children and adults expressing love in many different ways through respectful touch, nice gestures, thoughtful gifts, kind words, and special times together. Reading together at bedtime? That's special time together. Giving a friend your cape to wear? That's a thoughtful gift. Saving your friend a seat on the bus? That's a nice gesture. A great big bear hug? That's respectful touch. Telling someone, "You've really improved!" Those are kind wordsWith friendly art, How Do You Love? will warm hearts and open up minds. Young readers will begin to recognize how we each express our love differently—and that’s okay!