Picture Book Pick: Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions

 

Ups And Downs: A Book of Emotions 

by Mike Wohnoutka

Illustrations by the author 

Candlewick Press

2023

32 pages

ISBN: 9781536227376

Ups and Downs allows young readers to see what emotions look like through gorgeous illustrations by the author. From lonely to hopeful and shy and awkward to friendly, children will recognize feelings they have and how to identify these feelings in other people. 

The illustrations bring each feeling to life as Wohnoutka deftly handles tough feelings like disappointment as well as happy feelings like curious and joyful. This is a must have book for read for every young child. Ups and Downs would make a lovely gift for young readers and their families. 

Highly, highly recommended. Ups and Downs will likely be in the running for children's book awards as Mike Wohnoutka is a Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner, and this gem of a book deserves mass recognition. 

Funny Picture Book Pick: Toby Tootles

 

Toby Tootles

by Stephanie Gibeault 

Illustrations by Mary Sullivan 

Sleeping Bear Press

32 pages 

2023

ISBN: 9781534111790

Poor Toby Tootles! He was having the best birthday party ever...until he farts! His guests laugh and Toby is embarrassed. 

When he visits his grandmother, she toots. Toby is shocked. Grandmother says, "gas happens." Later, Toby toots again. He agrees gas happens and shares a laugh with his grandmother. An embarrassing moment doesn't have to be so awful. It's natural. 

The author's note includes a personal experience about embarrassing moments, but how you handle those moments makes the difference. 

Toby Tootles is a cute book about a normal experience. 

Ages 18 months and up. 

Board Book Pick: Whose Prints?

 

Whose Prints?

by Kari Allen 

Illustrations by Kim Smith 

Little Simon

an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division 

2023

20 pages 

ISBN: 9781665929592

If you buy one board book this year, make it Whose Prints? 

Whose Prints? has interactive die-cuts for toddlers to guess what animals left which prints before they turn the page and reveal the answer. Who is that scurrying? Slinking? Swooping? 

Woodland animals featured include fox, deer, an owl, mice, rabbits and even surprise footprints at the ending. Beautifully illustrated by Kim Smith, Whose Prints is bound to be a bedtime favorite. 

Highly, highly recommended 6 months and up. 

Beautiful Picture Book Pick: Full Moon Pups

 

Full Moon Pups

by Liz Garton Scanlon

Illustrations by Chuck Groenink

G.P. Putnam's Sons

an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC

2023

40 pages

ISBN: 9780525514558

Rhyming text with gorgeous illustratons by Chuck Groenink make Full Moon Pups a must have for every child's bookshelf. 

A litter of wolf pups are born just before a storm. Mama Wolf has to move her pups to higher ground and the wolf pack members pitch in and help her, each of them transporting a precious bundle. The pups grow and play, venturing outside to the wide wonders of the world. Soon, a new full moon lights the sky, but it'll take many full moons for the pups to become adults. 

The author's note and a page about phases of the moon is included. Readers are introduced to the Yellowstone Wolf Project and other sources for more information on wolves. 

Highly recommended. This is one BEAUTIFUL children's book! ages 3 and up. 

Picture Book Pick: Baller Ina

 

Baller Ina

by Liz Casal

Illustrations by the author

Alfred A. Knopf

an imprint of Random House Children's Books

Penguin Random House

2023

40 pages

ISBN: 9780593567098

Baller Ina is for every child who plays sports or dances or dreams of joining any team. Ina has the dance moves, but her team doubts she can play basketball. She can't wait to prove them wrong. Step back, watch her fly! 

Rhyming text is fun to read aloud and kids will love Ina's courage and moxie. She is one determined athlete who knows if given the chance, she can lead her team to victory.  

A lovely, positive book about a determined dancer who won't back down, Baller Ina  proves herself as her team wins. Readers will cheer for Ina!

Highly recommended ages 3 and up. 

Whether she plays basketball or dances ballet, Ina soars with confidence and grace. Tahe play on the word "ballerina" to Baller Ina is genius! 

ISBN: 9780593567098

Wordless Picture Book: Yellow Butterfly

 

Yellow Butterfly: A Story From Ukraine

by Okeksandr Shatokhin

Illustrations by the author

Red Comet Press

2023

72 pages

ISBN: 978636550640

Reviews: 

"Using the colors of his national flag, the Ukrainian author-illustrator of this wordless picture book paints a moving portrait of a young child whose hope for the future transforms a dark world of war into a bright blue sky where yellow butterflies flutter freely."–The New York Times

“Using modest means, the author evokes the darkness of war and a vision of peace. Quite an achievement for a wordless picture book!” –Uri Shulevitz, Caldecott medal winner and author of the autobiography Chance: Escape from the Holocaust, Memories of a Refugee Childhood

My review: 

Yellow Butterfly is a wordless picture book that packs a punch! 

The author's note on the back of the book is full of hope, promise and peace: "My book is about faith, hope, and the belief that after the war, after our victory, life will go on, everything will be restored, and we will live in a new peaceful Ukraine. The memories of those who died in this war will help us heal. And yellow butterflies will flutter freely in free Ukraine." --Oleksandr Shatokhin

A stark story of war told in bold, strong, threatening black illustrations with barbed wire, bombs and explosions, yet in the midst of the danger and peril, hope emerges. Children play, and butterflies come back. First a few, then an explosion of yellow wings dance across full page spreads. A young girl is followed by "wings" of butterflies here.

Yellow Butterfly is the best example of a wordless picture book I've ever seen. This picture book is a glory to hold and behold. Children will love telling the story their own way, using the pictures to guide them. As black and gray give in to yellow and blue, the story is filled with hope for a better world. 

Yellow Butterfly is a must have, must read. Don't miss this picture book. It is likely to win many awards. 

Highly recommended ages 4 and up. 

Two Homes Are Just Right! Mabel's Topsy-Turvy Homes

 

Mabel's Topsy-Turvy Homes

by Candy Wellins

Illustrated by Jess Rose 

Beaming Books

an imprint of 1517 Media

2022

32 pages

ISBN: 9781506482866

Mabel has not one but two homes: one is with her mother and one is with her father. Her bedroom is upstairs in one house and downstairs in the other. Both houses are fun but different. Sometimes she has pancakes for breakfast, sometimes she doesn't. 

It's Mabel's turn to take the Izzy, the class pet iguana home for the weekend. The other kids have taken Izzy fun places, but Mabel takes Izzy to her two houses which turns out to be two very fun places. Although Mabel spends time in each house, she likes that they're different. Two homes means two bedrooms to decorate! 

Two homes equals "double the fun." Mabel finds happiness in knowing her place in two places and accepting that it's her new life. For any child who switches houses for visitation/custody, Mabel's Topsy Turvy Homes celebrates having two homes and two people who love and care for their child.

Highly recommended ages 3 and up. 

Picture Book Pick: Too Much! An Overwhelming Day

 

Too Much: An Overwhelming Day

by Jolene Gutierrez

Illustrations by Angel Chang

Abrams Appleseed

An Imprint of Abrams 

2023 

32 pages 

ISBN; 9781419764264

Finally, a picture book about sensory overload and how children (and adults) can cope with overwhelming days! 

Too Much! An Overwhelming Day is a true gem. Rhyming text with heartfelt illustrations by Angel Chang brings this character, a young girl who is experiencing TOO MUCH!, to life. Loud noises, bright lights, itchy fabrics, too many people, too much noise can cause sensory overload and overwhelm and cause the person to experience panic. 

The girl learns how to calm down using "quiet time, dark place, soft shirt,,,not itchy, not tight." Taking a break from the cacophony of a normal day is necessary for children with sensory processing issues and those who are on the spectrum. Bonus pages include "Note to Caregivers and Educators," "Sensory Overload," and pages defining sensory systems and how to create a sensory "diet." 

Masterful storytelling make this picture book a true winner! Highly recommended for all educators and children of all ages.