Children’s Book Corner Blog
Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better
by Mylisa Larsen; Clarion 2024; Quagmire Tiarello bluffs his way through peer relationships, hiding behind a detached facade while struggling to maintain his home life as his mom’s mental health spins out of control.
A Star Shines Through
by Anna Desnitskaya; Eerdmans; 2024; A girl and her mom find a way to make their new place in a new country feel a little less strange and a little more like home.
This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation
by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, illustrated by Kayla Harren; Dial Books for Young Readers, 2024.
Bursting with colorful scenes of children and adults with a range of abilities and disabilities engaged in exuberant play, this picture book offers an ideal entry into a discussion about disabilities and enjoying relationships despite differences.
I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared: Finding the Brave You
by Lisa Katzenberger, illustrated by Hannah George; Sourcebooks Kids, 2024.
An accessible, affirming picture book, I Can Do It Even If I’m Scared offers gentle advice for meeting and overcoming fears to children in Grades K-3.
Sourgrass
by Hope Lim, illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani; Beach Lane Books, 2024.
Sofia and May forge their friendship as they play in the wildflowers beyond their yards. How their friendship evolves when May moves away makes for a sweet and hopeful story just right for primary graders.
Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees
by Michelle Schaub, illustrated by Anne Lambelet; Sleeping Bear Press, 2024.
Road trip! Enjoy poems written in a variety of poetic forms (cleverly explained on the endpapers) and learn facts about fourteen trees with historical significance as you traverse the United States with this warm and curious family.
One Sweet Song
by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez; Candlewick Press, 2024.
“One sweet song for heart and soul; one sweet song to make us whole.” Here’s a counting tale told in lilting rhyme that mirrors the soothing storyline. A diverse neighborhood comes together through music that gradually grows and gently falls. The notes played help overcome loneliness, lift hearts, and connect young and old.
A Family Like Ours
by Frank Murphy and Alice Lee, illustrated by Kayla Harren; Sleeping Bear Press, 2023.
The latest in the …Like series of picture books, A Family Like Ours celebrates the diversity found in families while reflecting on the commonalities. As the refrain that grows through the book reflects, “We are braver together, we are better together, we are made to be together. We are safe together; we are stronger together.”
Tell Me Why the Jack Pine Grows
by DJ Brandon; West 44 Books/Enslow, 2024.
When Meadow is approached by an adult stranger, she keeps the disturbing encounter to herself. Although she strives to find ways to navigate her emotions, it is only when she helps another girl in a similar situation that she finds the courage to speak up and reach out for support.
Sick Day Jitters
by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love; Charlesbridge, 2023.
The latest in the Jitters series of picture books featuring Mrs. Hartwell and her students finds the beloved teacher out sick for the day. What happens next is sure to tickle as well as inspire young students to develop a spirit of community in their classroom.