Picture Book
Hosea Plays On

Hosea Plays On

by Kathleen M. Blasi, illustrated by Shane W. Evans; Sterling, 2019.
This picture book shines a light on Hosea Missouri Taylor, Jr. a musician with a mission. He was successful at engaging young children in his hometown of Rochester, New York with his skills at playing the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and flute. But he did more than that. He shared his passion for music–and for community service–by offering free music lessons and purchasing instruments for children. He led by example, bettering the lives of those with whom he interacted.

I Am Love: A Book of Compassion

I Am Love: A Book of Compassion

by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds; Abrams, 2019.
The latest in a series of picture books (I Am Yoga, I Am Peace, I Am Human) by the dynamic duo, Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds, I Am Love: A Book of Compassion encourages expressions of kindness and caring toward others and oneself.

Moon! Earth’s Best Friend

Moon! Earth’s Best Friend

by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis; Holt, 2019.
From the flyleaves forward, you get the idea. Moon! Earth’s Best Friend is going to be learning fun. The third in the Our Universe series that began with Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, followed by Sun! One in A Billion, Moon: Earth’s Best Friend continues the theme of introducing space in an intriguing, entertaining—and accessible—way to preschoolers and primary graders.

Hello Summer!

Hello Summer!

by Shelley Rotner; Holiday House, 2019.
Shelley Rotner is the author and photo-illustrator of a number of exuberant, timely, and highly-regarded informational books accessible to young children. Hello Summer! is her latest, the fourth and final installment in the Hello series of photo-illustrated celebrations of the seasons of the year.   

When Sue Found Sue

When Sue Found Sue

Written by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Diana Sudyka; Abrams, 2019.
When Sue Found Sue is an affirming picture book biography of paleontologist Sue Hendrickson. The young reader learns about science, exploration, archeology, paleontology, discovery, and T. rex while gaining insight into human nature—and the wisdom and joy in following your own path.